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sanne ♡ 22 she/her multifandom english major aspiring book editor enemies to lovers enthusiast
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— most recent fic: coach beau (beau maxwell)

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navigation ⸝⸝୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ
sanne ♡ 22 she/her multifandom english major aspiring book editor enemies to lovers enthusiast
masterlist guidelines requests (open!)
— most recent fic: coach beau (beau maxwell)

Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
coach beau
beau maxwell x fem!reader
summary: beau finds out you don’t understand a single thing about football and decides it’s his duty to teach you
established relationship
warnings: not much tbh, basically pure fluff and beau being a golden retriever boyfriend
word count: 5.4k
a/n: i’ve been saying id write a beau fic to my friend for weeks now and this is the first actual one i’ve completed lmfaoaoaoao i hope you love it<3
── ᵎᵎ ✦
the game had been on for the past 45 minutes before you finally admitted defeat. not because one team was winning or losing, not that you were actually able to distinguish the two, but because you’d spent the entire time nodding along every time your boyfriend reacted, pretending you understood why he was groaning one minute and cheering the next.
from your spot tucked against his side on the couch that was stood in the middle of your tiny campus apartment, you stole another handful of popcorn from the bowl balanced on his lap. beau absentmindedly nudged it closer without taking his eyes off the television.
on screen, a quarterback launched the ball halfway across the field. the commentators practically shouted over one another and the crowd roared. beside you, beau leaned forward so quickly the popcorn nearly slid off his knees. “oh!” he exclaimed, “no way, that throw was insane.”
you watched the replay of the ball flying across the screen and the guy catching it in slow motion, “that’s good…?”
“mhmm.” beau’s eyes stayed glued to the tv.
another replay played, even slower this time, “…really good?”
“very.”
you nodded thoughtfully, as though his confirmation explained everything, “cool.”
beau finally tore his attention away from the television to look at you. his eyebrows slowly knitted together as his eyes flickered between you and the game, “you have no idea what’s happening, do you?”
you opened your mouth to reply, but quickly closed it again, debating what to say. after a moment you mumbled, “…not really”
the tv continued blaring in the background, but was quickly forgotten when beau looked at you as though someone had muted the entire room. “what do you mean,” he asked slowly, “not really?”
you shifted a little, suddenly aware that perhaps this wasn’t the confession you’d intended to make, “i mean … i know … the basics?”
his expression brightened slightly, “okay.”
“you score touchdowns.” you counted on your fingers as you started listing your knowledge, “and … there’s a lot of running.”
beau stared at you, “babe.”
“what?”
“we’ve been dating for eight months.”
“i know,” you nodded as you dropped your hand.
his eyes stayed on you, waiting for the punchline, but it didn’t come. you just looked at him from your spot on the couch, legs tucked neatly underneath your body, and your expression somewhere between sheepish and completely unbothered. he blinked, “you’ve come to every home game.”
“i did.”
“while you don’t understand football?”
a guilty smile tugged at the corner of your mouth. it was the kind of smile you wore whenever you’d accidentally done something you knew he’d tease you for later, “i mostly just watch you.”
the words landed with far more force than you intended, and for a second beau honestly thought he’d misheard you, “what?”
you fiddled with the hem of your shirt, suddenly finding it much more interesting than looking your boyfriend in the eye.
“i mean…” you began carefully, “i know where you line up. so i just…” you shrugged one shoulder, “follow you.”
silence settled between you. the television kept playing in the background, the commentators growing louder after another big play, but beau barely registered any of it anymore. his entire attention had shifted to you.
“so…” you continued, glancing up at him through your lashes, “when everybody cheers because you do something, i cheer too.”
he searched your face, trying to see if you were joking or not, but he could tell you were completely sincere, “babe, after that touchdown against harvard…” a soft laugh escaped him, “you jumped out of your seat and screamed ‘that’s my boyfriend!’”
“i was being supportive.”
“so, you knew what happened?”
“well…” you hesitated long enough to realize how ridiculous this all sounded, “i saw you with the ball, and everyone started cheering, so…”
a loud laugh now burst out of him before he had the chance to swallow it. you crossed your arms immediately, “oh, wow.”
“i’m sorry.” he wheezed.
“no, you’re not.”
“i’m really trying.”
“you are literally laughing at me!” you exclaimed.
his grin only widened, “i’m just…” another laugh escaped him, “i’m laughing because this is adorable.”
you narrowed your eyes, “i’ve spent months trying to blend in.”
“and apparently doing an incredible job.”
“i thought so.”
“babe.” he smiled at you in complete disbelief, “you’ve watched four quarters of football almost every weekend.”
you looked at him like the answer should have been obvious, “yeah, because i like watching you.”
the teasing disappeared from his face. not completely, but just enough for something soft to slip through. his chest tightened in the strangest way as every home game flashed through his mind in quick succession. every kick. every tackle. every time he’d instinctively searched the stands after a good play until he’d found you.
he’d always assumed you were following the game, cheering because you’d seen him break through the defensive line or make a good read. instead, you’d been watching him.
not football. just … him.
watching him adjust his helmet before every snap because he always did it twice. watching him bounce on the balls of his feet while waiting for the next play. watching the stupid little dance he did with one of his teammates after a touchdown because they’d started it one year and refused to stop.
you’d noticed all of that.
the realization settled warmly somewhere behind his ribs. it was, without question, one of the sweetest things anyone had ever admitted to him.
however, it was also deeply concerning. “you…” he was still trying to process the revelation, “you don’t know what a first down is.”
you lightly shook your head, “no.”
“the yellow flags?”
“…bad?”
he stared at you for another long second before a strangled noise escaped from somewhere deep in his chest. before you could ask if he was okay, beau sprang off the couch so quickly the popcorn bowl dared to fall to the ground. you lunged forward just in time to catch it, “what are you doing?”
“we’re leaving.”
you let out a chuckle, convinced he was joking. he wasn’t; he was already reaching for your hand. you twisted in your seat to glance at the digital arm clock sitting on your desk. 11.47pm. “it’s basically midnight.”
“i know.”
“we have class tomorrow.”
his expression didn’t change, “we’ll survive.”
you let out a laugh, searching his face like he did yours earlier, but nothing. he was completely, hopelessly serious, “you cannot honestly think i’m going outside right now.”
“why not?”
you gestured vaguely toward the dark window behind him, “because it’s november, and it’s freezing.”
“so?”
“so,” you repeated, “normal people don’t voluntarily leave their warm apartments at midnight to do … i don’t know what.”
“i’m gonna teach you how to play.” a small smirk started playing on his lips, “also … that sounds an awful lot like quitter talk.”
at his words you rolled your eyes dramatically, “you’re impossible.”
you expected him to keep arguing. instead, his gaze drifted over you, lingering for just a second, causing you to glance down at yourself. you were wearing an oversized t-shirt and a pair of athletic shorts you’d stolen from beau’s closet weeks ago. it was comfortable and warm enough for inside. absolutely not warm enough for a late-november night, though.
before you could say anything, beau gave a small nod to himself, as though he’d reached an important conclusion, “stay here.”
you blinked, “…what?” but he was already walking toward your bedroom, “beau?”
no answer, but you heard a closet door, the rustling of fabric, and something hitting the floor. then, a few seconds later, he reappeared with his favorite briar hoodie draped over one arm.
you recognized it immediately. it was the faded navy one, which was so ridiculously soft you’d ‘borrowed’ it constantly because it somehow always smelt like him; clean laundry and his signature cologne.
without a word he tossed it in your direction. with barely any time to lift your hands to catch it, it landed squarely on your head, “okay, rude.”
his laugh echoed through your apartment, “put it on.”
you peeled the hoodie off your head, shooting him an unimpressed look, “i have my own jacket, you know.”
“i know.”
“so why am i wearing your hoodie?”
he shrugged, “‘cause this one’s warmer.”
“i think that’s a lie.”
“it is.” he smiled, completely shameless, “i just like seeing you in my clothes.”
your stomach performed the most embarrassing flip and you tried very hard not to let him notice he affected you this much, “you’re impossible.”
“so you’ve said.” he crossed the room in two easy strides, stopping just close enough for his knees to graze the couch before reaching for your hand.
your fingers fit together instinctively now, muscle memory built over months of stolen walks across campus, movie nights, and afternoons spent wandering around hastings with no particular destination.
his thumb swept lazily over the back of your hand, “come on, pretty girl.”
you looked from your joined hands to the ridiculously excited grin on his face. he looked genuinely thrilled, like teaching you football on a random night was the best idea he’d ever had. another sigh, one that sounded far more reluctant than you actually felt, escaped your lips, “you’re lucky you’re cute.”
his grin grew even wider, “i know.”
you shook your head, laughing to yourself as he gently tugged you up and towards the door with all the enthusiasm of an overexcited labrador that had just spotted a tennis ball.
somehow, you still weren’t entirely sure how, you’d gone from spending a perfectly cozy night curled up beside your boyfriend on your couch to agreeing to a midnight football lesson because he had taken personal offense to the fact that you didn’t know what a first down was.
only beau maxwell could hear, ‘i don’t really understand football,’ and somehow interpret it as, ‘take me outside immediately.’
you weren’t even surprised anymore.
“come on,” he urged, glancing back over his shoulder with an impatient grin that was far too infectious this time of night, “we’re burning valuable time here.”
“it’s almost midnight.” you snorted as you slipped on your sneakers, “normal people are asleep.”
“well, we’re college students.”
“…fair.”
he flashed her a triumphant smile, “i win.”
“you didn’t win.”
“i definitely won.”
you rolled your eyes, though you couldn’t quite stop smiling as you stepped into the hallway behind him. most of the doors lining the corridor were closed, the muffled sounds of late-night television or music barely audible through the walls. someone laughed several apartments away before a door clicked shut again, leaving the hallway wrapped in comfortable silence.
beau slowed just enough to fall into step beside you, and without thinking his hand found yours. he never really asked anymore, he just reached out like it was the most natural thing in the world.
maybe it was.
his fingers slipped between yours effortlessly, warm and familiar, his thumb once again brushing over the back of your hand as you walked toward the stairwell.
he always did that and you weren’t entirely convinced he even realized it. it was just one of those unconscious habits, like bouncing his knee whenever he sat still too long, or rubbing the back of his neck when he was embarrassed, or smiling so easily it made it impossible for anyone around him to stay in a bad mood.
the thought made you glance sideways at him, and sure enough… he was smiling. it wasn’t his usual smile, this one was brighter, the kind that reached all the way to his eyes. “you’re really excited about this.”
his head snapped toward you, “what?”
“this.” you gestured between them, “the football lesson.”
“i’m not excited.”
you raised your brows at him. “okay, maybe a little.” he spoke, his grin returning as he pushed open the heavy door leading outside, holding it open for you with an exaggerated little bow. you laughed and shook your head as you stepped past him.
the cold hit you immediately. late autumn had settled over hastings almost overnight, bringing crisp air that smelled faintly of damp leaves and wood smoke from somewhere off campus. you inhaled sharply, “okay, it is significantly colder than i expected.”
beau looked over, and without a word reached up to adjust the hood of his hoodie you’d thrown on a few minutes earlier, “there.” he pulled the hood slightly over your forehead, “better.”
you looked down at yourself, the hoodie practically swallowed you. the sleeves extended well past your fingertips, and the hem nearly reached your thighs.
you’d always loved stealing his clothes. partly because they smelled like him, partly because they were super comfortable, but mostly because you loved the quiet little smile he’d get every single time he caught you wearing it.
and there it was; tiny, almost smug. “you’ve got that look again.”
“what look.” his eyes flickered back up to yours.
“the one where you’re way too pleased with yourself.”
he looked offended, “i have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“you absolutely do.”
“i don’t.”
“you’ve been smiling at me since i put this on,” you squeezed his hand.
“i smile at you all the time.”
“not helping your case.”
he laughed under his breath, “can i help it if my girlfriend looks cute wearing my clothes?”
you felt warmth creep into your cheeks despite the cold. dating beau was almost unfair. he handed out compliments with such casual sincerity that you were never prepared for them. he didn’t flirt because he wanted a reaction, he flirted because, as far as he was concerned, he was simply stating facts.
you pulled your eyes away from him as you started walking again. without the usual rush of students hurrying between lectures, the brick pathways stretched out almost empty beneath pools of golden lamplight.
the library glowed quietly on the distance. a handful of students were still inside, silhouettes bent over textbooks.
suddenly a girl hurried towards you carrying what looked like three coffees and enough notebooks to qualify as a small workout.
beau instinctively moved you to the inside of the sidewalk as the girl passed. it was such a tiny movement you doubted he noticed he’d done it, but you did.
“you know,” you said after a comfortable stretch of silence, “most people would’ve just explained the rules.”
he looked at her, “and rob you of the experience?”
“i would’ve survived.”
“nah.” he shook his head, “you need practical application.”
“what i need, is sleep.”
“you can sleep tomorrow.”
you laughed, “i have an eight a.m.”
“so do i,” he shrugged.
“and?”
“and i’m making sacrifices for your education,” he smirked at you.
“my education?”
“exactly.”
you bumped you shoulder lightly against his, “you sound like you’re about to charge tuition.”
“i considered it.”
“oh?” you raised a brow, “what would’ve been the price.”
he pretended to think for a moment, “probably…” he squeezed your hand, “one kiss.”
you stopped walking, “so you’re saying your extorting your own girlfriend.”
“i’m saying education isn’t free.”
you let out a laugh so loud you had to duck your head for a second, hoping you weren’t waking anyone up, “you’re an idiot.”
“i prefer entrepreneur.”
you reached up and flicked the brim of the briar baseball cap he’d pulled on before you left. he caught your wrist before you could pull it away, “assaulting your teacher already, huh?”
you groaned dramatically, “i hate that you’re enjoying this so much, you’re going to be insufferable.”
“oh yeah, for at least the next hour.”
“only an hour?”
he looked at you like you’d offended him, “you underestimate my commitment.”
you laughed, god you loved this. not football. not even the ridiculous reason you were outside in the first place. just… walking around campus hand in hand with beau. he had a way of making ordinary moments feel like little adventures.
you glanced over at him again. he was looking ahead toward the athletic complex now, free hand in the pocket of his sweatpants, and his breath visible in faint clouds every time he exhaled. you smiled, “you’re such a dork.”
he laughed bright and easy, the sound echoing across the empty pathway, “i’ll take that.”
“i figured you would.”
“i know you love me,” he teased. however, when you looked up at him and his smile hadn’t faded you didn’t tease back, you admitted quietly, “yeah … i do.”
his grin softened into something gentler. he leaned down just enough to press a quick kiss against your temple without breaking stride. the gesture was over almost before you registered it. it was simple, effortless, and entirely like beau.
“good,” he murmured. his fingers tightened around yours for just a second before relaxing, “‘cause i really love you too.”
neither of you spoke for the rest of the walk, you didn’t need to. the silence settled comfortably between you as the goalposts came into view ahead, beau’s steps picking up with unmistakable excitement.
the gate to the practice field gave a quiet squeak as beau pushed it open. he stepped aside with an exaggerated sweep of his arm, "after you."
you looked through the opening before looking back at him, amusement dancing in your eyes, "i still can't believe we're doing this."
his grin only widened, "i'm more surprised we didn't do it sooner."
shaking your head, you stepped through the gate. the stadium was almost unrecognizable without thousands of students filling the stands.
it was quiet.
not the awkward kind of silence that begged to be filled, but the comfortable sort that settled over everything after a long day. the towering bleachers stood empty beneath, rows upon rows of silver benches stretching into the darkness. the scoreboard was blank. no music echoed through the speakers. no whistles cut through the air. the only sounds came from the breeze stirring the trees beyond the stadium and the distant murmur of campus life somewhere outside the gates.
you’d spent dozens of saturdays here, frozen in the student section. cheering until you throat was sore while watching beau play.
yet somehow, standing on the turf itself made the place feel completely different. you slowly turned in a circle, taking everything in. "so ... this is where you spend all your time."
beau glanced around, following your gaze, "pretty much." a faint smile tugged at his mouth, "i like it better when it's empty."
you looked at him, "you do?"
he nodded, both his hands now settled into the pockets of his sweats, "game days are fun." his eyes wandered toward the silent stands. "but this..." he shrugged lightly. "this is when it actually feels like mine."
you weren’t sure why that made you smile. maybe because you rarely got to see this side of him. game-day beau was loud, competitive, constantly moving, but this beau looked almost peaceful.
he glanced toward the equipment shed, “give me one second."
you folded your arms, "that sentence makes me nervous."
"it'll be fine."
he disappeared into the small building beside the field, leaving you standing in the middle of the field. left alone, you wandered a few slow steps, your gaze falling on the student section out of habit.
you could practically picture yourself sitting somewhere near the middle, wrapped in blankets while complaining about the cold to whichever friend had come with you that week.
only now, replaying those memories, you couldn't help but laugh to yourself. because, apparently you’d spent an entire football season tracking one person instead of the game. every play had started and ended with finding him. the realization was almost embarrassing. almost.
the equipment room door opened again. you turned to find beau walking back across the field with a football tucked beneath one arm, looking entirely too pleased with himself.
you smiled, "you definitely weren't supposed to take that."
his smile was suspiciously innocent, "i prefer the word borrow."
you laughed, shaking your head. as he reached you, he tossed the football lightly in your direction. you caught it against your chest with a soft grunt, tightening your grip before it could slip through your hands. your eyebrows rose, "oh."
"what?"
"it's heavier than i expected.”
beau smiled to himself, "most people say that."
you turned the football over in your hands, feeling the rough leather beneath your fingertips. "i don't know..." you frowned thoughtfully, "i just expected it to feel ... fluffier."
his laugh escaped before he could stop it, "fluffier?"
"you know what i mean."
"i really don't."
“it just feels..." you searched for the word, "...solid."
"i think that's the idea."
you narrowed her eyes, "are you making fun of me?"
"i'm trying not to."
"alright." you looked up expectantly, "teach me."
his eyes immediately dropped to the football, then to the way you were holding it. he paused and a smile tugged at one corner of his mouth. "...okay."
something in his tone made you instinctively glance down at the ball, “what is it?"
"we've got a little work to do."
you looked between him and the football. "...that bad?"
"i've seen worse." he tilted his head thoughtfully, "...not by much, though"
you gasped dramatically, "i've been holding this thing for thirty seconds!"
he stepped toward you, his teasing smile softening as he closed the distance between you.
you’d noticed that about him months ago; the way he seemed to shift whenever he was teaching someone something. his shoulders relaxed, his voice lowered, and his playful sarcasm gave way to quiet encouragement without him ever seeming to realize he was doing it.
coach beau. you liked coach beau.
he reached toward the football, “can i?"
you looked up, caught off guard by the question. he didn't need permission, not really. but he waited anyway.
you smiled, "you always ask."
one of his shoulders lifted in an easy shrug. something warm settled quietly in your chest. that was beau; thoughtful in all the little ways that most people never noticed.
he rested one hand lightly over yours, careful not to pull the football away. instead, he simply turned it until the white laces faced upward, "there."
his thumb brushed lightly across them, "these are the laces."
you tilted her head, “the stitches."
he looked at you, "they're called laces."
"they're stitched onto the football, though."
"they're still called laces."
"that feels misleading."
a laugh escaped him, quiet enough that it barely disturbed the silence around them, "i can already tell this is going to become a recurring argument."
"it doesn't have to."
"no?"
you smiled sweetly, "i could just keep calling them stitches."
he shook his head with a grin, "i walked right into that." slowly, he adjusted the football in her hands, “you don't have to squeeze it so hard."
"i wasn't."
"babe."
"i wasn't!"
his eyebrows lifted and you glanced down "...okay maybe a little."
"i promise it isn't going anywhere," he carefully repositioned your fingers, making tiny adjustments one at a time instead of moving your whole hand.
"this finger rests here," his thumb nudged yours gently. "these fingers sit across the laces." he paused after every correction, giving you a second to get used to it before making another. you weren’t sure you’d ever seen someone so patient. it suited him.
"there." he smiled to himself, “better already."
you weren’t looking at the football anymore, your eyes had flickered up to him instead. at the tiny crease between his eyebrows whenever he concentrated, the faint shadow of stubble along his jaw, the way his bottom lip disappeared between his teeth every few seconds without him realizing it.
"...you're doing it again."
you blinked, "hm?"
his eyes lifted to yours, “staring."
heat rushed to your cheeks, "i was listening."
"mhmm."
"i was."
"what did i just say?"
you looked down at the football, then back at him, "...hold it?"
his laugh was softer this time, "i appreciate the confidence."
you smiled sheepishly, "i got distracted."
"so i noticed," without thinking, he reached up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear, the back of his fingers brushing your cheek.
for a second, neither of you moved. the stadium seemed impossibly quiet around you; a cold breeze swept gently across the empty field, and somewhere beyond the stands, a car door slammed shut. everything else faded into the background.
it was just the two of you; standing a little too close and smiling a little too much.
finally, beau cleared his throat and took a deliberate step backward, putting a few feet between you again, “right.” he pointed at the football in her hands, “lesson first.”
you smiled to herself, adjusting your grip, “…probably a good idea.”
he took a small step backward, giving you room to breathe, "okay." he pointed toward her feet, "let's fix your stance."
you looked down obediently, "my stance?"
"mhm, feet about shoulder-width apart."
you shifted awkwardly, "like this?"
"a little wider."
you adjusted again, and he nodded once, "perfect." then, almost as an afterthought, he gently nudged the toe of one your sneakers half an inch with his own, "there."
you looked up at him, "you seem very invested."
"i am."
"in my stance?"
he smiled, “in giving you a fighting chance."
you laughed, tightening you grip on the football, "alright." you took a slow breath, "i think I'm ready."
beau took several steps backward until a comfortable distance separated you. he didn't fold his arms or bark instructions. he simply stood there, hands now resting on his hips, smiling at you with complete confidence, "don't worry about throwing it far."
you frowned, "really?"
"i don't care how far it goes" his voice was gentle now, "i just want you to get comfortable with it first."
something about the way he said it loosened the knot of nerves you’d been carrying since you’d stepped onto the field.
he wasn't expecting you to be good. he was just happy to be here and spend time with you. a smile played on his lips, "you've got this."
"i don't."
"you do."
"i really don't."
he shrugged easily, "then fake confidence."
you huffed out a laugh, "that's terrible advice."
"it's gotten me surprisingly far."
you rolled her eyes before you planted your feet the way he'd shown you. taking a slow breath, you drew you arm back. for one brief, hopeful second, everything felt right, but then the football left your hand.
the nose dipped almost immediately. instead of cutting cleanly through the air, it wobbled, tipped sideways and drifted off course before bouncing harmlessly across the turf several yards to beau's left.
silence settled over the field as you stared after it, "...well."
beau hadn't moved, but his head was bowed slightly, one hand pressed over his mouth and his shoulders gave one suspicious shake.
you narrowed her eyes, "don't."
he looked up immediately, "i'm trying."
he really was, you could see it. his lips were pressed together so tightly they'd almost disappeared, and his eyes had started watering from the effort of holding in a laugh.
for two whole seconds, he managed it. then one escaped. it wasn’t loud, or mocking. just a single helpless burst of laughter that broke whatever composure he'd been clinging to. "i'm sorry," he said, already shaking his head. "i really am."
you folded you arms, doing your best to look offended, "you were supposed to be supportive."
"i am supportive," he looked up at her, still smiling despite himself.
you held the glare for another second before the corners of your own mouth betrayed you. his laugh had always been contagious; you never stood a chance.
by the time beau returned with the football, you were both smiling. he rolled the ball between his palms before offering it back to you, "the good news?"
she accepted it cautiously, "what is it?"
"that looked exactly like a first throw."
you frowned, "...you're lying."
he shook his head, "really, you're doing fine." there wasn't an ounce of teasing in his voice now.
you looked down at the football again, "i think i panicked."
he stepped back into your space, not close enough to overwhelm you, but just enough to see what you were doing, "you rushed it."
his hand settled lightly against your forearm, guiding it back into position before dropping away again, "you were thinking about throwing it hard."
"i was."
"you don't need to," he tapped the side of the football with one finger. "forget about distance." he met your eyes, "just throw it to me."
something about the simplicity of that made your shoulders loosen. there wasn't a need to score, no crowd watching, no pressure to impress him. he believed you’d get it eventually; there wasn't the slightest hint of doubt in him.
so, you reset your feet and adjusted your grip. this time, instead of worrying about every tiny thing that could possibly go wrong, you focused on one thing. him.
beau stood several yards away again, hands resting loosely at his sides, watching you with that same easy confidence he’d had since you’d stepped onto the field. “whenever you’re ready!” he called.
you nodded once before throwing. the football left your hand and for a split second, you braced yourself for spectacular failure.
instead, it cut clean through the air. it wasn’t perfect; it dipped slightly toward the end, but it flew straight.
beau’s eyes widened as he took a step forward before the football landed neatly against his chest. for a heartbeat, he simply stared down at it. then his head snapped back up and his face lit up so quickly it was almost comical, “babe!” his voice echoed over the field, “did you see that?!”
you blinked, “i think so?”
“you think so?” he laughed in disbelief, “that was awesome!”
before you could respond, he was already running toward you. the biggest grin you’d ever seen stretched across his face as he crossed the distance between you in seconds, “you did it!”
“i mean—” you didn’t have time to finish your sentence before he reached you. without thinking, he dropped the ball and wrapped an arm around your waist, lifting you clean off the ground. a surprised squeal escaped you as the world spun, “beau!”
he laughed, a bright, unrestrained sound that bounced off the empty bleachers, as he spun you in a quick circle before setting you back on your feet.
the moment your sneakers touched the turf again, he steadied you instinctively, both hands still resting at your waist. for a second, neither of them moved.
you looked up at him, breathless from laughing, “…i threw a football.”
he looked genuinely amazed, “you threw a football!”
you couldn’t stop laughing, “it wasn’t even that good.”
“what are you talking about?”his eyebrows shot up, “it got to me.”
“barely.”
“it got there,” he shrugged as though that settled the matter entirely. “that’s progress.”
you looked at him for a long moment. his cheeks were flushed from the cold, his hair had escaped from beneath his cap, and he was smiling at you like you’d just accomplished something extraordinary instead of managing one decent throw.
the realization made your chest ache in the nicest possible way. no one had ever celebrated you quite like beau did. and it wasn’t because you’d done something impossible. it was simply because you were trying.
“you know…” you said softly.
“hmm?”
“i think you’re more excited than i am.”
he considered that for all of half a second, “i definitely am.”
his hands were still resting lightly against your sides, “so…” his grin was still playing on his lips, “again?”
you looked down at the football that was on the ground next to you, then back at him and the excitement practically radiating off him. he looked so absurdly happy over something so small. how could you possibly say no?
“again,” you confirmed with a smile.
his grin somehow widened as he placed a chaste kiss against your lips before grabbing the football, tossing it to you once more and backing away across the field, already raising his hands to catch.
“alright, quarterback,” he called, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. “let’s see another one!”
you rolled your eyes affectionately, laughing as you settled the football into her hands.
maybe you’d never love football the way beau did. but standing beneath the stadium lights with him, long after midnight, you had a feeling these lessons were going to become one of your favorite memories.
off campus masterlist
── ᵎᵎ ✦
GARRETT GRAHAM | team captain , sarcastic , words of affirmation , loads of smiles , hugs , tattoos , good listener , stubborn , strives to be better , gentle
JOHN LOGAN | lovesick puppy , holding hands , modest , quality time , loyal , charming , forehead kisses , loves fiercely , hard-working , kind
DEAN DI LAURENTIS | playboy , flirty , sassy , likes to stare , physical touch , carefree , smooth , smart , exceptionally good kisser , optimistic
JOHN TUCKER | texan cowboy , good cook , easy to love , caring , acts of service , thoughtful , supportive , peacemaker , boyfriend material , patient
BEAU MAXWELL | star quarterback , dedicated , honest , funny , physical touch , playful , always has your back , curious , likes teasing you , respectful
garrett graham masterlist
── ᵎᵎ ✦
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john logan masterlist
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dean di laurentis masterlist
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coach beau (5,4k) ♡
beau finds out you don’t understand a single thing about football and decides it’s his duty to teach you
── ᵎᵎ ✦
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People who care about you will understand. And if they don't, they're not your people.
i’m like so close to writing an ilia malinin fic i can’t stop thinking abt him someone get me some grass

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rainstorm
steve harrington x fem!reader
summary: when an engine failure, ruined hair, and a dramatic boyfriend turn a rainstorm into an accidental date.
established relationship
warnings: pure fluff! reader wears makeup
word count: 1.1k
a/n: i know nothing about cars so i just rambled a bit lmfao don’t come for me if something’s wrong pls
── ᵎᵎ ✦
the rain came out of nowhere.
one second, the sky was just heavy with clouds, the kind that promised something later. the next, it split open like it had been waiting for the right moment, water crashing down in thick, noisy sheets that blurred the road almost instantly.
steve swore under his breath as the windshield wipers struggled to keep up. “okay, that’s—” he squinted through the glass, “that’s a lot.”
thunder rolled overhead, low and close, the sound vibrating through the car’s frame. rain hammered against the roof so loudly you had to raise your voice just to hear each other.
“this is not what the weather report said,” you said.
“it literally never is,” steve replied. “they lie for a living.”
the road narrowed into something that barely deserved to be called one, trees crowding in on either side. then the engine sputtered. once. twice. and died.
steve stared at the dashboard like it had personally betrayed him. “no, no, no, no.”
you felt the car roll to a stop beneath you, rain blurring the world beyond the windows into streaks of gray and green. steve twisted the key again. the engine coughed weakly, then went silent.
“oh my god,” he groaned, dropping his head back against the seat. “you have got to be kidding me.”
outside, the storm only seemed to grow louder, rain streaking down the windows in thick, slanted lines. “well,” you said slowly, “at least we’re not in traffic?”
he shot you a look. “i don’t care about traffic. i care about my car.”
you glanced around. “she looks… upset.”
steve sighed and shoved his door open. “i’m gonna check under the hood.”
“steve, it’s pouring.”
“i know,” he said. “but i can’t just sit here and let it, whatever this is, happen.”
the moment he stepped outside, rain plastered his shirt to him and flattened his hair in seconds. you watched through the glass as he popped the hood and leaned in, shoulders hunched against the downpour. wind shoved at him like it had a personal problem.
you waited. thirty seconds. a minute. he stayed there, staring into the engine like it might suddenly explain itself.
you unbuckled. “okay, that’s enough.”
by the time you reached him, you were drenched. water soaked through your clothes, hair sticking to your face, mascara already beginning to give up.
“what are you doing?” steve asked, startled.
“helping.”
“you’re gonna get sick.”
“so are you.” you raised your brows at him before glancing down at the engine, quickly realizing that you knew barely anything helpful.
“that’s different.” he kept his eyes trained on you.
“how?”
“it—“ he tried coming up with a believable excuse, but knew he couldn’t convince you anyway, “i don’t know, it just is alright?”
you leaned further under the hood beside him and immediately regretted it. cold rain slid down your neck, soaking your collar. thunder cracked overhead again.
“okay,” steve said quickly, “new plan. we retreat.”
“but—”
“no arguing.” he gently but firmly nudged you back toward the car. “you’re soaked.”
“so are you.” you repeated your words.
“like i said, that’s different.”
you both scrambled back inside, slamming the doors as rain continued to roar against the roof. the interior fogged almost instantly, heat cranked up in a desperate attempt to dry you both out.
water dripped from your hair onto your collar. steve looked at you, eyes widening. “your makeup—”
“i know.”
“no, like—” he waved a hand vaguely. “it’s… very expressive right now.”
you snorted. “have you seen yourself?”
he pushed wet hair out of his face. it fell right back down, curling strangely at the ends. “my hair is never going to recover from this.”
you tilted your head, studying him. water dripped from his lashes. his curls were flattened and misbehaving, refusing to do what they were supposed to.
“i think it’s cute,” you said.
he stared at you like you’d gone insane, “it’s curling.”
“yeah.”
“it’s doing things it shouldn’t.”
“steve.” you sighed, though it was meant affectionately.
“i can’t go outside like this.”
“you literally already did.”
rain kept pouring. the windshield fogged over, blurring the world into gray shapes. steve cranked the heat up even more, blasting warm air at your soaked clothes. you sat there, knees touching as steam continued to fog the windows as the car warmed.
steve groaned. “this is the universe personally targeting me.”
“for what?”
“i don’t know,” he said. “for being happy. for having nice hair. for thinking i could drive somewhere without consequences.”
“and me?” you asked. “what did i do?”
he looked at you, suddenly serious. “you went outside in this.”
“i was helping.”
“you were getting pneumonia.”
you rolled your eyes before reaching out and running your fingers through his ruined curls; slowly and deliberately. they were softer like this, water-dark and curling at the ends. “i kinda like it like this.”
steve froze as his brain visibly stopped working. “…you do?”
“yeah.”
“but it’s wrong.”
“you’re being dramatic.” you raised your brows.
“that’s fair.”
you brushed his hair back again. “you’re cute when you’re dramatic.”
he opened his mouth, then closed it. “…you’re not supposed to say that.”
“well, i did.” thunder rolled again and the rain softened slightly, still heavy but less violent.
steve exhaled. “this is not how i had planned tonight.”
“what did you plan?”
“driving. arriving. being dry.”
you smiled. “ambitious.”
he studied your face, rain-smudged makeup and all. “you’re gonna get sick.”
“you’ll take care of me.” you ran your hand through his hair one last time, your eyes going over his features.
“obviously.”
you smile again before leaning in to kiss him. it wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t dramatic, it was warm and familiar and steady, like something you both knew by heart. when he pulled back, his forehead rested against yours. “you okay?” he murmured.
you hummed softly in response. the rain eased into something gentler, tapping instead of pounding.
steve pulled back and turned the key again. nothing “fantastic,” he muttered. you smiled and nudged him. “your hair will survive. probably.”
he sighed. “let’s check under the hood again.”
you both climbed out, rain lighter now but still soaking. steve lifted the hood, stared into the engine, and paused. “…oh.”
“what?” you wrapped your arms around yourself as you stopped next to him.
“i think it’s just flooded.”
“so?”
“so, i might be an idiot.”
you laughed. “shocking.”
he wiped his hands on his jeans. “give it a second.”
you waited and watched as he tried again, turning the engine over. it started. you both stared at each other. “…i fixed it,” he exhaled.
“hero.” you smiled softly as you nudged his side.
you climbed back inside, laughing, still damp, hair a mess, windows fogged. steve reached up and tried to fix his hair. it failed, but you kissed him again anyway.
over and under
about: el’s hair is finally getting longer. her curiosity is piqued when she learns steve can braid hair
c.w. none, domestic fluff as usual, girl-dad steve because it’s biblically accurate, me pushing my adhd steve agenda if you really squint
a/n: i don’t love how this turned out but i’m trying to push through my writing slump, divider by cursed-carmine
“Hey look at that,” Steve smiles when he walks into the cabin, toeing off his shoes with a bag of something greasy in his hand. “Your hair is getting pretty long.”
He reaches out to ruffle El’s hair, with the hand that wasn’t holding the food, and she likes the sensation. He’s gentle and his fingers don’t linger longer than they should. She kind of wishes he did linger but she’s also glad he didn’t.
Feelings are confusing, she’s realized, but having words helps.
just wanted to pop up and say thank you for 600 followers
never would i have expected to gain so much on here and for my work to reach so many people!
really, thank you all, from the bottom of my heart 🤍
please continue to write for harry, you are one of the only authors on here that do 😭😭
AAA stop i know there’s such a harry fic draught on here😭😭
i haven’t really had motivation/ideas to write for him, but i’ll for sure try to continue my harry series!!!! i’ll get back to my notes and whip something up for you after my deadlines<3
photographs
steve harrington x fem!reader
summary: steve likes to keep a photograph of you somewhere (anywhere). he thought he could keep it a secret, until you start finding them
established relationship
warnings: slight season 5 epilogue spoilers, nothing else really, just a bunch of fluff :)
word count: 3.2k
a/n: in honour of baseball coach steve harrington<3 i’ve had this idea for so long and the epilogue finally tied everything together for me to write this
── ᵎᵎ ✦
his wallet
the theater lobby glowed in soft neon, reds and blues bleeding together across the polished floor. the smell of popcorn clung to everything, mixing with the faint tang of soda syrup and cleaner. it was busy without being overwhelming, the kind of place that hummed rather than roared, full of people killing time before the lights went down.
steve walked beside you like he belonged there, like this was exactly where he was meant to be on a friday night. his hand rested at your lower back, thumb moving in slow, absent arcs as the line inched forward. it was an unconscious thing by now, his way of keeping you close without making a show of it. you leaned into the touch just as naturally, shoulder brushing his arm when you shifted your weight.
“this one looks awful,” he said quietly, nodding toward a poster plastered with explosions and overly dramatic taglines.
“you say that every time,” you replied.
“and i’m right every time.”
you smiled, tilting your head to read the tagline. even though the movie looked ridiculous, you’d probably end up seeing it anyway, just not tonight.
the two of you had been dating long enough that dates like this didn’t come with nerves anymore. no awkward silences, no second-guessing where to stand or how close was too close. just the easy comfort of shared space, of knowing exactly how the other person took their popcorn and which previews they’d complain about.
when you reached the counter, you stepped forward first. “one large popcorn,” you said, then glanced back at steve., “and two sodas, please.”
“cherry coke,” he added, quick, like he didn’t want to be difficult.
“i’ve got it.” you said as you reached for your bag.
steve immediately straightened, “no, you don’t.”
you paused, wallet halfway out “steve.”
he shook his head, already smiling. “i asked you out. that means i pay.”
“you’ve already paid for the tickets.” you kept your eyes on him, wallet still secured in your hand, “and you paid last time, too.”
“exactly,” he said, like that proved something. “it’s tradition now.”
you playfully rolled your eyes. “it’s just popcorn.”
“and i’m still paying.” he stepped closer, gently pressing your wrist back toward your bag with two fingers. “let me.”
you studied him for a second, then sighed, smiling despite yourself. “fine. but i’m paying next time.”
he huffed a quiet laugh. “we’ll see.”
you turned back toward the counter, half-focused on the rows of candy behind the glass. that was when movement in your peripheral vision caught your attention. steve opened his wallet. you weren’t trying to look, it just… happened. a flicker of worn leather, folded bills, and a small rectangle tucked neatly into one of the clear sleeves; a photo.
your breath caught before you could stop it.
it was you.
the image registered all at once, sharp and unmistakable. you were sitting sideways on the hood of his car, knees bent, hair loose and caught mid-motion, mouth open in a laugh you didn’t remember posing for. you remembered the day, though; the sun, the warmth, steve insisting the light was ‘better this way’ while you told him to hurry up.
the wallet snapped shut.
steve paid, thanked the cashier, and turned back toward you like nothing out of the ordinary had happened. “you good?” he asked, handing you a soda.
you took it, nodding “yeah, thanks.”
you didn’t mention what you thought you’d seen. the moment had passed too quickly, and you weren’t sure you trusted your own certainty. besides, saying something felt like it might turn a quiet thing into a conversation it didn’t need to be.
steve led the way down the hallway, popcorn tucked under his arm, holding the door open as you stepped into the theater. the space was cool and dim, the screen already lit with previews. you found your seats without much thought, close enough to share the armrest, close enough that your shoulders brushed when you sat down.
he settled in easily, stretching his legs out, passing you the popcorn. you leaned back, letting the familiar rhythm of it all take over; the previews, the low chatter, the way he glanced over during the louder moments just to see your reaction.
when the lights dimmed fully, steve reached for your hand without looking, fingers sliding into place like they belonged there. you squeezed once, grounding yourself in the moment. whatever you’d seen, whether it was real or imagined, you let it stay unspoken.
⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚: *⋆.*:・゚ .: ⋆*・゚: .⋆ ⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚: *⋆.*:・゚ .: ⋆*・゚: .⋆ ⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚:
his car
steve’s car smelled like him.
not in a dramatic way, nothing overpowering, but in the subtle accumulation of familiarity. clean upholstery with a hint of whatever soap he used, old leather warmed by the sun, a trace of something sweet that might’ve been gum or cologne. you noticed it every time you stepped inside his car. this time however, you slid into the driver’s seat, fingers curling instinctively around the steering wheel. “oh my god, okay.”
the door on the passenger side shut with a solid thunk, and steve leaned back into his seat like this was the most natural thing in the world. he turned his head toward you, mouth already twitching with amusement. “relax,” he said.
“i am relaxed,” you replied, sitting straighter despite yourself. “i just— this is your car.”
“yeah,” he said easily. “and you’re driving it.”
“that’s the problem.”
steve laughed softly, shaking his head. “you’re acting like i handed you a newborn.”
“you care about this car,” you said, glancing around at the pristine dashboard, the lack of clutter, the way everything seemed exactly where it belonged. “like… a lot.”
“i care about it a reasonable amount.”
“you named it.”
“that was a joke.”
“you wax it.”
“i maintain it.”
“you talk to it.”
he opened his mouth to argue, then closed it again. “okay, no, i don’t talk to it.”
you smiled despite the nerves buzzing in your chest and adjusted your grip on the wheel, suddenly very aware of how unfamiliar the driver’s side felt. the angle was wrong. no, everything was wrong.
you reached down and pulled the lever, sliding the seat forward a few inches. the sound was sharp in the quiet car. then you leaned back, testing it, and adjusted again. steve watched you with exaggerated patience, elbow propped against the door. “you know you’re allowed to move things,” he said. “it’s not permanent.”
“you say that now.”
“i mean it.” he smiled softly.
you tilted the seatback, then shifted it forward another notch. the steering wheel felt too high, so you lowered it, then nudged it closer. lastly, you adjusted the rear view mirror carefully until the view felt right.
steve tilted his head. “you good?”
“almost,” you said, tugging the lever to tilt the seatback once more. “your legs are longer than mine, and you sit like you’re auditioning for a commercial.”
“i sit like a normal person.” he acted insulted, but a smile was playing on his lips.
“you sit like you’re posing.”
he leaned slightly closer. “you like it.”
the sun slanted through the windshield, bright and low, hitting your eyes directly. you blinked against it, tension creeping back into your shoulders. something steve noticed immediately, “hey,” he said softly.
you turned your head toward him. he leaned in without hesitation, one hand coming up to rest at your jaw, thumb warm against your skin. he kissed you; slow, unhurried, familiar in the way that always made your thoughts settle. it wasn’t flashy or teasing, just steady, like he was reminding you where you were. when he pulled back, his forehead rested briefly against yours. “you’re doing fine,” he said quietly. “i trust you. and the car will survive.”
you let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding. “you’re very calm about this.”
“that’s because i know you,” he replied.
you smiled, nerves easing. the light still poured through the windshield, though, sharp enough to make you squint again. you reached up and flipped the sun visor down.
you startled as a small rectangle fluttered down, landing softly against your thigh. “what—”
when you picked it up you saw it was a photograph. it was small and slightly worn at the edges, like it had been handled more than once. once the image came into focus your breath caught, not sharply, just enough to still the moment.
you were pictured holding a giant teddy bear, a multitude of coloured lights caught your face, and your mouth was curved into a smile that looked unguarded and real. your hair was up in a ponytail, with a couple loose strands, most likely because of the wind. you remembered the day dimly; it was one of your first dates with steve, he’d won you the teddy bear at the town’s yearly fair.
you turned your head slowly and saw that steve had gone very still. “that—“ he started, then stopped.
before you could say anything, he reached over and took the photo from your hand a little too quickly. “okay,” he said. “so— before you ask—”
you stared at him. “steve.”
“it’s not—” he exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “it’s not a big deal.”
“you keep a photo of me in your sun visor.”
“it was convenient,” he said immediately, then winced. “that sounded bad.”
you waited, eyebrow raised.
“i didn’t want it to get bent,” he added. “or lost.”
“that’s your explanation?”
“yes.”
“it’s not a great one.”
he huffed a quiet laugh, cheeks faintly pink. “i’m not lying. i’m just—”
you cut him off as you held your hand out. he looked at you and after a beat, he gave the photo back. your fingers brushed briefly as you took it before looking at it again, slower this time. “how long has this been here?”
steve hesitated. “a while.”
you smiled, something warm settling in your chest. eventually, you slid the photo carefully back into the visor pocket and flipped it up again, smoothing it like it belonged there.
“there,” you said. “seems safe.”
steve watched you, a little dazed. “you’re not mad?”
“no.”
“not weirded out?”
“steve,” you said gently, “we’re dating. you liking me isn’t exactly shocking.”
he laughed softly, relief obvious. “yeah. i guess.”
you smiled and placed a quick kiss on his cheek before turning back to the dashboard. you adjusted your hands on the wheel, and finally reached for the ignition. “alright, now I’m ready.”
the engine hummed to life, smooth and steady. steve smiled, settling back into his seat. “told you. you’ve got this.”
and this time, you really did.
⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚: *⋆.*:・゚ .: ⋆*・゚: .⋆ ⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚: *⋆.*:・゚ .: ⋆*・゚: .⋆ ⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚:
his office
you arrived early, mostly because you didn’t know what to do with yourself if you didn’t.
the middle school field looked different than you expected, smaller, obviously, but also brighter somehow. the grass was cut too short, the chalk lines too clean, the bleachers still cool when you sat down. parents filtered in slowly, carrying folding chairs and coffee cups, voices low and conversational. someone’s little sibling ran past you with a foam finger twice their size.
you scanned the field without meaning to.
steve was easy to spot.
he stood near the dugout in a windbreaker that still looked a little too new, clipboard tucked under one arm, cap pulled low against the sun. he was talking to one of the kids, crouched slightly so they were closer to eye level, expression focused but gentle. when the kid nodded and jogged off, steve straightened, clapped his hands once, and called something you couldn’t hear.
your chest did something small and stupid at the sight of him. you’d seen him nervous before, about plenty of things, but this wasn’t that. this was anticipation. pride. the kind of careful attention that came from wanting something to go right for reasons that weren’t about him.
when the game started, you settled in easily. it was a lot of starts and stops, the kind of pace only kids could manage without getting bored. steve paced near the dugout, occasionally calling out encouragement, sometimes crouching to talk quietly with a player before sending them back out. he celebrated small victories like they mattered. a solid throw. a clean catch. a kid remembering to back up first base. you found yourself smiling more than you expected.
by the third inning, you’d learned which kid was too serious, which one kept adjusting his helmet, which one looked at steve after every play like he was checking for approval. he gave it freely, without fuss; thumbs-up, nods, a quick clap.
the game was close. too close, judging by the way the parents leaned forward in their seats.
when it ended, hawkin’s team winning by a single run, the field erupted in uneven cheers and scattered applause. the kids piled toward steve, who laughed and herded them into something resembling a line, handing out high-fives like it was a sacred duty.
you waited and eventually, the crowd thinned. parents collected bags, kids disappeared toward cars, the field returned to something quieter. steve lingered, talking to one of the parents, gesturing animatedly, grin still stuck on his face like it hadn’t worn off yet.
when he finally looked up and spotted you, his smile softened into something familiar. he jogged over. “you came.”
“i said i would.”
“i know,” he said, a little sheepish. “still.”
you tilted your head. “you did good, coach.”
he laughed, shaking his head. “they did good. i just tried not to mess it up.”
“you didn’t.”
he hesitated, then nodded toward the building behind the bleachers. “you wanna see the office?”
you immediately said yes and walked after him eagerly. “this is it huh?” you asked as you followed him inside, the door creaking slightly. “the big leagues?”
he smirked. “careful. you’re standing where the magic happens.”
“is that what we’re calling it?”
he flicked the light on, revealing a small, functional space that smelled faintly of coffee and dry-erase markers. a desk shoved against one wall, a filing cabinet, and a bulletin board crowded with schedules, team photos, and handwritten notes from kids in uneven penmanship.
steve leaned against the desk, still buzzing. “okay, so— this is where i pretend i know what i’m doing.”
you stepped farther in, taking it all in slowly. “you look like you know what you’re doing.”
“that’s because i practice in the mirror,” he said easily. “very convincing.”
he straightened and moved around the room as he talked, pointing things out; equipment lists, lineups, the whiteboard where he’d written reminders in blocky handwriting. you half-listened, content to watch him instead. he was animated in a different way here. looser. like this space had made room for something in him.
“and then,” he continued, tapping the bulletin board, “we’re supposed to have another game next week, but the schedule might change if—”
you drifted closer to the desk without realizing it and that was when you saw it: a photograph, tucked into a simple frame near the corner of the desk.
you stopped.
the noise of steve’s voice faded into the background as you leaned in slightly, recognizing it instantly.
it was from his birthday last year.
you remembered the night clearly; the cake that leaned a little to one side, the way he’d laughed when someone lit the candles crooked, the warm blur of voices and music. in the photo, you were smiling directly at the camera, relaxed and carefree.
steve was turned toward you, eyes fixed on your face like the camera didn’t exist. his expression wasn’t dramatic. just open and intent. like you were the only thing he’d registered in that moment.
your chest tightened.
“…and yeah,” steve was saying, tapping the edge of the desk. “that’s where i keep all the paperwork i’m definitely not losing this season— hey.” his voice softened when you didn’t answer.
you hadn’t realized you’d stopped moving until he did. you were standing near the desk now, gaze fixed on the framed photograph tucked neatly beside a stack of folders.
steve followed your line of sight. “oh,” he said, smiling immediately. “you found that.”
you glanced back at him, then at the photo again. “i didn’t know you brought this here.”
he crossed the room and leaned against the desk beside you, casual and unbothered. “yeah. thought it deserved a better view than a drawer.”
you laughed quietly. “you’re ridiculous.”
“hey,” he said, mock-offended. “that’s a great picture.”
“it is,” you agreed. you tilted your head, studying it more closely. “i remember that night. you wouldn’t let anyone cut the cake until dustin got back from the bathroom.”
“he picked the flavour,” he defended. “he deserved the first slice.”
you smiled, eyes tracing the familiar details. “i look happy.”
steve’s grin widened as he stepped closer to you. “you were.”
you nudged his hip lightly. “you weren’t even looking at the camera.”
he didn’t pretend not to know what you meant. “yeah,” he said easily. “i know.”
“why?”
he shrugged, relaxed, like the answer was obvious. “because you were right there. why would i look anywhere else?”
you rolled your eyes, but there was no bite in it. “you’re such a sap.”
“and you love me for it.”
you turned to him, smiling. “unfortunately.”
he laughed, warm and unguarded, the sound filling the small office. “i figured if i’m gonna be stuck in here half the week, i might as well have something that makes me smile.”
you gestured around the room. “the inspirational sticky notes from twelve-year-olds aren’t enough?”
“they help,” he admitted. “but this one’s my favorite.”
your chest warmed in that familiar, steady way; no rush, no surprise, just the comfort of knowing exactly where you stood. “you did really good out there,” you said, nodding toward the field. “they adore you.”
steve shrugged, but he looked pleased. “they’re good kids. i just try to show up.”
“you do more than that.”
he reached out, fingers brushing a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “means a lot that you came.”
“you kidding?” you said. “i wouldn’t miss your first official game.”
“coach harrington,” he teased.
you snorted. “don’t let it go to your head.”
he grinned. “too late.”
you leaned in and kissed him, quick and familiar, the kind that comes from years of shared space and quiet certainty. when you pulled back, he was still smiling. “think you’ll keep the photo here all season?” you asked.
“absolutely,” he said. “unless you object.”
you shook your head with a small smile playing on your lips. “nope. just don’t let it distract you.”
he glanced at the frame, then back at you. “no promises.”
you laughed, leaning in for another soft kiss as the late afternoon light filtered through the window. outside, the field was empty now, quiet and sunlit, but inside the office everything felt full.

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photographs
steve harrington x fem!reader
summary: steve likes to keep a photograph of you somewhere (anywhere). he thought he could keep it a secret, until you start finding them
established relationship
warnings: slight season 5 epilogue spoilers, nothing else really, just a bunch of fluff :)
word count: 3.2k
a/n: in honour of baseball coach steve harrington<3 i’ve had this idea for so long and the epilogue finally tied everything together for me to write this
── ᵎᵎ ✦
his wallet
the theater lobby glowed in soft neon, reds and blues bleeding together across the polished floor. the smell of popcorn clung to everything, mixing with the faint tang of soda syrup and cleaner. it was busy without being overwhelming, the kind of place that hummed rather than roared, full of people killing time before the lights went down.
steve walked beside you like he belonged there, like this was exactly where he was meant to be on a friday night. his hand rested at your lower back, thumb moving in slow, absent arcs as the line inched forward. it was an unconscious thing by now, his way of keeping you close without making a show of it. you leaned into the touch just as naturally, shoulder brushing his arm when you shifted your weight.
“this one looks awful,” he said quietly, nodding toward a poster plastered with explosions and overly dramatic taglines.
“you say that every time,” you replied.
“and i’m right every time.”
you smiled, tilting your head to read the tagline. even though the movie looked ridiculous, you’d probably end up seeing it anyway, just not tonight.
the two of you had been dating long enough that dates like this didn’t come with nerves anymore. no awkward silences, no second-guessing where to stand or how close was too close. just the easy comfort of shared space, of knowing exactly how the other person took their popcorn and which previews they’d complain about.
when you reached the counter, you stepped forward first. “one large popcorn,” you said, then glanced back at steve., “and two sodas, please.”
“cherry coke,” he added, quick, like he didn’t want to be difficult.
“i’ve got it.” you said as you reached for your bag.
steve immediately straightened, “no, you don’t.”
you paused, wallet halfway out “steve.”
he shook his head, already smiling. “i asked you out. that means i pay.”
“you’ve already paid for the tickets.” you kept your eyes on him, wallet still secured in your hand, “and you paid last time, too.”
“exactly,” he said, like that proved something. “it’s tradition now.”
you playfully rolled your eyes. “it’s just popcorn.”
“and i’m still paying.” he stepped closer, gently pressing your wrist back toward your bag with two fingers. “let me.”
you studied him for a second, then sighed, smiling despite yourself. “fine. but i’m paying next time.”
he huffed a quiet laugh. “we’ll see.”
you turned back toward the counter, half-focused on the rows of candy behind the glass. that was when movement in your peripheral vision caught your attention. steve opened his wallet. you weren’t trying to look, it just… happened. a flicker of worn leather, folded bills, and a small rectangle tucked neatly into one of the clear sleeves; a photo.
your breath caught before you could stop it.
it was you.
the image registered all at once, sharp and unmistakable. you were sitting sideways on the hood of his car, knees bent, hair loose and caught mid-motion, mouth open in a laugh you didn’t remember posing for. you remembered the day, though; the sun, the warmth, steve insisting the light was ‘better this way’ while you told him to hurry up.
the wallet snapped shut.
steve paid, thanked the cashier, and turned back toward you like nothing out of the ordinary had happened. “you good?” he asked, handing you a soda.
you took it, nodding “yeah, thanks.”
you didn’t mention what you thought you’d seen. the moment had passed too quickly, and you weren’t sure you trusted your own certainty. besides, saying something felt like it might turn a quiet thing into a conversation it didn’t need to be.
steve led the way down the hallway, popcorn tucked under his arm, holding the door open as you stepped into the theater. the space was cool and dim, the screen already lit with previews. you found your seats without much thought, close enough to share the armrest, close enough that your shoulders brushed when you sat down.
he settled in easily, stretching his legs out, passing you the popcorn. you leaned back, letting the familiar rhythm of it all take over; the previews, the low chatter, the way he glanced over during the louder moments just to see your reaction.
when the lights dimmed fully, steve reached for your hand without looking, fingers sliding into place like they belonged there. you squeezed once, grounding yourself in the moment. whatever you’d seen, whether it was real or imagined, you let it stay unspoken.
⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚: *⋆.*:・゚ .: ⋆*・゚: .⋆ ⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚: *⋆.*:・゚ .: ⋆*・゚: .⋆ ⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚:
his car
steve’s car smelled like him.
not in a dramatic way, nothing overpowering, but in the subtle accumulation of familiarity. clean upholstery with a hint of whatever soap he used, old leather warmed by the sun, a trace of something sweet that might’ve been gum or cologne. you noticed it every time you stepped inside his car. this time however, you slid into the driver’s seat, fingers curling instinctively around the steering wheel. “oh my god, okay.”
the door on the passenger side shut with a solid thunk, and steve leaned back into his seat like this was the most natural thing in the world. he turned his head toward you, mouth already twitching with amusement. “relax,” he said.
“i am relaxed,” you replied, sitting straighter despite yourself. “i just— this is your car.”
“yeah,” he said easily. “and you’re driving it.”
“that’s the problem.”
steve laughed softly, shaking his head. “you’re acting like i handed you a newborn.”
“you care about this car,” you said, glancing around at the pristine dashboard, the lack of clutter, the way everything seemed exactly where it belonged. “like… a lot.”
“i care about it a reasonable amount.”
“you named it.”
“that was a joke.”
“you wax it.”
“i maintain it.”
“you talk to it.”
he opened his mouth to argue, then closed it again. “okay, no, i don’t talk to it.”
you smiled despite the nerves buzzing in your chest and adjusted your grip on the wheel, suddenly very aware of how unfamiliar the driver’s side felt. the angle was wrong. no, everything was wrong.
you reached down and pulled the lever, sliding the seat forward a few inches. the sound was sharp in the quiet car. then you leaned back, testing it, and adjusted again. steve watched you with exaggerated patience, elbow propped against the door. “you know you’re allowed to move things,” he said. “it’s not permanent.”
“you say that now.”
“i mean it.” he smiled softly.
you tilted the seatback, then shifted it forward another notch. the steering wheel felt too high, so you lowered it, then nudged it closer. lastly, you adjusted the rear view mirror carefully until the view felt right.
steve tilted his head. “you good?”
“almost,” you said, tugging the lever to tilt the seatback once more. “your legs are longer than mine, and you sit like you’re auditioning for a commercial.”
“i sit like a normal person.” he acted insulted, but a smile was playing on his lips.
“you sit like you’re posing.”
he leaned slightly closer. “you like it.”
the sun slanted through the windshield, bright and low, hitting your eyes directly. you blinked against it, tension creeping back into your shoulders. something steve noticed immediately, “hey,” he said softly.
you turned your head toward him. he leaned in without hesitation, one hand coming up to rest at your jaw, thumb warm against your skin. he kissed you; slow, unhurried, familiar in the way that always made your thoughts settle. it wasn’t flashy or teasing, just steady, like he was reminding you where you were. when he pulled back, his forehead rested briefly against yours. “you’re doing fine,” he said quietly. “i trust you. and the car will survive.”
you let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding. “you’re very calm about this.”
“that’s because i know you,” he replied.
you smiled, nerves easing. the light still poured through the windshield, though, sharp enough to make you squint again. you reached up and flipped the sun visor down.
you startled as a small rectangle fluttered down, landing softly against your thigh. “what—”
when you picked it up you saw it was a photograph. it was small and slightly worn at the edges, like it had been handled more than once. once the image came into focus your breath caught, not sharply, just enough to still the moment.
you were pictured holding a giant teddy bear, a multitude of coloured lights caught your face, and your mouth was curved into a smile that looked unguarded and real. your hair was up in a ponytail, with a couple loose strands, most likely because of the wind. you remembered the day dimly; it was one of your first dates with steve, he’d won you the teddy bear at the town’s yearly fair.
you turned your head slowly and saw that steve had gone very still. “that—“ he started, then stopped.
before you could say anything, he reached over and took the photo from your hand a little too quickly. “okay,” he said. “so— before you ask—”
you stared at him. “steve.”
“it’s not—” he exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “it’s not a big deal.”
“you keep a photo of me in your sun visor.”
“it was convenient,” he said immediately, then winced. “that sounded bad.”
you waited, eyebrow raised.
“i didn’t want it to get bent,” he added. “or lost.”
“that’s your explanation?”
“yes.”
“it’s not a great one.”
he huffed a quiet laugh, cheeks faintly pink. “i’m not lying. i’m just—”
you cut him off as you held your hand out. he looked at you and after a beat, he gave the photo back. your fingers brushed briefly as you took it before looking at it again, slower this time. “how long has this been here?”
steve hesitated. “a while.”
you smiled, something warm settling in your chest. eventually, you slid the photo carefully back into the visor pocket and flipped it up again, smoothing it like it belonged there.
“there,” you said. “seems safe.”
steve watched you, a little dazed. “you’re not mad?”
“no.”
“not weirded out?”
“steve,” you said gently, “we’re dating. you liking me isn’t exactly shocking.”
he laughed softly, relief obvious. “yeah. i guess.”
you smiled and placed a quick kiss on his cheek before turning back to the dashboard. you adjusted your hands on the wheel, and finally reached for the ignition. “alright, now I’m ready.”
the engine hummed to life, smooth and steady. steve smiled, settling back into his seat. “told you. you’ve got this.”
and this time, you really did.
⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚: *⋆.*:・゚ .: ⋆*・゚: .⋆ ⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚: *⋆.*:・゚ .: ⋆*・゚: .⋆ ⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚:
his office
you arrived early, mostly because you didn’t know what to do with yourself if you didn’t.
the middle school field looked different than you expected, smaller, obviously, but also brighter somehow. the grass was cut too short, the chalk lines too clean, the bleachers still cool when you sat down. parents filtered in slowly, carrying folding chairs and coffee cups, voices low and conversational. someone’s little sibling ran past you with a foam finger twice their size.
you scanned the field without meaning to.
steve was easy to spot.
he stood near the dugout in a windbreaker that still looked a little too new, clipboard tucked under one arm, cap pulled low against the sun. he was talking to one of the kids, crouched slightly so they were closer to eye level, expression focused but gentle. when the kid nodded and jogged off, steve straightened, clapped his hands once, and called something you couldn’t hear.
your chest did something small and stupid at the sight of him. you’d seen him nervous before, about plenty of things, but this wasn’t that. this was anticipation. pride. the kind of careful attention that came from wanting something to go right for reasons that weren’t about him.
when the game started, you settled in easily. it was a lot of starts and stops, the kind of pace only kids could manage without getting bored. steve paced near the dugout, occasionally calling out encouragement, sometimes crouching to talk quietly with a player before sending them back out. he celebrated small victories like they mattered. a solid throw. a clean catch. a kid remembering to back up first base. you found yourself smiling more than you expected.
by the third inning, you’d learned which kid was too serious, which one kept adjusting his helmet, which one looked at steve after every play like he was checking for approval. he gave it freely, without fuss; thumbs-up, nods, a quick clap.
the game was close. too close, judging by the way the parents leaned forward in their seats.
when it ended, hawkin’s team winning by a single run, the field erupted in uneven cheers and scattered applause. the kids piled toward steve, who laughed and herded them into something resembling a line, handing out high-fives like it was a sacred duty.
you waited and eventually, the crowd thinned. parents collected bags, kids disappeared toward cars, the field returned to something quieter. steve lingered, talking to one of the parents, gesturing animatedly, grin still stuck on his face like it hadn’t worn off yet.
when he finally looked up and spotted you, his smile softened into something familiar. he jogged over. “you came.”
“i said i would.”
“i know,” he said, a little sheepish. “still.”
you tilted your head. “you did good, coach.”
he laughed, shaking his head. “they did good. i just tried not to mess it up.”
“you didn’t.”
he hesitated, then nodded toward the building behind the bleachers. “you wanna see the office?”
you immediately said yes and walked after him eagerly. “this is it huh?” you asked as you followed him inside, the door creaking slightly. “the big leagues?”
he smirked. “careful. you’re standing where the magic happens.”
“is that what we’re calling it?”
he flicked the light on, revealing a small, functional space that smelled faintly of coffee and dry-erase markers. a desk shoved against one wall, a filing cabinet, and a bulletin board crowded with schedules, team photos, and handwritten notes from kids in uneven penmanship.
steve leaned against the desk, still buzzing. “okay, so— this is where i pretend i know what i’m doing.”
you stepped farther in, taking it all in slowly. “you look like you know what you’re doing.”
“that’s because i practice in the mirror,” he said easily. “very convincing.”
he straightened and moved around the room as he talked, pointing things out; equipment lists, lineups, the whiteboard where he’d written reminders in blocky handwriting. you half-listened, content to watch him instead. he was animated in a different way here. looser. like this space had made room for something in him.
“and then,” he continued, tapping the bulletin board, “we’re supposed to have another game next week, but the schedule might change if—”
you drifted closer to the desk without realizing it and that was when you saw it: a photograph, tucked into a simple frame near the corner of the desk.
you stopped.
the noise of steve’s voice faded into the background as you leaned in slightly, recognizing it instantly.
it was from his birthday last year.
you remembered the night clearly; the cake that leaned a little to one side, the way he’d laughed when someone lit the candles crooked, the warm blur of voices and music. in the photo, you were smiling directly at the camera, relaxed and carefree.
steve was turned toward you, eyes fixed on your face like the camera didn’t exist. his expression wasn’t dramatic. just open and intent. like you were the only thing he’d registered in that moment.
your chest tightened.
“…and yeah,” steve was saying, tapping the edge of the desk. “that’s where i keep all the paperwork i’m definitely not losing this season— hey.” his voice softened when you didn’t answer.
you hadn’t realized you’d stopped moving until he did. you were standing near the desk now, gaze fixed on the framed photograph tucked neatly beside a stack of folders.
steve followed your line of sight. “oh,” he said, smiling immediately. “you found that.”
you glanced back at him, then at the photo again. “i didn’t know you brought this here.”
he crossed the room and leaned against the desk beside you, casual and unbothered. “yeah. thought it deserved a better view than a drawer.”
you laughed quietly. “you’re ridiculous.”
“hey,” he said, mock-offended. “that’s a great picture.”
“it is,” you agreed. you tilted your head, studying it more closely. “i remember that night. you wouldn’t let anyone cut the cake until dustin got back from the bathroom.”
“he picked the flavour,” he defended. “he deserved the first slice.”
you smiled, eyes tracing the familiar details. “i look happy.”
steve’s grin widened as he stepped closer to you. “you were.”
you nudged his hip lightly. “you weren’t even looking at the camera.”
he didn’t pretend not to know what you meant. “yeah,” he said easily. “i know.”
“why?”
he shrugged, relaxed, like the answer was obvious. “because you were right there. why would i look anywhere else?”
you rolled your eyes, but there was no bite in it. “you’re such a sap.”
“and you love me for it.”
you turned to him, smiling. “unfortunately.”
he laughed, warm and unguarded, the sound filling the small office. “i figured if i’m gonna be stuck in here half the week, i might as well have something that makes me smile.”
you gestured around the room. “the inspirational sticky notes from twelve-year-olds aren’t enough?”
“they help,” he admitted. “but this one’s my favorite.”
your chest warmed in that familiar, steady way; no rush, no surprise, just the comfort of knowing exactly where you stood. “you did really good out there,” you said, nodding toward the field. “they adore you.”
steve shrugged, but he looked pleased. “they’re good kids. i just try to show up.”
“you do more than that.”
he reached out, fingers brushing a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “means a lot that you came.”
“you kidding?” you said. “i wouldn’t miss your first official game.”
“coach harrington,” he teased.
you snorted. “don’t let it go to your head.”
he grinned. “too late.”
you leaned in and kissed him, quick and familiar, the kind that comes from years of shared space and quiet certainty. when you pulled back, he was still smiling. “think you’ll keep the photo here all season?” you asked.
“absolutely,” he said. “unless you object.”
you shook your head with a small smile playing on your lips. “nope. just don’t let it distract you.”
he glanced at the frame, then back at you. “no promises.”
you laughed, leaning in for another soft kiss as the late afternoon light filtered through the window. outside, the field was empty now, quiet and sunlit, but inside the office everything felt full.
backwards
steve harrington x fem!reader
summary: steve wears a cap for the first time. it’s backwards. and it looks a bit too good
established relationship
warnings: minor s5 spoilers, other than that none really! just sappy fluff, might be considered slightly suggestive
word count: 1.3k
a/n: i’m such a sucker for backwards cap steve. i can’t stop thinking about him. pls help
── ᵎᵎ ✦
while pacing the radio station you pulled your hands into the sleeves of your sweater, trying to protect yourself from the cold. you had been at the wsqk station numerous times, but it never failed to amaze you how the wind always managed to creep inside, past the closed doors and windows. the place smelled like dust, old electronics, and adrenaline, and every surface seemed to hum with the frantic energy of people pretending they weren’t terrified.
everyone else was getting ready and, for some reason, got their hands on armor of some kind: thicker coats, camouflage vests, headbands, denim layered over flannel. you had … a sweater.
your jacket was still in the upside down, lost somewhere in the hawkins lab. it had been your favourite, but there was no time to mourn it, and the idea of heading back out there without something shielding you from the cold, and maybe more, made your skin prickle. and yeah, fine, you also wanted to look cool. if this really was it, your final battle, you refused to go down looking like you’d stumbled upon it by accident.
you checked a chair, nothing. the back of a door, nothing. someone had already claimed the army vest tossed over a crate you’d spotted earlier. with a frustrated huff you wandered further back, toward the smaller room everyone called ‘the shack’, where old equipment, broken records and other forgotten things were left to die.
that was when you saw it.
the jacket hung off a nail in the wall like it had been waiting. it was faded, worn, and unmistakably steve’s. you recognised it instantly; the creased sleeves, the slightly busted zipper, and the way it sagged with familiarity. he hadn’t worn it in forever, probably having forgotten it sometime last summer.
you didn’t hesitate and shrugged into it, the smell of dust and steve’s cologne engulfing you immediately. it was too big, of course it was; all his clothes were once you were wearing them.
you rolled the sleeves once, then again, and turned toward the cracked mirror nailed crookedly to the wall. the glass was scratched and clouded, but it did its job well enough. you reached back and gathered your hair, fingers moving from muscle memory as you twisted it up, letting a few short strands fall loose on purpose. your arms ached faintly as you did so, old bruises and half-healed scrapes, but you ignored them, cinching the elastic tight and tugging until the ponytail sat messy but secure.
after a second you turned away from the mirror and pushed through the doorway back into the main room. it was louder out here. everyone was scattered across the space, moving with purpose: nancy and jonathan checking their gear, lucas working on a slingshot, dustin pacing the room anxiously. the air felt thick with fear and the unspoken that this might finally be the end.
you noticed steve before you realised you were looking for him. he stood near a few shelves in the far end corner, scanning the multiple drawers like he was trying to decide what might keep him alive. his hands moved absently, testing the weight of something, setting it back down, and reaching for something else.
he was wearing a camouflage shirt and over it sat a brown leather jacket, scuffed and broken-in. you immediately recognised it as the outfit he’d worn the last time you were facing imminent death. but that wasn’t what made your breath hitch.
it was the cap. backwards.
you had never seen him wear it like that before. hell, you’d never seen him wear a cap at all. the brim faced behind him, low against his neck, soft curls escaping freely at the front and sides like they couldn’t be contained. it changed the shape of his face just enough to make him look different, sharper, more dangerous, but still unmistakably steve.
the realisation hit you all at once, warm and dizzying. you liked it. a lot.
something fluttered low in your chest, then settled deeper, heavier. it wasn’t just attraction, though that was very much there, it was the way the sight of him like this made everything feel suddenly very real and final. like this was a version of him you were supposed to remember.
as he felt you stare, he glanced up and your eyes met. the noise of the room dulled, the edges of it all softening as his gaze locked onto yours. his eyes flicked over you instinctively, your sweater, the jacket hanging off your shoulders, and he paused.
recognition bloomed instantly and his mouth curved, warmth breaking through the tension in his face. he set whatever he’d been holding down as you moved closer towards him and by the time you stopped in front of him your pulse was loud in your ears.
he looked over you properly this time, eyes lingering for half a second longer than necessary. “you steal my jacket,” he said amused, “and then just stand there staring at me?”
“it was collecting dust in the shack.” you shrugged as a small smirk played on your lips, “you look … different.”
his brows lifted, “different?”
you stepped even closer, fingers lifting to brush the brim of the cap, nudging it back just a fraction, “i’ve never seen you wear it before.”
understanding dawned slowly. his smile softened, something fond and almost shy flickering across his face. “oh,” he said, “yeah. thought i’d try something new.”
“well,” you murmured, meeting his eyes, “don’t stop.”
he laughed under his breath and shrugged, “i don’t know, sweets, it kinda messes up my hair.”
you hummed thoughtfully, eyes flicking up to the cap again, then back to him, “that feels like a weak argument.”
“hey,” he said, defensive but amused, “i’ve got a reputation.”
you hummed as you looked him over again, slow and deliberate. it looked as if he’d thrown on this outfit without thinking, which made it even worse. “you’ll survive.”
he shook his head, smiling despite himself, “you’re being weird.”
“am i?” you asked lightly, “because from where i’m standing, you’re the one who made a drastic wardrobe change and forgot to warn me.”
“it’s a hat.”
“it’s backwards.” you corrected.
that earned you a quiet laugh and a faint flush creeping up his neck. he moved his hand up to scratch his neck, then thought better of it and let his arm drop. “i just grabbed it,” he said. “didn’t think it’d be a whole thing.”
you stepped a little closer again, not enough to crowd him, just enough to make the point. “don’t overthink it,” you let a finger brush through the strand of hair that was falling out the front, “just … maybe don’t change it back.”
he watched you for a second, clearly entertained now, something fond and slightly dazed in his expression, “you’re seriously this distracted by a piece of clothing?”
you shrugged, “i’ve been through a lot.”
that got a soft laugh out of him, breathy and disbelieving, “unbelievable.”
“yeah,” you agreed. “you are.”
he looked like he wanted to argue with that, or say something smarter. instead, you stepped away before he could. “try not to die,” you added casually, already turning. “it’d be annoying … i really want to see you wear that hat again after all this.”
he raised his brows, “that’s your send-off?”
you glanced back over your shoulder with a smirk, “you’ll live.”
then you disappeared back into the movement of the room. steve stood there for a beat too long, staring after you. “okay…” he muttered, shaking his head, “weapon. i was finding a weapon.”
he turned back to the shelves and yanked open a drawer. inside sat a gun and he picked it up, inspecting it on instinct. he was still faintly aware of the brim of his cap, worn backwards. he smiled to himself despite everything and went back to work.
but, the sound of nancy’s voice pulled him away from his thoughts, “hey! have you handled one of these before?”