peyton

“Hey, I’m Joe Keery,” Joe started, his voice warm and easy as he leaned slightly toward you, eyes flicking to your face for the familiar cue while he sat right beside you, close enough that your shoulders nearly brushed.

“And I’m Y/n Y/l/n and today we’re letting Elle ask us anything.” you said with a smile, posture relaxed, hands folded loosely in your lap as you looked straight into the camera.

“Alright let’s get into it.” Joe started, glancing down to read the card before lifting his head again. “‘What’s one thing you wish people knew about you?’” He paused, then looked up at the camera and chuckled, shoulders lifting in a half-shrug. “Nothing. People know plenty.”

You laughed, the sound easy and unforced, turning your head slightly toward him. “Wait, should we answer for each other?"

Joe nodded with a grin, clearly liking the idea more the longer he thought about it. “That does sound like a better option. What do I wish people knew about you?” he asked himself, tapping the card lightly against his fingers as he thought, then brightening. “That you play guitar.”

You roll your eyes instinctively, already shaking your head. “Everyone knows that.”

“But they don’t know how well you play it and she also sings.” he added with a grin to the camera, eyes darting toward you like he knew exactly what kind of reaction he was provoking.

You looked at the camera and immediately shook your head, almost reflexively. “I definitely don’t sing and I don’t play guitar that well,” then you looked at him, brows raised. “You’re just saying that because you taught me to play.”

“I’m saying it because I really think that way,” he told you, tone sincere without losing its lightness, before turning back to the camera. “And she does sing, I've got proof.”

“Nope…” you dismissed him with a smile, waving it off even though the faintest hint of embarrassment crept in. The only singing you ever did was around the house when you were distracted and completely unguarded, focused on something else, something that definitely wasn’t meant to be heard by anyone. “I wished people knew that you have a sock collection,” you said confidently, finally getting your turn. “Of weird socks with fun prints that he doesn’t necessarily wear but loves having.”

“That’s a good one,” Joe nodded, accepting it without protest as he handed you the next card. “Now everyone who knows me is gonna gift me more socks,” he shook his head dramatically. “Please don’t, I’ve been told the collection needs to stop,” he added, the comment earning laughter from the crew off-camera.

You took the card and read, eyes scanning it once before speaking. “What’s your sign, and what’s the thing about it that fits you the most?”

Joe nodded, settling back into his seat as if this was something he’d already thought about before. “I’m a Taurus so, I’d say I’m a creature of habit…I really like having a little space for myself and like having all of my stuff set up.” he explained animatedly, hands moving as he spoke. “What about you?”

You hummed, eyes drifting up as you considered it, thumb rubbing lightly against the edge of the card. “I think I’m too analytical and meticulous…I’m trying to chill out on that.”

“You’re also very detail oriented and insanely observant…I don’t know if that has anything to do with being a virgo.” Joe added, glancing at you with a knowing look, like this was something he’d noticed long before it mattered.

“I might just be a control freak, I don’t know,” you chuckled softly.

“You say that like you’re assuming it's a bad thing.” Joe shrugged, clearly unconvinced.

“You’re an Earth sign too, you don’t get a say in it,” you told him, earning an easy laugh from both of you.

“Do you believe in astrological compatibility when it comes to relationships?” the producer asked from off-camera.

You both turned to glance at each other at the same time, sharing a look that lingered just long enough to suggest some unspoken, private joke, before breaking into laughter. Joe recovered first, shrugging casually as if it didn’t mean anything more than that. “I think it’s like…you know, fun to talk about but do I believe in it? I don’t know…” he then pointed at the camera. “I’ll tell you when I get a wife,”

“Are you gonna ask her for her big three and full chart?” you teased, the question slipping out easily as memories of late nights on set surfaced of the both of you sitting around between takes, phones out, comparing charts, googling every unfamiliar term and taking it all far more seriously than either of you ever admitted.

“You know I will…might already have it,” he said with a grin, eyes dropping to the next card as his thumb flicked the edge of it absentmindedly. “What is the worst pronunciation of Djo you’ve ever heard?” he read, then immediately pointed at you without hesitation. “This one right here!” he laughed, shoulders shaking. “I don’t know if it’s the worst out there but she said it to my face which made it bad enough to make the list.”

You couldn’t stop laughing, the sound bubbling out of you as you leaned forward slightly, hands coming up as if to defend yourself. “It couldn’t have been that bad because I swear I’ve heard other people pronounce it like I did, I just thought it was smart to ask Djo himself.”

“See? Now she’s pronouncing it properly because she’s on camera but when it’s just us it’s all over the place.” he said while chuckling, shaking his head like he’d resigned himself to it. “It’s probably my fault for encouraging the joke.”

“Yeah, I’ve had you on my phone as Dojo for as long as I can remember and I can’t bring myself to change it.” you admitted, laughing again as you glanced at him.

“Don’t try any harder, love being Dojo,” he smiled, clearly unbothered as he handed you the next card.

“What’s something you stole from the Stranger thing’s set?” you read, eyes lifting from the card.

“Finn Wolfhard, I stole him.” Joe answered so casually that it took half a second to register before you simply burst out laughing, eyes already watering from how hard you’d been laughing all interview. “And he’s just in my house. I put him in this really cool area…he’s great, he’s so cool. I took him. I give him a little food and…he’s fine.” He kept going with a straight face before finally turning to you. “I stuck to one thing, Y/n, what did you steal?” he chuckled knowingly. “Or better question, what didn’t you steal?”

“I can’t answer for this season because there’s still time for me to get in trouble for it.” you said thoughtfully, lips pursed as you considered it. “So I’ll say a walkie talkie, only because I think we’ve all taken one through the years.”

“This last season though, they invited us to take a bunch of things…it was like, ‘It’s your last chance to come look at the props and take whatever you want,’ but it’s just not fun anymore,” he said with a smile, the sentiment landing heavier than the words suggested.

“It was ‘last table read,’ ‘last dinner,’ ‘last everything,’ and that just made it so sad…” you paused, letting it sit for a moment before softening with a laugh. “I still took enough things to redecorate my house but still, being sneaky was the fun part.” You glanced over at Joe, shifting the mood back. “Alright, next question.”

“Oh I love this question,” Joe said before even finishing reading it, enthusiasm obvious as his eyes scanned the card. “Have you accidentally spoiled a Stranger Things plotline?” he asked, turning fully toward you.

“Not the plotline,” you started carefully, already bracing yourself. “But the release date, I don’t know which is worse.”

Joe smiled, clearly entertained. “Did you end up getting in trouble for it?”

“No, surprisingly. Because apparently it had been leaked that morning so I just ended up confirming it,” you lifted your arms in surrender. “It wasn’t all me…I think it’s the only time I’ve been thankful for leaks.” You nodded, then looked back at him. “Have you accidentally spoiled anything?”

“No,” he said very calmly, almost too calmly. “And I don’t plan on doing that.”

“Lies, Joe c’mon we’ve all said something to someone,” you said, rolling your eyes dramatically.

“Well yeah but not in public.” he explained, shrugging. “But I’ve talked to some people about…certain things. Yeah, like…my dad will read a lot of the scripts because he’s just interested in that. Him on the other hand…” he made a disappointed face. “He might spoil it.”

He picked up the next card, glancing at it before smirking slightly. “Oh this is for you, cause I don’t have one. What’s currently on your Tiktok FYP?”

“I can’t say.” you said quietly, suddenly far more reserved than you’d been all interview.

“You have to,” he replied just as quietly, leaning in a fraction, eyes full of mischief.

“I didn’t choose it! alright?” you said quickly, making sure everyone within earshot heard the disclaimer. “Right now it’s filled with Steve Harrington edits.”

Joe’s eyes brightened instantly, brows lifting in genuine surprise as a laugh slipped out of him. “Are you serious?” he almost whispered, like he couldn’t decide whether to be flattered or stunned.

You laughed at the tone in his voice, nodding without hesitation. “Sometimes I even comment with my fake account,”

“Comment what!?” he laughed, leaning back slightly like that somehow helped process the information.

“Just random stuff,” you dismissed it with a shrug, though the smile tugging at your lips gave you away completely.

“Do you watch them or skip them because I know Finn skips the edits.” he asked, curiosity getting the better of him as he leaned a little closer, eyes focused entirely on you now instead of the camera.

“Why are you asking me so many questions?!” you panicked with a laugh, half-hiding your face as if that might save you. “Damn it, now I have to disappear…good thing Stranger Things is over.”

Joe laughed too, turning his head to look sideways at you, wearing the kind of expression reserved for someone who already knew all your secrets anyway. “If your phone password is still the same you’re gonna have to do more than disappear.”

You both laughed at that, the kind of laughter that came easily because you already knew how the day would end…curled up somewhere quiet together, legs tangled, scrolling through your favorites on TikTok like it was the most natural thing in the world. After all, who wouldn’t have a whole folder of edits of their partner?

A few months had passed since you and Dustin had become an item - you had moved to Hawkins in the spring, your crush on the Thinking Cap nerd blossoming along the flowers. Madmax was the best wingman you could’ve asked for, and soon, the entire town could see you and Dustin holding hands everywhere (at Hawkins High, the arcade or skull rock). Lucas, on the other hand, always teased him about you, asking when would you two finally “do it”: besides Will, Dustin was the only virgin member of the party now.

Your lovely bard did not want to pressure you into anything, though, so he tried to keep his cool whenever your lips crashed against his, whenever you sat on his lap and straddled him, whenever you looked way too beautiful (well, all the time). Dustin was always very respectful, so even though his lust distracted him from time to time, he knew his relationship with you was the most precious thing he could ever have.

This weekend, however, things were specially hard to deal with - his mom was visiting an aunt in Corydon, and he was left home to care for their new cat and work his summer job. He couldn’t complain, though, because being home alone meant getting lots of alone time with you.

That’s how you were, now: up in his room, shoes off, cuddling in bed and laughing together about some stupid bickering Lucas and Max had gotten into when the gang last hung out. As laughter dissolved into silence, Dustin didn’t think twice before leaning in for a kiss - he simply couldn’t resist. His lips met yours softly, at first, trying to sense if you’d be into it or not. His hands cupped your face, keeping you close, and your body shivered at his caring touch. He was always so delicate with you.

Your hands soon reached up to his hair, his thick curls tangling with your fingers like vines. His kisses were slow and meticulous, his lips soft and luscious as his tongue searched for yours in a delighted motion.

“Ugh, Dusty” you moaned, briefly breaking the kiss to speak and stabilise your breathing. “Fuck, why are you such a good kisser?”

He chuckled in between the next round of kisses, voice low and vibrating through you as he responded, “So you’ll always come back for more”, barely able to contain his smile.

As things heated up, he tried to conceal his apprehensiveness - even after plenty of advice, Dustin knew he was no Steve Harrington. He hadn’t kissed many girls in his life, and definitely hadn’t, you know, gone all the way with any of them. That’s exactly what ran through his mind when you spoke again.

“Do you…” you started, breathless and nervous, but so aroused already. “Do you think we’re going to… you know”

“I’m ready if you are” he smiled softly, also breathless and disheveled, “Do you want us to do it?”

His tone was caring and honest. Dustin didn’t want to pressure you into anything, but also couldn’t deny his feelings and his lust for you.

“I do…” you muttered, a bit shy. “It’s just that… I think the lighting is a bit too bright. Can you flick it off?”

“Sure, baby” he agreed, reaching for the switch behind himself. “There”

The room was dark now, his window was already closed, and your eyes were taking a while to adjust. You could only see the outline of Dustin’s body and tell where his bed and desk were, for instance.

Your eyes soon closed again for more kissing, now standing up next to his bed, his hands on your waist, feeling up your skin beneath your shirt. Dustin’s skin was always warm and inviting, making his touch so comfortable and anticipated.

“You can take it off, if you want” you whispered to his lips, your pink cheeks invisible through the darkness.

“I’d like that very much, thank you” he responded, devilish grin audible in his voice. Your shirt was off in the blink of an eye, and a moment later, so was his - the chest to chest contact took your breath away as Dustin gently bit your swollen lips in between kisses.

Your little naughty hands also found the hem of his jeans shortly after, and he couldn’t help but return the favor: soon, you were both stripped down to your underwear. You weren’t wearing a bra, something that he noticed with a faint gasp and a racing heart.

Dustin’s fingers glided gently over your skin, soon reaching the delicate curve of your breasts. You could hear him whimpering discreetly as he touched them, carefully feeling their shape, their weight, the softness of your skin. As you two were almost fully bare by now, it all felt more intense, and Dusty wanted to slow down a little, just to make sure you were okay with everything. His hands wandered a bit more, circling your perky nipples before groping your mounds entirely.

Your mouth let out a faint moan, surprised by the groping, feeling more desirable as he seemed so eager to get to know your body. Dustin could barely breathe himself, touching you very delicately, as if any wrong movement could scare you off.

Your chest heaved, breaths slowly becoming more shallow, as you leaned into his touch, and his hands groped your breasts more hungrily - oh, how he wished he could see them now, and fully take in the sight of your beautiful body.

“Love” he called, voice raspy with desire. “Would just the lamplight still bother you? Like, just turning that specific light on, nothing else…”, you could hear him lick his lips nervously, “I-I really wish I could see your body a little more”

“I’m scared you won’t like it” you admitted, shy. You still wanted to see Dustin’s face, wanted to see his body, but were afraid of rejection. You weren’t perfect, and to you, Dustin deserved the most perfect girl in the world.

“I’m also scared you won’t like my body” he confessed, shoulders shrugged, insecure. “I’m nothing like the jocks from school, you know…”

“But you don’t need to be anything like them” you chuckled, embracing him lovingly. “I think you’re so, so beautiful.”

“I think you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen” even though you couldn’t see it, you could hear him smiling as he talked. “And I love you and I’m attracted to you despite any standards of anything. You’re the one, you’re my girlfriend. There’s no one else in the world that I’d rather share this moment with.”

“I love you, and I want this to be our special moment together as well” you tightened your grip on his sides. “Can we agree that just the lamplight would be okay? I wanted to see you too”

“Sure” he agreed, letting go of you for a second, just so he could find the lamp’s switch. “Let me just…”

As soon as the light came on, soft and warm, Dustin’s eyes lit up as they saw your body for the first time, glowing with the orange light of his lamp, only your panties preventing him from seeing you completely bare.

“You’re so beautiful” he exhaled, lustful. His lips were slightly parted as he approached you once again, hands carefully attaching to your sides, tracing your curves.

“Can I take you to bed?” he whispered, a bit embarrassed, fingers brushing a few locks of your hair out of your face, tucking them lovingly behind your ears.

“You can do pretty much anything you want from now onwards, Dusty” you chuckled softly, going for his lips again.

He embraced you warmly, the kiss now slower, but more malicious. Dustin’s hands held your waist tightly, making you moan into his mouth as he swept up off your feet and carefully put you on his bed, making sure your head would be comfortable on one of his pillows. He leaned over you, covering your body with his, supporting himself of his forearms.

If there’s anything Steve had taught him about having sex with a girl, it was that her pleasure always comes first; specially if she’s a virgin. Dustin’s mind lingered on that advice, remembering its exact words: “Tire her out, Henderson. When you put it in, that girl must be so wet there’s barely any resistance”

So that was his mission right now - get you as wet as he possibly could. His kisses left your lips, soon finding your neck and your chest. Dustin’s lips closed around one of your nipples, suckling it with care. The texture of your skin was driving him crazy - he wanted all of it, all of you. His hands were skimming and cupping your chest, feeling you up in a ravenous manner as his mouth licked, kissed and suckled anything it could.

“Fuck, you’re perfect” he cursed under his breath for a second, mouth soon reclaiming its place on your skin, kissing, biting, suckling.

It was so interesting how you couldn’t feel bad about your body when Dustin’s lips were all over it. The only thing you could think about was how lucky you were to be there, to be receiving his lust. You always felt beautiful in his arms.

His mouth came back up to meet yours, still eager and hungry. His dominant hand, however, traced your figure until it found the frail fabric of your panties, absolutely soaked at this point. Dustin quietly pulled air in between his teeth, letting go of your lips as he skilfully pulled your panties to the side, feeling your arousal coating the tips of his fingers immediately.

“Can I touch you, love?” His eyes found your face once again, looking for consent.

“Yes” you were able to respond, hips thrusting into his touch, legs shaky with lust. He grinned like a scientist who finally discovers the exact proportions of reagents needed to trigger a mixture to a boiling point. Dustin’s fingertips glided gracefully along your folds, circling your clit with the lightest touch possible - the experiment also required a very specific amount of pressure in order to work, and the only measure of success was how fucked out you looked in the end.

You moaned his name over and over, trying to say at least a cohesive sentence, but losing the thought as soon as it was formed. Your lips could only pronounce what you wanted the most: Dustin.

“Yeah? Does that feel good?” he cooed, voice dripping with lust.

“Amazing…” you managed to say as your thighs trembled, your mercurial high approaching hurriedly.

“Let go, love, let me take care of you” he bit your neck gently, his breath hot against your neck, tingling your skin with desire.

Your eyes rolled in pleasure, body squirming involuntarily, breath uneven, your climax feeling inescapable.

“Just like that, babygirl, let yourself cum for me, yeah?” His voice was faint with lust, lips curling in a naughty grin.

His entire hand was covered in your fluids at this point, your soaked core making splashy sounds with each swirl of his fingers.

Your moans increased, your body squirming and spasming with pleasure, Dustin’s grin growing by the second as your mouth opened on its own in a big “O” shape. No sound left your throat, but your breathing and your squeezed shut eyes were enough for him to realize what had happened - he had just made you cum for the first time.

You came down from your high after a minute, a bit surprised by how happy Dustin seemed as he watched you closely.

“Are you okay, love?” He asked, hands caressing your waist possessively.

“I feel great” you sighed, a silly smile stuck to your face. Your head felt so light and dizzy from the pleasure… It was definitely much different (and better) when someone else touched you. “How about you?”

“I need to taste you” he stated softly as he shook his head, tone sounding more urgent than he probably intended to. “Please, let me take this off” he pleaded, flustered, both hands on the sides of your ruined panties.

“Take them off, I’m yours” you moaned, surrendered.

Dustin’s hands were shaking slightly around your hips for a moment, peeling off your underwear until it was abandoned on the carpet.

You lied back on the bed, and it only took him a few seconds to find his way to your stomach. His lips glided along your belly, hands groping your waist firmly, holding you in place as you squirmed under his kisses and love bites.

As he got to your lower abdomen, just a little over your wet slit, he couldn’t help but notice you looked a bit worried, your eyebrows furrowing involuntarily.

“Can I taste you, baby?” he asked softly, his eyes glazing mesmerized all over your body. He thought you looked like a renaissance painting, but couldn’t see how to mention it at the moment. All he wanted was to feel you, make you feel good and safe.

“I… If you want to, I think you can” you stuttered, shy.

“I very much want to” his blue eyes darted between your face and your core, looking more lustful than ever. “Let me know if you’re not feeling good, ok? Just say it and I’ll stop”

You nodded your head and sighed, anticipating the feeling of his tongue on your slit. You had no idea what it felt like, but a memory flashed through your mind: Max and El laughing about how that was the best part of it, back in a sleepover a few weeks ago. Finally, you’d be able to have your own impression of it.

Dustin’s tongue hit your core wetly and softly, immediately sending a shiver down your spine and a moan to your lips. You could hear him chuckle faintly at your reaction, making your slit vibrate. He circled your clit unceremoniously, lapping up your arousal, relishing in its taste, in its presence (as it meant you were, you know, very into him), in its slick feeling, making his tongue slip between your soaked folds.

Just these sensations made you feel euphoric and moan his name again, but soon, you felt another climax rapidly building at the pit of your stomach. Dustin’s hands rested over your thighs, keeping them parted as his lips explored you so hungrily. His blue eyes shot up at yours, so confident in what he was doing. It was all too much for you to take.

Shakily reaching for his dominant hand, you grabbed two of his fingers and gestured at your slit - it wasn’t hard to read your mind.

His index and middle finger found their way to your entrance, moistening in your abundant arousal carefully before diving into your core. A louder moan escaped your lips, and from then on, it was pretty much impossible to keep quiet.

Dustin’s tongue kept working restlessly on your clit, and his fingers slowly curled inside your pussy, soon finding that sweet spot inside you. Your moans guided him to the perfect rhythm, his fingers filling you up so good… Your body didn’t need much more than that to come undone once again.

Your insides squeezed Dustin’s fingers as you came, a higher-pitched moan escaping your lips and tinting the air with lust. His eyes opened again, impressed by how strongly your muscles were clenching around him: he could only imagine what it would feel like once he put his length to your soaked core.

As he realised you had ridden out of your high, he withdrew his touch gently, still proudly watching your amazed expression.

“You taste so good, baby”, he sucked your arousal off his fingers, still unable to get that devilish grin off his face, his lips glazing with wetness, “I think you’re my favorite flavour of anything, now”

You laughed sweetly, pulling him up for another kiss. Dustin was making you feel so comfortable, so desired, so loved. You licked his bottom lip and chin in between kisses, playfully, getting him to chuckle as you tasted yourself on his skin.

“See, I told you you’re delicious” he held your chin up for a second before diving back into you.

You tried to laugh, but Dustin kissed it right off your lips - the sound that left your throat ended up being muffled by a moan. As you lifted up your body to switch positions, you couldn’t help but stop when you realised you were laid on a puddle of your own wetness.

Dustin’s lips parted in amazement once he noticed, sitting up on the bed to analyse it, lips soon pressing up against one another, withholding another grin. The stain on his bedsheets distracted him for a second, so you had time to plan the next step of your encounter.

Using a fallen pillow for comfort, you kneeled slowly in front of him, using body language to infer your intentions. He watched you, mesmerized, nodding almost imperceptibly.

You peeled his underwear off gently, all the way down, so he could step out of it. The sight of him was stunning, and even though you wanted to touch him right away, some reassurance was needed.

“I’ve never done this part” you licked your lips, a bit nervous as you looked up at him. “But I really want you to feel good, too. Can I do it?”

“Yeah, love” he sighed, trying to stabilize his breathing, “I… I’d love for you to do it, actually. This is something I think about sometimes”, he confessed, shy, wondering if you’d pick up on the fact that he thought about this when he touched himself, alone.

“Let me know if it doesn’t feel right at any moment, okay?” you stated, wanting him to feel safe.

Dustin was secretly glad there was at least one light on now, as that granted him the sight of you taking his length into your mouth. Your dominant hand took ahold of his erection carefully, and you wrapped your lips around his pinkish tip, getting acquainted with its texture and how it fit in your mouth. Your tongue glided along its glistening opening, tasting a drop of his fluid - and getting immediately hooked to the taste.

His lips opened involuntarily for a second, then closed slowly, preventing any moans from coming out, his face contorting with pleasure. His dominant hand went to your hair, preventing it from getting in the way. Dustin’s breath hitched again, his thighs trembling mildly as he tried to contain himself.

You took him further in your mouth, understanding how far you could go - his girth was a bit above average, and it’d graze the inside of your cheeks as you bobbed your head up and down his shaft.

You heard him whimper as your lips engulfed him more and more, up until he was straight up moaning, your name rolling off his tongue effortlessly, along with a few curse words.

Your dominant hand soon joined the mixture, and that was too much for him to bear.

“Baby, baby” he stopped you, hesitantly. Your big eyes looked up at him, concerned. “I-I always wanted to do this part, you know? But if I… Well, let myself go now, maybe I’ll be too nervous to… To go all the way”

“It’s ok, love” you nodded sweetly. “Should I get back on the bed?”

“Please” he helped you up chivalrously, making sure you were comfortable as you laid back on the bed. Dustin reached for the first drawer of his bedside table - where the ridiculous amount of condoms he was jokingly given by his friends rested untouched, up until now. He plucked one out of a long string of silver wrappers, gently opening it.

“Should I do it for you?” You broke the silence, sitting up using the kindest tone you could find in your throat.

“It, hum, it would help, love” he handed you the condom, and you noticed his hand was trembling lightly.

Quickly figuring out the correct side (so it wouldn’t be inside out), you rolled the condom onto his length gently, looking up at him to catch any anxiety.

“Hey, I love you” you got up, embracing him and pulling his face down for a sweet kiss. “I’m really happy to be here, really happy it’s you”

“Me too, baby. I love you, I love you so much” he smiled in between kisses. “But I also think you’re the hottest girl ever”

You chuckled as Dustin pushed you back on the bed, making you lie down one last time.

He held his length in his dominant hand after getting on top of you, aligning it with your soaked core.

“Wow” he whispered, mostly to himself, “That’s very tight”, trying to keep his eyes from rolling back into his head, blinking a few times, as his pinkish tip started disappearing between your folds. Dustin had thought it would be harder than this, but still felt your hymen resisting him. He tried to push through it as gently as he could, and soon, his length had been entirely engulfed by your slit.

“How’s this, baby?” He checked in on you, hand caressing your cheek softly as he spoke, eyes on yours. “Any pain? Anything weird?”

You shook your head. It didn’t hurt, you just felt a bit… Stretched. That “filling” sensation was new, but pleasant.

“Are you sure? Can I move?” He asked again, looking for reassurance. Knowing him, you knew he wanted a verbal response.

“Please” you breathed, nodding. You wanted to ask for more, but your shyness was still getting in the way.

You could feel Dustin thrusting his hips into your core gently, still darting his eyes back and forth between your face and your body, trying to gauge each micro expression of your face.

You seemed relaxed, your lips slightly parted, looking up at him in awe, breathing slow. No sign of pain, from what he could tell; so, he kept going. Your face looked so beautiful and fucked out beneath him, though: he couldn’t leave your lips alone.

Dustin leaned in for a kiss as his length entered you once again, his thrusts slow and steady, his tongue soon meeting yours delightedly. You couldn’t help but notice how intimate it all felt.

In the beginning, his kiss was slow, but playful, full of lip bites and tongue suckling. As minutes passed, however, it grew really intense and passionate - you two were lost in each other, enraptured by the haze of your love.

“Baby” he called, barely breaking the kiss to speak, forehead glued to yours. Your eyes met his right away, your mouth moaning in response. “You feel so good… I, I just… Can I cum?”

“Of course you can, love” you nodded, cupping his face, a tired smile across your lips for a second. “I want you to savour this as much as I did”

Dustin’s lips touched yours once again, tongue sweetly entangling with yours one last time. Then, he picked up the pace.

You gasped a little loudly, feeling a completely new jolt of pleasure. Dustin moaned above you, thrusting in a much faster cadence - wild, even. You could feel him slowing down to check on you, but before any sound could leave his lips, you intervened.

“Keep going, keep going” you demanded, voice sounding desperate and lustful.

He picked up the pace even more than before, a few curls starting to stick to his damp forehead, his eyebrows furrowing in pleasure, his breathing faintly audible.

A third orgasm ripped through your body, your mouth releasing the lewdest moans Dustin had ever heard, your tight core squeezing his length deliciously, and he couldn’t hold it in anymore: he simply had to cum for you. He let out a loud, satisfied moan, his cock twitching inside you, letting every drop of his lust flow into you.

As he recovered from such an intense sensation, his gaze met yours in pure awe - followed by a sweet laugh. He dropped his weight on you for a second, teeth grazing your neck as he smiled so hard his face hurt, before lying on his side, next to you.

“Now that’s going down to the history books, mr. Henderson” you laughed, delicately pushing his damp curls off his face.

“Was it that good?” He asked, laughing with you. “C’mon, I can totally do better than that tomorrow… Or the day after that… Or, you know, on Christmas”

“We have the rest of our lives to do it in each and every way possible” you reassured him, happy, before getting up slowly, your legs still shaky from the orgasm. “Now, how about a shower?”

You were mumbling to yourself like a madman, plopping down in a quiet corner. There was no way you were going to the ticket counter now; the angry mob of people had grown tenfold in just the few minutes it took you to walk over here. 

“Us frugal spenders got the short end of the stick, huh?” A voice spoke, making you spin your body in the hard plastic airport chair. 

“Fuck.” You laughed, holding your chest. “Oh my god, sorry I didn’t know you were over here.” A man with headphones wrapped around his neck was sitting on the floor, charging his phone. Barricading himself in his own corner, a similar idea to the one you had. His hair was organized chaos, his smile wide. 

“No, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to startle you.” His eyes went soft; they were brown. A warm honey brown you could imagine yourself drowning in. 

He was attractive, that much was obvious. If it wasn’t his face, it was how he held himself, even as he was tucked into the wall. Hoodie sleeves covering his hands to keep warm.

You spun in the chair, pulling your knees up to your chest. “I’m sure you didn’t expect a crazy woman to come over here and begin speaking to herself like she’s lost her mind.” 

He smiled, a true with-teeth grin. “Worst things have happened than a pretty lady having a moment of insanity. Besides, I think if you can lose your mind anywhere where it's socially acceptable, it’s the airport.” 

You hummed in agreement. Ignoring the way your cheeks flushed at his compliment. “Are you also going to Chicago?” 

“Guilty. My best friend just moved there, I’m thinking of joining, but I wanted to visit a few more times.” He smiled. 

“Funny. I just signed a lease there. My work is moving me.” You smiled, his eyes lighting up. “My sister’s waiting for me in my new place.”

“God, well, now I have to move, huh?” He grinned; all you could do was laugh. 

“It’d be nice to have a friend in the city…” You trailed off. 

He moved his bag, shuffling towards you with his hand outstretched. “Steve. Steve Harrington.” 

“Y/n, Y/n Y/l/n.” You said, shaking his hand clumsily. He pulled away first, sitting there awkwardly for a moment before another announcement came on, announcing more cancelled flights. 

“Well, Y/n, I think you deserve a $20 coffee that tastes like dirt water and an overpriced sandwich that tastes like hospital food.” 

“Wow, Steve, you treat all your ladies like this?” You teased, standing up to join him. 

“All my ladies I befriend in airports for 24 hours? Absolutely.” 

“Hmm, and how long is that list?” He stood next to you, ready to take your bags from your hands immediately. The chivalry oozes out of his pores. 

“Right now? Pretty short,” He smiled, “Let’s say we claim this corner, huh? Unless you had accommodations for tonight.” 

It was an invitation to stay, one you’d be ashamed to admit you didn’t even think through before you were nodding. This fairytale book of a man showed up in his oversized hoodie, carrying your bags, and talking sweetly to you. You could see the looks of disappointment on your friend's faces now if you told them you just walked away, getting a hotel for the night as a normal person would. 

“Consider this corner conquered.” You said, a smile lighting his features. His eyes crinkled as he moved your bags next to his. 

“So I’m thinking, coffee first, then food. Then we attempt to occupy ourselves and somehow get sleep in this disaster.” 

“While also trying not to get trampled by the Home Alone family over there.” You added, watching a family of at least 12, all running through the terminals at full speed. 

He nodded, “Dying would be bad. This first date would be off to a bad start.” He said absentmindedly, the two of you walking side by side. 

“Date, huh?” You smirked, side-eyeing the man. He froze, his hands moving wildly before he began speaking. 

“Wait, ha. I didn’t mean, like I was joking. But also kinda not?” He babbled, running his hand through his hair wildly. “I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable or anything. We did literally just meet. I promise I’m not like a creep or anything-” 

“You’re cute when you’re nervous.” You smiled, watching him continue. 

“And I swear I just said it. I don’t think sometimes, I should have asked, but-” He slowly caught up, “Wait, you think I’m cute?” 

You nodded, a shy smile on your lips. “Very. And for the record, we may never see each other again. So you better make this a very memorable date.” 

He brought his hand up in a salute, “Yes, ma'am.” 

Once the date was solidified, you both ordered your food. When you reached into your purse, Steve ignored you, handing over his card to the barista without a second glance. Your cheeks were red, your chest giddy with excitement. You felt like a middle schooler again, complete with the clammy hands and awkward gait. 

“How is it?” He asked when you took a drink, your eye twitching. 

“Tastes like they ground the beans with a rusty hammer and brewed it with mop water.” You cringed, “So exactly how I expected it to taste.” 

“Oh, that’s my favorite kind!” He gasped, taking a drink of his own. Swallowing it down harshly, “Oh god, that’s like horrible.”

The two of you ate your overpriced, horrible food with small talk. The silence wasn’t as awkward as you thought it would be. You learned that his best friend Robin had just gotten a segment on NPR, and his brother, for all intents and purposes, Dustin, was interning at the Field Science Museum during his undergrad. 

“It’s almost like the universe really wants you in Chicago.” You teased.

His face went soft, nodding silently at you. “I think it’s sending me some pretty strong signs.” 

You told him about your very boring corporate job in Healthcare; it was the first job that gave you an offer after graduation, so you took it. You had some family not too far away, so it seemed like the best plan. He said that he dropped out of school, you saved the pity, and just shrugged. 

“Things happen,” You reassured him. “What were you studying?” 

“Criminal justice and prelaw.” He admitted with a heavy breath. “Wasn’t sure if that’s what I wanted to do or if I was just doing it to make my Dad proud of me.”

You stayed quiet for a moment before speaking. “Well, what do you wanna do?” 

“Is it embarrassing to admit that I don’t know?” He spoke with an earnest look in his eyes. He propped his elbows up on the table, setting his face in his hands to look at you. “Sometimes I feel like a loser. 26 years old and all I have to show for it are some college credits and a resume of job hopping.” 

You shook your head, “I don’t think that’s embarrassing at all. Everyone moves at their own pace. I appreciate that you haven’t forced yourself to do anything you didn’t enjoy. I did. I earned a degree I don’t care about and a job I know I’m going to hate. Simply because it felt like it was the right thing to do.” 

“What did you wanna do?” He asked, flipping it back onto you. You let out a hefty sigh. 

“Oh man, I wanted to be a journalist. Wanted to travel the world and write about it. Meet new people, learn new things. Maybe write a book or two.” You smiled, a hint of sadness in your eyes. “But journalism doesn’t pay the bills if you don’t have a foot in the door.” 

“You know, my ex-girlfriend, well, really she’s just a friend now, is a Journalist. Moved to New York and everything. She just had her first baby.” He hummed, lost in thought, “Serious if you ever wanted to pursue that, I could give her a call.” 

You blushed, shaking your head. “No, that’s too much to ask. Besides, I don’t even know if I’m good at it, really. It was always just a faraway dream I had.” 

“Well, listen, the option is always there. Nancy would love to show you the ropes.” He smiled, his feet brushing against yours under the table. It was crazy the connection that spiraled between you two; the conversation never dried up. The next thing you knew, it had been well over an hour, and the airport was slowly clearing out as some flights went on and people found their accommodations for the night. 

“Do you think it’s time we venture back to our humble abode?” He asked, scooting out from his chair. 

“Lead the way.” You smiled, accepting his outstretched hand. His hand was so much larger than yours, your smaller one falling into his palm perfectly. You tried to stop the large smile creeping up on your face, feeling like a kid with a schoolgirl crush. It was ridiculous. 

His body stopped abruptly, your body nearly running into his. “Pit stop.” That was all he said before he dragged you into a random convenience store. 

“What?” You giggled, watching as he grabbed a tiny basket. Shoving it into your hands. 

“We’re gonna need snacks, drinks. This is also the perfect opportunity to judge your taste.” He smirked. Making you gasp. 

“My taste is fine, thank you.” You jutted your lip out, beginning to stalk down the aisles. Throwing various chips and candies into the basket. 

“Sour candies. Good choice.” He hummed, throwing in a package of cookies. 

“Chocolate chip cookies? What are you, 12?” You teased, grabbing a couple of water bottles. 

“You wound me, Y/n.” He pouted, continuing to go through and judge every single thing you looked at too hard. The lady behind the counter glared at you two, but you ignored her. Lost in your own bubble of giggles and endless flirting. It was just as toothrottingly sweet as the pile of sugary drinks and snacks in the basket. 

“Is this everything?” She asked in a monotone voice, which unfortunately just made you and Steve fall into another fit of giggles. 

You tried to pay, only once again getting pushed away by Steve’s outstretched hand, tapping his card to the machine. 

“You didn’t have to,” You frowned, “I mean, I think all of this was more than you saved on the flight.” 

He shrugged, uncaring. “This is still a date. It’s very rude to let a lady pay.” 

By the time you made it back to your corner, a few others were occupying the gate with you all. Most of them lay around, attempting to get some rest. It was hard to fathom sleeping while the sun was still setting; mostly, you were too wound up at the prospect of hanging out with Steve to even think about sleeping. 

“So I’m thinking, makeshift fort. Movie?” He hummed, pulling out a travel pillow and a jacket from his bag. You did the same, making your own little cushioned seat. You slipped your laptop from your bag, connecting it to the wifi while Steve arranged the snacks. 

Content on scrolling through the movies you hummed, the two of you trading off what you’ve seen before and what movies you’d never watch, when scrolling Before Sunrise caught your eye. You laughed a little amongst yourself. 

“This date is sort of like the movie Before Sunrise,” You noted, propping your laptop up on the makeshift table. Which was just your suitcase on its side. “We're just stuck in an airport and not in Vienna.”

“Vienna would be so nice,” Steve mumbled through a mouthful of Red Vines, which you absolutely bullied him for. He tried to hide them underneath the pile of snacks, but it was no use. He was adamant about enjoying the cherry-tasting rubber wire. “Have you ever been out of the country?” 

You shook your head, “Never had the money. You?” 

“Nope. We should go.” He said as if it were the casualist thing in the world. 

“What? Do you wanna hop on a flight right now? Abandon our lives and go jet set in a European country?” 

“I don’t think we’re in that kind of cheesy rom com,” He snorted, “But I think you’d be a great travel companion. I mean, you can be pretty judgmental about my favorite candy, but besides that, you’re pretty cool.” 

“Pretty cool.” You mocked, his shoulder brushing against yours. 

“What? You are.” He laughed, adjusting himself closer towards you. You were both so close to each other, thighs pressing against each other. Your shoulders brushed with each movement you made. Once your laptop was ready, you leaned back, taking the risk of leaning against his side. Giving him a moment to pull away if he wanted, and he didn’t. If anything, he leaned further into you, his hands untangling his headphones. 

“Let me guess, time to judge my taste in movies?” You asked, taking the earbud he handed to you. 

The two of you share the wired pair, your heads now close together. He smelled like fresh laundry and cedar. His body warm against yours, you wanted nothing more than to lay your head on his chest.  

“See, you’re learning.” He smiled. “What about that Sunrise movie you talked about. I’ve never seen it.” 

You gasped, immediately pulling it up. “What a disgrace. I’m gonna have to show you true cinema.” 

“I don’t watch a lot of romantic movies, mostly action movies. I did watch a lot of movies in high school, Robin and I worked at Family Video.” 

“Family Video? Jesus, they’re still in business?” 

“Oh, absolutely not, went bankrupt a few months into us working there. Robin was convinced it was our fault. But of course it wasn’t, it was one of the last ones opened since the 80s, I think.” He hummed the subtle music of the movie’s introduction, traveling through the headphones. 

“You’re not a movie talker, are you?” You asked, turning to look at him. Which was a mistake, his face was so close to yours. His eyes are even dreamier up close. You could smell the red vines on his breath. 

The freckles on his cheeks that you never noticed before were now all you could focus on. 

“I could lie and say no, but I’ve been told it’s one of my only flaws.” He spoke softly, trying his hardest not to watch the way your lips curved with every word you spoke. He knew you were beautiful from the moment he first saw you, but now he was blown away. Your eyes staring into his made his chest ache, a warmness blooming there. 

“Well, I guess someone as perfect as you did need some.” You whispered, nearly jumping when the movie officially started, taking it as your cue to turn back to the screen. 

It was obvious the two of you were dancing around each other; you were slowly leaning into his shoulder at a snail's pace. And you caught Steve mustering up the courage to raise his arm, welcoming you into his chest. He’d stop himself each time, his teeth coming down to bite at his lip in frustration. He was nervous, and it was the most adorable thing you had ever seen. 

“What if he were a murderer?” Steve spoke up, eyes glued to the screen. “She was too trusting of him, I think.” 

You laughed at the irony, “Are you a murderer? I mean, look at us. We’re on a date now, aren’t we?” 

“Yeah, but that’s different. We’re in one location, arguably a heavily armed and secured place. They’re in a foreign country just running around with each other.” 

“I think it’s romantic,” You hummed, “To forge a connection with someone so quickly. To chase that feeling, not even thinking about the consequences.”

It was silent for a moment, Steve’s eyes boring into the side of your face. “I think I would have asked you to join me in Vienna.” 

“I think I would have joined you.” You said almost immediately, his arm finally moving up. Resting around your shoulders, giving you the chance to lay your head on his chest. He leaned back, giving you the perfect angle to rest against him. You could feel his heart thumping wildly under your head, matching the beat of your own. 

“See, I knew he was lying about something.” He whispered, his breath fanning hot against your neck. Making your skin prickle all over. You took his little comments in stride, what would normally be annoying for you, you suddenly found endearing. Enjoying his little bits of commentary. 

You sat up a little when the credits rolled, ready to get his reaction. 

“I hated that ending.” He spoke, face contorted deep in thought. 

A laugh bubbled out of your chest, “What? Hate is a strong word.” 

“For two people to have a connection that strong, that fast. It’s ridiculous to let that go right?” He scoffed, “I mean it’s f-fate, right? Something like that has to be. She could’ve given him a phone number. Something.”  

“This movie really changed your perspective, huh?” You smiled, recalling how hesitant he was in the beginning. 

“Something like that.” He looked at you, really looked at you. In a way, you weren’t sure you’d ever been looked at before. Like he really saw you, for who you were. Like he wanted to know you, to peel back every layer and memorise you. Like he was bottling this memory up to watch on rewind later.

He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. You kept your eyes on him, realizing just then that you were hanging on his every word. The thought was terrifying in its clarity. You were falling in love with a stranger, someone who had only existed in your life for a single, fragile stretch of time.

“I feel like we could have a better ending than that.” He decided on, smiling down at you. 

You made a noise of agreement, lifting your head off his chest. Already missing the warmth he provided. 

“What’s our ending look like to you?” You asked. He looked down at you, your lips barely inches apart. His warm breath hits yours, anticipation brewing in your stomach. 

“There is no ending,” He spoke softly, “Not to sound like a sap, but love doesn’t end. It goes on forever.”

“Hmm. You do sound like a sap.” 

“Do you not believe?” He asked, “In love, I mean.” 

“No, I do.” You smiled, both of your lips gravitating towards each other. “I just didn’t know you were such a romantic.” 

“Have I not been romancing you?” He teased, his hand coming up to rest gently on your hip. A respectable placement, one to keep close. To steady himself. 

You shook your head, “Consider me romanced.” 

“Can I kiss you?” He asked, his brown eyes darkened. All you could do was nod, meeting him halfway. When your lips met halfway, the rest of the world faded out of view. Gone was the noisy airport traffic; all you could feel was him. His soft lips are moving eagerly against yours.

Sparks flew beneath your skin, your hands coming up to rest on his chest. You were both lost in the kiss. In the feeling of each other, his hand pulled you closer. Your body was nearly toppling on top of his before you both stopped. 

It was as if, simultaneously, you both remembered where you were, breaking out of your own orbit. 

Your surroundings came crashing back down. His face was flushed, lips glossy from your own. You were winded, staring at him with a wild look in your eyes. 

“You’re beautiful.” He gave you one last peck on the lips before letting you pull yourself up. Sitting back upright. 

“You’re beautiful.” You returned because he was. Every inch of his face looked as though he had been hand-carved by the gods themselves. 

He made a pathetic noise, covering it up with a loud cough. Only making you laugh. “No one’s ever called me that before.” 

“Then I need to find all of your ex-girlfriends and give them a piece of my mind,” You hummed, letting your hand cup his cheek. Your thumb rubbing small circles into the skin. “Because you are the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. I mean it.” 

“You sweet-talking me for more kisses, huh?” He asked, leaning forward. 

“I don’t think I have to.” You teased, pressing your lips together once again. He felt like a drug; the moment you got a taste, you weren’t sure how you were supposed to let it go. You were addicted, drowning in him. 

This one was different, more intense. His mouth explored yours, your mouth parting for him with little to no effort. Letting his tongue pry out pathetic whimpers from your mouth. Hands gripping each other messily, your hands in his hair. His hands on your face, your hips. He pulled away, pressing wet kisses down your neck. Sucking gently on the flesh between your ear and neck. 

“We might get kicked out of this airport if we keep going.” He whispered, your lips parted in a broken gasp. “As much as I’d like to continue, I don’t intend on being on a do-not-fly list.” 

You gave him a breathy laugh, slapping his chest playfully. “Maybe we should have gotten a hotel.” 

The words made him pause, his brows dipping slightly while you readjusted in your spot. 

“I want you to know that I didn’t ask you on this impromptu date just for that.” He started, “I really like you. I just wanted to get to know you; it wasn’t some grand scheme to get laid.” 

“I know,” You smiled, “I do think it would be a bonus though.” 

“Well, yeah, obviously.” He scoffed, grabbing your hand in his. “I just didn’t want you to think I was using you.” 

“I didn’t think that, Steve.” You assured him, lacing your fingers through his. Bringing it up to press a small kiss to his palm. “You know I’m not using you either, right? I do really like you. Probably more than I should for having just met you.” 

“I mean, it would be an honor for you to use me,” He smirked, “But I feel the same way. Like, I’ll wake up, and this was all some weird dream. These kinds of things don’t happen to me. Only in movies.” 

He nodded his head to the now darkened laptop screen. 

“I find that hard to believe. I bet you sweep all the ladies off their feet.” You laughed, trying not to think about just how many. You had no right to be upset, but your chest ached at the thought of him doing this same thing to other women. 

He just shook his head, “I’m actually terrible with women for the most part. Between my last few girlfriends, I’ve just been awful at it.” 

“I don’t see how.” You admitted, “I mean, look at us. We’ve already had at least three dates in one. We’ve spent five or more hours together. We just had our first kiss. We’ll be married by midnight at this rate.” 

“I don’t know. Just seems like I’m never good enough, you know? I mean, both my ex-girlfriends married the person they left me for. Just kinda seems like I’m bad luck, you know?” 

Your heart ached for him, squeezing his hand tighter from where it sat in yours. “Well, I disagree. I also think they’re fools for not realizing what was right in front of them when they had it.”

“I just think we won’t be together long enough for you to realize it, or you’d be running for the hills.” He tried to laugh it off, but you could hear the ache in his voice. 

“How presumptuous of you,” You settled on, “You deserve love. Anyone who can’t handle you just wasn’t worthy of you. That has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.” 

“Maybe my parents messed me up more than I’d admit.” He sighed, “They were super absent. Not in love, I don’t think they ever were. I was just a byproduct of a young mistake. So by the time I got my first girlfriend, I just kept screwing it up. Typical young cliche mommy and daddy issues.” 

“I mean, I don’t disagree.” You smiled, “But give yourself a break. The whole time I’ve known you, albeit not very long, you’ve been way too hard on yourself. Any girl would be lucky to love you, to be loved by you.”

Your words felt heavy on his chest. “And you. How are you not already taken? I would’ve thought someone would’ve been wise enough to put a ring on your finger already.” 

You laughed, a real one. Ugly and nasally. “Oh my god, no.”

“Oh, so commitment issues then?” He cocked an eyebrow at you. 

“Maybe, I dunno.” You laughed, “Just haven’t found anyone I click with long term. I don’t know if you knew this, but most men suck. Like astronomically bad. You’re like the first man in years that’s blindly paid for a first date. Last date I had he sent me a Venmo request while I was still in the parking lot.” 

“Want me to kill that guy for you?” He deadpanned, making you laugh even harder. He would be fine if that was the last thing he ever heard in this world. 

“By all means, my night and shining armour.” 

“You deserve more than just a free meal. You deserve,” He sighed, “Romance. Like true romance. Candlelit dinners, roses, the whole red carpet.” 

“Oh, so you don’t take your dates to the airport and spend hundreds of dollars on shitty snacks with them?” 

“Not typically, no, you’re just extra special.” He grinned. 

“Thank god for that.” You smiled, leaning into his space once again. Letting your faces hover over each other. Both of you just drinking each other in. “But just so you know, I don’t need all that fancy stuff. All I need is good company. And I think I got the best.” 

“Yeah?” His eyes lit up, flickering between your eyes and lips. 

“Yeah.” You breathed out, pressing another lingering kiss to his lips. This one is heavier, full of words unsaid. Full of the tension that had been coiled tightly between you two. 

“Well,” He let out a breath, “Enough of that. What’s next on our movie list?” 

“Let’s watch a Christmas movie and then dinner? Options are slim, but I can wine and dine you later.” You winked at him, finally getting the smile back on his face. “And you’re letting me pay.” 

“Yeah, sure.” He said, very uncovningly. “But a Christmas movie? Not feeling very in the spirit?” 

“I’m missing all my Christmas Eve festivities. The least you can do is entertain me with some Christmas joy.” You laughed, watching him pull your laptop into his lap. 

“I got it,” He snapped his fingers after some scrolling. “Die hard.” 

You stared at him, eyebrows furrowed. “I said a Christmas movie.” 

“I can’t believe you don’t consider Die Hard a Christmas movie.” He scoffed, your shoulders brushing against each other, purposeful now. Leaning into each other for warmth. No hesitation in your actions. Your bodies now clinging to each other, physically mourning each moment you were apart.

“I can acknowledge it takes place during Christmas,” You argued, “But it’s just an action movie that so happens to be around the Holidays.” 

“Didn’t know you were such a bah humbug.” He joked, pressing play anyway. “After this, you’re gonna change your mind. I promise.” 

You both weren’t a few minutes into the movie before a shrill scream ripped your eyes away from the screen. Looking for the source of the noise. It was a few rows away, an elderly lady, barely holding her husband up as he clasped his hand over his chest. Falling to the floor as each second passed. 

Neither you nor Steve wasted a second; both of you yanking the shared earbuds out of your ears, rushing over to the couple. Steve was on his knees, fingers pressing against the man's neck to check for a pulse. 

“No pulse.” He said, his eyes wide. Your healthcare training kicked in, ready to drop to your knees and give CPR before you realized Steve had already started. His hands were perfectly positioned, giving chest compressions. 

“Oh my god.” The wife wailed, almost dropping to her knees. You steadied her, pulling her into your arms. 

“M’am don’t worry, EMS is coming, okay.” You spoke, watching people gather around. Airport employees have already made the call. 

“What’s his name?” You asked her, keeping her eyes on you. 

“Adam.” She cried out, clutching onto your sweater. 

“Come on, Adam,” Steve grunted, his hair falling onto his forehead.

You sat the wife down in a nearby chair, “It’s gonna be okay, EMS is on the way.” You assured her, a small crowd was gathering. You could see airport staff running over, calling in the incident. 

“Steve.” You spoke, and he looked up at you. His arms not stopping compressions. “They’re on their way.” 

All he could do was nod while you let his wife sob into your shoulder. When EMS came over, it was a blur, a short switch of Steve hopping off the man, and the paramedic taking over. 

His wife, Cindy, you learned, wouldn’t leave your side. You walked with her to the ambulance when they got him on the gurney. You even helped her shaky hands to call her son, helping explain what happened when she couldn’t calm down. You gave her son your number, telling him to call if they needed anything tonight. He thanked you endlessly. When Cindy was taken to the Hospital, following the ambulance, you got the chance to take a breath. 

The cool night air prickles your sweaty skin. Steve was the same, having shed his hoodie after the paramedics came. The two of you worked seamlessly beside each other, not able to talk until now. 

“So that was crazy.” He breathed out, a dry laugh escaping his throat. “Like holy shit.” 

“Dude.” You sighed, rubbing your face. “I’m like shaking.” 

“You okay?” He asked, wrapping his hands around your waist. You nodded, “Adrenaline, I think.” Your hands were draped around his neck.

“Hell of a drug.” His body was shaking much like yours was, your bodies pressed against each other. 

“How do you know CPR?” You asked. “I was a medical assistant in undergrad. Most people rarely do CPR correctly.” 

“Lifeguard for four years, and swim team.” He smirked. 

“Oh, of course,” You shook your head, “Bet you were prom king too.” 

His silence was all you needed for an answer, smirking at his bashful face. “Yeah, you little heartbreaker.”

You took a minute to admire him in his short sleeves, his muscles flexing from where they were wrapped around you. “Swim team. No wonder you’re jacked.” 

“M’ not jacked.” He huffed, “I barely work out anymore.” 

“See. You need to let people compliment you. You’re so hard on yourself.” You huffed alongside him, making him roll his eyes. “I’m thinking about your biceps wrapped around my neck, and you’re here huffing and puffing that you’re not a bodybuilder.” 

His eyes widened, “I’m sorry, what?” 

“Hmmm?” 

“That thing you just said. Bout my biceps?” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“Yeah, sure you don’t.” His mouth went dry, his eyes stuck on your faux innocent smile. You looked up at him from your lashes. Your hands are messing with the hair on the back of his neck. 

“I’m just saying. You’re hot. S’also not the best time to admit you looked really hot saving that guy's life.” 

He could feel his body reacting before he could process it, the bulge in his sweatpants twitching against your thighs. 

“S’just the adrenaline. I’m sorry.” He mumbled shyly, all confidence out the window. 

You simply smiled, refusing to let him pull away. Holding him close to you outside the airport emergency exit. 

“I’m about to suggest something insane, and you’re free to say no. I don’t want you to feel weird about it.” You spoke before your mind could stop you. Your fingers toying nervously with his hair.

“What?” He asked, peering at you.

“In the international departures terminal, there’s a family bathroom. Passed it on my way in. It’s in the back corner, and international flights have been halted. And it’s nearly midnight…”

You let the words linger in the air, bracing yourself for his reaction. It took him a minute before he spoke, his face contorted in thought. 

“O-oh. You’re suggesting…” he trailed off. 

Fear took over you, your body going still. “God, I’m sorry. I never should have said anything.” 

“I didn’t say that.” He cut you off, “It’s not something you’d regret, right?” His eyes were soft, kind. Making sure you didn’t feel pressured. You shook your head, biting down on your bottom lip. 

“Not at all. I really, really want to.” You admitted, letting it sit in the air between you. 

He pulled you close, gnashing your lips together messily. Only long enough for you to part your mouth before he let you go, “Meet you there in 10?” 

“Y-yeah.” You stuttered, watching him turn around. Holding your hand until you made it back inside. He went to check on your bags, and you headed straight to the bathroom. You crossed your fingers, silently celebrating that the end of the hall was dead.

The bathroom was huge, with a toilet and a sink, two plush chairs, and a changing table counter in the corner. 

A knock on the door took you out of your thoughts, making you jump. You cracked it open to reveal Steve, who slid in easily. You felt like a teenager, all giddy to be breaking the rules. Steve Harrington made your heart race in a way you didn’t know it could. 

“Do you think it’s ethical to fuck on a changing counter?” You giggled, pointing to the counter on the back wall. It seemed to be the perfect height. 

Steve shrugged, reaching down to pick you up in his arms. You wrapped your legs around his waist on instinct, his lips attaching themselves to your neck. 

“Don’t care.” He grumbled, walking you backwards onto said counter. Setting you down gently, he stood between your legs. Your clothed hips brushing against each other. 

“I mean, it’s perfect.” You moaned, hands gripping the collar of his shirt while he sucked a noticeable bruise into the side of your neck. He felt like a teenager in heat, having the primal urge to mark you up. To mark you as his. 

“I didn’t know you were so obsessed with counter heights.” He teased, his hand crawling underneath your sweater. Cupping your tits through your bra. 

“M’not.” You sighed, “I think I’m just obsessed with you.” 

Your words only made his cock throb harder, helping you pull your shirt off. You leaned forward, letting him unclasp your bra, your hardened nipples perky in the chill air. 

“Fuck.” He groaned, both of his hands coming up to cup your chest. Thumbs immediately tweak the buds, causing your eyes to flutter shut. “You’re so sexy.” 

“Shirt off.” You grumbled, pulling his own shirt off his head. You were face-to-face with his toned, hairy chest, basically salivating at the sight. You ran your hand through it, trailing down his abs all the way to his happy trail. Letting your fingers slip into his waistband. 

Not before he could stop you, “Going too fast. Let me make you feel good.” He cooed. 

“Do we have time?” You asked, helping him slip your leggings down. 

He scoffed, “I’m sure. Unless we’re really unlucky, but you’re at least gonna cum before we leave this room.” 

“You’re unreal.” You giggled, letting him pepper kisses on your chest. He takes each swollen bud into his mouth before releasing it with a pop. “Fucking perfect tits.” 

“Oh, you have a dirty mouth.” You moaned, the heat between your legs becoming unbearable as he made his way down your torso. Leaving wet kisses and small bites on your flesh. 

“Oh yeah,” He groaned, “M’gonna show you just how dirty this mouth can get.” 

His fingers pulled your underwear down easily, falling to join your leggings on the floor.

“Been wanting to do this since you walked over, talking to yourself like a madwoman.” He groaned, his knees hitting the tile. 

“You’re insane.” You sighed, watching him. 

“No, we’re insane.” He grinned up at you, his face diving in between your legs. If he wasn’t holding your legs open, you were sure to slide off. The moment his warm tongue flattened itself over your clit you were convinced you had died and gone to heaven. His tongue swirled around your clit expertly, sucking and eating you out like a man starved. 

“Holy fucking shit.” You moaned, covering your mouth with your hand. If you had told yourself just a few hours ago you’d be getting eaten out by the hottest man you’ve ever seen in the airport bathroom, you wouldn’t have believed it. 

Now you were writhing out broken moans of his name, ready to cum all over his face. “Steve..” You breathed out, your hand combing through his perfect hair. Tugging at the roots. This only spurred him on, his nose nudging your clit with each thrust of his tongue. “You like that, huh? Dirty boy.” You sighed, only to be caught off guard by your orgasm approaching, “I’m gonna-” 

He never even came up for air, content to let you smother him while you came. Your legs were shaking as he licks you through it, only stopping when you beg. Pulling his head up to you by his hair. Gnashing your lips together. The taste of your release on his tongue had you moaning, hands fumbling to pull his pants down. 

Neither of you could wait any longer; the bulge in his boxers definitely couldn’t. You heard a slap when he pulled his boxers down, his cock slapping against that happy trail you’d definitely dream about. 

“Holy fuck.” 

“Oh fuck, I don’t have a condom.” He panicked, assuming that's what you were freaked out about. 

“I don’t care. I have an implant. Where have you been hiding that?” You pointed to his cock, which sat heavy between his legs. His tip was red and leaking with precum. If circumstances were different, you'd beg to wrap your mouth around him, feel him hot and heavy in your mouth. 

“Oh.” He blushed, wrapping a hand around his thick length. “Like what you see?” 

His confidence was coming back each moment you stared at him, your legs wrapping around his hips. “As much as I’d love to wrap my bicep around your neck and fuck the shit out of you,” He hummed, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “I’d much rather watch your gorgeous face when you cum around my cock.” 

His words made you dizzy, melting into his touch. “Next time.” You mumbled, he nodded. Neither of you even registered whether there was going to be a next time. Too focused on the task at hand. 

“Need it inside of me, now.” You begged, watching him line himself up. Smacking himself on your swollen clit a few times, before pushing his tip inside your entrance. The stretch made you coo, grabbing his shoulders. 

“G-god, you’re so tight.” He whimpered, slowly pushing himself in. Inch by inch. 

“You’re just fucking huge.” You gasped, biting into his freckled shoulder. “Feel s’good.” 

Your eyes rolled into the back of your head by the time his hips met yours, his cock piercing your womb. He gave you a second to adjust before he rolled his hips, dragging his cock out slowly before pushing back in. Taking your breath away each time. Not only could he eat pussy the way he did, but he fucked like a god. You were almost annoyed with how perfect he was if he wasn’t currently making your toes curl. 

“Can’t believe how good y’pussy feels.” He slurred, switching between kissing you hungrily and panting filthy words into your neck. His hips pounding into you loudly, skin slapping against skin, echoed throughout the room.

He was all over you, all you could taste, see, smell was him. And you wouldn’t have it any other way. It was fast, hot, and even messy. At one point, he leaned down, biting harshly at your bouncing tits. Making you squeal. 

“Steve.. Fuck.” You let out a guttural moan, no longer worried about being heard. You couldn’t be worried about anything other than the way his cock felt inside you. 

“You gonna cum?” He asked, steadying his feet. He bent your legs, spreading them open wide. Giving him the perfect view of your blissed out face, and his cock pistoning in and out of your cunt. 

“Keep fucking me like that.” You begged, falling back into the wall as both of his hands held your legs. 

“Wouldn’t dream of stopping.” He winked, making you laugh before it turned into a choked moan. 

“Close.” You spoke through gritted teeth, watching him lean down, spitting onto your cunt. Never once stopping his movements. 

“Touch yourself, baby.” He ordered, his voice hoarse. He was just as close. You obliged, his hands too busy keeping you in the position that had him rubbing against the spot inside of you that was ready to burst. The moment your fingertips found your swollen clit, you were gone. Each messy swirl of your fingers had you falling apart, barely able to choke out anything other than his name. 

“Can feel you,” He huffed, shaking his hair out of his face, “You gonna cum? Need to feel you cum, baby. You look so fucking sexy. Wanna make you cum every fucking day.”  

“God, yes.” You let go, your legs thrashing against his hold as you came around him. A choked moan leaves his lips as your cunt suckles him in deep, squeezing around him, soaking him completely. 

“There you go.” He nearly sobbed, folding your legs deeper. His hips stutter with each sloppy drag of him. “Gonna cum.” He spoke as a warning, your jaw lax watching him. His brown eyes were glossy, his skin shiny with a thin layer of sweat. 

“Inside.” You whined, and he immediately obliged. Emptying his cum deep inside of you, muttering your name over and over like a holy vow. You were the only god he could believe in, ready to crawl on his knees through hot ash to see your blissed-out eyes look at him every day the way they were right now. 

He slipped himself out of you, helping you sit up straight, sure your body was cramping from the weird position you were in. You didn’t care, your body tingling all over. 

“You okay?” He mumbled against your temple, holding your sweaty body against his. All you could do was nod, a short burst of giggles leaving your mouth. You could feel his cum sliding down your legs.

“Where’d you learn to fuck like that?” You asked rhetorically, making his chest rumble with laughter. 

“Let me clean you up.” He departed with a gentle kiss, walking to the sink to wet some paper towels for you.

You watched him as he walked. Smirking softly at his bare ass. Your release pooled around the base of his cock, wetting the tuff of hair there. It took everything in you not to drop to your knees, sucking him clean. 

He came back and cleaned you up as best he could, given the circumstances. He helped you dress on shaky legs, which he loved poking fun at. But mostly, he was just proud he was the cause of them. 

“So…” You started, making him smirk at you. “Dinner? I’m fucking starving.” 

“God, yes.” He laughed, wrapping his arm around your shoulders as you walked out. The terminal was still dead empty, the loud sound of the baggage claim drowning out any noises that could have slipped out of the bathroom. 

You two ended up in the booth of a random quick stop location, splitting a box of greasy pizza and sipping on cheap beer. You were across from each other, your feet resting on his lap across the table. 

“So, what are your Christmas plans? You already moved in?” He asked, picking a piece of pepperoni off his slice and popping it into his mouth. 

“Yes, and no. My sister is at my apartment now, she drove my car and cat up there.” You admitted, “I had a work thing and couldn’t, so she offered. I paid for her flight home in exchange. Movers did the rest. So we’re gonna probably get drunk and go to the Christmas market. What about you?” 

“Not gonna let you mention a cat and not show me a picture,” He pointed, “But Robin and her girlfriend planned this huge dinner. A lot of our friends are coming into town to do the same. Maybe we’ll cross paths at the market.” 

Your head swam at the idea of meeting his friends, already picturing the two of you holding hands and walking through the booths. You didn’t know what was going to happen after this, and you didn’t want to know. Not now, you didn’t wanna spoil the moment. 

“This is my cat, her name is Chai.” You showed him the photo of the black and orange calico. She was lying against your chest in the photo. He cooed. 

“Oh, little chai. I need to meet her.” 

“Are you trying to father my daughter already?” You teased, and he threw his hands up. 

“Guilty.” He laughed, “I’m the father that stepped up.” His weak joke only made you laugh harder; surely your cheeks were going to be sore by tomorrow with all the laughter. 

Sleeping arrangements were what you were dreading the most; half the hotels were overpriced or already booked by the time you looked. So it seemed useless; the two of you had already committed to this sleepover. This was how you two ended up bundled underneath airport blankets and pillows on the floor, your head curled into his chest. 

He watched your eyes flutter closed, your breathing mellow into a gentle rhythm. All he could think about was how utterly fucked he was. He’d never felt this way about a girl before, especially not so soon. He stayed awake for hours, dreading the inevitable sunrise that would tear them apart. In the meantime, he listened to your breathing, letting it lull him to sleep. 

He woke first, your head still in the exact spot it was when you went to bed. Your mouth was parted, toeing the line between sleeping and being awake. 

“Good morning, beautiful.” All he got in response was a muffled groan. 

“Breakfast?” He yawned, smoothing down your bedhead. “There’s some overpriced breakfast bowl with my name on it.” 

“Want a smoothie.” You grumbled, not wanting to move from where you were tangled together. Kept warm by a thin airline blanket and his jean jacket wrapped around your shoulders. 

“I can get you one. Just gotta let me up.” He whispered, your head immediately shaking no. “Come on, sweet girl, I’ll be back in no time.” 

You reluctantly let him get up, leaving you to curl up into his hoodie when he left. It wasn’t long before he came back, food in tow. You sat up, the two of you eating in comfortable silence. 

“Have you ever thought about being a paramedic?” You asked, stealing one of his hashbrowns. He paid no mind, simply shrugging. 

“No, I mean to be honest, yesterday was the only time I’ve used it on someone that wasn’t near a pool.” 

“You were a natural. I mean, you didn’t hesitate at all. Just jumped right in. You were so kind to Cindy, too.” You paused before adding, “The adrenaline rush is always nice too.” 

“Knew you were gonna get nasty there.” He rolled his eyes, stealing a drink of your smoothie. To any onlooker, they’d probably think you had been dating for years. Not that just the day prior, you were complete strangers. 

As much as Steve brushed it off, he couldn’t stop thinking about it. The idea of being the first responder, being able to help people in their time of need. It called to him in a way that he couldn’t quite name yet. For most of his life, he had never really known what he wanted, only what felt expected of him. 

He had moved forward without direction, choosing what was safe instead of what felt right. But now, for the first time, he was following his heart, and that decision pointed him toward Chicago. Toward you. It felt like the beginning of a new life, like pieces of himself were finally lining up after years of being scattered.

After breakfast, the two of you parted ways, only long enough to wash up and change. Meeting back up at the designated ‘fort’ you both began calling it. You both still had about eight hours before your flight took off, but the hours seemed to roll by. Faster than either of you wanted them to. All your worries about Christmas plans seemed to fly out of the window. 

“So, is this date technically still ongoing?” You asked, a bag in your hand. This made Steve smile, with a similar bag in his own. 

“Contractually, until our plane lands in Chicago, we are still on a date. So yes.” 

“Good,” You smiled, holding out the bag. “Merry Christmas.” 

He held out a similar bag, “Merry Christmas to you too, Y/n.” 

“Great minds think alike.” You both sat down on the row of chairs, each of you opening your gift shop bags. Steve opened his first, pulling out a plane-shaped keychain with the airport's name on it. 

“So you never forget the longest and best date of your life.” 

“As if I could anyway.” He beamed, holding the keychain close to his chest. “Thank you.” 

Your heart felt giddy, ripping into your own bag. Inside was a box containing a necklace; on the end of it was a dainty airplane pendant. You nearly burst into tears, holding the delicate jewelry in your hands. 

“Steve…” You whispered, “I can’t accept this, you’ve already spent so much-” 

“Shhhh.” He stopped you, placing a hand on your knee. “I want you to have a piece of me close to your heart.” 

You sniffled, pulling your hair to the side, “Help me put it on.” He moved behind you, placing the necklace gently around your neck, pressing a kiss to the skin after he clasped it. 

“I love it. It’s beautiful. So beautiful.” You said, wrapping your arms around him. Breathing him in deeply when he hugged you tight. The two of you stayed like that for a while before you pulled away. 

“We have about 3 hours left. What’s left on the agenda?” He asked, making you hum. 

“What if we got a drink at the bar, and people watched. It’s what I do on my own.” You shrugged. 

He clicked his mouth, grabbing your hand. “Sounds like a plan.” 

Four mixed drinks later and making up backstories for over a dozen people, the minutes were ticking by. You caught yourself memorizing the sound of his laugh, the way it startled out of him when you surprised him, the way he leaned closer without thinking. Your flight was finally back up on the call board, your leg bouncing anxiously. It only made sense that the two of you gravitated back towards your spot, both of you saying meek goodbyes to the corner you called home for the past 24 hours. 

“Well, we board in 30 minutes. Our rows are only a few apart. Immediately after we meet up?” He asked, running his hands through his hair nervously. Unwanting this day to ever end. 

“Of course.” You nodded, the two of you clinging to each other until the last possible moment. Steve tried to haggle with an older gentleman to switch seats with him, losing terribly. This only made you laugh, which only annoyed the man even more. Your hand kept reaching up to the necklace around your neck, rolling the small charm between your fingers, grounding yourself as panic and excitement tangled together.

As soon as the plane landed, embarrassingly, you and Steve were some of the first to stand. A blush creeping up both of your necks at getting caught, too eager to see each other again. You wondered if this was what people meant when they said love made you stupid. If this were the love that would have you running headfirst, not caring if it hurt. 

“How was the flight?” He sneaked up on you, grabbing your bag off the conveyor before you even had the chance to grab it. 

“Jesus.” You squealed, jumping into his arms. “Scared me.” 

“Missed you.” He admitted, holding you close. 

“I did too.” You frowned, unwilling to think about what would happen when the two of you went your separate ways. You had known him for a day, yet the thought of leaving already felt like a loss. “My sister called me a car, it’s already here.” 

You could see him deflate; you saw it in his eyes. You thought you’d have more time. 

“I’ll walk you out? Ride share is different from where Robin is picking me up.” You nodded, holding his free hand in yours. 

“I think I’d love Robin.” You admitted, the two of you pausing on the sidewalk. The snow-covered ground crunches beneath your feet. 

“I think she’d love you. You guys would gang up on me, I’d never get a break.” 

“Good.” You smiled, rubbing your thumb against his palm. 

“Yeah, I think it would be good.” He smiled, both of you stalling. 

“Okay. I’m gonna say something admittedly insane.” You huffed, deja vu hitting you at once, “I don’t think you have to know someone for years to really know them. Like, truly know them. Because you’ve seen me the past day in ways that no one ever has before. And all it took was a look. It scared me. Scared me to my core. It almost feels like we aren’t strangers, like we’ve always known each other.” 

“And this may sound even more insane, but I don’t think you need to have years with someone to love them either. Sometimes it just happens when we aren’t expecting it. Maybe when we don’t even want it to happen, because the future isn’t promised. But it happens anyway, because how could it not?” 

“Like, do you know how many things needed to align tonight for us to meet? And they all did. I know real life isn’t like the movies, but…” You breathed out, Steve’s face softening at your words. “What I mean to say is….” You huffed, chickening out at the last possible second, “Have a good Christmas?” 

He let out an awkward laugh at your words, both of you speechless. “I agree, life isn’t like the movies.” He started, “It’s so much better. It’s real, it’s tangible. I can’t explain just how much the past day has meant to me. To be heard, to feel…. wanted.” 

“And yeah, life is complicated and messy. But that’s part of being human. I’ve never felt as human as I have today. I feel like something in me shifted, like I’m stepping into my own life instead of watching it pass me by. You made me see things about myself today that I wouldn't have before. I’ve felt things today I didn’t even know I was capable of feeling.” He admitted, his cheeks going red from the cold,  “I want to see you again. I want you. God, it’s all I want.” 

You never believed in true love. Not the kind that arrived without warning and rewired your chest in a single day. Love, to you, had always been something that grew slowly, carefully, with time as proof. A slow-growing plant in the corner of a room, taking its time to bloom. Yet here you were, standing across from Steve, feeling something reckless bloom anyway in your chest. Something that felt a lot like love. Something that can be nurtured into something beautiful.

Steve leaped, a leap he should have taken long ago, too scared before, too unwilling to let something this fragile slip through his grasp. He refused to let you walk away like in the movies. He chose to put everything on the line, to reach for something fleeting and honest before it could disappear.

“Hey,” You stopped, grabbing him by the arm. So much has happened in the past few hours, it felt like days had passed since you first saw him huddled up in that corner. “When you’re back in Chicago. Find me. Wine and dine me like you didn’t get the chance to.” 

He paused, a smirk wide on his face. When you turned on your heel, ready to walk away, you were stopped. His hand tight over your hand. “This isn’t a romantic comedy.” 

“It was a romantic drama.” 

“This isn’t a romantic drama.” He corrected, his cheeks aching from how wide his smile was. “Now I would sulk through the streets of Chicago for years for you, but I’d rather not waste any time. So, can I please have your phone number?” 

“I was just waiting for you to ask.” You admitted, grabbing his phone and texting yourself. “Fall in love with the city, and maybe stay?” 

“I feel like I’m gonna fall in love with more than just the city.” He admitted, your brows softening in realization at his words. 

You pulled him in for one last kiss, putting all of your heart into it. “Don’t take too long to text me.” 

“I wouldn’t dream of it!” He yelled, never once taking his eyes off of you until you were in your car, waving frantically as the driver took you into the heart of the city. 

The moment his feet landed on the sidewalk, he was clicking on Robin’s contact photo, so quickly his fingers were shaking. She answered on the first ring, a confused “Hello?” 

“I just landed.” He got out quickly, jogging back to the baggage claim. “You’ll never guess what happened.” 

“I’m literally in the pickup waiting for you,” She sighed, watching Vickie stifle a laugh, “Can this not wait five minutes?” 

“No,” He breathed out, “I’m moving to Chicago. After New Year's, I’m gonna enroll in EMT courses, I think? Of course, I need to do some research, and I might have to crash in your spare room for a few months. I also think I found the love of my life?”

they were always shouting at you guys to look at them and pose for the cameras even when you weren't in the mood to. when you didn't, that's when they got mad and tried to force you to look at them.

"woah, they're already lining the hotel," gaten mumbled as he looked down the 12 story building from where you all were in the hotel suite. "i don't get how they just know where we are. like they can't wait until we get to the carpet?" millie mumbled.

"that's the drama of it all," noah said and it was annoying sometimes that paps tried to make drama out of you guys literally just going about your days.

they were one of the many reasons you and finn wanted to keep your relationship private for so long because you knew paps would just try to create things that weren't there.

"we're gonna leave in five, is everyone ready?" one of your managers came into the room. you all nodded while getting the last of your things together. "can you help me?" you turned to finn by the vanity as you tried putting on your necklace but failed because the chain was so small.

he pushed his sunglasses atop his head and carefully took the chain from your hands to clasp it. he must've just put lotion on because you could feel the tips of his soft fingers brushing the back of your neck. "think they'll ask us a hundred questions about how we got together?" he laughed lowly.

you smiled, "probably. i feel like it's fair. they have six years worth to catch up on."

he kissed your cheek once the necklace was on and you spun to face him so he could see it from the front. he adjusted the pendent so it sat perfectly in the middle of your chest, "is this one i got you?" he wondered.

"mhmm, the one with our initials," this was your favorite piece of jewelry you owned. finn got it for you two years ago as a birthday gift and you probably wore it almost everyday because it was simple enough to not really be looked at close enough, but you knew the meaning behind it. "it looks pretty on you. you look gorgeous," the boy complimented and your cheeks heated up.

"thank you. you look handsome, i love this look on you," the sunglasses and suit really pulled it all together. finn grinned, squeezing your hand as you grabbed your purse and started following the rest of your cast mates out of the suite.

the paps were roped off so they couldn't get in your face as you were led to the cars. finn kept a tight grip on your hand and you let him lead the way as you piled in with caleb and sadie. "well at least we look good for their photos," caleb mumbled and then looked out the window again where the paps were trying to get shots of you in the car.

"you're right. they always catch me at my worst moments otherwise," you and sadie agreed.

driving through the streets to the premiere had your adrenaline pumping even though this was your fifth run. this show meant a lot to all of you because it really helped take off your careers. without it, you probably wouldn't be as big as you were now or even have finn. the streets of LA were packed with people probably on their way to the premiere as well and you were always shocked when you saw yourself up on the billboards that promoted the show.

when you rolled up to the red carpet there were already even more paps and interviewers lining the walls to grab photos or catch you for quick interviews. it was overwhelming, nerve racking, and exciting all at once. someone opened the door for you and after sadie and caleb, you climbed out to the cheers from fans and screams from the paps who were immediately flashing their cameras.

you tightened your hold on finn's hand as youb followed sadie and caleb towards the start of the carpet. millie, noah, and gaten joined the three of you a second later and with big smiles on your faces, you took the carpet all together.

it was hard to hear with how much was going on, but you just smiled and waved like normal. a lot of the paps wanted photos of you and finn since it was one of your first public appearances like this. he held you tightly while you pressed into him and shifted a few inches to the left and right so everyone had the good angles. walking the red carpet was not finn's most favorite thing, so you held him tight so he knew you were by his side.

when you got to the less busier side of the carpet you gladly joined some of the interviewers for quick questions. this was your favorite part because you always thought the red carpet interviews had the best and most intriguing questions.

"hi y/n, hi finn. it's good to see you both tonight," the interviewer smiled and you both smiled back at her. "hi, it's good to be here," you grinned.

"how are you feeling for tonight? the last season is coming out so soon."

"i can't believe it's here. i feel kind of sad that this is our last run, but i think the fans will really enjoy how we've decided to wrap it all up and i think the wait will definitely be worth it," you said.

"anything you can tease?"

"i'm scared to say spoilers, but it's definitely one of our best seasons. we're all a bit older, no one's really been separated, it's good," you giggled while finn squeezed your side.

"not to change the topic, but i know you two have just recently announced your public relationship. how does it feel to be here together without needing to shy away from cameras?"

"it's nice to get to show each other off and just openly appreciate each other and our work," finn answered and smiled down at you. your cheeks tinted red again.

"well, it's really great to see you both here and in love. were you ever worried it would come out sooner than you were ready to say it?"

"sometimes yeah and we talked about it, but we said if it did come out before we agreed to be public, we would still accept it and let it happen, but honestly, we just wanted to finally tell people," you giggled.

"you did a great job keeping it a secret for six years. what's next for you two after stranger things officially ends?"

"definitely a lot of rest, but probably making some more music and trying to dip my toes into doing some directing," finn said. "ditto. i'm ready to take a long rest after these past few years. i do have some movies coming up though that i'm excited about," you agreed.

the interviewer smiled, "thanks so much for talking. congrats on the final season!"

the two of you wished her goodbye before getting asked to go inside. finn led you with a hand on the small of your back. the paps started getting close again, shouting things and wanting you guys to smile at them. even some of the interviewers were shouting at you guys wanting final interviews, but your managers and crew were also pushing you to the doors. the controlled chaos started becoming uncontrolled as the paps pushed through some of the security and the ropes to get more closer and intimate shots.

someone grabbed your arm and you tripped sideways into a quick-forming circle of paps now snapping instant photos of you. you flushed, not wanting to be rude, but feeling overwhelmed by everyone in your face at once. "look here, y/n! right here! smile for us, pretty girl!"

someone touched you again. you flinched at the unknown hand. you tried looking for finn or anyone else who could get you out, but you were quite literally surrounded. "smile, y/n! let us see that pretty face!"

"i-i'm sorry, i have to go inside," you tried politely saying and pushing out, but these camera men were aggressive.

finn realized he lost your hand as soon as it slipped from his grasp. he turned and suddenly you were consumed by a circle of paparazzi and people trying to get signatures. the boy quickly tried going to you, but he was also cut off by different paparazzi. "finn! finn! look here for us! smile!" they yelled.

"get out of my way! stop!" the boy wasn't afraid to talk back at them though.

the security finally realized what was happening and rushed to get them off you and finn. "get off of me! stop. get off of her," finn pushed one guy out of the way and finally found your hand again.

he literally put himself in the middle of you and the cameras like a shield. "get away from her. she doesn't want any photos right now. don't touch her," finn snapped, cradling your head into his chest to block your face.

the security helped create another shield as they walked you straight to the doors to get inside. the rest of the cast was waiting inside for you two and quickly went to check on you after realizing you got swallowed by the paps. "hey, you okay?" finn asked first, searching your gaze once he knew you were safely inside.

"yeah, i'm fine. just..got pushed," you mumbled.

"are you sure? did they hurt you?" his gaze swept over your entire figure like he was looking for any injuries after they grabbed you so much. "i'm not hurt, i promise. just shaken up," you promised, squeezing his hand.

"they're the fucking worst this year," caleb huffed.

"do you want water?" your manager was asking and you nodded.

she went off to find you some while someone else directed you into a private room to recollect yourself before going back out. finn went with you, pulling your chairs together and adjusting some of the pieces of your hair that had fallen out in the chaos. "do you need anything?" he asked.

"no, i'm good. i promise. it was just overwhelming," you smiled up at your manager who came back in with your water. "is there not anything we can do about how crazy they are?" finn sat up.

"unfortunately, not really. technically, they're allowed to do whatever they want and it's up to them how respectful they're gonna be," she frowned.

"that's fucking bullshit. they should have rules about how close they're supposed to be and how mean they are," your boyfriend scoffed. you appreciated his concern for you and gently squeezed his hand. "finn, i'm good, i promise. it just freaked me out for a second, but i'm all good now."

"i know, but we shouldn't have to put up with that. it's so stupid," he rolled his eyes and you giggling at least told him you were in good spirits still. "i know, but it's just how it is. thanks for having my back out there."

"of course," he looked surprised that you even thought he wouldn't for some reason. "i always have your back. i'm not gonna let people touch you or talk to you like that."

you blushed again and your manager smiled, "alright, are you ready to go back out?" she asked.

"yeah, all good," you nodded.

finn helped you up and then securely intertwined his fingers with yours as you two were led back out to the main lobby where there were a lot more calmer reporters looking for interviews and catching all of you to talk about the season premiere.

Similarly, you were there through his horrible prepubescent hormones, his growth spurt hitting later in life. You tripped Christy Morris after she called him short, embarrassing him in front of the class. Her accident overshadowed his embarrassment when she went crying to the office, chocolate milk staining the front of her white dress. Steve’s eyes met yours across the lunchroom, and you sent him a simple shrug. It was mindless, the urge to protect him. It went both ways. It was soon clear to everyone in Hawkins that the two of you would do anything for the other.

Steve held your hand when your dog died, letting you sob into his shoulders. He came to your house the next day, a bundle of picked dandelions in his hand. It was the first time a boy brought you flowers; he told you that you deserved them every day since it made you smile. And you believed him. When his parents got a new job, leaving him at your house or with strange relatives, he’d hide his face in your pillow, pretending tears weren’t racking his body. You’d run your tiny hands through his hair, and once he was done, you’d force him to watch movies with you. Making him laugh so hard that he no longer felt the absence of his parents. He would never be abandoned, because you’d never leave him. 

The summer before high school, the two of you made a pact. Bound in the blood of scraped knees and years of friendship. 

“We’re gonna be friends forever, you know that, right?” Steve asked, both of your backs pressed against the hot fabric of the trampoline. His hair was getting longer, his voice already deeper. 

You had changed, too, your body developing in ways that made boys in school look at you longer. You started caring more about your appearance, making Steve call you gross every time you’d put on lip gloss. In the same way, you’d smack him with the hairspray can he stole from you. 

“Of course I know that,” You said, “Why?” 

He huffed, throwing his arm over his forehead in an attempt to quell the Indiana heat. “High school is just scary. What if we make new friends?” 

You shrugged, not really thinking too much about it. “We both have other friends already.” 

“But none of them are like you.” He said the meaning of his words wouldn’t come to him until much later. 

“I know.” You smirked, kicking his shin with your foot. “Even when the world changes, our friends, school, and even when we change as people. It won’t matter because our friendship never will. We’re unchangeable.” 

He laughed at your word choices, pushing your foot away from his playfully. “Growing up is scary.” He admitted after a brief moment of silence. 

You hummed in agreement, reaching your hand down to grab his. Lacing your fingers together as if you’ve done it a thousand times, because you have. 

“You make it not so scary.” You smiled, the two of you staring at the clouds. 

“Pinky promise?” Steve asked, his voice betraying him. You just smiled, bringing up your other hand that wasn’t in his, holding out your pinky. He did the same, lacing your two pinkies together in an unspoken vow. 

Time is a fickle thing. Nothing ever happens as you plan it; it’s the only consistency in the world. When the two of you stepped foot into Hawkin’s High, it was inevitable that things would change. He made the basketball team, coming over to your house with his jersey in hand. Jumping up and down, swearing you needed to join the Cheerleading team. You smacked him upside the head for even entertaining the idea. He made fun of you for joining the library club, a realization coming over you two that your High School experiences were heading into different directions. You promised to go to each of his games, and he said he would read one book a year for you. A compromise of sorts. 

At his first basketball game, Trina Robbins kissed him courtside, her pom poms shaking wildly at her sides. It was the first time you saw him as a man, not just the little boy who’d help you catch fireflies in the backyard. You ran to him after the game, arms slinging around his shoulders in congratulations. He spun you around, his joyful laugh ringing in your ears. 

“I’m so proud of you!” You gawked, his arms still wrapped around you. It wasn’t until you heard a loud cough from behind you. Trina and her friends were standing behind you, evil smirks on their faces. 

“Y/n! This is my girlfriend Trina.” He smiled widely, his arm leaving your body quickly. He walked over to her, his arm slinging across her shoulders. “Babe, this is my friend I grew up with.” 

Her perfectly sculpted eyebrow arched, “Oh? Steve didn’t mention you.” 

You hoped the sound of the rowdy gymnasium covered the sound of your heart shattering. He didn’t even tell you he had a crush, let alone a girlfriend. Then he didn’t mention you at all. You knew Steve, your Stevie, would never do this. You brushed it off, a hopeless, dumb teenage boy in love. It was fine. 

You braved it with a smile, ignoring their judgmental glares that Steve seemed oblivious to. “Well, nice to meet you, Trina. You did great.” 

“I know.” She smirked, pulling Steve away. “Come on, I want ice cream.” And he was dragging her out the door. 

He turned back, waving at you. “I’ll see you around!” 

You sent him a wave back, riding your bike home in pitiful silence. Absent was the sound of his bike pedaling next to yours, his incessant complaining about assignments and practice. 

It was just a simple interaction, one you tried not to dwell on. But little did you know it would be the first crack in the glass. Your interaction with Steve at school was becoming little to none as the weeks passed. Trina was glued to his hip, and when she wasn’t, his mean older teammates were. You still saw him some weekends, helping him study for his English tests. Inevitably, doing the assignments for him. He was still the same Steve you knew and loved, but something was different. 

He no longer reached for your hand as much as he used to, and there were no more hugs goodbye. You knew this would happen when the two of you started dating, but soon the phone calls stopped. The weekend hangouts in his parents' basement were replaced with him going to parties. He no longer rode with you to school, biking halfway across town to let Trina ride on his pegs. You passed each other in the hallways, soft smiles and waves were all you got for the majority of the year. 

It was the week before Summer break, and you were excited. You and your friends had planned a slumber party, painting nails, hair rollers in, and the stereo in your room blaring your newest cassettes. Preparing your future Summer plans. Celebrating the end of finals, gossiping about going into your sophomore year. You were flipping through a magazine, ready to point out a pair of shoes, when there was a loud tapping at your window. 

The girls jumped, eyes wide at the sight of none other than Steve. His arms were clinging to the ledge, tapping on the glass. It feels like it has been ages since you’ve spoken to him, let alone seeing him, ready to climb into your room. 

“What the hell?” Imogen yelled, her hand cradling her chest. 

You rolled your eyes, ripping open the window. “What are you doing?” 

“I just wanted to-oh oh, hi ladies.” He paused, looking past you to wave flirtatiously at your friends. 

Your fingers flicked his forehead, “Out with it.” 

“Mom wants you over Sunday night for dinner. Said it’s been too long. Still thinks she loves you more than me. Also, just wanted to see you.” He cheesed, to which you pretended it didn’t make your heart pound. 

“Okay. You could've called.” 

“Can’t see your annoyed face through the phone.” 

You glared at him, making him cower. “Okay, okay. See you Sunday!” Then he was off, his feet hitting the ground with a thud. You lay back down on the floor, content to skim through he magazine once again. Trying to calm the thud of your heart. But your friends were not letting it go. 

“You have the Steve Harrington sneaking through your window?” Jessica gawked, running and watching where he ran back to his bike. 

“He’s my best friend.” You laughed nervously, watching her and Imogen stare at each other. An all-knowing look in their eyes. “He could’ve used the front door; he probably just wanted to show off.” 

“Does that happen often?” Jessica asked, her line of questioning not done. 

“Not as much as it used it. Sometimes I’ll go to his, but I’ll use the front door like a normal person. “ You shrugged mindlessly, “His bed is comfier anyway.” 

What you thought was an innocent moment turned out to be anything but. When you walked into school the last day, you were met with too many eyes on you. From the moment you walked to your locker, the whispers were evident. Your palms were sweaty as you stumbled, unlocking the combination lock. 

“Y/n.” Imogen rushed towards you, out of breath from seemingly running to you. “I’m so sorry. I told Jessica not to say anything, but she really wants to be on the cheer squad next year-” 

“What?” You sputtered, “Say what?” 

Before Imogen could spit it out, the school doors slammed open. Everyone’s eyes are on you. There stood Trina, complete with her group of friends. Her face was red, anger evident. You had zero idea what was happening, assuming Steve broke her heart and she was coming to take it out on you. 

“Hey, you whore.” Trina spat, getting in your face within seconds. Your back pressed against your lock, eyebrows raised. Imogen had run off, muttering something about being back. You were left alone, nothing but a pissed off squad of cheerleaders at your neck, with half the school watching. You felt like you were in a bad 70s movie, living out your worst nightmare. 

“What’s your fucking problem?” You asked, fingers clutching your stack of books like your life depended on it. 

“I knew from the moment Steve introduced us that you’d be a problem. With your pathetic “poor me” face. You just couldn’t accept that he wanted me, huh?” She spoke, your mind still reeling. 

“I literally have no clue what you’re talking about.” You tried to push past her, her friends pushing you back roughly into the lockers. Your books going flying from your hands. 

“We’re talking about you fucking my boyfriend.” She spoke slowly, “I heard that you guys crawl into each other's windows and you spread your legs for him.” 

Jessica. That fucking bitch Jessica. Your heart ached; you thought she was your friend. She knew nothing was happening between you two. 

“I never fucked Steve.” A blush crept up your neck at your words, “He’s just my best friend. I’ve known him since I was in diapers.” 

“Bullshit. You can lie to me, but she saw him literally hanging from your window.” 

You didn’t know where the bravery came from, clinging to your pride as much as you could. “You know, Trina, I know no one ever wants to be around you unless you’re putting out, but there’s this thing called friends-” 

Her hand backhanded your cheek before you could finish, the sting making your eyes water. On instinct, you raised your hand back, unable to get anything in before one of her friends kicked you in the shin. The other’s joining in. Pain bloomed through your body as you fought back, getting outnumbered within seconds. It was a blur; in seconds, they were on you, only stopping when they heard a yell down the hallway. 

Imogen was running back, Steve in tow. He was in his gym clothes, his eyes wild. 

“Get the hell off her.” He barked, his arm coming up to pull Trina’s shoulder back. “What the hell is your problem?” 

Her other friends scattered, leaving you slumped on your feet. Arm cradling your stomach, which was bound to be covered in bruises. You couldn’t meet his eyes, but you felt his worried gaze on you. 

“What’s my problem? My problem is you. Cheating on me with this loser?” She screamed, getting the attention of teachers who slowly poured into the hall. 

“Y/n? Nothing happened. God, she’s like my sister.” It wasn’t the first time the comparison had been made, but it was the first time Steve had said it. He didn’t like the way the words shaped in his mouth, his throat going dry before he spoke back up again. “Y/n is my best friend. I told you that.” 

He pushed her aside, dropping to his knees to look over you. He cupped your chin, forcing you to look up at him. Unshed tears were heavy in your eyes, blinking them away when he checked you over for injuries. 

“Are you okay?” He whispered, helping you stand upright. You didn’t answer, keeping your gaze on the floor. Willing yourself to wake up from this nightmare. 

“Steve, I’m sorry.” Trina whimpered, watching her social status flash before her eyes. Steve pushed you behind his back, his eyes wild with fury, while looking at her. 

“You know what, Trina. I don’t think you have the right to call anyone a whore, considering you put out on our first date.” Steve’s words were cruel, an ice to them you’ve never heard before. “You can go to hell. If you ever come near her again, you or your bitchy friends. I will ruin your life. Understood?” 

He was met with silence, tears falling down her cheeks. Little did Hawkins know this was the start of the infamous King Steve. 

“Matter of fact, if anyone has issues with her, they come to me.” He yelled, right before the teachers swarmed in, grabbing Trina by the arm. 

Steve held your hand in silence to the nurse’s office, his eyes squeezing shut when you showed the nurse your reddened skin. 

“It’ll probably bruise, nothing bad enough to go to the hospital for.” She said, snapping her gloves off. “I’m gonna have the office call your parents up here.” 

All you could do was nod, picking at the skin around your nails harshly. 

“Y/n…” Steve whispered, his hand finding yours. You let him lace your fingers together tightly. It had been so long since you held his hand, but it still fit perfectly in yours. “I’m so sorry.” 

You shook your head, “S’my fault. I made a joke to Jessica about how your bed is comfier than mine. I didn’t think she’d take it wrong, definitely didn’t think she’d tell half the school about it.” 

“No, no. It’s not your fault. I haven’t been the best of a friend lately.” He admitted, letting his thumb rub over the top of your hand. “Can’t believe I let a stupid girl get in between us.” 

His pained laugh made you roll your eyes, “Don’t care if you get a girlfriend, Stevie. Just want you to still talk to me.”

“I promise. God, I promise it’ll never happen again.” He laughed shakily, pressing soft kisses to your hand. 

Things had still changed, changed so much sometimes it seemed like you were lifetimes apart from the two kids that sat hand in hand on that trampoline. But you’d accept any change, as long as he was still in your life. Without him, there was a hole in the shape of him, lodged in the middle of your chest. You felt the hole close, each moment Steve grinned at you. Promising to take you out for ice cream as soon as your parents show up. 

Sophomore year rolled by so quickly, you wished you could have grabbed time, and begged her to slow down. Steve had grown a new reputation in school. King Steve, they called him, claiming him the royalty of Hawkins High. Little did they know the king of Hawkins made you blow-dry and hairspray his hair every morning. His girlfriends, or trysts as you liked to call them, all knew you. Whispers of the Trina incident followed every relationship of his; he just smiled and told them you’d always be more important than them. They either accepted it or they didn’t. 

Dating for you didn’t come nearly as easily; most of the boys at school were so scared of Steve they steered clear of you with a ten-foot pole. It only got worse when he began hanging out with Carol and Tommy G. You hated them, despised how they fed into Steve’s ever-growing ego. They were kind to you, most of the time. It was clear they tolerated you only. 

Every time Steve would grab you by the shoulders, pulling you into a hug in the hall, they’d groan. 

“Gotta hug my girl.” He’d shrug, kissing your forehead goodbye before going off to class. Imogen would just roll her eyes, swearing up and down that the two of you just needed to start dating. You’d cringe, shaking her off. He was just your best friend you’d tell her. When she’d swear her and her best friend didn’t act like that, all you could do was shrug. “That’s just me and Steve.” 

You didn’t have your first official boyfriend until the summer before Junior year, and Steve hated him. Hated him for reasons you were still unclear about. He was on the debate team, the most innocent, nerdiest of boys who had captured your heart. So when he broke your heart three weeks into the year, Steve had held you in his arms as you sobbed, brushing your hair down, swearing he’d kill him. 

“I really will, I promise. I’ll use the beamer. Catch him on a foggy night and just boom,” Steve spoke, making your chest rattle with laughter. “Blood and guts everywhere.” 

“It would ruin your nice and shiny car.” You pouted through your tears. For his 16th birthday, Steve’s dad had presented him with the infamous burgundy BMW. He’d almost spun the tires out pulling into your driveway. That night, the two of you went through a whole tank of gas, driving everywhere around town. You couldn’t imagine your ex-boyfriend's murder ruining that car. 

“Would be worth it to see you smile.” He said, watching your puffy cheeks as you sat up. 

“He was such a dickhead.” You frowned, rubbing your tired eyes. “I really thought what we had over the summer was good. Then he sees Rebecca in chemistry and thinks she’d be a better lay than me.” 

Steve’s brows furrowed, “Did he say that?” 

“It was implied.” You grumbled, fumbling with a loose thread from his shirt. “Can’t believe I lost my virginity to someone who asked if he was going to put it in the wrong hole.” 

A loud laugh tore from his chest, “Wait, what?” 

“He wanted to make sure, and I quote: “Is it in your vagina or your pee hole?” You burst out laughing, rubbing your face. 

The two of you laughed until your chests hurt, Steve going on and on. “Dude, poor fucking Rebecca,” 

“Poor Rebecca.” You wheezed, taking a deep breath in. It was good to laugh. It was good to be in Steve’s arms, the two of you lazily lounging in his bed. 

“Hey,” Steve spoke up, “Do you wanna order pizza and disgrace his yearbook picture?” 

You scoffed, “I’m offended you’d even ask Stevie.” 

The two of you did just that, you ended up falling asleep on his bed. The two of you waking up in a tangled mess of arms. His body pressed against yours. In an awkward shuffle, you pulled away, and he nearly flung off the bed. Stuttering that he had to go to the bathroom, the door slammed shut. All you could do was laugh. 

He drove you to school that morning, and you walked alongside. When you passed by Nancy Wheeler and her friend, Barb, Steve paused, sending a flirty wave her way. Your eyes squinted, waiting to speak until you got to his locker. 

“Nancy Wheeler, huh?” You asked, ignoring the blush creeping up on his face. 

“We’ve just been talking a little.” He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. You hadn’t seen him this flustered before. Not over a girl. You ignored the weird sinking feeling in your stomach, smiling teasingly at him. 

“Oh, so someone has a crush.” You sang, making him shush you. Looking around, like everyone would hear. 

“Just because my love life failed this year doesn't mean yours has to; ask her out.” You encouraged him, closing his locker for him. 

He gave you a sympathetic look, patting your cheek gently. “Just because that loser broke your heart doesn't mean you can’t try again. Now I don’t think any men in this town deserve you, but I do want you happy.” 

You nodded against his hand, mourning the loss of warmth when he pulled away. 

“Go get him, tiger.” You smirked, watching him run down the hallway. 

It was no surprise you were once again regretting your words a few weeks later, doing your best to avoid where Steve had his tongue shoved down Nancy’s throat in the middle of the hallway. 

“They’re disgusting.” Barb had spoken; you didn’t know the girl well, but as Nancy joined your orbit, she had followed. 

“Sometimes I wonder if she ever gets tired of him slobbering all over her face.” You said, causing Barb to giggle. 

“Hey, you and Sam aren’t much better. Staring longingly at each other in homeroom.” She teased, making you roll your eyes. Sam was your friend, just a friend. There had been a few moments you thought something more could bloom between the two of you, but you shrugged it off. Unsure if you wanted to deal with another inescapable heartbreak. 

“Y/n! Barb.” Nancy stuttered, just now realising the two of you were standing next to her. Her face was flustered, and Steve stood there unbothered as usual. “What are you talking about?” 

“How Y/n needs to woman up and ask Sam out,” Barb said. 

“No, don’t ever ask a man out. That’s the man's job.” Steve shook his head, pulling Nancy to his chest. 

“I think if she wants to ask him out, that’s fine. Cute even. I have art with Sam, he’s really sweet.” Nancy smiled, staring nervously at you. You were friendly with Nancy, but the two of you didn’t have much in common, it felt like sometimes. Steve went on and on about how Nancy thought you hated her. 

“I’m not asking anyone out, but thank you, Nancy.” You sighed, your head hitting the locker. “I’m just gonna die alone.” 

“Little Y/n not able to get laid?” Tommy’s shrill voice ruined the moment the four of you were having. 

“That’s not what your dad said last night.” You squinted your eyes at him, Carol responding with a sarcastic laugh. 

“You kiss Steve’s ass with that mouth?” He asked, making Nancy tense. You didn’t miss it, Steve did. 

“He has this running joke that I feed Steve’s ego blindly, that’s why we’re friends. Tommy finds friendship as this impossible-to-grasp concept. One could only wonder why.” You told her with a smile, “He also thinks he’s much funnier than he actually is.” 

“Hey, cut it out. God, you two fight like animals.” Steve sighed, “While we’re all here. My house. Tonight. Parents are gone.” 

“It’s Tuesday.” You deadpanned, not ready to get roped into another one of the Harringtons' infamous get-togethers. 

“It’s Tuesday.” Tommy mocked, grunting when Steve elbowed him in the stomach. 

“A party?” Nancy asked, her innocent face looking up at Steve. 

“Ding, ding!” Carol laughed, making you roll your eyes. 

While they broke into conversation about the party, your eyes followed Nancy’s. Watching Jonathan Byers tacking up missing posters for his brother. 

“Oh, God, that’s depressing.” Carol snickered, and Barb walked away before the conversation got worse. You didn’t blame her; every time the couple spoke, it made your skin crawl. 

“Should we say something?” Nancy asked, eyes full of empathy. You knew her little brother was friends with his. 

“I don’t think he speaks.”

“How much you want to bet he killed him?” Tommy laughed, your head turning to meet Steve's. 

You scoffed, “Your friends are fucking assholes. You know that?” And with that, you stormed off, determined to find Sam. You were going to ask him out; you deserved your own happiness. Your own life outside of Steve’s little bubble. 

-

Your fingers twirled in the phone cord, “Y/n, please. Tommy said he’s sorry. Please just come.” Steve begged through the phone. You could hear them snickering in the background. He wanted you at this stupid party; he cleaned his pool out and everything. Even got your favorite wine coolers. 

“I’m with Sam.” You blurted out, The man you spoke of caught your eye. He was sitting on your bed cross-legged, shirt askew. Maybe you did decide to ask him out and sneak him in through your window. 

“So bring him,” Steve said after a brief pause. “Barb is here. If she’s here, there’s no reason you can’t be. Please.” The begging in his voice made your resolve crumble. Sucking you right back in. 

About an hour later, you were stalking into Steve’s backyard, hand in hand with Sam. Sam was beautiful. Taller with shaggy hair, you couldn’t help but immediately notice how different he looked from Steve. Wondering why your brain forced you to compare the two. There was no time to dwell on that. 

You introduced him to everyone, making sure to flip Tommy the bird while doing so. 

“Steve. I  heard a lot about you, man.” Sam spoke, holding his hand out for Steve to shake. It took Steve a moment to shake his hand. Probably gripping harder than he needed to. 

Once that was out of the way, you all found a good rhythm, chatting and drinking cheap beers. You're sipping on your strawberry wine coolers, Carol cringing with each sip of beer. 

“No fair, why did she get nice drinks?” She whined. 

“Because she doesn’t drink beer. They’re her favorite.” Steve laughed, a billow of cigarette smoke falling out of his mouth. 

You couldn’t help the smirk that graced your lips, leaning back into Sam’s chest. As much as they loved King Steve, none of them knew him the way you did. He knew you like it was the easiest thing in the world, while Tommy and Carol barely scratched the surface. They knew it too. Nancy was different; you knew she really cared for Steve. You just worried he’d break her heart; you warned him if he did, he’d never hear the end of it. She was different from the other girls. 

“It’s different this time, Y/n.” He swore, flicking his pencil on the library table. 

“What, like you love her?” You asked. 

He paused, thinking for a moment. “I think so. Not as much as I love you, and not in the same way. “ He hummed. 

“Aww, wait, so you’re really falling in love with her?” You cooed, “What happened to King Steve?” 

“Oh shut up.” He grumbled, right before the two of you were shushed by library goers. 

When your brain came back into focus, they were shotgunning beers, your eyes rolling at the dick measuring contest Steve and Tommy were perpetually in. You looked back at Barb, forcing her to join you and Sam’s little group. 

“When they’re around women, they turn into animals. Everything is a contest.” You said, making the first smile appear on her face this night. 

“Sam, you don’t wanna join?” She asked, making his chest rumble in laughter. 

“I don’t think I need to chug a beer to impress Y/n. She’d probably call me a meathead.” 

“You know me so well.” You smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. 

A large splash made you gasp, watching Carol come up from the pool. Tommy was standing there with a smirk on his face. 

“What the hell, Tommy?” She shrieked, him jumping in beside her. It was then Steve’s turn to copy him, throwing Nancy and himself in the deep end. 

“I broke my arm in this pool when I was 6. Don’t get any ideas.” You told Sam. 

“So you’ve known Steve a while, huh?” He asked, watching the couples play about in the water. 

“Since we were babies. We grew up together.” 

“You guys couldn’t be more different.” He said it was an innocent comment. But it made you feel weird, frowning slightly. 

“I guess I’m a little boring. A lot nicer to look at, though.” 

“Disagree with the first part, but agree to the last.” He said, nuzzling his head in your neck. 

“Hey, lovebirds,” Steve yelled, ruining the moment by splashing water at you two, “Get in.” 

You shook your head, “I’m not ruining my shirt.” 

“So take it off.” Tommy whistled. Carol smacking him upside the head. 

“Didn’t know you wanted to see me shirtless that bad.” You teased back, Sam’s arm draping across your chest. 

“I think everyone would enjoy the show, some more than others.” He whistled, Steve’s eyes shooting daggers into his skull. 

“At least get in with us, Y/n,” Nancy spoke up, a smile on her face. 

You turned to look at Sam, “I’ll get undressed if you do.” He teased. 

“Fuck you all.” You grumbled, sitting up. You let Sam’s hands travel to the hem of your shirt, pulling it up over your head. 

“Fold it, it’s cashmere.” You muttered to him, watching him place it gently in one of the chairs. Leaving out the part where it was a Christmas present from Steve’s parents. 

Sam tugged his own shirt over his head, ignoring the hollers of the boys. You ignored the gazes, keeping your shorts on. Clad in those and a plain black bra. Thankful it at least wasn’t white today. 

“Okay on-” You started, readying yourself for a countdown before you saw Sam running at you full force. 

“Wait-no.” You squealed, being pushed into the pool. The cold water shocked your body, coming up with a shriek. “Fuck that’s cold.” 

Sam’s hair was dripping all over his face, swimming over to hold you in his arms. You wrapped your legs around his waist, holding onto his shoulders for dear life. 

“We should play a game,” Carol spoke up, a devilish grin on her face. 

The group of you didn’t stay in the pool much longer after that, a few games of chicken before you were all shivering. There were only so many times you could push Carol into the water aggressively before someone got mad. 

“I’m so cold.” Carol’s teeth were chattering while you wrapped the towel around yourself. 

“I heard his mom’s room has a fireplace.” Tommy’s eyebrows waved suggestively at her. 

“Gross, Steve, you’re gonna let them fuck in your parents' bed?” You groaned. Steve turned back, his eyes locking onto yours for what felt like the first time that night. This was while Nancy and Barb had a heated exchange, Barb storming off. You felt bad, making a mental note to bring her a muffin tomorrow morning in homeroom to apologize. 

“Unless you and Sam want it first.” He said, making you cringe. 

“We’re probably gonna head out.” You sighed, bidding them a goodnight. 

“Hey man, thanks for inviting me,” Sam said to Steve, Steve responding with a tight-lipped smile. All you could do was squint at the man, watching him walk into the house. 

“I guess we should head back.” You mumbled as soon as the two of you were alone, his hands resting on your hips. 

“I guess,” He sighed playfully. “Or we could take advantage of his empty backyard.” 

You gasped, “I’m not fucking you in my friend's yard.” 

He shook his head, “I didn’t say all that.” He pulled you to one of the beach chairs, laying you down against the cold plastic. 

Your heart was beating out of your chest, his lips pressed against yours hungrily. You kissed him back with fever, letting his tongue enter your open mouth. You gasped against him, feeling his hands cup your chest. Squeezing them before his hand trailed south, popping open the buttons of your soaked shorts. 

“This okay?” He grumbled against your lips. You weren’t sure if it was the wine coolers or the warmth of his body against yours, but you nodded. 

His hand slipped into your underwear easily, fingers finding the spot that had your back arching against the chair. Your eyes fluttered open when he hit that sweet spot inside you. 

Your gaze accidentally landed on Steve’s window, the curtains open and wide. The warmth in your stomach grew as, watched his bare back ripple on the bed. There was no doubt what he and Nancy were doing. You looked away quickly, pressing your lips to Sam’s again. Pretending you didn’t just come around his fingers, looking at your best friend. You prayed he didn’t see it, the guilt radiating off of you. You shoved it down, focusing on his body against yours. 

Little did any of you know that Johnathan Byers was in the woods just feet away, snapping photos of all of you. 

-

Barb was absent from homeroom, and Sam swore to you that there was no reason to be worried. The roads were hard to navigate on Steve’s road, especially at night. It was more likely that she was too embarrassed or tired to come in. It still made a weird, nagging feeling bloom in your chest. 

At lunch, you reluctantly joined the band of misfits again. Sam’s arm was lying against the back of your chair, Steve sitting across from you. Tommy was convinced he got frostbite from the pool, putting his disgusting foot on the lunch table, making you gag. 

“Hey, Y/n.” You turned around, watching Nancy walk up to the table on a mission. “When you left, did you see Barb?” 

You shook your head, Tommy cutting you off. “What?” 

“Barbara. She’s not here today.” Nancy spoke, her patience running thin. 

“I seriously have no idea who you’re talking about.” He shrugged. 

“Come on, don’t be an ass, man. Did you...Did you see her leave last night or not?” 

“No, she was gone when we left,” Tommy answered, Carol leaning over the table. 

“Probably couldn’t stand listening to all that moaning.” She moaned, beginning to moan Steve’s name loudly. Tommy joined in mocking Nancy loudly. 

Steve kicked him under the table, telling them to cut it out. You rolled your eyes, “I was worried this morning, but I think maybe she’s just skipping. We were out late last night.” 

“Yeah,” Sam perked up, “She’s not usually a party goer, you know? Not used to running on a few hours of sleep.” 

“Yeah, sure,” Nancy said with a tight lip. 

After lunch, you were excited to finally go home, kissing Sam goodbye when he left for his art club. It was then that you saw Steve walking towards you in the hall, grabbing your arm harshly. 

“Steve, what the fuck?” You asked, letting him angrily drag you into the parking lot with him. “What’s going on?” Carol, Tommy, and one of Carol’s friends, Nicole, followed along. Steve’s sights were on Jonathan Byers as he walked to his car. 

“Steve, if you’re going to be an asshole to him, I’m not-” You were cut off by Carol, looking at you for the first time with genuine sympathy in her eyes. 

“Y/n. Apparently, he was taking pictures of us last night.” She said, your eyes widening. Nicole simply nodded. You turned your head back to the disaster that was waiting to unfold. 

“Hey, man,” Steve shouted, his voice wavering in anger. You don’t think he was this angry when Trina had you pinned against the lockers freshman year. 

“What’s going on?” Jonathan stuttered, looking at all of you with wide eyes. 

“Nicole here was, uh, telling us about your work.” He said Carol and Tommy agreed. Swearing, it sounded like the coolest art in the world. 

“And we’d just love to take a look. You know, as... connoisseurs of art.” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He lied, Tommy snatching his backpack off of him, tossing it over to Steve. 

“Please, give me my bag.” He pleaded, Steve, ignoring him. Rifling through it to pull out a stack of photos. You leaned against his shoulder, watching him shuffle through the photos. Your heart fell into your stomach, seeing photos of you all getting out of the pool. Then Nancy upstairs, undressing in the window. Then his focus was on you, Sam’s hands down your pants. Your head tilted back in pleasure. Tears stung in your eyes, ripping the photos out of his hand. 

“Let me see,” Tommy said, snatching a few from Steve’s hand. He and Carol taking turns looking through them. “Yeah, this isn’t creepy at all.

“I was looking for my brother.” He tried to defend himself, unable to look any of you in the eyes. 

“No. No, this is called stalking.” Steve spoke, “Not only did you trespass, but you took perv photos of my best friend and my girlfriend. On my property. During private moments.” 

Nancy took the perfect moment to walk up, her face concerned, watching the tears in your eyes. “What’s going on?” 

“Here’s the starring lady.” Carol smirked, “One of them, anyway. I have to say Y/n, looks like he was rocking your world.” 

You crushed the photos in your hand, shoving them frantically into your bag. Steve shot Carol a look that could kill, “Shut the fuck up for once, Carol.” 

“This creep was spying on us last night,” She said, ignoring Steve’s outburst,  handing Nancy a photo. “He was probably gonna save this one for later.” 

Her expression matched yours, one of embarrassment and disgust. 

“See, you can tell that he knows it was wrong, but…” Steve reached out to wipe Jonathan's sleeve, the boy flinching. “Man, that’s the thing about perverts... It’s hardwired into ’em. You know, they just can’t help themselves.” 

You couldn’t watch this; the whole situation made your stomach turn. 

“So…We’ll just have to take away his toy,” Steve said, grabbing the camera. 

“Steve…” Nancy warned. 

“No, please, not the camera,” he begged, watching Steve pretend to give it back. Your whole body cringed when Steve dropped the camera, the lenses shattering on the asphalt. 

He stepped into Jonathan’s face again, pulling him by his collar. “If I find out you have pictures of her anywhere on that thing, it’ll be the last thing you see.” He spat, pushing him back roughly. Steve didn’t have to specify who he was referring to by the way he looked at you, before storming away. 

You and Nancy were frozen, watching the ripped-up photos crumple to the ground. 

“He shouldn’t have done that,” Nancy spoke quietly, eyes on the broken camera. 

“Please don’t make me verbally agree with Carol and Tommy.” You begged, “He wasn’t just creeping on you. There are pictures of me on there, too.” 

“Yeah, almost seems like Steve’s more upset about those than mine.” She mumbled under her breath. 

“What do you mean by that?” You stopped her, grabbing her arm. 

She jerked it away, snatching up the rest of the pictures. “Nothing. Just nothing, Y/n.” 

You were left standing there, dumbfounded. You looked back between Jonathan and the remains of his camera. 

“I hope you find your brother.” You managed out, walking back towards the group. Steve’s arm wraps around your wrist, pulling you to him. 

“You still going to the game?” He asked, his skin still warm from frustration. You shook your head no, pulling away from his grasp. 

“I’m just gonna head home.” 

He looked down at you, concern lacing his features. “Call you later?” 

All you could do was give him a weak smile. He paused, holding out his pinky. You stared at his finger; you hadn’t done a pinky promise with him in years. You laced yours with his, “Promise.” 

You avoided Nancy’s stares when you walked away, holding your hand close to your chest. 

-

They found Barbara’s car in a ditch a mile from Steve’s house, 3 days later. In a ditch you passed on the way home that night, unknowing that her body was pinned inside the vehicle for days. 

A week later, they found Will Byers alive in the woods, malnourished and traumatized, but alive. You were thankful there was at least one positive to the recent events in Hawkins. Nancy was in hysterics at Barb’s funeral, and Sam held you through the guilt. The two of you eventually made it official. Dating him was easier than it had been before, almost too easy. Sometimes it felt like you were putting on a show, living your life as you were taught you were supposed to. 

Time passed, as it often did. Senior year was full of jobs and college applications, and getting swept up in talk of the future. Despite your insistence on Steve studying and you doing half of his English assignments, his grades weren’t good. You held his hand, swore to him it would all be fine. But you knew his dad, and you knew the type of son his dad wanted him to be. Somehow, Halloween had crept up on you; flyers to Tina’s party floated around the halls. 

Despite Steve’s incessant begging to get you to join the pair, Sam was out of town visiting family, and you weren’t interested in third wheeling. Nancy had already been distant with you ever since the Jonathan incident; the last thing you wanted to do was make it worse. Late that night, you stayed in bed, only being roused by your phone ringing. You tried to ignore it, but the caller was only calling again. You rolled over, angrily gripping the phone off the hook.

“Hello?” You barked.

“Y/n..” Steve’s faraway voice came in through the phone. 

“Steve?” You questioned, confused as to what number he was calling you from. 

“Y/n. I need a ride. Nancy left me.” He mumbled. 

Your eyes nearly bugged out of your head at his words, jumping up to slip on some clothes. 

“You at Tina’s?” He responded with a mumbled yes. 

“I’ll be there in 15. Please do not go anywhere.” You made him promise, not holding drunk Steve to anything. You sped there, parting drunken bodies to find Steve. Sunglasses still perched on top of his head, his eyes hazy. 

“Guys, it’s my best friend.” He laughed, flinging his body onto yours. You pushed him off with a grunt, grabbing him by the arm. Dragging him out into the yard. Using all your strength as he kept going, deadweight on his feet.

This wasn’t the first time you had to pick a drunk Steve up from somewhere, but this was the worst. 

“Bullshit.” Steve slurred, his body slumping more in your hold. 

“What?” You were exasperated at this point, just barely able to toss his body into your passenger seat. 

“Bullshit. Nancy said it was all Bullshit. Didn’t love me.” He whined, his face pained with each word. 

Your brows furrowed, “Nancy loves you.” That was all you could manage to say, reaching over him to buckle him in. 

“No, no, she doesn’t.” He whined by the time you started the car, driving him slowly to his house. You only had to pull over once for him to throw up, thankful he didn’t ruin your floorboards. 

Getting him up into his room was easy, seeing as he threw up a portion of the alcohol in his system. 

“Come on, Joel Goodson, let’s get you to bed.” You sighed, taking the sunglasses off of him despite his protests. He took his own shirt off, not bothering with his pants, as he curled up in the bed. You watched his eyes flutter closed, his chest rising and falling. He looked peaceful, the frown lines he had earlier melting away. You moved the blanket over him, ready to leave before he stopped you. 

“Please don’t leave me.” He whimpered, not even opening his eyes. 

Your heart splintered open in your chest, crawling into bed with him. He nuzzled into your side, probably going to drool all over your sweater. That was fine, as long as he got some sleep. 

“Thank you,” He mumbled, “M’loving me. Wish it was you.” 

“What?” You asked, your heart falling into your stomach. The only response you got was his gentle snores. You didn’t get any sleep that night, content to lie on your back. Brushing your hands through his hair, staring at the ceiling, wondering what he meant. Or if he’d even remember. 

That wasn’t something you had the time for, deciding to push it into the back of your mind. 

Safe to say he didn’t when you woke up to him throwing up in his side table trash can, making you cringe. You did what you did best, taking care of him. He told you the story of what happened between him and Nancy, not liking your response. 

“I don’t think she deserves you, Stevie.” 

“Come on-” 

“I mean it, I know she’s going through a lot, but you didn’t kill Barb. It was an accident.”

He was quiet for a moment, hesitant to say the rest of the story. “She also thinks I’m in love with you.” 

The mood in the room shifted, the tension thick. “W-what? Why would she think that?” You stuttered out. 

He shrugged, not meeting your eyes. “I didn’t defend her honor enough with Jonathan, which is funny considering she forgave him.”

“She forgave him?” You scowled, trying to do your best to forget that night ever happened. The pictures were burnt in your fireplace, alongside photos of you and your ex. 

“Told her she wasn’t allowed to do that since he took pictures of you, too. She didn’t like that.” 

“What a bitch.” You mumbled, grabbing his hand in yours. 

“Dating is hard.” He gave you a sad smile, to which you nodded. “How are you and Sam?” 

You shrugged, “Fine. I think it's a little too fine. Sometimes I feel bad that he’s too sweet, too forgiving, too- I don’t know, is it mean to say boring?” 

“He does seem a little lame,” He teased, you hitting his chest playfully. He winced, holding his head, “I might throw up, don’t do that.” 

“He’s not lame. I just think something is wrong with me. Sometimes it feels like I can’t love him like I’m supposed to. Like I'm broken.” You admitted, watching his eyes soften at your admission. 

“I think you love me just right.” His words were quiet, heavier than before. “You’re not broken, Y/n.” 

“You don’t make it easy.” You joked, unraveling your hands. Maybe one day you’d explain to him that loving him was the easiest thing in the world, because you never had to think twice. From the moment you were born, there was an invisible thread tying you to him. Instead, you pushed it down, slapping his chest playfully. 

“Especially when you smell like an expired liquor store.” 

“Hey!” He whined. 

It was all fine, everything was fine. He went to shower, and you went home. He was going to buy Nancy flowers, and you were going to wait by the phone, waiting for Sam to call. So why did it feel so wrong? 

-

You got a call from Steve the next afternoon, asking if you’d come over. You obliged, only to be godsmacked by his bruised and bloodied face. 

“Oh my god? What the fuck?” You asked, rushing inside the door. 

“Am I an asshole?” He asked, ignoring your concerns. 

“What?” You muttered, dragging him into the bathroom. You immediately grabbed the first aid kit, ready to wipe his face with an alcohol pad. He stopped you, grabbing your wrist loosely. 

“Am I an asshole?” He repeated, his dark brown eyes heavy with sadness. 

“I mean, sure sometimes,” You’d never lie to him, “But you aren’t an asshole, you can just act like one.” 

“I did something really stupid.” He admitted. 

“Oh, really? I can’t tell.” You snarked, pressing the pad to his face. Making him wince in pain while you cleaned off the dried blood. “Let me guess, Nancy.” Her name tasted bitter on your tongue. 

He cocked his head to the side, “You don’t like her?” 

“I’m starting not to Stevie.” You admitted, bandaging the cut under his eyes closed. 

“Went to apologize to her with flowers for the other night, Jonathan Byers was in her bed. Tommy and Carol convinced me to spraypaint some bullshit at the theatre about her being a slut, he kicked my ass.” You took a moment to soak in his story, finishing with one last pink bandage. 

“Well, I guess you deserved a small ass kicking, but not this bad.” You winced. “Am I allowed to beat her ass?” 

“Y/n..” 

You threw your hands up, “Sorry, sorry!” 

In the silence, you cleaned up the bloodied paper, washing your hands in the sink. He stayed still, his brows furrowed in thought. A frown line forming into the crease of his forehead, you wanted nothing more than to rub your thumb over it. Releasing all the tension from him. 

“Penny for your thoughts?” You asked, placing your hand next to his on the counter. Propping yourself up next to him, your arms brushing.

“Do you ever think about it?” 

“Bout what?” You asked, oblivious to what thoughts were rolling around in that head of his. 

“How much easier it would be if we were in love.” 

Who would have thought 11 words would tilt your world on its axis? You must have been silent for longer than you thought. Steve speaking up again, “I mean, imagine how easy it would be. We’re already basically a couple anyway. Imagine if we were in love.” There was a subtle hopefulness in his voice; you told yourself you were reading into things. 

“Yeah. Imagine.” Your voice felt foreign to you. 

The silence was thick again, Steve’s eyes heavy on you. 

“Penny for your thoughts?” He copied you, his arm rubbing against yours, intentionally this time. Like he needed your touch to ground himself with each word he spoke. The sensation makes chills go up your spine. 

“I think,” You cleared your throat, “That you just got hit in the head a lot. You need ice.” 

If Steve was going to speak, you didn’t hear, too busy gliding out of the bathroom into the kitchen. Your hands shaking with adrenaline as you get him an ice pack ready. 

“Y-yeah.” He laughed, “Probably have brain damage or something.” 

With your doctoring, you gave Steve a clean bill of health, leaving him with instructions to ice and call you if his head hurt any worse. The entire drive home, all you could think about was Sam. 

Sam made you feel steady, like you were safe on the shore. Feet planted in the sand, a war, breeze flowing through the air. Why wasn’t it enough? Why didn’t it make you feel alive? 

-

Adulthood snuck up on you, graduation coming and going. You were ashamed to admit you were relieved he and Nancy were finally done. He seemed sad, but lighter. You had Dustin to thank for that, the kid he semi-adopted, despite him claiming he didn’t. The kid adored him. When he went off to summer camp, Steve nearly shed a tear, swearing you to secrecy that you’d never tell him that. He’d never live it down. 

When the mall opened up, it was the perfect opportunity for ‘real world experience’ as Steve’s father called it. Scoops Ahoy had hired him on the spot, complete with the cutest little outfit to go with it. You found a simpler, less embarrassing job at a bookstore at the end of the hall. The two of you were still able to spend too much time with each other. 

His co-worker Robin became your best friend, much to Steve’s chagrin. If he thought you were picking on him, each time the two of you were together, it was Steve’s own personal level of hell. 

Today’s topic of discussion was his horrible flirting skills. Being back on the market had made him rusty, fumbling around every single girl that walked in. Robin’s ‘You Suck’ board had made you cry out of laughter when she showed you. 

“Ladies, 3 o’clock,” Robin whispered, pulling your head down behind the window. The two of you are ready to spy on him. 

“Ahoy, ladies! Didn't see you there. Would you guys like to set sail on this ocean of flavor with me? I'll be your captain. I'm Steve Harrington.” He spoke, too high a volume for the quiet store. The girls cringed with each word. 

“Oh my god, he’s hopeless.” Robin sighed. 

You couldn’t help but agree, “It’s like a car crash. I can’t stop watching.” 

He stumbled his way through offering ice cream samples, the girls taking their scoops awkwardly and leaving in a fit of giggles. Steve closed his eyes, “I don’t wanna hear it.” 

“Oh, you’re gonna hear it.” 

-

Steve’s freckled shoulders were underneath your hands, your fingers digging into his muscle. 

“God, you feel so good.” His voice was raspy, the moan coming deep from his chest. He was deep inside you, his hips rutting frantically against your own. The sound of skin slapping against skin echoed in the room. The headboard slapping the wall. 

“Steve, Steve.” You moaned his name like a broken record, his lips nipping at your neck. His name fit perfectly on your tongue. 

“There you go, honey, you gonna cum around me?” He asked, looking down at you. Your eyes meet his as you.. 

You woke up in a hot sweat, fingers twisting in the sheets. There was a thin layer of sweat covering your body, chest rising and falling. Sam lay next to you, as still as a board. You let out a shaky breath, the throbbing between your legs reminding you of what you just experienced. Slipping out of bed silently was easy, grabbing a glass of water with shaky hands. The fantasies your mind conjured up played like a highlight reel as you stared into the dark room. 

“What the fuck.” You breathed, laying your head down on the cool counter. Hoping the granite would quell the fire blooming through your body. 

Steve’s words from last fall echoed in your mind. 

“Have you ever thought about us?” 

You felt queasy, content to head back upstairs. Crawling into bed with Sam as if nothing had happened. It was fine; you can’t control your dreams. There’s no such thing as bad thoughts, only actions. And nothing had happened, nothing will happen. 

-

The dream was haunting your every move, every time Sam tried to initiate anything, his face blurred with Steve’s. It’s like you were cursed. You began to see Steve in everything. Every place around Hawkins you frequented, memories lingered on all of your clothes. You couldn’t escape him, and a sick, cruel part of you didn’t want to. 

“You okay?” Sam asked, his hand still steady on your hips. Sam. He was kissing you; he wanted you. You blinked away the faraway look in your eyes, nodding weakly. 

“Just got distracted.” 

You refused to be haunted by make-believe, bringing Sam down to your level. Kissing him hard. Fingers pressed into his shoulders. Your brain continued terrorizing you, flashing you images of your dream. Before you realised it, you were mirroring the exact position. You moaned and twisted your body every which way, fighting for that feeling. When he slipped inside, all you could think about was Steve. Would he touch you like this? 

“Is that good?” Sam interrupted your thinking, noticing how quiet you had been. His hips slowing down. Catching onto your wood behavior. 

“Y-yeah.” You lied, smiling up at him. “Maybe just a little harder?” 

He obliged, the headboard creaking against the wall. Your eyes fluttered shut again, letting yourself indulge. Just for a moment. You told yourself it was to test your theory, but you knew what it was. It was the carnal urge to let yourself crave him. Just once, to let your mind wander into the feelings you’ve pushed so far back in your mind. 

You thought about his plump lips, the way his hair falls on his forehead after basketball practice, the swell of his biceps, and the happy trail you see when he stretches. Steve. All you could think about was Steve, every neuron in your body lighting up at the mere thought of him. 

“You like that?” Sam asked, watching your back arch. 

All you could do was nod, watching a highlight reel behind your eyelids. You imagined what his body would feel like against yours, heavy and slick with sweat. How he’d feel pressed inside you. How attentive he would be. You couldn’t take it, your legs shaking around his hips. 

“Stev-Sam.” You stuttered, covering it up with an obnoxious moan. Pushing it down, pushing down every single thought of him that made you feel alive. Your eyes stayed shut when he came, scared your eyes would tell him everything. 

“God baby, you really liked that, huh?” He yawned, pressing a kiss to your forehead. 

That night, you cried in the shower, scrubbing every inch of your body raw. Doing everything you could to feel clean, the sin and disgust clinging to your skin like a bad perfume. 

-

The next day at work, your hands were shaky. You were spacy, constantly zoning in and out. The mall patrons only occupied you when they had questions. Working at a bookstore was the ideal place for peace and quiet, but now it felt like your own personal hell. Trapped in these walls. 

When the clock hit noon, you were running through the mall, nearly knocking down entire families in your path. 

The familiar Scoops Ahoy sign made you sigh. Steve would be on break right now. At least you didn’t have to face him. Your body collided with another, his cologne alerting you to his presence before he did. 

“Where’s the fire?” Steve laughed, his hands falling to your hips. That was normal, that was something that happened. But now it felt like the fire was inside of you, burning you from the inside out. 

“Uh, I just need to see Robin. I’m out of girl things. Pads, tampons, you know.” You stuttered out a lie, trying not to watch the way his lips parted when he spoke. 

“I have some in my car for you, you know.” He started, you cutting him off. 

“Yes! Thank you. Can you go get them?” Your eyes were wide, your voice too loud, and he just squinted at you. 

“Okay..I don’t remember your period making you this weird.” He grumbled, letting go of you. “I’ll be back. I can get you some chocolate from Bon Bon?” 

“I’d love that.” Your face softened, feeling horrible for lying to him. As soon as his back disappeared amongst the crowd of people, you jumped over the counter, Robin’s scooper flying out of her hand. 

“What the hell?” She asked, eyeing your disheveled appearance. 

“Hey Robin.” 

“Hey, Y/n.” She mocked your cadence.

“Can I tell you something, if you swear on your life to never mention it to another living soul?” Her face got serious, noticing your expression.  

“Yes, of course.” 

You took a deep breath, saying the next sentence so quickly that only someone like Robin would have been able to understand it. “I had a sex dream about Steve last night, and that’s never happened before, ever. I’ve never thought of him that way, maybe once or twice in passing as a curious teen, but never seriously, and now I can’t stop thinking about it.” 

Her eyes were wide, your chest heaving from the speed at which you word vomited at her. 

“A sex dream?” Her jaw was on the floor, “Steve? Your best friend since birth, Steve?” 

You shushed her, spinning around the empty Scoops Ahoy like a woman on a mission. 

“Yes.”

“I mean, I’ve had a sex dream about Smurfette once, so I wouldn’t think too much about it.” She offered, watching your still panicked face. 

“Wait,” She paused, “What do you mean you can’t stop thinking about it?” 

“I don’t wanna talk about it.” You grumbled, knowing Robin wasn’t going to let it go. 

“Nope, you can’t drop a bombshell on me and not elaborate.” 

You grabbed her arm, pulling her into the backroom. Watching through the window anxiously as if he was going to materialize at any moment. 

“I just keep thinking about it. Like earlier, he was speaking, and all I could think about was that my dream lips had touched his dream lips. Then I couldn’t stop thinking about what it would be like to kiss him.” You rambled, “Then I look at him and feel guilty. Like I’m dirty and sinful because I can’t stop thinking about, dreaming about him naked. And inside of me-” 

“Whoa! Too much information-” Robin cut you off. 

You ignored her, “And he’s my best friend. My Stevie. So what do I do? I can’t even look him in the eyes anymore.” 

“Do you like him?” She spoke slowly, like she was poking a frightened bear. 

You stopped your anxious pacing, tears welling up in your eyes. You were so overwhelmed you could barely think, and you shook your head. “N-no?” 

“Babes, you didn’t sound too confident there.” 

“Can I tell you something else awful?” You whispered, there was never a filter between you and Robin. There probably never would be. 

She nodded softly at you to speak. 

“When Sam and I had sex the first time, I almost called him Steve. A-and I thought maybe I just you know? Two S names and all,” You laughed manically. “Then the dream, so I’m wondering if it’s always been subconscious. So when Sam and I had sex last night, I closed my eyes and imagined Steve. And I did it again.” 

When it was off your chest, you felt lighter, albeit dizzy. 

“And?” She added, her eyes wide. 

“I was really sad to open my eyes and see Sam.” You cried, tears pouring down your cheeks now. “And Sam was like Wow, you’ve never been so into it before and I’m so awful. I’m such a bad person.” 

Robin was the only person in the world you could trust to tell. You liked Sam, you really did. But you couldn’t feel a fraction of what you felt just thinking about Steve with him. You felt broken, stringing the man along because you couldn’t face the music. 

“Honey.” Robin frowned, pulling your shaking frame into her arms. “I don’t think you’re a bad person. I just think you’re in love with Steve.” 

You shook your head frantically, “I can’t be. Can’t. It’ll ruin everything.” 

Robin’s lips tightened in a straight line, choosing her words carefully. The entire Summer Robin has had to endure similar conversations with Steve. How they still didn’t see it was beyond Robin. The entirety of Hawkins thought they had been dating for years. 

“But there’s that chance he could feel the same way. You won’t know unless you try.” 

You were saved by the door busting open. Steve’s arms are full of various bags. Pads, tampons, and various snacks. “I wasn’t sure what you wanted, just got one of everything. Robin, I got you some gummies-” He rambled, looking up to see the two of you embracing, tears pouring down your face. 

He held out the bags to you nervously, “I’m sorry your vagina is bleeding.” 

The moment the words left his mouth, you and Robin fell into each other laughing, Steve’s face going red.

 “Women.” He muttered, tossing the bags onto the table with a thud. 

-

Robin’s words sat heavily on your mind, but instead of listening to her sound advice, you ignored it. Ignored the horrible feeling in your gut and prayed it would go away after some time. Now you were walking up to Steve’s front door, Sam’s hand in yours. 

The kids had conned him into hosting a movie night, complete with all the junk food you all could gather. You, Sam, Robin, and Steve were the designated chaperones. Although it’s not like they actually listened to anything any of you said. You were bombarded when you walked through the door, getting tugged in different directions by various kids. The girls wanted your advice on something, Dustin needed you to convince Steve to let them swim after dinner, and the rest of the boys were screeching about some game. 

“Go ahead,” Sam had chuckled, “Love you.” 

That was another new development. Sam had told you he loved you multiple times now. Each time you sent him a tight-lipped smile, no words escaped your mouth.  It broke your heart that you couldn’t love him. You loved being loved by him, and you were selfish enough to drag him along. 

“That was awkward,” Max muttered. You ignored it. Letting them drag you into the house. 

After the kids had run you ragged, you found Steve in the kitchen setting up the multiple boxes of pizza. 

“Remind me again why I signed up for this?” Steve sighed, gesturing to the gaggle of children currently destroying his living room. 

“Because they were getting sick of the mall. It’s summer break.” You laughed, “And you are the one who designated yourself as the babysitter.” 

He sighed, “Still..” 

“And you love me?” You giggled, grabbing a stack of plates from the cabinet. 

“That I do.” He said, his eyes meeting yours before they caught Sam’s hovering behind you. 

“I love you. Love you enough to tell you that I’m not helping you clean this up tomorrow.” 

Sam cleared his throat, and you whipped around. Startled by his presence. 

“Hi-” 

“Can we talk?” He cut you off, shooting Steve daggers behind your back. 

“Okay?” You stuttered, taken off guard. Steve excused himself, patting your arm gently before he slid past you two. Leaving you both alone in his kitchen, Sam’s eyes dark on yours. 

“What’s wrong?” You asked. 

“Why do you let him do that?” 

Your brows furrowed, “Let who do what?” 

“Steve. You let him give you those pathetic puppy dog eyes.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“Oh come on,” He laughed, the tension growing thick, “He glares at me like I’m going to attack him at any second, then he looks at you like a kicked dog. He touches you whenever he gets the chance. And you just let him.” 

“Sam, it’s-” You stuttered, “It’s how we’ve always been.” 

“Yeah, well, it’s getting sort of ridiculous, Y/n.” He scoffed, spinning around to head for the door. 

You followed, ripping the door open behind him. “What is?” 

“You!” He yelled, his hands waving in front of you. With all the commotion, you gave it a few minutes before Steve and Robin followed you outside. No doubt the kids had their ears pressed to the door. What an embarrassing disaster this night has turned into

“Sam-” 

“Have you just been playing in my face for over a year?” He asked, his voice thick with emotion. 

You shook your head quickly, tears welling in your eyes. “No, no Sam no. I would never.” 

“So you love me?” 

You went silent, your bottom lip wobbling. 

“You can’t even fucking say it.” He spat. “That’s all I wanted from you, but you can’t even give me that.” 

“Is this because I told Steve I love him?” You whimpered, willing the tears not to fall. “We’ve been telling each other we love each other since we could speak.” 

He shook his head, “No. Something changed. Either you’re too blind to see it or-” He cut himself off, letting out a heartbroken laugh. The front door opens behind you. You knew who it was, without turning around. Steve would always come for you; he always has. What you’ve truly wanted has been right in front of you, and you never realized it until now. 

“There’s your knight and shining armor.” Sam scoffed, rubbing his mouth with his hand. 

“Y/n, are you okay?” Steve ignored Sam’s words, his soft voice speaking to you only. The voice he used before kissing your bandaids over scraped knees. The voice that got you through the darkest times. The same one that asked you that night, he asked if you’d ever thought about it. 

“She’s fine. We’re talking, can we please have a moment?” Sam spoke when you didn’t, tears falling freely down your cheeks now. 

“I wasn’t speaking to you,” Steve responded, his hands on his hips now. 

Sam laughed, a cruel one. “I know you can’t fight Harrington, so don’t bother.” 

“Stop.” You spoke weakly, turning around. “Steve, just give us a second.” 

His eyes met yours, the two of you having a silent conversation with your eyes. He was ready to turn inside, but this only angered Sam further. 

“Actually, no, Steve, you should stay.” Sam’s voice chilled you to your bones, your eyes snapping to his. Despite your protests, he continued. “We were just talking about how Y/n doesn’t love me. Apparently, you’re all she can think about.” 

“Bullshit-”

“You’re dreaming about him, Y/n! You have repressed your feelings so far down that you don’t even realize how pathetic it is. God, it’s so fucking embarrassing being with you, watching the two of you dance around each other.” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You cried, confused as to how he would even know about your dreams, your feelings. 

“You say his name in your sleep. You say his name during sex.” He let out in a heartbreaking laugh, “You think I didn’t hear you? You think I don’t see that faraway look in your eyes? When you look disappointed to see me there?” 

It was as if you could feel your world falling apart all around you; you wanted nothing more than the world to swallow you whole. Steve’s eyes were burning into the back of your head; you couldn’t face him. Not when Sam was laying it all out in the open, flaying your heart open right here for Steve to see. 

“That doesn’t mean I never cared for you.” You sniffled, “Sam, I could love you, I could.” 

“I wish I could believe that. I really do.” He sighed, shuffling his feet. 

Steve stayed quiet, unsure of what to do. He was stuck against the door, his heart aching for you. Even for Sam. 

“You know what the worst part of all of this was?” He laughed, tears filling his eyes, “I always knew this would be how it ended. You, running into his arms. Everyone warned me, but I loved you too much to listen.” 

“I’m so sorry.” You blubbered, your arms wrapped around yourself. This was it; you couldn’t go back from this. 

He shook his head, “No. Not really, you’re not..” Were his last words as he turned around, speeding off down the road in his truck 

Everything you had ever known was dissipating in front of your eyes. All the plans you had made. That metaphorical box of feelings you had been cramming to the brim finally crumbled underneath its own weight. You were scared you were going to drown. The unknown picking up your body and dragging you to sea. 

“Y/n..” There was that voice again, your forever anchor. You shook your head, wiping away your tears. You couldn’t face him, you couldn't do this. 

“We gotta talk about it.” His voice was thick, “We gotta get it out.” 

“I can’t.” You whimpered, hiding your face in your hands. 

He stepped forward anyway, grabbing your wrists in his hands. Pulling them away to expose your tear-stained cheeks. 

“It’s just me. It’s just me.” He reassured you, holding your face in his hands. He held you as if his whole world was resting upon his palms, because it was. 

“That’s the problem.” You cried, eyes still squeezed shut. If you opened your eyes and saw him, it would all be real; the weight of this would crash on your shoulders. But you knew he’d be there to catch you. 

He let you steady yourself, pressing his forehead to yours. Waiting for your frantic breaths to match his, your shaking hands gripped his jacket. Searching for a lifeline. 

“All this time….” He cleared his throat. “Why didn’t you tell me?” 

Your eyes shot open at his words, his eyes glossy, full of a thousand unsaid words. 

“I've spent so many years dancing around it. Pushing it down and just praying it would go away. If I thought about it too hard, if I let the idea cross my mind, it would never go away. So I couldn’t. Couldn’t lose you.” You cried. 

“You’d never lose me. Look at me, Y/n Y/l/n.” He promised, forcing you to keep your eyes on him. He wasn't going to let you look away, not now. 

 “The love I have for you,” his voice cracking, “The love I have for you transcends every possible doubt you have in your mind. I look for you in every room, every time I need you, you are right there, you’ve always been right there. Through it all. If I could go back, I'd kick myself for letting you get away from me for so long, but it doesn’t matter. Because we’re right here. And I'm not going anywhere. However long it takes, whatever it takes. You’ve always been my girl.” 

You nodded, “Pinky promise?” It came out as a pathetic whimper, tears slipping down Steve’s cheeks, matching your own. 

“Yes,” He gave you a teary laugh, “Pinky promise.” His hand came up, his pinky finding yours. He leaned down, kissing your knuckles. Suddenly, you were both 13 again, the same Indiana sun beaming down on you two. 

“I choose you and me, religiously. Through everything, everyone in my life. Not because I felt like I needed to, but because I wanted to. There was no one else, god, there was never anyone else I’ve loved as much as I love you.” He cried, his forehead pressing harshly into yours, “It’s always been us. You hear me?”

“Steve..” 

“I love you, Y/n, you’re my best friend, and I am helplessly, unequivocally in love with you.” 

“That’s a real big word for you.” You laughed through the tears, making him beam. 

“It is a huge word for me, only I even know it because of you.” He sighed, “There are no words to explain just how much I love you. 

“I think I’ve loved you my whole life.” You whispered, your noses brushing. “It’s the only thing that’s ever come easy to me.” 

Steve’s smile could rival that of a thousand suns, his lips brushing yours. “Can I?” His voice was meek, unsure. 

You didn’t even have a chance to nod, closing the gap between you. Your lips pressing softly to his. He kissed you like he was coming home, and you kissed him back as you needed him to survive. The two of you are drowning in the kiss, hands clenching each other tightly as if both of you would wake up from a dream. 

When you pulled apart for air, his cheeks were flushed, his eyes dark. What a mess the two of you looked, tear-stained and blushing in the middle of his driveway. 

“I love you.” You said, just to say it. Just because you could. 

“And I love you.” He pressed a longing kiss to your forehead, pulling back to look at you. 

“This has been so embarrassing. Can’t believe I ruined movie night.” You sniffled.

“Those kids are fine. Robins probably distracted them by now with some ridiculous scheme.” Steve said, kissing away the tears running down your face. You both had a lot to talk about, you needed time to think, and grieve. But the crushing weight of your feelings was finally off your shoulders, and Steve didn’t run away. He ran towards you, holding your hand just like he always had. 

You were thankful for the kids who acted oblivious, throwing popcorn at you the moment you walked back in the door. Making you pay for having to listen to Robin monologue about Gremlins, before even pressing play on the tape. 

Steve simply shrugged, pulling you down against him on the couch. His arms are around your chest. It wasn’t anything different from how he’d held you before, but it was also so different. New intentions, a new feeling sparking every time you two touched. 

That night, neither of you was able to sleep, content to tiptoe over the sleeping children. Steve nearly slips on Mike’s blanket, making you have to cover your mouth to stop the laugh from slipping out. The sliding glass door creaked as you two descended into the night. Steve practically pulling you into his backyard like a man on a mission. 

“What are you doing?” You giggled, watching the old trampoline come into view. Your heart ached; it must have been in his garage collecting dust. 

“Made the kids pull it out.” He answered you before you even asked, his hand coming up to rub the back of his neck. “Robin asked if we wanted candles and rose petals, but I told her this was perfect.” 

“It is.” You whispered, your hands running over the rusted springs. 

Steve helped hoist you up, the two of you plopping down on the worn-out plastic. Both of you bouncing into each other. 

In a rushed fit of giggles, you pulled him down next to you, your head nuzzling into his chest. With his arm around your waist, he held you close. The stars were bright tonight, a rare, clear night this time of year. 

“I never thought this would happen,” He admitted, “Always thought you were too good for me. That I’d never deserve you. I still don’t think I do.” 

“I didn’t think you’d ever choose me. I mean, out of all the girls in Hawkin’s you’ve been with, and there’s been a lot,” You teased, “I didn’t think I had a shot in the dark.” 

“Honey, you are my girl. Everyone knew.” He smiled, thinking back to all the times everyone said you two were practically dating anyway. Looking back, it was painfully obvious; the only oblivious ones were you two. 

“Guess I just thought you were fulfilling some pinky promise we made as kids. Like out of some weird obligation to the weird girl who started following you around one day and never stopped.” You admitted sheepishly. 

“That’s ridiculous, honey.” That was all he could say, humor lacing his words. 

“I mean, looking back, it was kinda obvious,s huh?” You laughed, your mind giving you a highlight reel of the past few years. All the girlfriends of his you hated, the boyfriends of yours he wouldn’t even give a chance. Everyone’s whispers, both of your parents, calling it from a young age. It was always inevitably going to end here, no matter how bumpy the ride. 

“Dude, our moms are gonna flip.” 

“Ugh, they’ve probably already planned the tackiest wedding imaginable.” You groaned. 

“You wanna marry me, honey?” He teased, poking your side. 

“Shut up.” You grumbled, your cheeks warming. 

“I think,” He said, eyes going back up to the stars, “I think I'd marry you right now if you said yes.” 

“I’d say yes.” You admitted, “I’ve never been so sure about something my whole life.” 

Suddenly, he was jolting up from the trampoline, leaving you bouncing in his absence. 

“What are you doing?” You laughed, watching him stumble around in the dark, hands brushing through the grass. If you knew any better, you’d have thought he finally lost his mind.  

“Wait, wait. No! Yes, fuck yes okay.” He muttered, ripping something out of the ground, running back up the trampoline. He was illuminated by the moonlight, his eyes sparkling as he looked up at you. He was on one knee, holding up a dandelion he’d folded into a ring. 

“Are you proposing?” You laughed, unable to keep a straight face. 

“Yes, not for real, but also kinda?” He chuckled nervously, “Will you, Y/n Y/l/n, take me, Steve Harrington’s hand in marriage? In probably about a year or so from now??” 

“You are ridiculous.” 

He tsked, “That’s not an answer.” 

“What are my options?” 

“Yes, and uh.. Oh yeah, yes.” 

“God, lots of decisions to think over.” 

You smiled down at him, holding out your left hand. “Steve Harrington, yes, I will marry you.” 

“Fuck yeah.” He cheered, slipping the weed onto your finger. With the yellow flower against your skin, all you could think about was his bouquet of dandelions he brought you when you were a kid. 

“Come here.” You whispered, dragging him back up with you. Your lips meet his. This kiss was different than the first; this was hot and heavy. Your mouth opened, letting his tongue explore. You straddled his hips, pinning him down as best you could while the two of you bounced with every movement. 

“Baby.” He groaned, your lips trailing down the side of his neck. 

“Hmm?” You hummed, your hand crawling under his shirt. Finally touching the rough patch of hair you dreamed about. His soft stomach underneath your palm. 

“Don’t think there’s anyone in the woods with a camera, do you?” He asked, making you fall off of him in a fit of giggles. 

“Oh, that’s fucked up.” 

“Sorry, I had to.” He threw his hands up, “I mean, weirdly, he’s a cool guy. He and Nancy make a good couple.” 

“I think we make a better couple.” You cheesed, pressing another kiss to his lips. Then another, and another. You’d never get sick of it. 

“I agree.” He laughed in between kisses. “I also think we should take this upstairs.” 

You met his hungry eyes, taking his hand in yours, letting him lead the way. This was one of those times you were thankful for Steve’s rich parents. His room was upstairs on the other end of the house from everyone else. 

You had been in Steve’s rooms countless times, even slept in his bed more times than your own. But suddenly it was real; none of this was some dream you found yourself lost in. He was right here in front of you, his hands leading you to his bed. 

“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.” He spoke calmly, nerves radiating off of you. You looked up at him, the hunger in his eyes matching your own. 

“I want this,” You whispered, “I want you.” With every fiber of being, this was all you wanted. 

The rest was a blur, messy kisses, hushed moans, and trembling hands as clothes floated to the floor. He hesitated against your bra strap, staring deep into your eyes when the clasp came undone. Pulling it off your body as he was unwrapping a delicate vase. 

“You,” His mouth went dry, his eyes still on yours. “Are the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.” 

You were burning alive for him. His hands touched you gently, his thumbs rubbing over your peaked buds. With each gasp that left your lips, Steve watched, memorizing every single touch that left you reeling. 

“This okay?” He whispered, his face leaning down into your ribcage. 

“Yes, Please.” 

This was all he needed, his lips trailing wet kisses down your sternum. His tongue flicked over the sensitive bud, flattening before he took it into his mouth, Sucking ever so softly, while his other hand gripped your other tit, massaging the flesh. 

“Oh my god.” 

You could barely breathe, the pressure between your legs growing with each wet trail of his tongue. He pulled off with a lewd pop, his lips glossy. He didn’t stop there, his kisses trailing down your stomach, until he was perfectly settled between your hips. Arms caging your body in. 

“How are you feeling?” Ever the worrier, Steve was going to stop every few seconds, asking if you were okay. Your body was trembling underneath his, in anticipation and nerves. 

“Good. I love you.” You panted, his fingers curling in the sides of your underwear. 

“Gonna take these off now, that okay?” 

You frantically nodded, lifting your hips for him. When he threw them alongside the pile of your other clothes, your legs fell shut on impulse. 

He looked up at you, a silent question in his eyes. 

“C-can you take your shirt off?” You asked, feeling underdressed. He flung the shirt off quicker than you’ve ever seen before, smiling wildly at you. His bare skin was warm against your legs as he settled himself back in position, hands gripping your thighs. 

“Open up for me, honey.” 

You let out an embarrassed squeal, “Wait.” 

Steve paused, watching your face scrunch with nerves. “S’what wrong?” 

“I’ve never…” You trailed off, choking on your embarrassment. 

“What?” He asked, taking a minute to put two and two together. He looked down at your clamped legs, and back up to you like he’d seen a ghost. 

“Are you serious?” His voice had lowered an octave, hands clenching. “No one’s ever gone down on you.” 

“They all said it was g-gross. So I didn’t bother you, know?” You flushed, “You don’t have to.” 

He stopped you, unclenching his jaw. “Gross? Baby, I have every right mind to go track them down and beat their ass.” 

A squeak escaped your lips, “You’re hot when you’re mad.” 

“I am mad, mad because there’s no reason any of those men deserved you. I’ve been wanting to get my mouth on you for years, and they just-” He cut himself off, hand rubbing small circles on your calf. “Baby, do you want me to go down on you?” 

You nodded sheepishly, “Just nervous.” 

“Don’t be. You just talk to me, okay? If there’s anything you don’t like, anything you want. Need you to promise you’ll tell me.” 

“Okay, yeah. Promise.” You leaned back, bracing yourself on his pillows. 

“Good.” He grabbed your tights gently, “Open up for me, pretty girl.” 

You obliged, letting your legs fall open for him. A shock went through you at the sensation of your wet cunt hitting the cold air. Steve’s eyes were locked on you. Practically drooling at the sight of you. 

“Gorgeous.” He babbled, pressing kisses up and down your inner thighs. “You’re so fucking gorgeous. Gonna put my mouth on you, okay?” 

You nodded, your body jerking the moment his wet mouth came down on your clit. He took it slow, letting his tongue draw circles over you. You were over the moon, letting out choked moans of his name. You didn’t know it would feel this good. 

His tongue flattened, teasing your entrance before suckling your clit into his mouth. He ate you out like a man starved, moaning against you. The sensations had your legs shaking, overwhelmed by new feelings that licked up your spine. 

“Steve..” 

“How’s it feel, baby?” He panted, your wetness covering the bottom half of his mouth when he came up for air. His hand curled around to your entrance.  

“S’good. Bab,y it feels so good.” You basically sobbed, your cunt welcoming in his thick fingers. Stretching you out with each curl of his fingertips. His mouth wrapped around you, and that was all it took; your back arched off the bed. Grinding into his mouth messily as you came. He held your hips still, stroking out each morsel of your orgasm. Sweat clung to your forehead, your chest rising and falling quickly. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever come that hard.” You sighed dreamily. Steve had a shit-eating grin on his face, wiping his face on his discarded shirt before crawling back up your body. His lips met yours, kissing you deeply. You could taste yourself on his tongue, moaning weakly when he pulled apart. 

“I will do that all day, every single day.” He swore between kisses. His hips pressed against yours; the only thing separating you two was the thin fabric of his boxers. You could feel his hard length pressed against you. 

“Can I return the favor?” Your teeth came down to bite your bottom lip, wanting nothing more than to run your tongue down his happy trail straight to his cock. 

“Another time?” He smiled, speaking before you frowned, “I need to feel you.” 

“Just for a second?” You pleased, giving him your best doe eyes. He knew he could never say no to you. His boxers were pulled off, his cock slapping against his stomach. He was huge; your mouth salivated at the idea of wrapping your mouth around his pulsating tip. He fumbled around in his drawer, holding up a condom in his hand like it was a winning lottery ticket. He lay next to you on the bed, letting you switch positions. 

Your hand wrapped around him slowly, barely fitting. He gritted his teeth before you could fully pump him. The length twitching in your hand. 

“O-okay, baby-” He winced, his head hitting the headboard when your lips wrapped around him. Licking the precum off of him, savoring the salty taste of him. His hips jerked up, his cock sliding into your mouth deeper. 

“Fuck, okay, nope. Nope.” He hissed, gently pulling you off of him. This time, it was your turn to have a shit-eating grin on your face. 

“What? Can’t handle it?” You teased, squealing when he gripped your hips. Flipping you back onto your back with a thump. 

“Nope, my girl has a perfect fucking mouth,” He smirked, “But I wanna feel this pretty pussy more.” 

Your core throbbed at his words, hips rutting against the air for relief. He sat up between your legs, sliding the condom over his length. 

“Ready?” He asked, to which you nodded frantically. 

“Yeah, baby.” 

His tip circled your entrance a few times, spreading your wetness around for him. Before he braced himself, sliding himself in slowly. Your hands found his shoulders, fingers creating half-moon indentations as you welcomed the stretch. 

“Doing so well.” He praised, pressing kisses up and down your neck and chest. “Taking me so well. So fucking tight for me.” 

When his hips bottomed out against yours, tears sprang in your eyes. You were so full, emotions overwhelming you.

He noticed your eyes fluttering shut, his hand moving to cradle your cheek. “Eyes on me. Eyes on me.” He cooed. 

You were scared, so scared you’d open them, and it was just another dream. “I’m real. I’m here.” He reassured, pressing soft kisses to your cheeks. They fluttered open again, and you stared at your brown-eyed lover. Drinking him in, every freckle, every imperfection. You wanted to count his eyelashes and memorize the patterns in his irises. 

“I love you.” Your voice was raw, the words spilling out heavier than ever before. Despite the countless times the two of you said those three words to each other over the years, this was the one that meant the most. That held the most weight. It carried every emotion you’ve pushed down over the past decade. Now it poured out of you, oozing from your very being. 

His smile was infectious: “I love you so much.” Another kiss on your lips. Something you’d never get sick of, his plump lips against yours. Moving with a passion that can only be built from years of secret glances and repressed feelings. 

You both moved as if the other was going to slip through your hands like water. Hands frantic, but focused. Memorizing every bit of each other’s bodies as your body welcomed him in. 

“You can move.” You sighed, the discomfort turning into pleasure. He did an experimental rock of his hips, hitting a spot deep inside you that had you mewling. 

“Oh, already, baby?” He cooed, using the hand that wasn’t propped up to rub circles on your cheek with his thumb. 

“S’deep.” You slurred, with each expert movement, your body was on fire. The wet sounds of him dragging in and out of your cunt only fueled the burning. The bed creaked when he sped his movements up. 

“I love you. I love you.” Steve grunted, his fair falling meassily on his forehead. His eyebrows scrunched up, staring down at you, watching you come apart underneath him. Committing every second to memory. 

Your legs wrapped around his hips, pulling him even closer if that was possible. His thick patch of hair sits above his cock, rubbing deliciously against your clit, his tip hitting your cervix as he fucked into you. 

“I’m gonna cum. Baby gonna cum.” You whined, feeling the tension coil deep in your gut. Steve nodded with a grunt, grabbing your legs and spreading them wide. The new angle had you screaming his name, his fingers rubbed your clit messily while you spasmed around him. Coming so hard your ears began to ring, legs shaking in his hold. 

He fucked you through it, keeping you spread wide for him. “That’s it. Take this cock, baby. Feels good? Feels so good.” He muttered, his hips stuttering. 

“Come inside me,” You babbled mindlessly, paying no mind to the condom between you two. 

“Oh fuck.” Steve gasped, emptying his load into the condom with a gasp. Falling slack against your body with each twitch of his cock inside you. 

Your hands curled in his hair, his panting breaths hitting your chest as the two of you came down. Relishing in the sounds of each other’s breathing, and his skin on yours. 

After a while, he pulled out of you with a hiss, disposing of the condom and cleaning the two of you up. He crawled back into bed, beckoning you to lie on his chest. 

You didn’t hesitate, curling yourself up against him. Letting his hands find your scalp, massaging your head. You cooed into him.

“Penny for your thoughts?” You sighed dreamily, Steve’s fingers expertly combing through your hair. 

“My thoughts are worth more than a penny.” He teased, making you roll your eyes at him. 

“I have a kiss, take it or leave it.” 

“Oh, I’m taking it alright.” He leaned down, pecking your lips gently. 

“Okay, pay up.” You ordered, letting his hands go back to caressing your scalp. 

“Just thinking about you. Our future.” He hummed, like it was the simplest thing in the world. 

You sat up a little, “Oh yeah?”

“Oh yeah, big house. You’ll have a garden out back. We’ll have a pool. So I can watch you lounge outside while I grill. A couple of dogs running around, maybe ten kids?” 

“You’re out of your mind, Stevie.” You gasped. 

“Okay, what about six?” He compromised, pulling his face down to yours once again. 

“Maybe let’s slow down, become real adults first. Then… yeah, maybe I’ll give you a couple kids.” 

He smirked. “I knew it.” 

Your mind conjured up images of little versions of you and Steve running around. Growing up alongside the battalion of aunts and uncles downstairs. 

“You’re gonna have to buy a minivan if you want that many kids. Can you imagine us taking home a baby in the beamer?” 

“Our first two babies are definitely coming home in the beamer, babe. It’s when we get to 3, then we need to start looking into minivan territory.” 

“If you’re doing the heavy lifting...” You shrugged, imagining Steve in dad jeans. Pulling carseats out of his car. Your children running around the two of you. Family dinners, vacations, and the stable parents that neither of you were afforded growing up. 

“Of course.” He scoffed, not believing you’d think otherwise. 

“Guess we gotta find better jobs to support this million-dollar idea, huh?” You laughed, Steve pausing for a minute. 

“God, I guess you’re right.” He slumped, trying not to think too hard about the stress of that lingering on top of his shoulders. 

“Hey,” You whispered, “It’s all gonna work out, we have each other. That’s all that really matters.” 

“Yeah.” He smiled wistfully, “You haven’t been able to get rid of me this long, don’t even try now, babe.” 

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” 

“Speaking of dreams….”