#bro this

“You’re late again!” you glare at Steve. He sighs, running clammy hands through his hair. “I-I’m sorry, okay? I had to work late and —”

“Yeah, I’ve heard it all before,” you roll your eyes.

Steve puts his hands on your hips and looks at you. You feel bad, but it’s how you genuinely feel. The last two days have been a shitshow. A very disappointing shitshow. You’re home for college and went back to Hawkins to visit your family and boyfriend, mainly your boyfriend since you both never get to talk, even when you’re away. He’s always busy with work and you’re always busy with school. Before you came back, you two haven’t spoken for literally three days. You two left each other voicemails, but that barley helped. You both thought that you being home would be better for you. Give you two a chance to reconnect, but that turned out to be a bunch of crap.

“Look, it’s not my fault that I didn’t into college but you did. I’m trying to work my ass off to pay for some of the tuition because believe it or not, I actually want a future!”

“I never said that Steve! Stop putting words in my mouth!”

“You don’t seem to have a problem to do that to me,” Steve scoffs.

“You didn’t even see the dinner I made for us?” you gesture to the kitchen table. “Did you even remember that today is our anniversary too?”

“Of course I remembered. Who do you think I am?”

“Honestly,” you sigh, “I have no idea.”

Your words cut him deep. You instantly feel bad. You know you shouldn’t have said that. It was crossing the line. Steve hasn’t changed, you two have just gotten busier. Quality time escaped you two and it was both of your faults, probably more yours than his since he’s always available to call and talk. “I-I’m sorry, Steve. I didn’t mean to —”

“No, I’m sorry,” he shakes his head. “You’re right. All I have done since you got here is work. I’ve just left you alone to do whatever, when you came here to see me. I’m sorry.”

“No, Steve. Don’t apologize. You’re right. You need to make money, and it’s hard to find a good job here. I understand. I’m sorry for being insensitive,” you say.

You both stare at each other for a good five minutes. Both of you break into a smile simultaneously. You hold your hands out for Steve to grab. He trudges over to you, slipping his hand into yours and intertwining your fingers. He closes his eyes and pressed a sweet kiss to your forehead. You bask in his warmth and loving gestures. You didn’t realize how much you had missed this, missed him. It seems like a lifetime since you two have even held hands, or even been this close to each other. “I missed you,” Steve sighs. “You have no idea how much I think about you. You’re on my mind every second of the day. In the morning, while I’m eating, when I’m in the shower, while I’m talking to customers, at night.”

“And what’re you doing thinking about me in the shower, huh?” you raise your brow. He chuckles, “lots of things.”

You wrap around arms around him and hug him, kissing his cheek multiple times, trailing down to his jaw and to his neck. You squeeze him tightly and hold him close, inhaling his cologne and signature hairspray that you’ll never get tired off smelling. His arms wrap around your body, pulling you flush against him. He loves the way your body mold with his. You were truly made for him, there’s no doubt in his mind. He kisses the top of your head, tracing up your body with his fingertips until his hand cups your face. He pulls away just enough to where he can look at you. You nuzzle into his palm, enjoying the warmth and comfort he brings.

“I missed you too, you know? Being 2,000 miles away is hard. So freaking hard,” you sigh.

Steve nods in agreement and looks into your eyes. “We’re going to survive this, right?”

Your brows knit together and your eyes soften. “Of course, baby. Of course. C’mon, you know us. We’re practically Mr. and Mrs. Harrington already. Nothing can stand in the way. Not even 2,000 miles.” He smiles in agreement. “Yeah, totally.”

You giggle a little bit, leaning up to kiss him. “That all you have to say? Yeah, totally?”