The kitchen was cold. And the house was empty. Again. You sat in the same stool, your homework spread out on the countertop in front of you. The stool beside you remained vacant, as vacant as the mansion you called a ‘home,’ as vacant as your parents bedroom and the large room that was supposed to be a living room. It didn’t feel right calling it that when it remained empty day in and day out. In fact, none of the house seemed like there was anyone living there anymore, save for your bedroom. But that’s just how things are now. It’s how they have been for 3 almost 4 years now. The last five months had been particularly brutal. Ever since Hawkins had been ripped open, your parents had gone on a trip and never returned, and Steve had spent more time at work than he did in the house, things had been rough.

You tried to ignore it the way everyone else did. Tried to stick to a busy schedule. Go to school, hang out with friends as long as possible, avoid the house at all costs. And that had worked until the fucking military had instated a curfew. Then came the real problems. Because now you were forced to reside in the empty house. You were forced to come to terms with the fact that the one person you were supposed to have in your corner was gone. 

And to make matters worse, he was hanging out with kids your age. Kids you had known your entire life. Kids you went to school with. Because without a shadow of a doubt, you knew exactly where Steve was right now. He was with Dustin Henderson, and that entire group of friends. All of them were probably lounging around that shitty radio station, laughing and playing stupid games, getting on with life. And you sat utterly alone and abandoned.

The thought clawed at your throat, stung in your eyes, and dug into your skin. 

You tried focusing on the homework waiting patiently on the counter. The algebra problems waiting to be solved beneath your fingers. But how were you expected to solve math problems when you couldn’t even solve your own life problems. 

You bit the inside of your cheek until the metallic taste of blood smoothed out on your tongue as you did your best to will away the tears in your eyes. You swallowed hard, frustration brimming in your chest. 

A storm of emotions swirled in your head and leaked into your damaged heart. He should be here. He had promised he would. That was a fucking joke. Sure he had promised you when you were 11 and crying over a stupid science project. Still, the promise bit at you now, mocking your devotion to him. You felt stupid. You felt angry and sad and hurt and abandoned. 

You should have known better than to believe anyone in your god forsaken family was able to keep their promises much less stick around. 

From a young age you had realized your parents weren’t dependable, you couldn’t trust them to be there for you or pick you up when things got hard. No, that had always been Steve. Steve, your elder brother by four years. He had assured you that you would never be alone as long as he was around.

What a fucking joke.

Because right now, you felt pretty fucking alone. Because you were. The house mocked you with an old creak in the floor board that had you turning around hoping to see your brother. Empty air greeted you, driving that building resentment deeper into your chest. You couldn’t growl of frustration as you pushed off the stool, gathering the homework and shoving it into your bag. You trudged up the stairs and to your room, slamming the door shut. Not like it mattered, there was no one there to hear you taking out your frustration on the door. 

Hot tears slid down your cheeks before you could stop them. You let out an angry whimper as you hastily rubbed them away. Your heart twisted in your chest as you caught sight of your reflection in the mirror. Cheeks and eyes red, chest heaving, and face contorted in betrayal.

You weren’t sure why his absence still affected you. He had been just as absent as your parents for 3 years, so why did it still tear you apart. Why did it still make you like this? 

It wasn’t fair that his absence affected you more than your parents ever had. Maybe it was because he was the one person you hadn’t expected it from. Maybe it was because, unlike your parents, you still cared for him.

You didn’t want to anymore. You were tired of caring about someone you saw for maybe 30 minutes a day. You were tired of letting someone as stupid as him tear apart your heart. 

Your expression hardened. You were done feeling like this. If Steve wanted nothing to do with you, then fine, you didn’t want anything to do with him either. He could go run off and play big brother with other kids, why should you care. He wasn’t your brother anymore. Brothers dont leave you to walk home from school by yourself while driving home other kids in your grade. Brothers dont miss out on your debate tournaments because they were busy going to the arcade with other kids. Brothers don’t promise you the world only to give it to someone else. But Steve did. So maybe he wasn’t who you thought he was. So maybe you didn’t have to cry about it anymore… you still would. But maybe not as much anymore.

You sniffled hard, nodding at yourself in the mirror. One more night. You gave yourself one more night to grieve another family memeber that was still living.

“You’re going on a trip now? Seriously??” Steve stared down his parents.

“Yes, Steven. You know we always go to the beach house around this time of year. Your mother and I just want a break from this cursed place.” His father rolled the suitcases to the front door.

Steve rolled his eyes. “You can’t take her with you?”

“She doesn’t want to go, sweetheart. She wants to stay with her brother.” His mom placed a hand on his shoulder.

Steve felt his teeth grind. “She doesn’t know what she wants.”

“Steven, you will take care of her. The way you always have. Do you hear me? She’s your sister, so look out for her. I expect you to keep her safe.” Danny Harrington shot him a hard look.

“She’s not my kid! She’s my sister! You guy’s are supposed to be adults. So make her pack a suit case and take her with you!”

“She has school. You know we can’t take her. This discussion is over. You’re both staying here, and we’ll be home soon.” 

Steve bit back a nasty response. He knew what was going on. He knew if they left now, they wouldn’t be able to come back even if they wanted to. And they knew that too. They were willingly leaving their children to fend for themselves. And as always, the responsibility fell on Steve. Well he had had enough of responsibility. He’d had too much of it recently. The last thing he needed was the added weight of you when things were already going to shit. Steve watched bitterly as they quickly shoved their luggage into his dads car, before disappearing down the road. 

The stairs creaked behind him. He knew instantly who it was.

“They’re gone, aren’t they?” You spoke quietly.

“Yeah, what else is new.” Frustration laces his voice.

You shifted on your feet, “Well… at least we can have unlimited macaroni again. Y’know like old times?” You tried to lighten the mood.

Unreasonable anger flared in his chest. “Yeah, sure. You can make all the shitty craft mac and cheese you want. I’ve got to go meet up with Robin and Dustin. Just don’t burn the house down.” He was grabbing his coat and out the door before he even realized. 

When he slid into the driver's side of his BMW his words finally caught up to him. He didn’t understand why he took out his frustration on you, or why he left like that. Only that it had been happening more often, and he didn’t like it. He had half the mind to go back inside and apologize, but the walki that sat in his cup holder stopped him and had him pulling away from the house, leaving you the same way your parents had done not even 5 minutes earlier.

You stood still on the stairs, staring at the front door. That was the moment you had truly known that Steve was slipping from your life. Maybe you hadn’t been able to admit it until much later. But that was the day you had realized he was more of a stranger than a brother.

Steve slowly pulled into the drive way, early in the morning. His stomach was filled with dread, the way it always was now when he came home. He ran a hand through his hair nervously as he stepped into the quiet house. Last night, Robin had made a comment that had really stuck with him. The party had somehow gotten on the topic of siblings. Robin was complaining that she was an only child when she suddenly remembered something.

“Y’know, I forget all the time that you have a sister.”

“What?” Steve looked at her.

“Yeah. I always think of you as an only child, and then I remember oh shit yeah he’s got a sister.”

Jonathan looked over, brows furrowed. “You have a sister?”

“Of course I have a fucking sister!” He spat out defensively.

“How old is she again? Like 14?” Robin asked.

“She’s in high school, Robs. She’s Dustin’s age.” He glanced over at Dustin.

Lucas nodded, “I’ve got a couple classes with her. She’s nice.” 

“Wait so she’s not 14?” Robin clarified.

“No! Why do you think she’s 14?”

“Uh probably cause the last time I remember you talking about her she was 14? Wait, so, where is she?”

“At home?”

“I thought your parents left town?”

“They did.”

“So… she’s just at home alone every night?” Nancy frowned at Steve.

Steve felt tension lace his body, defensiveness taking over. “No! No, of course not. I’m sure, she’s got friends over all the time. Honestly, she’s probably having a small party or something right now.”

Dustin let out a snort. “Yeah right, your sister?”

“Is that so hard to believe, Henderson?”

“Yeah actually it is.”

“Well, care to share why with the class.”

“Because I know for a fact her friend's parents are all sticklers for the curfew. Not to mention your sister is a fucking nerd, she’s not throwing parties in the middle of a lock down.”

“You don’t know shit.” Steve rolled his eyes.

“I know more than you.” Dustin bit back.

The room fell into a rough silence. 

Frustration gnawed at Steve. He didn’t know why everyone was hounding him about this. They didn’t know you. He knew you. Why did they all care all of the sudden? They had never asked before, so why now?

“How does she get to school?” Robin asked.

Steve groaned. “She takes the bus!”

Robin frowned slightly, “The buses only go to the neighborhoods closest to the school now. They don’t go all the way out to your neighborhood, Steve.” 

He looked to Dustin for confirmation. He nodded. Steve somehow pushed along the conversation ignoring the growing knot in his stomach.

So now, here he was. About to offer you a ride to school for the first time in… 3 years. He knocked on your door, palms slightly sweaty. 

“Hey- It’s Bear. I was thinking maybe I could take you to school today? Like old times?” Silence followed. His brows knit together. “Bug? You in there?” He gently opened the door.

Empty room. No backpack. You had already left. He swore under his breath. Alright… then he would pick you up instead. He padded down the stairs, eyes landing on a long envelope sitting on the kitchen counter. His eyes trailed to the stool that was still pulled out. Your stool. He cringed slightly before turning over the small letter. It was from Hawkins. He peaked inside… a report card. Your report card. 

His eyes scanned the paper, brows furrowing more. You were failing. Bad. So bad that a parent signature was needed. Oh you were in massive trouble. How had you not told him?! How the hell were you failing? You were a smart kid, he knew you were better than that. This was unacceptable.

When school let out you decided to just go straight home. As you began your treck, your eye caught on Steve's stupid BMW. You stared at it in confusion. Steve sat inside it, waving you over. Part of you wanted to flip him off and walk home just to piss him off. But you had 3 make up tests and a shit ton of homework in your bag. So, you dragged yourself over to his car.

The second you were situated inside, he was holding up your report card. “What the fuck is this? Failing?”

You rolled your eyes. “Yeah, I can read. I know I’m failing.”

The car started down the road, Steve's eyes flared with an angry fight. “Why?! You’re smart, so why are you failing? That’s not who you are.” You couldn’t help the scoff that fell from your lips. His eyes burned into you for a second before returning to the road. “Don’t scoff at me! This is unacceptable. When you get home, youre getting straight to work on whatever you have to-”

“Oh my god! Would you stop!? You’re not mom and dad! And I know I have work to do! I’ve got 3 make-up tests in my backpack already! So stop trying to parent me! I know I fucked up, god, why are you on my ass!?”

“Well someone has to be!” He barked back.

“I can take care of myself.” 

“Clearly not.” Steve grumbled.

A flash of anger took you over. “Y’know what, fuck you. Just pull over. I’ll walk home from here. I’m sure you’ve got more important things to do than drive your fuck up of a sister home.”

“I’m not making you walk home.”

“Why? You’ve never had an issue with it before!?” You crossed your arms.

“Why are you being such a brat? Sorry I have to work! Y’know someone has to be able to make sure there’s food on the table.”

“What fucking table!? A table is for a family and last time I checked there's not one. You don’t even eat at the house!”

“Oh so this is my fault?!”

“Can’t be your fault when you’re not even there to cause problems in the first place.” You looked out the window.

Steve fell silent. Sure, he hadn’t been around lately. But he had been protecting the town, protecting his friends, protecting his family. Only, you weren’t part of that family. 

The rest of the drive was filled with ragged breathing. The second the car came to a halt you were out and slamming the door, heading into the house without a second look at him.

He should have followed. He should have put away his defensive walls. But he didn’t. Instead, he headed straight to his own home, to his own family.

Later that night, the sound of a car door shutting pulled your attention from the calculus work in front of you. Steve. A small flame of hope ignited in you as you turned to the door with expecting eyes.

The door opened, and the flame extinguished. Your parents stood in the dark entry way, scanning the home for you and Steve. Your mom smiled lightly when her eyes found you. Your parents had come back to you before Steve. 

Your parents had dinner with you before Steve. Had asked you about how high school was before him. Had asked about any boys in your life before he had. This was all wrong. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It was always supposed to be Steve in this position.

Instead, for some unknown reason, your parents had decided maybe it was time to be a part of your life. And you let them. Because you desperately need someone… anyone, to hold you, to care for you, to love you. 

Steve didn’t relaize your parents were home until three days later. After the fight in the car he had backed off even more, growing defensive instead of caring. Of course he wasn’t going to be around 24/7, he was helping fight interdemensional demons and monsters. He was busy making sure your life stayed as normal as possible. And if that meant not always being around you, then fine. What Steve saw as protection, you saw as abandonment. It just hadn’t clicked yet. Things had been so crazy that Steve hadn’t truly realized that his friends were right, you were right. He wasn’t around anymore. He had left you alone in that house just like his parents had. And just like them, he hadn’t even realized. Because Steve simply hadn’t had the time to realize. 

Until he came home, a box of macaroni tucked under his arm. The first thing he noticed was the unfamiliar car sitting in the driveway. Friends. Good, he was right. You did have friends over when he wasn’t home. That small burden on his chest lifted slightly. Alright. How hard could it be? Having dinner with you and a friend. It wasn’t like he wasn’t used to being around kids your age.

He opened the door, expecting a cold shudder. Instead, warmth and the smell of a home cooked meal filled his senses. Two older voices mixed with yours filtered into his ears as he rounded out of the entryway into the living room. His eyes drifted to the warm light coming from the dining room. 

And there it was.

The dinner table was set with trashy decor, expensive china, and filled to the brim with food. Mouthwatering, freshly made, home cooked, food. His father sat at the head, his mother seated on one side… and you seated on the other. Your back was to him, and neither of your parents had noticed him yet. He stared at the scene. You talking wildly with the two adults infront of you, them staring back at you with love and attention. So much attention that Steve went unnoticed for five minutes, listening to you talk about whatever stupid high school drama was going on. Steve moved from the shadows of the living room, heading to the kitchen with the stupid box of macaroni. 

“Steven! You’re home.” Kathy Harrington's shrill voice rang out with delight. Before he realized she was up and making her way towards him. She kissed his cheek, taking the bow out from under his arm. “What’s this?” She held up the box with amusement.

His eyes caught the back of your head. You still hadn’t looked at him. “It’s mac and cheese. Bugs favorite. I was gonna make it tonight.”

Kathy laughed, patting his shoulder. “You’re silly dear. We have plenty of home made mac and cheese anyway. Besides, this stuff is cancerous. Go, sit! I’ll get you a plate.” She dissapeared into the kitchen.

“I’m good actually. I already ate-”

“Sit down, Steven.” His fathers voice shot through the air. There was that familiar cold feeling. Steve dragged himself over to the four person table, sitting across from Danny. “Where have you been? It’s been three days since we came home and you’ve not come by once.”

Steve clenched his jaw. “I was at work.”

“You sleep at work now, son?” Danny’s eyes bore into him.

“Yeah, I do. It’s a radio show, it’s on all night.” Steve sat stifly in the chair.

“So you leave your sister here like that often?” He began cutting through a piece of stake, eyes still on Steve.

“No.”

“Yes.” You cut him off.

Steve froze, anger rising. What the fuck were you doing? Throwing him under the bus like that? “That’s not true.”

You scoffed. “Sure, whatever makes you sleep better at night, cause I know it’s not the mattres here.” You shot a glare at him.

“What’s crawled up your as-” His mom slid a plate in front of him, giving him a warning look.

“Don’t speak to your sister like that.” She frowned.

An uneasy silence settled over the table. Steve hated it. Because for once it was him that had caused it. 

“So, sweetie, you were telling us about your boyfriend-”

Steve let out a snort. “She doesn’t have a boyfriend.”

You stared at him hard. “Actually, yes, I do.” 

He stared at you dumbfounded. “No you don’t! I would know about it!”

“Would you?” You snapped. “Tell me, Steve. Would you? What’s my best friend's name? How old am I? Whose my favorite band? What do I do after school??” 

“Why are you hounding me like this?” He sat back defensively.

“Why aren’t you answering!? You don’t know! And you don’t care!” You threw your hands up in defeat.

“I know how old you are! You’re Dustins age!”

You stood up, the chair scraping hard agains the wood. Your face was red hot with fury. “Oh yeah, I’m Dustins age! I’m in Dustins grade! I’m Dustin’s classmate! You always put me behind him! He’s not your sibling, Steve! I am!” You stared at him through hot tears.

Steve stood up, face just as red. “He’s going through a hard time! He doesn’t have anyone there for him. I’m just trying to be-”

“A big brother, yeah I know.” You spat the words out viciously.

“So what if I am!? Why is that so fucking bad!?” 

“Becuase he’s the one that get’s a brother and I’m the one that lost one!” You turned on your heel and stormed up the stairs. 

Steve started to follow before his fathers voice cut through the air. “Sit down. We need to talk.”

Steve stared at your retreating figure before sitting down. The cushioned padding beneath him felt suffocating. His jaw set in place as his eyes met his fathers.

“We told you to take care of her.” His voice was heavy with disappointment.

“And I told you to take her.”

“You were supposed to look out for her. And now I’m hearing you’re not even here most of the time? You don’t even know if she’s had her boyfriend over. Do you know how much danger she could have been in and you would have no idea?” 

“She doesn’t have a boyfriend!” Steve threw up his hands in defeat.

“We met him, Steven. He stayed over for dinner last night.” 

Steve’s grip on the chair tightened.

“Since you must know everything about her now, you know she’s failing school, right?” He tried giving his dad something else to sink his teeth into.

“I’m not surprised. She didn’t exactly have a bright role model.” Danny stared him down.

There it was. That aching disappointment and annoyance. Steve’s eyes hardened. “She’s not my fucking responsibility! I told you to take her with you. I’m not the only person to abandon her. You guys left first! She’s almost 17, I’m tired of being her damn babysitter.”

You stood at the top of the stairs, hidden in the shadows. Face hardened with heartbreak, but not surprised.

Danny Harrington stood from the table, “Your mother and I think it’s best if you move out. You’re almost 21, it’s time to find your own place. And it’s not like you’re here much anyway. I don’t think it should be that hard of a move.” 

Steve let out a weak breath. “Fine.” He stood up, pushing away his untouched plate. “Wouldn’t want to disturb your little family.”

Steve grabbed his jacket from the hanger, hand on the doorknob. He could feel your eyes on him. He turned his head, catching sight of you at the top of the stairs. You both knew if he left now that the damage would be permanent. He knew that if he took another step you would never see him the same way again. And you knew that he was okay with that. Steve watched the silent plea on your face drop, turning into a hardened resentment.

He crossed the threshold, stepping into the warm autumn air, the door swinging shut behind him.

࿓ Next Part