valeria

Steve Harrington and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember. We've been through every stage of life together, from the worst days to the most embarrassing ones. For example, the first time I got my period was at his house. While I was convinced I was gonna die from bleeding, Steve ran around looking for his mom and came back with a towel and a box of band aids because he had absolutely no idea how periods worked.

I think that's why we're so close, we've seen each other at our most vulnerable in ways no one else ever has. We even kissed once, just to try because we were teenagers and hormones were high but nothing went further than a brief make out. Actually, now that we’re in college, I’ve been helping him with girls and dates.

He liked this girl named Nancy Wheeler. The perfect girl. The kind of girl who always got good grades and had boys falling head over heels for her. Especially Steve, of course.

When he found out Nancy was in my literature class, he practically begged me to help him. Since Nancy and I were actually pretty good friends, I agreed and ended up setting the whole thing up. I planned their first date, gave Steve advice on what to wear, and even helped him figure out what to text her.

Now, Nancy and Steve had been dating for almost three months.

At first, everything was normal. Steve was happy, Nancy was happy, and I was happy for them…but the problem was that Steve had a habit of saying things that left me confused for days.

He’d tell me I looked pretty every single time we hung out,  lie on my bed with his head resting on my stomach while we studied, stare at me like a lost puppy whenever I talked, and hand me his jacket the second I said I was cold. 

And then there were the jokes……

Oh, the jokes.

"If Nancy ever dumps me, you’ll always be my girl. " 

Which was weird because Steve was dating Nancy and he had spent months talking about her before they got together, and because that kiss we shared when we were teenagers didn’t actually mean anything. 

So whenever Steve did those stupid things I'd remind myself that I was reading too much into it and he was doing them because he was my best friend and he was a jerk who liked making  jokes. Nothing else.

And everything was perfect until Halloween, when a girl at our college threw a party. I didn’t go to the party because I wasn’t in the mood for drama, and besides, Nancy was going with Steve, so I figured I’d just stay out of it.

Finally, the perfect girl Nancy Wheeler got really really drunk, and told Steve that everything between them was bullshit. 

Steve got angry, left the party, and ended up at a park. Smoking and trying to calm himself down. But eventually, like always, he went to Nancy’s house, climbing through the window like he always did. But this time, when he climbed up to her room, he saw her kissing Jonathan Byers in her bed. That’s when he left and a while later, he ended up at my house.

I was lying in bed when I heard the window open and i didn’t even have to look to know it was him.

“Heeey loser” I said while flipping the page of the magazine i was reading.

But this time he didn’t joke or collapse on top of me, he just sat down on the edge of my bed and told me everything. And when he finished talking? he kissed me until our clothes were scattered across the floor.

After that night, nothing really went back to normal and we didn’t talk properly about it, it just kept happening.

Steve said he couldn’t break up with Nancy yet, not because he didn’t know how he felt, but because christmas was coming, evolving family events and happy moments so he didn’t want to be the bad guy.But also because Nancy didn’t mentioned Jonathan yet….Every time he tried, something just felt wrong, like the timing was never right. 

And I guess I didn’t really care about labels anyway. I never wanted a relationship, and this was easier. Steve understood me in a way most people didn’t, and somehow that made it feel okay. 

But in the end, we kept coming back to each other. Two weeks of pretending it was something casual and acting like it didn’t mean anything more than stress relief and some revenge sex.

.・゜゜・ 

It was Saturday night when my phone rang but I knew that it was Steve.

“I bought some cigarettes and beers, so I'm picking you up at eight. you cool with that?”

“Sure. Sounds good to me.”

“Cool. See you later, then.”

“You know you could've just texted me for this very short conversation, right?”

“Yeah, I know.” He paused “But I needed to hear your voice.”

A laugh escaped me. More of a scoff, really. “Shut up.”

Steve chuckled on the other end of the line. “I'll see you tonight.”

And before I could say something, he hung up.

.・゜゜・ 

At 8 p.m Steve arrived in his BMW right on time so I grabbed my jacket and climbed into the passenger seat. The radio was playing quietly, the streets almost empty as we drove through the cold night.

The ride to his house was easy, like always. Comfortable silence and steve tapping his fingers against the wheel to the songs that were playing. After some minute he pulled into the driveway and parked the car, cutting the engine.

And then, we were sitting on the lounge chairs  by his pool, sharing a cig like we always did on those late nights when Steve called me to let off some steam, which of course, they always ended up with sex.

"You cold?" he asked, blowing the smoke out before passing me the cigarette.

I was kind of shivering as i  brought it to my lips "I'm fine."

He took the cigarette from my mouth and left it on an ashtray as he held out his arms. "come here."

"What?" I looked at his sweater.

"Your hands. Put them inside my sleeves."

I laughed and sighed. "fine, idiot."

I slipped my hands into the sleeves of his sweater, my fingers brushing with his hand, and then, before I could say anything, he gently pulled me from my lounge chair onto his lap.

He hummed softly "see? now we're both warmer" he said, grinning playfully at me.

"Oh, so this is what you wanted, huh?" I said, copying his smile.

He shifted his hips slightly. "My favorite view. What can I say?"

I shifted on his lap on purpose, pressing down just enough to make him squirm.

"Brat" he muttered and then, without another word, he pulled me into a kiss. My hand slipped into his hair as I moved against him, his grip tightening on my waist as he guided my movements. 

“Fuck…so good”

Steve’s hips jerk up into mine as I continued to grind on him, a moan left out my lips into the kiss and he kissed me harder, swallowing the gasp right out of my mouth. I could feel his dick twitch underneath his jeans and Im sure he could feel my heat through the fabric of my pants.

Steve pulled from the kiss for a moment to catch some breath, his cheeks were flushed and his eyes glowing as he stared at me. The friction of his arousal pressing against me was driving me insane.

“You look so good” he said, his hand resting on the side of my neck as his thumb brushed my skin so so slowly “with all those pretty sounds you’re making”

Sometimes I had to remind myself that this was just casual. Just two bestfriends who were having fun, plus I didn’t want any relationship and Steve was still with nancy, but when he looked at me like that I sometimes wanted to be loved for once.A feeling I swore, multiple times, that I didn’t need. 

"So pretty," he murmured almost out of breath,  brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

My mouth parted slightly and he took it as an invitation, his thumb parted my lips as he pushed it inside my mouth and pressed it against my tongue. Steve lifted his hips again, teasing and making me bite his finger softly.

“That’s it,  good girl” smirking as he groaned softly. 

I could feel my legs trembling and my breathing unsteady as I felt the climax building in my lower stomach. 

He pulled his thumb out of my mouth with a soft pop as we both smiled playfully at each other and without any word, because I know what he thinks about, he lifted us both off the lounge chair. My legs circled his waist carefully as he carried me inside the house.

His living room was warm, just in time as it started to pour outside. 

still kissing each other, Steve's knees hit the sofa as he sat down with me still on his lap. "Now that we're warm," he murmured against my mouth, gently biting my lower lip. "I think we're wearing way too many clothes." 

His left hand met my waist, keeping me steady as with the other one he reached the gem of my shirt. I couldn’t stop looking at him with parted lips, even if we’ve been doing this for two weeks, I would never get used to Steve Harrington looking at me like I wasn't his best friend but like I was something more.

“Stop teasing me, Steve. Just take my clothes off already."

"You're so bossy, pretty girl," he smirked as he reached for my shirt and pulled it off. "loving ordering me around, huh?"

I pulled him back into another kiss as my hands reached eagerly to the zip of his pants "and you love talking and teasing, Harrington," I murmured against his lips.

Steve took off his shirt as he lifted his hips to help me ease his pants down, his happy trail trail that leaded to the edge of his briefs it was now on sight 

“Eyes on me, come on. You’ll have time to stare later”  Steve reached for my chin

I smiled because oh wow , how I loved when he got like that 

“You’re not the one in charge here” I remarked while taking off my pants and stripping off my underwear.

I could feel his heart racing as he accepted defeat “You know what?” a grin tugged at his lips while he copied my movements, tossing his briefs tthrowing his briefs  aside without breaking eye contact. “Ride me, I like you on top”  he said softly, his voice still teasing but lower now. 

Steve was thick already, just from the heat of me grinding on him before, so I wrapped my fingers around him. His dick twitched in my palm and his belly tightened softly “Fuck, baby”

That nickname didn’t sound casual at all, and it made me even more turned on. 

“Did you say something Harrington? a small chuckle let out my lips while I lifted my hips so i could slide my slick along his dripping tip. My whole body reacted even if I tried to tease him. 

I lined him up and pressed down, so so so slow until his head was inside. The stretch was so sweet and dizzying, making me gasp before I could stop myself.

Steve groaned but still managed to joke around  “thought I was supposed to be the one doing all the banter” 

That made me take more, sinking inch by inch until I was full with his big length “You’re kinda bad at it” I gasped

“Oh, sure I am” He lifted his hips to meet mine, making me gasp by the sudden movement. He was being annoying on purpose 

“Fuck” I whispered 

“What mhm? I didn’t do anything” His hands landed on my thighs, flexing softly. Even under all that teasing he still touched me like he was in love.

“So we’re playing dirty huh? Fine” I rolled my hips, circling, a careful grind that dragged my clit along his happy trail

Steve throwed his head back with the softest moan “Fuck” His eyes landed on me again “Fine, you won”

I moved even more, the stretch growing more urgent as I dropped a little harder to chase the perfect angle that made me see the stars “I know”

He couldn’t help but smile and pull me into a slow and messy kiss “You’re such a brat… but I like it” 

The sensation makes me moan again “Steve”

Steve growls at the sound of his name on my lips “Tell me, princess”

My mouth dropped open, the confidence I had earlier started to disappear as i felt the climax building faster now. My face falling into his shoulder as a loud and overstimulated cry falls from my lips “Im gonna cum, Harrington”

Steve nodded as his hand was on my waist, pulling me and guiding gently my movements while his hips matched my pace “I got you, baby”

And after some seconds, my orgasm landed as Steve fucked me trought the pleasure. hips bucking as his dick filled me up with his release. My fingers found the back of his head, brushing them through the sweaty curls at his nape

The living room fell into silence, broken only by our ragged breathing. I was still rested against Steve’s shoulder, pressing small kisses against his skin while he gently traced slow patterns along my back.

We stayed like that for a few seconds, like we always used to. Just holding each other until Steve shifted slightly, gently lifting my face from his shoulder. His fingers brushed my hair out of my face tucking it back softly as he looked at me.

“hey” he said quietly, making me meet his eyes “you good?”

“never been better,harrington” 

“Yeah?” he said, a small smile forming again while he gently ruffled my hair  “glad to hear that, baby.”

The word caught me off guard because he used to say baby during sex, but now? That's why I chose to not say anything, ust looked at him for a second longer than I should have.

Steve held my gaze, noticing, but chose not to say anything either “Alright,” he murmured. “Movie time.”

And after cleaning ourselves up and changing into clothes that were obviously too big on me because they were Steve’s, we pulled a blanket over us as the TV played some random movie

Steve glanced at me again, his voice lighter now. “You cold again? Seriously?”

“Maybe” I smiled 

The clock read  9:40 PM

I was putting on my shoes by the front door when I saw my brother eating a bowl of cereal in front of me.

“You’re seriously gonna have that for dinner?”

“Yep” with his mouth full “You look nice. Got a date?”

I sighed “No, Dustin. I'm just…going out” 

He took another bite of his food “Mhm. Tell Steve I said hi”

I softly kicked his leg as I finished putting on my shoes and stood up, fixing my dress “Text mom or call me if you need anything” I opened the door

“I will” Dustin rolled his eyes “Have fun with Steve, I guess”

“Idiot” 

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

I arrived at Steve’s fraternity house at exactly 10:00 PM

I took a deep breath before going inside, the door was already open so I made my way in. The house was completely silent, all of his roommates were at a lake party or something like that,  which meant we’d have the house for ourselves.

A few seconds later, Steve came downstairs wearing comfy clothes, he stopped halfway as he saw me. He looked surprised and it’s the first time I've seen him nervous, could’ve sworn he was blushing.

“Hey”

I felt my cheeks burning too “Hey” He stayed frozen for a second, so I awkwardly bit my lip “We agreed to meet at 10, right?” I said.

That made him snap out “Yeah. Yeah, come on. Let’s go upstairs”

His room was incredibly clean and smelled like fresh cologne, his blue sheets matched the curtains and his walls were full of posters and a few medals. 

He opened one of his drawers and pulled out a shirt “Here. You’ll be more comfortable in this” I took it from his hand and he immediately turned around, giving me some privacy.

“You don’t need to turn around. You’re gonna see me naked anyway”

“I know, but I’d rather you deciding when”

I couldn't stop the smile that formed on my lips when he said that, then I slipped off my dress and pulled on his shirt. It hung loosely on me, his shoulders much broader than mine.

“Okay, I'm ready”

He turned around and he immediately smiled

“Should we…start?” I looked at him as he stepped closer.

He pulled out his phone “Well, I don’t mean to sound romantic, but I think you might be comfier if we set the mood” He handed me his phone “Pick a song”

I laughed as I took it and scrolled through his playlist “Set the mood? That sounded incredible cheesy”

I finally found the perfect song, straight from his most listened songs. “Baby come back by The player” so I pressed play and looked at him 

“It suits you” I sat down on his bed

“See what I mean? We’ve already set the mood, and this song is so sexy it makes me want to dance” He immediately started moving his shoulders to the beat.

I laughed “Oh no, we’re not doing this”

“Oh yes, we are. Come feel the rhythm” he took my hands

I was smiling so hard that my cheeks hurted, but I started dancing too

“Exactly, wow” he nodded dramatically “That looks terrible. It's really turning me on”

I burst out laughing and we just kept dancing. Somehow, we were getting closer with each step.

 He made me feel safe. Really safe.

When our chests finally touched, we just stared at each other for a few seconds. Steve's eyes dropped to my lips but he waited for me to make the move. He was waiting for me to take the lead.

So I kissed him and his hands finally came up to cup my face.

It started as a sloppy kiss, he let me adjust to him and set the peace, but as soon as I felt confident enough, I started to get eager, and he followed my lead.

Our teeth bumped together, and Steve deepened the kiss. I could feel his nose all over my face. Then he lifted me and carried me to the bed, dropping me gently onto the mattress. 

I parted my legs slightly, giving him space to stay between them, his hips rocking softly, not impatiently, just letting me know he was ready to continue whenever I was. So I tilted my head back, silently inviting him to my neck. He responded immediately, pressing soft kisses against my skin. 

I could feel myself relaxing. He was a good kisser, and I swear I was getting turned on by just a few kisses. That was until his hand started wandering lower, resting gently on my thigh. I could feel my body tensing again. Not because of Steve—fuck no, he really turned me on—but I couldn't stop that familiar fear from creeping back in. 

“What’s wrong” He askedbetween kisses

“Nothing, keep going” I said breathless, but more nervous than before

“Henderson, we don’t need to rush. We can go slower” He murmured against my lips

“No, keep going im ready” but my kisses started to feel automatic

Steve stopped and sat on the bed, looking at me.

“Fuuuck, sorry” I ran my hands through my hair “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I was feeling alright but then I got scared and I don’t know..” I covered my face with my hands

“That’s because you don’t trust me enough, Henderson”

“No! No, of course I trust you. If not, I wouldn’t be here” I scoffed “I even got further than I did with Eddie”

“You tried it before with Eddie?” He asked, a small smile appearing on his lips

“Yeah, but I thought I'd be comfortable with him. Then, when things started going further, I freaked out because I wasn't ready yet ”

“Sex is something incredibly vulnerable. Not being ready isn’t something weird” He said, trying to comfort me

I looked at him, and it felt like I was seeing a different side of him. Like he trusted me enough to be vulnerable too. 

“Look, I have an idea” Steve cleared his throat “but just if you want to hear it, I won’t push you”

“Yeah, sure. Go ahead”

He seemed to gather his thoughts, but when he finally spoke, he sounded much more confident. No more shy Steve.  “Instead of me giving you the orgasm...why don’t you give yourself one?”

What. What. What. WHAT? Okay Henderson, don’t freak out.

I let out a confused laugh “But, that’s what I always do”

“Yeah?” He asked me parting his lips softly

I immediately got nervous “Well, I mean…..I guess. like everyone does, right?”

“Okay” he relaxed “Then show me”

I swallowed because WOW, okay…but I also got curious. 

He started getting up from the bed and stood in front of me.  “Show me” he said, starting to pull off his shirt without breaking eye contact  “And I’ll show you”

My breath hitched as I bit my lip softly. 

He looked unreal. 

I’d seen him like this before at the pool, but seeing him undress in front of me was something that felt far more intimate, so I got up and took off the shirt he had given me earlier. I was wearing lace underwear because, well… I had come prepared for him. I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip away. 

I noticed his breath hitch too, and he looked at me like I was some piece of art. And it healed something in me, because it was something I was never capable of seeing when I looked in the mirror. 

I smiled, and I actually felt more confident seeing him react like that, so I took off my bra, and his sweatpants followed shortly after. We were just standing in front of each other, taking off our clothes and admiring each other’s bodies. No rushing, no eager making out…just trust, and waiting. Which was surprisingly better than just going straight to the point

I saw him take a deep breath and remove his briefs. He was big, even if he was half hard

Okay. I knew his eyes were up, but my brain immediately went back to that time Dustin said, “It’s too big, it’s not gonna fit,” and Robin replied, “Steve hears that all the time and still goes in anyway, don’t you, Steve?” They weren’t fucking lying wow…..

I took a deep breath too and removed my underwear as I slowly sat down on his bed, still looking down at him. He mirrored me, taking a seat in the desk chair in front of me. Watching me closely and waiting patiently  for me to start.

Steve smirked softly as he noticed I was enjoying what I was seeing. He licked his lips, and even though he seemed confident, he was still nervous because I was the one who's making him feel like this and I'd be lying if I said that wasn't boosting my ego. 

And that gave me the courage enough to reach my hand down between my legs.Steve mirrored me, his gaze never left mine as he followed my lead. 

I was already slick and so ready that the first brush of my own fingertips made me gasp. Steve’s gaze dropped down to my hand as he guided his own to his leaking tip, whipping it softly with his thumb. Then he followed with a slow stroke from base to tip, I could see him biting the inside of his cheek to muffle a moan.

“Look at me,” he said, out of breath. So I did. My eyes met his, and the intimacy of it hit me all at once. I wasn’t used to feeling this seen, but I didn't want it to stop because it was so hot I couldn’t ever think properly 

“That 's it, good girl” Steve fastened his pace. His cheeks getting red “Fuck…”

That made my hips buckle. My breathing grew heavier, the pleasure gradually washing over me until I wasn’t just letting out heavy breaths and small gasps anymore, I finally allowed myself to moan clearly.

“You sound amazing. Don’t stop”

do I say his name out loud? oh, fuck it, I’m already touching myself in front of him so why not?

“Steve…” His name left my lips as a moan

Steve’s jaw tightened, and it was the first time a groan escaped his throat too. His stomach tensed as he watched my fingers work over my clit, circling faster and faster until my toes started to curl. 

“Yeah, like that baby” He gripped his dick tighter, leaning his head back with small, breathy moans, but he kept his eyes on me the whole time. 

My back arched as I felt the climax building low in my stomach, making it hard to keep my eyes open.

“Keep your eyes on me doll” he said, his voice rough, just as breathless as mine. 

And then everything hit at once as we both came undone at the same time, breathless, unable to look away from each other. His hips bucked once as he spilled on himself. I fell back onto the bed, out of breath, still trying to process what had just happened. 

Steve stayed in the chair for a couple of seconds, catching his breath and I could feel his gaze on me, After that, he stood up and lay down beside me.

“Oh god, Steve” I smiled at him “I fucking did it”

We both looked at each other’s lips and laughed. I placed a hand on his chest in a small gesture of thanks.

“Thanks, Harrington.” I smiled warmly

“You don’t have to thank me. That was incredible.” 

We stayed there for a while, just staring at the ceiling and trying not to laugh.

“Let’s not make this weird” I whispered.

“I won’t. Promise,” he muttered back as he lifted his fist, smiling at me.

I giggled and bumped his fist with mine, then Steve shifted slightly, propping himself up on one elbow “hey… why don’t you stay over?” he said softly. “We can watch something and eat some ice cream”

I looked at him for a second, still smiling, still trying to steady my breath and I didn’t even hesitate. 

“Sounds like an amazing plan to me”

And somehow, I had a feeling this wasn’t going to be just a one night thing.

Saturday night.

I parked in front of the house. The music was so loud that I could hear it vibrating through the windows of my car.

“You alright babe?” my boyfriend asked, his hand on my thigh.

I sighed, gripping the wheel tighter. “Do I really have to go in?” 

“Babe, all my friends would love to meet you” he pinched my nose playfully.

“Yeah, but… does it have to be like this? A party? With a bunch of people I don’t even know?” I glanced at the house, already feeling overwhelmed. “Can’t we just… I don’t know, meet them some other time? Somewhere normal?”

“You’re cute when you pout. But uh, no. Sorry.” He squeezed my leg “I promise I would introduce you properly another time. Let’s go”

He got out of the car and took my hand as we approached the front door. The doorbell was broken so he had to knock louder than the music. I felt out of place and I didn’t even go inside yet.

“You think they heard us?” I asked fixing my shirt

“Yeah, just give them a minute” He pressed a quick kiss on my cheek “You look good don’t worry”

Don’t worry. Yeah. So easy to say.

After what felt like an eternity, finally the sound of the keys opening the door was followed by the voice of a young man.

“What’s up man?” the guy said, already pulling my boyfriend into a hug. “Good to see you.”

“Oh Pete, man! Happy birthday!” 

They greeted each other like I wasn’t even there. I stood awkwardly by the door, shifting my weight from one foot to the other.

Then, finally, my boyfriend seemed to remember me. He placed a hand on my lower back, nudging me forward just slightly.

“This is my girlfriend.”

Peter pulled me into a tight hug. He looked already tipsy, not just for his rosy cheeks but also for the slight smell of alcohol on his breath.

“So nice to meet you. Finally! I’ve heard a lot about you” 

I laughed nervously, not knowing exactly where to put my hands or what to do. I couldn’t say the same about him, I didn’t hear about him that much.

“Yeah. Nice to meet you too, Peter” I patted his back slightly as I broke the hug

“Come on in. Feel free to do anything you want. Make yourselves at home, come on”

As we stepped in, we were immediately swallowed with the dancing crowd and loud music. Unknown faces flashed by the colourful lights and air that felt warm and heavy.

“Hey babe. You mind if I go to play beer pong with the boys? It’s been a while since i’ve seen them” resting his hand on my shoulder 

“Yeah, sure. I don’t mind” I forced a small smile. “I’ll be fine”

“Thanks, love. You heard Pete, do whatever you want and trust me, you’re gonna have fun” He leaned down, pressing a quick kiss to my temple before disappearing into the crowd.

I stood there for a moment, shifting awkwardly on my feet, pretending to look around like I had any idea what I was doing.

God, I shouldn’t have come.

As I scanned the room and I finally spotted a face that was familiar to me. Steve Harrington.

Fuck.

My stomach dropped instantly. I turned on my heel, already heading in the opposite direction before he could notice me. But I didn’t make it far because I bumped straight into someone. Hard enough to make the drink spill over my clothes, cold liquid soaked through my shirt.

“Oh shit!” the guy muttered, barely steady on his feet.

Of course everyone turned around, including Steve.

“That’s okay, don’t worry, is just a shirt”

I could feel it. His eyes were on me, but  I didn’t look, instead, I turned quickly and made my way through the crowd, heading in search of the bathroom as fast as I could, my skin burning with embarrassment and the sticky fabric clinging to me with every step.

Inside the bathroom, after closing the door, I let out a big sigh I was holding as I leaned my forehead against the warm wood.

Knock Knock.

Shit.

“Occupied” I Yelled

“It’s me….Are you doing good in there?”

Fuck. No, no, no, no.

I could feel how my body was being pushed back as the door opened slowly. 

“It’s really you” He said as he stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind him

It was really him. Fuck my life.

“Steve”

“Damn, that idiot really made a mess on you” 

He glanced down at my soaked shirt as his hands hovered in the air before finally landing on my face. His fingers cupped gently my cheeks as he looked at me with his big puppy eyes that made my stomach twist.

“I don’t need your compassion, Steve” I said as i pulled away from him to open the water key.

Steve looked at me through the mirror as I tried to take off the stain.

“Let me help you. Seriously, come on” He reached for my wrist to stop me

I froze, feeling the warmth of his hand against my skin and I suddenly realized just how close we were. Shoulder to shoulder, trapped in the tiny bathroom together.

I sighed and closed my eyes as I started taking off my shirt.  My burgundy lace bra underneath was suddenly exposed. A bra that was meant for my boyfriend later that night.

I could feel Steve’s cheeks heating as his mouth parted slightly.

“Don’t act so shocked. It’s not like you haven’t seen me like this before” trying to sound casual. 

“Sorry, I… I just didn’t think you’d actually let me help you.”

I handed him my shirt before crossing my arms over my chest, suddenly feeling exposed. He glanced at me through the mirror.

“I’ll check if they have something to clean that off,” I muttered, rocking slightly on my feet. “Try to. I don’t know. Figure it out.”

As I knelt down to search through the cabinets, I could feel his eyes on me. Tracing the line of my back, even if i wasn’t looking directly at him.

“Found it” I shook the bottle of soap in my hand as i glanced him and got up 

He quickly looked away and cleared his throat while he continued scrubbing without much success 

“Mhm, cool. Pass it to me” 

I stepped closer, handing him the bottle

“Thanks,” he muttered, pouring a bit onto the fabric.

I hopped into the counter and we stayed like that for a moment. Him focused on the stain. Me, well, not really focused on anything. Just aware of how close he was.

“So…what are you doing here?” Steve asked suddenly, not looking up.

“My uh…” I crossed my arms tighter over my chest “My boyfriend….knows the birthday guy”

He nodded slowly, still scrubbing. “And he left you for his friends im guessing”

I let out a dry laugh. “He didn’t leave me. He’s just playing…beer pong? I don’t know”

Steve glanced up at me through the mirror, one eyebrow slightly raised.

“Right.” He scoffed 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I shot back.

“Nothing,” he shrugged. “Just think if you bring someone to a party, you don’t leave them alone five minutes in.”

“I said I’m fine.”

“Yeah,” he said quietly, finally looking at me properly now. “Fine.”

I hated how he looked at me. I swallowed, my jaw tightening.

“Can you just focus on my shirt?”

“I am,” he replied, holding it up slightly. “But the stain’s kinda stubborn.”

“Great,” I muttered.

He huffed a small laugh. “Relax. I’ll fix it.”

Silence fell again, heavier this time. But Steve quickly broke it.

“Thought you hated parties” He sighed

Of course he’d bring up the past

“People can change their minds, you know?” I rested my hands on the counter, leaning back against the mirror. ““And what about you? Thought you loved partying….. but you don’t exactly look like you’re enjoying it”

He scoffed, scrubbing with a slightly change on his movements on the shirt.

“Well, a lot changed over the years”

I let out a quiet huff, tilting my head slightly.

“Yeah?” I said, studying him. “Like what?”

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he kept his eyes on the fabric, jaw tightening just enough for me to notice.

“Everything” he muttered finally.

Something in my chest shifted. I let out a small, humorless laugh.

“Didn’t think I’d find you here after all this years” he added, quieter this time.

“Yeah, well…” I shrugged slightly, looking anywhere but at him. “Thought you’d moved on….you were pretty good at that.”

That made him stop. Completely.

Slowly, he lifted his gaze to me. Not through the mirror this time, but directly.

“You’re the one who has a boyfriend”

My breath caught, just for a second. God. This was a really bad idea.

“We’re not doing this, Steve.” I slid to the edge of the counter.

“Doing what?” he asked, stepping slowly between my legs. Not letting me hop entirely off the sink.

My breath hitched, heat pooling low in my stomach.

I gestured vaguely between us “Whatever this is.”

“It feels pretty clear to me.”

My legs trembled slightly as he lowered his voice.

“It’s not-” I said quickly. “It’s just. We’re just talking, Steve”

“Right,” he muttered, though he didn’t move away. If anything, he leaned in just slightly “Just talking.”

The air started to feel warm and heavy again.

“Steve…” I warned softly, but my hands didn’t push him away. They just stayed there, gripping the edge of the counter.

“Tell me to stop, and I will” he placed his hand on my cheek, leaning even closer as his voice was almost just a whisper.

The worst part is that I didn’t tell him anything. I didn’t even flinch when he started caressing my face. He looked at me again with his puppy eyes, eyes that darted from my eyes to my lips, which were parted at the sight of him.

“Tell. Me” he whispered.

I should’ve told him to stop, but I didn’t.

His thumb brushed lightly over my lower lip, slow and hesitant, like he was still giving me time to pull away. But I didn’t, god. I didn’t pull away, not even a bit.

His face moved closer, close enough that I could feel his breath against my lips and my heart was pounding so hard it felt ridiculous.

“This is a bad idea, Steve” I breathed, but there was no bite behind it.

“Yeah,” he whispered. “I know.”

And that was all it took me to kiss him. I closed the distance first, the movements were gentle but desperate. My boyfriend was somewhere out there, probably laughing with his friends while I-

Fuck.

Steve’s hand slid from my cheek to my neck, tilting my head back as he deepened the kiss. A soft breath left me, my fingers tightening in his shirt.

“Steve…” I breathed against his lips, barely pulling away.

He got closer and nudged me from the edge of the counter to the back, until my back hit the mirror behind me.

He moaned against my lips, a sound that went straight to my core as my legs instinctively parted, making space for him. He broke the kiss to look at me, his cheeks were flushed, his lips swollen and his eyes were shining under the warm light of the bathroom.

I didn’t even have time to catch my breath before he moved to my neck.

My head tilted back almost on its own as his lips brushed against my skin. A shaky breath left me, my fingers gripping his shoulders tighter.

“Steve…”

His hand slid from my neck to my waist, holding me there, grounding me and pulling me closer at the same time.

Every touch felt too familiar.  He knew where to kiss me, where to touch me. All the spots that made me moan and gasp. While his mouth moved slowly over my cleavage, his hands fumbled with the zipper of my pants, clumsy but eager. 

I knew how this would end, and still I let it happen. Like I was already too far gone to turn back.

“I have a boyfriend, Steve” I said, breathless, my eyes fixed on him as I lifted my hips, helping him ease my pants down.

“Im aware of that” He said as he kissed me again. This time, with more urgency

This was so wrong, and somehow, that only made it harder to stop. My hands gripped his hair as they moved down to remove his shirt with eager movements. 

He broke the kiss to stare at me. Breathless. And I hated when he looked at me like there was still something between us.

One of his hands started to wander down my stomach, sending shivers through my skin. When it reached the hem of my underwear, he continued touching over the fabric. Then he reached the damp stain against my core that had soaked through my panties, a spot I was embarrassed about because of the effect he still had on me. 

“You’re already so wet and I barely touched you, baby” 

How I hated that he was right because he knew by heart every inch of my body

I bit back a moan as he started doing slow circling motions that he knew they drove me insane, my mind and mouth could only focus on his name. Steve. Steve. Steve. Steve. Like it was the only word I knew.

His fingers kept with their movements over my covered heat, but he increased the peace. Filthier and harder. My heart was racing as he started pulling aside my underwear, now feeling his two digits start to gently get inside of me. Stretching carefully.

“I’ve missed you” Steve managed to say against my lips while he panted

I gasped and started to feel dizzy because of how much I missed his touch. That's when my hands drifted towards his pants, eagerly and trying to dumbly unzip his pants. He smiled against my lips and helped me, pulling his fingers out and leaving me breathless

As soon as he downed his pants I was yanking him towards me again, our teeth clicking as the kiss grew messier and hungrier. Steve’s hands pulled me again to the edge of the vanity as he started to pull down his briefs. He was already hard and his tip was leaking.

Steve went straight to my neck as he hooked my legs around his waist. One of my hands started wandering down our bodies, right to his dick. Steve let out a groan against my collarbone as his hips jerked into my palm.

I gave him a small teasing stroke. He stopped to catch his breath and rest his forehead on my shoulder. My hand repeated the sloppy movement but this time I added more pressure.

“Fuck baby” He moaned 

“Steve, Can’t wait anymore” 

So he doesn’t hesitate, his lips crashed back onto mine as he guided his pulsing cock against my dripping entrance. His big brown eyes met mine as he whispered a soft “okay?” before finally pushing inside.

I threw my head back and bit back a moan. The sweet sting of my walls stretching because of his cock was making my head spin.

“Let me hear you” Steve said breathless “Be a good girl for me”

“Fuck…Steve” The sound of your moan vibrates trought Steve’s chest as he rolls his hips in shallow thrusts, letting me adjust his length

“I’ve missed your big dick filling me up”

He groans at my words as he starts to increase the peace, his thrusts growing bolder and hips snapping with more force “God…You feel so good. Taking me so well” He kissed and bit my lower lip as one of his hands cupped my face, the other one, gripping my hip as an anchor “Look how deep you’re taking me….Fuck”

My back arched as he hit that spongy spot that made me grip his arms tighter and Steve knew it as his grind went wild “Feel good? Tell me”

“Fuck. Yes….so good”

The pleasure builds in Steve’s stomach at the small praise as his hips start moving more desperate, chasing the release. “Let go for me baby. Come for me princess”

A hand slips between our bodies, his thumb finding my clit and circling with the right pressure. This time, I couldn't stop the whimper that left my lips. I was close and Steve knew it because he memorized everything that made me feel good. 

He’s close too, I can feel it. But he has always been stubborn and always wanted me to reach it first “That’s it. Let me feel you dripping all over me”

My back arched with a silent cry as I finally came hard and Steve followed instantly. A broken moan as he spills into me “Fuck….good girl”

His forehead buried into the crook of my neck as he pressed lazy kisses while my hand caressed his hair. The bathroom is silent except for our breathing and the music that came from the other side of the door. Remembering me that i just fucked my ex in the bathroom of my boyfriend’s buddy.

After some seconds recovering our breaths, he raised his head and pressed a soft kiss on the tip of my nose, an old habit that he used to do after sex. “You look beautiful” His hand cupped gently my face and fixed cautiously my hair, then, he pulled out so slowly that it hurt to feel that emptiness. 

As I started to dress, I could feel his gaze on me. His eyes still full of glow when they looked at me, like nothing changed

“Don’t look at me like that Steve” I smiled, blushing softly

“Im memorizing you” He said softly 

I chuckled “Don’t talk nonsense. I’m not gonna disappear”

He took my hand and just held it while he looked at me with those puppy eyes that could make my heart drop everytime. “Im just one call away. You know my address" Steve gave me a lingering kiss before pulling away and leaving the bathroom. 

I had to stay in the bathroom for a few seconds after he left, just breathing and trying to understand what had just happened. Then I stepped out. I scanned the room full of people trying to find Steve, but he wasn’t there. My chest tightened.

“Babe!” my boyfriend’s voice cut through the noise. He stumbled toward me with his friends behind him and gave me a quick kiss that tasted like cheap beer. “We’re taking the party to my place. Come on, let’s go home.” 

I forced a smile. “Yeah… okay”

I parked right in front of the door of the building as they started to get out of the car while laughing and singing. I looked at them, acting like kids at his big age and something crossed my mind “Hey… you okay getting him home?” I asked to Jim, the one who was still sober

“Yeah, don’t worry. I’ll take care of them” he nodded.

 I hesitated. “Okay, I’m gonna head back to my place then.” I looked at the boys and waved “Night!”

No one questioned it. Not even him, they just shouted good night and blew some kisses as they waved at my car that disappeared into the streets of the city.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

The drive was quiet and before it was too late to regret it…. I was parked in front of Steve’s house. The house I knew so well. A house I tried to forget but never really did because my heart will always truly lie with Steve Harrington

My hands were shaking slightly as I checked my reflection in the mirror.

“What am i fucking doing?” But I didn’t stop myself. I got out of the car, fixed my hair, my clothes and walked up to the door. Then I knocked and he just took two seconds to open it. 

Steve stood there, leaning slightly against the frame, like he’d been expecting it. That familiar smirk formed on his lips.

“Took you long enough.”

And before I could answer, he grabbed my hand, kissed me and pulled me inside.

⋆Chapter 2: Cinema Date⋆

Cinema 8 p.m.

“So… what do you want!?” Mike smiled at me as we were choosing snacks for the movie.

“Im okay with just popcorn” I reached to my wallet but he quickly stopped me

“It’s on me, seriously. Go wait with the others” 

So I did while he ordered the drinks and snacks. Dustin and Lucas were making jokes and Will was just staring at the posters.

“Don’t make things weird. Im warning you” My brother said as I walked towards them. I barely had time to react.

“You’re gonna have a new member in the family Dusty-Bun!!!” Lucas joked as he started again with the smooch sounds

“Would you guys please stop acting like little kids? And why would I make things weird you little shit?” I crossed my arms and, hell, I was his older sister so I imposed myself.

“Don’t act dumb. We all know you have a crush on Mike-“

“Shut. Up. Dustin.” I warned him “You’re so dead”

“You’re gonna tell mom?” He mocked me “Mom!! Dustin is making fun of me because I have a crush on Mike Wheeler!! I'm gonna cry oh my god!!” 

Lucas laughed with him, and Will just had compassion for me. Luckily, Mike arrived full of snacks so I reached to help him.

He started handing out the snacks and sodas. Chocolate bars for Dustin, skittles for Lucas, some candies for Will. And a big bucket of popcorn to share.

“I was thinking that maybe we could share the popcorn”

That meant he wanted to sit beside me. What is happening?

“Cool!”

Cool? I was combusting on the inside.

                                · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

The theatre was almost full, just some chairs left. Two empty seats in the middle row and four behind those…what a coincidence. hehe.

“We don’t fit here so go sit in the ones behind us you three and we’ll be in these two” Mike pointed to the other seats 

Mike Wheeler wanted to sit with me. Whatever. I’m not going to explode because of the excitement at all. Sure

“Yeah, cool I don’t mind!” I threw a warning glare to my brother before he could open his mouth and took Mike’s hand as we headed to those two armchairs.

“Don’t mind your brother, You’re cool. I like hanging out with you. I mean— we all do. As a group. Yeah.”

 “I get what you mean” I smiled brightly “I also really enjoy hanging out with you, Mike. You’re funnier than Steve” 

Why would I say THAT? Why am I thinking about him? God. I’m so bad at flirting, stupid Harrington

“Sorry, I don’t know why I said that. I’m still pissed at him. God, I’m just blurting things out”

“It 's okay. I'm nervous too” He giggled and ran a hand over his face “I think you’re really pretty. Like, really pretty”

What I’m supposed to say. Hi. Hello. HELP

And just like that, the lights went down and the movie started as I looked at Mike with my mouth dry and my heart bumping so hard I’m convinced he could hear it.

                                · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

During the movie, Mike reached out for my hand. He traced small circles with his thumb on my palm. Yep. I’m definitely not surviving this.

Is this the feeling that Steve talked about? Oh Fuck. Thinking about that dingus again...I'm going to end up embarrassing myself. Fuck

I tried to focus on the movie. I really did. But I had no idea what was happening on screen anymore.

Mike’s hand was still holding mine, his thumb slowly moving against my skin like it was the most natural thing in the world.

It wasn’t. At least, not for me.

After a few minutes, I felt his pinky hook slightly with mine.

That did it. 

I turned my head just a little, enough to look at him. The light from the screen flickered across his face, his eyes focused somewhere between the movie and me.

For a second, I thought he was going to say something, or even do something. My heart basically stopped, but then. My damn brother.

“Pass the popcorn, lovebirds” Dustin’s voice whispered from behind us.

“Oh my god, shut up” I said, not even turning around.

Mike let out a quiet laugh next to me as he passed them the bucket with his free hand as with the other, he tightened the grip

I stared back at the screen, biting the inside of my cheek, trying not to smile like a damn fool until the end of the film.

                                · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Parking Lot 10 p.m.

It was already dark outside and there I was, standing like a damn idiot waiting in the parking lot outside of the Starcourt. Robin already left and she compared me to a lost puppy waiting for his owner to return. Whatever.

But being honest, I wouldn’t leave these kids walking home alone….. specially Henderson- not her, his brother. Definitely his brother

Jeez. What I'm even doing with my life.

And there they were, finally. Dustin and Lucas talking about how much they liked the film. Will was listening to them with a warm smile. 

And, of course, Mike and her were walking so close to each other, almost touching hands, and she was laughing at his jokes.

Ok, Wheeler. We get it. You’re soooo funny. Ha. Ha.

“Harrington? What the fuck are you doing here?” Dustin’s voice cut through my thoughts, eyes scrunched like I’d just insulted his mom.

“Language, Henderson,” I muttered, getting off the hood of my car.

She raised an eyebrow at me, but she didn’t look as pissed as before. 

“You seriously waited for the film to end?” she scoffed. “We don’t need a babysitter, Steve.”

There she was. The way she said my name like it burned on her tongue.

“I don’t care. Plus your mom is gonna kill me if I let you idiots walk home, so let’s go” I climbed into the driver seat and didn’t leave room to argue.

“Dickhead,” she muttered as she slid into the passenger seat beside me.

“I heard that,” I said, turning the engine on. But, of course, Dustin had to interrupt.

“What do you want, Henderson?” I sighed.

“Have you thought about how we’re gonna fit in the car? I think using too much hairspray is not letting you think straight, Harrington.”

“Shut up, Henderson.” I scanned the seats with my eyes, calculating how to fit six damn butts in the car.

“Nuh-uh. I don’t want to die back here because of Dustin crushing my bones,” Lucas complained, as Dustin tried to lay across the legs of the others

“Dustin, get out of there. Come on” She said as she unbuckled her belt and got off the passenger seat. I honestly didn’t know what to say or do. I just watched her brother obey.

“What now”

“Get in the passenger seat. I’ll go in the backseat”

What the hell was she doing?

“You can sit on my lap” Mike added nervously.

“Dude.”

“No, no. Dustin. I'm not trying to make this awkward, I'm just saying that…she could sit here just because-“

“Oh wow, wow, wow. Absolutely not.” I interrupted them “Are you guys out of your minds? No way I’m letting you do that. What if the cops stop us, huh?”

“Oh god, Steve. What cops? Hopper’s probably sleeping at the office. Don’t piss me off” And she sat carefully with a big smile on Mike’s lap.

“Always the goddamn babysitter.” I turned the engine on again as I started to drive. And I couldn’t help myself but stare at her through the rearview mirror. How her eyes shined with the moon and how her bright smile lightened up the dark atmosphere of the night.

Fuck off. What I’m even thinking

The car was filled with noise almost instantly. The boys talking about the film and laughing at some stupid jokes

“Can you guys shut up for five minutes?” I snapped, gripping the wheel a little tighter than necessary.

“Someone’s in a bad mood,” Lucas muttered.

“Yeah, I wonder why” Dustin added, way too smug for his own good.

“Keep talking and you’re walking home, Henderson.”

I glanced at the rearview mirror again. Fuck.

Mike had his arms around her waist so she wouldn’t fall. She leaned back just slightly, like she belonged there.

My jaw tightened. “Seatbelts,” I muttered.

“What?” she asked.

“I said seatbelts,” I repeated, sharper this time. “I’m not getting arrested because you idiots don’t know how to sit in a car.”

The rest of the ride felt longer than it actually was. I wished they’d stop talking, just so I wouldn’t have to hear her laugh with him. 

Great, Harrington. Getting all worked up over some eighteen-year-old. God I’m so pathetic

                                · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

After dropping everyone at their houses, I parked outside Henderson’s place.

“Finally,” Dustin muttered, already climbing out my car. “You drive like a grandma”

“Get out of the car, Henderson.”

“I am. Jeez. Now you’re eager huh?.”

He slammed the door and took a few steps toward the house before stopping, turning back.

“You’re coming or you’re a slow grandma too?” he asked, looking at her.

She reached for the handle, but I spoke before she could open it.

“Hey” 

Very smooth, Harrington.

They both looked at me.

I cleared my throat, tapping my fingers against the steering wheel like I suddenly forgot how to function.

“So… uh, you wanna go for a drive? Just around the neighborhood.”

Dustin looked between the two of us

“Oh my god,” he groaned. “You guys are exhausting. I’m going inside. I’m tired, night”

He turned around and walked toward the house, mumbling something under his breath. Silence settled in the car again as she looked at me.

“Yeah, sure Harrington” she said as she climbed to the passenger seat.

I nodded once, trying way too hard to act normal as I pulled away.

                                · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

We stopped at a gas station to buy some food and drinks and then I drove to an empty lot from where we saw all the stars.

How do I know this spot? Let’s say I used to bring here all of my dates. I mean, she’s not a date but I want to spend time with her. 

After all, she’s my best friend.

So we got out the car and she sat carefully on the hood of my BMW

“Hey now. Be careful with the paint”

She rolled her eyes and smiled “Have you told that to every girl you brought here?”

She 's impossible.

“I don’t bring girls here” I sat with her too “Well…just a couple”

“You’re impossible, Steve Harrington”

“You’re the only impossible here” I angled my body towards hers “Besides, you’re not just a girl”

Why did I said that. Total shame

“That sounded horrible, I know”

“I almost threw up, Steve” she laughed

I laughed with her “Okay, okay. Fair. I'm just saying, since I started working in Scoops ahoy, we barely had time to do this you know?”

She looked at me with those beautiful brown eyes that shined more than the stars. God, I should probably stop. Whatever

“Well, you acted like an asshole today”

There it is

“I know, Im sorry it’s just-“

“You need to stop with this Nancy-thing” She sighed “I don’t know, find a new girl. You flirt a lot with the customers. Ask some girl for her number”

How am I supposed to tell her that the Nancy-thing was just a lie from Robin and I made up for her to be jealous?

Of course I won’t do it and of course I will change the subject.

“Oh look at you. You go on one date with Mike Wheeler and now you’re an expert” I scoffed 

Oh. 

She looked at me, disappointed. Like my words hurt her deeper than I thought.

“I want to go home” 

She slid off the hood and walked towards the door. Opening it and sitting in the passenger seat

Fuck. Im an asshole

                                · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

I followed her into the car. I didn’t want to say anything, but I couldn’t just leave it like that. I started driving, then finally spoke.

“Look I shouldn’t-“

“Not everyone has the same luck as you, Steve. Not everyone is the king of flirting or getting asked out” 

She wasn’t even looking at me. Arms crossed and staring straight ahead.

“You know how many times I supported you? or gave you advice for your stupid dates?” 

She finally met my gaze 

“And now, when is my turn. I suddenly can’t have a date with Mike because you’re on bad terms with Nancy and you’re in a bad mood?” she let out a short, bitter laugh. “And it wasn’t even a proper date, Steve. So don’t piss me off”

She was right. She helped me back when I was dating Nancy or even when I just wanted to flirt with a girl.

After the eternal moment of silence that filled the car in that moment, she finally spoke again.

“You always do this” her voice trembled “hurt someone when things don’t go the way you want, and then pretend it’s okay.”

I swallowed. 

“I’m sorry”

“Sorry doesn’t fix things, Steve.” She looked at me for a moment, then turned back to the road

                                · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

We didn’t speak as I drove her home. It should’ve felt normal for both of us, sometimes we just drove with a comfortable silence. This time felt heavy. 

When I parked outside her home, she unbuckled her belt. Eyes down and neutral expression.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow at the same time”

“I don’t need you to. I’m not going to Scoops Ahoy tomorrow. The group invited me to the pool.”

So now she prefers to hang out with his brother and the others just because of Mike Wheeler? 

“Yeah okay. Sure, have fun” 

I hesitated to add something more, but I did it anyways 

“And call me if you need a ride for tomorrow. I’ll appear if you do”

She nodded and started walking towards her house.

I let out a quiet breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding and leaned back against the seat as I pulled away.

If she wanted space? fine. If she wanted to be with Mike? okay, yeah. Cool.

I just didn’t expect it to feel this much like being replaced. 

But whatever. I drove back home as I listened to the radio and tried not to think of how much of an asshole I am.

                                · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Henderson’s room 12 a.m.

I went upstairs after Steve drove me home. I felt sick as I collapsed onto my bed.

I wanted to feel happy about what happened tonight, but I couldn’t. Whenever Mike crossed my mind, so did Steve.

I tried to close my eyes and forget about everything. 

I hated him. Hated how he always managed to make me feel sick. How much he made me feel even when I didn’t want to.

I was supposed to be thinking about Mike.

⋆Chapter 1: Ice cream first, pop corn later⋆

The summer of 1985

Hawkins, Indiana. A heat wave was suffocating the small town of Hawkins so everyone was getting refreshed in the AC of the Starcourt Mall. Especially since they reopened a tiny ice cream shop and renamed it as Scoops Ahoy! 

They sell lots of ice cream and other things with weird names, I don’t know, I just ask Steve for something sweet and he gives me a new flavour every day I visit him while he works.

“It actually sucks that you have to work in the summer” I licked my spoon as I sat in one of the booths near the counter. “I mean, they give you money but, i hate having to visit you here”

“Yeah, yeah” He snorted “Now, could you please shut up and let me do my work?. Go annoy Robin, she’s not doing anything back there” Steve pointed his head towards the back room.

“Asshole” I sighed and hopped off the counter and walked to where Robin was just sitting on a chair and eating ice cream. She raised her eyebrows with excitement as she saw me

“Henderson!” She got up and walked over to hug me “Oh god Henderson, I was literally dying of boredom and Steve is treating everyone like shit right now And-” I cut her off

“Steve is what? why?” I sat on the table as I listened to her

“Ugh. Henderson” She flopped into the chair beside me “Nancy Wheeler. Again. She came here to buy ice cream with Byers and you know how Steve is”

I raised my eyebrow again. Listening carefully and eating the rest of the ice cream she left.

“He thought Nancy came here to rub it on his face that she was dating Byers now” She sounded so eagerly. Like it was some kind of drama. 

God. Steve was so annoying with her. Nancy this, Nancy that, Nancy would never, Nancy isn’t like this…….. Yeah okay Steve we got it, you’re still head over heels for Nancy the perfect Wheeler. Cool.

“He really needs to find another girl” I said as I scraped the ice cream tub clean. “He’s flirting with girl customers all day but he still can’t get over Wheeler” I shook my head as I threw the empty tub into the bin. 

“Speaking of Wheeler….” Robin straightened her posture “Mike came earlier asking for you” She nudged my arm teasingly.

I froze and looked at her. My brother’s best friend was really asking for me? Mike Wheeler? The one I had a crush since Dustin introduced him to me?

 I mean, he was eighteen, just two years younger than me, but he was cute. So cute and so funny…..He was actually better than Steve.

                                   · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Scoops Ahoy was about to close, so Steve appeared opening the door with a soft thump. Sighing and taking off the goofy uniform hat while he fixed his stupid-voluminous-perfect hair. 

I swear I would love to be able to look at him without wanting to throw a chair at his head, but after what Robin said, I just want to look at him like a disappointed mother.

“So are you both finished gossiping about my love life?” He asked, looking at us as he peeled a banana he’d found on the storage.

“Actually. We were talking about Mike Wheeler…not Nancy” Robin said with a teasing tone, smirking.

“Yeah Harrington, not everything is about you and your girl count” I squeaked my shoes on the floor as i balanced myself on the chair.

He rolled his eyes and answered with a full mouth “And what you want me to do? Be your cupid?” He scoffed as he threw the peel to the bin before placing his hands on his hips.

Oh. My. God. 

What is wrong with him?!?! 

Steve usually jokes about whatever crosses his mind, but right now? Is really Nancy Wheeler having that effect on him? 

When i was about to spit something stupid at him like “screw you, Harrington” the small sound of the counter bell rang in our ears. 

Steve closed his eyes and cursed to himself before getting up and swinging the door, and disappearing. He shouted from the counter “The kids are here, you idiots!”

Robin and I walked straight to the front of the shop. Dustin, Lucas, Will…..and Mike. But also Steve, behind the counter. With a look that screamed Ugh. Not again

                                    · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Dustin was the first to talk “Steve….Please we-“ he looked at me “what’s she doing here?… whatever” he returned his gaze to Steve “So we need to get through that doors. It’s a matter of life or death” 

“Absolutely not” Steve replied expressionless. He was used to this

“Dude. It’s Back to the Future! Everyone’s talking about it” Lucas almost pleaded on his knees.

“Do i look like i care, guys?” He smiled sarcastically as he pointed his face

“Did my sister dump you again? Come on, Harrington. Just this once, we promise we’ll be like ninjas” Mike said nonchalantly. I loved his ability to joke without laughing.

Not me. I laughed as he said that.

Steve glared at me, but quickly returned to the kids “Fine. But if someone catches you four sneaking into the cinema, I swear to god-”

The kids laughed as they started walking into the backroom. We followed them to the doors that connected every shop in Starcourt, but just as they were about to open the door, Mike stopped and turned to look at me

“You wanna come with us?” He looked slightly nervous as he asked “I’ll invite you to popcorn. And we brought some snacks in your brother’s backpack”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Steve. He wasn’t looking at the kids or Mike anymore.

He was looking at me.

“Yeah! I-“ I managed to said before someone cut me off 

“No!” Dustin pointed a finger at Mike “This. This is a boy’s hang out. She’s not invited”

Blah blah blah. Im sure Steve taught him to be a pain in the ass….just like him. Great, Harrington 

And he actually snorted at that. Steve Harrington laughing at my face. Of course. I had to return him a glare.

But Mike replied quickly before I could even say anything “Don’t mind him. You know how your brother is” He smiled at me.

Dustin didn’t have any better another option than roll his eyes and walk into the hallways. Lucas, on the other side, couldn’t stop teasing mike and making smooch noises. And Will was just tired of the boys acting like little kids.

After that, I followed them into the hallways. Not without first telling Steve and Robin, especially Steve, something like “No need for a cupid. Just watch and learn”

It actually sounded shameful. But whatever, he was acting shamelessly too. Screw Steve Harrington.

                                    · · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

When Steve and Robin were free of the kids and me, cleaning up and ready to close Scoops Ahoy, Robin decided to stop and sit with her shoes on the counter. Her favourite time of the day: messing with Steve.

“So….looks like someone is getting a date today…” She smirked so hard “and that someone is not you”

“Oh great, Buckley. Have you ever been told that you’re hilarious?” He stopped mopping the floors “And get off the counter. Jeez. I just cleaned that”

“Stop changing the subject, dingus” She sat straight now “What’s your opinion on Mike Wheeler? He actually pulled her out”

Steve walked towards her while moving his hands in surrender “Okay….okay. Chill, damn”  

He pushed her off the counter and started cleaning it again. Just to keep his mind occupied.

“Look. I don’t give a damn about Mike Wheeler asking out her. She can do whatever she wants” He scrubbed the surface with a little bit more of force. “As if they’re getting married tomorrow. Good for them, I’ll attend”

Robin actually laughed at that. Like, really laughed on his face 

“You sound soooo stupid and you know what? You’re mad because she didn’t say no”

Steve stopped what he was doing and opened his mouth to say something but immediately regretted it.

“You thought she was gonna reject Mike… and now? she’s probably kissing him in the movies” 

He scoffed. Acting like he didn’t care Because he didn’t…. Right?

“Good for her, Robin” 

Robin leaned back against the counter, arms crossed, smirking. “Wow. So that’s it? Good for her?” 

Steve groaned and ran a hand trough his hair in desperation “What do you expect me to say?”

“Oh, come on, Steve!” She hopped off the counter and started cleaning again “I really told her that bullshit about Nancy earlier, and now you’re just throwing everything off because Mike Wheeler asked her to watch a movie? Really?”

“Yeah, really. It’s over Robin. Over” He sighed “Just let it go okay? It’s not that deep”

Robin narrowed her eyes, offended. After months of lying to me about Steve and Nancy… only for him to casually say it’s over now?

“You’re fucking unbelievable, Harrington” she muttered, shaking her head.

“Just focus on cleaning, will ya? I wanna go home. Jeez”

Robin rolled her eyes “Sure, captain ahoy. Whatever you say.”

He turned back to where he was cleaning, scrubbing the lasting ice cream spots, but he couldn’t stop thinking about the way I had smiled at Mike, and how he didn’t want to admit it that he had hated every single minute of it.

Letting it go wasn’t going to be so easy. Steve was screwed.