#sisosig

[theladybarnes]

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ AND THEN I MET YOU

▸ summary:  Steve Harrington’s world is suddenly changed by your mysterious arrival. There’s something about you that he just can’t shake off. And damn it if he’s not going to try and figure out what that is. ▸ word count: 17.6k           ▸ warnings: angst, violence, semi-fluff, slight canon divergence 

STEVE HARRINGTON POV from SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?

Steve Harrington always thought he had luck on his side. 

It was luck when he met Tommy, introducing him into the crowd of kids that’d eventually be his friends. It was luck when he made the winning shot in his first game, honoring him the MVP on his team. It was even luck again when he managed to make the right joke to make Nancy Wheeler laugh out loud during study hall.

So why did it feel like his luck ran out the moment he met you? 

The first time he meets you, you’re pointing out that he’s at the wrong place. Almost having left the note for the wrong person. And while he’s here to do something for his girlfriend, he can’t help but stare. 

With your clothes obviously high end, purchased someplace far away from the Hawkin’s strip mall. The makeup rimmed around your eyes is perfectly etched on in a way that it makes your eyes shine brighter. Were you actually a student? You looked out of place here in all the right ways.

“Do I have something on my face?” You mused, slapping the door shut. You’re almost mirroring his position and it’s enough to scramble his thoughts for a second.

“You’re new.”

Though your laugh is short, it’s pretty. He wants to hear it again. “I thought we established that?” 

 “Sorry, it’s just, we don’t usually get anyone new. Especially around the middle of the year.” 

“Must make me really special then.”

He can’t help but think you might be right. You give him your name and he finds it rolls off his tongue easily. But you’re ending the conversation quickly. The sound of his homeroom teacher is a big enough spark that he has the courage to follow you and offer to lead you to class. 

If you’re thrown off by his presence you don’t show it. And again, he finds himself letting out his charm. Trying to see how someone like you would react. And it intrigues him again to see how calm and collected you stay. It’s not until you both near the hall towards Ms. Click’s class that he fumbled a bit, earning a bit of a wary look from you. 

Too soon are you both parting ways, leaving him curious to find out more about you. But the excitement of meeting up with Nancy has him turning down the hall with a smile. 

He’s embarrassed the next time you see him, soaked and struggling to leave Nancy’s bedroom window. You’re amused, helping him up. It has his heart beat even faster than the fall from the window did. 

“You really gotta stop sneaking up on me.”

“It’s funny you think I’m the one sneaking up when you’re currently leaving this house out of a window.” you smirked, making Steve wonder how you’re always so cool. The umbrella in your hands moved to cover the both of you, bringing you both a little closer. “I assume you’re leaving more than just a note this time?”

He can’t help but laugh, feeling a little shy at your memory of him.

“It was a little late when I came to see my girlfriend, Nancy. Had to sneak out.”  

“Look at you continuing your streak of generosity.” 

 “What can I say? I’m a pretty great guy.”

You roll your eyes and he really hopes you’re not thinking he’s completely an ass. But you’re still there and still keeping him dry. “So, since you know the area well. Mind telling me where the Wheeler house is? I gotta pick up my cousin.”

He catches on to that last word. Cousin. So you’re here to be with family. He grinned a bit, pointing over to Nancy’s house. “This would be the place. Nancy’s brother and his friends were downstairs from what I could hear.” The two of you move towards the driveway, he can tell the conversation is wrapping up. Too soon in his opinion.

“You think you’ll be fine to make it over to your car?”

“I can tough it out.” he said, dreading the idea of walking up the long driveway. He had to hide his car a bit down the block. But he’s not gonna make you escort him over just to stay dry. He suddenly remembered the plans he worked with Tommy earlier that night. “Are you free tomorrow night?”

The familiar teasing smile spread over your lips. He’s nervous for the quip you’re about to throw out at him. “Steve Harrington, are you really asking me out on a date just moments after fooling around with your girlfriend?”

“What!? No! That’s not what I was asking.” He said quickly, feeling foolish for not explaining further what he meant. But he can’t even do that because you’re laughing at him and he’s trying really hard not to look dumb. “Are you done?”

You hold back a smile, nodding for him to continue. 

“What I was trying to ask was if you wanted to come over to my house tomorrow. My parents are gonna be gone and I’ve decided to have a couple of cool people over.”

“I’ll have to check my plans.” You shrugged. How could you possibly have plans in a day? Who else could you have spoken with already? 

He reached out for your wrist, noting how soft the skin was there. “I promise it’ll be fun.”

“Fine.” you said, swatting at his hand. He found the childish reaction cute. “Better be worth the trip, your highness.” The nickname almost breaks his smile. He’s not sure if he’s too keen on it, but nicknames amongst each other seemed like a step into being friends. He took that as a small win as he dashed away up the driveway.

“See you then, newbie!” 

You’re at his house the next night and he’s disappointed to see that you look bored. Was there better ways to spend the night back where you’re from? He’s trying to keep all of you entertained. Especially Nancy, who while out of place, seemed to try and join in the festivities. But you, you’re aloof, scanning your eyes to everyone there. What he’d give to take a look inside your mind. 

He overhears Tommy throw a question at you. California. You’re a long way from any fun if that’s where you came from. 

 “Maybe I got tired of the place?”

You’re trying to sound nonchalant. But Steve feels there’s more to it than just that. 

“Really? You’d leave the sunny side of California to live here? In Indiana? In the middle of fall?” 

Tommy joined in on Steve’s teasing. Always ready to follow his lead. “Or maybe you were kicked out? You look a little rebellious.”

Their words don’t stump you though. “Actually, you’re pretty close.” You said, chugging the rest of your beer. Like a champ. Steve thought. “I’m really a scoundrel who’s been forced to live with her Aunt until she behaves better.”

He couldn’t help but think that seemed more likely. You were too good looking to be so innocent. If your sharp words were any indication on the type of action you get, he’s guessing you were here for a bigger reason. “That story is more believable.” he said, missing your weary look. 

Distracted by Nancy, he pushed any curiosity out of his mind to enjoy the girl’s company. Her smile had been on his mind so much lately, and the excitement of what tonight could bring was on his mind. 

But the nagging of Barb and the look of boredom on your face is eating at him a bit. 

The gang try shotgunning more beers after him. You declined because of some expensive jacket you had on. But Steve’s happily surprised to see Barb turn around and attempt. That is, until the poor girl is bleeding suddenly. 

He shyly escorts her to the bathroom in his house. Wondering why Nancy would make her friend endure such an awkward night when went back out to notice you and Nancy together. You’re both so entertained by Tommy and Carol in the water that you don’t see him sneak up behind you guys. 

Before either girl can react, he’s pushed you two in, quickly throwing himself in after. When he comes up for air, you’re trying to fight a smile, Nancy’s lost a shoe, and he doesn’t think he’ll stop grinning. It’s a weird bliss for Steve and he doesn’t want that high to end. 

But the party eventually dies down. And he’s mad at Tommy for him and Carol making it so everyone slowly heads inside. You’re able to read the vibes and press to leave early. Making Steve torn about pushing for the group to do something else and letting things go naturally. Nancy is gorgeous and he’d love some time alone. 

Following you out of the pool, he tells the others he’ll get towels as he went in after you. He barely passed you a towel when he noticed you already have that taunting smirk tugged at your lips. 

“You know, this is the second night in a row I see you completely soaked in water.”

He wants to whine about that but he can’t help the chuckle that builds up in his throat. “It’s not fair, I’m either getting soaked with water or embarrassing myself in front of you.”

He wrapped a towel around you. Suddenly feeling something in his chest when he noticed how your eyes looked in the dim lighting of the house. Were the lights making them shine like that? Or was it his imagination?

“Is there something on my face?” 

He panicked for a second, looking slightly downward from your face to your jacket. That’s when he noticed the color change. Shit. Did he just ruin your jacket?

“Your jacket changed colors.” He stupidly pointed out. 

The frown tugged on your face is slightly cute, but it’s also nerve wracking because now he’s made you upset. 

“Well that’s just great.”

 “Sorry, the pool guy must have added too much chlorine.”

You chuck your towel at him, walking away from his side to go back to the group. He felt a pout on his face as he followed after you, only feeling a bit better when he noticed how cute Nancy looked as she stepped in the room. 

“Oh noo!” Carol gasped, “Not the Chanel.”

 “Yeah, I’m planning on Steve’s demise as we speak.”

He can’t help but wonder for a second what that would be like.

But Nancy’s chucking so sweetly and he’s noticed now that she too looks beautiful under the lighting. “Hopefully one that’s not too soon.” she said, smiling at Steve. It has his heart hammering in his chest. He shyly helps wipe some of the water drops off her face.

“On that note, I’m off. You kids have some safe fun.” you called out, not even giving him the chance to say goodbye. Something in his chest ached at the idea of him dragging you here, ruining your jacket, and then making you possibly uncomfortable. 

A warmth engulfed his hand and he finds that it’s Nancy giving him a look he’s seen before. And he’s suddenly feeling a little bit better. 

“...You sure? Because unless Harrington is a three minute kinda guy, they might be busy for a while.”

Nancy and him both cough a bit at the jab. He notices that while your face stayed neutral, there was a bit of sparkle in your eyes at his expense. He shook his head no, trying to keep the mood civil here. 

“I’ll be fine.” Barb replied, looking wary at Nancy. Steve bit his lip, not sure what to say about her friend staying, but wasn’t gonna be the asshole to kick her out either.

 “And with that I’m off. Night kiddos!”

You didn’t spare them a glance back as you marched out his front door. The rest of you called out goodbye and Steve watched as your figure slowly left the crack of the two doors before it closed after you. There was always tomorrow to make up for tonight. He’d figure it out later.

Tonight? He had hopeful plans. And from Nancy’s face, it would seem she was thinking the same.

The next morning is tiresome but Steve finds that he’s still on a high from the previous night. He’s gotten even closer to Nancy, something he’s been keen on for a while. And while things were rocky with you, he thinks he can figure out a way to get on your good side again.

“Last night was wicked. Sorry we didn't’ stick around to clean up.” Tommy said early that morning. The two were meeting over at Steve’s locker and he was a bit annoyed at his friends bailing so fast. 

“Whatever,” he lied, trying to play it cool. “Glad you two had your usual fun.” he smirked, watching as his friends rolled their eyes. Carol pushed a curl behind her ear before leaning in towards the two.

“What about the new girl? Henderson? Do you think she had fun? She totally acted like she was cooler than us.” 

Steve wanted to roll his eyes. She was possibly a thousands times cooler than them. But with the jealous way Carol got, he knew saying that would make you a target. “She’s cool. Probably was nervous or something.”

“Nah, I don’t think she was nervous.” Tommy frowned, leaning against the locker beside Steve’s. “She was odd. Not to mention, she comes from California just to stay here? Maybe she’s a freak.”

“She’s not.” Steve said quickly, feeling the need to defend you suddenly. “I think she was just not sure how to act around me.”

“Or maybe she didn’t know how to act with us.” Carol countered sarcastically. 

“I don’t know. I have a hunch she might like me..”

He can’t help but think back to how you looked last night under the dim lights. Maybe you did like him..but he didn’t want to dive into why he liked that idea. Especially when last night brought him better memories.

The look on his two friends looked a little too interested in that and he felt like he quickly needed to make it less serious.

“Yeah.” Steve added sarcastically, stuffing his books inside the locker. “She’s so hot for me.” The two beside him slowly smirked at his response. “Maybe she’ll do me favors or some lame shit like that.”

“All right, we get it.” Tommy laughed, wrapping an arm around Carol. “Tell us what you really think.”

“You wanna know what I think?” Steve asked, closing up the metal door. “I think I’m gonna go off and see my girl.” With that, he turned on his heels and made his way over to Nancy’s. Finding her already gathering up her books for first period.

She’s a bit jumpy this morning, but he’s glad to see she doesn’t regret what happened last night. But with her nervous greeting, he can’t help but check in with her.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah! Yeah, totally.” she said, forcing a smile. “I just..I feel like everyone’s staring at me.”

He wanted to point out that they might be, but probably not for the reasons she thinks. Their night was special, and he felt the need to help keep that special for Nancy too. 

“Oh, I didn’t..I didn’t tell anyone.”

“I know!” she clarified, giving Steve relief. “I know. Of course not.” Again he’s relieved, until she goes on. “But what about, like, Tommy and Carol and the new girl?”

“You’re being paranoid.” he assured her. And thankfully Nancy relaxed a bit. 

“I’m sorry.”

“No. No, it’s cute.”

“What’s got you worried, Nancy Drew? Could it be the rumors of your sweet escapades with Harrington?”

Your sudden presence has him laughing and he hates how perfectly timed your quip is. Unfortunately, you’re using it on the wrong person at the moment. Nancy looked worried again, turning to look at the kids down the hall.

“Are people really talking about me?” she stuttered.

“She’s only kidding, right?” Steve urged, giving you a hopeful look to end this.

 “Yeah,” you said, looking a bit taken back by the girl’s worried reaction. “I barely just got here. No one but the people at the party figured that out.” You lean in towards her and give her a friendly pat on the arm. “I promise I’ll keep it to myself.”

Slipping back to your locker, Steve felt a small relief again when Nancy turned back to face him. Having a small bit of privacy again with you distracted by your books. 

“Hey, I had a good time..”

 “Yeah. Me too.”

Taking his chance, he met Nancy in the middle, giving her a sweet and gentle kiss. He’s hoping you’re not looking at the sweet moment, but he finds that maybe he wanted to gauge your reaction for it too. 

For some reason.

Nancy eventually parts ways, giving you two a kind goodbye before Steve was able to give his attention to you again. Pushing your locker shut, he leaned in towards you. “You have a knack for being tactful, did you know that?” Steve sighed.  “Now I’m afraid you’re gonna embarrass my girlfriend like you do with me.”

He’s only a little upset by your words, not really for himself but for Nancy’s sake. 

“I barely know either of you enough to purposely embarrass you guys.” You laughed. There’s a struggle with your large trapper keeper and Steve can’t help but take the trouble out of your hands. “If anything, you guys do it yourselves. Especially you.”

“Fine, I’ll give you that I’m a bit of a mess. But Nancy’s different. She’s sweet, considerate and-”

 “And someone I barely hung out with last night.” you cut him off. “I can’t help what comes out of my mouth sometimes. Maybe my jokes will toughen her up.”

He thinks maybe that he might need time to toughen up to your jokes, but doesn’t really mention that. Less power to you. Instead, he pointed in the direction of homeroom. Watching you from the side of his eye as you went on.

“Besides, if you’re upset about my light teasing. I’d remind you of the fact that your two other friends were there long enough to hear all the action that went on.”

 He could feel the creep of the blush on his face. A terrible reminder of what having people over can do. But he knows his friends, and more importantly, he knows how to distract them from doing things like that. “They’re not going to say anything either. I’ll tell them not to.”

 “Oh? So is that what this is? The royal king of Hawkins demanding for my silence?”

Though he smiled at the joke, he can’t help but find your jab about his status to be unsettling. Not quite sure if you mean it maliciously or not. “I’m just getting to know Nancy at the same time as I’m getting to know you. I’d think it’d be kinda cool if we all got along.” he said honestly. 

The two of you stop outside the classroom, needing the minute to wrap up the conversation.

“Steve..I really meant what I said about not saying anything. I just got here and want to make friends.”

It’s so honest and..almost sweet coming from you. And while Steve wanted to dive into that and reassure you that he too wants to be your friend. He has to put his girl first. But the longer he looked down at you, the more he struggled with saying anything against your eyes sparkling underneath the shitty school lighting.

Would they just do that everywhere?

“So you won’t say anything?” he asked finally, handing you back your keeper. 

 “Of course. It’s not like anyone is interested in what the new girl has to say anyway.”

He can hear the familiar sound of his teacher’s heels and doesn’t waste anymore time getting inside the class. Some kids give him the stink eye as he carefully jumped into his seat. A girl with light brown hair and blue eyes turned to openly glare at him before she turned back around. But he’s too worried about what you said to pay any real attention to that. 

How could you think that no one would be interested in what you had to say? Everything about you was so refreshing, cool, and completely more interesting than anything these dorks around the school had to say. Waiting for the right time, he couldn’t help but wait a second after the assignment was on the board before he leaned over to talk with you.

“You’re wrong by the way. About no one being interested in what you have to say.” 

The light from the window cast over your head, creating almost a halo effect around your head. Not to mention with your soft expression, you look beyond this world. He has to fight the smile that wants to spread on his face. Choosing to smirk instead to remain cool and collected.

 “I’m very interested.”

Turning back to face the board, he felt two emotions run through him. Proud for telling you the truth and worry. Because, why the hell did he need to tell you that?

“It’s totally frostbite.” whined Carol, making Steve roll his eyes. It’s been like this for five minutes now. And despite you and Nancy joining the lunch table, he felt like ditching early to avoid whatever mood Carol was in. 

“It’s a heated pool.” reasoned Tommy. Steve could only grow more frustrated at his friend’s gross behavior. Like the group would care at all about her leg.

“Well, it it’s not frostbite, then what is it?”

"Ugh, I don’t care what it is, it’s disgusting!” Steve exclaimed, breaking down finally. “Just get it off the table. We’re eating here.”

“Some of us.” you chimed in, offering your plate. Not one to pass on food, he joined Tommy in picking off the best bits from your plate. He hopes that you and Nancy aren’t too put off by his friends. 

“Hey, Tommy. When you left, did you see Barb?”

“What?”

“Barbara. She’s not here today.”

You poke your head out from the side, acknowledging Nancy for the first time. “She didn’t wait for you?” You sound genuinely concerned and Steve’s glad to see you taking this approach. 

Nancy shakes her head no and waits for an answer from Tommy. But from the careless look on his face, he knows his friend is gonna be an jerk about it.

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

“Come on, don’t be an ass, man. Did you see her leave last night or not?” Steve asked, feeling bad for being right.

“No, she was gone when we left.” He answered finally. Steve noticed from the corner of his eyes that Carol had shifted. A look of amusement flickered onto her face.

“Probably couldn’t stand listening to all that moaning.” 

Steve nearly missed the smug expression on your face when he became distracted by the noises from his friends. He should be mad, especially since it wasn’t just him they were making fun of. But the ego boost is hard to ignore.

“Wow, you two must have had a really dull night to rehearse that.” There’s a teasing smirk on your face as you play around with your milk carton in your hand. “Is voyeurism something you two like doing as a couple?”

The two across from him instantly stopped laughing. Looking uncomfortable to have the joke be on them for once. Steve can’t believe you’re so quick with your remarks, making him wonder just how far and low you can go.

“Okay, chill.” Steve warned, noticing the familiar annoyed expression from Tommy.

“You could always call her house after school?” You said to Nancy next, making Steve thankful you’re keeping positive.  

He nodded his head, turning to look over at her. “I’m sure she’s fine. She’s probably just, like, skipping or something.”

Though the two of you tried to keep things light and hopeful, he could tell by the look on Nancy’s face that there was still a lingering doubt. Still, she returned a smile to him, that is until something caught her eye.

Following her gaze, Steve noticed you beside him, only your attention was towards the lunchroom doorways. Just why on Earth would you be waving at Jonathan Byers?

“We’ve got a problem.”

Steve had his focus on the C minus mark he had just gotten on his English test when Carol came over to speak with him. He crumbled up the paper into a ball, aiming it for the trashcan by his seat. “Give it to me.” he said, tongue sticking out as he tossed the paper into the bin. Perfect shot. 

He turned to his friend only to be surprised that she wasn’t alone. A pale girl with bright red hair was timidly at her side, giving him a small greeting while Carol frowned over at Steve. “Uh hi?” he waved, unsure who this girl was.

“This is Nicole.” Carol said, rolling her eyes. 

“Hi, I’m Stev-

“Steve Harrington.” Nicole finished, flashing him a toothy smile. “I know. We’re in Biology together…and Algebra II..and Stud-”

“He gets it, Nicole.” Carol snapped. The girl looked scared before Carol changed her expression to rest a hand on her arm. “Tell him about your elective.” she added more sweetly.

“Oh right.” she coughed, smiling again. “I take photography with Jonathan Byers.” 

“Okay,” Steve nodded, keeping his face neutral to wait for the point of this conversation to come finally. “That’s, uh, cool?”

“Give her a second.” Carol sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. 

“So I’m coming in this morning to check on a project that I had been working on. And I see Jonathan. Greet him and that’s when I saw it.”

Carol looked suddenly angry, like she was bracing for the worst answer and Steve couldn't help but feel nervous, looking between the two girls. “What did you see?”

“I saw a photo of Nancy Wheeler.”

Steve was surprised he was able to make it to the front of the school without exploding.

After everything had been explained in detail, Carol, Nicole, and later Tommy joined Steve on making his way to Jonathan’s car after the final bell had rung. They were supposed to wait out in the front for you and Nancy for tonight’s game. But now? Now things needed to be handled. 

It was his fault that you were all at his house. He had this stupid party where you guys thought you could relax and have fun, unaware that someone was watching and taking photos. The only thing stopping him from truly exploding was that he hadn’t seen the photos for himself. At least not yet.

The sight of Jonathan finally approaching the parking lot oddly brought out a calm and collected feeling over Steve. He knows what he needs to do. 

“Hey, man.” he said, getting off of the car.

“What’s going on?” Jonathan asked warily.

“Nicole here was, uh, telling us about your work.” 

“We’ve heard great things.” Carol added, Tommy chiming in just behind her. “Yeah, it sounds cool.”

Steve knew they were only going to instigate, make this whole situation a bigger deal. But he couldn’t help but join in on their sardonic approach. Feeling the anger creep into his words. “We’d just love to take a look. You know, as..connoisseurs of art.”

The glare that Jonathan was giving Steve only made his chest twist. How could he be the one who’s angry right now? Even if they were approaching this harshly, he was still wrong.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Jonathan said quickly, trying to brush past them to get into his car. But Tommy was faster, quickly reaching onto his bag before Jonathan could even turn around to see. 

“Oh, no?”

“Hey. Please give me my bag.” Jonathan asked, reaching out to Tommy. But his friend passed the bag to him, giving Steve the final piece on the judgment he’s been waiting to place on Byers for a while.

“Man, he’s like totally trembling,” he pointed out. “He must really have something to hide.”

Turning around, he placed the bag on the trunk of the car, rummaging through until he felt the smooth surface of the photographs. “Ahh, here we go.” Steve said, fanning the photos. One look down and he’s already feeling his stomach turn.

“Oh, man.”

“Let me see.” Tommy asked, already eager to see. Steve splits the stack, handing some to his friend as he continues to look on. “Dude!”

“I was looking for my brother..” Tried Jonathan.

“NO. No, this is called stalking.” Steve said, unsure why he’d even lie.

A particular one catches Steve’s eye. It’s the two of you deep inside the house. Almost blurry from how distant it was, but there was something about your face..he couldn’t shake it off. He stuffed it into his pocket. Picking through the rest until he noticed the Nancy ones..that’s when he knew what he had to do.

“What’s going on?” 

It’s odd timing for you and Nancy to finally show up. But when you guys get close, he can see right away the worried and perplexed faces etched on both your faces. 

“Here’s the starring ladies.” Tommy scoffed.

“What?” You and Nancy asked at once. 

“This creep was spying on us last night.” Carol explained as she passed the photos to the two of you. He notices right away the crestfallen look on your face, looking between Jonathan and the photos. He thinks back to the cafeteria where you waved at him. Were you both friends? Were you maybe why he was there in the first place? But judging from the ones he took of Nancy, he was sure it wasn’t for just that.

“He was probably gonna save this one for later.”

“Shit, Jonathan.” you said in frustration as you flung the paper to the ground. A disapproving look on your face as you joined in on their disgusted emotions. Nancy remained silent, looking down at her photos in shock. It was then that Steve knew he had to make his move for you guys. For all of you.

With a click to his tongue, Steve stepped forward towards Jonathan, looking down at him. “See, you can tell that he knows it was wrong, but man, that’s the thing about perverts. It’s hardwired into them. You know, they just can’t help themselves.” His hands wrapped around the worn out shirt that Jonathan had worn well out of its best days.

Steve’s surprised when he sees you step forward. “Look, I think he gets it, Steve.”

This is your first week, he thinks. And despite your usual cool nature, he figured this isn’t something you’d want to be a part of. Unfortunately, because of the party, you are. So he pointed a finger at you, asking for silence before he went on tearing the photographs quickly. 

Tommy, who doesn’t take anything so serious, began to laugh behind him. The familiar wheezing laugh as he enjoyed watching Steve’s approach. “So,” Steve concluded. “We’ll have to take away his toy.”

Nancy is next to call out for him, making something in the pit of his stomach turn. But he went on with it anyway, needing to do something to make sure this wouldn’t happen again. Behind him Jonathan pleaded for his camera.

“Steve, let’s just leave. I think the public humiliation was enough, don’t you think?” you said, voice sounding just as desperate as the boy’s did. Again, Jonathan tried to reach out for the camera when Tommy stepped in. Ready for action. But Steve quickly called him back. Feeling different inside of him. Something..mean.

“It’s okay.” he smiled, holding the camera out for Jonathan. “Here you go, man.”

The boy’s brown eyes shifted between Steve and Tommy before he took a step over to grab the camera. But Steve was faster, and let the item fall quickly from his grip. All around the group gasped. Tommy’s taunting laugh being the only commentary from everyone else. 

Oddly, Steve did not feel the satisfaction that he had been hoping would come from that.

“Come on, let’s go. The game’s about to start.”

He turned on his heel, making a beeline over to you when he noticed the hard frown on your face. He didn’t know what exactly could make you look so cold and mad, but he didn’t take the chance to leave you there. Gripping at your shoulders as he pushed you down the hill to the school. 

“You didn’t have to do things like that, Steve.”

His hands gripped tighter around your shoulders. Confused by how you were upset with him in all this. When you two reached the bottom of the hill, he finally let you go, letting him see your glare once again.

“How would you have done it?” He asked, trying to control his temper. “Because I feel like you’re missing the fact that he took photographs of us!”

You rubbed your hands over your face and Steve can clearly see there’s an inner conflict going on. “You didn’t have to break his camera.” 

“The creep is lucky that’s all I did to him.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the photograph of the two of you, slapping it down on your hands for you to see. He needed you to understand the severity of all this. 

But the look on your face is almost disappointing. He’s not sure if it's him or the photo itself. But you’re turning to look back at Byers and he noticed just now that Nancy hasn’t joined them down the hill.

“I’m only looking out for you two. We’re friends now.”

Leaving it at that, he called out for Nancy. Ready to leave this parking lot and move on to better things than discuss these damn photos.

Like the party, he’s sensing the discomfort from the group. Well, from you and Nancy that is. Tommy and Carol are happily leaning over each other, talking about their day as if everything were normal. 

Steve wanted to pretend too. Even joining in on the conversation. But he can see the look on Nancy’s face as she gets more uncomfortable. It’s only five minutes before the game when Nancy suddenly pulled away from the locker she had been leaning on. 

Steve felt stunned, watching as she had begun to leave without a word to anyone else.

“Whoa, Nance, where you going?”

She thankfully stopped, turning a bit to face the group. “I totally forgot.” she stammered, unbelievably making an excuse on the spot. “I told my mom I would, um..I would do something with her.”

“Well, what do you mean?” Steve asked, getting up from the floor. “The game’s about to start.”

“I’m sorry!” she called, not sparing a glance as she quickly made her exit. Steve felt his heart sink a bit. Not sure if he should go after her or not. Just when he thinks he couldn’t feel any worse, you’re slowly edging your way past him.

“Not you too.” he frowned. Watching your usual collected expression only shifts a little to show a bit of discomfort again.

“Well, her little brother is friends with my cousin so I actually gotta head to her house and pick him up.” The smile that tugged on your lips seemed forced and Steve fought to try and fight against your excuse. “I’ll make sure she’s okay.” you said lowly to him before waving him off.

“What the hell is wrong with them?” Steve called out. Confused by how two girls he was getting close with could suddenly just freeze him out.

“Maybe they were freaked out when you went all psycho on the psycho.” Tommy suggested, a small smirk on his lips. 

“Oh give me a break.” he groaned back.

“What’d you expect, dating Miss Perfect? Not to mention this being one hell of a welcome wagon to the new girl.”

Steve stayed still looking down the hall again, hopeful that one of you might turn around. But the lingering thought couldn’t escape his head now. What was gonna happen next?

The next day doesn’t start off the way he had hoped it would. 

It was early in the morning when he came downstairs. A rare occasion of finding his parents both at the breakfast table. He mumbled a quick hello, reaching over for a banana in the fruit bowl while overhearing his parents talk about recent news. Apparently they discovered the body of Will Byers and there would be a funeral service for him soon. His Mother wasn’t taking it well, going as far as to deny that the body was his.

He can’t help but think about Jonathan Byers. He left the house that morning without eating.

Later on at school, Nancy had pulled him aside for a private conversation. She ended up going back to his house the night before while he was at the game. Desperate to try and see if Barb was still around. Which sounded insane, but not as insane as the man in the faceless mask. 

Eventually the conversation turned for the worst when he realized the police were going to be involved. Which meant everyone was going to be dragged in this. This party was supposed to just be a fun night! Now that the Hawkins Police department was going to investigate, his dad would surely murder him. 

Nancy didn’t seem to understand that. And while Steve knew that she was more worried about her friend, he couldn’t help but panic about his own situation first. Not when his asshole of Dad would take away everything from him. Not to mention he doesn’t even know what would happen if the cops find out about the beers. It wasn’t just his ass on the line. 

But Nancy’s focus is solely on Barb and a part of him understands. But god damn if he wasn’t a bit freaked out.

It’s hours later at lunch and he’s feeling a twist of emotions. He needed to apologize to Nancy, but also get a word in on what the hell these guys were gonna ask him. But since his girlfriend decided to disappear, he figured the next best person to ask would be you.

So he snatched you away from the lunch lines and dragged you behind the gym. No one would be there for another twenty minutes and he could get some information out of you. But ten minutes have passed now and Steve felt like he had to drag every answer out of you.

“And what did you say after that?”

“Steve, do we really have to do this?”

“They’re going to ask me questions next and I wanna know what I’m heading into.” You glanced back at him, expression hard and sort of sad if he were being honest.

“Trust me, they’re not going to grill into you.”

He can feel his temper rising up. An unusual feeling he had for you as of lately. “You can’t be serious. They know we drank! They’re going to give me the third degree and my ass is grass the moment the old man finds out.” Again you look off distantly and Steve can’t help as he pressed on again. “Carol said you looked pissed off by the time you came back into class. So obviously there’s something you’re not telling me.”

That only seemed to upset you, making you roll your eyes at him. “Are you having your friends report on me? Carol isn’t even in my class.”

Steve narrowed his eyes, trying not to admit that he did sort of have Carol keep an eye on things but also not want to tell you that.“Okay, so it was Nicole who reported to Carol who came and told me. But only because she’s freaked out too!”

You turned away from him and he immediately moved to stand in front of you, feeling a little pathetic at how desperate he had become right now. “What did you say? Please?”

The glare is hard on your face and he realized he might have pushed you a bit too far. “Look, it’s safe to say they’re aware of some of us drinking. I don’t know what Nancy told them but they know.” Picking up your bag, you pointed over at him. “If you blab to them about just who was drinking, be sure to leave me out of it!”

There was something in your voice. Something scared that had Steve pausing his panic to focus on you. Reaching out, he spun you to face him again. “Are you okay?”

“Okay? I’m peachy fucking keen.”

The sharpness of your voice has him letting go of you. Holding his hands out defensively. “Whoa, chill out there spitfire. I’m just checking if you’re alright.” He watched as different emotions flickered across your face before you sighed.

“I didn’t mean to get mad. It’s just hard dealing with people like the cops when you have them know your history.”

“Know your history?” he asked, curious to hear what could make you so worried.

And that’s when you told him everything. 

From your ex, the party, the accident. Steve couldn’t fully wrap his mind around the fact that a girl like you could have had so much trouble in just one year. A part of him felt slightly ashamed for momentarily judging you. Because the more you went on, the more he could hear the regret and sadness. 

Something that tugged heavy on his heart and when he heard how hard it was with Hawkin’s PD questioning you, he couldn’t help but move forward. Wrapping his arms around you in a hug. It’s awkward, and he hates that you might not have really wanted one, but he hopes that it gives away some sort of comfort to know that he does feel bad. 

“I’m sorry,” he said, remembering he was supposed to reply to you. “I didn’t know that any of this would happen.”

Your quietness makes him think he might’ve taken it too far. But when he slowly pulled away, he noticed that your eyes were back to that familiar spark. 

So they’d just always sparkle like that, huh.

“Why is it that when I’m around you a mess seems to follow?” 

“I wish I could say I knew.” he chuckled wondering how you managed to change the mood so easily to bring it back to normal. It was troubling. Almost fitting for a ‘scoundrel’ like you. “You’re trouble, that’s for sure.”

“Come on, that’s not fair. You literally just found out my story.”

“Sorry, if you get to tease me for embarrassing myself, I get to call you trouble.”

You’re teasingly punching him, making him have to bite down on his lip to stop himself from grinning at the simple affection. He nudged you back, having to find some sort of way to return the touch. But you’re soon after stopping him, slightly worried again.

“Promise me something.”

“What?”

“Please don’t tell anyone else my story? It’s..it’s not my finest moment. I just want to move past it.”

Oh God, she’s pouting. How the hell is she so cute while pouting?

He had to pinch the side of his thigh to keep his thoughts at bay. Remembering he’s supposed to be contributing to this conversation instead of gawking at you. Crossing an X over his chest, he nodded to your request. “Promise. As long as you don’t tell anyone just how freaked out I was about being questioned next.”

He held his pinky out, feeling a warmth spread inside his chest at your reaction to the childish gesture. 

“Can’t believe I’m saying this but I actually feel a little bit better after talking to you.”

He’s surprised, not really hearing that from people often. He hopes he’s able to do it again if he has to. 

“What did I tell you, trouble? I’m a pretty great guy.”

The two of you part ways after lunch and he thinks about how much he enjoyed the warmth he felt after hanging out with you. It reminded him of how he felt with Nancy. If he was able to fix things with you, maybe tomorrow he could figure out to fix things with Nancy and get everyone back on the same page again.

There was a funeral service for Will Byers, and he was a little bit shocked to find out the two of you were attending. Putting a slight detour on his plans. For a second, he remembered Jonathan Byers. The guy who not a day ago was stalking him and his friends. 

Despite the ick Steve felt from everything, he couldn’t help but feel bad. No one should have to endure a loss like this. Even creeps..

It’s around late noon that he made his way to Nancy’s house. Hopeful that she had returned home early from the funeral. 

He’s happy to see Nancy again, but there’s something off. Something that’s different about her and it’s not just her recent attempt to join the softball team. He’s smart enough to know when someone’s avoiding him, but was sure that Nancy really did accept his apology. So why did he have this sick feeling in his stomach?

There’s a chance that everyone could have hung out today and he’s annoyed that Tommy and Carol decided to have a date night, making plans with them to push farther into the night. He hoped that you’d be the only friend of his to come through. 

To his dismay, the phone call with you is just as much of a failure as his visit with Nancy. Not only did he leave with no plans, but you thought he only called as a last resort. Which wasn't the case, but he can see why you’d think that.

Today was beginning to feel shittier than ever. And he wasn’t sure if it’d turn around any time soon.

“I just don’t understand why we’re coming out here.” Carol said with the smack of her gum in her teeth. “She obviously doesn’t wanna talk to you.”

“That’s..that’s not it.” Steve defended, knowing Nancy wouldn’t even have kissed him if she wasn’t forgiving him.

“Oh, really? Because no girl would ever blow off King Steve.”

“She was acting weird. I mean, something was wrong.” Her whole demeanor was nervous now that he thought about it. He tried to play it off as her being on edge from coming from a funeral and Barb still missing. But something in his gut told him otherwise.

“So what? Like, you’re worried about her?”

“What?”

“Aw, you are.” cooed Carol. “Aw, Steve has a heart.”

“Would you just–STOP.”

Tommy finally chimed in with his own amusement. “Stevey’s in love!”

“Would you just shut up?” Steve said, growing irritated. “SHUT UP!”

The two awkwardly grew quiet from his outburst and it dawned on Steve that he’s never really acted this seriously about a girl before. But Nancy was special. She was worth the teasing from his friends because she was a nice girl. Whom Steve really needed to fix things with. So, he parked his car in front of the Wheeler house, and made his way down the hill to the familiar window side. 

He would just say that he was there to check up on her, offer a ride to get a milkshake or something, and maybe figure out how to prove that everything was–

Oh.

Through Nancy’s window, Steve caught sight of something he didn’t think he’d ever see. Nancy and Jonathan, sitting together on her bed.

He sat beside her, placing a sweater over her shoulders as he gently caressed her back. The sight nearly caused Steve to yell out. Ask what the hell they were even doing together alone in her room. But he couldn’t. All he could even hear right now was the heavy sound of his heart beat.

Not saying a word, he slowly pulled away from her window. Climbing quietly down from the roof top before he dashed over to his car. 

Carol and Tommy were whispering close together when Steve climbed into his seat.

“What’s the verdict?” Tommy asked, crossing his arms over his chest. “We waiting for your girl to join us or what?”

The three of them were all sitting outside the liquor store. Steve, not even having touched his can of beer that Tommy managed to swipe for him, watched as the other two paced in front of his car.

“Can’t let her get away with this.” Tommy chuckled, angry for his friend. “That shit isn’t cool.”

“Seriously, you’ve put up with her dorky shit for how long and she does this?” 

He wanted to tell him they were wrong. He didn’t put up with anything from Nancy, he wanted to do the things she did because he was interested too. But every word about her kept dying at the end of his tongue. 

“You know what man? Screw that slut, we should just hang out anyway.” His friend returned to his side, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “Let’s go get you Henderson. She’s a perfect spare chick to keep around and we all know she digs you.”

“Yeah, at least she’s more interesting than Wheeler.” Carol added. “At least with a fashion sense.”

“Stop.” Steve gritted. Not wanting either one of the girls to be spoken about like this. “It’s not like that with her.” He glanced over at Tommy with a glare before shaking his head. “Besides, she was busy tonight too.”

“What the hell can she even be up to? Who does she know?” Tommy frowned, unsure of anything about you.

“She’s got family here. Maybe she’s off with them.” Steve countered. “But really, she was sort of annoyed that I called her last minute. She could just be just avoiding me too.” His self loathing was getting the best of him, and he really wished he’d just shut up.

“You know it’s weird, I heard she doesn’t even have a car. She rides a bike to school.” Carol mused, picking at the ends of her nails. “All those expensive clothes and she can’t afford a car?”

“Maybe she steals expensive clothing.” Tommy smirked, looking over to his girlfriend. “It would explain why she’s forced to live here. Nothing good to grab at our stores.”

“Ooh a thief would make sense! Maybe that’s why she was trying to steal Stevey boy over here.” Carol laughed, pushing at Steve lightly. The two continued to spew out ludacris theories on why you were here, making the focus turn worse. Having enough, Steve bolt up from the hood of his car, chucking the beer can across the empty lot.

“She’s here because she got in trouble for drunk driving, you idiots.” he sighed, looking out and away from the two. What they were forming together was a lot worse than the truth and Steve was tired of it.

“Drunk driving? That’s it?” Tommy asked with a small chuckle. “What an absolute moron. Can’t even handle her liquor.” Carol joined in on laughing with him, making Steve’s anger rise enough to turn around on them.

“It wasn’t that! She was having a bad night. Okay? We all have shitty nights and sometimes it leads to us forgetting where we are and how we crashed our cars. I’ve been close to doing that and so have you, Tommy!” 

“Geez.” Tommy gaped, looking annoyed with Steve's sudden outburst. “Crashed a car too? God she’s a mess.”

“Yeah, well, everyone has their worst moments. It happens to be one of hers so maybe hold off on accusing her of other stupid shit.” He pushed Tommy a bit to get off his car, going over to the driver’s side to unlock it so the other two would follow the same. “Can we please stop talking about her? I honestly have so much shit going on in my head right now. I don’t need that either.”

“Worse than Wheeler?”

Steve ignored Tommy’s question to turn on the car, looking down at his steering wheel before he glanced at his friends. “No, Nancy is worse right now. No one gets to trick me like that.” he frowned, feeling something vile come up in his chest. 

“So what do you think we should do about it?” Carol asked, peeking her head over. But Steve didn’t have an answer for her. He was so upset that all he could think about was taking off and driving far away from Hawkins. Away from all the bullshit and pain he felt right now.

“Right now, I just want to get out of here.” he sighed. Missing the way his two friends shared a sinister look.

Steve really believed he had to be the world’s biggest idiot today. 

He had received a call from Tommy early that morning to meet him over at the Hawk. Something not quite out of the ordinary, but from the chuckling his friend had done on the other line, he should have known it was nothing good. 

A while later he approached the small group with his hands stuffed into his pockets. He had to work on figuring out what to do about Nancy. But the closer he approached the group, the more he noticed they seemed to figure what to do for him.

“Shit.” he whispered. Looking up at the vandalized marquee. The bright red words seemed to be taunting him. 

Nancy the Slut Wheeler.

“Like it?” Tommy chuckled, as he climbed down the ladder he had been on. He wrapped an arm around Steve and extended his hand out towards the sign. “Now they all know.” The two girls quickly pushed the ladder away, leaning it against the building before they joined the two boys again. 

Steve is honestly stunned at the sight. Not sure what could possess Tommy to go this far but also not quite sure if he felt it was right. All he knew was that even as the group led him away, he felt like a shell of a man.

Why the hell didn’t I stop him?

“You look sick.” Carol chuckled, giving Steve a slight shove. “It’s not like she didn’t deserve this.”

“Yeah, man.” Tommy said, throwing an arm over his girlfriend. “Think of it as you giving the town a public service announcement.” That caused Carol to burst into laughter, slapping Tommy playfully against the chest.

In the back, the timid Nicole joined in on their laughter. As if she had any other choice.

“Whatever.” Steve muttered. “What’s done is done.”

Tommy stepped up to one of the blocked off doors of the building next door, shaking his spray can a couple of times before he started to write out his next message. He barely finished his sentence when shit really hit the fan. 

Nancy found him shortly after the work had been done, and he’s shocked to find you trailing after down the alley. But all he can focus on is the hurt look on Nancy’s face. No, not hurt. Heart broken.

But Steve doesn’t stand down. Not when he didn’t do anything wrong. All he did was say a couple of wrong things and he still got cheated on. How could someone nice like Nancy Wheeler do that? 

The words between them feel useless. He’s already made up his mind. Nancy didn’t deserve to have sympathy. Not when she was this big a liar.

“Look, I don’t know what you think you saw, but it wasn’t like that.” 

“What, you just let him into your room to..study?”

Her stuttering response has his heart aching even more. How could he have fallen for her? How could he have felt sorry even for a second when she was just..using him.

“Go to hell, Nancy.” He’s about to turn around and leave the girl when you step forward. . 

“Are you seriously going to just say that and not even listen to her side of the story?”

“Not sure it’s a story worth listening to, trouble.” he scoffed, feeling even more disappointment. How could you side with her? You were smarter than that, you’d have to have realized. Unless.. “Why the hell are you with them? Were you in on that shit too?”

Seeing your reaction was almost as bad as Nancy’s. Because instead of the hurt he was expecting; there was anger.

Jonathan stepped in now, grabbing hold of you and Nancy in an attempt to get you guys away. “Come on, guys, let’s just leave.” The smart thing to do. But apparently Steve wasn’t going to play the smart guy today.

“You know what, Byers? I’m actually kind of impressed. I always took you for a queer, but I guess you’re just a little screw-up like your father.” 

The words felt like venom on his tongue. A type of taste in his mouth that he rarely felt. But seeing Jonathan be the reasonable one amongst everyone made him mad. Even jealous. It wasn’t fair. This whole thing wasn’t fair. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, that house is full of screw-ups. You know, I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised. A bunch of screw ups in your family.”

The boy in front of him stopped and Steve can’t stop himself from egging him on. Giving his shoulder a push with every word he threw at him. Before him, he could see you trying to tug at Jonathan’s arm, giving him a knowing look.

“I’m sorry I have to be the one to tell you, but the Byers, their family, it’s a disgrace to the entire–”

That’s when shit in the fan. Again.

Never in Steve’s three years of school would he think that Jonathan Byers knew how to fight. But fuck if this kid knew how to hit hard. Of course, it made sense. He didn’t tell him off to get a slap like he did with Nancy. No, he wanted this fight to count.

So while Jonathan gave him his all, Steve would do that same.

But to his dismay, his all isn’t enough. Just like his relationship. Whatever he was giving wasn’t enough to win. He was on the floor, holding his arms up to help cover up some of the blows that Jonathan was pounding down on him. Various voices calling out for the fight to stop. From how he felt inside, he hoped Jonathan wouldn’t.

“Come on, dude. The cops!”

At one point, the two boys are pulled apart and Steve is able to pick himself back up from the floor. Tommy began to pull him away when he looked back to the chaos they were about to leave behind.

“Henderson!” called out Officer Callahan. “I knew you’d be in this mess.”

Nodding to Tommy, he went over to you, picking up at your arm while Tommy got the other and helped you up from the ground. While he knew you’d probably get pissed about leaving the other two behind, he couldn’t help but selfishly take you.

He had some questions of his own.

“What the hell was all that?!” 

You didn’t even hesitate to break apart from him the moment you guys made it to his car. Steve felt his anger swell up. Either that or it was his actual face swelling up from the beating he just took. 

“What the hell was all that? What the hell is with you? Why were you with Byers in the first place?!” He stepped forward, glaring down at you. “I thought you knew to stay away from him.”

“Excuse me for making my own decisions, your highness. I’m not exactly gonna stop talking to someone just because you said so!”

There was that damn nickname again. Now he knew it was used for nothing but disdain towards him. It was ridiculous. How could you be so biased towards the others when he met you first? 

��Oh cut the crap. Why are you bothering covering up for Nancy? I saw them with my own damn eyes. Stop covering for the girl you barely know!”

“It seems like I’m not the only one who barely knows her considering you didn’t even give her a chance to explain herself.”

“I didn’t exactly stop her from speaking. She did that on her own.”

He watched as your eyes scanned over towards his friends. “Not everyone wants to air out their stories for your voyeuristic friends, Harrington.” The three of them gasped at your reaction. Carol instantly pulled Tommy closer.

“My friends are just getting the truth out there. She’s a slut and a liar. And you’re a bitch for siding with her.”

Now, he knew wasn’t thinking entirely smart today. But he really regretted letting that slip out.

His back hit hard against the car door, making him wonder if you were strong enough to break the glass. But his blind stupid anger kept him feeling anything else at the moment. He could handle another beating at this point.

“You take that back! I have done nothing but be a god damn friend. In case you don’t remember, you even begged me to befriend her too. Now that I’m doing that I’m suddenly a bitch because it’s not what you want?”

“What I want is some god damn honesty around here!”

And boy was honesty what he got. Every word you said felt like some sick truth and he wanted to speak up and fight that not everything about him is like that. But Tommy decided to make it his turn at being the dumb one and opened up his mouth next.

“If he’s such a dick, why do you have such a big crush on him?”

“..What the hell did you say?”

God, he’s so completely fucked. The anger on your face is this beautiful rage that is unfortunately directed at him. He can’t even function properly as he threw out any excuse he could. 

He didn’t think you were pathetic. He thought you were cool. Not only that but you actually treated him like a normal friend. Something he didn’t even get with people that have known him for years. How can he properly explain that when he’s with his asshole friends he makes asshole jokes? 

Things just take a turn for the worse and he can’t help but panic as Tommy had that familiar glint in his eyes. He stepped towards you, giving Steve a quick wink before he spoke up again. 

“..He actually thought you were a lot worse. Especially after you told him about getting so drunk you didn’t even remember crashing into another car.” He watched in shock as Tommy moved to wrap an arm around your shoulder. “We didn’t take you for a forgetful drunk. Didn’t we, Stevie?”

“Promise me something.”

“What?”

“Please don’t tell anyone else my story? It’s..it’s not my finest moment. I just want to move past it.”

No no no. This was bad. This was so completely beyond bad. How could he have forgotten that slip up? His mind had been all over the place and he never..he never meant for that to get thrown back at you.

“Tommy, just back off, okay? I didn’t say it like that.” Steve said, trying to reach out for you. He needed to get you out of here. Away from the people that were only going to try and hurt you until you felt like complete and utter shit.

Just apologize. He thought.

“Then tell me, Steve. Just how did you say it?”

“It doesn’t matter, it’s not like it’s important anyway.”

It really doesn’t. He’d never think bad of you. Not about that. But his pathetic inner turmoil caused him to miss out on the look on your face. Because the next thing he knows, you’re back to being calm again. 

“You know what, you’re right Steve.” 

The group sobered up quickly at that, not thinking that would have been your reaction. “Right about what?” he asked. But from the cool and collected tone in your voice, Steve knew whatever answer he’d get right now was going to be something they were all unprepared for. 

He’d have thought he was living in a movie with how quick and calculated all your words were. Never had he seen his two friends look so taken back with someone’s insults. By the glare on Tommy’s face, he knew that he was beyond mad. But for once, they’re actually speechless.

“..and lastly, your royal highness.”

You approached him slowly. Like a lioness getting ready for her prey. Only this time, he’s the one in your line of attack.

“It’s actually hilarious to think that you would assume I liked you. You, a small town hick with barely a career in basketball. Who gets drunk on a Tuesday night because his absent parents leave him alone in the house. I mean really, is that someone you think I’d like?”

He can’t find it in himself to call your words cruel. They hurt like hell, but they were all true. But still, as much as Steve liked to think he wasn’t that much of a smart guy. The one thing he could always tell was when a girl liked him. And with you, he felt it there. Right from the start.

“You like me..I know you do.” He forced the words out, feeling how tense his whole body got.

“Perhaps that’s what you wished for, but unfortunately, I’m no longer interested in dating pathetic high school boys. I left that preference in California.” Your finger grazed at his jaw and he felt himself gulp at the fire your fingers left behind on his skin.“See, the next time I date a guy, he’s gonna have to be really special. And with you, I can’t get that. You’ll graduate high school, work for your dad, and be known only as the boy who used to be relevant.”

You stepped back finally and Steve could feel himself be able to breathe again. But too quickly are your parting words coming out and he felt his chest ache again. 

“Hate to break it to you, Harrington. But the only thing big about you, is your hideous head of hair.”

And with that you walked off leaving the entire group jaw slacked at your vicious verbal attack that he thinks he might not ever get over.

The group is left sort of in shambles by the time they finally leave the area. Nicole was even stunned enough that she left to go home early. Steve couldn’t help but wish he’d do the same. Especially after Tommy and Carol got back to talking. 

The only break he got from their spew of insults towards you was when he stopped over at the Fair Mart. Asking Tommy to get him something for his head without having to go inside and freak everyone out. 

“Here,” said his friend a few moments later. “You owe me a dollar-twenty.” 

Steve doesn’t even reply, he just cracked open the pain relief and shot back a couple of pills. Hopeful for the effects to kick in as soon as they could. Now that he was done fighting and getting yelled at, he was starting to feel the way his face looked.

“Don’t worry, he’ll need more than aspirin when we’re done with him.” Tommy reassured him. 

“Yeah,” Carol scoffed. “If the creep ever gets out. The cops should just lock him up forever.” 

Steve brought the cool can of coke up to his eye, feeling the cold can take off some of the ache that was swelling up. Meanwhile Carol continued to mimic Jonathan beside him. Not even caring if Steve bothered to show interest or not.

“He probably had that same look whenever he killed his brother, right?” Tommy laughed. Something vile twisted in Steve’s stomach. And this time, he was sure it was vomit wanting to come up. Since when had his friends even thought this way? Sure, they could be jerks but this? This was just…cruel..

“Oh, God, I just got an image of him making that face while he and Nancy are screwing.”

Okay, that’s enough.

“Carol, for once in your life, shut your damn mouth!”

His two friends instantly stopped laughing, not at all ready for Steve’s outburst.

“..What?”

“Hey, what’s your problem, man?”

He finally turned to look at them, truly ashamed and disgusted that he’s included these people for so long in his life. He couldn’t do this anymore. Impressing them and pretending to be cool about everything was not worth it if he was left feeling this shitty.

“You’re both assholes.” he exclaimed. “That’s my problem.”

“Are you serious right now, man?” Tommy asked, not even aware if his own friend was being honest or not. But Steve had to stick this through. 

“Yeah, I’m serious.” he answered finally, giving his friend a shove as he made his way over to his car door. “You shouldn't have done that.”

“Done what?”

“You know what!”

“You mean call her out for what she really is?” Tommy asked, squaring up to Steve. “That’s funny, because I don’t remember you asking me to stop.”

“I should’ve put that spray paint right down your throat.” Steve said low, anger building up inside. 

“What the hell, Steve?” Carol frowned.

“You know, neither of you ever cared about her. You never even liked her, because she’s not miserable like you two. She actually cares about other people.”

“The slut with a heart of gold!” Carol retorted, obviously fed up with Steve’s insults. But he can’t help but feel more upset with Carol’s useless words. 

“I told you to watch your mouth!” he yelled, pointing a finger at the girl. Tommy was faster than that and quickly moved in to push Steve against the car. 

“Hey! I don’t know what’s gotten into you, man, but you don’t talk to her that way.”

“Get out of my face.” Steve warned with a shove back. But again, Tommy is fast to grip onto Steve’s jacket, getting close to Steve’s face. 

“Or what?” he grunted. “You gonna fight me now, too? Huh? Because you couldn’t take Jonathan Byers..so I wouldn’t recommend that.” 

In a way, Steve knew he was right. Today wouldn’t be the day he had a win and he knew when to back down. But that didn’t mean he was done talking just yet. “She was right, you know.” he sniffed, fixing his jacket once Tommy let go.

“Who was right?” Tommy said with a glare.

“Henderson. She was right. You guys are just pathetic assholes with nothing remotely intelligent to say.”

“Like we give a shit what that drunkie thinks.” Tommy frowned. 

“Come Monday the school’s gonna know all about her bender anyway.” Carol chimed in after him. 

Steve couldn’t even imagine how you’d react if that got to spreading around. For once, he didn’t mind playing the asshole one more time.

“Yeah? ‘Cause if that happens, I’ll be sure to let loose a couple of details about the two of you. Right? Stuff you guys wouldn’t want to get out.” 

“You don’t have anything, Steve.” Tommy said, crossing his arms. 

“No? So you’d be okay with the school finding out your Mom had to beg Coach Troy to let you on the team?” He turned to Carol and tapped his bloody nose lightly. “Or about your little freshman year glow up, Carol?” 

The girl paled a bit and Steve shook his head one last time at the sight of them before he turned to get in his car. Tommy made it a point to help shove Steve inside. “Here, let me get the door for you, buddy.” he hissed, slamming it shut. 

He started up his car, trying his best to ignore the last words his now ex best friend began to spew at him. But no matter how loud his car was or how fast he left. He still managed to hear one last few haunting words.

“Run away, Stevie boy! Run away! Just like you always do!”

Without even realizing it, Steve had found himself parking near the front of the Hawke again. One of the employees there had taken it on himself to begin trying to scrub off the words from the marquee. The younger one below held onto the ladder tightly. 

Steve took a few steps forward before their conversation perked in his ears. “Do you think that girl is really gonna sue us?” asked the younger man.

“God, I hope not. Her friend seemed hellbent on it though.”

Somehow he felt like he knew just who they were talking about. But his presence cut off their words and the older man stared down at Steve finally.

“Need a hand?”

“Did you have something to do with this?” asked the employee.

Yes. And I need to fix it now.

“I just..I wanna help.”

The man gave Steve a weary look before he slowly climbed down from the ladder. Making the boy thankful that there wasn’t any further questioning. He shed off his jacket and grabbed onto the rag before he climbed his way up.

The younger employee stared at Steve questioningly from below. But Steve ignored their gazes as he rolled up his sleeves and went to work on making things right.

After a good hour of scrubbing. The remnants of his mistake had finally been wiped off the marquee. And though Steve was sure his wrist was cramped, the weight that came off his chest from having the sign cleaned was worth it. 

He’s back in his car about to drive over and see if Nancy had made it back home from everything when he thought things over. There was no use in trying to fix anything up with her or even you for that matter until he got this green eyed monster off his back. 

The next thing he’d do is fix things with Jonathan Byers.

For some reason, he held importance to the both of you. Maybe it was something he hadn’t seen. Something he didn’t hear. But after everything that’s happened between all of you. The two of you were defending him.

If there was something there, he’d just have to find what it was on his own. 

So he drove down the unfamiliar road. Glancing now and then at the houses that were shabby and shadowed by large trees. They were aged homes. Ones that have possibly been in the town a lot longer than his own. But there was one heavy difference between the houses on his street and the ones here. 

These homes had families.

The warm glow of lights dimmed through each window. Reminding Steve that there was such a normal thing as a happy family. Ones that spent time together, and loved each other. Like Jonathan’s. No, they weren’t a usual family. But even with just the three of them, they were closer than anything Steve could ever have.

Pulling up to the Byers’ home, Steve thought hard about what he could even say to Jonathan. Sorry would be a good start. But how exactly could he even get to saying that? He’d have to figure it out now because he was done feeling this shitty. He just wanted to make things right again.

He raised up a fist against the wood door. Ready to face the music.

What he wasn’t ready for was coming across you, Nancy, and the giant faceless monster. 

He’d have been more shocked at the state of the home if not for the sight of the three of you geared up and ready to fight an otherworldly creature. Nancy had tried to get him to leave, a sign that she still cared about him. But you? He couldn’t quite place if you were worried for him or annoyed by his presence. 

Even after being forced down the hall into one of the bedrooms, he felt like he was only being a burden to the three of you. But you’re standing in front of him, almost protecting him. How the hell were you going to do that with a knife?

When nothing happened after entering the room, the three ahead ventured out in the hall. Leaving Steve with his mind falling apart as he scrambled after you. The group is acting like what they witnessed was normal and he can’t help but feel his reserve breaking.

Nancy is holding onto a gun, ready to shoot the thing. You’re wandering around with the knife ready for the next attack and Jonathan is behind adjusting his grip on the bat. Why the hell isn’t anyone calling for help?

“This is crazy. This is crazy. THIS IS CRAZY! THIS IS CRAZY!”

Bolting for the phone, Steve attempted to make a call to the police when Nancy rushed over behind him. Getting the phone out of his hands just in time to throw it to the ground. 

“What are you do- What are you doing? Are you insane?!”

“It’s going to come back!” she warned, glaring at the boy. “So you need to leave. RIGHT. NOW.”

Leave? How the hell can he be the only one to leave? Did you guys want to die? 

His eyes found their way to Jonathan in the living room. Eyes sad but watchful of his surroundings. He wasn’t going to leave this home. He turned around, finding his gaze to fall on you next. 

Even with the hard look on your face he could tell there was a hint of fear. You were too smart to put yourself in such a dangerous situation. You had to think differently. “Come on.” he whispered, silently pleading for you to change their minds. But you didn’t hesitate to shake your head no. Moving over to stand beside Nancy now.

“Leave now, Steve.”

Hearing that felt almost as hard as the words he heard earlier today. But he agreed. Moving out of the room and out the front door in a flash. His fear took over any instinct he might have as he ran out towards his car. 

He barely managed to get the door to his car open when he saw it. The warm lights in the house. Only this time, they were blinking. Going in and out in a berserk like way. The same way they did when the faceless monster had emerged into the home. 

There were so many things running through his mind. How the three of you were barely scrambling together to fight this thing. He’d be leaving Nancy, you, hell, even Jonathan. Running away to get himself to safety like always.

The blinking lights began to pulsate even faster until suddenly it stopped. That’s when he began to hear the two of you screaming out for your friend.

“Run away, Stevie boy! Run away! Just like you always do!”

Running to the front door of the house, Steve tore the door off the wall as he burst his way in. Jonathan was on the floor, screaming out for Nancy while she held up the gun to the creature. It wasn’t backing down. 

Well this time neither was he.

He grabbed the discarded bat from the floor and took a swing at the faceless creature. It’s strength was definitely strong, but it sure wasn’t smart on its defense. Each swing managed to cause the creature pain. Making Steve glad that he was on the baseball team for a hot minute. 

While his hits were strong, it had fast reflexes. Moving its arms quickly to try and make a swat at Steve. But he was just fast, dodging every attempt.

“To the hall!” you informed him, giving him an idea of where he needed to go. 

With a final swing he’s able to send it back into the bare trap in the hall. Making it screech out in pain. 

“He’s in the trap!” 

“He’s stuck!” 

“Jonathan, now!”

The rest of you joined him at the hall, watching as Jonathan threw over the lighter. Instantly the room is light in the bright orange flames. Almost engulfing you in its spark. Jonathan is quick to pull you behind him and Steve can’t help as he watched the boy almost protectively cover you.

You stole a glance over at him before quickly going to retrieve the fire extinguisher. Putting out the flames thankfully before it grew into more rooms of the house. All of you coughed while the air began to clear out of the smoke.

Jonathan went forward first, needing to see if the creature was dead or not.

“Where did it go?” Nancy asked as they followed closely with their weapons. 

“It has to be dead. It has to be.”

But there’s nothing in the trap but sizzling bits of flesh that managed to stick to the metal. The lights in the hall began to shift and you’re all a bit freaked out when you noticed the Christmas lights that adorned the ceilings began to lit up again.

The group followed down the path of lights until they reached over towards the front door. Something must have sparked inside of Jonathan because the next thing Steve heard was the boy calling out to his Mom. 

Continuing forward, the four of you moved out into the front porch. Watching as the lights flickered onward towards the street.

“Where’s it going?” Nancy asked.

“I don’t think that’s the monster.”

Despite having a few hours of waiting. Nothing really progressed within the group. The time was spent cleaning up around the place until some sort of local authorities showed up to gather everyone up. 

There’s a bit of back and forth between all of you but one thing was made clear enough that they knew where to go next. 

To see Will Byers. 

“I can’t believe you guys were dealing with this all by yourselves.” Steve said softly. He was following behind the car with the agent that would check them into the hospital. You had offered up to drive Jonathan in his car while Nancy moved into his. 

“It hasn’t been easy.” Nancy replied. 

“Wanna tell me about it?” He asked, glancing at her. “I think I’m ready to hear about it all now..” 

Her gaze had stayed on the road the whole time. It was noticeable that she wasn’t quite comfortable around him yet. But he was thankful for the explanation regardless.

It was sort of shocking to listen to her tell everything from the start. The night Barb went missing, the hunt you three did in the forest, Nancy’s first encounter with the monster, down to today. How could the three of you just take it upon yourselves to fight this thing? Going back had been scary but he’s glad he did. He didn’t think how he’d feel if anything had happened. 

“You came back.” Nancy added a second after her story. 

“I did.” 

“I’m thankful for it..but why?” 

He gripped on the steering wheel, unsure how to even fully explain himself. “Because I’m an idiot who is tired of always running away?” He turned to enter inside the parking lot of the hospital. “Because I couldn’t handle the idea of you, Henderson or even Byers getting hurt if I left you guys with no help?”

The car had barely come to a stop when he felt Nancy reach out to grab at his arm. Her big eyes looked over at him with a concern that had his heart racing. It’s been like days since he’s seen this kind of side of her. 

“I just really wanted to make things right..”

“You did.” Nancy reassured him. “You did..”

He couldn’t help himself as he pulled her into a hug. Feeling a little relief to know she felt like he did right. The girl is thankfully quick to embrace him back before murmuring for him to join her inside to wait and find out if Will was finally okay. 

There’s others there amongst the group of people that are waiting for the same thing. And it takes only a few seconds after he’s checked out by a nurse to realize that you’re one of the last few that are late in coming in. Nancy wondered the same thing until Jonathan burst through the doors and joined his Mother down the hall. The two began to question about your whereabouts when you joined in a minute later. The two of you stare at each other for a moment before you’re whisked away to be checked out. 

After that it was even more waiting. But Steve couldn’t help but watch you from afar. 

The look on your face grew even more tired and somewhat distant from the group. Was he allowed to ask if you were okay? Did you want to be there? Even when you came back after seeing the kid, who Steve didn’t even ask to meet. It didn’t feel right. But Jonathan still thanked him for coming before gathering his brother’s friends. It’s not until Nancy approached you with a cup of water that he slowly got up from his seat. Hearing the last bit of your guys’ conversation. 

“..I was actually going to talk to you about that. My mom called yours and spoke with the Sinclairs. Given what’s happened, we figure these guys aren’t gonna wanna leave Will any time soon. So when visiting hours are over, we’re gonna have them spend the night so they can see them in the morning.”

“Right, I guess if Aunt Claudia is okay with it. I should probably call her over to come pick me up.”

“Actually, I can give you a ride home.”

The two girls stopped when they heard the sound of Steve’s voice. He didn’t know why he was so keen to offer. But he figured it was the right thing to do. “I think I’m taking up too much space here. Should probably call it a night.”

Nancy shot him a small but warm smile at that. “You should ride with Steve. He's in the same direction as you so the drive shouldn’t be too bad.”

The look on your face is unfortunately noticeable with discomfort. Making Steve worried he might have done something bad again. But you still got up from your seat, much to Steve’s chagrin. 

“Whatever, let's go.” you mumbled, while you pulled your jacket on. 

The two of you are quick to say goodbyes. Barely the two that were needed there anyway. It’s silent for the most part after that. You two got in his car and headed towards the direction home. But like with Nancy, he wanted to see if there was any chance of mending, even if just a little bit, with you. 

“So what happened tonight was real, right? I’m not still dreaming?” he asked hesitantly.

You don’t glance at him but he can see from the side of his eye that you’re shrugging. “Do you usually dream about fighting faceless monsters with people you used to be friends with?”

“..No.”

“Then, this is real.”

The cold is harsh in your tone. And really, he should have figured someone like you wouldn’t warm up so quickly. He pressed his lips together. Trying to control his dumb mouth from making himself a fool again when you spoke up. 

What you did tonight..” you started, making him steal a glance.  “It was stupid..So incredibly idiotic and stupid.”

Here we go. He was ready for you to tear him a new one again. “I know, you’re right.” he sighed.

You waited for the car to stop before you reached out to touch his arm. It was eerily like how Nancy did. Making him stare a little bit in shock since this was coming from you of all people. “But very brave. And I’m thankful you decided to help us.”

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. You thought he was brave? Him? 

“Lights green.” you murmured a second later. 

“Right.”

The conversation died down at that. Leaving Steve’s rambling mind to try and think of a way to approach what happened to you in a way that you’d want to talk it out. Unfortunately, he’s fast at getting you home, leaving him seconds to ask you about it without the help of a mental filter.

“Do you think we could talk about today?”

“No.''

Damn it. 

You’re leaving his car so fast that he nearly forgot to turn it off as he went after you. 

“Please, I’m so sorry. I know what I said..what I did. It was unforgivable. But it’s not me. I’m not that guy-”

“Oh? You usually don’t go around pretending to be friends with girls because you like the attention? You don’t think I’m pathetic?” The harsh tone had him wincing back. “I’d hate to think about how you feel about people who actually like you.”

“No! And that wasn’t what I wanted with you. I swear!” He’d never use you like that. Nor anyone really. It was a stupid stupid joke and he wished he hadn’t said it at all. “Since you’ve moved here, you’ve been the only person who I feel wanted me as a friend because you actually wanted to be friends. And you’re definitely not pathetic, you’re the coolest person I know.”

“So you didn’t tell them that you thought I liked you enough that I would do things for you? What kind of bullshit was that, Harrington?”

“Look, that’s not what I said. I told them I had a hunch you liked me and in a way you’d do anything for me. It was a dumb joke said to make them laugh. And I’m wrong for that, I’m sorry! I never would want you to do anything for me, especially if you like me.”

“Stop making this about me liking you! Today I was thrown back with my own secret! The same secret I trusted you with!”

There’s a sparkle in your eyes right now and he’s disappointed to see it’s not the familiar look of stars he was getting used to. It was tears. 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to tell them–”

“You don’t mean to do a lot, Steve. Just spill the one secret that I didn’t want the school’s worst two gossips to know about.” 

He hung his head. Not sure how he was going to be able to come back from this. But all he could do was apologize again and again. Promising to make things right. But no matter what he said, you were done with him. Moving to go inside your house. He barely managed to make it over before you could close the door. 

“You need to leave, Steve.”

“Things with us can’t end like this. I-..I like you too much just to lose you.”

“You’ll get over it.”

The answer truly stumped Steve. Because he knows the logical thing would be to let you go and count his losses. But there was always just something about you that made things different. And as cliche as it might sound to anyone else, you were different. 

“What exactly do you want with me, Steve? I’m not your girlfriend, I’m not your best friend. We were nothing to each other just a week ago.”

He thinks back about last week. There were no monsters, no fights, no ex friends, but importantly there was no you. Despite everything else he might have wanted to go back to, he didn’t know if he’d change anything. 

He just couldn’t explain why. 

“I don’t know what I want..but all I know is that even if I didn’t know you, I’d still miss you in my life.”

“You have Nancy to feel all that with.” you reminded him.

“I know.”

His impulses took over and he reached over to wrap his arms around your waist. Pulling you in as close as he could. Without any real thought behind the consequences that would come from that. Reaching out, he cupped the side of your face and leaned in close. Brushing his lips on yours while he waited a second to see if you’d push him away. 

You don’t. So he finally gave in. 

Kissing you was just as different as he expected. Your lips taste like the remnants of the lip gloss that’s always perfectly applied on your lips. Your body is soft and warm against his, like the perfect cover. All around him the world goes quiet and he can only feel you. 

Just you. 

The tips of your nails dug into the edge of his hair and he can’t help but moan softly at the sensation it gave him. He pulled back a beat just to feel you suck lightly at his bottom lip, making him gasp. He didn’t even know he liked until now. 

The kiss deepened after that and you pressed harder against him the more you were got excited. His hands wandered over the expanse of your body. Needing to feel everything on you. One of his hands barely crossed over the curve of your ass when he felt you pull back. 

A thousand thoughts run in his mind as he caught his breath. Was this a sign that maybe he should reconsider his feelings? Would things be different now between you? He liked Nancy, he knew this. But he never felt that way after a kiss either.

“Wow,” he breathed, falling forward to rest his face on your neck. The sweet scent of your perfume still lingered there. “That was..”

“A mistake.”

He thinks he might have misheard you at first. You couldn’t have not felt what he did. But from the way your hands were slowly pulling away from him, he could tell that you were trying to distance yourself. 

“You can’t tell me you haven’t been wanting to do that..” He said softly, needing your honesty once again.

Pulling back from your neck, he finally looked at your gaze. Trying to see if there was any trace of a lie on your face. But all he sees is the way your face is beautifully flushed from the heat of the kiss. From your eyes down to your swollen lips. 

“Tell me you felt it too..” 

It was pathetic how desperate he felt for it to be real for you too. Despite the complications that it would bring. He couldn’t shake the carnal desire to have you. Knowing that it had to be the basis of something between the two of you.

“Steve,” you smiled sweetly. The cold tone in your voice nearly sending a shiver up in his spine. It was the same tone he had heard earlier that day. “I still hate you, and I don’t want to be your friend. And most importantly I felt nothing.”

With that, you disappeared from his side. Entering your home without so much as a glance back at him and what could have been.

ONE MONTH LATER 

It wouldn’t be until winter break that he’d finally get to talk to you again. The aftermath of dealing with the monster and being sworn into secrecy really put a damper on everyone’s plans. The last surprise had been when Steve received a call from Nancy the following day. Things between them in the hospital felt iffy and after his rejection from you, he wasn’t sure what he wanted. 

But Nancy’s sincere interest in working on things was enough to mend the ache in his heart. And for the first time in days he felt himself actually smiling again. 

Though the group could probably use a break from things like school, the four of you still showed up to school that Monday.

You and Jonathan had arrived earlier that morning. Doing the most to get back into a normal school schedule. Even if that ended with you both avoiding the couple. Thankfully. Tommy and Carol weren’t brave enough to call out Steve on his bluff. Not a single word was spread about you. 

But that didn’t quite help the way he had hope it would. 

Because the moment your gaze found Nancy with Steve, you turned back into the cold and distant behavior. It made him sick. Not only because it wasn’t what he wanted. But because of him, you passed on the same treatment to Nancy.

“I just don’t get it.” Nancy said one day at lunch. The two of them had a table far off in the back of the cafeteria. Not quite back into the groove of their former cliques. They had just watched as you grabbed a bit of lunch. Smiling earnestly as you linked up your arm with Jonathan. Despite having made new friends with some of the other popular girls. You still made time to hang out with Jonathan on a few occasions. 

“What do you mean?” Steve asked, playing dumb.

“Things at the hospital seemed so good..like we were all going to start a new chapter. But now?” She picked at her lunch before dropping down her fork. “Now it’s like I’m being iced out and I don’t even know why..”

Steve’s stomach turned, he hated seeing Nancy so upset. The worst part being that he couldn’t even explain just why you hated him so much. Not without spilling the dark past that you wanted hidden. He messed that up once, he wouldn’t do it again.

“It’s me.” he sighed. “It’s because she’s still mad at me and since we’re together, she doesn’t want anything to do with us.”

Nancy frowned at the explanation. “But you apologized. You came back! It doesn’t make sense for her to still hate you. Not even Jonathan hates you.”

He shrugged his shoulders, glancing over his shoulder briefly to catch the two of you finally left the cafeteria. “People are going to react with how they think is right.” he frowned. Not really believing his own words. “Maybe she needs time to see that things are different.”

The girl sighed loudly. Sounding as defeated as he felt. “Time.” she said slowly. “Let’s hope it’s just that..”

The weeks passed after that day and he found that only a few things would change between the four of you. Jonathan, while still a bit of a loner, seemed to be okay extending his niceties to Steve on the occasion. Making Steve grateful for that bit of normalcy. 

Nancy had grown even closer to him. Making him genuinely feel like for once he was on the right track of things. He felt like maybe things could finally start to go back to how they first were when he fell for her. 

You, on the other hand, avoided the couple like the plague. Making it hard to progress on fixing that bond. Every attempt was thwarted by your cold dismissals. There was even one day when he offered you a ride home and you pretended to ignore his call to you.

When it was Christmas break, he couldn’t help but feel a spark of an idea of what he could do to maybe get the ball rolling. 

“Do you think they’ll like them?” 

The presents laid on the dinning room table of the Wheeler house. He felt a bit like an ass coming in with presents for no one actually within the household. But after telling Nancy the plan and noticing her eyes light up, he felt a little bit reassured it was a good idea. 

He glanced down at the plain white box holding your present. The jacket was actually the hardest thing to find. But he was happy to know that some places in this town still had some newer fashion trends in their stores. 

“I hope so.” Nancy mused, looking at the small box containing the camera for Jonathan. “If not, at least we know it was a nice gesture.”

The waiting game was the harder part. Whatever weird game that Mike and his friends played in the basement went on for an exaggerated amount of hours. But your cousin was there, and that was all the hope Steve needed to ensure he’d see you tonight. 

“..Won’t you both come inside, the boys sound like they’re just about done.” 

“Oh that’s okay, I’ll–”

“We’d love to come inside.”

Steve’s ears perked up to the sound of the new voices. Making him feel slightly panicked before he nodded over to Nancy. This had to work. But if he couldn’t get you to forgive him tonight, then maybe he’d at least work on getting you to talk to his girlfriend again.

He barely walked down the hall to the front door when he saw you. 

The red winter dress you were wearing practically made you look like an angel despite its dark colors.

“Hey, trouble..”

The stiffness that came over your body caused him to worry a bit. You almost looked like you were in pain and all he had done was greet you. 

“Harrington.” you nodded, keeping your attention to the photos that hung on the wall. It was the first time in weeks you’d actually addressed him. Making him feel slightly pathetic for enjoying the half assed greeting.

“You look nice tonight.” he commented softly, not able to contain himself. A small sparkle flashed over your eyes as you looked over your outfit. He always liked how you admired your style. 

“Thanks. You look..uh.”

He felt his face heat up. The Christmas sweater had been from Nancy. Mostly as a joke. But since he rarely got things like this, he cherished it anyway. “Yeah, it was a gift.” he explained. The tension is still thick in the air. He had to squash it before it got even worse. “I’m glad I ran into you tonight.”

Quickly dashing into the dinning where the gifts were, he grabbed onto the white box. Nearly dropping it due to his sudden sweaty hands. He managed to appear more collected when he returned to where you were.

“What’s this?” 

“It’s a gift, genius.”

You rolled your eyes to that, pushing the present back towards him. “I can see that, your highness. I’m asking why are you giving me this?”

“Because it’s Christmas and you give presents to people during this time.”

He really wanted to add that it’s to people you care about. But that wouldn’t do him good.

“Give it to Nancy. I’m sure she’ll enjoy it.” you muttered. Steve could have sworn he saw your walls actually come back up. Protecting yourself from any real feeling that might come to you. “I’m gonna wait outside for the guys.”

“Please don’t shut me out..I just want to fix things.” He glanced down at your hands, not even noticing that he reached out for you. Down the hall he could hear as Nancy called out for him, probably curious what was happening. He let go when he remembered his real motive. “At least for Nance’s sake. She doesn’t even know why you’re shutting her out.”

The look of disbelief washed over your face. 

“Do me a favor, Steve. Talk to me about fixing things, when you take back telling your friends about my personal life.”

The words felt like a nail in the coffin and Steve almost wanted to go back in time to punch himself out from the huge mistakes he had made. 

“..you know I can’t take it back.”

“Then I guess everyone will have to endure disappointment.”

And just like that you’re gone again. The sounds of voices coming up from down the hall being the thing that snapped him out of his daze. Your cousin and his friend were talking closely to each other, giggling at whatever joke they had just been talking about when they noticed Steve.

“Uh, hi.” he said lamely. The one with curly hair who he thinks might be named Rusty (Dusty?) waved awkwardly at him. 

“Hi, Steve.” he said, surprising him. He didn’t know the kid had any idea of who he was.

“So, I know it’s weird to ask..but do you guys think you could give this to your cousin for me? She stepped out and I didn’t get the chance to give it to her.” The lie felt all too easy, but he wasn’t going to exactly admit to these kids you rejected him once again.

The curly haired one stared skeptically at the box. Making him realize that while you two might not be related, you two acted oddly the same. It was his friend that actually reached out for it, giving Steve a quick wave before he assured him he’d give it to you. 

They call out a goodbye to Mike and Will before they turned to finally leave. Steve moved over to the window by the front door, watching as they trekked up the driveway over to the car that you were sitting in.

The view wasn’t the best, but he’s able to see your face just a bit as the two enter inside the car. There’s a bit of a back and forth and he’s almost disappointed to see you don’t get the box. The car started up and he nervously watched as you almost took off from his line of vision when you stopped. 

The jacket is pulled up from your lap. And just when he thought for a second you might throw it out of your car. But that’s when he sees it. The one thing he’s been dying to see from you.

A smile. 

Steve Harrington had lost his luck a long time ago. But for the first time in a while, he thinks he has a chance getting it back again.

A/N: SO this was a lot to write. 

Writing near 20k words was a lot. And while some scenes are sort of repeated, I ofc got super carried away and really wanted to build a version of Steve that hopefully made sense with canon but also fit my story. I know to a point he’s a bit ooc in certain choices or maybe even emotions. But this is a Steve/Reader fic and I felt it deserved to have some depth behind it. Even if it’s at the expense of canon continuity. If you guys enjoyed this please let me know! I’d love to know if you guys would like this for the other seasons. 

[bylertruther]

oh fack.... just had my biweekly reminder that jonathan has only ever wanted to protect will from harm, offer him a safe space, and encourage him to love what he loves without shame, and it's all of that which literally saves will's life and keeps him safe when he's in the upside down and later in the shed scene.... will singing "should i stay or should i go" his favorite song which jonathan first showed him... will hiding out in castle byers which jonathan built with/for him.... the song then helping to give will an opening to take back enough control for him to speak to his family in morse code... the shadow monster + vecna + lonnie all symbolizing forced conformity vs jonathan protecting will from that time and time again by being there for him, seeing him, and loving him as he is... jonathan carries so much guilt because he feels like he's never there when will needs it most, but it's his love for will that kept will alive.... he feels like it's his fault that will was kidnapped, that he should've been there for him that night and onward, but he was there for him! he was with him the whole time, helping and protecting him as he always has!!! when stranded alone in a world so dark and so cold and full of monsters, will used the tools his brother had given him to protect himself... i just... they're so... 🥺 THEY LOVE EACH OTHER SO MUUUUUCH 😭😭😭😭

[skeeballcatt22]

Found some Should I Stay or Should I Go sketches I think everyone should see

Fic here

[mixtape-racha]

sisosig is doing so good 🥺 nearly 500 notes in 2 days?? yall love camgirl reader matching hyunjins energy fr huh

[bylrlve]

Warning! Potential leaks for season five of Stranger Things!

Alex (aka @dyersfilms on twitter, used to be swiftlynatalia) is the person who successfully leaked most of season 4 due to her knowing a source. She did, however, insist Byler was entirely platonic that season and they fought for most of it and only made up at the end in the pizza van, so…

Here’s her saying she won’t post any byler leaks this time around, which she has said previously.

She got a message saying they’re all fake, and she thinks they all are, so keep that in mind.

Here’s a short one: Will distancing himself from the party bc it’s too hard to be closeted and to be around Mike. If real? Endgame fr.

A ‘leak’ from episode one where shit goes down after the opening scene of Will singing SISOSIG, Will falls, and Mike helps him up,

Here’s an extremely detailed one that casually drops Mileven breakup, Robin-Mike bonding over Vickie and Will, Will trying to avoid Mike ‘confronting him about the painting’, Mike and Jonathan fighting over Will’s safety. Nothing here is debunkable but…. Yeah. God, would it be nice, though.

The two most interesting ones. First, an ask that’s almost entirely plausible except for the mileven part - and that part, specifically, I’m calling bullshit on bc it claims that Hopper is still on the Mike Hate Train. It was made abundantly clear, after their talk and their awkwardly long hug at the end of season 4, that that’s in the past. Besides, it just wouldn’t fit tonally. S3 was the heterosexual-cliché, silly filler season. S5? Nah. Can’t 100% say it’s fake, but even Alex agrees this one isn’t real.

Lastly, an interesting one that’s plausible throughout which claims Mike gets seriously injured and spends some time in hospital. Will stays by his bedside after everyone else leaves and kisses Mike on the forehead. Mike wakes up after he leaves - I think the insinuation is that Mike does a Half-Blood Prince and wakes up knowing that someone he felt safe with was there, but he doesn’t know who it was. If that’s legit? As I said, endgame fr.

I do want to note that both the mileven and Byler asks word the ‘main character getting injured part’ as everyone being ‘shaken up’ so there are a few options: it’s the same person with legit leaks, and Byler isn’t endgame. That, I’d be more willing to accept, cautious as I am, were it not for the Hopper part, which sticks out like a sore thumb. Second option: it’s the same person messing around. Third: it’s two people, one building on the other.

Cannot emphasise enough that these are most likely just bored people having fun, but I figured I’d share them all. The last one is getting passed around the tag sans context, and I wanted to clarify everything else Alex has received. Do not get your hopes up about Byler based solely on these.

Letting my imagination run absolutely wild here for just a moment, however: Maya and Vickie are confirmed to be filming at the hospital set, presumably visiting someone. There’s also a pic of someone with bloody shoes. Imagine if Robin visits Mike in the hospital, witnesses some Platinum-Tier Will Byers Pining™️, and ends up talking to Mike after he wakes up - no mention of how long he stays there.

Lastly, it is fun comparing these to the more doom-and-gloom (re: Mike) leaks Sapphicjopper on twitter got. The awesome @solgmorell has a post explaining those in detail.

Oh, and an interview came out today where Shawn Levy said something insane but, you know, water is wet.

[ivenothingtosaybutillsayitanyway]

I was tagged by @milfmacbeth two months ago but only remembered today 😬😬😬

Choosing five characters was harder than I expected AND I may have a thing for morally dubious lesbians…

tagging @snowydragonscave @sisosig @im-just-a-peach @fide-et-amore @mikysan94

[bylerblogger]

New S5 Teaser!

First off I just wanna say Happy Stranger Things Day!!

So about an hour ago, the writers posted a script leak to the first scene of season 5.

After reading this a few times, I finally made a theory on what this scene may look like.

Remember this is just a theory I made so It may be wrong and you don't have to agree with it either.

Alright, firstly remember this scene?

Yes, this was in season 1 when Will was stuck in the Upside Down. And he was singing Should I Stay Or Should I Go.

So, I found a resemblance with the script and the s1 scene.

"Darkness" and "The sound of cold wind"

That pretty much gives a short description of the Upside Down (its always dark and cold)

"a child's voice singing a familiar song"

Very similar to Will singing Should I Stay or Should I Go. There isn't really any other scene in the show that is similar to that line.

And the duffers did say/hint that time travel would be involved in season 5.

So the first scene could be a flashback of the s1 scene w/ Will singing SISOSIG in the UD. (Again, just a theory)

[pinkeoni]

Since it's basically tied, I don't know which side you're on regarding the should i stay or should I go poll irt will. which side were you referring to when you said, "Can we be fr for a sec?"

Sorry, anon.

I was referring to option b, that "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" would become traumatic for him. Tbf we haven't heard that song since season 1, although this is largely a head canon and was the winning option when I reblogged the poll.

I guess I was mostly expressing my annoyance at widely accepted fanon in general. There are certain things that the fandom has kind of gaslit themselves into believing, such as "Boys Don't Cry is Will's favorite song" when the only proof of that is a poster on his wall visible for not that much amount of time, while SISOSIG has been much more important to the narrative. The poll didn't mention "Boys Don't Cry," but that's an argument that I've seen plenty of times before.

Will finding SISOSIG traumatizing is something that could be true, although so far there's nothing in the show to indicate that other than a piece of widely accepted fanon.

[paladin-n-cleric]

icl i think i may have accidentally submitted an ask about advice for relationships instead of to someone else. incredibly sorry about that 💀

what are you thoughts on the “dancing queen” s5 song idea?

lmaoo it’s totally fine!! i’m glad it wasn’t for me lol i felt so bad not knowing how to respond

ANYWAY!!!! IM SO HERE FOR DANCING QUEEN IN S5! i’ve been thinking abt it for awhile. i think it would be a good song for those “violent horror scene w contrasting music” scenes, like when they used american pie, sisosig, hazy shade of winter, etc. it could be cool for el or maybe nancy. i always associate dancing queen w someone who looks like nancy idk

[skeeballcatt22]

Thank you so much! I'm so so happy that my work made an impact on other people! SISOSIG is one of my favorites so I'm glad it has a great following ;)

@skeecatt22 for being the person who really got me into hermitcraft/traffic series fics in the first place bcs of her backrooms Grian fics! I loved every moment of getting to read those as they came out, and so glad I found them!

-AmethysttCatt (I am no longer amethysttCatt, but that was my user when I first read the fics!)

@skeecatt22 !!!!

[theladybarnes]

↳ After a frightful accident back in your California home, you’re forced to move to the town of Hawkins, Indiana to live with your Aunt Claudia and cousin Dustin. You meet some peculiar people, a king, a creep, a prude, and the most rambunctious group of kids ever. But despite your need to keep up with living life the old way, can you really ignore the help that’s calling your way?

A/N: This is a story line of adopted cousin!Henderson to keep it open for inclusive purposes. No description will be mention nor will there be use of names. 

RATING: T |  PAIRINGS: Steve x Reader ( friends - slow burn) / Canon Relationships (S1 Steve x Nancy),  | WC: 56,234  | WARNINGS: Cursing, Angst, Canon Violence, Slow Burn

CHAPTER: ONE CHAPTER: TWO CHAPTER: THREE CHAPTER: FOUR CHAPTER: FIVE CHAPTER: SIX CHAPTER: SEVEN CHAPTER: EIGHT BONUS CHAPTER: AND THEN I MET YOU

UPDATES: COMPLETED

[charleslucid]

In the YouTuber AU for stranger things Will Byers’s online name is Sisosig ( sis-o-sig ) and no one can tell me otherwise.

“Why?” You ask.

Should I Stay Or Should I Go

God. I’m so smart.

[mixtape-racha]

Is your new hyunjin story going to be a friends to lovers AU?

kind of!! i'd say its more acquaintances to lovers 😚 because like they knew of each other, but weren't knowingly friends per se

so for context:

irl: they're in the same algebra class at uni - hyunjin has always thought reader is really pretty and had like a slight crush, but never approached her.

however, online: they're both on nsfw twitter, and are mutuals.

she uses a fake name and has never face-revealed in posts or on streams so hyunjin doesn't know its the girl from his algebra class.

on readers end, hyunjin never shows his face in twitter posts and she's never watched one of his streams so she doesn't know the guy she's talking to on twitter is hyunjin

i hope that makes sense 🥺

[sunsetserenade]

hmmm okay i wanna see something.

do you guys think Should I Stay or Should I Go will be the song used to un-vecna Will, or do you think it’ll be Boys Don’t Cry, and why?

[punk-chicken-radio]

Prince - Let's Go Crazy

TOS 

[tynoahs]

me: i would like to sleep please

my brain: the byers and el had to leave because in should i stay or should i go the lyrics say 'if i go there will be trouble and if i stay there will be double'

anyway season four is gonna be pretty FUCK and im going to spent the next eleven months crying