#stevengrantfanfic

[foreverinadais]

friends: s.g

summary: i cannot stop thinking about friends to lovers with steven. a night drinking wine with steven turns into more than you either of you ever expected.

warnings: alcohol consumption, references to smut, language, fluff overload with some clichés :)

word count: 2k

“All I’m saying is that it would be pretty easy to frame her for something. Doesn’t have to be something huge, maybe drugs or like, stealing cars or something? It would solve all your problems.”

“As great as that would be, like really great, I can’t do that to anyone, not even my knob of a boss.”

“You sure? Not even a little tempted?”

“As hard as it is to refuse such an offer… ‘m sure. Besides, it wouldn’t solve all my problems, now, would it?” Your face dropped slightly, despite Steven’s light tone, as brushed his shoulder with your hand comfortingly.

“I’m sorry. Still having trouble sleeping?” He hummed in reply, taking a long sip of wine, already on the second glass. The restaurant was fairly busy, the sounds of plates clanking and couples bickering moulding into the air. But an outing was much needed after the stressful week Steven had. He’d called you in a flush, stumbling over his words until you got the gist of what he so desperately needed- a night out with his best friend.

“Starting to think there’s somethin’ wrong with me.”

“You think? “You joked, but a sympathetic smile was placed on your lips, worry evident in your tone.

“Cheeky.” Steven chuckled, but you couldn’t ignore the tired look behind his eyes, as he began dabbing the side of his lips with a cloth to get rid of any excess food. You wondered if he needed to do the action quite so long.

“Hey, I’m sure its just a… phase. There’s nothing wrong with you, Steven, apart from your horrible taste in food.” You grimaced at the olives on his plate to which he put one on his fork to wave tauntingly in front of you.

“Want some? Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

“Meanie.”

“Awfully sorry, how inconsiderate of me. please accept my sincerest of apologies.” He put on his poshest accent, making you curl over in laughter.

“Oh why Mr Grant, how could I possibly refuse such chivalry?” You laughed again, head beginning to feel lighter as the wine combined with the serotonin in your system.

You always laughed with Steven. There was something about him, a charm, a wit, that made it impossible to be sad. You had been drawn to him the moment you laid your eyes on him. And you had soon formed a friendship with the man.

“Right, I need another glass.” You got out as the laughter subsided. Steven nodded, quickly finishing his, making your eyebrow raise. “Might want to slow down, Grant, don’t wanna have to carry you back again.”

“That was one time. Besides, you might want to speed up, slow pokes. You’re behind.”

“You’re on.”

By the time the bottle was finished, the two of you were nicely tipsy. Whilst your words were in tact and head on tight, you felt fuzzy, all worries dissipated from your body. “Where’s the other? ‘m thirsty,” You said, holding up the empty bottle sadly.

“Certainly. ‘M sure the waiter will be around any minute now.” As soon as Steven had said it, a man came over, notebook in hand as he smiled.

“Another bottle for the lovely couple.” You looked at each other, silent for a moment before you burst out laughing.

“S-Sorry, we’re not a couple.” You got out behind giggles, gathering yourself as you added, “Thank you.”

“Not a couple, eh? So… you’re single?” It caught you off guard as you coughed slightly, hesitant on your reply.

“Well, yeah, I guess. I am.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” The waiter offered a smile, eyes lingering before he left.

“Think he was flirting with you.” You couldn’t help but scoff, hiding your embarrassment by taking a long sip of your fresh drink.

“No way.”

“He’s not your type?” You shrugged, avoiding Steven’s curious gaze. “What is your type?”

You chuckled, shaking your head slightly. “God, Steven, you’re so nosy.”

“Nuh uh, ‘m just wondering.” His tone was playful as he finally caught your eyes. “C’mon. Spill the beans. Share your secrets, safe with me, eh?” There was something about the man that was so utterly convincing that you found you needed little encouragement to do as he asked.

“Someone who’ll make me laugh.”

“Oh yeah? Knock knock.” You rolled your eyes, feeling the smile tug at your lips as Steven joked.

“Someone who I’m comfortable with. Like, I’ll be myself around, completely myself.”

“Wouldn’t expect anythin’ less. Go on, what else?” He pressed for you to continue, and you did.

Perhaps it was the alcohol that encouraged you too say, “Someone who… knows what their doing. You know, in the bedroom.” Steven froze slightly, throat bobbing as he swallowed. You didn’t talk about sex with each other, both deciding it would be easier to keep well within the friend boundary without associating the other with it at all.

“The bedroom?”

“Yeah. Well, you know, someone who isn’t afraid to take… control.” The word lingered in the air, a bubble of images quickly finding it’s way into Steven’s brain. But no sooner than it had formed, he popped it, physically shaking the thoughts of you, his friend, in that way.

“Is that all your looking for? Bit of a short list, if you ask me. Standards are pretty low. No wonder you always date such knobheads.” You gasped in mock surprise, hitting his arm playfully over the table- and just like that, the newfound tension had eased.

“Rude! But maybe you’re right. I won’t settle ever again.” He nodded, agreeing, before pouring more liquid into his glass. “I’ll take some of that, Grant.”

---

Your head was swimming, mushy with the aftermath of the wine. Steven was just as bad, muttering mindlessly to himself about how he ‘should get a promotion’ and ‘vegans have plenty to eat at steakhouses’. It was a struggle to walk back to his flat, clutching onto his arm for support as you both navigated across the uneven pavements of London.

You all but stumbled through the door, hysterical laughter following at the fact Steven had been using the wrong key to unlock the door for five minutes before realising. “Bloody locks.” He let out as the laughter subsided, small gasps leaving your mouth as dramatically wiped the tears from under your eyes.

“Why is there… so many of them?”

“Gotta be safe, duh. Silly.” You solidified his point by poking your tongue out.

“Is that what this is for too?” You had made your way over to his bed, holding up one of the ankle restraints with a suggestive smirk on your face.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” You chuckled again, leaving the cuffs to explore his desk. 

“Messy,” You teased, picking up a notebook and flicking through the first few pages.

“Nosy,” he retorted back, though his tone matched yours- light, words slurred, a gleeful lift to your sentences. You began looking at the books on his shelves, as well as the piles scattered on the floor. Whilst it wasn’t for everyone, you loved the layout of his stuff, an organised chaos that felt much like home.

As you were rounding the corner to the kitchen, you nearly tripped, gasping as you fell forward. But Steven was quicker, bounding forward to catch you before you went completely over. “Careful there, you alright?” The genuine worry in his voice made your heart flutter, but you covered it with a giggle.

“ ‘m good, Steven, don’t worry.”

“Let’s sit down for a bit, yeah?” He chuckled, still very much feeling the effects of the wine himself.

“Okay, whatever you want.” The walk to the sofa was stumbly, amusing to the two of you before you collapsed into the cushions. A mutual sigh of content filled the air as you automatically began playing with the sleeve of his jacket.

“I love your flat.” You wondered aloud, resting your head back.

“Oh yeah? Well you’re welcome anytime, you know that, darlin’.” Oh. The word sparked something in you, making your gaze falter. You didn’t know Steven could sound like that.

“Shouldn’t have said that, Grant. I’ll stay forever. Like a vampire.”

“A vampire?” He laughed; the sound dreamlike.

“Yeah, you know, 'cause they need to be invited in to stay, and you just invited me anytime sooo.”

“Oh yeah? And what you gonna do as a vampire?”

“Obviously I’m going to come in and suck you.” Both parties froze, Steven’s face burning bright red. You quickly realised what you’d said, adding, “Your blood! Suck your blood. Like a… vampire.” He managed to chuckle, clearing his throat slightly as you dropped his sleeve.

A slightly uncomfortable silence ensued, though you weren’t sure if it was due to your comment or the newfound tension in the room. You tried to find words to break the awkwardness but found nothing to say.

“Would you rather have toes for fingers or fingers for toes?” The sudden question from Steven broke you from your thoughts as you pondered the question for a moment.

“Easy. Fingers for toes. Then I’d be able to climb really well and do better cleaning.”

“Huh. I agree. But it would be a bit strange to walk around on your hands all day, right? Might hurt more.”

“I could do it.”

“I’m sure you could. Would you rather… spend the rest if your life being itchy or being tickled?”

“What kinda question is that?” You laughed but Steven just shrugged.

“The most important one of your life.” You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at his goofiness.

“Fine… itchy. I hate being tickled.” You regretted the words as soon as they left your lips. A devious look rose in Steven’s eyes. “Steven if you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking, I swear I will leave so fucking fast-” You were cut off by your own shriek as his hands found your sides, tickling as he did so.

You moved up the sofa to escape his tickles, only to find him going with you. “Please I can’t, hurts.” You got out through laughs, and he finally let up, shaking his head.

“Couldn’t help it.” He defended, words teasing. You smiled, gaze lingering on him. It was then you realised just how close you had gotten to him. So close, you realised, his breath was tickling your nose. You swallowed; mouth suddenly dry as his eyes searched your face.

You wanted to kiss him.

Wanted to move closer by just an inch and touch his lips with your own. You wanted to feel his curls in your hands, to feel his breath everywhere. But you were friends. Just friends. Because he was Steven, the one you gossiped with, the man you told about your failed first dates, someone you laughed with.

And suddenly you were overwhelmed, coughing slightly to signal you wanted to get up. “I should probably get going.” You said, voice slightly shaky as Steven moved to the side.

“Oh! Right, yeah, of course, whatever, yeah, you want.” You nodded, inhaling deeply before standing, legs feeling like jelly.

“I had fun though.” You added, avoiding his gaze.

“Yeah? I did too, it was great.” A silence lingered as you rocked on your feet. Steven was looking at the books on his shelves, re-reading the titles of every one to avoid you. It was beginning to get too much to keep looking at your face, your eyes, your lips, without the incredible urge to kiss them.

“So-”

“Anyway-” The two of you chuckled uncomfortably at the mishap.

“Go ahead.” You offered.

“No no, please, be my guest.”

“It’s fine-”

“I insist.” You sighed, rubbing your eyes, suddenly finding the humour in the situation.

“What are we doing? I mean, this isn’t us, we can always talk to each other.” Steven chuckled, rubbing the back of his head, nodding as he did.

“Bit strange, innit?”

“Must be the wine.” Although you weren’t convinced.

“Must be.” And neither was he.

“So, I’m gonna go.”

“Right. You be safe, now.”

“I’ll try.”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah…” You hardly looked as you left, door shutting behind you. Instantly, you released a breath you didn’t realise you’d been holding, eyes shutting briefly to regain some control. The wine felt distant now, but you were still tipsy, head swimming with thoughts you struggled to push down, feelings that only made themselves heard when you couldn’t hide from them.

Did you like him?

He was Steven. Sweet Steven Grant who always made you laugh. You felt completely, unadulteratedly comfortable around him. He was your rock, the one who made you smile, who made you heart skip, who made your dark days brighter, in fact every day brighter-

And there it was. Perhaps it was the wine that made these truths impossible to avoid, that finally made the words arise in your brain, unavoidable; you liked Steven Grant.

And then you were knocking. Knuckles rapping the door with a newfound desperation. Steven answered so fast you wondered if he’d been waiting, too. Just stood on either side of the wood. Maybe he’d been wondering, too.

He looked surprised to see you again, voicing it by saying, “Thought you’d left.”

“Thought I’d take you up on your offer. You know, invite myself back. Like a-”

His lips met yours in a frenzied, desperate kiss, one hand resting on your waist as the other went to the back of your head. It was as if you were something he’d been deprived of, something he desperately needed just to survive. But it was over a mere minute after it had begun as he suddenly stepped back.

“Sorry, couldn’t wait any longer, is this okay? Oh fuck, have I ruined this?” But he didn’t have time to worry anymore, as now it was your turn to kiss him. He settled instantly, lips moving in a slow, passionate kiss. It was dizzying. More so than any alcohol you’d ever consumed. It was the type of feeling you’d searched for your entire being, and now, it was here, in the shape of your friend, the love of your life.

You both pulled away, only because of the need for air. “Do you want to stay over? Not in a, you know, weird way. We can take it slow; you know? Find out what this is. Plus, we’ve been drinking, and I don’t want to rush this cause I’ve waited so long and I just-”

“Steven.” You interrupted, taking both of his hands in yours. “It’s okay. You're worth the wait.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Now… you want to watch a movie?”

“I’ll put a pizza in. No olives.”

“Perfect.”

“Just like you.”

“When did we get so cheesy?”

“Must be the wine.”