#summer house Martha’s Vineyard | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

alyssawritcs · 16 days ago

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SUMMER HOUSE ( a rafe cameron au fanfic ) . chapter one .

love interest : au!rafe cameron rating : pg - 13 … for now ( drinking , tension ) wc : 5.2k author's note : eep , first chapter for this . obv inspired by summer house / summer house : martha's vineyard . lmk if yall want a full cast list for the other members of the house or anything like that ! i hope you enjoy <3

The trill of the phone ringing as it was propped up against the window allowed for Tae to put herself directly in line with the Hamptons sun streaming through. That seven step skincare routine was showing the fuck out at the moment. She’d have to keep her phone here after she hung up with her cousin in order to get some selfies off for her IG Story later.

Distracted by her own reflection, she almost jumped when her image shrunk and Pope’s replaced it. “Cuzzo! Damn, you made it up there fast as shit.” He was eyeing the lush background she was standing in front of. He’d seen it plenty in their various FaceTime calls over the last four summers.

“Unlike the rest of you heathens, I wake up with the sun as the good Lord intended.” And as was hammered into her head by their shared grandmother. Tae and her mother had lived in Nana Joy’s house for the majority of her childhood so waking up at the crack of dawn to the sounds of BeBe and CeCe Winans was her default. “You what, an hour out?”

“That's what the GPS says. You shoulda stayed with us this summer, I know you ain’t even wanna be around them.” Tae rolled her eyes, though Pope was not wrong. Four previous summers at the 115 House (as the returning summer residents liked to call it) had convinced her that this would actually not be that bad, despite the circumstances.

“Wait, they’re all still going there?” Came another voice on Pope’s end of the line. She recognized it as his good friend JJ, a long time background listener of Tae’s various problems. They had been roommates when she attended Morehouse and they were running amok at UNC Chapel Hill so when she called her favorite cousin Sunday mornings to rant and rave about whatever new person had done whatever shiesty shit, JJ was always there listening. Tae wasn’t particularly shy about letting him listen in on her shit. Very little had changed in the seven years since, even after all of them had moved to New York. The two of them were still roommates and Tae still talked to Pope about her problems on Sunday, only this time she did it on his couch, while they ate bagels (with the occasional guest appearance by JJ).

“Yes, bro. Shit is weird, why would they even wanna share a house with you after all that?” Pope replied and she shrugged.

“I’ve been trying to figure that out my damn self. With Duke, I can sorta see it but Jalen’s being a weirdo - as per usual.” Tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, she let out a long breath. “Did I show you how he was blatantly ignoring me in the groupchat? I literally would write something for us to do, he would say nothing. Then I had Fallon or Isaiah write the same thing and suddenly, ‘oh that’s a great idea guys hell yeah’. If I could reach through the phone ...” She let the sentence trail off as she made a choking motion with her hands. Pope chuckled.

“See? I told yo’ ass, you do not need to be around all that weird ass shit. Come stay at ours.” She thought about the proposition for a second but almost immediately shook it off.

“Nah, I’m not leaving my primary bedroom privileges to go share a room with your funky ass.”

“Funky? Never been that, don’t try to play me.”

“Whatever, I’ll just suffer in silence. You know me, I hate to complain.”

“Is this a new development? Because ...”

“Shut up!” The timer on the oven dinged, letting Tae know that the baked treats she’d set to start baking when she first got to the house were now officially done. She slid out the first tray, regular chocolate chip and placed it on the counter to cool, followed by a tray of chocolate raspberry crinkle cookies and then lemon tarts.

“You stress baking, huh?” Her cousin grinned knowingly. She flipped him off as she removed the oven mitts. “You mixed all that shit that fast?”

“There’s two mixers here and the third is my own two hands.” She wiggled her fingers. “I want everyone to have a cute little snack when they get here. You can have some too.”

“In your words, pur!” Pope laughed as Tae threw her head back in a cackle, watching her move around the kitchen to get some plates for the treats. “Rafe, lemme change the address in the GPS, we gotta stop at 115 first.”

“Cool man.” Tae’s head snapped up at the phone so fast, she nearly got whiplash.

“Pope, I thought it was just you and JJ in the car.” She rushed over to the phone.

“Nah, Rafe is driving us. He’s the one with the Cayenne, we wanna arrive in style, girl. It’s the Hamptons!” He set the phone on some kind of stand, allowing her to finally get a full view of the inside of the car. Cherry red interior, she almost moaned out loud. JJ was in the backseat, Pope was passenger princess’d out, even nearly fully reclined, and the buff ass arm of their friend Rafe trailed up to his very handsome face. She could’ve died right there and then.

“Hi Taelor.” He smirked at her and she gave a small smile and waved back. “Who’s Jalen?”

In for a penny, in for a pound, right?

“He’s my ex ... fling, I guess you could say? Okay so basically, two years ago, I spent most of the summer here hooking up with one of my roommates, Duke. He had just gotten out of a relationship, I was single, cool, whatever. It was just someone to have on the weekends up here and we sorta both understood that. He let me know, after Labor Day, that he had had dinner with his ex and they got back together. Okay, I’m cool with that. The next summer, last year, he and her decide that they’re gonna spend it out west with her people and I’m happy as a clam because no potential awkwardness. I’m chilling here and Keith, one of the other roomies, brings along his friend Jalen who proceeds to spend most of the summer all up under me, flirting with me, and leading me to believe that he wants me, right? Silly me, the boy tells me he wants me and I believed him!” Rafe snorted at that and she mentally patted herself on the back for making him laugh. She moved around the kitchen again, beginning to plate the cookies.

“So what did he do wrong that he’s now ignoring your messages?” He asked.

“You were listening for real, for real!” She grinned. “I didn’t wanna hook up with him that summer because I didn’t want a repeat of the Duke incident to happen, like I was actively avoiding that shit. However! He took me out on a couple of dates in the fall, in the city. I was literally one date away from taking it to the next level when he sent me a text ... A TEXT! Saying oh ‘my ex is back, she wants me again, sorry babe’. Could you fucking imagine how I felt reading that? I almost threw up!”

“That’s actually foul, Jesus Christ.”

“That’s what I said!” She sighed, organizing the plates on the counter and returning to her phone. “Anyway, now Duke is coming this summer and so is Jalen, and their girlfriends, and I’m Little Miss Rebound Girl that’s just gonna look like the sad and single and jealous one as they all canoodle.”

“We’ll be your buffer, Tae, don’t worry.” Pope chimed in.

“Yeah, you can come to ours whenever shit gets a little too romantic over there.” JJ offered.

“And I’ll be your fake boyfriend you can cuddle up with when they get to be too much.” Rafe was joking, she thought, but what a tempting offer.

The boys all worked, alongside their other friends Topper, John B, and Kelce, at a finance firm on Wall Street. During one of their after work bar crawls on a random Friday over a year ago, Pope had called Tae to meet them. She herself had just gotten off of work, a prestigious job as the producer for a hit radio show and subsequent podcasts for several clients. The show ran three mornings a week and the two podcasts she worked on recorded on Tuesdays and Thursdays, working out perfectly for as it left weekends open. In the summers, the morning show took a break which allowed Tae the option to get to 115 earlier than everybody else on Fridays and stay until Monday evening, while everyone else usually had to leave by Sunday night. The good pay also allowed her to pay a little extra so she could keep the primary for herself. Anyways!

She had gone to meet her cousin and his friend and ended up meeting their whole little crew, most of whom would be sharing the house this summer. That’s where she met Rafe, the oldest member of them all (only by two years, one in Kelce’s case) and also, the senior most member of their office in the group. None of them needed to say it but judging by the very understated Breguet on his wrist the first time they met, he was very clearly the richest one, yet surprisingly humble. He wasn’t excessively flashy with his shit, just liked to sit there and laugh along with the jokes. She figured he liked the boys because they were far from the classic finance bro types, more frat bro than anything else.

The entire night she’d been there with them, and every other time she’d hung out with them since (which had only been a handful), he’d listened intently as she yapped on and on. She knew he was listening because he always made sure to ask follow up questions and everything, which turned her on in a way she hadn’t even expected.

“Aw, thanks y’all. You’re all so sweet.” She giggled. Behind her the alarm on the door chimed, letting her know someone had entered the home.

“Taelor Marie Hastings, come greet me girl!” Isaiah’s voice carried through the foyer and Tae grinned, turning to the phone.

“I’ll see y’all in a little bit!” She waved goodbye and hung up the call, setting her phone on the kitchen island before taking off to hug her friend. “Zay!”

The two practically leaped into each other’s arms. You would think they lived on opposite sides of the country but nope, just in different boroughs. Tae was a Hell’s Kitchen girlie and Isaiah stayed his ass in Brooklyn, only ever crossing the bridge at night when one of his many boyfriends called him an Uber Black. They talked on the phone nearly every night but if she wanted to see him, she knew she had to go to him. That was fine, he lived near all the good Jamaican food spots anyways.

“Girl, look at you in a little workout set. Body by Tae, huh?” He spun her around, looking her up and down as the bright red biker shorts and matching sports bra with the jacket stood out on her skin tone. Tae wiggled her ass a little as the two of them laughed. “And it smell like cookies, ooh! I love you bad.”

“Where’s Fallon? I thought y’all were coming together?” She asked his back as he beelined for the kitchen and the aforementioned cookies. He didn’t need to answer as Fallon slammed her suitcase on the ground at the entryway.

“This Beis luggage ain’t shit, bro. My arm hurts.” She wiggled her shoulder, letting Tae put her arm around her. Now, they saw each other damn near everyday. The two girls lived less than five blocks from each other and regularly went to each other’s apartments for dinner and some sort of Bravo show. Zay would typically be on the phone to recap what had just happened on their screens.

“C’mon, you can rest it and rejuvenate yourself with a lemon tart.”

“Now you know I can’t resist one of your little lemon tarts.” They both walked into the kitchen, leaving the three bags the two of them brought in, to the side in the foyer.

“Because you are a tart. You are what you eat.” Zay smirked and let Fallon shove him.

“He’s been starting with me ever since he was supposed to pick me up. My arm hurts because I was standing outside of my place for a half an hour waiting on him!” She picked up the little square treat and let her eyes roll back as soon as she tasted it.

“I told you, I had an emergency!”

“Suckin’ and fuckin’ on your ex does not constitute as an emergency, Zay.” She retorted and he gasped.

“Don’t go tellin’ my business!”

Tae smiled as she looked at her friends. Fallon had been her randomly assigned roommate freshman year but they got on like a house on fire. Isaiah was the missing piece of their trio, meeting in their English 101 class and cutting up with them in the back all semester long. They had not left each other’s sides since then, initially moving to New York together as roommates in a tiny three bedroom in the Bronx while they got their feet wet in their respective careers. They all felt lucky that by the time they were twenty-five, Tae had her producing job, Isaiah was a licensed psychologist, and Fallon was a highly revered art teacher at a Manhattan private school.

Staying in the Hamptons had been their idea when they were still living together, finding 115 after one of Fallon’s student’s parents let slip that they rented out their second summer home. They told her that since she was their kid’s favorite teacher, they’d rent it out to her and her friends for a heavily discounted rate, thus launching the search for said friends. Isaiah roped in Charlie and Duke, two of his gym buddies, a lawyer for the Knicks and a physical therapist for the Nets, respectively. Fallon got Jason, a former fling of hers who clearly still wanted her bad and worked as a highly sought after tattoo artist. That left Tae, who got Keith and Amber, two models who were Fashion Week regulars that she had gotten to know through various events she attended in the city. That had been the standing crew for the past four years and it worked well for them - well, at least until this year.

“When are your loverboys getting here?” Isaiah asked, sneaking a second crinkle cookie. Tae gave him the evil eye, both for his words and his actions.

“They’re not my loverboys. One of them won’t even acknowledge my existence.”

“It’s so weird that they’re bringing their girlfriends, I’m sorry. Why set yourselves up for awkwardness like that?” Fallon asked, finishing up her own tart. She opened the fridge and took out the papaya green tea that Tae kept stocked in the fridge, as the two of them could chug gallons of that shit.

“Duke’s fine. Leslie’s nice, I told you we talked at his birthday dinner a couple months back. No grudges, all is Gucci. But Jalen? He can suck my dick.”

“You have such a way with words, Tae.” Isaiah said. She gave him a fake smile and tilted her head. “Your fine ass cousin still coming up too?”

“Ew, yes, ew still. I was just on the phone with him. They’re gonna stop over here before they go to their own place.”

“Ooh yay, Fal, we can ogle him together.” He and Fallon began London Tipton clapping and Tae rolled her eyes at their antics.

Within the hour, the rest of the housemates filtered in at nearly fifteen minute intervals. The last of them was Jalen, though Tae didn’t realize that as she, Amber and Fallon were sitting outside, checking on the pool.

“Thank God you called a pool boy because I already have a bikini on and I’m about to jump in right now actually.” Amber was saying as they opened the door, Fallon nodding in agreement.

“Me too bitch. Lemme go change right now actually.” She held the door for Tae who was grinning, faltering a bit as she spotted Jalen across the kitchen, munching on a chocolate chip cookie and feeding bits of it to his girlfriend, Juliana. He avoided her eyes but Juliana was staring her down and if Tae was being honest, it was damn near sinister.

“Oh you must be Taelor! Jalen has told me so much about you.” She rounded the island, sticking her hand out for the other girl to shake. She was a good five inches taller than her with perfectly done goddess braids and an evil little smirk on her face. “Jay, babe, you didn’t tell me she was so pretty.”

“Ye-yeah, right.” He caught up with her, slipping his arm around her impossibly thin waist. “Hi, Tae.”

“Hi Jay.”

“Oop, Tae and Jay, that’s cute.” Juliana sang. “I hope it’s not weird that I’m gonna be here. He told me you guys had a thing last year but that it was like, just a summer thing?”

The use of the word ‘thing’ was grating on her nerves a bit. “Yup, not a big deal at all. Happy to have you.” Keep it cute, Taelor, she thought to herself.

“Bom!” She turned to plant a huge kiss on Jalen’s lips which Isaiah fake gagged at behind them and Tae simply walked away, resisting the urge to do the same.

The chime on the door rang out again as she headed into the living room where Keith and Jason sat, already playing ESPN on the flatscreen. Her head turned at the sound of Pope’s exclamation of ‘CUZZO!’ and she could literally feel herself begin to fully relax. Her favorite people were in the house, she could temporarily forget Jalen and Juliana for a couple minutes.

He rushed over to hug her, rocking her back and forth a bit before pulling away. “You good?”

“Better now.” She whispered and he nodded, pulling away so he could dap up the boys. JJ and Rafe were right behind him, with the former giving her a hug first. “Hi J.”

“Hey there, pretty lady. Where’s my lemon tarts?” She laughed at that, wiggling her finger toward the kitchen. He turned to head in that direction, greeting Duke there. Suddenly, that left her face to face with Drew, who was sporting a new buzzcut and arms even bigger than they’d been on FaceTime.

“Hi, sweetheart.” They also hugged, except his was a bit tighter than JJ's and his large hands settled very comfortably on her lower back, which sent a shiver through her that he undoubtedly felt. He whispered into her ear. “Is Jalen the one standing the kitchen with the curly hair staring into my fucking soul?”

“Probably.” She pulled back with a chuckle though he kept his hands where they were.

“Still want me to play fake boyfriend?” He was smirking down at her as she raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t remember asking you to do that. In fact, I think it was actually you that offered.”

“And you should take me up on that offer because right now, he’s practically got steam coming out of his ears.” She didn’t have to look over at Jalen to know Rafe was probably telling the truth. “C’mon, you can introduce me. Be all coy and shit, so he starts to speculate.” She scoffed but led the way to the kitchen anyway.

“Y’all know Pope, my cousin.” He’d come up at least once every summer, though this was his first time staying in the Hamptons himself, and for more than just the one weekend in their guest room. “This is his roommate JJ.” He waved, mouth full of lemon tart. “And this is ... my friend Rafe.”

His hand was still on her back and he patted it as if to say ‘good girl’. Another shiver. He waved too and everyone began to chat, mingling amongst each other. Jalen stood on the other side of the room again, only this time he was staring her down. Tae bit her lip to hold back a laugh as she looked up at Rafe.

“You play a lot of fake boyfriends? Is that like, your side hustle? You rent yourself out to girls who need a hot guy to pretend to be into them?” She leaned on the kitchen island as he maintained eye contact.

“Yeah, but I’m not a cheap bitch either so this is gonna run you a lot of money.” Tae let out a cackle and he placed his hand on the other side of her, on the counter, boxing her in a bit. “And who said I’m pretending?”

The eye contact remained for another minute before Isaiah gathered everyone’s attention by the sink. “Jungle juice is done y’all! Champagne, Mtn. Dew, pineapple, mango, freshly cut strawberries, oranges, and kiwis, one whole bottle of tequila and one of coconut rum, all in each. You’re all very welcome!” He stepped aside to reveal a pair of 1 gallon pitchers with spouts, filled with identical liquids and floating fruits.

“You want some?” Tae asked Rafe who shook his head.

“Nah, I gotta drive those two miscreants to our place still.” He jutted his chin in Pope and JJ’s direction, both of whom were rushing to the pitchers to get their cups filled. Fallon, now clad in a bikini like Amber, approached Tae with a cup of her own.

“Here you go.” She looked up at Rafe with a grin and her hand extended. “Hi, I’m Fallon, her best friend.”

“Rafe.” He shook her hand.

“Her good friend.” Fallon gave Tae a look that practically screamed ‘we’re gonna talk about this later’. Once everyone had a cup and Rafe had a Celsius from the fridge, Charlie kneeled on a bar stool to deliver his annual first drink of summer speech.

“Here’s to a summer of good times, impeccable vibes, Tae’s famous breakfasts, Zay’s infamous drinks, Duke’s exhausting workouts, Fallon’s paint and sip afternoons, Amber’s photo dumps with her film camera, Jalen’s hour long showers, Keith’s basketball tournaments, Jason’s phenomenal DJing and my delicious Sunday family dinners. Cheers!”

Everyone shouted in agreement, going for their first sip. Rafe’s hand was still hot on her hip as Tae threw back the drink.

“That boy wants you bad.” Fallon was saying, laying on a towel on the window seat in Tae’s room. Isaiah was perched on the bed and Amber on her own towel on the chair in the corner of the room. Tae was busy unpacking her bag, hanging up her dress for the next day. They were hosting a little day party in the afternoon.

“Girl I was wet just looking at y’all.” Isaiah agreed. “He got eye contact for days and I know how much you like that shit.”

She was glad she wasn’t facing them as the smile on her face would’ve given away just how much she agreed with her friends. “Whatever y’all, he’s just being helpful.”

“Helpful would’ve been him hanging up a picture for you. He wants to put you through a mattress, Tae.” Amber offered this time.

The boys left after the cheers, rushing to join the rest of their housemates at their house. They were being joined by both JJ and John B’s girlfriend, Kiara and Sarah, with Pope’s girlfriend Cleo coming up the next day. Sarah was apparently also Rafe’s sister. She yet had to meet any of them other than Cleo, who she loved, but they would be attending the party tomorrow.

“Regardless of if he does or not, I’m not getting involved with any more summer flings. My track record clearly sucks.”

“Who says he’s gotta be a summer fling? He can transfer into a fall babe then a winter cuddle and so on.” Fallon said.

“Right, because that’s what always happens huh?” Retrieving a pair of baggy jeans and a leather corset top from her closet, she turned to her friends. “Are y’all gonna go get ready to go or you gonna sit here and discuss my nonexistent love life?”

They grumbled out responses, filing out to their respective rooms as she shut the door behind them and entered the bathroom.

A couple of hours and some pre-game shots of Don Julio later, the group piled into two separate Ubers. Tae, Zay, Fallon, Amber, and Jason in one, leaving Charlie, Duke, Leslie, Jalen, Juliana, and Keith to ride in the other. They all poured out of the cars twenty minutes later and walked into Hendrix, a beach club that had been their go-to since first coming to the Hamptons. It played the best music, poured the best drinks, and had really good air conditioning, which truly was key.

At some point, Tae found herself sitting with Leslie as she took puffs of her pen on the back patio of the club, both slightly sweating and just a level above tipsy.

“I told him that maybe we shouldn’t have even come because how awkward was this gonna be for you, ya know?”

“Girl, it’s fine, we were never anything serious and he was very respectful the whole time. Plus, he pays for the house too, he’s entitled to come!”

“Yeah, I guess. You’re mad chill for the situation you’re in.” Leslie took a pull of her pen and then got a little twinkle in your eye. “I guess it’s hard to be awkward when you’ve got that Rafe guy eyeing you up like a piece of meat.”

Tae groaned and threw her head in her hands. “Not you too! Have you been talking to Zay and them?”

“I don’t need to talk to anyone, girl, I have eyes! I thought he was gonna fuck you in that kitchen!”

“Who was gonna fuck who in the kitchen?” The girls both jumped, looking from their seats at Rafe who had quietly approached them. “Hi.”

“Hey.” Tae replied simply.

“I gotta go ... talk to Zay apparently.” Leslie hurried off, leaving the two of them behind on an otherwise empty patio.

“Smooth, Les.” Tae mumbled. “Welcome to Hendrix, you having fun?”

“I was about to then I saw your boy in there with his tongue down his girlfriend’s throat.” Tae rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, they’ve been at it all day.” It was true. Since the boys had left and everyone had dispersed earlier, Jalen had taken Juliana back to his room down the hall from Tae’s and proceeded to have the loudest sex humanly possible. If they were trying to make her jealous, it was not working but it sure was getting on her nerves. They had come down and canoodled on the stairs, done body shots for whatever reason, and had spent the majority of their time at Hendrix wrapped in each other’s arms, working up to, presumably, an indecent exposure charge at this point.

“So were they ones that were gonna fuck in the kitchen?” Rafe smirked as he sat in the seat Leslie had been occupying. He knew exactly what she had said, the glint in his eyes told her as much.

“Yup, you got it. Right next to the leftover crinkle cookies.”

“Oof, those were fantastic by the way. I wish I had taken more for the road.”

“Well, we have plenty left back at the house, you’re more than welcome to them.” Tae offered and he smiled back at her.

He leaned forward with his elbows on his thighs, their legs nearly touching. His finger traced over her denim clad knee. “Shit, I’ll go back with you right now for ‘em.”

“Okay, great, let’s go.” She was half-joking, though when he took out his keys and dangled them in front of her she raised an eyebrow. “You drove here?”

“I’m permanent DD.” He paused and shrugged. “I don’t drink, at least nothing more than the occasional beer or glass of wine.”

“Hm. Well, I’m a little drunk so you can drive me home and I’ll give you some cookies.” She caught herself. “The cookies. The cookies.”

“Right.” He stood up from the chair, offering his hand to her. “C’mon then.”

A quick push through the Hendrix crowd to get to her friends, Tae pointed at Rafe and they all began to aggressively give her a thumbs up. He led her out of the club, past her cousin and their friends, and if she had been a little more sober, she might’ve even noticed Jalen watching her leave but she wasn’t so she didn’t.

The cherry red interior was just as plush as she imagined and his playlist was exceptionally crafted, made up of indie pop and some Kaytranada tracks. The ride was quiet as the wind whipped her hair around her face and she thought she’d sobered up a bit by the time they got to 115. However, the staggering she did after he opened her door and helped her out of the car said otherwise. Still, he chuckled and steadied her, keeping that damn hand on her damn back as she walked to the front door and opened it.

Immediately kicking off her mules haphazardly by the steps, she walked straight to the kitchen while he lingered behind her a bit. The crinkle cookies sat in a Pyrex on the island and she popped off the cover to remove two to give to Rafe. She could feel the heat radiating off of him as she walked up behind her.

“Thanks. ‘Preciate it.” When she turned around, they were chest to chest. Damn, he smelled good as fuck! Her breathing picked up, as opposed to his even keeled breaths and when she looked up at him, making that eye contact she really did love so much, Tae wanted to lean in so bad. Their lips were practically already touching.

“You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed them.” Their lips were centimeters away from one another but he didn’t close the gap. Instead, he whispered.

“I did wanna fuck you in this kitchen today. I’ve wanted to fuck you since that first time you joined us at the bar last year.” The sound Tae let out was somewhere between a whimper and moan. “But not right now. Not when you’re drunk. The first time I kiss you, the first time I make you cum, I want you fully aware and sober, so you can remember all of it. Understand?”

She nodded.

“Use your words.”

“I understand, Rafe.”

He hummed. “Good girl.”

Rafe took a step back from her, her breathing still heavy and his cologne hanging in the air. He grabbed one of the cookies and took a bite with a smile.

“Goodnight, sweetheart.” He said, turning to leave the kitchen and then, the house. Tae stood there for a couple more minutes, fanning herself with her hand as she crossed over to the other side of the dark kitchen and grabbed a cup to pour herself some water.

Remembering her Owala sitting on her bedside table, she turned to walk back to the foyer and the stairs, stopping only when she saw her mules neatly sitting at the base of the staircase, waiting for her. Fuck.

#rafe cameron fanfic #rafe cameron fanfiction #rafe cameron #❥ 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 、summer house .#fanfic #fanfiction #outer banks fanfic #obx fanfic #rafe cameron x reader #black reader

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skybluewritings · 4 months ago

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Tell when did your winning smile begin to look like a smirk? Steve Harrington x fem!reader Part 1/2

Summary: (Name) and Steve were best friends growing up, spending every summer together at the villa in Martha's Vineyard. But what happens when they inevitability grow apart and meet again at the age of 23?

Warning: Some mentions of alcoholism, sexist language

Word count: 10k

Note: Hello everybody! A heads up there’ll be details in this that I’ve possibly gotten incorrect about the US I’m not from there so please be nice!! This was also written for the fun of it and there’ll be a bit of the old miscommunication trope but we move guys. This is for the three people that are still reading Stranger Things fanfiction in 2024 I see you and raise my glass to you. It’s also in part inspired by the summer I turned pretty, let me know in the comments if you’re team Jeremiah or team Conrad the age old debate. Anyway enjoy!

She remembered the first time she had met Steve Harrington. Their fathers had been roommates in college but had lost touch after graduation. They then reconnected in their 30s and decided that the perfect way to catch-up was a trip to the Harringtons’ beach house in Martha’s Vineyard.

She had sized up the boy in front of her, he was small and had brunette hair that his own mother seemed to keep trying to smooth down. Her grip tightened on her pool floatie.

"This is Steve. Remember daddy told you about him?" Her mum reminded her.

Her dad had indeed told (Name) all about Steve. How they were the same age and he was so sure they'd 'get on wonderfully'. She had been cross since her holidays were usually just her and her parents, not her dad's 'college roommate' and his family.

She'd never had trouble making friends but meeting new people made her nervous. She hated how parents forced you to play with other kids just because they were your age. At eight years old she already plenty of friends, why did she need anymore?

"For god’s sake darling perk up a bit?" Her mum sighed, ushering her forward.

"Hi." The boy-Steve said.

"Hello." She replied back, voice a little quieter.

Her mum rubbed at her temples. "Vivienne would you mind watching the kids whilst I go take a quick nap? We've been travelling for god knows how long."

Vivienne Harrington smiled at her. "Of course, go get some rest."

Her mum stifled a yawn then pressed a kiss to (Name’s) forehead before she left.

"I’m just gonna be over there reading my book if you kids need me.” Vivienne told them, going to lie down on a lounger. She had a margarita in one hand and in the other a book named "flames of passion." That was a strange name, wasn’t fire just hot-not passionate?

"I have no idea what my mom’s book means either." Steve suddenly spoke as if he could read her mind.

"Why do you say 'mom' and not mum?"

He shrugged. "The same way you say 'mum' instead of 'mom'."

She nodded at him it was a fair answer. "Your accent is still funny though."

"No it isn't."

"Is too!"

"That's not fair your accent is definitely weirder than mine!" He said defensively.

"Be nice Steve." Vivienne called out.

Steve let out a huff. "I'm always getting in trouble, My dad tells me off the most though, for things I haven't even done. It's so annoying."

"We should just ignore our parents.” She suggested. Steve begun to grin at her and she was pleased to discover she liked the sight of it.

“You’re funny.” He said.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

There was a certain camaraderie between them back then. They were two lonely children in a massive villa, often pushed to the side when their parents wanted to drink barrels of wine and smoke Cuban cigars. It would have been an unbearably long summer if they had not quickly become such great friends.

She knew they were best friends when her mum took them to the fair and they won matching bracelets in some fairground game. The two bracelets had blue plastic beads, and had the initial of their first names in gold. She had the ‘S’ bracelet and he had the other. It may have seemed like nothing special, but they both loved that they had something that matched. It had solidified their friendship.

During the long months between those summers, they would have the occasional phone call. Her father tutted at her that international calls were ‘just too expensive’, this sentiment she wouldn’t actually appreciate until she left home and started making her own calls. She once proposed they write letters to each other, the summer they were 10.

“We should write letters.” She said to Steve, an ice lolly in her hand.

He scrunched his sunburnt nose as he thought. “Why can’t we just talk on the phone?”

“Our parents barely let us do that and besides it could be fun!”

“I don’t know-“

“Steve come on!”

“Well I don’t want to.”

Her smile faded. “Why not?”

He sighed. “I-I find reading kinda hard.”

“What do you mean?”

“Reading is different for me than for everyone else, the words get all-twisted up.” He looked away self-consciously and fiddled with his matching bracelet. “And it isn’t like I don’t try, I really do! I just can’t get it to make sense.”

They were both silent for a moment. Now that she was 10 they had moved onto more advanced books in school with words like: Inconspicuous or Ambiguous, that she had puzzled over before she knew what they meant. But for words to get twisted up? She had never heard of that happening to a person. But Steve was one of her best-friends and the last thing she ever wanted was for him to feel bad.

“I happen to know there’s a lot of things you are good at.” She said, causing him to gaze up at her. “You can do a handstand, you can name every character from Star Wars, you can do really cool doodles.” She let out a giggle at the last one. “I also remember you telling me how this year you hit the most home runs out of anyone on the baseball team and how great your grades in maths were. There you go!”

Steve begun to smile at her, he had the best smile out of anyone she knew. “Thank you.”

She slung an arm around her friend. “Who knows maybe we can sneak a few extra calls without our parents noticing?” He let out a laugh.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Steve was the best holiday companion she could have asked for. Whether it was riding their bikes to go get ice cream or staying up late to watch scary movies praying their parents didn’t remember they were still awake. When they would arrive at the start of the Summer she would sprint down the drive way and fling her arms around him in delight. But when they hit 14 something began to change, it even seemed like her bracelet knew. The blue beads and gold S were fading in colour and the string fraying.

Due to her catching a bizarre summer cold they had to delay their arrival to Martha’s Vineyard by 2 weeks. That was 2 weeks lost hanging out with her best friend she only saw once a year, a sentiment she had melodramatically expressed to her parents when they had made the decision to delay the trip. So, when they finally arrived and she eagerly shot out the car she was disappointed to see Steve was not there waiting. Instead, she was sweetly greeted by Vivienne Harrington, who enveloped her in a gentle hug. She noticed Vivienne smelled vaguely of wine, which was odd since the adults didn’t usually drink until after midday. It was currently 9am.

As they pulled away from the hug (Name) peered around the drive.

“He’s off with some of the kids next door.” Vivienne told her knowing exactly what she was thinking.

“Kids next door?” She asked. “What happened to that old couple?”

“They sold their house to a family a few months ago, there’s a nice boy and girl in about your grade, he’s been hanging out with.”

This news made something in her stomach twist, she was quiet for a few seconds too long.

Vivienne placed a hand on her arm. “I wouldn’t worry though you’ll always be his best-friend.”

She managed a small smile. “Okay.” She of course loved her mum but Vivienne seemed to understand her more at times.

“Darling, can you come give us a hand with the suitcases please?” Her mum called out to her.

“I’ll be there in a second.” She replied.

“Go help your mom and dad and then you can give me a hand making some cookies.” Vivienne said, with a glint of mischief in her eye, a look that Steve had definitely inherited from her.

A few hours later the cookies were out the oven filling the kitchen with a scent so sweet she nearly forgot about the wine she had smelt on Vivienne. (Name) was perched up on the counter swinging her legs as she watched Vivienne place the cookies onto a large plate. A familiar footfall approached the kitchen and in strode Steve, he gave them both a wide grin.

Vivienne shook her head in amusement. “Steve you’re trailing sand all over the kitchen, clean it up or otherwise your dad’s gonna blow a fuse.”

“Sorry mum.” Steve apologised, even though he knew she wasn’t annoyed in the slightest. Vivienne Harrington could never be angry with her son.

“You took long enough!” (Name) exclaimed happy to see him but also a little pissed.

“My bad, I was surfing with Tyler.” He noted the confusion on her face. “Tyler’s from next door he’s a fun guy…” His voice trailed off.

At 14 she had begun to feel much more aware of the social hierarchy amongst kids of her age. And whilst she wasn’t really at the bottom she was most definitely nowhere near the top where Steve was. She knew if they went to school together they probably wouldn’t be friends, but in the summer all the usual rules were suspended. She didn’t mind Steve hanging out with people, she just had a nagging feeling that Tyler would cause Steve to realise he could do much better in the way of friendship.

“And he also has a sister-Margo, she’s even better at surfing than Tyler. I think me and Tyler were gonna head out tomorrow afternoon if you wanna come?” Steve gingerly offered.

However this was Steve she rationalised, he wouldn’t drop her for someone he’d known for a few minutes, when they’d known each other for years. And if he thought this Tyler and Margo were cool then they probably were!

She drew a breath in and forced herself to smile. “Sure, sounds fun. I’m sure I’ll really like them.”

“Great!” He happily said finally pulling her in for a hug. “I’m so glad your finally here, the past 2 weeks have sucked without you.”

So he had missed her after all! “I wanted to come sooner I swear.”

He pulled out of the hug and jokingly narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure you didn’t fake being sick in order to miss the horror movie marathon.”

Every June there was a day where a series of classic horror films were shown on tv, an event that scared them both, although Steve had always been better at hiding his fear.

She nudged him with her elbow. “Don’t pretend you haven’t been sleeping with your lamp on.”

He folded his arms. “Our rooms are right next to each other, so tonight you’ll see how wrong you were.”

“I imagine I’ll hear lots of crying instead then.” She teased making him playfully roll his eyes.

The rest of the day passed by in relative ease with the two of them catching up over what they had missed and by the time the next day came she was certain that they were going to have a great summer! Until she met Tyler.

Surfing had never been a sport she’d mastered. For one her parents had forbidden her to try it, stating it was far too dangerous and she could try when she was older. The couple of times she had sneakily tried on Steve’s board she had wiped out within seconds. So when it came time to meet up with Steve’s new friend she knew she’d be marooned on the shore whilst they glided across the waves.

“They should be here somewhere.” Steve said scanning the wide expanse of the beach.

In the distance a guy waved in their direction before beckoning them over, Steve jogged on ahead of her.

Steve performed some kind of handshake with the guy. “Hey man.” They chatted for a moment while she watched on feeling slightly awkward.

“Tyler,” Steve said as if he’d just remembered. “this is the friend I was telling you about?”

Tyler nodded at her as she introduced herself.

“How come you don’t have a board?” Tyler asked her.

“My parents won’t let me surf, I mean they don’t even let me ride a bike without knee pads. Maybe if you wrapped me in bubble wrap they’d let me!” She explained with a nervous laugh, Tyler didn’t seem amused.

“I thought you were gonna use mine?” Steve reminded her.

She shook her head, not in the mood to make a fool of herself. “Maybe some other time but thanks.”

“But you’re already in a wet suit… you’re just gonna watch then?” Tyler asked.

“Well yeah I guess.”

Tyler didn’t bother to reply. “Steve you go wanna go in?” He asked her friend.

Steve nodded. “Yeah let’s do it.” He looked to her for a moment. “Do you mind staying here?”

“No not at all!”

He stood for a moment looking hesitantly at her.

“Tyler, I’ll catch you up.” He said, Tyler clapped him on the shoulder and headed for the water.

“Steve go, I’ll be fine I swear.” She said in reassurance.

“Promise?” He asked sticking his pinky out, she laughed at the gesture.

She connected hers to his and firmly shook it. “Promise.”

He pat her arm before going to join Tyler in the ocean. Her fingertips grazed where he had touched her arm, her skin felt all tingly. She settled on the sand, pulling her knees to chest. She watched the two boys surf, feeling a pang of longing. There were so many occasions where she wished her own anxiety didn’t ruin things for her.

The boys eventually emerged from the sea talking animatedly about the waves and what days in the coming week would be best to go back out. She stood back up when they grew closer to her.

“Good I’m guessing?” She ventured.

“It was fucking amazing!” Steve exclaimed.

“I gotta head out but 9 at mine later?” Tyler said to Steve.

“What’s happening at 9?” She quickly asked, cringing at her eagerness.

“Not much, was just gonna have a few people over to hang out.” Tyler said then immediately turned back to Steve. “Will you be able to swipe some of that vodka?”

“Yeah I reckon it should be fine, no one’s really touched it in I don’t how long.” Steve then glanced to her. “Can she come too?”

She felt her face heat up, feeling like someone’s tag along little sister.

“Yeah if she wants.” Tyler answered flatly. “Are you sure it’s her vibe?”

Her ‘vibe’? What the hell did that even mean?!

She frowned and opened her mouth to reply when Steve jumped in. “It’s totally her vibe, we’ll both be there.”

When Tyler had finally left, she gave him a sceptical look. “You’re not really going to steal vodka are you?”

“Well, I might, what’s wrong with that?”

“The fact that you’re a dead man if your dad finds out.”

Steve grinned at her. “Only if he catches me.”

“Steve really, please be careful.” She warned.

“I will be.” He promised her.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Clyde Harrington tended to be someone she had very little to do with. He was polite when they had to interact but had never showed very much interest in her beyond that. He only went on the summer trip to spend time with her dad, meaning everyone else mostly fell below his notice. And yet Steve simultaneously went unnoticed and noticed, finding himself getting laid into for the most miniscule of reasons. There was always some larger issue that every lecture circled back to, last summer it had been his grades in English. It was not as if she could really step in as her mum or dad would remind her to ‘respect your elders’. She could at least be grateful they scolded her far less than Clyde did to Steve.

She had finally selected a cute sun dress after an hour of trying to determine what outfit embodied having ‘a few people over to hang out’. She went to knock on Steve’s door to see if he was ready to leave but there was no response. She tried again, still nothing. She went downstairs to see if he was waiting for her there.

Downstairs was completely void of life and chatter, the adults had long since gone to the country club for dinner. As she moved through the kitchen, she started to hear faint voices drifting through the open doors that led to the patio. She figured out it was Steve and Clyde, wasn’t the latter meant to be out? She hung back not wanting to interrupt.

“Do I get to meet these new friends of yours?” Clyde asked.

“Maybe dad..I really should be heading out-“

“-I like the sound of this Tyler, he’s the sort you should be associating with.” There was the noise of ice clinking in a glass. “(Name) is a lovely girl, but I was beginning to think you were a real little bitch from the amount of time you used to spend together.”

Steve seemed to ignore the comment. “Shouldn’t you be at dinner?”

“I had to take a business call, I’ll go soon.”

“The same type of business call I overheard the other month?”

“I wish you would stop bringing that up.” Clyde snapped. “You know for a fact it meant nothing.”

“And yet you’re still hiding it from mom.” Steve angrily pointed out.

“I’ll tell her in my own way, it is none of your concern!”

“I’ll tell her if you won’t!”

“You do that and I send you to military school. You’re on thin ice Steven, best to not fall through.”

There was a pause.

“And take that bracelet off you look like a fucking girl.” Clyde hissed.

“I’ll see you later.” Steve cooly said.

Clyde hummed in response, the glass clinking again. Steve stormed into the kitchen before she had a chance to hastily leave. His eyes widened upon seeing her.

“I-I didn’t mean to listen I’m sorry.”

His jaw was clenched. “Let’s just go.” He muttered blazing past her.

She hurried after him as they left through the front door.

“Steve?” She called out as he walked ahead of her up the drive.

She grabbed him by the wrist forcing him to stop and look at her.

“What?” He sighed.

Nothing had really prepared her for this situation, she was usually great at giving advice but now she found herself speechless. So instead she settled for tightly winding her arms around his neck, he stood there limply.

“It’ll be okay.” She murmured.

“No it won’t. How can it ever be?” He whispered pulling away. “I-I don’t wanna talk about it can we just go to the party?”

She gazed at him in concern. “Are you sure that’s a good-“

“Can we please just go to the stupid party?” He snapped, eyes welling up.

She knew he was upset and probably didn’t mean it but she still felt a twinge of hurt.

She nodded. “Sure of course we can go.”

He took his bracelet off and slipped it into his pocket, she didn’t mention it.

When they arrived at the party she struggled to fully relax knowing how much pain her best friend was in every time he laughed slightly too loud at a joke or a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. She was surprised to find that Tyler’s friends didn’t end up being all too bad. Then again anyone was a major upgrade from him! Just when she was starting to have fun someone suggested they play truth or dare, Tyler snarkily remarked to Steve that he hadn’t played that game since the sixth grade. They were all sat in a circle, Steve was sat in the circle opposite her, he’d been avoiding her since they arrived. She fidgeted on the floor trying to get comfortable.

“Hey mind if I sit here?” A girl about her age asked Steve.

“Yeah, feel free Margo.”

The girl-Margo giggled at him as she sat down next to him, he gave her a bashful smile. She felt she should dislike Margo but her cute outfit was making it challenging to do so, she really wanted to ask where she’d gotten her skirt from.

“Truth or dare?” Tyler asked her.

“Truth.” (Name) cautiously said.

“Have you ever kissed anyone?”

“You know what skip me.”

“No skips.”

“Well no..I haven’t.” She admitted.

Steve finally stopped ogling Margo and looked to her.

“You’re kidding right? You’re what 14…” Tyler laughed.

She wished the ground would open up and devour her, like one of those giant sandworms from Dune, she’d recently read it.

“Steve I’m gonna give you a dare.” Tyler told him.

“Aren’t we going around the circle?” Steve replied, dread knotted in her stomach knowing where this may be going.

“It’s my party, my rules. And I dare you to kiss her.”

Her heart speed up, as she finally made eye contact with Steve, they were both in total abject horror. She didn’t hate the idea of kissing him but she was not about to have her first real kiss in front of a bunch of strangers.

“No.” She told Tyler.

“What?”

“I said no.”

She saw Steve let out a sigh of relief.

“Why.”

“Because I don’t want to.” She said with a glare.

The room grew tense as Tyler glared back at her, he let out a huff. “Steve, you’ll just have to kiss someone else.”

Steve looked around the circle, she hoped it would be anyone but- Margo leant forward and quickly kissed him. (Name) grit her teeth as they both pulled apart smiling shyly at one another. There were a chorus of ooos at the sight.

Tyler lightly punched Steve’s arm. “Not my sister man, Jesus!”

“She kissed me, I don’t know what to tell you.” This made Margo chuckle.

“See it’s not so hard.” Tyler smirked at her. “You don’t have to be such a fucking baby.”

She got to her feet. “I’m done, Steve are you coming?” She asked.

Steve glanced to Margo for a moment who had linked her arm through his. “I think I’ll stay actually..I’ll see you back home though yeah?”

Her chest felt constricted as she stared at her friend, she was too furious to even speak. She turned her back to the group and left the room as people snickered at her. She waited outside for a few minutes in case Steve changed his mind, but he never came. Humiliated and exhausted she gave up and went home.

When she arrived back at the house, she found Vivienne awake smoking outside the front door. “Sweetie how come you’re back so early?”

“I was tired.” She lied.

“Is Steve still at the party?”

“Yeah I think so...”

“Did you guys get in a fight?”

“Sort of, his friend was picking on me and he wouldn’t leave with me..”

“That boy.” Vivienne sighed. “I’ll have a word with him.”

“No, no it’s okay please don’t!” (Name) exclaimed. The last thing she wanted was to look even more uncool than she already felt.

“I’m sure you’ll make up tomorrow.” Vivienne assured her, she took a final drag of her cigarette then stamped it out with one of her wedges. “Come on hunny let’s get you to bed, everything feels better in the daylight.”

She nodded forlornly as Vivienne put a comforting arm around her.

“Doesn’t Clyde hate you smoking?” (Name) asked.

Vivienne waved a hand. “Believe me he’s done worse.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

The next day came and Steve never apologised, if anything it felt like he was avoiding her. If he wasn’t going to bother with her then she wouldn’t with him! However, following three excruciating days of distance she’d finally had enough. One morning after breakfast, she caught him on his way to go surfing. She was reading by the pool and put her book down when she saw him. “Hey.”

“Oh hi.”

She held the book to her chest. “Where are you off to?”

He lifted up the surfboard, bracelet still gone. “Thought I’d go whilst the beach was nice and empty.”

There was a silence between them that for the first time felt uncomfortable.

“I’m gonna go..” He started to walk away.

“Wait.” She blurted out, he stopped. “I-I feel like you’re avoiding me.”

“I’ve been busy.”

“That’s a lie, you just don’t want to be friends anymore!”

“It’s not that I don’t want to be friends with you-I just think we need some time apart..” He faltered.

“Time apart? I should be taking time away from you with how you treated me at the party.”

“Look Tyler was out of line but that’s just what he’s like, it was a joke.” He explained irritation strong in his voice.

“I thought jokes were meant to be funny.” She snapped. “You should have stuck by me, I’m your best friend.”

“I’m sorry that I didn’t want to leave a good party because you were being fucking sensitive.” He snapped back.

“You know what Steve take as much space as you want, go be friends with that dickhead Tyler for all I care.”

He gave her a dirty look. “Grow up.”

“Says the pussy who nearly cried last night.” She hissed.

Hurt briefly flashed on his face, she wished she could take it back as soon as she said it.

“I didn’t mean that I’m sorr-“

“Just leave me alone okay?” He icily said.

When she was later alone in her bedroom she removed her bracelet and threw it into her bedside draw, slamming it closed.

The argument meant Steve spent the rest of their 14th summer off with Tyler and Margo. (Name) kept to herself, no matter how dull it was at times. She wanted to reach out but didn’t know how long it would be before she could.

One night in September it felt like it was time. She prayed he would pick up figuring it was late afternoon in Indiana, he would hopefully be back from school. Instead, she was met with the monotonous voice of Clyde Harrington.

“Hello?” Clyde asked.

“Hi Mr Harrington is Steve there?”

“Ah it’s just you. No he’s at basketball try outs.” He explained not sounding pleased in the slightest to be speaking with her.

She sighed. “Can you ask him to call me when he’s back?”

“Very well.”

She didn’t want to stay on the phone any longer than she had to.

“And-tell him I hope he’s enjoying high school, I know he was nervous.”

Clyde snorted. “My son nervous? Nonsense he’s made of stone like his old man.”

Despite how angry she still was with Steve she was annoyed to hear his dad speak about him in such a blasé’ manner.

“I think there’s more to him than people realise.” She replied bluntly.

“Watch your tone, or I’ll be having a word with your father.” He said gruffly. “Is that all?

“Yes-bye.” He hung up before she even had the chance.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Steve never called her back and just like that they were no longer friends. It was like a punch to the stomach. By the next summer any remanence of the sweet guy she’d known had been erased. They’d begun to butt heads over the stupidest things: who got to call shot gun, who got the last piece of dessert, who knew the most about some inane topic.

As the years went by she grew used to hanging out on her own in the summer. Her routine changed without Steve in it, for one she was getting through twice as many books. The summer they were 17 he bought a vinyl player for his bedroom which made any reading she wanted to do in her own a challenge. He had been testing her patience more so than the previous few visits to the house. It had been three full years of arguments and snarky looks that had led her to banging on his door mere seconds away from strangling him.

Steve opened his bedroom, peering down at her in disinterest. “Yeah what?”

She gave him a blank stare. “You’re serious right? The music Harrington.”

Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours blared from behind him. “What music?”

“Always with the sarcasm.” She rolled her eyes. “Can you just turn it down?”

“What’s the magic word?”

“What?”

“The magic word.”

“What are we six?”

He smirked. “No but you’re acting like it.”

“If I say please will you turn it down?” She sighed.

“Sure.” He agreed.

“Fine. Please will you turn it down?”

He pondered for a moment.

“No.” He said before slamming the door in her face, she heard him laugh from the other side.

“You’re fucking insufferable!” She seethed kicking his door.

The summer only grew worse when she discovered Steve’s friend from home was coming to visit. It was a guy named Tommy, Vivienne had hesitantly described him as “very spirited.” He was probably spirited in the way of pulling the wings off flies, if Steve’s friendship with Tyler was anything to go by.

Tommy arrived in late July and would be staying until the end of August. She first met him at dinner one night. Steve and Tommy were the last to dinner, Steve was late for basically every meal. They looked as if they were in the middle of some elaborate story when they appeared at the table.

“I swear to god you crack me up!” Tommy laughed lightly shoving Steve’s shoulder.

They sat down at the table and Steve struck up a conversation with her parents, she had to give it to him that despite their differences he really knew how to charm them. It was obvious in how highly they spoke of him shaking their heads at what a shame it was the two weren’t as close anymore. She smiled a little to herself at how easily he was making her dad laugh.

“You got a nice smile there.” A voice said to her.

She looked up Tommy was staring straight at her.

“It makes you light up in a real pretty way.” Tommy smoothly told her.

“Thanks.” She replied, pleasantly surprised at the compliment.

“Anytime gorgeous.”

Steve frowned at both her and Tommy. “Stop being gross man.” He said to his friend in disgust.

She raised a brow at Steve “So someone flirting with me is gross?”

He gave her an exasperated look. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

She speared some broccoli with her fork. “Yes it was.”

“Stop trying to pick fights.” Her mum sighed at her.

“Sorry.” She muttered focusing on her dinner.

There was a pause. “As if you even know what flirting is.” Steve teased her.

Her grip on the fork tightened as she lifted it up. “Is it flirting if I shove this fork into your eye?”

“You’re utterly enchanting you know that?” He sarcastically said.

“That’s enough out of both of you.” Clyde warned. “Can you try get a long for five minutes?”

After a minute or so of the conversation returning to normal, she looked to Steve and secretly flipped him off a gesture he kindly returned.

“Hey hunny.” Vivienne said to her narrowly missing the exchange. “Have I told you about the event the country club are putting on?”

“What event would that be?” She asked.

“They haven’t done it in a few years but they’re putting on some charity gala towards the end of August. Loads of kids your age usually go, you should seriously think about it, I bet you’d have so much fun. Steve could even be your date!”

She let out a snort. “Steve really?”

He was pretty cute it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to have him on her arm. Provided he stayed quiet the whole time.

“I’m a prize catch you could do much worse.” He said through a mouthful of food.

Tommy grinned at her. “I’m kind of with her on this one, sorry buddy.” Steve rolled his eyes.

“Anyway no pressure at all, just something to think about. We could even go shopping, just us girls.” Vivienne said giving her a wink.. She loved her mum but wished she was as fun as Steve’s.

Vivienne poured herself another glass of wine, spilling a few drops on table.

“Go easy love you’ve already had three glasses!” Her mum laughed.

Vivienne grinned and waved a hand. “Relax, we’re just celebrating Tommy’s first night here!”

Everyone laughed apart from her and Steve.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Later that night she was sat with her feet dangling in the cool water of the pool. She hadn’t been able to sleep, the suffocating humidity making her toss and turn.

“Mind if I join?”

She glanced up to see Steve stood next to her, cigarette and lighter in hand.

“Yeah, go for it...” She said confusion lacing her tone.

He sat down next to her and lit his cigarette.

He offered the cigarette and she took a drag. “Thanks...” She handed it back to him.

“Do you see the constellation there?” He said pointing high in the sky.

She squinted, still perplexed about what was happening. “No I can’t see it.”

He leant closer to her, she felt the warmth radiating from him. “Just look where my finger’s pointing.”

She followed to where he was gesturing to. “I can see it now.” She told him.

“That one’s my favourite, it’s the Hercules constellation, it’s one of the larger constellations.” He explained. “Did you know it’s got one of the brightest cluster of stars?” He smiled to himself as he took a deep drag.

Seeing him so earnest for the first time in years, made her soften a little towards him.

She sighed. “Steve, what’s going on?“

“It’s bad again.” He slowly said.

“What is?”

“What do you think.”

She suddenly understood. “Right your mum.”

They’d never really spoken about Vivienne’s issues with drinking, it was something they’d silently acknowledged like every time she accidentally broke a glass at dinner or tripped up.

“Have you spoken to her about it?” She asked.

“I’m not doing that again, I tried it once we just got into a huge blow out over it.”

“And your dad?”

He gave her a wry smile. “No chance of that! He can’t be bothered to engage with it since he’s the entire reason it’s even happening.”

“He cheated on her again didn’t he?”

He nodded. “Yeah. How did you know?”

His forehead looked pinched she wanted to reach over and smooth it. She clasped her hand pushing the thought away.

“Remember when we were like 14 and I overheard that conversation between you and your dad, yeah then.”

“I-I remember that night.”

“Me too.” She said quietly, then drew in a deep breath. “I’m really sorry about calling you a pussy for nearly crying, that was shitty of me.”

“I probably deserved it.” He joked.

She wondered if he would take the chance to apologise in turn to her for, but the moment passed and he didn’t.

“Why confide in me? Why not Tommy?”

His face softened. “I just wanted to talk to someone who understood.”

Her lips parted as she stared back at him, she wished she didn’t still care so much about him.

“It’s late I should go to bed.” Her voice cracked as she spoke.

“Night.” He told her, as she stood up.

She smiled weakly in response. “Night.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

The next day Vivienne took her into town to pick out a dress. From how animatedly Vivienne was speaking to her you’d never guess she was suffering through her husband’s infidelity.

“Vivienne is everything okay with you?” She carefully asked her.

Vivienne kept her eyes on the road as she drove. “I’m great, I’m about to go shopping with my favourite gal.” She replied affectionately.

“Are you sure? I’ve been getting this feeling that something is off..”

They stopped at a red light.

Vivienne glanced over at her. “You’ve gotta be more clear sweetie.”

“Did something happen with Clyde?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Subtlety be damned she thought!

“He cheated on you!” She exclaimed.

Vivienne’s face became sorrowful, the light turned green, they didn’t move.

“I’m gonna speak to you as an adult now, okay? My husband isn’t perfect he’s made god knows how many mistakes.” She briefly closed her eyes. “But the life he’s provided me with is good, safe and if you grew up the way I did security is everything. I have a place in the community, I have a son who needs me. So if it means having a husband that has the occasional fling then I’ll endure it.”

“But what is any of that worth if you’re unhappy?”

Vivienne didn’t respond. A car aggressively honked from behind.

She started to drive again. “Do you mind not mentioning this conversation to Steve?” She asked.

(Name) nodded. “Yeah of course.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

The conversation after a few minutes returned to normal, mainly Vivienne talking at her about what discounts the store offered and what style of dress would suit her. By the time they reached the store she was relieved to be away from the suffocating atmosphere of the car. Vivienne saw a friend of hers also shopping in the store and went to go catch up with them. (Name) flipped through the different dresses on the rails, when she stopped at one that caught her eye.

“That’d really suit you.”

She looked up to see Margo a little further down the rail a dress slung over her arm.

“Thank you.” She said intrigued as to why Margo was suddenly speaking to her.

Margo seemed to be able to read her. “I realised we’ve not talked much before...”

“No not really, I do appreciate the compliment though.” She said warmly. “Are you going to the gala as well?”

“You mean being dragged against my will by my mother, yes I’m going.”

“I don’t know it could be kind of fun, we get an excuse to dress up cute and it goes to charity, could be worse.”

“I can always spike the punch!” Margo joked.

“I’m going to be sticking with you for the night then. Out of curiosity why talk to me now? I mean we’ve neighbours for years.”

Margo considered this. “My brother’s fucking annoying and I noticed Steve’s not hanging around you much these days.” (Name) deflated at the mention of Steve. “And I guess I felt bad about what happened when we were younger…I’m sorry.”

“It was a long time ago and also not your fault, please don’t worry about it!”

“Even so I’m sorry for kissing him, it was obvious you liked him.”

“What me like Steve? I mean I can hardly stand him.”

“I don’t know about now, but that summer I mean come one! You were so devastated I kissed him you had to leave the party.”

“I left the party because your brother excuse my language-was being a prick.”

Margo nodded. “My brother is a prick, but you have to admit that it bothered you.”

It had really bothered her, only a few years later had she realised why it did. However to confess to it out loud would make the pain of that memory even greater.

“Anyway.” She said changing the subject. “Did you want to hangout sometime before the ball?”

“Sure.” Margo grinned. “By the way, if it’s any consolation me and Steve only lasted about a month.”

She let out a laugh as Margo waved goodbye to her.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

“You’ve really never been to a beach bonfire?” Margo asked her.

“No, I never really had anyone to go with. They’re not going to burn me at the stake are they?”

“Not on my watch! Trust me it’s a really chill crowd you’ll like them I promise.”

“I’ll take your word for it but I’m leaving if I see a stake.” She joked.

Margo snorted. “My god how old were you last time you went to a party?”

“Literally three months ago when I was back in London. I promise you I do actually have friends just not in Martha’s Vineyard.”

Margo swatted her arm. “We’re friends now aren’t we?”

(Name) pretended to think for a moment. “I can vaguely recall meeting you. What was your name again?”

“Ha Ha you are hilarious.”

Her and Margo had hung out a lot over the past few weeks and she had to admit it was 10 times more fun than mooning about the villa reading some old paperback.

They finally reached the beach, there was a clump of teenagers crowded around a roaring fire, stolen beers in hand. She tugged at the neckline of her black mini dress beginning to worry that this was a bad idea.

“These are a few friends of mine.” Margo said introducing her to a few people who gave her friendly smiles.

“Hey.” She said to the group.

“Where are you from?” A girl asked her.

The guy next to her elbowed her. “Where do you think genius?”

“Don’t worry you’ll get used to the accent.” Someone said from behind her.

She turned to see Steve with Tommy in tow. They hadn’t spoken much since their short conversation at the pool.

“I think this beach might be a little small for your ego Harrington.” She mocked.

Tommy laughed at the joke causing Steve to glare at him.

He regarded her carefully. “Why are you even here? Didn’t think this was kind of your thing?”

“How would you even know what my thing is?” She said dryly.

Steve smirked at her and was about to respond when Tommy cut in. “I know what my thing is, it’s pretty girls in little black dresses.”

Steve’s smirk was completely gone.

Margo wrinkled her nose. “I think I just threw up in my mouth.” Steve gave her a small smile. She nodded at him and he nodded back at her.

What Tommy said was such a line but she was having fun.

She faked disappointment. “I actually think this may be more of a midnight blue, that’s not a problem is it?”

“Not all.” Tommy grinned. “Doesn’t stop me from wanting to go get a drink with you.”

“Sure, let’s go.” She said before turning to Margo. “Do you mind if I go hangout with him for a while?”

Margo gave Tommy a side long glance. “Have a good time, but I’ll be keeping an eye on him.”

“I’ll be fine.” She promised her friend. “I’ll see you later okay?”

Margo smiled at her and rejoined the conversation with her friends.

Steve stared at (Name). “What?” She asked.

“Nothing.” He muttered.

She followed Tommy to a cooler where he took out a can of beer and handed it to her. He cracked open his own.

“So are you gonna let me take you to this dance then?” Tommy asked, he took a swig of his beer. “I figured it was best to be upfront, you seem cool and I’d like to take you.”

“You’re sure you’re not taking me just to piss off Harrington?” She teased.

“Why should it bother him, he’s got his pick of the ladies.”

Something twisted and sliced into her stomach. She covered her displeasure by sipping at her beer.

“What do you like to do when your back in Indiana?”

“That’s a very open-ended question.”

“I meant like what do you do for fun?”

He grinned at her. “All kinds of trouble. Hawkins is a small town you have to make your own fun, there’s only so much basketball you can play and school you can endure.”

“Are you on the basketball team with Harrington?”

“For now. If he doesn’t get his grades up next year coach’s gonna cut him. It’s a shame he’s a great player, not the brightest tool in the shed though.”

She furrowed her brow. “I disagree, I remember he made some maths championship thing a few years back.”

Tommy snickered. “What back when he was like 10 and math was like 2 + 2? He’s always forgetting essays and skipping class. Not even a community college will end up taking him.”

“I happen to think he’s pretty fucking smart so.” She said sharply.

Tommy smirked at her. “I didn’t realise you had such a hard on for him.”

“I-I don’t have a hard on for anyone.” Her voice wavered. “And unfortunately that extends to you.”

“So no gala for us then?”

“That depends on if you keep making snide comments.”

Tommy put his hand to his chest. “Hand on heart, I will be the nicest son of a bitch you’ve ever met if you just let me take you.”

She looked at him sceptically.

“I swear!” He said. “What’ll take for me to convince you?”

She smirked as she thought of a fitting way for him to redeem himself. “You have to strip off in front of everyone and run into the sea.”

There was no way he would do it-Tommy begun to tug off his clothes.

Her jaw dropped. “You’re actually doing it..”

People noticed him and start to wolf whistle and clap the more he took off.

He was now stark naked. “I’m trying to win a date with a very pretty girl.”

She laughed in shock as he threw her a wink and went running into the sea. It looked like she had a date for the charity gala after all!

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

The sun piercing through her blinds the next morning stole her from any sleep. She slipped on a bikini and with a coffee in hand decided to face the day since she was already awake. When she made her way to the pool she was surprised to see Steve was already there, lazing on a lounger, lost in the music from his Walkman. She settled onto one of the sun loungers, leaving an empty one between them. She lay her sore head on the plush cushioning of the lounger. She regretted that extra beer she’d had last night. He noticed her sit down and put his headphones around his neck the music droning out from them. He had a sudoku book in his lap, one page was completed the other full of random sketches.

“So, you’re going to the ball with Tommy then?” He asked curiously.

“You don’t beat around the bush do you.” She said, opening the magazine she’d bought outside with her.

“It’s odd you’d settle for someone like him after binging all those old romcoms growing up.”

“It’s odd you’re this bothered by one date to some country club event.”

“I would’ve taken you.”

“That’s a lie, because you never even bothered to ask me Harrington.”

“You didn’t even give me the chance to ask!” He said in mock disappointment.

She slapped the magazine down. “What’s your agenda here huh? You had a chance to take me and then you didn’t, why is this bothering you so badly?”

“Because he’s a dick okay.”

“But he’s your friend how can you just say that about him?”

Steve sat up straighter. “Tommy’s the guy you toilet paper the principal’s office with not the guy you go to a charity gala with.” She rolled her eyes, he took off his sunglasses. “He’s cheated on every girl he’s gone out with okay. Last year it was my friend Pammy, this year it’ll be you.”

She shifted in her seat, uncertainty kicking in. “Well-what does it even matter it’s only going to be one date.”

He gave her a wistful smile. “Because you of all people deserve the best one date.”

Her head felt light at the compliment but she snapped herself out of it when she remembered who was saying it to her.

“I’m going out with Tommy and that’s the end of it okay?”

“I did try and warn you, but it’s your choice to make.” He said in disappointment.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

The night of the gala came around, she studied her reflection in the mirror as she applied one last coat of lipstick. The dress was a gorgeous cerulean, the same shade as the sea on a particularly bright day. She ran her fingertips across the silky fabric, it flowed like water under her touch.

There was a knock at her door, she glanced to her clock it was most likely Tommy since he’d said he call on her at about 6. Despite the warnings she was excited to go. She wasn’t expecting to fall in love tonight but she’d have a good time!

The door opened except it wasn’t Tommy behind it, it was Steve. He seemed stunned as he took in her appearance, her face grew hot.

“Are you going to say anything?” She shyly asked.

Steve shook his head. “Yes-yeah, you look really-“

Tommy with impeccable timing made his way to her door. “You look really sexy.” Tommy told her.

She glanced momentarily to Steve who went from being dazed to irritated.

“Thanks... Shall we?” She asked Tommy.

Tommy held his arm out to her and she took it.

“We’ll see you there man.” Tommy called to Steve over his shoulder. “He’s riding with his mommy and daddy.” Tommy remarked to her, oozing of condescension.

They’d only been at the event for half an hour before Tommy was whipping out his flask and spiking their punch.

“Here.” Tommy said handing her a glass of punch.

She took a sip and winced.

“Can’t handle your drink?” He cackled.

“No I can!” She coughed. “I just didn’t expect you to pour in so much.”

“How else are we gonna make it through this event? This thing is nearly as dead as my hometown.”

She pursed her lips. “I think the gala’s pretty great.”

And it was, the ballroom was decorated beautifully, people were dancing and laughing, everyone but them seemed to be having fun.

“I’m giving this another twenty, then you’re on your own okay?”

She thought of some way to salvage the evening.

“Why don’t we go dance?” She suggested.

Tommy considered it for a second then nodded. “Yeah okay.”

They moved to the dance floor, the music of the band vibrating through the floor. He placed one hand on her upper back as they danced.

“You know maybe we should go somewhere more private after this.”

She tilted her head. “You mean like getting some food at a diner after the gala?”

He chuckled and gave her a sultry look. “You’re so clueless it’s adorable.”

“I’m not so sure what’s clueless about that.” She said defensively, even though she knew.

He leant in closer to speak into her ear. “Enough of the games baby, don’t you wanna go have some real fun.” His hand trailed down to rest on her lower back.

She pulled away from him but he kept his hold on her. “I’m not going anywhere or doing anything with you.”

“But what else has this been leading to between us? I thought the point of tonight was to hook up.” Tommy said lowering his voice.

“I thought we were just going to hangout and dance, not just go off somewhere and fuck?!”

“Come on don’t be so naïve of course that’s what was going to happen, especially with how you’ve been teasing me for the past few weeks.” He snapped.

“That was just some light flirting and even if it’d been more that doesn’t entitle you to sleep with me.” She hissed.

“I didn’t realise you were such a prick tease.”

She let out an angry laugh. “I’m not a prick tease, you’re just a dick.”

His grip tightened on her. “Enough messing me about let’s go.”

“No.”

“Seriously this is ridiculous!”

“I said no Tommy.” A few other dancing couples started to look their way.

“Come on you fucking slut.” Tommy snarled.

As soon as he said those words she stamped down hard on his foot, he yelped in pain releasing his grip on her. She dashed off the dance floor, dozens of eyes staring after her.

“Where the hell are you going?!” Tommy yelled after her.

She ignored him as she hurried out of the room, her vision clouding over as she weaved her way through the masses of people. In her haste she accidentally banged straight into someone, she was both relieved and humiliated to see who it was.

“You know how to make an entrance.” Steve laughed but he grew concerned when he saw how distressed she was. “Hey what’s the matter?”

The room suddenly felt too crowded and loud, as if every soul in the room knew about the conversation she’d just escaped from. She was too upset to even speak.

“Do you wanna go get some air?”

She nodded.

She was glad she’d bumped into Steve and not any of their parents. He carefully guided her through the rest of the room and out into the country club gardens. They walked a little away from any partygoers.

“What-what happened?”

“I can’t believe him.” She said quietly.

“What did Tommy say to you?”

She let out a shaky breath. “What didn’t he say? I refused his very sweet proposal to have sex and so he called me a prick tease then a fucking slut. I knew he was no prince charming but wow.”

Steve didn’t speak for what felt like minutes, his face was darkened by a silent rage. “And where did you last see him?”

“On the dance floor.”

“Brilliant, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Wait don’t do anything here!” She panicked. “Not at least until we’re home.”

“And why shouldn’t I?” He asked eyes blazing.

“Because your dad is in there with mine, and all their smug friends. If you start giving someone a bloody nose you will never hear the end of it.”

“I don’t care.”

“Well I do.” She argued.

He sighed. “Fine, but as soon as we’re back home I’m gonna punch him so hard all his teeth fall out.”

“Good.” She agreed sitting down on a bench. “You’re not going to gloat that you were right and I was wrong?”

He sat down next to her. “Nah I think I’ll let you off the hook just this once.”

“I just feel so embarrassed, because I believed for five minutes that someone was actually interested in me. Do you think I’m stupid?”

“No, I don’t think you’re stupid at all, I think that you’re 17, you liked someone and they ended up being an asshole. He should be embarrassed not you.”

She smiled at him sadly. “Thank you, Steve.”

He raised his brows at her. “You just called me ‘Steve’ for the first time in like three years.”

“Slip of the tongue, don’t go getting used to it.” She joked.

“That’s a shame, I miss hearing you say it. There’s a lot I miss.” He admitted.

“Me too.” She gently replied.

They both took each other in properly, he looked so breath taking in his suit it made her chest ache.

“For what it’s worth I didn’t even really like Tommy like that, I just enjoyed the attention.”

Their hands brushed and she saw his eyes briefly flicker to her lips. “He should’ve given you the respect you deserve, you look really beautiful and it shouldn’t be wasted on a guy like that.”

“You know the other day when you said to me that I of all people deserve the best one date? What did you mean by that?” She asked gazing up at him.

He placed a hand on her cheek. “Let me show you.”

Her eyes flickered closed as she begun to lean in.

“I mean wow this is unbelievable.” Tommy sarcastically said.

Her eyes flung open and she pulled away from Steve.

“You won’t fuck me but you’ll fuck him? The guy that can’t even read.” Tommy snorted.

“Tommy that’s enough.” She snapped.

“The hell did you just say?” Steve said getting to his feet and grabbing Tommy by his collar, this made Tommy laugh.

“Steve come on he isn’t worth it, let me talk to him.” She sighed.

Steve glanced to her and after a moment released Tommy, shoving him away so hard he nearly fell to the floor.

She walked over to Tommy. “You need to leave, okay? Head back to the house, pack all of your shit and go find a hotel.” She commanded.

“You know he has a girlfriend right.” Tommy said ignoring her.

“What?”

“Harrington’s got a girl back home, she’s cute too.”

She forgot about Tommy and turned round to Steve.

“You have a girlfriend?” She slowly asked.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Yes. I only told friends from school, I didn’t want to make a big deal of it by involving my parents.”

She strode away from them without saying anything. She heard Steve call out her name but she kept moving.

“Come on, please we can talk about this!” He exclaimed.

She stopped and glared at him. “A girlfriend, you have a girlfriend and you were going to kiss me?!”

He looked at her guiltily. “I’m not saying it was right, but her and I have been on the rocks for a while. She was probably going to end things when I went back home.”

“But you’re still with her now!” She yelled. “Maybe it isn’t perfect between both of you but she is still your girlfriend. What’s her name?..”

“Nancy..”

“Well Nancy deserves better than you kissing another girl and I deserve better than to be some secret holiday fling.”

“You know you’re more to me than that.”

“If I was you would’ve done this the right way.” She cried.

“I can’t be like you okay and over think everything constantly. So maybe the timing wasn’t amazing but at least I was finally up front about how I felt.” He snapped.

“There’s nothing honest about your feelings, if there was we would discuss why we’re no longer friends.” Now the tears finally slipped down her cheeks. “I know that you haven’t had it easy with your parents and I’m sorry about that but I don’t recognise you anymore. That boy I met when I was eight years old never would’ve done this to me.”

He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I-I’m trying really hard to be better but it’s hard, it’s so hard.” He said voice splintering.

“I don’t want to hear anymore excuses, I’m done Steve.” She wiped at her eyes. “Do me a favour and tell my parents I went home because I felt ill.”

“Can I at least walk you out?”

“No. Please just leave me alone.”

He forlornly nodded. “Fine.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

By the next day Tommy was nowhere to be seen, he’d either listened to her or Steve had forced him out. The remaining few days of the holiday Steve and her completely avoided each other, it was like that summer they were fourteen except so much worse. She had made sure to hangout with Margo before she flew home and apologised for disappearing from the event.

Her family left a day before his and they could hardly make eye contact. She said her goodbyes to both Clyde then Vivienne who enveloped her in a hug. Then came Steve, neither of them were sure what to do or say, their parents were all busy talking amongst themselves.

“I know that everything between us isn’t great right now.“ Steve nervously began. “But you have to know how awful I feel..”

She folded her arms. “That still doesn’t change what you did.”

He nodded. “I know.”

His eyes were deep with sadness, she stared back at him in complete and utter pain.

“We need to go now if we want to beat the traffic.” Her dad called to her.

“Just a second.” She replied, before turning her attention to Steve. “A piece of advice, you once told me that I needed to grow up, maybe you should do the same.”

His mouth opened but no words came out, she gave him one last glance then went to the car, little did she know that would be the last time she would see Steve Harrington for 6 long years.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

#fluff #steve harrington #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x fem!reader

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