A/N: Here's a collection of my work! As of right now I'm only planning on writing for Steve Harrington (lol). I hope you all enjoy my work, and if you do feel free to reblog, like, and comment!
Steve Harrington:
One Shots:
The Babysitters:
Summary- You and Steve were charged with the task of keeping your little brother, Dustin, and his friends safe while everyone else infiltrated Hawkins Lab. An easy enough task until the kids become unruly and Max's older brother, Billy, decides to make an appearance.
Henderson!Reader
Fem!Reader
Can't Believe I'm Here With You:
Summary- You and Steve Harrington find yourselves in trouble when you both accidentally get trapped in a Russian bunker, being pestered for information neither of you have. Being stuck together leads to some promises, deep talks, and painful moments.
Henderson!Reader
Fem!Reader
Concerning Times:
Summary- You and the group abandoned your given post at the church to explore a theory your little brother Dustin has. But, nothing can ever go without conflict as your brother and your boyfriend, Steve, have it out and you worry about your best friend in a time of uncertainty. SEASON 5 CHAPTER 2 SPOILERS!
Henderson!Reader
Fem!Reader
A Chance At A Future:
Summary- You and your boyfriend Steve had never spoken about the future, as you both knew it wasn't a promise. But now, as the end of this chaos seems near, you both begin to explore what a normal life could entail. But you have to defeat Vecna first, a task that has clearly proven to be nearly impossible thus far. SEASON 5 FINALE SPOILERS!!!
Henderson!Reader
Fem!Reader
Love Of My Life:
Summary-It's been 18 months since you slipped into a coma due to a plan backfiring, leaving your friends and your boyfriend Steve desperate to get you back to them.
Henderson!Reader
Fem!Reader
-> Falling In Love:
Summary- The events that led to you realizing you were utterly in love with Steve Harrington, along with the adventures you two have endured.
Henderson!Reader.
Fem!Reader.
Keep It Professional:
Summary: You and Steve had just started your jobs at Hawkins High, you as an English teacher and him as the new coach and P.E teacher. However, when a coworker seems to take a liking to you, it drives Steve crazy that he can't make your relationship public...Until that coworker decides to disrespect you.
Henderson!Reader.
Fem!Reader.
-> Keep It Professional Pt. 2:
Summary: You and Coach Harrington are officially engaged and your coworker is less than thrilled about it. In fact, he even tries to take a few steps into messing with your fiancé.
Henderson!Reader,
Fem!Reader
Series:
10 Things I Hate About Harrington (COMPLETE)
Summary:
Your little brother, Dustin Henderson, has a crush on a girl in his class. But when your mother says Dustin is not allowed to date until you do, he develops a plan to pay his friend Steve Harrington to take you out. The only problem? You two really cannot stand each other.
Summary: You were practically floating on cloud 9 since your date with Steve, but after finding out the real reason he's been infatuated with you, you were crushed. Steve and Dustin have to try to make it up to you, but you were never really one for men and their stupidity.
Warnings: Slight relationship violence mentioned (like VERY slight).
A/N: Thank you all so much for the amazing feedback this series as been receiving! I appreciate you all so, so much! I hope you enjoy this final part!
Word Count: 3.9k
Henderson!Reader.
Fem!Reader.
Not proofread.
Divider credit:@saradika-graphics
I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU.
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
This entire week you felt like you were floating.
No matter what you did you couldn't stop thinking about your date with Steve. You couldn't stop thinking about how easy he was to talk to; how he didn't feel the need to correct your "attitude".
He seemed to throughly enjoy you.
And that kiss, God.
You were able to talk to him over the phone a few times since Sunday night, in fact he's even going to come to your class on Friday to see your reading of the sonnet you've composed for class.
Still, between his job, your classes, and devising a plan to save the world...You certainly didn't feel like you were getting your fill of Steve.
Your mom and brother kept teasing you any chance they could get. How could they not? You usually roamed around the house with a stoic aura surrounding you, but this past week you've been nothing short of sunshine personified.
You honestly couldn't believe a guy could make you feel so happy, nor that you let one have this effect on you.
All you knew was that you couldn't wait to see him again...Not that you'd ever admit that to him.
-----
For Dustin Henderson, this week had been going exceptional well.
On Monday he started putting the moves on Suzie, with Steve's help of course. He started simple with a bouquet of roses in her locker and a note from a "secret admirer".
From around the corner, Dustin watched as a beautiful smile spread across her face as she opened her locker.
Later that day in chemistry, Dustin tried to subtly ask her about her day and if anything interesting has happened.
His smug smirk only grew when she told him about the surprise in her locker. He couldn't help but love how enthusiastic she seemed, he was a goner.
On Tuesday he had Steve drop him off at school early so he could wait by Suzie's locker and walk her to class.
While Suzie smiled politely with him, and accepted his offer to walk with him to class, it was nothing crazy. Still, his heart was racing the moment he saw her.
On Wednesday during their lab experiment he found out her favorite movie was Never Ending Story, and he decided he was going to rent it from Family Video -with the discount Steve still milks out of Keith- and invite her over this weekend to watch it.
And he decided today was the day he made that big leap. Today, as in Thursday.
Dustin had made a habit of beating Suzie to chemistry class this week, today was no different.
He was nervously tapping his pencil on the desk, revising everything Steve had told him in the car today: Be nice, not pushy. Be funny, not weird. And, of course, act cool after her answer, NO MATTER WHAT.
When Suzie walked in the room Dustin immediately perked up.
"Hey Su-" Dustin started before getting cut off, "Oh my God Dustin! You'll never guess who just asked me to the Winter Dance- GATEN!! He came up to me today when I was at my locker and said he was the one who left the flowers in my locker! He is so cute, I'm so happy!" She said.
Dustin's face slowly fell with every word she said.
What the hell? Fucking Gaten? That douchebag?!
Gaten was another nerd...Except he, like Lucas, was on the basketball team so he had a bit more status than Dustin.
He must actually like Suzie if he noticed the flowers in her locker earlier this week, but to take credit for that?!
"Are you ok, Dustin? You don't look so good..." Suzie said.
"W-What? Uh- Yeah, yeah...I'm really happy for you." He said through gritted teeth.
Was his life fucking real? He's out $200 and now he's lost Suzie too.
The ache in his chest only tightened throughout the class as Suzie rambled on about Gaten. About how she always thought he was cute and how she smart she thinks he is.
Dustin never wanted this class to end so fast, because right now he was in his own personal hell.
After school he is going straight to WSQK and telling Steve he can start backing off his sister.
He's done.
-----
You decided after your class to swing by the WSKQ and visit Robin...and maybe Steve...
The truth was you were sorta embarrassed of how badly you've been dying to see Steve this week.
You had only been on two dates, one of which you were plotting your escape the entire time, and yet he's practically bewitched you.
You want to hate this feeling. You want to hate the fact your heart is opening up for someone after years of belittling your emotions.
Maybe you're feeling this way because Steve was unlike anyone you've ever met, he has this ability to challenge you in a way that nobody else has.
You say right, he goes left.
You say go, and he stops.
It drives you crazy, truly. But in a way, this contradiction he brings to your life provides a sense of balance you've never felt.
You've always been forced to be the leader, the mediator, the know-it all.
But with Steve, he doesn't expect you to bare the burden of the world on your shoulders all of the time.
And you felt like you could breathe.
When you pull up to the WSQK and park your car, you basically sprinted into the station with pure eagerness.
When you swung open the door you were met with Robin in the station, but no Steve.
She smiled at your presence and gestured for you to come over into her station.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing such a beautiful girl today?" Robin teased from her seat.
You playfully rolled your eyes at her, "I just....I just was in the area-" You lied.
"Oh please, I know you're here for Steve! He's been talking about you non-stop all week." She said, straightening up her workstation.
You stammered in embarrassment before she cut you off, "I'm so sorry to head out but I need to head to the hospital and visit-" Robin cleared her throat, "Anyways, Steve is in the backroom sorting some vinyls...Oh! And you two better not do anything in my studio, because I will find out." She said pointing at you as she left the room.
You gave her a look and she laughed at you as she headed for the door.
You took a moment to touch up your hair in the studio before you heard the front door slam open and your brother's voice boom.
"STEVEEEE!" He shouted.
As a panic response, you pulled down the privacy blinds, shielding yourself from the teasing your brother would give you if he found you and Steve hear alone.
You heard rapid footsteps enter the room from both directions.
"Dustin?! Are you okay, man? What's wrong?" Steve said quickly.
Your brows furrowed in worry, is your brother ok? Why is he going to Steve and not to you?
"Suzie...Some dick lied to her, claiming the flowers I left her on Monday were from him...Then he asked her out to the Winter Dance and apparently, she's liked him this whole time! " Dustin said, his voice cracking ever-so slightly.
"Who's Suzie?" You whisper to yourself.
Steve sighed loudly, "I'm so sorry man..."
"I give up!" Dustin said weakly.
"Dustin, do you like this girl?" Steve asked.
"Of course." He replied.
"Then you can't give up on her! If she's special to you then she's worth the fight!" Steve exclaims.
"Oh, don't give me that bullshit, Steve! Like you know jack-shit about dating! Don't act like you've had a real date in forever, that the only dates you haven't been on recently haven't been because I'm paying you to take out my fucking sister!" Dustin shouted.
The gasp that fell from your lips was a sound you couldn't begin to describe.
It was a mix of shock and utter pain.
Tears quickly filled your eyes as they continued to bicker, their voices fading due to the ringing in your ears.
A million thoughts were racing around your mind and you felt an ache in your chest that you haven't felt in a long time.
It was an ache of betrayal.
You chest was heaving and your hands were shaking. You were trying to catch your breath but it was only fleeting from you.
Your hands went up into your hair and pulled tightly at the roots, you squeezed your eyes shut and tried to level your breathing.
When your eyes shot open you realized that the blind dividing you from them was not a magic barrier, that you could stand up for yourself right here and now.
And so you turned the doorknob.
You slowly walked out into the room, you knew you were walking but you couldn't feel your feet carrying you.
Dustin saw you first, Steve had his back towards you.
You saw the color drain from your brother's face as his eyes met yours.
Steve, being confused by Dustin's expression, slowly turned around and saw your figure behind him.
You tried to square your shoulders, to stand tall, but you knew the expression you wore on your face made you seem anything but strong.
"Sweetheart-" Steve started but you held up your hand.
"DON'T- Steve! Fucking save it!" You practically shouted, your voice breaking slightly.
"I-I asked you multiple times WHY you showed interest in me! I even predicted this exact situation a-and you lied to my face! I should've stuck to my gut, I can't believe I gave you a chance-" You rambled as tears began to slip down your cheeks.
"Please! Just let me explain!" Steve pleaded, taking a step towards you.
You stepped away from him, "I don't need this...And you-" You said pointing at Dustin, "A-After all I've done for you...You still see me as a pathetic girl who will never be enough to make someone stay, so you paid your friend to take me out. I thought you were smarter than this, Dustin." You spat.
Dustin stared at you with his mouth agape, "Y/N, please just-" Dustin said but you brushed passed him and headed for the door.
Steve was hot on your tail, gently grabbing your arm and spinning you around to face him.
You hated the way his touch sent a bolt of electricity through your veins. You really, really did.
He had a desperate look in his eyes when you faced him. You've never seen someone look so pathetic.
"I didn't...I didn't care about the money. I cared...I cared about you!" He said.
You ripped your arm away, "And yet, somehow I don't believe you." You said coldly.
"And you don't have to! But please, please let me- us! Let us explain..." He said, nervously running his hands through his hair.
You let out a pathetic laugh, "You know...I thought you saw me as something more than a doormat. But really...You're just like everyone else. Go to hell, Harrington." You said.
You turned on your heels and headed for your car.
You cried the whole way home, even puling over once to dry your eyes since you couldn't see.
You couldn't believe how stupid you were. It's one thing for a guy to hurt you, but your own brother?
Were you truly wanted by anyone? Your mother thinks you're a recluse, the one guy you felt a real connection to was being paid by your brother, and your brother felt as though you were too much of a loser to be loved on your own.
Right now you felt more alone than you ever thought was possible.
When you parked in the driveway and walked through the front door you were thankful your mother wasn't yet home from work. You really couldn't deal with her right now.
You ran straight to your room and sat at your desk.
Before you laid your assignment for creative writing, the one you had to present tomorrow.
As you reread it, you realized it wasn't authentic. You were practically putting on a front in this piece since you believed Steve was going to hear it.
But now there was no chance in hell he was showing up, so you might as well pour your heart out.
-----
When you slammed the WSQK door in his face he stood stupid.
Steve Harrington had fucked up so royally bad.
And he didn't know what to do.
He had no right treating you the way he did, and yet he still did.
Dustin walked up behind him, horror still lacing his features.
Steve turned around to look at him, slowly pointing at hims before speaking.
"You, Dustin Henderson, are going to run your ass home and explain everything to your sister. You are going to apologize on your behalf...And I, I will think of something to do." He said.
"Steve...Do you actually like my sister or do you just feel bad about what we did?" Dustin questioned softly.
Steve sighed, "At first, she irked the shit out of me. But, god, I have never met someone like her, man. Someone I can just talk to for hours and trust her with everything that's coming out of my mouth. Two dates with her and I can't see myself taking out anyone else." Steve said, truthfully.
He was nervous for Dustin's reaction, they both knew this was never part of the plan.
But Dustin only nodded and smiled slightly.
"I better go find her." Dustin said plainly. Steve clapped him on the shoulder as he headed out the door.
He let out a shaky breath he didn't know he was holding, the tears stinging his eyes finally fell.
He can't believe he hurt you the way he did. He has never wanted to kick his own ass so bad.
But he was going to make it up to you, even if that meant pouring his heart out even if there's a chance you would stomp on it.
-----
You completed your assignment right this time.
Satisfied, you tucked it safely into your bag when you heard a soft knock at the door.
"Come in." You said plainly, turning to face the door.
You rolled your eyes at your brother's presence.
"Hey, can we talk?" He asked softly.
"I don't know, did you have to pay for my time?" You asked sarcastically.
He walked in the room and sat on the end of your bed, you could tell guilt was lining his features and you almost wanted to feel bad.
He rubbed his hands together and began to speak, "Remember last week, when mom said I wasn't allowed to date unless you did?" He asked.
You just starred at him with your arms crossed, you weren't going to validate a thing he says until he's done.
He sighed, "I came up with the plan to have Steve take you out. I explained the situation to him and he didn't want to do it at first. I think you intimidated him, in all honesty." He chuckled, "I paid him for his time, it was a bargaining chip...But he only wanted the money to take you out, not to use for himself. Y/N, he really likes you." Dustin said.
Your mouth opened slightly but no sound came out, instead you shook your head slightly.
"Dustin..." You started, "You may not remember much about dad, but I do. He used to yell at mom constantly and would manipulate her into feeling stupid and unwanted...I watched her cry into the dinner she cooked every night because that man was killing her from the inside...When he left it was hard on us, sure. But I saw mom become a person after that. I promised myself to never let any guy take advantage of me and make me feel as though I was disposable...It may have been your idea, but Steve went along with it, and he made me break my promise to myself." You said.
Tears were now flowing freely and your voice was shaking.
Dustin nodded slowly, "I'm so sorry, Y/N..." Was all he could say.
"If you want a girlfriend, work for her. What's mom gonna do about it? Your her golden child, you could never do anything wrong...So next time you want a girlfriend, leave me out of it." You said.
Dustin could only stand up from where he was sitting and shuffle over to you.
He leaned down and gave you a tight hug in the chair you sat.
You didn't want to hug him back, but you did...Because he needed it.
After that he left your room quietly.
And there you were again, alone with your thoughts, as you always were.
-----
The next day you got to class early and took your usual seat up front.
A lot more people were in class than usual, a lot of people brought their parents and friends to hear their writings.
And here you were, alone once again as nobody was coming for you.
You could feel sorry for yourself, but you sat up tall. You didn't need the self-pity, you needed your pride back.
So, you'll just fake it till you make it.
After your professor started the event, time only crept until it was your turn.
You weren't anxious, in fact you needed to read this aloud, you needed to express how you felt in a place you wouldn't be judged. These people didn't know you, they wouldn't understand your writing on the level you did.
And that was comforting.
When your name was called you collected your folder and made your way up to the front of the room.
You quickly scanned the crowd, until one face in the audience made you do a double take.
Steve sat in the very back of the room. He was sitting up straight with his hands clasped in front of his mouth, as if he was hiding.
You thought after the way you yelled at him yesterday he wouldn't have the nerve to show his face he today, you were sure of it.
Your mind went blank, you suddenly forgot where you were and what you were supposed to be doing.
When you zoned back in, you looked at the folder in your hands.
With shaking fingers, you opened it and pulled out your assignment.
You cleared your throat, ensuring your voice wouldn't shake to hard as you read:
" I hate the way you talk to me and the way you wear your hair. I hate the way you see my soul. I hate it when you care; I hate your stupid red beamer and the way you call my bluffs. I hate you so much it makes me sick, it even makes me cry. I hate the way you're often right. I hate it when you lie. I hate it when you make me laugh, even worse when you see my sides. I hate it that you're not around. And the fact you don't want me. But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all..." You read.
By the time you've finished, you're fully crying. You don't take notice of anyone's reaction but his.
Evident tears lace his eyes and his hands are slightly twitching. But suddenly it's too hard for you to breathe.
You quickly grab your bag and head for the door, rushing past him.
You made a b-line for the bathroom where you locked the door behind you, sliding down it.
You caught your breath on the gross bathroom floor, unable to believe what you had just done. He shouldn't have heard that paper...He knew he inspired it, that he was your muse.
You wanted the ground to swallow you whole right about now, you truly did.
When you eventually collected yourself enough, you headed out the building and towards your car.
You trudged along like a toddler, practically begging for this day to end.
The gravel below your feet seemed as though it was mocking your every step as you approached your car.
You sat in your front seat and went to put your keys in the ignition when you caught view of something from the corner of your eye.
In the seat next to you laid the movie ticket from your first date with Steve, a single of "Han Solo and the Princess", and a bottle of the wine you drank at Enzo's.
Your eyes were wide as you took it all in, a sudden soft-knock to the window next to your head brought you back to reality.
When you whipped your head around you were met with Steve's gentle look, he gave you an awkward wave.
You opened your car door and stepped out, crossing your arms as you did.
"How did you-" You asked before he cut you off.
"Wait, I need to speak first," He said and you nodded, "I know Dustin explained everything to you, but I have more to say...What I did was wrong, I should have never lied to you or accept any money from Dustin. I should've opened my eyes and seen that I should've asked you out because you're...you're everything." He said.
You could feel tears welling up in your eyes once again.
"You challenge me, you force me into proving that I deserve you...And I know that I don't deserve you. I don't deserve someone as passionate and kind and beautiful as you...I don't deserve the so-called Queen of the Nerds, but I want to. I see you for you, and God, do I love what I see, sweetheart." He said.
Tears were now falling, before he could say another thing you interjected.
"I've spent the last 24-hours feeling like a total idiot. I thought for sure you weren't going to be here today, and I certainly didn't expect anything that's sitting in my front seat right now...I don't expect anything you do Steve, and for some odd reason I can't get enough of it." You say.
A small smirk lines his face as he takes a step closer towards you and places his hands softly on your waist.
"I have an idea-" He says.
"Uh-oh." You respond and he rolls his eyes.
"How about you and I go to the drive-in tonight, I think Star Wars is playing and I know you've never seen it." He winks.
"Hmmmm" You say fake thinking as your wrap your arms around his neck and play with the ends of his hair, "I guess I'm free." You say, slyly.
He leans in for a kiss, to which you reciprocate.
He goes to deepen it, but you pulled away and dug your finger into his chest, "Don't think you can just get me gifts every time you mess up!" You joke.
He looks into your eyes and pushes back a loose strand of hair behind your ears, "I know...But I'm sure I can always find you something because god knows I mess up a lot." He jokes.
"We can fix that, don't worry." You say leaning back in.
That feeling in your chest that has been evident in the week you've really known Steve courses all through your body this time.
You felt complete for once, you felt seen.
-----
A/N:
Thank you so much for all the amazing feedback I've received for this little series! As much as I would've LOVED to make it super long, I go back to school tomorrow and simply won't have the time to write! I hope you all enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Summary: You woke up in the morning completely enraged with Steve Harrington for what he said to you last night. But after showing you he really sees you, you can't help but forgive him...A shock to even yourself! After Steve takes you out once again, he finds himself in a predicament.
Warnings: None!
A/N: I hope you all enjoy pt. 3! Feel free to like, comment, and reblog!
Word Count: 4.4k
Henderson!Reader.
Fem!Reader.
Not proofread.
Divider credit:@saradika-graphics
I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU (OR STAR WARS LOL)
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
You spent the morning lying in your bed, starring blankly at the ceiling.
You couldn't believe how stupid you were. You had never like Steve Harrington, you always thought he was a pretentious douchebag who had tall hair that he used to hex the girls in Hawkins into sleeping with him.
You thought- for a second- that maybe last night when he didn't want to kiss you it was because he was trying to be a gentleman.
But then he spat at you. He damn near read you like a book, shocking you to your very core.
All you could think about as you stomped towards your front door last night was how you pushed aside your morals last night and it bit you in the ass, hard.
You couldn't focus on him right now. Today you promised Nancy you'd help her with your radio tower plan.
By the time you got yourself ready and went out into the kitchen, your mother was sitting at the dingy kitchen table drinking coffee out of a mug you and Dustin got her for Mother's Day years ago.
"Oh dear, are you feeling ok? You ran right into your room last night!" You mother asked you with concern lining her features.
You looked at her confused as you stopped in your tracks, "Dustin didn't tell you where I was?" You questioned.
You mother gave you a confused look back, "He said you were out, I assumed you'd gone for a drive...Where were you?"
You pulled out a chair sat across from her, sinking into your seat, "I was out...With Steve Harrington-" You muttered.
Your mother let out a gasp of pure joy, waving her hands frantically, "STEVE? Oh my goodness! How was it? Tell me everything!" She practically shouted.
You dropped your head into your hands and groaned as you gripped at your roots, "It was awful, mom! I don't want to talk about it...Let's just say he's exactly who I thought he was." You told her.
She pursed her lips slightly, letting out a hum before sipping from her mug.
"What?" You pushed, meeting her gaze.
"Nothing...it's just...Do you think maybe he wasn't that bad and you just have a hard time giving men a chance?" She said.
You starred at her in disbelief, "Are you kidding me, mom?!"
She pointed a finger across the table, "All I'm saying is you are a very guarded person...While I adore Steve, though I don't know him super well, I don't see him taking out a young lady and treating her poorly!" She said.
"Well, maybe you should get to know people better before you form an opinion on them, mom." You say defensively.
"I could say the same to you, dear." She retorted.
You stand up from your seat harshly, the seat scratching the tile floor from under you.
"I've got to go." You spat as you headed for the door.
Your mother bid you goodbye as you grabbed your sweater and keys from the hook by the door.
You couldn't be bothered to say anything back to her as you shut the door from behind you and headed for your car.
People always scolded you for your bold and dismissive personality, especially when it came to how you often pointed it towards men.
Your peers, your mother, and even your teachers made comments about how defensive you were. Did you always love that quality about yourself? In all honestly, no.
But it's kept you from feeling the way you felt last night. It's kept you from wasting your time on someone who could possibly one day run out on you like your father ran out on your mother.
So you let the comments about how your behavior was "un-lady like" or "rude" roll off your back since you weren't willing to put your guard down for anyone.
And the one time you did, the one time it fell ever-so slightly, you were fussed as if you were a child.
But, the most shocking part about Steve yelling at you wasn't just that, is was that you couldn't think of anything to say back.
You felt so small in that moment. You felt like everything you told yourself you weren't: weak, frail, timid...
You wish you had yelled at him. But what would you have even said to him? Nothing seemed to offend him, you had no way of hurting him the way he hurt you.
One night of talking to you. Three hours together. And he was able to see how pathetic you were.
God, did you miss college.
-----
When you pulled up to the WSQK you saw Johnathan's car, indicating Nancy was also here.
You also saw a pile of bikes, indicating Dustin and his friends were here.
But then you saw the very last thing you wanted to see right now, Steve's fucking beamer.
"What the fuck-Is he following me?" You mutter to yourself as you kill you engine.
You make your way into the WSQK and you're met with Nancy and Johnathan bickering in the corner, the party throwing chips at each other on the couch, and Robin and Steve in the recording studio.
Because the universe hates you, you immediately made eye contact with Steve, who's mouth fell open ever so slightly.
You held a stoic gaze, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of knowing he hurt you.
Little did you know, he was painfully aware of the result of his actions all thanks to your brother.
You made your way over to Johnathan and Nancy, breaking up whatever they were arguing about and began to explain your plan to her in simple terms.
"Y/N? What're you doing here?" Your brother says from across the room.
You roll your eyes due to your brother's interruption and made your way over to the seating area.
"I'm here to save our skins, Nance and I were talking yesterday and I think I've found a way to revive one of those creatures." You say.
Dustin went wide-eyed, "You know about the Demogorgans?!" He said.
"Yup. Those, the upside down, the government testing... Nancy informed me, kinda hurt you hadn't told me sooner." You teased.
Suddenly Robin emerged from her studio, followed by Steve.
"Hey stranger! Haven't seen you in awhile!" Robin said, giving you a hug.
You and Robin were pretty close in high school since you were both pretty involved in the theater program. You preferred to write and she preferred to act, your friend ship just worked.
"I'm so sorry! I've been...I've been cooped up in my house since quarantine." You say, your eyes flickering to Steve briefly.
He stood decently far behind Robin with his hands tucked into his pockets.
You were trying your hardest not to look at him, you really were.
Nancy nudged you to explain your plan to everyone, and so you did. By the time you finished, you instructed everyone to split up, grab supplies, and set up the tower for the plan.
Dustin, Mike, and Lucas broke off together to head into town to find supplies.
Will and Robin went to explore the power source on the roof.
Nancy and Johnathan went off to work together, which will most likely end in yet another major fight.
Which left you with Steve.
You were in the back going over some files of the building layout (which had to have been 40 years old) when Steve crept up towards you.
You rolled your eyes, "Are you expecting me to speak to you, Harrington?" You snap as your fingers glossed over the papers in one of the many folder you were holding.
Steve stumbles on his words a bit, "I just wanted to apologize about last night..." He muttered, looking at his sneakers.
You stopped looking at the files in your hands and turned to him, "For what? For snapping at me like an asshole? Or for playing me like a fool the whole night?"
"What?" Steve said, finally looking up at you.
"You swore up and down the whole night you took me out because, for some reason, you wanted to. Yet, I imply that it's not unlike you to make a move on the first date -an implication I made based off countless rumors- and you immediately insult me in the most brutally honest way you could think of...Like a grade-A douchebag." You rant, shoving a few files into his chest, causing him to stumble slightly.
You walk passed him towards the sitting area where you began spreading some info out on the coffee table.
"Look, I'm sorry for what I said. It was out of line..." He said coming up behind you, folders in hand.
He stood close to you, close enough that you could feel his breath on your ear, "But don't act like you didn't have fun last night...I heard the way you were laughing with me."
You turn your head to face him, and you hate how your heart skips a beat at how close his lips are to yours.
You take a small step back and let out a fake gasp, "Am I that transparent? I want you, I need you. Oh baby, oh baby." You reply sarcastically while rolling your eyes.
"What do I have to do to get you to forgive me, sweetheart?" Steve said, grabbing your wrist lightly to stop you from working.
You pull back your hand, "Don't call me that. I was right about you, Harrington. And the sad thing is for a moment there, I really didn't want to be." You said.
The smug smirk on Steve's face was wiped off.
"Will you just let me explain-" Steve said as you started to take off.
"You have nothing to explain, Steve. You didn't wanna take me out to make out with me and you also didn't wanna take me out to get to know me. Your actions last night proved that. Save your breath." You say, continuing your stride into the back rooms.
-----
Steve stood in the middle of the room like an idiot.
Still holding the folders you shoved into his chest in his hands, like an idiot. An obedient idiot.
An obedient idiot with $100 burning in his back pocket.
How was he going to take you out if you wouldn't even forgive him? He knew he didn't really deserved to be forgiven, hence his charm. He figured if he charmed you, you'd forget why you were so mad.
Steve forgot to factor in the fact you were way smarted and head-strong than any other girl in Hawkins.
He forgot to factor in the fact you were wound so tight that his basic charm wasn't going to work on you.
Steve needed some inside info, and he needed it now.
While you rummaged around in the backroom Steve went into the sound-proof booth where he could contact Dustin over his walkie-talkie.
"Dustin? Hey, Henderson? Are you there?" Steve said quickly into the receiver with one hand on his hip, a stance he often took when he meant business.
"Hey dude, what do you need?" Dustin responded, judging by the background noise he was on his bike.
"Ok...I know your sister is mad at me, do you have any advice as to make her...un-mad at me?" Steve stammered into the walkie-talkie.
Dustin let out an amused laugh "Dude why do you think I told YOU to fix it?! I have no idea how to make her forgive you, I'm not entirely convinced she didn't punch a hole in her wall last night!"
Steve sighed and sat back in Robin's chair.
"Great, dude. Fucking great." He sighs.
"I mean, this is the girl who kicked Jason Carver so hard in the crotch in 10th grade that he had to have a testicle retrieval operation. She doesn't chill out easily." Dustin informed him.
"Yeah, but didn't Carver run through the girls locker room with a video camera after P.E?" Steve asked
"Yup! Pretty sure he hand wrote Y/N an apology for his actions after his mom found out." Dustin said.
Steve chuckled a bit and found himself smiling.
He never met anyone like you, and in all honesty he thought you were great.
And what he said last night had been eating him alive since the words fell from his lips.
He spent all night starring at the ceiling with a crushing feeling in his chest.
After a beat of silence Dustin sighed, "Look, Steve...My sister isn't a monster, she's just been forced to be independent and tough her whole life. She's protective of herself. Just...Just let her know you're not trying to hurt her. Ok? I've gotta run now. Out." Dustin said before Steve was met with static.
He sat there for a moment and took in Dustin's words.
Even in high school you were independent. You held your own beliefs and were open about the things you loved. You held your pride close to your chest, something that Steve now realizes is extremely admirable.
Maybe all you ever wanted was to be seen. He had to be blind to not see that your mom clearly had a favorite, and it was definitely Dustin.
Sure, you had friends. You had Nancy...but even she puts Johnathan first.
Maybe the Queen of Nerds just wants to be recognized.
Holy shit.
Steve had an idea. Scratch that, Steve had a genius idea.
He was out of the chair in an instant, dashing over to the extensive vinyl collection that spanned over the back wall.
He scanned the wall for what felt like ages when his eyes fell on it.
A single.
He rushed back over to the booth and gently placed it on the record player.
He once again took a seat in Robin's chair, putting on her headphones before clicking a few more buttons.
One button above the studio that indicated he was on air.
One button to actually go live on air.
And one button that accessed the speakers in the building.
"Hey, Hey Hawkins! This is Steve Harrington, you know, the sound guy. Anyways, sorry for the impromptu broadcast, but recently I've had a very special someone come into my life. She's witty, and funny, and just so, so beautiful. Oh! And she's the so-called Queen of the Nerds....So, I can't think of a better song for her. Y/N, this one's for you." Steve says into the microphone.
He dropped the needle on the 45-record as the static began to hum.
Within moments, the opening chords to "Han Solo and the Princess" filled the room.
Steve sat back in the chair with his hands behind his head and a satisfied smirk on his face.
It was no secret how much you loved the franchise. All you had to do was mention it to him once, the rest was all observational.
How you mouthed along to the lines.
How when you weren't looking at Steve last night your eyes were glued to the screen.
How you mentioned you and Dustin went as Luke and Leia for Halloween one year.
Within moments your figure slowly appeared and Steve could see you through the glass.
He couldn't read the expression on your face. You stood with your shoulders slumped and your mouth slightly agape.
Your eyes didn't have that point glint it often did, rather, they looked soft.
You slowly made your way to the door, opening it slowly, as if you were afraid.
Your hand left the doorknob and fell at your side, Steve just looked up at you, wordless.
"How did you-?" Was all you could mutter before Steve cut you off.
"You said you liked Star Wars. But all night you did little things to prove just how much you love the movies...I messed up the best date I had ever been on in my life with an amazing girl, as part one of the apology I thought I could play her a song from her favorite thing in the world." Steve said.
Your eyes never left his. 24-hours ago you loathed the man sitting in front of you. But the way your heart was practically bursting out of your ribcage junxtaposes that completely.
You smiled shyly to yourself, "Part one? Who says you're forgiven?" You joke, crossing your arms.
Steve let's out a chuckle, "Because if I wasn't forgiven, you'd be yelling at me for using Star Wars to lure you in here." He said.
You tilted your head, "Fair point."
Steve stood up from the chair and shuffled towards you, standing a few inches away from your figure, "I'll be at your house tonight at 7:00. Wear something nice." He said winking.
"Are you asking or telling me?" You tease.
"Oh I'm telling you, sweetheart." He retorted.
"Don't call me that, Harrington."
"Call me Steve.
"I don't think so, Harrington."
"I figured so, sweetheart." You rolled your eyes and backed out of the room as the ending chords rang out.
Steve signed off and sat back in Robin's chair.
Steve always considered himself to be good with girls, but not a romantic.
He knew how to get a girl to go on a date with him, but he never cared about making them stay.
The one time he tried that, with Nancy, it backfired in his face.
So he's never tried again.
Sure, he may be doing this for the money and to help out Dustin...But he's noticing how so many of the compliments falling from his lips are geuine.
Maybe this could actually be something more than a pay off...
-----
You sat at your desk and replied your lip gloss for possibly the hundredth time.
When you woke up this morning you hated Steve Harrington.
But then today he did the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you. He noticed you.
The devil on your shoulder told you to forget about him, that he shouldn't be forgiven.
But the angel, who was screaming in your ear, told you to go back to him.
You were lost in thought when Dustin bursted through your door, making you jump.
"Welllll....Don't you look nice." He teased.
You rolled your eyes, "Shut up, dipshit!" You said, throwing a pen at him.
"HEY! Anyways, I heard Steve is taking you out again tonight..." He teased, taking a seat on your bed.
"It's just dinner, Dustin. What he did was nice." You said simply.
"Nice?" Dustin deadpanned, "Y/N, I have seen you go into detailed description about the most mundane things...But all you can say is that what he did was 'nice'?"
You stood up and went around the room gathering things to put into your purse.
"I don't know Dustin! It was sweet! I don't have much to say." You said, a blush spreading across your cheeks.
Before Dustin could say another word the doorbell rung and he practically sprinted to get to the door before you could even react.
You heard them murmuring as you walked down the hallway, nervously touching your hair the whole way down.
You felt like a bit of a fraud at the moment. The dress you were wearing was one you were supposed to wear during an internship you had lined up before the lock-down. It was sophisticated and classy, something you never felt.
The insecurity that was bubbling up inside you seemed to evaporate when you saw Steve.
He was dressed in a simple white-button up and dress pants.
And he looked good.
He stopped mid sentence in whatever he was saying to Dustin when his eyes met yours.
"Wow." He whispered to himself.
Dustin gave him a weird look...One that seemed sort of confused.
You didn't know it, but it was in that moment Dustin noticed this may have been more than him just helping out a friend or getting some cash...
"You...You look beautiful sweetheart." He said.
"Don't call me that." You teased as you walked towards Dustin.
"Mom will be home in an hour, have a goodnight, Dusty." You said messing up his hair.
Dustin shoved you out the door, "Yeah, yeah, just remember to practice safe sex!" He said as he slammed the door behind you.
You and Steve both stood awkwardly after that comment.
"Uh- Let's..." You started.
"Yeah..." Steve said as he led you both to the car.
This may be a long night.
-----
Steve hadn't told you where he was taking you, so it was safe to say you were shocked when he pulled into the parking lot of Enzo's.
"Steve?! Enzo's?! I-I can't afford this!" You stammer.
He laughed, "Yeah, that's why I'm paying for us. C'mon, aren't you smart?" He teased.
You rolled your eyes as he ran around his car to open your door.
Steve guided you towards the restaurant by your hand, he was honestly shocked you let him.
He had reserved a quaint table by a window that was rather intimate.
He pulled out your seat for you before taking his own. You hadn't even looked at the menu before wine was being poured in front of you.
Steve must've found the confused look on your face cute, as he couldn't stop laughing at you.
"Have you ever been here before?" He asked, grazing the menu.
You sighed, "Once...When we moved to town my mom took us here. It was right after-" You stopped, covering up your suddenness with a cough, "Just once." You muttered.
"I used to come here a lot with my parents, they were friends with the owners...Basically used the time as a business meeting rather than family time though." Steve said.
You gave him a slight smile and lifted your wine glass, "To crappy childhoods." Steve laughed and raised his glass to clink it with yours.
The night continued on without so much as a feat. Sure, you both teased each other relentlessly. But who would you be if you didn't mess with him?
"Ok, ok...Tell me, is it true that you made out with Heather S. underneath the bleachers during our junior year pep rally and got suspended for a week?" You asked as your second glass of wine looked awfully low in your hand.
Steve laughed, "That's true...Except I didn't get suspended, I got detention for a week." He said.
"Is it true you were the reason Jason Carver needed a testicle retrieval operation?" He questioned.
"Absolutely! I still have the letter he wrote me as an apology." You said sipping your wine.
You looked at him for a moment, "Tell me something about you I would've never guess." You said.
Steve thought for a moment, his eyes never leaving you, "I'm actually a great singer."
You laughed way too loud for the kind of restaurant you were in.
"I'm serious!" He said, "Oh, I believe you..." You said, nodding your head while still laughing.
"Ok, ok, now tell me something about you I'd never guess."
It was now your turn to think, "I have to write my own version of Shakespeare's Sonnet 141 for my creative writing class...But I can't think of anything I love enough that drives me to create. Sure, I love my family and a few other things...But I'm not driven to create anything... And it's making me fucking crazy." You admit.
Steve nodded along as you spoke, "So write about something you hate." He shrugged.
You giggled, "That's not the assignment, Harrington."
"Haven't you ever hated something so much that it was constantly on your mind to the point you slowly fell in love with it?" He asked.
You looked at him inquisitively, "Have you?"
Steve paused for a second, as if he was weighting if he should spill, "That's how I feel about my parents...In a way." He said softly.
You reached across the table and caressed his hand gently.
And that was all he needed in the moment.
Conversation followed suit. Ones filled with jokes, teasing, and deeper feelings you never even knew you were holding in.
-----
Steve paid for dinner with a $100 bill he pulled from his wallet, but this time you let him pay without a fight.
The drive home was filled with more laughter than you thought was possible. Maybe it was the two glasses of wine in your system, or maybe you were just having that much fun.
But when Steve pulled up to your house, you felt a twinge of sadness in your chest.
He, once again, ran around to your side to open the door for you.
He held your hand as he walked you to the door and didn't dare let go when you approached it.
"I had a great night." He whispered, inches from your lips.
"Shockingly, I did too." You said.
Steve looked at your lips for a second longer than he should have, he knew that.
But you didn't move away.
He leaned in slowly and placed a soft kiss on your lips. His free hand gently caressed your face as you deepened the kiss ever so slightly.
You pulled away a few seconds later, a blush apparent on your cheeks.
You cleared your throat as he chuckled at you.
"Goodnight, sweetheart." He said softly.
"Goodnight...Steve." You said as you stepped inside your house.
He stood on your steps starring at the door you just walked through.
He wanted to love the way his heart fluttered, but he didn't.
He didn't because he knew what he was doing was wrong. He enjoyed the movie date, truly he did!
But tonight he felt things he never felt before...With the way you were smiling and talking to him like you didn't hate him.
He was enamored by you in ways he never thought possible.
As he turned around to leave the door opened behind him as Dustin quickly slipped out.
"Dude you are the best!" He said while bear hugging Steve.
"My pleasure-" Steve croaked out from the hug.
Dustin let go and took out another $50 from his pocket.
Steve held his hands up, "Dude-"he said before he was cut off.
"Here, this is for whatever you do next, keep it up man!" He said, shoving it into Steve's hand.
Steve wanted to tell him no, to keep his money. But he didn't want Dustin to think he was actually falling for his sister...That's an entirely different can of worms.
Steve looked at the money in his hand as Dustin headed back inside.
He trudged back to his car, putting the $50 in his wallet.
When he looked back at your house from his car he could see you in the window eagerly talking to your mom.
He smiled at the sight.
He was royally screwed.
A/N
Oooooo it's getting good now!!! I threw in a few more 10 Things I Hate About You references in this chapter (or at least tried to lol).
Summary: You ,reluctantly, take up Steve's offer to take you out after your brother threatens you. While the night is filled with bickering, insults, and surprisingly a few laughs, some harsh realities come to light.
Warnings: None!
A/N: I hope you all enjoy pt. 2! Feel free to like, comment, and reblog!
Word Count: 3.8k
Henderson!Reader.
Fem!Reader.
Not proofread.
Divider credit:@saradika-graphics
I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU.
Part 1 Part 2
You were cooped up in your room trying to process everything Nancy had told you about today while also simultaneously trying to figure out a way to help her.
She had told you everything that had been happening in this town over the past couple of years. While you were painfully aware that the military wasn't telling you everything and that there was no WAY all this was because of an earthquake, you weren't expecting this.
Monsters, an alternate dimension, and an government experimentation...
You didn't believe her at first, but after showing you a crazy amount of evidence you couldn't help but.
Now she needed your help to figure out a way to revive whatever a Demogorgon is, and she'd really prefer to keep your younger siblings as far away from such a dangerous project...Which you agreed with.
You would like to say you were hesitant to help Nancy, but lately you've been so bored you had nothing else to do beside aid in the quest to save the world.
Even if you'd be working with people who you were five years older than, like your brother and his friends, and people you couldn't stand...Like Steve Harrington.
After a days worth of research, you concluded that your best chance of reviving this creature would be using a large sum of electricity (duh), and the only place you'd be able to extract such electricity would have to be from the WSQK tower.
You had a plan to meet up with Nancy tomorrow at her house, there you'd tell her about your plan.
You typically would've just called her, but she kept telling you-actually, rather complaining to you- about her date with Johnathan tonight. He allegedly was going to go all out tonight since he forgot about their last two date nights.
All you could do was sigh to yourself seeing such a great woman like Nancy Wheeler belittle herself for a guy. But, you bit your tongue and kept your opinions to yourself for once, she seemed pissed enough as it was.
You decided to leave your room and go and join your brother in the living room and sit in on whatever he was watching. Typically, Saturday nights was your and Dustin's designated hangout time since your mom would go to the Sinclair's house to do whatever her and Sue Sinclair did, probably gossip and cross-stitch.
When you padded down the carpet-lined hallway and entered the living room, you were met with your brother sitting on the couch, bouncing his leg, and checking his watch profusely.
"Are you waiting for someone?" You tease as you take a seat in your mom's chair.
He looks up at you with wide eyes, "No, no...Why would you say that? No-" He rambled.
You gave him a suspicious look and nodded your head slowly.
"So, what are we gonna watch tonight?" You asked, settling into your seat just as your doorbell rang.
Dustin met your eyes with a slight smirk on his face, one he quickly wiped off.
You sighed as you stood up from the chair and headed for the door, completely unsure of who could be in the otherside.
Let's just say, you weren't expecting Steve Harrington to be on the other side with flowers in his hand and a confident smile on his face.
You rolled your eyes and called out over your shoulder for your brother, all without breaking eye contact with Steve, "Dustin! Your friend is here...And he brought you flowers." You tease.
"I'm actually here for you-" Steve interjects, causing you to whip your head around.
You look at him with a stunned expression, your eyes raking over him from head-to-toe before your crossed your arms, "Excuse me?" You huff out, slightly amused.
"I was wondering if you wanted to come with me to the theater, they're playing Star Wars for like the 100th time and I remember you liked that movie so..." He says, putting his arm against the doorframe and leaning in slightly.
Part of you wanted to tease him and ask which Star Wars movie was playing so you could see him sputter, but you took a different approach.
You pointed your gaze at him and asked, "What? Have you ran through every other girl in Hawkins that you've decided to start punching below your weight? Huh?"
Steve dropped his arms and moved his lips as if he was talking but no sound came out.
"Got nothing to say, Harrington? The world is ending and you decided you couldn't let that happen before you treat all girls in this town as indisposable? You push.
Suddenly Dustin is hot on your tail, tugging at your arm, "Just give us one second!" He says to Steve before slamming the door in his face.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Dustin whisper-shouts to you.
You look at him with a crossed expression between utterly confused and stunned, "What?! What am I doing? What is HE doing?! Dustin, I don't know why he's here-" You begin to explain before Dustin cut you off.
"Y/N, every single Saturday night we sit in that living room and rewatch VHS tapes of the Star Wars franchise, The Goonies, or some chick-flick that I pretend to hate but we both know I love them...My point is, while I love our movie nights, you deserve to be taken out for a night and pretend like everything is normal..." Dustin said sincerley.
You looked at him for a moment in silence before sighing, "Dustin...I cannot go out with Steve, he is the exact embodiment of what I hate about your gender." You tell him.
Dustin rolled his eyes and sighed in defeat for a moment. But then a cunning look painted his features.
"What." You said flatly. You knew that look, that look that said: I have you in the palm of my hand.
He rubbed his hands together slightly, "Well...If you don't go out with him then I'll just have to tell mom how you rudely rejected a begging Steve Harrington and sent him home crying. Mom will surely never let you hear the end of that one. " He said cunningly.
Your jaw dropped slightly, "You wouldn't dare." You challenged.
"Watch me." He said, starring back into your eyes.
You let out an annoyed groan and grabbed your sweater from the hook next to the door.
You nudged your brother out of the way and swung open the door harshly to see Steve still standing there, biting at his nails.
You didn't even look at him as you strolled past him, "Let's go, Harrington." You mutter and made a b-line for his car.
Steve stood at the door, watching your frame strut towards his beamer.
"Dude, what did you say to her?" Steve asked your brother.
"Oh, you know...I just guilted her and when that didn't work because she has crazy self-pride I threatened to tell my mom how she broke your heart, you know because my mom loves you and all." Dustin smirked.
Steve slapped the flowers to your brother's chest, "Put these in a vase for her." He ordered as he began to walk backwards off of the steps.
"Thanks again, Steve!" Dustin said to him slyly.
Steve shot him a dirty look.
Steve could be doing about ten other things tonight, and he could even give you their names.
He hated that he had to spend him time with a girl who clearly doesn't care about him in the slightest, but he promised Dustin he would.
He had to wonder how he got into these situations sometimes. He used to be 'King Steve'. He used to have a laundry lists of girls who sat by their phone on the off-chance he'd call them. Now? Now he's taking out Dustin's older sister, a girl so far off his radar he didn't even consider her to be game.
When he approaches his car you're already sitting with your arms crossed in the front seat, looking as apprehensive as ever.
He let out a sigh he didn't even know he was holding in as his finger wrapped around the handle and opened the door.
Steve had barley been able to put the car in first gear when you already started questioning his motives.
"Did Dustin put you up to this? I can't believe him-" You begin to complain.
"No, your brother had nothing to do with this, ok? Jeez..." Steve said, he didn't love the way his stomach churned slightly at how easily he just lied through his teeth, but he figured it didn't matter if this wasn't really a serious date.
"So then why did you show up to my house with flowers and a proposed movie date in your back pocket, huh?" You push.
" 'Cause Dustin mentioned to me how his super hot sister spends her Saturday nights watching VHS tapes with him and I thought maybe she'd rather watch a movie with a guy that wasn't her brother." He teased.
No, Dustin did not mention this to Steve today. In fact, he may have mentioned it to Steve once and he thought it was depressing that you were staying cooped up inside.
"Oh please, Harrington. You forgot I existed after I left for college. And you only knew I existed in high school because you were shoving your tongue down my best friend's throat!" You retorted.
Steve let out and amused huff, "I always knew you existed, Y/N. I knew when you and I had English together in 9th grade and when you won the school's spelling bee in 10th...I knew you before I even knew Nancy and I knew you when you slapped the shit out of Tommy H. for spray painting the theater. I always knew you existed, Y/N."
Steve didn't really know where that came from. Maybe he didn't like the insinuation that he was selfish...Or maybe he was confused how you thought nobody could never notice you.
You sat in stunned silence for a moment.
"I-I just don't get why you're taking out me rather than a girl who actually likes you." You mutter under your breath while turning your head to look out the window.
Steve looked over at you for a moment, "Now why would I wanna take out a girl who actually wants to go out with me when I have blind hatred?" He jokes.
Steve is shocked when that gets a laugh out of you, a real, genuine laugh.
And he doesn't like the way it made his heart skip a beat.
As embarrassing as it was, you'd never been on a real date before. So when Steve pulled out his wallet to pay for the tickets at the booth, you absent mindedly tried to pay for your own ticket, stretching out your arm over the seat to hand him some cash.
And he looked at you like you had three heads.
"Put that away right now, are you insane?" He scolds.
"Excuse me?" You retort, shocked at his tone of voice.
"We're on a date, no way am I letting you pay for anything." He says as he hands over the ticket-booth attendee $50.
You were going to argue back about how you didn't need Steve, or anyone for that matter, to pay for you. But you decided to mess with him a different way.
"$50?! Trying to impress me by proving you have big-boy cash, Harrington?" You jab.
Steve looked at you with an expression you couldn't quite place at first, but once the wires crossed in his head he responded, "Just needed to break it..." He muttered.
Steve pulled into a spot and placed his beamer in park.
"I'm going to go grab stuff from the concession stand, what do you want?" He asked.
You looked over at him, "I'm all good." You respond quickly.
He sighed and opened his door, "Fine, I'll just surprise you." He said sending you a wink and shutting the car door.
You never in a million years thought you'd be in Harrington's beamer, the infamous chick-buggy of Hawkins high.
Did you want to be here?No. Are you still not convinced Steve has an alterer motive? No way. But was it worth spending a night out of the house so you didn't have to hear your mother's bickering for a week? Definitely.
And you had no doubt Dustin would tell on you, especially since you're the only thing standing between him dating this girl he's so crazy about.
Wait.
Your eyes widen in sudden realization. Holy shit. Are you being set up? Is your own brother pimping you out right now?
Before you can reach for your door handle, Steve opens up his door.
"Ok, I got us popcorn and two cokes- hey, are you ok?" He asks, taking in your angry expression as he settles back into the car.
"Did my brother put you up to this date so he can date that girl he likes at school? What's in this for you, huh?" You ask, your head whipping around to face him fully.
Steve looked stunned, and you couldn't tell if it was because he had been caught or because he was so offended.
Turns out it was the latter.
He lets out a huff of air, pushing his tongue into his cheek as he shook his head.
"You know you are really unbelievable, Y/N. I don't even know what you're talking about. I took you out because I wanted to take YOU out. There's nothing 'in this' for me! Except being belittled by you all evening instead of having a nice night, I guess." He says, annoyed.
You felt a pang of guilt in your chest for accusing Steve of something so bold.
And Steve felt a pang of guilt in his chest for lying so boldly to your face.
You took in his face for a moment, "I'm sorry...Dustin just-" You sighed.
"Dustin isn't allowed to date until I do and he really likes this girl at school. I thought maybe he had something to do with this." You said gesturing between the two of you.
"Well he doesn't." Steve said assuringly.
Before you can say anything else the opening chords of the Star Wars main theme echoed through the car and the screen before you began to play.
"So...How did you know I love Star Wars?" You asked him, reaching for the popcorn bucket between the two of you.
"I didn't. But it was a solid guess assuming you're a nerd since Dustin is the King of Nerds." Steve replied.
You threw a piece of popcorn at him playfully, "Hey! If anything I am the Queen of the Nerds and he's my jester." You joke, causing Steve to laugh.
You tried to ignore the slight heat that filled your chest at the sound of his laugh. Because at the end of the day, this is Steve Harrington. The guy who has been through about every girl in Hawkins and you weren't convinced you weren't just another potential tally mark on his list.
You had to keep your guard up.
As much as you'd have just prefer to watch the movie in silence -most likely awkward silence- Steve wasn't going to let you have that.
"So...Stuck here since the quarantine, huh?" He said.
You sighed, "Yup. It's fucking up my credits at Sarah Lawrence. I'm trying to stay on top of it by taking some community courses here...But it's not the same." You said.
You don't notice it since your eyes are focused on the screen where Princess Leia is attempting to transmit a message within R2D2, but Steve is glancing at you with pitiful eyes. He remembered how hard you worked in high school, you didn't deserve to have that hard work go to waste.
"I'm sorry...That sucks." Steve said.
You laughed, "That's certainly one way to put it." You took a drink of your soda before continuing, "What about you? I mean do you plan on going to school after all this?" You ask.
Steve looked at you for a moment before shifting his gaze to look ahead, almost as if he was ashamed.
"I'm never getting out of this town...Probably gonna end up working for my dad down the road." He admitted.
You didn't know what to say, you kinda regretted asking him in the first place.
Steve could feel the mood shift, so he had to act fast.
He picked up the popcorn bucket and scooted into it's place, placing the popcorn bucket where he was.
"What are you doing?" You asked, scooting into the door.
"Sitting closer to my beautiful date." He said, putting his arm along the seat behind you.
"Harrington, I'm not one of your cheap dates. I'm not gonna make out with you in your beamer." You deadpan.
"Is that what you think I do on first dates? Those girls don't make out with me!" He said.
You gave him a blank stare.
"They don't ALL make out with me! He responded.
You laughed at him slightly, "Let's just enjoy the movie."
-----
You made it through the movie with casual conversation here and there (mostly laced with insults from you).
Steve never took his arm off the seat from behind your head, and you never moved an inch from your spot.
When the credits finally rolled it took Steve a few minutes to get out of the crowded lot, and you found his frustration very amusing.
Your ride home was relatively silent, with just the soft hum of the radio filling the beamer.
"You know, I always thought you were the epitome of douchebag but I've decided that after tonight, you’re just a douchebag." You tease.
He laughs, "Yeah, well you're not the shrew I thought you were...Still a shrew, just not as bad." Steve retorted.
You two continued to playfully bicker until he pulled up to your house.
Awkwardness filled the car briefly. You weren't sure if he was going to walk you to the door or if you should just bid him goodbye and head out.
Suddenly Steve leaned into your space and alarms went off in your head as you backed up.
"What the hell are you doing?!" You spat.
Steve jumped back with his hands up in shock, "I-I was opening the door for you!"
You sighed for a moment, "I-I thought you were trying to kiss me." You said, placing a hand over your heart as if you were relieved.
Steve narrowed his eyes at you, "And why would you think that?" He said, placing his left hand on the wheel and pointed an offended gaze in your direction, indicating a complete mood shift.
"Well...You know?" You said.
"No, no I don't know? What are you implying, Y/N?" He said.
"You try something with all your dates on the first date, no?" You said, as if it was the most casual thing in the world.
Steve huffed amusingly, "Look, sweetheart, I only kiss girls who don't make fun of me the whole date." He replied.
"Don't call me sweetheart." You replied, angry now.
"What? Do you want me to kiss you? Is that it?" He said, baiting you.
"Harrington, there isn't a universe where I want you to kiss me, let that be clear. I only went out with you tonight so my mom didn't nag me for a week straight about declining your offer." You said.
"What so you wouldn't have to hear your mom tell you the truth? That you're a 21 year old woman with no prospects? That spend your free time with your mom and brother because they're basically your safety net in life? That truth? God, Y/N...And for the record nobody in this town wants to kiss you, INCLUDING me." Steve ranted, starring forward towards the steering wheel.
When Steve didn't hear an immediate response he turned his head towards you.
And he hated what he saw.
You were starring at him with wide eyes and your lips parted slightly. You looked nothing like that tough girl who's been in his car all night, instead you look like a timid deer in headlights.
You closed your mouth and furrowed your brows, "Fuck you, Harrington."
Before Steve could mutter out a single word, before he could apologize for the tears that brimmed your eyes, you popped open the door.
You stepped out of the car and slammed the door shut behind you as you headed up your driveway.
Steve opened his door quickly, stepping out, "Y/N! I didn't-" He started before you whipped around.
"Don't, Harrington! Just- I was right about you. Don't take out your reputation on me!" You say before turning on your heels and opening your front door.
Steve starred at the door long after you slammed it, unsure of what to do with himself.
He knew it wasn't technically a "real" date, but for some reason it hurt when you assumed he'd try anything with you even after you made it so clear how you felt about that.
Was it a perfect night? No way. But somehow it was the most fun Steve ever had on a date.
Steve sighed and sat back in his car, laying his forehead on the wheel for a moment.
He was startled into sitting up-right when he heard vigorous knocking on his window.
Dustin. Shit.
Steve rolled down his window, but before he could speak, Dustin interrupted.
"What the hell did you do?!" Dustin asked, anger obviously lacing his words.
"Is she ok?" Steve asked.
"Dude. She ran in the house and went straight to her room with tears streaming down her face!" Dustin said.
Steve felt that twinge in his chest, but this wasn't the same one he's been feeling all night. This one hurt.
"I said some things that really upset her-" Steve admitted.
"Yeah no shit, dude!" Dustin said, rubbing his face. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out $100.
"Oh no no no dude. We're done with this, she's never gonna want to go out again-" Steve said shaking his head.
"Shut up!" Dustin said, and Steve listened.
"You are going to get her something nice as an apology and then you're taking her out to Enzo's and get her a nice dinner. This isn't just about Suzie anymore, you hurt her. Fix it." Dustin said before throwing the money in the car.
Steve sat in shock, why is he afraid of Dustin right now?
"You got it, dude." Steve said nodding his head and extending his hand out for Dustin to shake, to which he did.
"Make a reservation, get your suit cleaned, Steve." Dustin said and turned around on his heels.
All Steve could do was look at the money on his lap. It made his stomach churn.
He didn't think he'd ever have a good time with you, but he did. He owed you a lot more than an apology.
And he knew that.
-----
A/N:
Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed part 2 of this series! A few of you have asked me if you could be added to a taglist, so I decided to make one! If it gets too excessive I'll make a post that I've closed it, but for now it's open! Thank you all so, so much for reading!
Thank you all for all the love you’re showing the new series!! I’ll make a tag list for it since a few of you have asked!! (I’ll figure out how to lol).💋💋
Summary: Your little brother, Dustin Henderson, has a crush on a girl in his class. But when your mother says Dustin is not allowed to date until you do, he develops a plan to pay his friend Steve Harrington to take you out. The only problem? You two really cannot stand each other.
Warnings: None!
A/N: I'm back! I hope you all enjoy this first part of the series! This idea came to me MONTHS ago and I'm just now able to write it! It's inspired by one of my favorite movies, 10 Things I Hate About You. It's not entirely like the movie, but I tried my best!
Word Count: 3.2k
Henderson!Reader.
Fem!Reader.
Not proofread.
Divider credit:@saradika-graphics
I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU.
Part 1 Part 2
Dustin Henderson has lived his entire life as a nerd and an outcast. As a child, it didn't bother him at all. He loved playing DND with his best friends, he loved watching Star Wars with his older sister, and he loved science.
But when you're a Junior in high school, these traits aren't the super power they once were. Sure, he's probably on track to become valedictorian, which is cool and all...But right now all he wanted to become was Suzie's boyfriend.
Suzie who was his lab partner in chemistry and sat two seats behind in Mrs. Click's history class. Already two months into the school year and he can't stop telling the party about their classmate who is, "hotter than Phoebe Cates".
And while Suzie was something of a nerd herself, that didn't make her any easier to talk to.
Because let's face it...Dustin had no idea how to speak to girls he wasn't related to.
So, he went to his best friend: Steve Harrington.
-----
Steve was reorganizing records at the WSQK late one afternoon when Dustin came bursting through the door, startling him slightly.
"STEVE! I need your help with something, it's urgent!" Dustin said while quickly walking into the room Steve resided in.
Steve continued organizing, at least once a week Dustin runs in the WSQK saying he needs his help. Last week he needed help fixing his bike chain, the week before that he needed a ride to the movies.
But Steve always tried to take him seriously, since the world was always ending and he was the smartest person Steve knew.
"What is it now, Henderson?" Steve said.
Dustin began pacing around the room, "Ok, so there's this girl-" Dustin starts.
"The one you claim is hotter than Phoebe Cates?" Steve interrupted, raising his brow.
Dustin rolled his eyes, "Yes, her. Her name is Suize and I can't be around her everyday and pretend that I don't like her. I want to talk to her about something other than chemistry and our assigned reading of the Great Gatsby, but I'm hopeless when it comes to girls. and I NEED her to be my date to the Winter Dance, Steve!" Dustin rambled, his voice only becoming higher and his pace quickening.
"Woah, woah, woah..." Steve said, finally turning his attention away from organizing vinyls and turning towards Dustin, "While I'm flattered that you came to me for girl advice...Why not call up your sister?" Steve asked.
Dustin hesitated, "My sister may be a girl, but she has NEVER even been on a date. I don't think she'd be helpful." He said.
Steve rolled his eyes and huffed, "No way! The shrew herself has never been asked on a date? Shocking." Steve said sarcastically.
You and Steve were in the same grade in high school. While he was known to be a ladies man and throw crazy parties, you were the complete opposite. While people flocked to Steve, many stayed clear of you. It wasn't that you were mean, you were the complete opposite.
You just knew how to call bullshit when you saw it, and that draws people away.
"Hey!" Dustin scolded, "I'm here because you clearly know how to talk to girls since you've gotten like a million to date you." He said.
Steve mocked offense, "I didn't...'date' them all." He said putting air quotes around the word "date".
Dustin was over frustrated at this point, "Look, the world may end any day now and I am NOT letting a monster eat me before I have my first kiss!" He practically yells.
Steve rubbed his face exasperatedly, "FINE!" He said, giving in.
He crosses the room in a few short strides and places his hands on Dustin's shoulders, "Look, I need to finish up here. Tomorrow we'll create a plan so on Monday you can start kissing your girl, ok?" Steve said, making Dustin blush.
"O-Ok man, thank you." He said, pulling Steve into an awkward hug, to which Steve returned.
With that Dustin bid goodbye and raced out of the WSQK, probably to get home and radio the party about his new plan.
Steve couldn't help but smile and shake his head at the boy.
Steve honestly didn't know how he was gonna help the kid, since he was 21 and hadn't been on a real date in a pretty long time.
God, maybe Dustin was better off asking the shrew for help.
-----
You were laying on your couch watching "Family Ties" while your mom was knitting in her chair.
"Honey, it's Friday night...You should really try to go out with Nancy or someone...maybe find a boy-" Your mom said to you.
You huffed and rolled your eyes, propping yourself up on your elbow,
" Mommmmm," You groaned, "Nancy is probably busy with Johnathan and this town is on complete lock down anyways. Do you know what that means? It mean-"
"It means that the crappy men you tried to leave behind by going out of state for college are all trapped in this town....Yes, sweetie. You've said it before." You mom interrupted, finishing your scentence.
You groaned slightly and laid back down.
You were supposed to be starting your sophomore year at Sarah Lawrence right now. But instead you're stuck in Hawkins.
You decided to come home for spring break earlier this year, if you had known you'd get stuck in a military-grade lock down you would've never left your dorm.
You haven't spoke to your college friends in months and now you're taking some local community college courses so you don't fall behind in your major.
The courses are pretty mundane, except for creative writing. Honestly, that one makes you excited to wake up in the morning.
Moments after your scuffle with your mom, Dustin bursted through the door with a smile on his face.
"What's got you so happy?" You ask, sitting up.
Dustin sauntered into the living room with a smile on his face and proudly announced, "I am going to ask out Suzie!"
"What?! Who?!" You mom said in shock.
You couldn't help but laugh slightly. She couldn't understand why you weren't dating, but the idea of her Dusty dating? Oh, no way!
"This girl in my class, I've liked her for awhile and I'm going to ask her to the Winter Dance!" He said gleefully.
You couldn't help but smile at him.
"No, no way!" Your mom said, "WHAT?" You and Dustin said at the same time, snapping your heads in her direction.
She set her knitting aside, "Dustin...You are an intelligent, beautiful boy! A-And girls...Girls are complicated at this age. With everything going on right now, you should just be focusing on school." She said.
"Mom! That's completely unfair!" Dustin spat.
"Dustin! You do not need to be focusing on a girl right now! You should be more like Y/N! Y/N why is it you don't date, again?" You mom says, gesturing at you.
You stare at her blankly as if she wasn't being the definition of a hypocrite right now, but her eyes were starring daggers into yours so you caved.
With a sigh you said, "I don't date because all the crappy men you tried to leave behind by going out of state for college are all trapped in this town..." You deadpan.
"Annnndddd?" You mom urged.
You groaned, "Annnnddd all men are the same and treat women poorly. They have no problem putting a woman down if it means they'll eventually fit their mould of a perfect partner. OH! And all the want is sex. Is that good, mom?" You say while smirking.
Your mom gives you an annoyed look, "More or less, I suppose. Look, Dustin, girls are crappy too. Especially around that age. I mean, remember all the stories Y/N would tell us about the girls in her grade at that age? Ones who slept around, ones who had pregnancy scares, ones of cheated on their boyfriends..." She said.
"They were probably all involved with Steve Harrington..." You muttered under your breath.
"HEY!" Your mom and Dustin said at the same time and you shot your hands up in defense. They adored Steve ever since he helped out Dustin with the Snowball...and you had to say, that night you gained some respect for Steve. But, you still remembered his womanizer reputation to a T.
"Look, mom, Suzie is different! You have to trust me on this!" Dustin said, practically pleading at this point.
Your mom looked at him for a moment, almost as if she was about to cave in, until a weird expression spread across her face.
"I'll tell you what, Dusty, you can date!" Your mom says smirking slightly.
For a moment Dustin lights up and lets out a breath you're sure he didn't know he was holding.
But that moment was short lived when your mom added a major ultimatum.
"When she does." Your mom says pointing at you slowly with a devious look on her face.
Your eyes widened and your lips parted slightly.
"WHAT?! THAT'S BULLSHIT!" Your brother shouted.
"LANGUAGE, DUSTIN!" Your mom replied.
Dustin threw up his arms in defeat, "Y/N is never going to date, mom!" Dustin whines.
"Then you'll never date...ooo, I like that..." Your mom says, giggling to herself slightly.
"Mom, you're being dramatic!" You say to her after mentally debating if you should get involved in this argument.
"No, I'm not! That's the new rule, no more complaints!" Your mom says rising to her feet and heading to the kitchen, probably to start dinner.
You sighed and rubbed your temple slightly when you take notice of Dustin starring at you.
"What?" You asked him.
He crosses the room and practically dropped to his knees, "Y/N...PLEASE go out and get a boyfriend." He said.
You let out a slight sound of amusement, "Dustinnnnn" you groaned, "You know why I don't date." You replied.
He let out a sound of discontentment and headed for the hallway, only to stop before he would be out of view.
"You know something, Y/N? I know you think all guys are evil because dad left and some of them are douchebags...But it wouldn't kill you to try and find someone to make you happy, especially since the world is ending and all." He spat before heading towards his room and slamming the door.
Your sat on the couch with wide-eyes and your vision blurry slightly. You knew he was upset, but fuck did that hurt.
You've always put yourself and your work above any sort of relationship. You've witnessed through your mom what relying on a man can do to you.
When he left your family when you were 12 and Dustin was 8, your mom had been forced to move you all away from your home town to Hawkins, a place she could actually afford as an insurance receptionist.
You vowed to never let a man take advantage of whatever kindness you chose to show and work hard to ensure your own stability.
However, that meant you weren't male centered. So, while your friends were dating and some marrying right outside of high school, you had only ever kissed one boy in 7th grade on a dare.
You decided not to think about it anymore. You wiped your eyes and go and help your mom out in the kitchen. Dustin needed his space right now, anyways.
-----
Dustin slammed his bedroom door so hard the knick-knacks on his desk shook.
He couldn't date unless his SISTER dated? The town appointed "shrew"?
He felt fucked.
He plopped down at his desk and grabbed his walkie talkie.
"Come in, anyone. This is Dustin, come in over." He said into the reciever.
He repeated himself a few time, each time more annoyed than the last.
"Jesus, dude- what do you want?" Lucas responded.
"Lucas? Hey, I need to tell somebody about what just happened because I have no CLUE what I'm going to do." Dustin reponded.
"Uhh, ok?"Lucas responded hesitantly.
"I told my mom and sister that I plan on asking Suzie out to the Winter Dance and my mom said that I CAN'T DATE, unless Y/N does." Dustin said as he began pacing his room.
"WHAT?! Dude, isn't she like on a penis-strike indefinitely or something?" Lucas said.
Dustin grimaced, "Dude, ew that's my sister! But, basically, yeah. I'm so screwed!" He groaned while plopping down on his bed, "What am I going to do?" He said weakly.
"I don't know man," Lucas started, "I mean, I guess you could pay someone you know to take her out." Lucas joked.
Dustin thought for a moment before sitting up suddenly.
"Holy shit, Lucas you're a genius!" He said frantically into the reciever.
"What? Dude I was just joking-" Lucas responded, cautiously.
"I gotta go, thanks man!" Dustin said before pushing the antenna down and tossing his walkie on his bed.
He strutted over to his closet quickly, and after rummaging through some clothes on the floor and old toys, he pulled out a shoebox from the very back.
The shoebox was filled with a bunch of cash he's accumulation for years from birthdays, graduations, his paper route, you name it.
He took out $50 and left it on his desk so he wouldn't forget it tomorrow when he leaves.
Because, after all, he is meeting up with Steve tomorrow to figure out how he should ask out Suzie...
Steve, who definitely knows how to ask out girls.
Steve, who Dustin knows would be a great guy for his sister to date.
Steve, who mayyyy need a little convincing with cash since he didn't seem all that into you to begin with.
Dustin starred at the cash on his desk with a slight smirk. He considers himself a very smart guy, usually bribery isn't something that interests him. But desperate times call for desperate measures.
And he was very desperate.
-----
The next day Dustin rolled out of his room around 9:00 in the morning, which was extremely odd since it was a Saturday.
You stood in the kitchen sipping your coffee in your pajamas when he strolled in.
"Well, good morning. You're up shockingly early." You say to him.
"Well, my dear sister, I have somewhere to be!" He said while opening the fridge and grabbing a pitcher of orange juice.
"Oh yeah, where? Wheeler's basement so you can all play DnD till you do cross-eyed?" You joke, handing him a glass for his OJ.
He rolled his eyes and let out a fake laugh, "No, and don't act like you don't like DnD! I'm going to the WSQK to see Steve." He said, and you could've sworn you saw him fiddling with something in his pocket.
You rolled you eyes, "You know, the only 21 year old you should be hanging out with is your sister, not Steve Harrington the 'chick magnet'." You groaned.
"You would love him if you got to know him, Y/N!" Dustin responded.
"I know him well enough, Dustin." You responded, crossing your arms.
He quickly checked his watch and placed his glass down before bidding you goodbye and heading for the door.
"...Weird..." You said out-loud to nobody in particular. You felt like Dustin was behaving oddly this morning, but considering the fact he didn't bite your head off today like he definitely wanted to do last night, you'll take the win.
You had to get ready for the day anyways, you wanted to meet with Nancy today since she needed help with something...You weren't to sure, you think it was something about a radio signal?
-----
When Dustin showed up to the WSQK, he once again busted through the door.
Robin and Steve were on air so he had to wait a few minutes before he could pull Steve away and ask for his help.
Eventually, Robin set up a queue and let Steve free, waving at Dustin as she did.
Steve left his little glass-coffin and approached Dustin while fixing his hair.
"Hey man, I didn't think you'd be here so early." Steve said, plopping down on the couch across from Dustin.
"This is serious, Steve. I need your full attention." Dustin said holding his hands out.
Steve's eyes widen in confusion, "Uhhh, yeah, ok? Aren't we just figuring out how to get your little crush to like you back or something?" He said crossing his arms.
"Yes, but first we have an obstacle." Dustin said, "Yesterday, when I told my family about Suzie my mom said I couldn't date unless my sister dates as well." He added.
Steve let out an amused laugh, "Yeah! Good luck with that man!" He said, still laughing.
But Dustin didn't even crack a smile, so Steve reeled it in.
"I have a plan...And it involves you." Dustin said.
Steve may have not been the smartest man alive, but he can piece two and two together, and he knew where this was going.
"Oh, no no no no." Steve said, shaking his head, "I am not gonna date your emotionally-stunted sister, dude. Sorry, but no!" Steve said standing up.
Dustin held up his hand to stop Steve in his tracks, "I know, I know how you feel about her! But here's the thing. You don't need to 'fall in love with her', I just need you to take her out on a few dates...Come over for dinner once or twice and pull out her chair or something... Please man, I really need your help." Dustin practically pleaded.
Steve let out a sigh and ran his hands over his face, "Look dude, even if I wanted to, I can't afford dates right now. In case you haven't noticed working as the sound guy at a radio station that has five listeners doesn't pay much and I'm saving up to get my own place because, eventually, my parents will come home." Steve says.
"That's why I have this..." Dustin says while reaching into his pocket and pulling out $50 and placing it in Steve's hand.
Steve looks at him puzzlingly.
"This should be enough for a movie date, some snacks, and more. This is for date number one, keep it up and I'll pay for all of them." Dustin explained.
"Dude, are you paying me to date your sister?! I think she'd kill you if she ever found out-" Steve said.
"She won't...Because it's not like you'll get married or something and it'll eat away at you. Look, I really like this girl and I'm desperate. You always tell me to work for the girl I want. I want this girl so badly, please Steve." Dustin begged.
Steve thought about it for a moment. He didn't love taking Dustin's money, but he really couldn't afford to help him otherwise. If you ever found out about his ulterior motives, he was sure you'd personally castrate him.
But the way Dustin was looking at him right now, he could tell he was desperate.
"FINE, Henderson! But she better never find out..." Steve said putting his hand out for Dustin to shake.
Dustin beamed as he frantically shook Steve's hand, "YES! Ok, she has no plans tonight, come by my house at 8:00 and take her to the movies. " Dustin said.
Steve looked at Dustin, "I'm gonna regret this, aren't I?" He said.
"Maybe! But at least you're a good friend." Dustin said to him.
-----
A/N:
Heyyyyy!! I'm back!! I'm on spring break right now and I've had this series idea for MONTHS, but I've had no time to sit down and write at school. I'm not sure how long this series is going to be, but it won't be super long! I hope you enjoyed this part, and if you did, please like, reblog, and comment! :)
pairing: steve harrington x reader
series summary: steve harrington used to be your other half. practically bonded at the hip since you were both in diapers, but when he starts high school the steve you once knew no longer seems to exist. instead he's been replaced by an ass who only seems to care about sports, parties, girls, and his popularity. when steve starts seeing your best friend nancy you're forced to face the one thing you've been running from — how you actually feel about steve. but with the disappearance of will byers and your other best friend barbara holland, you come to find out that things are not what they seem in hawkins and steve and you are forced to face more than just how you feel about each other.
warnings/includes: cursing, alcohol use, smoking, graphic depictions of death, bad childhoods, mental health issues, survivors guilt, 18+ sex scenes, ptsd, miscommunication x100, friends to strangers to lovers, the slowest of slow burns, angst, and the idea that love prevails all.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
season one:
⟡ chapter one
⟡ chapter two
⟡ chapter three
⟡ chapter four
⟡ chapter five
season two:
⟡ chapter six
⟡ chapter seven
⟡ chapter eight
⟡ chapter nine
⟡ chapter ten
⟡ chapter eleven
Hey!! I’m just updating you all to let you know that since I am officially back to school I won’t be updating as often as I had been, though I am still active on this app. With that, I’d absolutely love if you guys could comment/message me some potential fic ideas you’d want me to write! Thanks everyone, stay well!🤍
Summary: The events that led to you realizing you were utterly in love with Steve Harrington, along with the adventures you two have endured.
A/N: This is sort of like a quick season 2/3 rewrite, sorry for any inaccuracies or plot I left out! Let me know what you think!
Warnings: Allusions to NSFW content, violence.
Word Count: 7.4k
Henderson!Reader.
Fem!Reader.
Border Credit: @saradika-graphics
Fall of 1984
You had been well aware of your status in high school, it was no where near Steve "The Hair" Harrington's.
Steve ran in a circle where he was a practical king. One with parties, drinking and a lot of girls fawning over him.
You ran in a circle where you only had two close friends, Nancy Wheeler and Robin Buckley. One with Star Wars marathons and academia.
You never expected your circles to ever overlap.
Yet, in the fall of 1984 they did.
Your brother had intercepted Steve while he was on his way to the Wheeler's to apologize to Nancy. Little did he know Nancy was utterly infatuated with Johnathan Byers, but that wasn't very important.
You were well aware of everything going on with the upside down. After all, it was you who helped disguise El with your old clothes and one of your mom's wigs.
You were at home preparing the meat-buckets in your backyard when you heard the hum of an engine shutting off.
Before you knew it Steve Harrington was standing in your backyard with your brother.
You let out an internal groan that the King of Hawkins High was the best help your little brother could find.
"Really, Dustin? Steve Harrington...I thought you were getting Nancy or Mike." You said to him as you continued filling the buckets with your gloved hands.
"Gee, don't sound too excited, sweetheart." Steve said, crossing his arms.
You hated the way your cheeks heated up at his words, you kept your head down to hide your obvious blush.
"Look, Y/N, he's our best bet and he's completely caught up! So let's just head over to the track and spread this shit around so we can find Dart!" Dustin rambled.
You rolled your eyes, "Dear God, Dustin. Just grab a bucket and let's go." You said as Steve and Dustin both grabbed a bucket.
You all loaded up Steve's beamer with the buckets, driving to the tracks with the windows down.
You didn't say a word to Steve as you sat in the back seat, but occasionally you'd catch his gaze in the rearview mirror, only looking away when he did.
When you'd arrive to the tracks you all geared up in gloves.
Steve had popped open his truck and grabbed a bat with nails in it, he twirled it before sticking it halfway into his backpack.
You gave him a funny look, obviously trying to hide a smile.
"What?" He asked you, sounding slightly offended.
"I just think it's funny you also brought a weapon." You said while slightly lifting up your sweater to reveal your revolver.
Steve let out a low whistle as you let go of your sweater and grab your bucket.
You could feel his eyes on you as you and Dustin started towards the tracks.
Once on the tracks you all began spreading the raw meat around to hopefully attract Dart.
"So how do we know that this thing isn't a little lizard?" Steve asked Dustin.
"Yeah. I haven't actually seen this baby demo." You add.
"It's not a lizard...Trust me." Dustin said.
"Ok but how do we know-" Steve asked, clearly pushing Dustin's buttons.
"BECAUSE IT'S FACE OPENED UP AND IT ATE MY CAT!" Dustin yelled at Steve.
Your face paled, "W-WHAT?" You yelled, stopping in your tracks.
Steve looked shocked as Dustin began to stammer, "I'm so sorry Y/N, I only noticed when it was too late."
"I loved that cat, Dustin!" You say to him.
"You can beat me up later, right now we have some inter-dimensional creature running around Hawkins and I feel like one singular cat won't satisfy it's hunger." Dustin says to you.
You look at him for a moment weighing your options: You could kill him right now, but you'd have to kill Steve too since he's a witness. Or you could hold off and focus on the danger the town is in.
You nodded at your brother silently, choosing the latter.
After that, Dustin walked a good distance in front of you and Steve for awhile, trying to radio Lucas or Mike.
"Hey..." Steve said, nudging you with his shoulder slightly.
"I'm really sorry about your cat." He added.
You let out a sigh, "Thanks. It'll be alright...Definitely kicking his ass later though." You say, making Steve chuckle a bit.
A comfortable silence passes before Steve decides to speak again, "Can I ask where a girl like you got a revolver?" He asks with a raised brow.
You turn to him and give him a strange look before his eyes widen and he began to sputter, "Wait- I didn't mean it like that...It's just that, I don't know...You're Y/N Henderson. You're one of the smart kids that will probably go to Harvard or something. You're someone who has their shit together, you're good!" He explains.
You let out a quiet laugh at his explanation, "To answer your question, my dad gave it to me." You answer simply.
"Your dad? Does he know you're wandering around with it?" Steve jokes.
You sigh, "Nope, but that's because he left about 6 years ago." You tell him.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry I didn't-" He starts to apologize before you cut him off.
"It's ok! Really, it's not something you want advertised...He gave it to me on my 10th birthday, wanted to take me hunting with it. We used to go into the woods and shoot targets, I was never actually able to bring myself to kill anything. I should get rid of it, but it gives me peace of mind, you know?" You tell him.
"I just would've never expected you of all people to have a gun." Steve confesses, now laughing.
"Oh, come on!" You say, now laughing as well, "Well, I would've never guessed King Steve would be helping out a random kid with some crazy adventure like this one." You confess.
"Yeah, well. He seemed desperate...And I'm a lot nicer than my friends you know, contrary to what your friend Nancy might say..." He said, splattering meat on the tracks a little harsher now.
Even though he was your close friend's boyfriend, you never spoke to Steve. It wasn't intentional, you just didn't really party or have any interest in his circle.
"She never said anything bad, Steve..."You tell him.
"So you didn't hear that she flat-out told me she didn't love me in one of the most painful ways possible?" Steve asked, tilting his head sarcastically.
Oh, you had heard.
Nancy had told you a little while ago she wasn't feeling anything with Steve but she didn't want to hurt him either. In fact, she had even confessed to you that she had developed a "small" thing for Johnathan Byers since all this upside down crap began...You had told her she had to confess to Steve before anything bad happened, but she didn't listen.
"I take it by the look on your face you heard." Steve said.
You nodded, "I did, but she never said anything negative about you...And for the record I've never thought you were a bad guy...Your friends are dicks though." You tell him.
He laughs, "Yeah, I know."
"Then why are you friends with them, Steve?" Something about you saying his name makes him look at you, and you could've sworn you saw a slight blush to his cheeks.
He shrugs slightly and looks back at the ground, "Reputations are a funny thing...I'm on the same level as them so we're friends...But the truth is they're nothing like me..." He says, his voice is now quieter as you stare at him.
"People like Tommy H. and Carol are seen as superficial to everyone and actually are superficial...I may be seen as superficial, but that's the furthest thing from the truth." He confessed.
"I believe that." You say, shocking him a bit, "Really!?" He asked.
"Yeah, look I've talked to Tommy H. and Carol, and each time I have they've made me feel like shit. I've spent maybe an hour with you and you've been nothing but kind. You're a nice guy, Steve." You say to him.
He smile softly at you, "Thanks, and for the record I think you're cool, sweetheart." He says to you, winking.
You blush slightly while returning the smile.
Dustin stops in his tracks and turns around, "I can't reach anyone! This is such bullshit!" He yells.
"Look, we're losing light...What if we set up a trap in the junkyard? Get them to meet us there." You suggest and Steve nods, agreeing.
"Fine, let's do that." Dustin says, saying the new plan into the walkie.
You and Steve walked back to his car in a comfortable silence while Dustin finally reached everyone on his walkie.
You didn't know how to feel about the heat that bloomed in your chest when you and Steve would catch each other's not-so-sneakily looking at each other.
-----
You and Steve stood back to back in the junkyard while the kids hid out in an old bus.
Steve had his bat in his hands, attempting to lure dart out with his whistles.
You stood with your revolver loaded and held out in front of you, your stance was one that was met with intent.
"Where the fuck is it-" You mutter quietly.
"GUYS, 3 O'CLOCK!" Dustin shouted.
You were sure the adrenaline coursing through your body made his voice sound louder than it actually was.
You and Steve quickly turned to the side where the demo was running at you.
Steve quickly shoved you out of the way, causing you to stumble, as Steve swung at the creature with precision.
A loud crack rang out as the bat came in contact with the creature.
You stared a bit too hard for someone in such a dangerous situation, but your focus was ripped from Steve when you heard rummaging behind you.
You saw another demo charging at you from the shrubs, you let out three rounds into the creature's mouth, ultimately killing it.
When you turn around Steve was starring at you slack jawed.
"What?" You panted, before Steve could speak both of your attentions flew to the bus, the bus where the kid's piercing screams could be heard from.
One demo was on the roof of the bus and another was clawing at the door.
You and Steve took off running, Steve took on the one at the door while you shot down the one on the roof.
"LET'S GO, C'MON!" Steve called out, forcefully pushing the door open so the kids could run out.
Everyone rushed to the car when Dustin stopped, "WAIT! Steve grab this one!" Dustin said pointing to the first demo Steve took out.
You and Steve let out a "WHAT?!" at the same time.
"No, no way, Henderson." Steve said, "That thing could come back!" Steve said, nudging it with his bat.
"That thing is super dead, we'll put it in the Byers' freezer when we get back, it's a scientific marvel!" Dustin said.
Steve looked at you for help but you shrugged, "I mean, now that I'm looking at it, it is super dead." You say.
Steve looks at you with wide eyes, "WHAT? Sweetheart, this thing could come alive in the trunk and kill us all. We are not taking it back with us unless I'm 100% sure that it is dead." Steve said, slinging his back over his shoulder.
You clicked off the safety on your revolver and delivered two perfect shots to the demo's head.
Everyone jumped as you clicked the safety back on, "It's dead." You say as you walked towards his beamer.
Steve looked at you with awe as Dustin urged him to pick it up.
"You are the coolest person, like ever!" Max said to you as you sat in the beamer.
You laughed, you'd had taken a liking to Max ever since your brother told you that some girl from school beat his high score in Dig-Dug.
You saw a lot of yourself in the young girl, you felt protective over her.
Steve threw the demo in his trunk and in the rearview mirror you noticed Dustin pointing his finger at Steve, almost scolding him as Steve held his hands up in defense.
When they had finally gotten in the car, Steve took off towards the Byers' house.
The kids were loud in the backseat when you took it upon yourself to break the silence going on in the front seat.
"You have a helluva swing, Harrington." You tell him.
He looks at you for a moment, "Says you, gunslinger! I mean I've never seen anything like that." He told you.
You laughed at him, like really laughed.
He looked at you as you threw your head back, and he wouldn't tell you this until years down the line, but he swore that in that moment, the very first moment he heard your real laugh, he fell in love with you.
When you collected yourself you looked over at him, paying attention to you and not the road, "What?" You questioned, pulling him out of his trance.
"N-Nothing..." He said, trying his best to act nonchalant as he turned his attention back towards the road.
-----
You and Steve were meant to keep the kids safe as everyone else left with El and Will.
You were both struggling to convince them to stay put, but you were cut off by a loud engine pulling up to the house and shutting off.
"Shit! It's my brother." Max said from the window.
Everyone began to slightly panic when you reeled them in.
"I'm gonna go deal with him, everyone stay put." He said, tossing the rag that was over his shoulder to Dustin.
"You shouldn't go alone-' You say to him.
He grabbed your shoulders softly, "Sweetheart, you stay here with the kids." Dustin cleared his throat at the sight before him, causing Steve to gently pat your shoulders and head towards the door.
Max caught the slight blush on your cheeks and noted your frozen stance.
She nudged you a bit while smirking, "Shut up." You said to her, smirking as well.
"What are we gonna do if Steve can't stop him?" Lucas said.
"Steve is gonna be fine-" You assured him before Max cut you off, "Y/N he's fucking crazy! He's gonna kill Steve and then us." She said crossing her arms.
"Is Steve a good fighter?" Mike asks you.
You go to speak but stop as you recall Johnathan Byers, the boy who can't even run right, beat up Steve.
"We're so fucked." Dustin said, reading your expression.
"Hey! We are not-" You say as the door swings open.
Your head whips around as Billy rushes in. You stand in front of the kids with your arms out, trying to protect them.
Billy stops to take a look at you, his eyes raking over your figure uncomfortably.
"It's a good thing you're so hot, because you're clearly not fucking smart." He says before grabbing your shoulders and tossing you to the group harshly.
Your palms dig into the floor before you know whats happening.
When you stand up, Billy has Lucas in the air by his coat.
"HEY!" You call out to Billy, but are ultimately ignored.
You kick him harshly in the side, causing him to drop Lucas and turn his attention to you.
"Oh, you're dead, baby." He said, looking at you with sinister eyes. You were so scared you hadn't even noticed Steve re-enter the house.
"No. You are." Steve said, flipping Billy around to face him and delivering quick and relentless punches to the man before him.
You all watched as the men brawled, the kids were cheering Steve on but you didn't make a sound. You were too scared.
It was going well until Billy smashed a plate over Steve's head, disorientating him.
Billy began wailing on Steve, knocking him to the ground before you could even process what was happening.
You had to help him, and you did in the only way you knew how to.
You grabbed the revolver in your back pocket, "HEY!" You shouted, but Billy didn't stop.
You held your revolver out in front of you and undid the safety.
Suddenly Billy stopped, how he heard it you had no idea.
He slowly turned his head to you and let out a maniacal laugh before slowly standing.
"Are you really gonna shoot me? You're not the type, princess." Billy spat.
"Max, grab the syringe." You ordered, unmoving, your gaze set on Billy's figure.
His brows furrowed in confusion as Max obeyed you, coming back with the aforementioned syringe.
"Get on your knees, hands at your side." You demanded.
He laughed, "Oh princess, nobody tells me what to do." He said to you.
"On. Your. Knees." You repeated, gesturing the gun downwards to the floor."
"You're not gonna shoot me." He said, snarkily.
You then shot off one bullet into the small patch of floor between his legs, the ground was left smoking.
Billy's face was shocked as it went from the floor to you, "Next time I won't miss. Kneel." You said.
This time Billy listened, keeping his hands in front of him.
"Stick him." You motioned to Max.
Billy verbally protested but didn't dare move.
"Max you fucking bitch don't you dare-" He spoke as Max stabbed him.
He pulled the needle from his neck slowly before looking at you.
"You're crazy." He spat.
"You're never gonna bother Max or her friends again." You said to him, lowering your gun.
"Fucking bitch..." He said, fading out on conciousness.
When he finally passed out you immediately began moving to Steve, the kids hot on your tail.
"Holy shit-' You said while grabbing Steve's bloody face in your hands, "Y/N, we need to get him out of here!" Dustin said frantically.
You and the kids carefully load him into Steve's car and you drove everyone to your house.
You couldn't stop checking over your shoulder to check on Steve's limp body sprawled across the backseat.
But the car was chaos with all the kids frantically yelling over each other.
"Sweetheart...?" Steve muttered quietly.
"What?EVERYONE SHUT UP!" Dustin shouted, "Heyyy buddy, it's me, Dustin. You fought Billy...He kicked your ass but you put up a hell of a fight." Dustin said.
"Is he ok?" You ask quickly, checking over your shoulder once again.
"Sweetheart? Wha- you ok?" He mummbled.
"Sweetheart? Ew dude, stop that!" Dustin groaned
"Is she ok?! Steve, she pointed a REVOLVER at my stupid brother and got him to fall on his knees!" Max cheered.
"...His knees? What?" Steve said confused, your face flushed at Max's accidental double-entendre.
You quickly swerve into your driveway and turn the keys, "You kids go in and call Nance or Hopper and tell them we've moved!" You ordered and they listened to you without hesitation.
You then got out of the car and helped Steve to his feet.
He groaned in pain at the movement and you apologized profusely, "Let's clean you up, Steve." You said, leading him inside to your bedroom.
You laid him down on your bed and grabbed the first-aid kit from the bathroom.
"This may sting" You say as you dab a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol onto the large gash on his forehead, causing him to hiss.
You couldn't help but notice the way his eyes gentle gazed across your face as you fixed him up.
You felt your cheeks heat up slightly, "What?" You ask through a smile.
"I just..." He said shaking his head slightly, "Did you really pull your gun on Billy?" He asked.
"Sure did, even shot the floor between his legs. Turns out when you nearly shoot a guy in the dick they listen to anything you say." You winked.
Steve let out a laugh and a hiss, clutching his surely bruised ribs.
"God, I can't believe he did this to you." You said, gently placing a band-aid on his head.
" 'Guys a dick...He has it out for me anyways. I'm glad you kicked his ass, sweetheart." He says.
"Why do you call me that?" You ask while packing up the first-aid kit.
"What? Sweetheart?" He asks, slowly sitting up on your bed.
You cheeks flush, "Yeah..." You respond.
He shrugs, "It feels right, I don't know." He replied.
You weren't really sure what to say next, luckily for you Steve immediately became distracted.
"Holy shit-" He said while pointing.
Your eyes followed to where his finger was pointing, it had landed on your vinyl collection.
To say you collection was large wasn't even doing it justice, and Steve was shocked.
"Oh, yeah. A lot of those used to be my dad's but I've been adding onto it." You say, shyly.
"What's your favorite album?" Steve asked, genuinely interested, which shocked you.
You thought for a moment before you stood up and grabbed one off the shelf.
You carefully took the record out of the sleeve and placed it onto your record player, lowering the needle with skill.
You sat back next to Steve as "Death on Two Legs" rung out.
"Queen?" He asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Yup. A Night At The Opera." You respond.
He lets out a small laugh, obviously amused by you in some way.
A beat of silence passes before he turns his attention to you completely, obviously hesitating.
"Steve?" You ask.
"After this is all done...Would it be weird if I took you out?" He said.
You must've looked as shocked as you felt because Steve quickly tried to explain himself.
"I-I understand if it makes you uncomfortable with Nancy and everything, you just..." He pauses, looking down and grabbing your hand gently, "You're fucking incredible. I'd love to take you out on a date and if it doesn't work out, then please let me be your friend, sweetheart." He said, running his thumb over the back of your hand.
A smile spreads across your face, "I'd love that, Steve." You say and he smiled widely.
"Oh, just...Just don't tell Dustin. When he picked me up he kind of told me to strictly not flirt with you." Steve said, grimacing.
You laughed loudly at him, "Okay, you've got yourself a deal, Harrington." You say.
Steve looks at your lips as Queen continued to play in the background, you swore you saw Steve lean in slightly towards you, but both of your attention was then stripped away from each other and pointed towards the shouting of the kids.
He sighed, "Time to get back to babysitting, sweetheart." He said winking at you.
To think you once thought you and Steve Harrington would never have anything in common.
Because after just one day with him, you think he may be your new favorite person.
-----
Summer of 1985
You and Steve had been secretly dating since December, it was July now and the only people who knew were Nancy and Robin.
Nancy knew because you had to talk to her about your crush on Steve, one she pushed you to pursue because in her words, "he deserves someone like you."
Robin knew because she walked in on you and Steve in your bed a few months ago, something she still loves to bring up anytime she needs anything from either of you, since in her words you guys still "owe her one".
You both wanted to be open about your relationship, you really did. But Dustin has made it very clear that he does not want the guy he looks up to more than anyone else in the world and his sister, his own personal super hero, dating.
And he didn't have to say why, you knew how bad it hurt him if you two were to be together and then break up, causing Steve to leave. You knew Dustin couldn't lose another male figure.
But you and Steve had been happier than you could've imagined. And although you hadn't told him just yet, you were so unbelievably in love with him.
Dustin would never have anything to worry about when it came to you two, but the boy was dramatic and you and Steve couldn't find a way to break the news. So, it kept getting pushed off.
But, since Dustin has been at summer camp for the past month, you and Steve have to sneak around a lot less.
That's not to say you hadn't been busy.
You, Steve, and Robin had all gotten jobs together at Scoops Ahoy at the newly opened Starcourt Mall.
It wasn't a glamorous job by any means, but it gave you all something to do while earning extra cash.
It also entailed you and Steve making out in the break room a lot.
Like, A LOT.
You and Steve were tangled up in each other in the back room of Scoops. You were perched up on the cold metal table as you ran your hands through Steve's hair and his lips attacked your neck.
"Fuck, sweetheart, I-'" Steve said before Robin's voice rang out.
"OH DINGUSES, ANOTHER KID IS HERE TO SEE YOU!"
You both quickly pulled away from each other, breathlessly, with confused eyes.
All of your kids should be preparing for Dustin to come home.
"Where the HELL are they?" You could hear Dustin through the glass panes.
Steve gasped as a smile spread across his face, he turned to head to the door when you grabbed his wrist.
"Stevie! Hang on!"You say to him as you pulled him back towards you.
You quickly fix his hair with your hands and placed his sailors hat back on his head, "Your face is a little flushed and your lips are swollen-" You say.
"And who's fault is that?" He asked, winking.
You roll your eyes as he places a quick kiss on your lips before practically sprinting out of the door to greet Dustin.
You laughed as you stood up from the table to straighten out your uniform and reapply some lip gloss.
When you walked through the door you saw Dustin giggling with Steve.
"Y/N!" He shouted, running over to you to give you a hug.
You let out an 'oof' as he collided with you before hugging him back.
"Hey Dusty!" You say to him, noticing how Steve was smiling at the sight.
Dustin pulled Steve into a booth, obviously wanting to catch up with his favorite person, and ordered you to make him a chocolate sundae.
You mocked offense at his attitude as Steve mouthed a quick 'sorry'.
You rolled your eyes and went behind the counter, obeying your little brother's request.
Robin leaned on the counter next to you, "So he really doesn't know about you and dingus?" She asked.
"Nope." You said, "He'd absolutely freak out so we've gotta figure out the right way to tell him." You tell her as you make the sundae.
"You guys have been together for months and you haven't figured it out yet?" She asks, unamused.
A slight blush spreads across your cheeks, "Well, we get distracted." You tell her and she fakes a gag.
Just then a guy around your age approaches the counter wearing an Indiana State t-shirt.
While Robin moved to take his order at the register, the man seemed to only have interest in you as you finished up pouring syrup on Dustin's sundae.
So much so that he completely ignored Robin's introduction and spoke to you instead.
"Y/N...Cute name for a cute girl" He says, looking at your name tag. The sound of your name pulls your attention away from the ice cream.
"Can I help you?" You ask politely but keeping your guard up.
You knew what was about to happen. People flirted with the three of you all summer, and each and every time they were denied.
"I sure hope so," He says leaning on the counter, causing Robin to sigh because she also knew what was about to happen, "I was hoping I could maybe take you out sometimes, you know, before I go to college." He said pointing at his shirt.
You gave him a blank look before your gaze fell past him. You saw Steve starring daggers into the back of this guy's head as Dustin continued rambling to him.
"Look, you don't even know me-" You start before he cuts you off again, "That's why I want to take you out." He said, winking.
You crossed your arms, "Yeah well, I don't think my boyfriend would like that very much." You say.
His confident expression quickly fell as he now stood up straight.
Robin let out a loud laugh at the guy as his cheeks turned red.
"I-I didn't-" He started.
"It's best if you take your business elsewhere." Robin said to him, nodding to the door.
"Yeah, sorry..." He muttered before turning to walk out the door.
You picked up Dustin's ice cream, ready to bring it over to the table when Robin spoke, "Steve looks like he could kill that guy." She said as you both looked at Steve's eyes following him out the door.
You sigh and give Robin a funny look, making her laugh, as you walk over to Dustin and Steve.
You place the ice cream in front of your brother and take a seat next to him.
Your butt wasn't even in the seat when Steve started talking, "Who was that?" He asked.
"Some guy that wanted to take me out, turned him down." You say, nudging his ankle with your foot lovingly under the table.
"Why didn't you say yes?" Dustin asked, mouth full of ice cream.
The look Steve gave Dustin was piercing to say the least.
"What!?" You say to him.
He shrugs, "C'mon Y/N, you're going off to college next year and you've never even had a boyfriend. I'm your younger brother and even I have a girlfriend."
"You have a girlfriend?!" You ask, "Since when?"
"Her name is Suzie, we met at camp. She's like the smartest person I've ever met, like all the same things as me, AND is hotter than Phoebe Cates. I've been having trouble contacting her though because she lives in Utah...I'm also not allowed to call her because she's a mormon and as an agonistic myself, her parents don't like me." He said, smiling.
"Hotter than Phoebe Cates?" You question and he nods, eagerly.
"Dude, no girl is that perfect." Steve says and you give him a pointed look. You feel his foot nudge yours, a sign that he's just messing with you.
"She is! And she told me that kissing is better without teeth!" He added.
You give him an odd look and Steve just nods, "Wow...That's...wow." Is all he can say.
"See, Y/N, I've had my first make-out before you've even had a boyfriend. You should've gone out with him!" Dustin says.
Steve couldn't help but cross his arms and grin, a grin that said, "Yeah, she's done way more than making out".
"Dustin, I don't even know the guy..." You said, rolling your eyes.
"Lay off her, dude." Steve added.
"Says you, Steve. I mean you haven't had a girlfriend since Nance...What about Robin?" Dustin said nudging towards Robin behind the counter.
You both cringed at the implication, "No way dude, she's like a sister to me." He said, shuddering, "She's not my type anyways." He added.
"You have a type?" Dustin said, earning a swift kick from Steve.
"Yup. I like 'em smart, like scary smart. I like when they're breath-takingly beautiful and an absolute badass." He said, once again nudging you with his foot.
You couldn't help but smile at his words.
"Dude. Only one of those exist in the world and her name is Suzie and she's my girlfriend." Dustin said.
Steve rolled his eyes and you laughed.
Just then Dustin pulled open his backpack, pulling a tape recorder out.
Your tape recorder.
"HEY! I've been looking for that!" You scold.
"Yeah well I took it to camp. Last night when I was trying to get a signal to reach Suzie I-" Dustin pauses, looking around before muttering.
"I intercepted a secret Russian code..."He mumbled.
"What?" You asked.
So he repeated himself.
"Dude, speak up." Steve said, leaning in closer.
"I INTERCEPTED A SECRET RUSSIAN CODE!" Dustin shouted, drawing attention.
"OK- that's what I thought you said..." You replied, rubbing his shoulder.
"So, do you think it's serious?" Steve asked the young boy.
"Well, seeing as we're on the midst of a Cold War, yeah. Probably." Dustin said sarcastically.
-----
Later that afternoon, Robin, Steve, and Dustin were in the back deciphering the code while you finished up serving the last few customers of the day.
After you had closed up shop you joined the others in the back.
Robin had been somewhat of a linguist, so her skills were needed.
Dustin had been trying to contact the party, but they all seemed busy. Dustin was ranting about El dumping Mike or something and the guys trying to get them back together.
"Dude, if Mike wants to get his girl back he needs to make some grand gesture that shows how much he likes her." Steve said, pacing and eating a banana.
You rolled your eyes, "What did Mike do?" You said making your presence known.
Steve's eyes fell on you and you couldn't help the loving heat that bloomed in your chest.
Dustin sighed, "I don't know, pissed El off or something. I think Max had something to do with it." He replied.
You shrugged, that sounded plausible.
You had always encouraged Max to put herself above anyone else, especially a boy. Hence why her and Lucas have broken up and gotten back together like five times. You loved Lucas, but the boy was something else.
Robin interrupted to say she thinks she may have cracked the code.
Little did any of you know that this stupid little recording, this phrase, would lead to one of the scariest moments of your life.
-----
You and Steve were tied back to back in this Russian base, you had fallen over trying to grab scissors on the table attempting to escape.
Robin, Dustin, and Lucas's little sister Erica who was roped into this mess, all were able to get away at you and your boyfriend's expense.
You hadn't been attacked, but you couldn't say the same for Steve. He had absolutely taken the entirety of the beating for you both.
You had started laughing, quietly at first, but getting louder gradually.
"Baby, please don't cry..." Steve said, causing you to laugh harder, "W-What? Are you laughing? Jesus, Henderson." He said.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry...It's just, I can't believe I'm trapped with Steve Harrington in a secret Russian base...I mean we're gonna die here." You laughed.
"I mean..." You start, tears pricking your eyes, "My entire life I was made to feel like an outcast, like some sort of weirdo. I felt as though nobody would care if I didn't show up to class...If I just started walking and didn't stop until I left Hawkins or even Indiana." You say, tears now pouring.
And Steve was just listening.
"I was made to feel like nothing by the people around me. People that just left, people that just bullied me...I had friends, friends I loved, but they always had someone else they thought of first when they needed a shoulder to lean on. I was only really existing for my little brother...And then I met you, really met you. I met Steve Harrington who made me feel so safe, so cared for, so lo-" You stopped, a sob causing you to choke.
"Sweetheart..." Steve said softly, it was killing him that he couldn't hold you right now.
"You're my best friend, Steve. You're my first thought in the morning and the last one before bed..." You cry.
"Sweetheart, you made me see that I'm so much more than I've been perceived as...I lov-" His speech is cut off by Russian guards entering the room.
"Oh shit." You say.
"Any chance you have that revolver?" Steve mutters.
-----
When Dustin, Erica, and Robin busted through the door roughly half-an hour later and took out the guards, they had already been too late.
You and Steve had bene injected with some sort of serum... And it was weird.
"HEYYYY DUSTIN!" Steve said as the young boy untied him.
"Holy shit dude, you look like crap." Dustin said.
Robin helped you to your feet and you threw you arms around her neck, pulling in into a tight hug.
"ROBS! YOU CAME FOR US!" You say, cheerfully.
"Woahhhh, ok!" Robin said, completely off guard.
Steve turned around sloppily, "Hey! Get off my girl!" He slurred.
Dustin made a disgusted face, "I'm sorry, WHAT?! What do you mean 'your girl'?" He asked.
You let go of Robin and Steve grabs your hand and looks at your face, "Oh good, I was SOOOO worried they were gonna hit you, baby." He said moving his free hand up to your cheek.
"BABY? Ok, WHAT is happening?" Dustin said, spiraling.
Before anything else could happen the alarms blared above your heads, Robin and Erica grabbed you and Steve as you all raced to a cart they had swiped.
You and Steve were in the back, he grabbed your figure and pulled you to his chest, kissing your ear.
"Stevie! Not here!" You giggle at him. You hadn't noticed the glare Dustin was giving the both of you.
"C'mon, sweetheart, I've missed you...Haven't been able to do anything since your brother has been taking up all our time." He said against your neck.
You had eventually made it out of the base in one piece. You memory is hazy, but somehow you ended up in a bathroom in the mall with your boyfriend, puking your respective guts out.
"Baby, did you OD in there?" You hear Steve ask as you sat with your back against the cold tile wall."
"No...I think I'm ok..." You say softly, "Steve?" You ask.
"Hmm?" He replies.
"...Did I freak you out at all?You know, in the base when I was talking about you..." You ask, sheepishly.
"Not at all." He answers quickly, "I love when you're honest with me, hell, I had so much I wanted to tell you in the moment too." He said.
"Like what?" You ask, pulling your knees to your chest.
"Well, you talked about how you never felt like you mattered, how it always felt like you were nobody's first choice...And I felt that way too for the longest time. Hell, my parents haven't been home all summer and they haven't called or written even once." He said, emotion lacing his words.
"My high school friends were dicks, I never truly liked them. I think I liked the attention they gave me, made me feel wanted. Then Nancy came along and I saw someone 'different' than the people I hung around. But Nancy didn't want me, and that's not even her fault. We were never meant for each other. But that night she dumped me, called me, our relationship, 'bullshit' to my face...Fuck, it broke me." He said, you could practically hear his tears.
"She broke me, after her I thought for sure nobody would ever really like me, all of me. Then I met you. And you made me feel wanted from day fucking one. You talked to me like I was a real person, not some popular asshole. You defended those kids with me, you damn near shot Billy Hargrove in the dick for me...And you have amazing music taste. Sweetheart, you're it for me." He told you.
He could hear your sniffles so he slid under the stall towards you.
You held your hand out and gentle caressed his bruised cheek.
You were about to confess the very thing you've been trying to say to him for awhile now when Dustin bursted through the door.
"Ahhhh! Here's the lovely couple, WHO I TOLD TO STAY PUT!" He yelled at you two.
You and Steve just looked at each other and laughed.
"Guess the secret it out." You say to him.
Dustin walked over to you and placed his hands on his hips like a disappointed mother, "How long?" He asked.
"Since December-" Steve started before Dustin cut him off, "WHAT?! Why didn't you guys tell me?" He asked, obviously hurt.
"Because you told me to not date her dude! We didn't want to upset you." Steve said.
Dustin looked stressed, "Ok, just...You two know you can never break up, right?" He said.
"Wasn't planning on it, Dusty." You told him with a wink,
Steve grabbed your hand and kissed it softly.
"EW! Ok, none of that!" He said, making you laugh.
You laughter was short lived when Robin bursted through the door with more bad news.
"Great. It never ends." You said as Steve helped you up.
-----
Fall of 1985
Three months ago Starcourt burned to the ground.
To on-lookers, it looked like a freak accident.
But to you and your gang, you all knew the truth.
That Billy Hargrove died protecting Eleven from the Mind Flayer.
That Eleven "Jane" Hopper killed that creature and in return lost her powers.
That the Byers were finally done with this town because of this final event, and you were all helping them pack.
Steve picked you up from your house in his beloved beamer, Dustin was already at the Byers' house.
Steve hopped out of his car when you walked out of your house, smiling at your adorable boyfriend.
"Hey, pretty girl." He said pulling you in for a passionate kiss.
"Hey handsome." You responded.
He opened the car door for you where you noticed a bouquet of your favorite flowers on your seat.
"Aw, Stevie, you didn't have to do this." You said as he sat in the drivers seat.
"Yes I did, when you have a beautiful girlfriend you get her flowers, it's the law." He tells you, leaning over the center console and planting a kiss on your cheek.
As you drove Steve seemed a little nervous.
"Are you ok?" You ask him.
"Yeah...Yeah, hey, let's listen to something." He says, not so slyly.
He clicked 'play' on his radio and Queen's 'Love of my Life' rang through the speakers.
You laughed at him as he so obviously planted his song.
"I've actually been meaning to tell you that I think of you every time this song plays..." He says, making your cheeks heat up.
"Really?" You ask softly.
"Of course...I love you, sweetheart. I have for awhile now, I just didn't know the right time to say it. And then the world was like, ending, and with the Byers' moving and all...No time ever felt right and-" You cut Steve off, "Park the car." You demand.
He does as he's told and pulls over.
"You don't have to say it back-" He sputters.
You lean over the console and grab his face in your hands and place passionate, gentle kisses along his face and finish off by kissing his lips.
"I love you so, so much, Stevie." You whisper against his mouth.
"Y-You do?" He asks, a smile spreading across his face.
"Like I couldn't fall in love with you, Steve Harrington." You say, rubbing your thumb over his cheek and looking into his gentle eyes.
"You're the 'Love of my Life', sweetheart." He says, winking.
"You're so cheesy." You tell him as you roll your eyes.
"Yeah, but you love me." Steve continues your kiss and you don't think you've ever been happier.
This is a moment you wish you could stay in forever.
One that will surely play over and over again when you're asked to 'go to your happy place'.
You weren't aware that in less than a years time you'd be stripped away from the love of your life in a grueling way. Nobody knew, nobody could've guessed.
Because right now you were all living in blissful ignorance, living under the belief that the upside down is no more.
How wrong you all were.
But right now you are happy and in love.
You are in love with a man you once thought would’ve never noticed you.
You are in love with a man who you were sure never cross your path.
You are in love with Steve Harrington, the man who you were sure would do anything for you.
The man that would have to prove that in a few months time.
Thanks for reading! Please like, comment, and reblog if you enjoyed this fic! And don't forget to read part one (linked up top) if you haven't!)
Summary: You and Coach Harrington are officially engaged and your coworker is less than thrilled about it. In fact, he even tries to take a few steps into messing with your fiancé.
A/N: Here's a little part 2 to 'Keep It Professional'. I really enjoyed writing both of these oneshots, let me know what you think in the comments!
Henderson!Reader
Fem!Reader
Word Count: 3.5k
Border Credit @devondespresso
Click Here For Part 1
You and Steve were in his car on the way back to your shared home from Enzo's.
Only this time something was different.
You were holding out your left hand in front of your face, gleaming at the diamond that graced your left hand and you swore you hadn't stopped smiling since Steve slyly pulled out the velvet box at dinner.
"So, I take it I did good?" Steve asked while rubbing your thigh lovingly.
You laughed, "It's perfect Steve...So who helped you?" You asked him.
He scoffed in mock-offense, "How do you now I didn't spend hours, upon hours selecting that very ring for you." He replied.
When he glanced your way you were giving him a blank expression which caused him to laugh, "Alright, fine. Robin has been helping me over the phone for months...Or else you would've had this large ruby one I found at first that she bullied me out of." He responded, "So when she was in town for the 4th of July, we went out and bought that one."
"You've had this ring since July?!" You asked, shocked.
He laughed, "Sweetheart, if I had it my way I could've had this ring years ago, but you know, the world was ending and all."
To say you and Steve had been through a lot these past few years was an understatement.
To others it may seem like you're moving fast, but when a couple has spent majority of their relationship unsure if the following day was promised, they're allowed to move as quickly as they want.
"Does Dustin know?" You ask him as he grabbed your hand over the center console.
"He knows I was planning on proposing, just not when...So that should be a fun phone call." Steve said, knowing Dustin was gonna talk his ear off for not waiting till he was home to pop the question.
"He's gonna be so happy that you're legally going to be his brother." You tell him.
"Remember when he found out we were together?" Steve asked, causing you to groan.
"Don't remind me." You say, making Steve laugh.
You decided it was best to hide your relationship from him since he had already told Steve multiple times that you were "Off limits".
You and Steve were were able to hide your relationship for about five months before Dustin found out...In a rather unfortunate way.
Steve had snuck in your room for what had to have been the hundredth time and, like they always did, things got heavy...fast.
You and Steve were on your bed, he was shirtless while you were only in your bra, he was kissing down your neck and over your chest.
You were so distracted that you hadn't even heard the commotion in the hall.
That was when your door swung open to a traumatized Dustin.
It took two weeks and a lot of comped nights at the arcade for Dustin to speak to and forgive Steve after that.
"The little shit refused to speak to me for awhile after that, but I STILL had to drive him places-" Steve ranted to you as he pulled into the driveway.
He put the car in park and ran over to your side to open the door.
Without warning he picked you up bridal-style, causing you to yelp, and kicked his car door shut.
"Steve!" You giggle as he struggles to open the front door.
"Gotta practice, you know, since you're gonna be a bride real soon." He said, leaning his head down to plant a gentle kiss to your lips.
The kiss only deepens as you dropped your bag to the floor, sloppily kicking off your shoes as well.
Steve carried you both up the stairs, stumbling a bit as he was more focused on your mouth and your hands tugging at his hair than his footing.
"God, I love you-" He whispered against your mouth as he made it to your shared bedroom where he kicked the door shut behind you.
-----
As you did every night, you and Steve laid in each other's comfort as the moonlight cascaded softly through the curtains.
Your clothes were scattered aimlessly around the room as you laid on Steve's chest, your ring-cladded hand was gently playing with the hair on the back of Steve's neck as he turned his head to kiss your wrist.
He let out a content sigh before speaking, "I think you should just toss that nameplate on Monday." He joked.
You laughed at him, "Steve! It's still my name, we're not married just yet." You told him.
He playfully groaned, "It could be good practice!"
"Steve, I already turn my head when I hear 'Harrington' because either that mean's you're near or you're in trouble." You told him.
He laughed into your hair, "Yeah...But wouldn't it be great of your students started calling you 'Mrs. Harrington' like, tomorrow?" He muttered.
"Stevie! They don't even know we're together. And you just want to see the look on David's face." You say to him.
He pretended to be offended, "Wha- that is a crazy accusation, sweetheart..." He said, "But, God, I can't wait to see his stupid face when he sees this rock on your hand." He said, grabbing your left hand and pressing a gentle kiss to the stone.
"I'm so in love with you" He whispered in the dark, tilting your chin up from his chest and planting a kiss on your lips.
"I love you more." You responded, breaking the kiss.
"Impossible." He responded, leaning back in.
-----
Your beautiful weekend came and went, you both spent all of Saturday calling your friends and family, announcing the big news.
Everyone was ecstatic for the both of you, especially Dustin...Who did however spend half an hour ranting to Steve about how he should've asked for his blessing first, causing Steve to debate if he should just leave the phone hanging while he ranted.
You and Steve pulled into the parking lot, when he put the car in park he took a moment to grab your hand and lean over the center console and plant a loving kiss on your lips.
"Are you ready to answer to like a million teenage girls about the ring on your finger?" He said winking.
You roll your eyes playfully, "I'm ready to hear their young-hearts break when they hear coach Steve is off the market." You respond, kissing his cheek.
You went to open your door, but Steve protested.
He jumped out of the car and ran over to your side, opening your door and helping you out of the car.
"So, what's first on your agenda?" Steve asked, slinging his backpack over his shoulder while you picked up your tote bag.
You sighed, "I need to go make some copies of flyers for the debate team, exciting, I know." You say to him, "What about you?"
"I need to make a pit stop somewhere and then I need to finalize some plays for tonights game." He informed you.
He opened the door for you and planted a kiss on your cheek before you each took off in a different direction.
You entered the main office, greeting the receptionist with a smile before you went to use the copier.
You watched as the copier slowly produced blue flyers one-by-one.
You fiddled with your ring absentmindedly as your mind wandered back to Steve, which is all you seem to be able to think about.
A small smile graced your face, you were so lost in thought you didn't hear the footstep behind you.
It was only when that presence cleared it's throat that you turned around.
Ugh.
"Good morning, Mr. Lawrence." You said to him politely. You may not like him, but you love your job and you were a kind person.
David stood before you with a few papers in his hands. His hair looked more styled than usual, like he took more time today. His khakis were pristine, so was his button-up and loafers.
"Y/N-Sorry, Ms. Henderson." He said smugly.
You rolled your eyes slightly. You weren't stupid, you knew he only "apologized" to you because he was scared of Steve, because he wasn't sorry, just sorry he got caught.
You turned back around towards the copier, hoping your flyers would copy faster.
"How was your weekend with your boyfriend?" He asked in a snooty tone, almost as if he was trying to piss you off.
"It was amazing, thank you for asking." You responded as your papers finished. You collected them quickly and then turned around and moved past him.
You could feel his eyes on you as you walked away. You could've told him that you sent this weekend having a beautiful dinner, getting engaged, and practically living in your bedroom with your handsome fiancé...But you chose the latter.
You don't owe this guy anything, besides, you knew deep down Steve wanted to see his reaction to your engagement and you couldn't take that away from him.
When you walked in your room Steve was sitting on your desk with his arms crossed.
You laughed as you walked in, "How did you unlock my room?" You ask him.
He shrugged, "You know Mr. Randy, the janitor? He owed me a favor after I made the basketball team clean the court..."
"You made them clean the court?" You asked approaching your desk.
"Yeah, I figured if they cleaned it they'd feel more connected with the gym and their turf...You know?" He said shyly and you could only nod and giggle.
"But, I came here because I had to do a little decorating." He said, looking around your room.
Confused, you began to look around the room for any differences.
Your posters were the same, your chalk was lined up perfectly, your books were organized...
Then your eyes fell on your desk.
A new nameplate rested on your desk, it read "Mrs. Harrington."
You let out a laugh, "Stevie! When did you have time to make this?" You asked through a smile.
"Yesterday afternoon when I went out to get dinner I stopped by that office supply store and had this baby made, do you like it?" He asked, standing from your desk and hugging you from the back.
"I love it" you sigh, "but you do know that we're not married yet, right?" You ask him, again.
He huffed, "It's good practice-" He argued before being cut off by the door opening.
You and Steve didn't separate as your eyes flew to the door.
David stood in the doorframe with a few extra blue flyers in his hands.
"A few of these came out of the copier, Ms. Henderson." He said crossing the room and handing you the flyers.
Steve's arms let go of you but his left hand moved to your lowerback.
David handed you the flyers, his hand grazing your right hand for a bit too long, and too purposefully.
"Thank you, Mr. Lawrence-" You say to him.
"Actually, Mr. Lawrence," Steve starts, "I know we just had this whole conversation about names and respect on Friday..." Steve continued.
You had to bite your lip to stop yourself from smiling.
Steve turned to your desk and grabbed your new-and-improved nameplate gentle, holding it out in front of him.
David's eyes widened slightly as his brows furrowed and jaw hung lightly.
"But, I wanted to give you credit where credit is do, because you were right. Someone like her didn't need that old plate for very long...We had a very, engaging, weekend." He said to David.
David sputtered for a moment before clearing his throat slightly, "Well, congratulations Coach and Y/N-" He started to say before Steve cut him off, "Coach and Mrs Harrington, Mr. Lawrence." He said, pulling you into his side softly.
David nodded his head and without a word left your classroom, clearly embarrassed.
"Oh my God! Steve!" You say to him, smacking his chest lightly.
"What?" He asked, grabbing your wrists lightly and laughing.
"He was so embarrassed!" You said, "Well, good! Maybe now he'll realize that you are one-hundred percent off the market." He said to you, planting a kiss on your cheek.
The bell rang out, signaling that the school day was about to start.
"Well, thats my cue to head to my gym. " He said.
He tilted your chin up and pressed a passionate kiss to your lips, one he would've deepened if a students couldn't walk in at any moment.
"I love you Stevie." You told him.
"I love you too, Mrs. Harrington." He told you with a wink before smacking your behind and walking out of the room.
-----
The rest of the day was filled with you and Steve updating your students on your engagement. Soon, the entire school was buzzing about coach and the english teacher.
During your fifth period class, you were updating your board as you overheard a group of girls talking amongst themselves.
"I can't believe Mr. Lawrence gave us a surprise test today, not a pop quiz, a TEST." One of them said.
"I know! He was in such a mood today for literally no reason, something must've happened over the weekend." Another responded.
"Do you think he got dumped?"
"No way! Have you seen him? He's like, like beautiful!"
"Well, I've only ever seen guys that angry when they've lost a girl."
"Who would dump him?"
"Well someone, duh!"
"Wow. The second hottest teacher gets dumped and the hottest teacher gets engaged...What a weird coincidence."
You couldn't help but giggle to yourself at the girl's conversation. While it was inappropriate and you had no idea why your students thought you couldn't hear them from five feet away, you knew if you interjected you would start laughing.
Just then Steve busted through your classroom door, causing everyone's attention to fall on him.
Steve wasn't alone, he had his hand on one of his basketball player's shoulders.
"Coach Harrington?" You questioned his presence.
"I'm so sorry to interrupt, but you happen to have a lot of my players in your class right now and I have a question for them, Mrs. Harrington." He said with ease.
A blush spread across your cheeks as your class let out an "ooo".
"Proceed." You say to him with a smile.
Steve honestly looked a little tense, "Ok, gentlemen, how many of you received afterschool detention today from Mr. Lawrence for not handing in an assignment you never received."
Your eyes widened as each basketball player you had slowly rose their hands.
Steve looked at you with his hands on his hips and his tongue poking at his cheek.
You and Steve were having one of your famous eye-contact conversations.
"I'm gonna kill him" Said Steve's eyes.
"No, just go talk to him!" You responded with your eyes.
"Fine. I love you."
"I love you too."
Steve sighed, "Boys, you don't have detention. You did nothing wrong, I'm going to speak to Mr. Lawrence."
"Why did he only give our team detention, coach? Shouldn't have everyone gotten the assignment?" One of your students spoke.
"Because for a man who like's to start most conversations in the teacher's lounge with 'Did you know I went to Penn?', he clearly isn't that smart." Steve said before sending you a look and walking out of the room with his student.
Your class hollers and you had to calm them down.
"Ms. Henderson...Harrington? Whatever, is this because of you?" Your student who was just gossiping asked.
Dammit. I guess you couldn't be too mad since her analytical skills were improving.
"No!" You responded before another girl gasped, "It makes perfect sense! You and coach get engaged, and Mr. Lawrence is upset because he had a thing for you!" A collective "Ohhhhh" rang out in the classroom.
"Okay, class! We're not gonna do that! Mr. Harrington is going to take care of a matter for his team. I'm not sure why Mr. Lawrence is so upset, but it's not my business. Teachers are people too and we have bad days...Except we shouldn't take it out on our students..." You mutter that last part.
-----
Steve sent his student back to the gym so he could deal with David.
He didn't bother knocking, not that it would matter since there were no students in his room, he just walked right in.
David sat at his desk grading papers, a stack of 'F's' next to him.
He looked up at the commotion and smirked, "Harrington, to what do I owe the pleasure?" He asked.
Steve marched over to him and placed both of his hands on the desk, leaning over slightly.
"My team will not be at detention afterschool because you did not give them an assignment, you're just pissed that you can't have MY fiancée and you're trying to ruin my game tonight." He said sternly.
David sat up a little straighter, "If students don't show up to detention they're eligible for suspension, not that I'd expect you to know that, Harrington." He said, crossing his arms.
Steve blinked, taken aback by David's audacity.
He stood up straight and crossed his arms as well, "Are you really going to punish innocent kids because a teacher you had a dead-end crush on got engaged? Really, David?"
"I don't mind using my students to make a point to two newbies that think they can disrespect veteran co-workers." David replied.
Steve ran his hands over his face before responding, "Ok, first of all you've been here one year longer than us. Secondly, my fiancée has been very kind to you, in fact you were the one who disrespected her."
"It wasn't disrespect, Steve. Flirting isn't disrespectful-" He started saying, kicking up his feet on his desk.
"It is if she obviously wasn't flirting back. AND you called her a bitch, which she can still report you for." Steve said to him, growing angier.
"Hey man, sometimes the truth can sound a little disrespectful." He said smirking.
Steve had never wanted to punch someone so badly in his life, but he knew how angry you'd be if he got fired.
"Don't go down that road, man." Steve said sternly, "You taking out your petty jealousy on your students is disgusting-" Steve started before the door opened up wide and Mr. Higgins walked in, you trailing behind him.
"Mr. Lawrence, what is this I'm hearing about you falsely punishing students due to your own volitions?" Higgins spoke angrily.
David stood straight up, obviously flustered, "U-Um, Mr.Higgins, Sir...You see, my students that are on Coach Harrington's team never handed in their assignments so I gave them detention-" He spoke before Higgins cut him off by raising his hand.
"Ms. Henderson and all her students on the team just informed me they never received this assignment." Higgins said before David cut him off.
"How does she know what assignments I give out-" David whined angrily.
"MR.LAWRENCE-" Higgins boomed, "Ms. Henderson here was a student of mine for four years where she herself was an excellent student who never missed even one assignment...You on the other hand were caught in the janitor's closet feeling up my receptionist during prom..." He said, causing David to blush and rub the back of his head nervously.
Steve and you let out a small huff-like laugh before Higgins turned to Steve, "Harrington, your kids will be at your game tonight." Steve nodded and responded with a , "Thank you, sir."
David could only roll his eyes, "I have seniority over these two...Is it because I called her a bitch?" He asked, supposedly trying to save himself but only digging a deeper hole.
Higgins stood with a shocked expression, "Excuse me? You called a co-worker a what?" He said and then sighed, "Mr. Lawrence, you and I are going to have a private chat after the school day today." Higgings said before turning around to leave.
He gave you a polite nod when you muttered a small "thank you" to him.
Steve looked back at David and shrugged slightly, David looked like he had just seen a ghost. He was damn near frozen in place.
"See you tomorrow man, well...Maybe." Steve said to him, winking.
Steve walked over to you and put his arm around your shoulder, leading you out of the room.
You two stood in the hall, "Holy shit, sweetheart, you saved my ass...And his because I was a second away from punching him." He told you, making you laugh.
"Well, Higgins loved me...I was certainly a little nervous asking for his help after Dustin's speech, but he came through!" You said to him.
Steve looked down at his watch and muttered "shit" to himself.
"Go get back to your class, coach...You got a game to win tonight." You told him, winking.
"And then maybe some victory sex with my super hot fiancée?" He asked, raising his eyebrows.
You laughed at him, "I'll tell you what," You said standing on your toes to whisper in his ear, planting a grounding hand on his chest,"If you win tonight, your super hot fiancée will do anything you want."
With that Steve quickly kissed your forehead and took off jogging down the hall.
"Where are you going?" You shout down the hall, giggling.
Summary: You and Steve had just started your jobs at Hawkins High, you as an English teacher and him as the new coach and P.E teacher. However, when a coworker seems to take a liking to you, it drives Steve crazy that he can't make your relationship public...Until that coworker decides to disrespect you.
A/N: I think this could be a pretty cool series of oneshots to do? Like these two in different scenarios, lmk what you think!
Henderson!Reader.
Fem!Reader.
Border Credit: @devondespresso
Word Count: 4.2k
The Summer of '89 had come and gone.
The kids were now off at college, Nancy was back in Boston, and Johnathan and Robin were back in New York.
And as for you and your long-term boyfriend Steve Harrington, you were both staring new jobs...at Hawkins High
You got a job as an 11th grade English teacher. Your little brother Dustin may have been Valedictorian and a border-line mad scientist, but you were a damn near poet laureate. In fact, your plaques still lined Hawkins High's extensive trophy case in the lobby.
Steve had landed a job as the P.E teacher as well as the baseball and basketball coach.
It was no shock that you and Steve would find passion in teaching, you both love kids, as evident by the six you watched over for years.
But now you were both in his car on the way to your first day. Steve had one hand on the wheel in front of him and the other laid comfortable on your thigh, making loving circles with his thumb.
He was calm, too calm.
You on the other hand couldn't stop touching up your make-up in the sun-visor's mirror, ranting nervously as you do so.
"I mean, what if these kids can tell I was a dork in high school? The last time I was in this building I literally had a douchebag purposefully knock my books out of my hands and call me a 'virgin' like I was in some sort of crappy movie." You say, fixing your mascara.
Steve lets out a huff, "That's crazy...You were definitely not a virgin at that time." He said with a smirk.
You groan and roll your eyes, "Steve! This is serious." You scolded.
"C'mon, babe. If you recall correctly I threw that asshole against a locker so hard for doing that to you he nearly shit his pants as he ran away...Nothing is gonna happen to you." He tells you as he calmly ran his hand up and down your thigh.
Despite being "King Steve's" girlfriend for the last year and a half of high school, many of the people that ran in Steve's circle still targeted you. It was something you hid from him for awhile until he caught some dicks from his basketball team cornering you. Once you'd confessed to him the teasing stopped, but some still slipped through the cracks.
You laughed quietly, "I just don't wanna fail these kids...They've been through a lot the past few years-" You say nervously before Steve interrupts you.
"You could never fail anyone, sweetheart. You have also been through so much these past few years and even during the end of the damn world you never let anyone down...You're gonna be the best damn English teacher this school has ever seen. I mean, hell, you're the only reason I passed English!"
You smiled at his confession, he always knew how to make you feel better.
"And I'm sure you already know this, but you're gonna be a pretty damn good coach." You tell him.
"Oh, duh!" He exclaims as he pulls into the gravel parking lot.
The only cars in the lot had belonged to teachers, ones who were setting up their rooms like you were about to.
You take a deep breath as Steve puts his car in park.
"Are you ready?" He asks you while grabbing your hand.
"As I'll ever be..." You respond as he plants a soft kiss to the back of your hand.
-----
Your classroom had been a quaint little room on the second floor. It was dusty and smelled like old books...It was perfect.
Steve had helped you bring in your boxes of supplied -meaning he carried everything while you unlocked your classroom- before he left to set up his office within the gym.
You had set up your desk neatly, your colorful pens were in a cup, your books were neatly stacked, and a plaque that read "Ms. Henderson" sat front and center.
It was a gift from your little brother who joked he'd probably have to buy you a "Mrs. Harrington" one soon. A joke that spread a red blush across your face and a "Seriously dude, should've just waited a bit!" From Steve.
You were now standing on a rickety step stool to put up some posters on the back wall as carefully as possible.
You were so focused on maintaining your balance you didn't hear your classroom door open.
"Hey-" An unfamiliar voice rang out, pulling you from your concentration.
"Woah- I'm sorry I didn't mean to spook you!" The voice said.
You turned your head around, and when you did you were faced with an unfamiliar man.
He was tall, not as tall as Steve. He had neatly styled blonde hair and a smug look to his eyes.
His hands were in his khakis pockets, the khakis his button up and sweater vest was tucked into.
"I'm David Lawrence, I'm a science teacher." He says crossing the room with his hand out.
You stepped down from the step stool carefully to shake his hand, "Nice to meet you, I'm Y/N Henderson...I'm a first year English teacher." You told him.
He held onto your hand a little too long for it to be normal, in fact you were the one to have to pull away.
He gave you a cocky smile as he crossed his arms, "Ah. Fresh meat. This is gonna be my second year here, it's stressful but definitely great." He informed you.
You laughed awkwardly, "Yeah, I'm looking forward to this year. I went here myself so it's kinda cool to be back!" You said to him politely.
He lets out a small "Hmm" in response as he wandered around your half-decorated room.
"Do you need any help setting anything up? Anything heavy or that needs to go up high?" He offers.
"Oh-No thank you, I think I'm all set. Just need to finish putting up some posters then I'm all done." You inform him.
He nods at you and you don't miss the way his eyes rake over your figure in your dress slightly.
You clear your throat awkwardly before he turns towards the direction of your desk.
"Well, I hope your first day goes well, Y/N." He said to you.
The way his first name rolls off his tongue makes you feel...odd. Almost as if he didn't see you as a colleague.
"Thank you, Mr. Lawrence." You respond professionally.
He laughed and ran his hand through his styled hair, "You can all me David." He said to you, leaning back against your desk with his hands planted on either side of him.
You internally groaned in annoyance, does he really not get the hint?
"It's just more professional to call you by your last name." You respond.
His gaze fell to your nameplate, he then picked it up and read it before letting out an amused laugh, "This is cute." He said to you.
"Yeah, my brother got me that when I landed this job." You respond, a small smile tugging at the corner of your mouth at the mention of your little brother.
"Someone like you won't need this plate for long, gonna be changed in no time." He said to you before placing it back on your desk, crookedly.
Unlike when Dustin said it, Mr. Lawrence's words left you with an uneasy feeling.
"Um, I should really get back to decorating now...But thank you so stopping by." You said to him kindly.
"Hey, if you ever need anything I'm on the first floor, 101." He tells you before carrying himself out of the room with his hands in his pocket once again.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Lawrence." You told him politely...Not that you meant it entirely.
"You too, Y/N." He said closing the door.
You rolled your eyes when he was out of sight.
He was a typical douche, a textbook definition of one.
He was just like the guys who would ask you to scoop the furthest ice cream so you'd have to bend over to get it.
He was just like the guys who INSISTED they needed help in the X-rated section of family video.
He was just like the guys who's call in at WSQK to ask you what you were wearing.
Then something hit you...
Steve used to practically chase those guys out of Scoops Ahoy while telling those pervs to "Get their own girlfriend to oogle at."
Steve used to insist he could help those guys at Family Video, who then blubbered as he followed them behind the curtain since you, his girlfriend, was busy organizing tapes...No you weren't.
Steve used to grab the mic and and describe exactly what he was wearing and how his girlfriend, YOU, picked it out for him...Even if you didn't.
Steve never let anyone disrespect you or your relationship, and you didn't see him stopping now.
Except this was your career, not some stupid job you had for some extra pocket money.
If Steve knew this guy was clearly hitting on you he would surely defend you like he has in the past.
You just decided to keep decorating since your students would be here within the next hour.
This would be a problem for lunch time.
-----
Your first few classes flew by with a shocking ease.
Your students were attentive and clearly interested in your class and enjoyed having a young teacher they could sort-of relate to.
You also couldn't help but giggle at the two girls in your second period class who couldn't stop talking about "how hot the new gym teacher is".
If you weren't their teacher you'd happily agree verbally. But you just kept it in your head.
You were alone in your classroom organizing some folders when a gentle knock graced your door.
Your eyes shot up to the door where your boyfriend was was peaking his head in.
"Is this Ms. Henderson's room? You know, 'the hot new English teacher', as my kids are calling her." He says while walking over to you and rolling his eyes slightly.
You laugh at him, "Funnily enough, my girls couldn't stop talking about the hot new gym teacher..." You say to him as he plants a gentle kiss on the top of your head.
"Steve! No PDA at school!" You fuss him.
He looks around your room slowly, "I don't see any...public." He says, causing you to roll your eyes playfully.
"You ready for lunch, Mr. Harrington?" You ask him, standing up.
He groans, "Please, don't call me that." He whines.
You giggle, knowing exactly what you've done.
-----
You both sat in the teacher's lounge eating the lunches you had both packed last night in your kitchen.
"I'm excited for tryouts today, might have to use my 'I was basketball captain three years in a row I was that good' card." He joked.
You laughed at hime, "I can't think of a better time to use it-" You say before your conversation was interrupted.
"Y/N!" You heard from behind you.
Great. Mr. Lawrence.
"Hey, Mr. Lawrence." You say politely, Steve could feel your mood shift slightly.
His face was stern as he looked up at the man who was now standing between you two.
"How has your first day been so far? Any of the kids giving you any trouble?" He asked.
Steve wasn't stupid. He had quiet a few girlfriends in his time before you and flirted with his fair share of women.
What this guy was doing was painful to watch. He was flirting with Steve's girlfriend...In front of him.
And he hadn't even acknowledged him.
You had cut off Mr. Lawrence's rambling briefly, "Mr. Lawrence, this is the new P.E coach, Steve- Sorry, Mr.Harrington." You introduced him.
While you were allowed to be dating each other, you and Steve decided to keep your relationship separate from work unless it came up naturally.
In this moment Steve sort of hated he agreed to that.
Mr. Lawrence looked a little stunned at you interrupting him, his gaze fell on Steve who was sitting back in his seat with his arms crossed.
"Hey, man. Nice to meet you. You can call me Steve if you'd like." Steve said, extending his hand out politely.
"David Lawrence," He said while shaking Steve's hand weakly before turning to you, "Y/N, I thought you liked calling coworkers by their last names." He said, laughing slightly.
Your face twisted in a rather awkward expression so Steve stepped in, "So, David, what do you teach?" Steve asks, fiddling with the whistle around his neck.
"Science." He responded quickly, this time not even looking at Steve, "So, Y/N, first day and you've already made friends with another newbie, I thought I could tell you all about the school during lunch." He says slyly.
"Well, Mr. Harrington and I go way back." You inform him as you sneakily rubbed Steve's ankle under the table with your foot.
"Wayyyy back." Steve said looking at David.
He had shot Steve a look, a look that said 'Dude, I'm in the middle of something here'. But Steve simply didn't care, because the girl he was trying to get was extremely taken.
David checked his watch before huffing slightly, "Well, I've got somewhere to be..I'll see you around, Y/N." He said sending a wink your way, "Steve." He nodded before taking off.
Steve's eyes never left David's as he left the room.
"I thought he planned on showing you the ropes, guess he double booked?" Steve said before taking a sip of his water.
You rolled your eyes, "He stopped by my room this morning and introduced himself, he's kinda a douche." You whisper that last part to Steve.
"Oh, grade-A shithead...Did he say anything to you this morning?" Steve asked you protectively.
You picked at your food with your fork before hesitantly telling him, "He made a comment about my nameplate, that's all." You said.
Steve sat up straighter, "What did he say?" He asked.
You hesitated, "He said someone like me probably won't need a plate with my maiden name for much longer..." You said quietly.
Steve starred at you as if you had just stabbed him.
He was about to stand up when you grabbed his wrist, avoiding drawing attention to you two.
"Steve!" You whisper shout as he sat back down.
"Sweetheart, I think this is one of those situations where it'd be appropriate to tell a coworker we're dating." He tells you.
"Look, it's nothing I can't handle. I'm remaining professional, if it escalates I'll tell him I'm in a very serious relationship." You tell him and you see his expression cool down.
He nods at you and smiles, "You're right. But if he keeps bothering you, you better tell me and I'm kicking his preppy ass." He tell you.
You laugh, "Stevie, you have never won a fight." You inform him and he rolls his eyes, "I knocked out that Russian-" He whispers.
"Fine. I'll give you that." You tell him.
The rest of lunch went perfect, but David Lawrence was living in Steve's head. This guy had no right flirting with you at your place of work...In front of your boyfriend.
-----
That night you two were lying in bed, talking before drifting off to sleep, just like you two did every night.
You laid on his bare chest, running your hands through the soft hair that adorns it when he brings up the one topic you hope he wouldn't.
"I can't believe he said that about your nameplate." He said while starring at the ceiling.
You groaned slightly, "Steve-" You say.
"I'm just saying! Should we tell him you're very much not single and you wouldn't cheat on me with a Ken doll?" He said, making you giggle into his chest.
"Stevie, I'm sure he'll forget about me by the end of the week...Don't get all possessive and get us in trouble at work." You say to him.
He sighs, "I just know how guys like him work...And I don't like it." He says.
You kiss his chest lightly, "You're cute when you're like this." You said, making him giggle, "Besides, you couldn't lose me during the end of the world, you're not losing me to knock-off George Michael." You said.
He laughed and tilted up your chin to plant a soft kiss on your lips.
You drifted off to sleep before he did, he was awake thinking about all the ways he could get his basketball team to act as your personal body guards.
-----
A few weeks went by with ease and soon autumn was rolling into Hawkins.
Steve was coaching his basketball team and was becoming a class-favorite educator.
You were reading The Odyssey with your classes and running the school's debate club.
You were both busy and extremely happy. However, David never did stop bugging you. In fact, he made it a point to stop by your class rather often, way too often for Steve's liking.
Which is exactly what Steve was telling Dustin.
Steve sat in his small office with his feet kicked up on his desk, the wire of the wall-phone was stretching to reach him as he sat ranting to Dustin into the receiver.
"And this guy is a TOTAL douche and is hitting on your sister." Steve ranted.
"Gross dude, and you're just letting him?" Dustin responded.
"You and I both know Y/N can handle herself, she's just trying to be professional, which is the right thing to do. Look, when we worked meaningless jobs I could tell-off any perv that looked at her funny, and believe me there were a lot-"
"Ew" Dustin interrupted.
"But these are our careers, man. She shouldn't have to tell anyone I'm her boyfriend or that she has one in order to be respected." Steve sighed.
"Maybe at this point you should say something to him, he's disrespecting both of you." Dustin said, "Look, it's only a matter of time before my sister makes him cry if you guys don't tell him you're dating..."
Steve laughed slightly and looked the framed photo on his desk of you, him, and Dustin at Dustin's graduation this past May.
"You're right kid, I know you're right...I miss you." Steve says, "Miss you too man, and tell my sister I miss her a lot." Dustin said.
They bid each other goodbyes right as Steve got a knock on his office door.
His eyes flickered to the pane of glass where David stood.
Great.
Steve stood up and put the phone back on the wall and sat back in his chair, "C'mon in." He said, adjusting the frame so David couldn't see it.
"Can I help you Mr. Lawrence?" Steve asked.
"Yeah, actually you can." He said smuggly.
Steve's eyes pointed at him, "I need you to back off Henderson." David said.
Steve let out a laugh and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, "Excuse me?" Steve asked, amused.
"I don't care how far back you two go, if she was interested in you you'd be together by now. She has never once mentioned a boyfriend and I see you two together all the time. Back off, dude." He said.
Steve blinks slowly, he sits up and placed his clasped hands on his desk.
"I'm sorry, are you telling me to stop speaking to Ms. Henderson because you want to date her?" Steve asked.
"I'm telling you to, guy to guy, that I'm working something out here and you need to stay out of it." David said.
"Yeah, good luck with that one, dude." Steve said nonchalantly as he pulled out his clipboard and began reviewing plays.
David was clearly annoyed by his lack of care, "Excuse me?" David asked offendedly.
"You're not her type." Steve said without even looking up.
David let out a huff, "And you're an expert in her type?" He asked.
"Look, Mr. Lawrence, all I have to say to you is that you're honestly disrespecting Ms. Henderson by constantly interrupting her class-time and infiltrating her space. Maybe instead of being so focused on asking her out, you should be more focused on respecting her as a coworker." Steve said, only looking up at David towards the end.
David huffed and left his office, leaving his door open.
Steve could only sigh, he knew that if he said what he actually wanted to say just now, he'd not only have lost his job but would be escorted out of here in handcuffs.
He trusted you to hold your own against David, he's seen you turn down many people before...He just hopes he can watch it live.
-----
That afternoon you stayed after-school to work on paperwork for your debate team's first meeting.
Once you were finished you locked up your classroom and made your way to the gym to meet Steve in his office, it was finally Friday and you and Steve were treating yourselves to a date at Enzo's tonight.
However you were stopped in the hallway right outside the gym.
"Hey! Y/N!" David say loudly.
You sighed to yourself before turning around, "Yes, Mr. Lawrence?" You said.
"I didn't think you'd be here this late." He said walking up to you and fixing his hair slightly.
"I was just finishing up some things for the debate team before going home for the weekend." You said before trying to walk away, but David grabbed your wrist.
You looked at him with wide eyes, "I actually needed to ask you something." David said slyly.
You pulled your wrist away from him, causing him to laugh slightly, "I was wondering if you wanted to come by my place tonight for some wine and...Maybe we could get to know each other better?" He flirts.
"No. Sorry, Mr. Lawrence, but we're just co-workers." You say, once again turning towards the gym.
"Co-workers are allowed to date, we're adults-" He said to you before you cut him off, "I have a boyfriend!" You shout, shocking him a little bit.
After a moment he huffed, "Yeah, ok...Sure, I get it." He huffed.
"What?" You pushed.
"You don't have to make up a fake boyfriend, could've just said you didn't want to go out with me." He said, crossing his arms as an angry expression painted his features.
Your mouth parted slightly and your eyebrows furrowed, "I have had a boyfriend for four years now, it just wasn't any of your business!" You told him.
You could hear footsteps on the wood-panneling of the gym floor, they were faint at first but were getting louder.
David rolled his eyes, "Oh, please. Classic bitch." He said as the footsteps stopped.
Both of your heads snapped to the gym door where a figure stood.
"What did you just say to my girlfriend?" Steve said with an anger you've never heard before.
David looked stunned.
"What? Nothing to say now?" Steve said walking over to him, standing toe to toe.
"Ms. Henderson shouldn't have to tell you she has a boyfriend for you to fuck-off with your pathetic excuse for flirting. She is an academic, a damn good teacher, and your co-worker." Steve said, "So if I was you, I'd fucking apologize to her right now, because she is the furthest thing from a bitch." He added.
David could only shake his head and huff, "You're ridiculous, Harrington." David said, he turned to face you, "I apologize for calling you a bitch." David said flatly.
Steve crossed his arms, "And?" He egged on.
David sighed, "And for treating you like that when you deserve to be respected." He added.
Steve looked at you for conformation and you nodded.
"Oh!" Steve said, pointing at David, "You're also to call her Ms. Henderson until she becomes Mrs. Harrington." Steve said and David pointed his gaze at him sharply.
Steve grabbed your hand and led you two outside, you were silently laughing the whole way to the car.
"Stevie!" You laughed at him when he opened the car door for you.
When he got in the drivers side he leaned over and planted a passionate kiss on your lips.
"That was insane!" You said to him as he kissed your jaw.
"I couldn't hold back anymore..." He told you pulling away, "If you had to raise your voice at work, I knew it was serious...Then I heard him call you a bitch and I just-" He said before you cut him off with a kiss.
"Well, for the record it was very hot." You told him.
"Yeah?" He responded.
"Yeah...And whenever you're ready to make me Mrs. Harrington, I'll be ready." You say winking at him.
He presses one more kiss to your lips before resversing out of the lot.
It was funny you mentioned it, because tonight at dinner the little velvet box that's been burning a hole in his desk drawer will finally be yours.
And he can't wait to see the look on David's face on Monday when you walk in with a diamond ring on your finger that says you're name plate will need an update very soon.
Summary: It's been 18 months since you slipped into a coma due to a plan backfiring, leaving your friends and your boyfriend Steve desperate to get you back to them.
A/N: I hope you all enjoy this fic, I altered some plot lines from season 4 and season 5 to fit the story, so sorry for some inaccuracies (basically you’re in Max’s place). Also I included a happy ending!
Warnings: ANGST, slight nsfw references.
Word Count: 10.9k (WOW)
Henderson!Reader.
Not proofread.
Enjoy!
Song: Love Of My Life, Queen
Divider Credit: @saradika-graphics
18 months ago your world was turned upside down, and the lives of your friends and loved ones were completely changed.
18 months ago Vecna's brutal attacks began to notably plague Hawkins, the entire town began living in fear as teenagers began dying in the same vicious way.
The town began rampantly searching for Eddie Munson-Dustin's friend you all were sheltering- as they thought he was responsible for these attacks, a much more plausible likelihood than an evil-monster harvesting the weak-minds of teens.
During this mess you and Max Mayfield, a friend of your brother's who you've also grown close to, were experiencing the same symptoms that Vecna's victims had before they perished.
You had assumed Vecna was after Max due to the vulnerable state she's been left in after watching Billy die and the state her and her mom have wound up in.
You had known why Vecna was after you.
You had always put on a brave face and been the first to take the leap to be the protector. However, under the surface you were tired and fearful. You were still that timid young girl no matter how much you tried to suppress her. That young girl who watched her mother and father fight until one day he just up and left...The timid young girl who is still terrified of losing anyone close to her.
Yet, it was easy to say the both of you were terrified. You hid the best you could for Max's sake, but you still broke down in your boyfriend's arms in the Wheeler's kitchen the night the entire party set up camp in their basement. After all, your fear was consuming your bravery bit by bit.
You and Max were constantly wearing headphones, blasting your favorite cassettes.
Max, of course, always had Kate Bush in her cassette.
While you had Queen's, "A Night At The Opera" in yours.
More specifically, you were always listening to track number nine, "Love of My Life". It was the song playing in Steve's beamer when he first told you he loved you.
When you're constantly afraid of the world ending, you don't have time to hesitate, this is something Steve knew.
Yet all you could think of as the song bounced between your ears was how you had so much more you want to tell everyone....especially Steve.
So, as a precaution you wrote everyone a note, taking an extra long time to write three certain letters: One for your little brother Dustin, who you love more than anything in this world. One for Max, who is going to beat this world even if you don't. And one for Steve, the love of your life who you hope so dearly will never have to read this letter.
But this world isn't kind enough to fulfill hopes.
Because within the next few days you committed one last act of utter bravery.
-----
Your body was mangled in the old Creel house in Dustin's arms while Lucas was out looking for help from anyone from the party, hell, from anyone.
"D-Dustin-" You start to speak with fear lacing your words, your eyes are cloudy, you can't see him.
"I-I can't f-feel a-a-anything..." You sob out. The little boy who you've spent your entire life protecting, is holding you -his hero- achingly in his arms.
"Y/N...P-Please hold on!" He cried out, his arms cradling you to his figure as tears poured out of this eyes.
But nothing can ever stop the inevitable. You head fell back and your eyes snapped shut.
Dustin's eyes widened even more so than they already were, "Y/N?!Y/N!?" Dustin screamed out in pain, his sobs echoing off the old walls of the attic.
His cries and pleas of desperation never faltered, even when he heard Lucas's voice was through the halls, "THEY'RE IN THE ATTIC!" He shouts, clearly not alone.
When Steve's feet hit the splintered floor or the attic he felt as though he couldn't move. The sight before him was worse than anything he could've imagined when Lucas said you were in trouble.
Your limbs were twisted, blood adorning your face and falling from your eyes, all while Dustin held up your head which was otherwise limp.
"S-STEVE HELP!" Dustin cried out.
Steve began moving before his mind could react.
"O-Oh my god...Oh my god, baby..." Steve whispered in shock.
He would've never imagined you, the toughest of the group, in this situation.
He quickly knelt down next to Dustin and took your limp body in his arms before laying you carefully down on the ground.
He put his head to your chest, listening -praying- for a heartbeat.
It was faint, but it was there.
"I'm gonna start CPR, go find a phone and call 911!" Steve said firmly, tears pricking his eyes.
Without a second to spare Dustin was on his feet, running out of the attic.
Steve linked his fingers together and let out a shaky breath as he began giving you chest compression, "C'mon baby...Not now, this isn't your time." Steve says, tears falling down his face as he leans over to deliver two puff to your mouth.
But you weren't moving.
"C'mon Y/N, please don't leave me...I-I can't do this without you!" He pleads as he leans over and delivers two more puffs to your mouth.
But still, you weren't moving.
Steve then leaned his head down to your chest, your breathing had steadied...Fuck, your breathing steadied but you weren't moving.
Steve then looked around the room frantically looking for their only saving grace so far, your cassette player.
The cassette player Lucas had informed him that Jason Carver stomped on without even noticing.
It was crushed in pieces, and in that very moment Steve realized something, he realized you were gone.
But Steve has never been one to give up. His gaze fell back to you as he wrapped you up in his arms, the best he could, and very carefully.
He had never sobbed so hard in his life, he could barely see you through his blurred vision.
His shaking-free hand gently moved a strand of your hair behind your ear, taking in your face.
While you looked like you were just asleep, he knew you being tormented behind your closed eyes by Vecna.
He was desperate, desperate for you to open your eyes and come back to him. He is nothing if not yours.
He cleared his throat slightly and began to shakily sing the words to your favorite song, the song you two shared.
"Love of my life...You've h-hurt me..." He starts, his voice barely above a whisper and laced with painful emotion.
"You've broken my heart...and now desert me..." He continues, his palm softly resting on your cheek.
"Love of my life, can't you see?" He chokes out as the distant sound of sirens wailed.
"Bring it back, bring it back...Don't take it away from me because-" Tears overtook him as he laid his forehead on yours as chocked sobs fell from his lips.
The sirens were right outside the Creel house as breaks came to a screeching halt.
"Y-You don't know...what it means to me..." Steve whispers against your skin.
It didn't work. You weren't here.
You weren't here making fun of his singing followed by that laugh he loves so much.
A laugh he didn't know if he'd ever hear again.
Through hysterics he tried to pull you impossibly close to his chest, cradling your limp head in his hands.
Hurried footsteps were heard downstairs,"SHE'S UP HERE!C'MON-" Steve heard your little brother shout.
The paramedics scaled the steps quickly and froze at the sight of you in your boyfriend's arms.
"S-Sir, we need you to let her go." A paramedic said as the rest of his team stood behind him with a board and stabalizers.
"N-No...NO!I can't let her go!" Steve cried out, shifting you selfishly in his grasp and holding you impossibly tighter.
He knew that if he let go of you there was a serious chance he would never hold you again.
"Sir, we're trying to help here, you have to let her go." The same paramedic said, but Steve's gaze never faltered.
"Steve, let her go..." Dustin said, his eyes pleading.
Only then did his grasp losen up, allowing you to receive help.
-----
The paramedics strapped your twisted body to a board as Steve and Dustin watched in anguish.
"H-Holy shit." Dustin says, a sob breaking through his lips.
Steve grabbed him and pulled him into a hug, pushing the boy's face into his chest. He doesn't need to see this.
Yet Steve couldn't look away from you...His girl.
His girl ever since Tina's halloween party two years ago.
His girl who visited him everyday at work, both at Scoops Ahoy and Family Video.
His girl who is in this position so Max wasn't.
His brave, heroic, girl.
Steve and Dustin followed the paramedics as they descended the steps of the attic and headed towards the front of the house.
The entire gang stood on the lawn in anxious-fear.
Their eyes flicked to the front door where your body was, a collective gasp was heard.
They all began to rush towards you as officers pushed them back.
"YOU ALL NEED TO STEP BACK NOW!" An officer shouted.
"THAT'S OUR FRIEND!" Robin shouted out, tears rolling down her face.
"Y/N!" Nancy shouted.
"She is injured from the earthquake! She's begin taken down to the hospital now, I suggest heading there now and getting some seats in the lobby...A lot of people probably got hurt from his shit." The officer said before turning around and walking away.
Steve plopped down on the steps, running his hands through his hair as he watched the doors close harshly to the ambulance you were in.
Dustin went to join his friends, seeking solace in them.
But Steve couldn't seem to move as the image of you mutilated was burned into his vision.
Robin walked over to the steps and sat next to him slowly, "Steve..." She chokes out a whisper.
But he just lost it.
Robin pulled him in for a tight hug as the ambulance turned on their lights and sped away.
"I-I couldn't s-save her..." Steve sobbed into Robin's shoulder.
"It's not your fault, Steve. It's not your fault." She said, soothingly.
"T-The cassette was destroyed...I always carry an extra in my backpack, the b-backpack I-I left at Eddie's." He cried.
Before Robin could say anything in return, before she could tell him Eddie didn't make it, quiet footsteps approached.
It was Max.
Max who herself had been crying nonstop, her headphone in her hands as she looked at Steve with sorrowful eyes.
Quietly, Robin pulled away from Steve and rubbed his back softly before standing up and joining the rest of the party.
A beat of silence that was only filled by sniffles passed before Max spoke, "I-It should've been me..." Max whispered.
Steve's eyes flickered to hers, "Don't say that, kid." Steve said softly before Max interrupted him.
"No, Steve. FUCK!" Max shouted as angry tears fell.
"I-I was supposed to follow them into that attic. I-I was m-meant to be bait but she took it! S-She tricked me into staying with the others while she took my place..." Max said, now fully sobbing.
In an instant Steve stood up and wrapped the girl up in his arms.
"It's not your fault...None of this is on you...Neither of you should've been in that situation, kid." Steve assured Max, but her sobs didn't falter.
-----
That night was 18 months ago.
It's been 18 months of you lying in this stuffy hospital room, unmoving.
It's been 18 months of everyone visiting you to hear the sound of your heartbeat on the monitor.
It's been 18 months of Steve stopping by nearly every single day with a cassette playing and a casingle of "Love of My Life" and updating you about everything going on.
He wishes he could tell you good news, but most recently Holly Wheeler has disappeared, Steve couldn't help but wonder if she was whereever you were. God, he missed you, if that wasn't evident through his constant visiting.
In fact, the only other people who had sat in here with you alone were Dustin and Max, both of whom miss you as much as Steve does.
At least that's what they tell him, but Steve doesn't think anyone misses you the way he does.
Nobody misses the way you get crinkles next to your eyes when you laugh like he does.
Nobody misses the way your eyes flutter in your sleep like he does.
Nobody misses your intelligence, your poise, or your beauty like he does.
Which brings him to where he sits today, once again at your bedside, holding your hand softly, your song playing in the back.
It's early in the morning and he knows he's supposed to be at the WSQK helping out Robin right now, but after the nightmare he had last night, the one he has most nights where he is reliving that horrible night over and over again, he just had to see you.
But Dustin bursted through the door a little too roughly, disturbing his peaceful moment with you, causing Steve to jump and instinctively grab your limp hand.
"Jesus man- you scared me." Steve said, his fingers rubbing over the back of your knuckles protectively.
Dustin rolled his eyes slightly while walking over to your bedside.
He was dressed in his Hellfire shirt and a large coat, with rings as an obvious homage to Eddie. But around his wrists he wore the woven bracelets he made you at Camp Knowhere that you never took off. He was hurting, two very important role models in his life were essentially gone...
Dustin gently rubbed your free hand while looking at you, "Yeah well, everyone was looking for you...You're missing your air time at the WSQK you know?" Dustin says, flicking his eyes to Steve.
"I don't care, I just had to see her as soon as I woke up." Steve said, his eyes unmoving from your soft face.
Dustin sighs softly, "Don't worry, I'll tell Robin you were sick or something...But I actually needed to find you." He said reaching in his coat pocket.
Dustin pulled out an envelope and handed it to Steve over your body.
Steve looked at him before hesitantly grabbing the envelope and holding it in front of him.
His eyes teared up as he read the neatly written script that adorned the envelope: "My Stevie" it read.
Steve began to stammer a sound of confusion when Dustin cut him off.
"My mom was going through her room last night and found a bunch of letters in her nightstand...We all got one, I had to get you yours first." Dustin said quietly.
Steve's gaze never left the note, he could only quietly thank the boy.
"I'll see you at tonight's crawl." Dustin said before leaving Steve and you alone in the room and gently closing the door behind him.
"Oh sweetheart..." Steve whispered and looked at you.
He began to slowly open the envelope, in a careful way that ensured your delicate writing on the front was preserved.
Steve slowly unfolded the note you wrote him, his hands shaking, this would be the first form of communication he'd receive from you in nearly two years.
His eyes began to rake over your words:
"My dear Stevie,
I hope you never have to read this letter. I hope that in a few years when I'm packing up my room because we're moving into a shitty apartment together I'll come across this stack of letters and toss them out with all the other useless crap I came across.
But if that's not the case, I have so much I have to say to you. This world is filled with uncertainty, my entire life I've never truly been sure about anything, despite my constant confidence.
I wasn't sure if we were going to save Will, I wasn't sure that we were going to get out of the Russian bunker, and I wasn't sure if I was going to survive this madness I've been going through. But there is one thing I've always been certain about, and that was you, Stevie.
When Dustin recruited you to help him out a few years ago I was a little shocked, because who helps out a random kid go on a monster hunt?
You do, you do Stevie. You have a heart of gold, and from the moment I saw you in that junkyard protecting those kids with everything you had, I was certain you were going to be it for me.
I tried to deny my feeling for awhile there, tried to convince myself that I shouldn't get involved with anyone because this world is unforgiving in more ways than I could fully comprehend. I was already worried out of my mind about Dustin and the kid's safety, I couldn't add another person. But, I was uncertain that I could push down my feelings for you.
And turns out, I couldn't. I realized whether I was with you or not my mind was still wandering to what you were doing, or if you were safe. I was in love with you.
And by some stroke of luck, you loved me back.
And you have changed my life for the better. Without you I would've never known how much I loved sailors uniforms, how much I loved movie dates, or how much I loved laughing.
And through all the trials and tribulations we've been through together, we still always made it back to each other. We survived the Demodogs, the fucking Russians, and even that weird Mindflayer!
But this one Stevie, I'm not too sure. It's in my mind. It's showing me things I don't even want to express in this letter.
And if I have not survived this Vecna creature, there's a few things I need you to do for me:
Firstly, I need you to make sure Max know's that none of this is her fault, not one part. She has been put through so much at such a young, innocent, age and she deserves a chance to flourish. She deserves a chance at life. If it had to be me or her, I am beyond ok with the fact it was me. I told her this in her letter, but you know she adores you and sees you as an older brother, please don't let the guilt destroy her. She's the best.
Secondly, please make sure Dustin stays on top of his grades, that kid is going to be the second Henderson to be Valedictorian, I just know it. When our dad left, I grieved by becoming angry. I stopped being myself, I began picking fights and gave up on the things that once made me happy...Instead I sat on my stoop everyday until the sun went down and watched my driveway thinking he'd come back. If he is anything like me, and we KNOW he is, he'll do this too. Keep our boy happy. Keep being dorks together...and maybe give him more respectable girl advice.
Finally, I want you to move on eventually. I know our favorite thing to do was laying in your bed in a haze and talk about our futures...Our future where both of our shoes would be kicked off at the door and our home would be filled with music and little nuggets, but if you're reading that those will not be my shoes, my music, or my nuggets. I need you to allow someone in. You have too much love inside of you, Stevie. You deserve to share that love with a fantastic woman, and it's ok that you do.
I'm sorry that woman could not be me, I'm sorry that we won't have a future together, and I'm sorry that for some reason that creature chose my weak mind to infest.
Stevie, I love you more than anything in this world. You are, without a doubt, the love of my life.
Love you forever,
Y/N"
By the time Steve finished the letter the words began to blur together through his watering eyes.
He lets out a shaky breath and drops the letter onto your legs, his hands were balled into fists as he held them to his eyes.
"Goddammit, sweetheart" Steve whispered to himself.
He ran his hands through his hair and flicked his gaze to your still figure.
"H-How could you ever think I could move on from you?" Steve said whispered emotionally.
"You're gonna come back to me, I know you will." Steve said to you as he grabbed his boombox and clicked play.
"Love of My Life'" filled the room.
He grabbed your hand in his and covered the top of your knuckles with his other hand.
He circled his thumb softly on your hand.
"Remember the night I asked you to be my girlfriend?" Steve said, tears falling onto the floor between his spread legs.
"I-I was so scared...So fucking scared." Steve whispers, "But when you got in my beamer, and sat in your seat, all those nerves just went away. When I saw your face, and that beautiful smile, I remembered why I fell in love with you in the first place...Because nobody has ever matched how deeply I feel about everything, nobody until you-" Steve confessed to you before being cut off by flickering lights.
Steve's eyes traced the lights adorning the ceiling, a confused expression painted his features.
Just them your monitors began going wild and your eyes were moving behind your lids.
"Y/N?!SWEETHEART?!" Steve yelled, standing up and letting go of your hand to stabilize himself on the railing of your bed.
But your song suddenly ended, causing Steve to panic, "No,no,no,NO!" He shouted as he fumbled to replay the tape.
But the lights stopped flickering and your monitor stabilized.
Steve starred in front of him, "NO! FUCK-NO!" Steve shouts, falling to his knees and crying onto your legs.
The door swung open, Vickie.
"Steve?! Are you ok?" She asked while running over to him.
He picked his head up, collecting himself for a moment before grabbing his letter and standing up.
Vickie looked at his red eyes with a worrisome expression, "Steve?" She asked.
"I just...I thought she was moving..." Steve said as calm as he could.
Vickie looked at you for a moment, "Well, sometimes people in comas do move slightly-" She said, assuringly.
Steve nodded quickly before letting out a small apology and excusing himself from the room.
He had to get to WSQK, everyone had to know something was up.
-----
Steve drove like a bat out hell to WSQK, turning his engine off quickly before high-tailing it inside.
"Dingus! What the hell, I thought you were sick?" Robin asked from the recording booth where "Running Up That Hill" played from the station.
"She moved, the light-they were...And this letter, she wants me to move on-" Steve panted frantically, pacing around the station like a mad-man.
Robin stood up from her chair and crossed the room to Steve woth ehr eyes wide and her hands out, "Woah,woah,woahhhh Steve! Slow down!" She said.
Steve took in a shaky breath, "I was with Y/N when Dustin came in and gave me a note she must've written during...everything. She told me she wanted me to move on and I began talking to her, holding her hand and playing our song when the lights started flickering and her monitors were going crazy! And then it just...stopped!" He said to her.
Robin's gaze softened, "I got her note too...Wait? What about the lights and her beepy things?" Robin said.
"I screamed so loud that I scared the shit out of your girlfriend, and now I'm here. Look, I've been there everyday for 18 months and nothing like that has EVER happened!" Steve says, his voice breaking slightly.
"Look, when everyone is here tonight for the crawl we can figure out what happened...We're so close to getting her back, dingus." Robin said, rubbing his shoulder.
"I-I just...For a moment there I thought she was coming back." Steve said, his voice cracking.
Robin pulled him into a hug, "Hey, she's coming back to you...She's never quit once in her life." Robin assured him.
"I just miss her so much, so fucking much. I feel like I don't know how to breathe without her." He says pulling away and plopping on the couch behind him.
"A-And this note was the hardest thing I've ever had to read, it was like I could hear her!" He said, pawing at the note in his pocket.
Robin let out a slight chuckle before grabbing her own note from her pocket, "Yeah, she told me to 'just go for it already!' with Vickie...Which is exactly what I told her to do with you..." Robin said looking down at her letter.
Before he could say anything else his head flickered to the noise coming from the record shelves.
Max was filing through the records absentmindedly.
"Shouldn't she be in school?" Steve asked Robin.
"Yeah well, she also came in here running and crying while holding that note...So I'm letting her pick the music this morning." Robin sighed.
Without a second thought Steve was on his feet walking over to the redheaded girl as Robin returned back to her station.
She didn't stop shuffling through the records even as Steve leaned back on the table behind him.
"So I take it the note wrecked you too?" Max said.
"Ohhh yeah," Steve said, "How're you doing kid?" He asked.
Max sighed, "She told me not to feel guilty, it's all anyone has said to me for the past 18 months but-" Max pauses as emotions take over, "but it should really be me in that bed and you and Y/N should be far away from this town by now-" She says hysterically.
Steve calms her quietly and stands up to give her a hug, "Kid-" He starts before she pulls away, "No, Steve! I fucking miss her and it feels like we're never getting her back! A-And this letter...It's like a damn goodbye!" She says slamming her letter on the table, causing Steve to flinch.
"Max-" He says trying to reel her in, "A-And now we have yet another crawl tonight that is probably going to mean jack shit while she just rots in that hospital bed all alone when she's actually GOD knows where being tortured-" She continues.
"MAXINE!" Steve yelled, finally catching her attention.
"We don't talk like that, you know this." He said to her, crossing his arms. Clearly a nerve has been struck.
An uncomfortable silence filled the room.
"You don't get it Steve..."Max started, "That place, it's hell..." She said.
"Max-" Steve starts, "No- Steve...There is nothing but pain in that place, and now Holly is probably there too...She's been suffering for so long and yet she won't just...She won't let go." Max said, wiping her eyes.
Steve looked at the young girl for a beat, "She's not a quitter, that's where you get it from." Steve said, rustling her hair slightly.
This earns a slight giggle from her, "Now, let's go over our plan for the crawl..." He said leading her into the back room where the maps lied.
He knew that no matter what you were going through you were never going to let go, especially not without a fight.
And after what he saw today, that movement behind your eyelids, he knew you weren't far.
Yet, crawl after crawl the chaos seemed to only grow. Days had began to blend and the stakes were growing rapidly, especially after pinpointing why Vecna was harvesting the children of Hawkins
Solid plans were beginning to form, especially after Will possessed Vecna.
Steve could practically feel how close they were to rescuing you and Holly.
Yet, he and Dustin nearly killed each other in the Upside Down while Johnathan, and Nancy nearly died just floors above them.
All while Will, Max, Mike, Lucas, and Vickie were resurrecting a demo so Will could hopefully locate Vecna and the children once and for all.
-----
Time was odd in the dimension that Holly Wheeler had deemed "Camazotz". While you kept track of how may days you've been here, you swore it felt like more than 18 months.
Maybe it felt that way because you were losing hope that you'd ever escape. Multiple times had you though you'd been close to leaving this place, you had seen your portal back to reality a few times now.
In fact, you had gotten really close to freedom a few days ago, you say your boyfriend holding you and playing your song, but the moment he dropped your hand the portal was gone.
That one was hard, you swore you could feel Steve's hands on yours, softly rubbing his calloused thumb along the back of your hand.
When you had made it back to your cave after that incident, you felt utterly hopeless.
Yet that feeling was quickly shoved aside when you found Holly Wheeler, one of your closest friend's little sister, in the forest.
"Holly?" You had asked when you saw her, finally a familiar face.
"Y/N?" She had asked through frightened tears before she ran into your arms.
"You're ok! You're alive!" She chanted as you held her tightly.
You let out a light laugh, something you hadn't done in awhile and honestly thought you forgot how to do all together.
"C'mon kid, follow me." Was all you said to her as you led her back to your cave, the only sanctuary where Henry could not reach you guys.
You had explained everything to her.
You told her everything you knew about this place and all about Henry's plan. You told her who you'd been trying for nearly two years to get out of this place and how you were so, so close...You told her how you had almost given up all hope before finding her.
"Well it's good you didn't give up, you know sometimes I join Nancy and Johnathan when they go and visit you...Steve is always there...He replaces your flowers every week and is always playing the same song over and over...and OVER again." Holly informs you, gaining a playful tone by the end of her statement.
You look at her with soft eyes and your mouth slightly agape as you looked for the right words to say.
Every time you had almost escaped it was because Steve was holding you some sort of way, so you always knew he was constantly visiting you.
"I miss him..." You tell her honestly.
"You're gonna get back to him, Y/N." She tells you and you give her a quick nod and a smile.
You and Holly devised a plan, you two were going to use Henry's memories to find the exit from this mindscape by following the trail of his traumatic memories that involve Holly.
You knew the young girl would be frightened, hell, sometimes you even got frightened in this place...Especially in the beginning when you were forced to relive so many of your memories.
But now you know they are just that, memories. They cannot be altered since they already happened, once in a memory you must keep moving forward.
And that was exactly the plan, because you needed to get out of here to help everyone save the world.
And because more than anything you wanted to kiss your boyfriend.
-----
The plan was working, you and Holly were navigating through the memories with ease, until Henry caught up to you two.
You were so close, and you were so tired of failing yourself, and now you were failing Holly too.
Vecna had you by your throat as Holly watched from the ground, terrified and holding out her fire poker.
"You really think you're ever going to escape this place, my dear?" Vecna sneered as your vision blurred, and you swore you could hear beeping of monitors.
"Haven't you learned by now that this is where you reside now? You will never see your friends, or your boyfriend ever again..." He spat as your eyes rolled back.
Holly screamed for you, pleaded for your life, but none of that mattered.
You never thought your life would end like this, directly in the hands of the creature that has tormented you for years, you never expected him to take so much pleasure in killing you in such a human-like way.
Just as you almost fully faded away, Vecna's grip began to loosen.
Your eyes opened up more as the air began to refill your lungs, Vecna started to shake and his expression looked strained.
Suddenly his body jerks, dropping you harshly to the floor as Holly crawls over to you.
"Y/N!? ARE YOU ALRIGHT?I'M SO SORRY-" Holly said helping you sit up.
You could only inhale sharply and rapidly, your lungs felt empty as you looked at the young girl, scanning over her body for any injuries.
But your attention was quickly drawn to Vecna slowly standing back up, as if the action was painful.
He turned his head to you and Holly and you swore for a moment your soul felt your body.
You tried not to look too fearful for Holly's sake, but nothing could hide the true terror painted on your features.
"...Y/N!!!" Vecna shouted, only it wasn't his voice.
Your eyebrows furrowed, you knew that voice.
"W-Will?" You whispered under your breath quietly.
"IF YOU CAN...HEAR ME...RUN!" Vecna spoke.
Vecna's limbs began to snap, much like yours 18 months ago.
"LET'S GO!" You shouted, grabbing Holly and running as fast as your bodies could carry you.
Despite the terrifying scene that just unfolded you couldn't help but smile as you ran...Will knew where you were, they had found you.
You were going to get out of here, you were going to get Holly out of here.
-----
Steve, Dustin, Nancy, and Johnathan were exhausted when they stumbled back into the WSQK.
They just found out everything they previously believed about the Upside down was completely wrong and now a new plan has to be crafted, and fast.
The scene in the WSQK seating area was odd to say the least.
Will was laying on the couch, unmoving, with Joyce by his side as Mike, Lucas, Max, and Robin paced around the room speaking to each other.
"-Do you think he actually saw her?" Lucas asked taking an exasperate seat on the bright orange couch.
"He said her name...He had to have seen her!" Max said passionately, a type of hope in her tone that hadn't''t been there in a long time.
"Who are you talking about? What's up with Will?" Dustin asked, making the group's presence known.
Everyone's heads whipped over to the group, but nobody said anything right away.
"Ummm, the plan worked. Will was able to possess Henry and find out where he is...But he was knocked out. His eyes are moving so we think he is trapped with him."Joyce spoke quietly, anxiety painted her features. She was worried about her son.
The group nodded and sighed, it can never be easy, can it?
Robin stood with her arms crossed looking around the room, obviously antsy, her gaze landed on Max who had a slight smile on her face.
"He found her." Robin said suddenly.
Steve's eyes landed on her and widened, "W-What?" He said.
"He saw her...She was in some sort of danger and he told her to flee, which we think she did. But she's in Henry's mindscape." Max said as a smile tugged on her lips.
"S-She's ok?" Dustin cried out, playing with the bracelets on his wrist.
"We think so." Robin responded.
"Oh my god...Oh my god..." Steve sighed out, rubbing his face with his rough hands.
A slight relief filled him for a moment, a relief that was ultimately short lived before Joyce broke the silence.
"Look! We're all thrilled that Y/N is found but we need to stay focused. Hop radioed me, I'm taking Will to the cabin so El can figure out where he is. And I suggest some of you go and grab Y/N from the hospital, something tells me she's waking up soon and she won't be safe there" She said as she signaled Johnathan for help getting Will in the car.
"Holy shit! Robs she's alive, she's ok!" Steve said, walking over to Robin and pulling her in for a tight hug.
Robin laughed at his enthusiasm, "I told you she'd never give up." Robin said softly.
"What are we doing?! Let's go get her!" Max said, standing up quickly.
"Ok, ok! Me, Steve, Robin, and Max are going to the hospital. Mike and Lucas, you guys stay here and figure out a plan or something." Dustin said as Steve, Robin, and Max started pulling themselves together to head out the door.
"WHAT? We want to see Y/N too!" Lucas said and Mike agreed, both of the boys offended they weren't invited.
Steve stopped in his tracks, causing Robin to bump into his hard figure.
Steve slowly turned around with a sharp look in his eyes that made Lucas and Mike flinch.
"You two," He said pointing at them, "Are going to stay here and man the WSQK and I'm gonna tell you why..." He said as he pointed at his fingers while listing, "Robin can get us all in no problem because of Vickie, Max was this damn close to being in Y/N's situation, Dustin is her brother, and I have sat at that bedside for 18 DAMN MONTHS replacing her flowers, brushing her hair, and listening to her song...I am seeing my fucking girlfriend today and you're causing me to waste time explaining this to you. STAY.HERE!" He said as the boys nodded in fear, taking a ridged seat on the couch.
With that the four of them took off out the door and into the WSQK van.
"So, I take it you're excited?" Robin said to Steve from the passengers seat.
The smile on his face only grew, "You have no idea-" Steve said before the Walkie from Dustin's backpack started speaking loudly.
"Dustin? Do you copy? DUSTIN?!" Hopper's voice rang through the speaker.
Dustin grabbed the walkie and extended the antenna, "Yes, Hopper, is everything alright?" Dustin responded.
"No, everything is pretty far from alright...El just shifted and found Will in the mindscape...She also just found out Vecna is sending demogorons after Y/N's body to kill her, I think she's causing him too much trouble and he needs her out. You gotta get to her and fast!" Hopper says.
Steve's knuckles were white around the wheel and his eyes flickered to Robin's who was already looking at him with fear in her eyes.
Steve began driving a lot faster than he was a few seconds ago, gaze sternly on the road.
"Steve is gonna get us there quickly...Or kill us first, hard to say." Dustin responded to Hopper.
"When we get there I'm going straight for Y/N and that boombox...If she's in danger here she's in danger there and I need to be with her. Robin, tell VIckie what's happening and make sure everyone gets to safety, Dustin and Max keep an eye out for the demos." Steve said, always the protector.
"What exactly is the plan when you grab her, Steve?" Robin said frantically, "The demos are gonna be after you if you have her...You can't protect her with your hands full!" Robin said as they flew down the road.
"I'm gonna be fine, nothing is gonna happen to her if she's in my arms and you know that, Robin." He retorted.
Robin goes to protest but Steve stops her, "Robin for nearly two goddamn years I've watched her slip away from me helplessly, I torture myself everyday that she got hurt the first time and I think about it every time I see her and every time I go to sleep...I'm not losing her for good!" Steve said and the car went quiet.
"Steve..." Dustin said quietly and Steve made eye contact with him in the rearview mirror, "Please get her back." Dustin said nodded, tears in his eyes.
"I will buddy, I promise." He responded.
-----
The four of them raced into the hospital, running passed the front desk and splitting up.
"Mr. Harrington-HEY! WAIT!" The receptionist said before Robin paused at her desk, "I am so sorry, he is just having a rough day and has to see her..." She said to her.
"But what about those two that just ran passed? They know they have to sign in! The military is always here checking the sign-in sheet and you know that Miss Robin..." The receptionist tells her with an annoyed expression on her face.
"I know, I know...But-" Robin is cut off suddenly, "Robin?" Vickie said standing in the sterile hall in her uniform, "I'll take it from here." She kindly tells the receptionist and pulls Robin away and into an unoccupied room.
While Robin explained everything to Vickie, Max and Dustin were searching the halls carefully as Steve hurried to you.
He quietly slipped into your room and shut the door behind him.
His eyes fell on your figure, you may look peaceful but he knows you're anything but, since your eyes were moving rapidly behind your closed eyelids.
"Hey baby," He said walking over to you, "I know you're coming back soon...I can't wait to see those pretty eyes again. God, I may never look away from them." He said cupping your cheek softly.
He starts up your song and Queen filled the room.
He took a moment to just look at you, the girl he fell in love with all those years ago, the girl who changed his life forever, the love of his life.
But then a the loud noise of the PA took over his moment, "STEVE! You need to get her to the basement now! The demos are here and they are blocking the stairwell! GO NOW!" Robin's voice rang out.
Steve's eyes widened and he scooped you up gently in his arms, "Ok baby, it's go time-" He said grabbing the boombox in his free fingers.
He ran out the door with you in his arms and moved quickly down the hall.
He kicked the elevator button with precision, "C'mon...c'mon hurry upppp..." He muttered to himself.
When the doors opened he quickly stepped inside and turned around, only to be faced with a demo charging at him.
Steve stood frozen for a moment, pleading for the doors to close faster as the creature only grew closer.
Before the doors could shut completely the creature jumped towards you two and Steve delivered one swift and mighty kick to the creature, sending it flying backwards.
When the doors closed Steve tried to catch his breath in his heaving chest.
He looked down at you, "I told them I wouldn't let you get hurt, sweetheart." He says, kissing your forehead lightly.
When Steve entered the basement he was met with the rest of the gang and Vickie.
"Oh my god, is she ok?" Max asked Steve as she looked at you in his arms.
"She will be-"Steve said before a loud noise rang out through the otherwise quiet basement.
"T-They're here." Vickie said fearfully.
You all took off to hide behind some washers, except Dustin took off the other way.
"DUSTIN!" Robin whisper shouted from her spot.
But the creatures were already scanning the area.
Steve clutched you to his chest tightly as your song continued to play.
His head rested on the wall behind him as his breathing became uneven, he was so close.
But so were those creatures.
-----
You and Holly had done it. You both were about to escape.
A smile spread across your face at the sight in front of you, your Stevie was holding you in his arms tight to his chest. He was going to save you.
"Let's go!" Holly said, trying not to waste another moment.
You grabbed her arm softly, "Holly, this is my body...This is where I go." You tell her and confusion fills her face.
"W-What...Then how do I get out?" She says as tears fall down her face.
"You have to create your own portal..." You tell her, wiping her tears.
"B-But...I don't have Queen...O-Or a boyfriend! I don't have a Steve Harrington to h-help me out of here!" She panics.
You sooth her, "Holly. You have to create your own portal with your own happy memories, not mine, sweetie." You tell her softly.
"I-I can't Y/N! I'm n-not brave like you!" She tells you.
You stand up straight, "Holly Wheeler, are you crazy?!" You say grabbing her attention, "Holly, I was stuck in here for two years and I couldn't figure out how to get the hell out of this place...You did it in a few days! Because you are brave, determined, and so smart! " You say getting emotional.
"You are gonna beat this world, Holly. Shit, I mean you're Holly the Heroic!" You say pointing to her necklace, which he grasps in her hand gently, "I've known your brother for a long time now, he wouldn't just give anyone a title that powerful..." You say as another portal starts to open up behind Holly.
Holly's gaze follows yours as she sees her body.
You grab her shoulders and turn her around before she can panic at the sight, "Listen to me...You are going to get out of there, you're in the Upside down right now. It's just like Hawkins, go to your house and I will be there waiting for you. I promise, Holly." You tell her.
She hesitantly nods as you pull her in for a strong hug.
"I'll see you soon, Holly the Heroic." You say as tears roll down your cheeks.
"I'll see you soon, Y/N...Go kiss your boyfriend!" She tells you while letting go.
You wink at her as you start to walk off towards your portal, and Holly to hers.
Your footsteps become quicker until you're eventually sprinting as fast as you can.
Happy tears are now streaming from your eyes as the vision before you come closer and closer.
You're about to do it.
After months of devastation and loneliness.
After months of trial and error.
After months or torment.
You're about to be free from this hell.
-----
The group sat shaking against the wall, while they were silent the music was certainly not.
And it was obvious.
Robin sat up slowly, leaning forward and looking over Vickie and Max to look at Steve.
"Steve..." She whispered with anguish on her face.
His eyes flicker to her, "You have to turn it off..." She said.
Steve shook his head as a tear fell from his eye, "No...I can't Robs...I've almost got her back." He whispers.
"Steve..." Robin said, crying as well, "They can hear it, we will get her back another way, I promise..." She says.
"I can't do it, Robin..." He whined.
Dustin then crawled over to Steve's free side, "Where were you?!" Max whispers.
But before Dustin could answer, a loud explosion was heard from behind them.
Steve instinctively covered your body with his own from the noise, but the damage was nowhere near you all.
You all stood up and saw the creatures' corpses laying around the room, flames surrounding them.
The group turned to Dustin who stood with a sly smirk, "A canister of oxygen in a hot-inclosed area like a dryer? Figured we could use a bomb in a moment like this." He said.
"You scary-little genius!" Robin said hugging him.
Your body began twitching in Steve's arms, Max noticed it first.
"Hey! She's moving!" She said happily.
"Put her over here!" Vickie said, leading the group to an gurney.
Steve placed you down gently with your boombox being placed on the floor.
He wrapped his hand in yours and gently stroked your hair.
"C'mon, angel..." He whispered.
Your eyes began to flutter and you could hear the sound of voices around you...But nothing was louder than the sound of your heart beating.
"Y/N?Y/N can you hear us?" You heard your brother say.
Your eyes started to flicker open.
"Yes! C'mon, baby that's it!" Steve cheered.
When your eyes finally opened all the way they were sensitive to the bright light above you.
You could hear the faint sounds of happiness around you as you tried to move your lips to muster up any sort of sound.
"....Stevie...?" You muttered, looking into his big brown eyes.
He cupped your cheek with his hand, "Yes!C'mon, baby, it's me...It's your Stevie! I'm right here!" He says softly to you, tears freely falling down his face.
Your eyes scan around the room, "Are you ok?" Dustin asked while smiling.
You look at him, a smiling falling on your lips as you nod your head at him.
"I-I can't move-" You say, breathing heavily.
"You haven't moved in a long time...Your muscles just need to catch up." Vickie informs you.
"...You're here..." Max said, wiping her tears.
You smile at the young girl, "Like I'd ever give up." You joke.
Steve usually would've playfully rolled his eyes at you, but he couldn't do anything but look at you adoringly.
Your eyes fell back on him, "Y-You saved me, Stevie..." You say to him.
He laughs through his tears, "This was all you, baby..." He whispered.
"N-No...When you held my hand...It grounded me, you saved me." You told him.
He smiled at your confession, "So...Do you hate that song yet?" He asks you playfully.
You let out a laugh, god that laugh, "Never...You?" You ask.
He shrugs, "You think I would be, but I could never be sick of anything that reminds me of you." He says, his thumb running over your cheek.
You don't care about your friends around the room, you don't care that they're all watching.
"Stevie?" You ask, "Can you do something for me?" You ask him.
"Anything sweetheart, anything." He says.
"Kiss me." You say with tears in your eyes.
He doesn't hesitate for a second. His hands rest on both of your cheeks when he leans down and softly plants a passionate kiss on your lips. Your tears mixed together as you both smiled into this kiss, this was the kiss that motivated you to keep going, to escape that hell.
"Alright, alright!" Dustin says, "We get it, break it up!" He says.
Steve pulls away and turns his head, giving your brother an annoyed look.
"C'mere, Dusty" You say as Steve stands up and Dustin gives you a hug.
"I missed you so fucking much, Y/N...You have no idea..." He said into your hair.
"I missed you kid, I hope you've been good...But I know you, so I better just keep hoping." You said, causing him to laugh.
When he pulled away your eyes fell on Max, who stood sheepishly at the end of your bed, clearly debating her next move.
"Max, you have no idea how happy I am to see you here." You tell her.
Those words caused her to burst out in tears and hug you tightly.
You knew the girl would one day tell you all of her feelings, but right now she just needs this.
After a sorrowful and much-needed reunion, you all had a world to save.
The rest of the group made their way to the van as Steve helped you into a wheelchair.
He knelt before you with both of his hands on your knees, just looking into your eyes.
"I missed you, Stevie...And I'm so sorry this all happened this way..." You tell him.
He shook his head slowly, "This wasn't you fault, baby...However, this-" He said reaching into his coat and pulling out your note, "Was your fault and it was evil." He said.
Your eyes widened, "I-I'm sorry..." You said, ashamed.
Steve hooked his finger under your chin, "I don't want you to be upset...I just have to tell you that you're the only thing I've ever been certain about too...And I knew when I met you there would never be anyone after you...And when we get out of here, I'll prove that." He said, leaning in and kissing you softly.
You pulled away slowly after a moment, "You have no idea how badly I want to hug you right now...And touch that fucking hair..." You joke, causing him to laugh.
"Alright, let's get going." He says to you with a wink.
He wheels you to the van, neither of you speak about the inevitable torment that is about to come...Because you just got each other back, and right now that's all that matters.
-----
18 months later:
You and Steve were still in the middle of unpacking all your belongings in your new apartment. Boxes were all over the place, hell he hadn't even built your bed frame yet! But you've truly never been happier.
In an hour you're meant to head over to Steve's parent's house for the Fourth of July party you two are hosting there...And since his unbearable parents are in Europe for a month, you have free reign to invite everyone over without their bickering.
You were working on unboxing some of the items in your living room when Steve walked in the door with a box of fireworks.
Your gaze fell on Steve and you rolled your eyes playfully, "Really? Are you trying to lose a hand?" You joke.
He lets out an unamused laugh as he places the box on the counter and saunters over to you.
His hands wrap around your waist lovingly as your arms fall around his neck.
"C'mon baby, you know I'm careful and stealthy." He says to you.
"You know you totally just bought those to get on Dustin's good side since he walked in on us last week-" You say, causing him to let out a groan.
"That may be partly true, the kid is old enough to know to knock! This isn't even his place! Who barges in like that?!" He rants.
"To be fair...We were in the kitchen." You say as a hint of pink spread across his cheeks.
"Again...in our kitchen..." Steve said before planting a passionate kiss on your lips.
Your hands snaked up into his hair, tugging at the ends slightly in the way you know he likes.
His hands skim the hem of your shirt and travel up your back, hungrily.
"Steve-" You say as his kisses travel down your jaw to your neck.
"Steve- we have to get going..." You protested, but his kisses now moved to your collarbone and the top of your chest.
"Steve! People are gonna be at your parent's home in an hour!" You laughed as he finally pulled away.
"Fine..." He mutters as you press one last kiss to his lips.
"Grab your fireworks and let's go!" You say to him as you walk past him.
He lands a playful smack to your ass which causes you to roll your eyes.
He grabs the fireworks and you grab the case of beer from the fridge, the rest of the food and supplies were already at Steve's parent's house, so you head out the door.
Within the next hour the party was in full swing.
The kids, who really are more-so adults now, are in the pool with Johnathan and Steve as Hopper mans the grill.
You and all the girls are sat at the patio table talking.
"So Nance, did you finally pick a bridesmaid dress color?" You asked her sipping your beer.
Nancy groans, "I'm stuck between sage and lavender...Johnathan is still pushing for some anti-capitalistic...all-thrifted wedding...And I love being sustainable, but NOT for my wedding!" Nancy says, making the group laugh.
"Well if we ever get married you can all just wear jeans." Robin said grabbing Vickie's hand and winking at her, causing the red-headed woman to blush slightly.
"What about you, Y/N?" Max asks, pulling your attention from your beer, "What about me?" You respond.
"What is your wedding gonna look like?" Max says smirking.
Everyone let's out a playful "Oooo" and you giggle.
"Look, I don't care if my bridesmaids are wearing rags and I'm in a denim dress," You says pointing your beer bottle at Nancy and Robin respectively, "I just want the person at that alter to be that man in the pool...Who has Mike Wheeler on his shoulders in a game of chicken fight..." You say smiling.
Everyone's attention is drawn to the pool where Mike is in fact sitting on Steve's shoulders, trying to knock Will off of Dustin's while Lucas and Johnathan act as refs.
You all began to cheer for your respective boy, soon the entire backyard was hollering.
You and Nancy hollered when Steve and Mike beat Dustin and Will.
"WOOOO, GO STEVIE!" You holler and clap for him.
"HEY! I'm your brother!" Dustin calls out to you and you shrug, "Sorry Dusty, he just looks too good in the pool for me not to cheer for him." You say smugly before taking a sip of your beer. and returning to the conversation with the girls. Dustin gagged at your statement.
But you and Dustin had always had a sort of "eye for an eye" relationship.
You saw him climbing out of the pool and walking over to you from the corner of your eye, before you could react he was picking you up from the chair and carrying you over to the pool.
His grip around your torso tightened as you began to struggle, "DUSTIN! STOP IT YOU ASSHOLE!I'M SORRY-" You say before he tosses you into the pool.
While you were wearing your bathing suit, you had your clothes on top of them.
When you came up from the water he was laughing at you and you shook your head laughing.
"HEY! You can't throw my girlfriend around!" Steve said climbing out of the pool and chasing Dustin around the yard.
"HEY!NO RUNNING!" Hopper yelled out, being ignored per usual.
You climb out of the pool and stripped off your wet clothes and laid them out on the chair, earning 'whoops' from the girls.
You roll your eyes at them when Steve comes up behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist and placing a kiss to your head.
"You know how I said he can't throw around my girlfriend?" Steve whispered into your ear.
Before you could break away, he grabbed the both of you and jumoed into the pool.
After that all hell broke loose.
Nancy, Robin, Vickie, and Max all came in the pool to add to the chaos.
You all were laughing and splashing around, as if you were all children, something none of you got to be.
You all swam long into the night time, only stopping briefly to eat.
When the stars overtook the night sky, Steve decided it was time to light the fireworks.
You all sat on the deck chairs, still clad in your bathing suits, talking while Steve and Dustin everything up.
You sat wrapped in a towel watching them.
It looked as though they were talking about something serious. Dustin nodded his head and pulled Steve into a hug, causing you to smile. You weren't sure what that was about...But it wasn't an uncommon occurrence within this group to sometimes pause and have an intimate moment of thankfulness.
Steve ran inside the house quickly after playfully smacking Dustin's shoulder.
"Where's he going?" You asked your brother as he went to sit with Mike and Will, "He needed a lighter." Dustin said without missing a beat.
But the lighter was next to the barbecue...Where Hopper left it after you grabbed it for him earlier.
You didn't question him though.
When Steve came back out he -carefully- lit the fireworks and ran back towards you.
He sits next to you and wraps his arms around you lovingly as you snuggled into his bare chest.
You watched in awe as the fireworks went off.
But Steve couldn't stop starring at you.
He leaned into your ear, "I can't even tell you how happy I am right now." He said, placing a gentle kiss on your ear lobe.
You laughed at him softly, "If it's even a sliver as happy as I am right now, I'd believe it..." You say to him placing a soft kiss on his pink lips.
When the fireworks stopped you shifted from his chest to turn towards the rest of the group.
But they were gone.
The only thing behind you was a boombox and an envelope that said "To My Y/N".
"Wha-" You started before Steve stood up and hit play on the boombox, "Love Of My Life" started to play softly through the speakers.
He grabbed the envelope and handed it to you, still standing.
You take it from his hands slowly and begin to open it up.
"WAIT-" He says causing you to pause, "Don't open it just yet..." He says and you place the note in your lap.
He grabs your hands and holds them out in front of him.
"Y/N...You are by far the most incredible person I have ever met in my entire life. You have survived horrors I can't even begin to imagine, you are intelligent beyond your years, and you are by far the most beautiful person I've ever seen." He says as tears began to fall from your eyes.
"When I lost you for those 18 months...I was a mess. All I wanted was to see your smile, see the crinkles next to your eyes when you laugh, and see your beautiful eyes when you look at me the way you are right now...I realized from the first moment I heard this song with you that you were, in fact, the love of my life..." He said, now crying as well.
He lets out a quick sigh and dropped your hands, "So...Open up that envelope."
Your eyes went to the envelope in your lap as you picked it up slowly.
You continued to rip it open and pull out the letter, unfolding it.
When you had fully unfolded the letter, it read:
"Sweetheart, will you marry me?
Yours (hopefully) forever,
Stevie"
Tears began to fall freely when you looked back at him, he was on one knee holding out a velvet box with a dainty ring in it.
You laughed at him for a moment before answering, "Yes! Of course I'll marry you, Stevie!" You say as he happily slid the ring on your finger.
Once the ring was secure you flew into his arms, knocking him off his balance slightly as he held you.
You planted a passionate kiss on his lips, "I love you so, so much." You tell him as the tape behind you ends.
"I love you mo-" He says before a loud scream from the back-sliding door rings out, "WHAT DID SHE SAY?" Dustin screamed out, causin you to laugh and for Steve to roll his eyes.
"I SAID YES!" You shout back.
Suddenly everyone came running out and over to you both.
They all congratulated you both as Robin worked on handing out beers to everyone, "A TOAST!" She calls out and everyone rose their bottles.
"Um, actually I'm not super good at thee-" She starts and Dustin takes over, "I got it, Robs." He says and she pats his back.
"To my beautiful sister, Y/N...and my now brother, Steve...I have never seen two people more perfect for each other. Not many people can say that they've stuck by each other through the end of the world, but you two certainly can...You two have found your soulmates, the love of your life, if you will...To the Harringtons!" Dustin ended with a shout.
"To the Harringtons!" Everyone cheered, sipping their drinks.
Steve whispered into your ear, "I could get used to that...Mrs. Harrington." He said, causing you to blush and giggle.
"You better, because no you're never getting rid of me, Mr.Harrington." You say looking up at him.
"Wouldn't dream of it, baby." He says kissing your lips passionately as the sky filled with more fireworks from surrounding neighbors.
You may have been through more in your short life than most people experience in their entirety.
You may have been through unimaginable loss and truamas.
But now your life is truly beginning...The life you fought tooth and nail for, a life with your Stevie.
——-
Read the prequel here!
If you enjoyed this leave a comment/like/reblog!Thank you so much for reading!
Summary: You and your boyfriend Steve had never spoken about the future, as you both knew it wasn't a promise. But now, as the end of this chaos seems near, you both begin to explore what a normal life could entail. But you have to defeat Vecna first, a task that has clearly proven to be nearly impossible thus far.
A/N: This is my longest fic so far and I'm pretty proud of it! If you enjoy it too feel free to comment/reblog! I'm also grieving the end of the show I grew up with, and I know you are too 😔. ALSO, I kinda make small references to events that happened in my others fics, so if you catch them, cool!
Warnings: SEASON 5 FINALE SPOILERS!!! Depictions of violence.
Word Count: 7.2k (Wow)
Henderson! Reader
Basically a Season 5 Ep. 8 rewrite.
Not proofread.
Boarder from @strangergraphics-archive
When you were 16 years old, one your little brother Dustin's best friends, Will Byers, had gone missing on November 6th, 1983.
Since that night your life, and the lives of your friends and family had never been the same.
You had all gone through unexplainable traumas. So much death, so much loss, so much regret and grief. And yet here you all are, marching towards God knows what to finally put an end to the massacre that as plagued all of your existences for years.
After your boyfriend Steve explained his plan, that he cutely called "Operation Beanstalk", which involved the entire gang climbing to the top of the Hawkins radio tower in the Upside Down to create a bridge to Vecna's lair in the base, ultimately rescuing the children, you all wasted no time preparing.
You had all fought your asses off for years. What was about to happen would be your toughest battle yet, and you were terrified.
You have spent years being the protector of the kids...Well, you and Steve. Ever since you and him got tasked with protecting the kids from the demos in the Byers's house all those years ago you had become inseparable.
Each of your protective natures is what caused you two to get so close in the first place, well that and your shared fear of loss.
When everything happened with Max, you and Steve were distraught. You both took Lucas to the hospital to visit her everyday for three months straight, mainly because you knew he needed to see her, but also because you and Steve lived in a constant state of guilt.
You guys didn't protect her like you always promised to.
Now, Max is back. But that relief was short lived as Operation Beanstalk is now in full swing. Max is back at the WSQK with Vickie, El is with Hopper and Kali in the Upside Down, and the rest of the kids are with you, Nancy, Jonathan, Steve, and Joyce in the Abyss.
As you trudged on your mind was racing.
What if you couldn't rescue the kids from Vecna? What if the worlds merged anyways? What if you lost your closest friends? Or your brother?Or your boyfriend?
Steve noticed you spiraling next to him as you all slowly approached the tower.
He grabs your hand softly, pulling you out of your trance, and kissing your knuckles softly, "Hey, what's going on in that pretty mind of yours?" He asks softly.
You shake your head softly before speaking, "What if we can't do it, Steve?" You ask, fear lacing your speech.
His eyes soften as they take in your face. He notices how tears prick your eyes and your brows are furrowing in evident fear.
"But what if we do it?" He says, "What if we kill this bastard? The kids will get to graduate, Nance will get to finally go to Emerson, Johnathan and Robin will get to get out of this town..." He pauses for a moment, his gaze is genuine as he looks into your eyes, "And you and I are gonna move in together and have those 6 little nuggets I told you about last year." He winks at you.
This earns a small giggle from you, "Like I told you last year, you need to cut it back from 6, Stevie." You said and he rolled his eyes dramatically.
"Fine. Well, regardless, when we kill this bastard and this shitty world disappears, you and I get to finally start our life." He says, confidently, his stride never lighting up.
"Our life together?" You say through a smile.
"Oh yeah, I got it all planned out. " He started, "You and I will move in together, probably in some shitty apartment until I can afford that beautiful house on Montauk Avenue you love, you know the blue house with the big tree in the front. Until then I'm gonna get a steadier job than WSQK....Don't let Robin know that part.. " He ranted enthusiastically.
You starred at him with wide, loving eyes. You have never felt loved by anyone the way Steve makes you feel. You two had talked about the future before, but not in detail. When living in Hawkins the future was never promised.
But Steve continued anyways, "Then...I'm gonna get you to marry me." He said smugly, this time his gaze stayed forward.
Your head whipped in his direction, "What?" You ask breathlessly, you had to make sure you heard him right.
"What? You thought after everything we've been through I'm letting a girl like you get away?" He said to you, chuckling a bit, "You damn near took a bat to Billy Hargrove's crotch for me and these goofy kids, you withstood Russian torture with me, taking one hell of a beating too, and despite everything you've been through....You're still you. You're still a good person...And we deserve a chance at a future." Steve said, putting his arm around your shoulder and pulling you in so he could place a kiss to your temple.
Before you could tell him how beautiful his plans sounded and how you'd give anything for them to become a reality, Dustin interrupted.
"Hey! Lovebirds! We're here." He said pointing between the two of you.
You and Steve both rolled your eyes and caught up to the rest of the party where the plan was discussed.
The plan was to ascend the tower and slip into the abyss, a plan that was risky and could harvest many flaws, but it was the only viable plan.
After climbing the tower for a decent while, you stopped on one of the ledges where Dustin was standing, taking in the eerie sight of red before him.
Steve joined you on the ledge, after all he was right behind you on the ladder so he could keep a close eye on you.
"What are you thinking about, Dusty?" You ask, standing next to your brother as Steve approaches the other side of the young boy.
Dustin wipes his eyes slowly, "I just hope this works...I hope everyone is ok...I-If I don't make it-" Dustin starts before Steve cuts hims off.
"No, dude, don't even say it. I'm not letting anything happen to you." Steve says pulling him in for a tight hug.
"Hey! I'm not letting anything happen to either of you!" You say, join the hug as Steve puts his arm around you, pulling you into the group.
You all stood huddled for a second before Dustin finally spoke, "We should get back to climbing, but before we do, I want you to know how special you guys are to me..." Now it was your turn to interrupt him, "Hey- tell us all about it when we kill this asshole." You say, winking at him and nudging him towards the ladder.
You go to follow Dustin when Steve grabbed your arm softly, holding you back for a moment.
"Y/N, if something goes wrong I need you to retreat." He says lowly.
You looked at him with wide eyes, "What?" You ask, a harsh tone leaving your lips.
Is he saying this to protect you? Does he not think you could handle yourself? You've surely more than proven yourself.
"You can't get hurt, this group needs you...Dustin needs you...So if something happens you need to run." He says softly.
You take a deep breath, "Steve, in case you've forgotten I've been protecting Dustin from this world longer than you have and I've been just fine. Retreating is not an option..." You say, the harshness that previously riddled your tone have turned into a more stern-like tone.
You know that this is coming from a protective part of him, but this is not the time nor place for him to lose trust in your abilities, for him to let fear drive his emotions.
"I know that, I know that Y/N..." He starts, "It's just, we don't know what we're about to witness and you always throw yourself in the way of danger for others. Christ, you almost climbed over stairs that were actively melting for Nancy-" He says, rubbing his face in clear frustration.
"Steve, Nancy is my best friend so of course I was willing to risk my life for her-" You begin to say before he cuts you off abruptly.
"Yeah but in doing that you sent your brother into a panic attack, if I hadn't pulled you back you would've died and I can't lose you...So for once put pride and others aside and just run, please." Steve practically begs.
You stand in front of him unmoving, staring into his pleading eyes that are desperate with agony.
Although you know that if push comes to shove you won't hesitate to leap into action, you decide to recognize that Steve Harrington, your Stevie, is begging you...Something his prideful self would typically never be caught dead doing.
You nod slowly and press a quick peck to his cheek, "We'll get that house one day, Stevie..." Is all you say before you take a few step forwards to the ladder and continue on upwards.
Your words were good enough for Steve. His sudden pleas came from a place of excitement, something he hadn't let himself feel very often. He knew that the world could change in the blink of an eye, he knew time was finite, more so to this group of people than anyone else.
But after telling you about all this dreams, the ones he secretly thought about during your quiet moments together, he realized that those dreams are nothing without you.
He had also knew you had the incapability of holding back, something he both love and admired, but he needed you to plant your feet instead of running now more than ever.
When you and Steve had eventually reached the top of the tower with the rest of the gang, the scene before you was chaotic.
Lucas had noticed that the tower did not perfectly align with the abyss.
You were standing between Robin and Steve as everyone looked up in shock and fear, unable of what to do except cling so hard to the tower railing that your fingers are molding to the metal.
The needle hit the tower with a great, and startling blow, sending everyone off balance and shifting every-which-way.
You stumble across the platform, narrowly grabbing onto another railing and stabilizing yourself.
Everything was so loud, so hectic.
You look up with wide eyes as you noticed the needle bend harshly, it was about to snap.
Your eyes scan around the platform hurriedly, you knew Dustin was safe as he was right next to you, holding onto your arm harshly, certainly to ground himself in more ways than one.
When your eyes land on Steve his are already starring back at you, as if he's thinking about how he could get to you.
Your mouth moved but no words came out, you weren't even sure what to say to him. All you knew is you wanted him to get to safety.
But the very next moment the needle snapped, heading directly towards where Steve stood, completely knocking down the protective railing behind him and knocking him completely off balance.
You watched him fall backwards, a sense of fear and dread...An ultimately unexplainable feeling coursed through your veins.
Steve caught the edge of the tower with just one hand. He dangled before you, as if this world was just trying to place a cruel trick on you...Making you suffer and watch the love of your life struggle to maintain his existence.
"STEVE!" You and Dustin shouted out, although you had trouble hearing with the ringing in your ears.
Fearful tears immediately began to fall from your eyes as you attempted to stagger forward and help him.
But Dustin pulled you back, he pleaded with you to stop, but the ringing in your ears only grew louder but your gaze never left his own, the one that was piercing you.
It looked as though his eyes were trying to remember every portion of you, and you felt sick.
You starred at the scene in front of you, you knew you weren't strong enough to pull him back up, but you also weren't strong enough to watch him fall to his death.
You saw his fingers slip as you yelled in agony, throughout your panic you had failed to notice Johnathan make his way towards Steve.
In the knick of time Johnathan grabbed Steve, hosting him up quickly and skillfully.
You felt the air back in your chest as Steve came to his knees on the platform, his chest rising and falling quickly.
Dustin ran over to him, helping him to his feet and hugging him tightly.
Robin walked over to you, checking on your shaken state, to which you cried harder.
Steve let go of your brother and made his way over to you quickly, pulling you into a tight hug.
One of his hands rested on the back of your head as the other found your waist.
You let yourself cry into his chest as he whispered to you, "I'm okay, I'm okay, sweetheart."
You pull back slightly and he gently wipes your tears with his thumbs, "Don't you EVER get yourself in a situation like that ever again." You say to him, planting your hands on his chest.
He nods and kisses your lips slowly but passionately, a kiss that said a million words, but mainly portrayed the message of relief.
"Alright, cute reunion but we need to get going." Robin says patting Steve on the back, his hands slowly glide off of your body as he turns to Robin and pulls her in for a sloppy hug, much to her annoyance.
"Oh c'mon Robs, I know you were worried about me." He says and she rolls her eyes, "It's not too late for me to throw you off this tower, now climb!" She said gesturing towards the ladder.
Steve lets go of her so she can follow everyone else's lead up the ladder.
He turns to you and grabs your hand softly, "Like you'd ever let her do that." He says winking at you.
Your heart rate has finally calmed down and he earns a giggle out of you, "Hey, I almost ran across the platform to go get you but Dustin stopped me." You say as he helps you up the ladder.
Steve sighs, "Yeah I noticed...Didn't take my eyes off of you the whole time, I'm glad Henderson grabbed you when he did." He says the last part under his breath, but you hear him anyways.
You knew he wanted you to stay put, but you disregarded him anyways. You had to save him, and he wanted you to stay to save you.
Once you made it to the abyss the gang all stood for a moment, recollecting themselves.
From then on you all had to march forward, once again to certain doom.
-----
You walked alongside Dustin and Robin as Steve was behind you talking to Johnathan, no doubt thanking him.
"Soooo...Are we gonna talk about how terrifying that was orrr...." Robin says, hesitantly.
You let out a deep sigh, Dustin starts to speak, "It was a terrifying reality check for sure. What we're doing, all of this, is beyond dangerous. And we could lose someone...Just like that." Dustin says, snapping his fingers together.
You rub his back gently, you of all people knew how hard Eddie's death hit him. You knew if something happened to Steve he'd never recover.
"Y/N, I'm honestly surprised you didn't fly across the tower and use your adrenaline rush to pull him up...Like Wonder Woman level strength or something." Robin jokes, obviously trying to lighten the mood.
You chuckled a bit, "I was in shock, and I tried to move but Dustin held me back, which was the right thing to do." You say, looking at him and giving him a slight smile and a wink.
"Yeah well, I wasn't about to lose my two favorite people..." He said with a sad smile.
"You're not losing us, Dustin. You're an idiot if you don't think we're not watching you cross that stage next year." You say to him.
"Yeah, so you can see me get Valedictorian while you only got Salutatorian?" He jokes and Robin lets out an "Oooooo".
You give him a side-eye, "Sureeeee, look you may be slightly smarter than me but don't forget who taught you everything you know." You say to him, nudging him slightly with your shoulder.
He smiles slightly, an expression of his you surely missed, "I just hope by then you and Steve are married or something and I can finally make your room into my DND room." He said.
You blush slightly at the mention of marriage when Steve comes up behind you, slipping his hand around your waist lovingly.
"Hey, in a fit of rage in that creepy lab you told me you'd never let me marry your sister, now you've changed your mind?" He says to Dustin who rolled his eyes, clearly not thinking Steve had overheard him.
"Don't make me take it back!" Dustin said, "Please. Like you could stop him. This guy is whipped, he's marrying her regardless of your approval." Robin said and Steve gave your waist a loving squeeze.
But this pleasant chatter could only last so long, because just then Will cried out in agony...Shit, the plan isn't working, is it?
-----
Some time later you all had come across the Mind Tree.
You all stood, weapons in hand, starring upwards at the creature before you.
It was larger than you could've ever imagined. The air around you felt thick, this was the moment you had dreamed about for years, the moment where you could all put an end to this massacre that has been plaguing the town for awhile now.
The Mind Tree began to move as the shock began to wear off from the group. All you could do was start running.
Steve grabbed your hand quickly, digging his nails into your rough skin, dragging you with him.
Your legs moved quicker than your mind could comprehend, you had never ran so fast in your life.
You heard someone fall behind you, looking back, you noticed it was your brother.
"DUSTIN!" You cried out, attempting to break free from Steve's grasp when his grip tightened on you.
Steve stopped in his tracks with you before both of you took charge towards him, but you weren't moving quick enough.
Lucas dove onto Dustin, rolling him out of the pathway of the creature when you and Steve changed your path to head towards them.
You both pick them up quickly and continue to run, but you hold onto Dustin's hand so tight that he had to be numb.
The creature began to slam it's limbs down, effectively trapping you all.
You all looked around, searching for anyway to free yourselves.
However, the creature's attention suddenly shifted...El was here.
You all watched in astonishment as El jumped directly into the creature, clearly about to fight Vecna.
"We need to help her!" Nancy says, speaking for everyone.
Dustin explains his plan for everyone to spread out and attack the creature, to take the high ground atop the mountains.
"That's a good plan, but who's going to be bait?" Robin says breathlessly.
You and Nancy look at each other suddenly, you then spoke in sync, "We will."
Steve's eyes snapped to yours, "What?!No, no way. No fucking way are you going to be bait." He says putting his hands out.
But you're already loading up your gun as he protests.
You then look at him, "Steve..."You say softly, you already know what's coming.
"No! Y/N, I just told you how you can't just go running into danger and now here you are, literally BEING bait!" He says, frusturated.
"Steve..." Dustin, of all people, interjects and everyone's gaze flicks to him, "If anyone's got this, if anyone is able to do this...It's them. They have the best shots, they're crazy fast, and God are they quick-on their feet..." He says, emotion evident in his words.
Steve looks back at you hastily before tightening his lips and nodding slightly, "Please be safe..." He says before everyone begins to take off to reach the hilltops.
You mouth a quick "I love you" to him which he returns before running off.
You then turn to Nancy and she looks at you, "You ready?" She asks.
"Let's finish this shit." You reply.
-----
You and Nancy were a wicked duo. Always had been since you were children.
However, you never thought you'd be saving the world with the girl you invited to color with you on the first day of Kindergarten.
You were each landing critical hits on the creature, taking turns reloading your weapons accordingly.
The plan was working well until you both became corner in a cavern, bulletless.
"Nancy!" You said in fear, "They need to hurry!" She replied, the same fear lacing her tone.
Just then the group began attack from multiple directions.
Fire, bullets, the works began soaring through the air, allowing for you and Nancy to make your escape.
You both watched as the creature eventually came falling down in roaring flames...Was it finally dead? You wondered.
You and Nancy were the first ones to run into the creature, Nancy had made a B-line for Holly Wheeler, who was plastered aganist the walls.
You ran straight to El, pulling her into a tight hug as tears pricked your eyes.
"You did it kid...You fucking did it!" You say to her and you hear her let out a chocked sob of her own.
Eventually the rest of the group ran inside, splitting up to let all the kids free.
But Steve ran straight to you, picking you up in a tight hug and twirling you around.
"We did it, baby!" He said to you, causing you to giggle.
He drops you to your feet and you look into his eyes, it's almost like you can see the hope within them.
"I'm so glad you're safe." He whispers, inches away from your lips.
"God, I'm so glad you're safe." You whisper back, closing the gap between your lips.
Before you guys could get carried away, Dustin threw himself onto you two, making a group hug.
You and Steve pull away and wrap your arms around him.
No words had to be exchanged to know that this was a moment of brief peace, of proof of survival.
Your attention was then pulled away from your boys when Joyce approached Vecna's body.
The once positive mood switched quickly as everyone turned towards her.
Joyce stood before him with an axe and muttered, "You messed with the wrong fucking family." She hissed.
With that she began swinging, each swing more powerful than the last.
Vecna had taken things from all of you.
He had taken loved ones...Bob, Barb, Billy, Will, Max, Eddie...
He had traumatized you all...Will's disappearance ruined the town, Max's incident had left you all nightmare-ridden, Eddie's death was a gruesome sight to behold, one you see often when you close your eyes.
He had stripped you all of many of life's promises...Childhood innocence and college to name a few.
He had forever impacted the people that surrounded you in ways nobody else could image.
He had fucked with the wrong family.
A family that stood before him.
-----
He was dead. You were all safe.
You, Robin, and Steve were in one of the trucks, laughing and talking about the future for the first time ever.
Because now, the future wasn't an uncertain anomaly, it was promised.
"I'm gonna move to New York for school...Wonder if I could get Vick to follow me. We could get a cute studio apartment and maybe a cat or something." Robin says looking out the window, giggling.
Your face began to ache from smiling as you looked at her, "New York? Wow, I can't wait to visit you." You replied.
Steve was looking in front of him with a smile on his face, one hand rested on your thigh.
"What about you two? What's your plan?" Robin asks, nudging you.
Before you could say anything Steve began to speak, "We're moving into an apartment on Hawk Lane...Already got the lease approved." He said smuggly.
You look at him with wide eyes as Robin gasped happily, "What?!" You said with a smile, in awe.
He looks at you for a moment, "Yup. Been talking to the landlord for a few months now, signed the lease last week. It's ours." He said, rubbing your thigh lovingly.
You let out a giggle and kissed his cheek rapidly, causing him to laugh, "You haven't even asked me if I wanted to move in with you!" You say to him and he rolls his eyes, "Fine, sue me for assuming you loved me! Y/N Henderson...Will you please move in with me now that we've been together for 4 years and just saved the world." He says.
You pretend to think before letting out a loud, "Yes!"
Robin was laughing, "I was waiting for him to ask you! God, I didn't know how much longer I could hold that secret in...God the amount of times I almost let it slip!" She blabbers.
"You knew!?" You ask and Robin chuckles nervously, "Oh, I've seen it...It's adorable." She said to you. Your smile never faltered as you rested your head on Steve's shoulder.
You let your mind wander for the remainder of the ride. Thinking about the dinners you two would host for the gang, about you two dancing in the kitchen and singing into utensils.
You thought about making the place your own, together.
And you were ready for it all.
-----
But your peace was short lived when you entered back into the real world.
The military was waiting for you, and they were pissed.
"What the hell is happening-" Steve says to you both before the doors on either side of the truck swung open.
The guards began to pull you all out of the truck harshly, so much so that it was painful.
"HEY! HEY GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF HER!" Steve yelled while being restrained and pushed up against a military vehicle.
You were pushed right next to him, facing him with wide eyes.
"Y/N...It's gonna be ok baby-" He said trying to sooth your fear, as if he too wasn't terrified.
"Y/N-" Dustin said from next to you and your head snapped over to him.
"She...I think she escaped." He said as low as he could, as to not draw attention to himself.
El. They want El.
Slight relief filled you knowing she isn't in this mess right now, that she wasn't under their grasp once again.
There was so much screaming, so much anger and fear in the air.
You had no idea what was happening around you, everyone was pleading, trying to explain themselves, all while the upside down was destroying itself before them.
"We just fucking saved the world you assholes!" You yell out as one of the guard pushed Steve's head into the wall harshly, demanding to know what you all were doing in the upside down.
"Oh bullshit-" A guard said behind you as you felt the tip of a gun push into your back.
Steve looked at you with tears in his eyes, his eyes begging you not to argue, not to say another word.
The chaos was unnerving, but the weapon slowly fell from your back and the guard loosened his grip on Steve.
Hopper began screaming, a scream filled with a horror you've never heard before.
You looked towards the gate, Eleven stood still.
Mike began screaming, pleading for her.
"No...NO!" You shout out, tears falling from your eyes.
El closed her eyes slowly and squared her shoulders.
She let the upside down take her, and a moment later she and that universe were gone.
The military did not know what to do, their weapons fell to the ground and they let you all move.
Everyone was in a state of shock.
Joyce held Hopper as he cried out in pain on the ground.
Dustin, Will, and Lucas huddled around Mike as he screamed in disbelief.
Nancy, Johnathan, and Robin all stood in their places, unmoving and shocked.
You grabbed onto Steve and sobbed harshly into his chest as he wept into your hair...You hadn't protected her, you had lost one of your kids now...Surely for good.
On November 6th, 1983 Will Byers went missing. The next day you met a strange girl who held a special place in your heart.
A girl you thought you'd lost once before.
A girl who's return changed your perspective on protection.
A girl who used to join Max in begging you for a girls night and free ice cream at Scoops Ahoy.
A girl who moved away and came back a woman.
A woman who had just disappeared before you, now seemingly a forever memory.
-----
18 Months Later
"Babe! Do you know where my tie is?" Steve shouts from your shared bedroom as you stood in the bathroom, finishing up your makeup.
"On your nightstand!" You reply as you swept your lipstick carefully over your lips.
You hear scuffling before he comes up behind you, tie in his hand.
He lets out a low whistle as he takes in your figure, you roll your eyes.
"I was gonna ask if you could help me with this stupid tie do we could get going to this graduation, but I think I'd rather stay here with you." He says, his eyes raking your figure.
You turn around and grab the tie from his hands, tossing it over his neck, "You are unbelievable, Steve Harrington." You say.
"And you are beautiful, Y/N Henderson." He says adoringly, looking at you with pure love in his eyes.
You giggle slightly as you finished up tying his tie and patting it softly, letting your hands rest on his chest as you look up at him.
"I can't believe they're all graduating..." You say to him.
He sighs, "I know...God, it seems like yesterday we were kicking Billy Hargrove's ass because they were too small to defend themselves, and now they're going to college..." He says, his hands dropping to your waist.
"They don't need us anymore...We did good." You say, planting a soft kiss onto his lips.
In classic Steve fashion, he tries to deepen the kiss even though you should've left five minutes ago.
"Steve-" You giggle trying to cut him off.
His lips trail down your neck hungrily, ignoring your protests.
"STEVE!" You laugh, pulling back, "We have to go! We can't be late to their graduation because you couldn't control yourself." You say to him and walk out of the bathroom, an offended Steve hot on your tail.
"Hey! I don't remember you controlling yourself all the other times we were late for something..." He says crossing your small apartment and grabbing his suit jacket.
You face flushes and you turn around to face him, "Don't start, Steve." You scold him jokingly.
He puts his hands up, innocently, "I'm just saying!" He says.
You roll your eyes and make your way to the front door when Steve stops quickly, "Um, just one sec, I forgot something!" He says, turning around and heading into your bedroom quickly.
You stood confused in the doorway waiting for Steve to return.
When he did a minute later you quickly questioned his actions, "Where did you go?" You ask as he placed his hand on your lower back, guiding you out of your shared place.
"Just something for later..." He said to you before placing a kiss atop your head.
-----
You and Steve sat with your mom and Robin on the bleachers.
You couldn't believe this day had come, not in the conventional sense, in the sense that you had all done it. You survived the unimaginable horrors this world threw at you, and now you get to watch your little brother and his friends graduate.
The ceremony began slowly, honestly it was pretty boring until Dustin took the stage as Valedictorian.
When he stepped up to the podium you and Steve stood up, clapping and cheering for him.
He hadn't let anyone hear his speech, not even Steve...Which shocked you.
His hands were at each side of the podium, he took a deep breath before he began.
"I just wanted a normal childhood. But that childhood was stolen from me." He began, and tears already pricked your eyes.
"It was stolen from us. And this past year, if you wanna know the truth, I've been pretty pissed about it. But then I thought back to the past six years, and I realized that, even though there was a lot of bad, there was so much good too."
You had never been so proud in your fucking life.
"There's this game I like to play... It's called Dungeons and Dragons. And in this game, there are two types of chaos classes. Chaotic good and chaotic bad. Now, bad chaos bring anarchy, destruction, war. But good chaos can bring innovation and change."
You couldn't help but see the shy little boy who used to come home from school crying after being bullied all day, you couldn't believe how much he'd grown.
Steve must've noticed you getting emotional and he grabbed your hand and softly kissed your knuckles.
"And this school, frankly it needed to change...Because we were so divided into the jocks...the nerds...the freaks. And in the chaos, all those walls broke down, and I made new friends. I made friends who were never supposed to be my friends...."
You heard Steve sniffle next to you as you looked at him, you knew how much Steve loved your brother, he was his brother too.
"This wasn't just me. I saw this happen with so many others. When you get to know people who are different front you, you begin to learn more about yourself. You change. You grow. I'm a better person now. I'm a better person because of them, because of my friends...Friends who I now consider family above anything else..."
Dustin looked around the audience for a moment and your face changed slightly, "I know that expression..." You start, "He wouldn't..." Steve said.
"Because now that the chaos is over, Principle Higgins and every square life him is gonna do their damndest to put everything back in order and I don't want order..." You and Steve let a shocked laugh fall from your proud faces.
"Which is why it's pretty hypocritical that I'm wearing this thing, I mean, we look ridiculous. What is this? We look like Roman senators. I mean, it's not who I am. I don't think it's who any of us are...So honestly, just screw it all..." He says looking down at his gown before ripping it off, revealing his "Hellfire Lives" tee shirt.
You and Steve began whooping, LOUDLY.
Dustin grabs the mic from the podium, dodging the flustered Principle Higgins, "Screw the school! Screw the system! Screw conformity! And as my sister Y/N told me everyday I came home crying from school because someone was trying to get me to change...Screw everyone and everything trying to hold you back! Screw everything that tries and tear us apart!" He finishes, dropping the mic and flipping off Higgins.
You stood up cheering with Steve and your mom, "YEAH DUSTIN!"
The crowd was going wild, kids screaming and chanting, "HENDERSON! HENDERSON! HENDERSON!"
"He is so your brother." Steve said as you both sat down.
"Oh please, that was all him...Minus my little shoutout." You say smugly as he presses a kiss to your cheek.
When the ceremony ended you and Steve ran up to Dustin, encapsulating him in a hug.
"You are insane! That was amazing! I'm so proud of you." You say to Dustin, kissing his head.
"Thank you, thank you...I learned from the best." He said to you.
"Told ya!" Steve said, pulling Dustin in for a hug.
"So...anything engaging going on today?" Dustin says, smacking Steve's chest slightly as you raised your brow at them.
"I mean, we're meeting everyone at the WSQK after this for a little reunion." You tell him and Steve looks slightly panicked.
"Yup! Gonna head there right now..." He said looking at Dustin who was smiling like an idiot.
"You guys have fun...I'm gonna go catch up with the party." He says, giving you both one final hug before running off.
"What was that about?" You ask Steve, confused.
"I'm not sure...Let's get going to the WSQK, maybe if we're the first ones there we can revisit the studio, that was one of our best make-out spots." He says, winking at you.
"What is wrong with you?" You say rolling your eyes as you take his arm and he leads you to his car.
-----
Steve holds your hand across the seat as you take in the town around you.
Just over a year ago you all saved the world, and nobody knows.
Nobody but your small group.
Some of whom live on the East Coast now.
Some of whom just graduated high school.
And one of whom who sits in this car with you, the love of your life.
You snap out of your daydream when Steve zooms past the WSQK.
You look at your boyfriend, "Ummm, Stevie? You passed the WSQK." You say to him as a small smile creeps onto his face.
"Yeah, I know baby...I have something I need to show you first." He says.
"If you show me some monster you found in the woods, I think it's up to the other residents of Hawkins to save the world now." You say cheekily, earning a laugh from him.
"Well, it's definitely something better then that." Steve says as he turns down Montauk Avenue.
Your eyes take in the beautiful neighborhood, the neighborhood you used to bike down everyday as a kid because the road was freshly paved and the beautiful trees provided cooling shade.
But the real reason you always loved this neighborhood was because of the beautiful blue house on the corner.
The one who's driveway Steve just swung into.
The one with a large "SOLD" sticker on front of the real estate sign in the lawn.
Confusion painted your face as Steve turned off the car and jogged over to your side, opening your door.
"Stevie? What are we doing?" You ask as he took your hand, helping you out of the car.
"C'mon, follow me." He says leading you to the front door and pushing open the door.
"Uhhh Steve, should we really be in here?" You ask nervously.
"I wanna show you something." He says as he leads you into the living room and in front of the large bay window that had a perfect view of the large-vibrant tree in the front lawn.
He stands in front of you, starring at you as you look around.
"Steve...I-I don't get it-." You say before your eyes land on his.
He is looking at you with a shy smile.
"I just wanted to stop home before we meet up with the gang." He says casually, tucking a strand of loose hair behind your ear.
"W-What?" You ask, making sure you heard him right.
He reaches into his pocket and grabs a golden key from his pants and holds it up in front of you.
"Well, I got that coaching gig at Hawkins Middle School...You got your English teacher career flourishing at Hawkins High...I've been saving up since Scoops to get you this place...It's ours baby." He says, placing his free hand around your waist.
You grab his face in your hands and kiss him deeply, he smiles wide into the kiss.
When you finally pull away he hands you the key and you look at it glisten in your hand.
"I-I can't believe this...It's ours!" You say to him.
"It's ours!" He echos, laughing.
"Is this what you had to run back and grab?" You ask him, twirling the key in your hand.
"Well, not exactly." He says, reaching into his inner-jacket pocket.
Your head tilts in confusion at his actions.
He pulls out a small velvet box and drops on one knee.
You gasp, your hand flying to your mouth in suprise.
Steve opens the box slowly, "Y/N, when I met you, really met you, that day Dustin had us spreading animal guts all over Hawkins I knew I was a goner. I knew it from the first time I saw you smile that I would do anything to see it for the rest of my life. For the longest time we never spoke about the future, we both knew it wasn't promised. But deep down I was still putting away a majority of my paycheck ever since Scoops Ahoy so one day we could be exactly where we are right now...In our dream house, about to start the rest of my life together...So, Y/N Henderson, will you marry me?" He says to you, adoration falling from his lips with every word.
You knelt down in front of him, wiping the tears from your eyes, and grabbed his face between your hands, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.
You pulled back slowly and replied softly, "Yes, yes of course I'll marry you, Stevie."
His face lit up as he wrapped his arms around your waist and kissed you passionately.
When he pulled away, he placed the beautiful ring on your dainty finger.
"God, that looks so right." He says softly, running his thumb over the diamond.
"I can't believe this is the second place you've gotten without me knowing...Mr. Sex Ed." You joked and he groaned.
You playfully slapped his chest and he pulled you in for a hug, both of you still kneeling on the floor.
"I love you so much, Y/N...So, stupidly much." Steve says softly in the quiet room.
"I love you more, Stevie." You say to him, planting a soft kiss to his chest.
You both stared out the bay window, while you didn't know what he was thinking about in your shared silence, you like to think he's thinking about the same things as you.
About decorating this beautiful home.
About the summers spent in the large backyard.
About the dinner parties in the dining room.
About the holidays and birthdays.
About the nuggets running around this place one day.
"God, this was the future I always wanted to have." Steve said, kissing the top of your head.
"Me too, we're finally getting our future together." You replied.
After all you had gone through together, all you lost, all you've experienced...You deserved this beautiful reality you were going to build together.
Summary: You and the group abandoned your given post at the church to explore a theory your little brother Dustin has. But, nothing can ever go without conflict as your brother and your boyfriend, Steve, have it out and you worry about your best friend in a time of uncertainty.
Warnings: SEASON 5 CHAPTER 2 SPOILERS!
A/N: I wrote this relatively quick so bare with me please lol. Maybe I'll do a rewrite eventually, Idk! Lmk what you all think!
Word Count: 5.1k
Henderson!Reader (Y/N)
Fem!Reader
Border Credit: @strangergraphics-archive
Usually everyone always stuck to the plan, no matter how loose the string may be, a plan is a plan.
But you all have never been this desperate before. Max is still in a coma, Demos are flooding Hawkins, kids are going missing left and right, and now Holly Wheeler -your best friend's little sister- has become one of Vecna's many victims.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, which means not sticking to the plan.
Now you, Nancy, Johnathan, your boyfriend Steve, and your little brother Dustin were quickly moving through this alternate dimension in search of Hawkins Lab, ultimately leaving your assigned post at the church where you all were supposed to meet Hopper and El.
You all hastily entered the dark halls of the lab where disturbing vines hugged the walls and floors alike. You all begin moving your flashlights around slowly, just taking in your disgusting surrounding.
Steve sighed, "Well, this looks really promising." He said snarkily.
You give Nancy a knowing-look, you had been complaining to her how Dustin and Steve cannot seem to get along recently, you knew they were about to start bickering once again.
"We're in the lobby," Dustin replies, annoyance lacing his words, "And...where exactly are we going?" Nancy asked.
"Right. Like, what is it we're looking for?" Johnathan puzzles as your flashlight scales the walls and ceiling.
Dustin turns to look at Johnathan, "You've all seen Return of the Jedi?" He ponders.
You scoff amusingly, Dustin didn't even need to ask if you've seen it. God, you practically saw it in theaters 20 times and had the entire trilogy on hold at Family Video when Steve worked there...Thank God he never charged you.
"The one with the teddy bears?" Steve says.
"Ewoks." You and Dustin say at the same time.
Yeah, it's the best one." Steve replied, knowingly.
Nancy looked at you for conformation, you had only begged her to see each movie with you a million times, she only caved once for each.
"Is it?" She asked.
"No," You reply, turning your attention to your boyfriend, "The best Star Wars movie is, by far, The Empire Strikes Back." You say, before Steve could come up with a rebuttal, Dustin interrupted.
"-But every child loves it, so it tracks that Steve thinks it's the best one." Dustin says, beginning to walk.
Steve give you a look, a look that says, "I'm gonna lose it on him", but you just rub his arm gently.
"In the film," Dustin starts, "if you recall, the rebels need to destroy a second Death Star, but it's surrounded by a protective energy shield, which is created by a shield generator."
You all follow his lead, still looking around.
"Yeah, cool. Thanks for the summary of a movie Y/N has made us watch a billion times." Steve says sassily.
"Hey-" You interrupt before Dustin cuts you off, "It's an oddly relevant movie, Steve." He snaps.
"Look, I think this circular flesh wall is Vecna's version of an energy shield, except it's not sci-fi...It's supernatural, crested by Vecna's dark magic. And this dark magic shield is what's preventing us from reaching him and saving Holly. But if my math is correct, the generator for the shield has to be in this lab." Dustin tells us all, confidently.
"So if we find this dark magic shield generator..." Johnathan says, "We destroy the wall". Dustin says matter-of-factly.
"Find Vecna. Save Holly". Nancy says.
You give her a promising look. You and Nance have been best friends since Kindergarten. You remember both of her siblings being born, you were the house she ran to when her parents were fighting, you were both at a loss when Barb went missing...You were there when she got with Steve, when she left Steve...When she pushed you to be with Steve because it was obvious he always had a crush on you. As she always put it, "We both liked other people when we were together, we were just too scared to do anything about it".
You know her well enough to know when she's hurting, and right now, this is worse than losing Barb, she is suffering.
Steve was confused, "And, what does this dark-magic shield look like, exactly?" He asked.
"How you would expect me to know that?" Dustin replied rudely.
"Dustin." You warn, his snarky tone of voice is Steve's number one trigger lately, and you didn't feel like being the mediator right now.
Dustin looks at you sharply before turning around and walking away.
Steve rubs his hand gently along your back and gave you a reassuring smile as you all began to follow him.
Eventually you all come to a set of staircases, one going upwards and the other downwards.
"Up or down?" Dustin asks no one in particular.
Nancy sighs, "I say both. Search in teams, two and three, cover more ground". She says.
"Yeah that's cool with me, but can we just switch the teams up? Like send Dustin with you and Johnathan?" Steve says, "Me and Y/N go up and you three go down?" He proposes.
"Oh, I mean-" Nancy starts before Dustin sighs so loud it cuts her off, Steve begins to plead his case again, "Me and Henderson here need some space." He says, nudging his elbow towards Dustin.
"Oh please, you just wanna be alone with Y/N so you guys can make-out and get distracted like you do during the crawls when you go alone. This is serious shit, Steve." Dustin says.
Steve turns his body to fully face Dustin now, anger is slowly painting his features when you interject, "Fuck this, we're sticking to our original teams. Nancy, Johnathan, you two check the top floor and make your way down. We'll start in the basement and work our way up until we meet. Stay in contact...in case I kill one of these two." You say, grabbing Steve's hand and Dustin's forearm as you lead them down the stairs, not leaving them any room for them to argue.
-----
Down in the basement you all scanned the hallways, looking for just about anything that could resemble Dustin's concept of a shield.
"How long are these damn halls?" You say quietly.
"Treasures are always hidden in the deepest depths of the dungeon." Dustin says, earning a slight giggle from you.
Steve on the other hand, was less than amused, "What is it, a treasure or a magic shield generator?" He quips, "Keep your metaphors straight, dude." He adds.
Dustin gives him a sideways glance, "Analogy, Steve". Dustin says.
You walk ahead of them, their bickering was starting up again and you weren't having it. Further down the hall you approach large double doors, turning around and looking for conformation from your boys, they nod and you push them wide open.
You flashlights quickly glide across the large room that oddly resembles a sort-of daycare with rainbow lines covering the walls and floor.
You all spread out across the room, "Holy shit Henderson, you were right." Steve says grabbing a small metal ball from a game and tossing it at Dustin, "Treasure." Steve says sarcastically.
Dustin looks at the metal ball in his head before turning his attention back to Steve, "Okay, you know what?" He asks as Steve continued to point his flashlight at the game.
"Guys-" You say, being ignored.
"What?" Steve replied absentmindedly.
"This is the perfect spot for you, considering you arrested development. So, while me and Y/N search the rest of this basement, why don't you stay here and play with your balls?" He says tossing the ball back to Steve.
You rolled your eyes hard, "Finally, a plan I can't get behind." Steve replied, "I can imagine." Dustin said.
But Steve wasn't one to ever take disrespect.
"Yeah, good luck looking for your treasure, I mean shield generator, I mean made up bullshit!" Steve said getting louder with each word.
"Steve-" You warn when Dustin shouts out a sarcastic "Thank you!"
"ENOUGH!" You shout out, making Dustin and Steve both jump slightly.
"Enough with this childish behavior! Honestly. Dustin, you and I are going to search the halls some more, Stevie, you search this room, ok?" You said looking between them both.
"Good idea, give Steve the space to play with his balls." Dustin says under his breath and you deliver a slight smack to the back of his head.
"Dustin. Let's go." You say nudging his out the door, you turn around and mouth "I love you" to Steve and he mouthed a quick "I love you too" back.
Steve knew you were struggling maintaining your once amazing relationship with Dustin. You were always so close, but ever since Eddie's death last year he's been distant. You would drive him places in hopes of sparking up conversation only for him to remain nearly silent the whole time. You would make his favorite meals only for him to not touch them. You would even try to take him places you couldn't afford, like the movies or Enzo's, only for him to ignore you.
You try to talk to Dustin in the halls, but only received quick responses like "No." or "I guess."
-----
Eventually you both made it back to the rainbow room Steve was left in, as you entered he frustratedly tossed a Rubix cube to the ground. He was perched on a table, hands on his knees, clearly looking annoyed
"Really? You're playing in here?" Dustin said in a monotone voice, picking up the thrown Rubix cube.
"Look dude, I searched this room and didn't see anything and I got bored...And judging by that pissy look on your face, I'm guessing you didn't find the shield generator." Steve says.
"It's here somewhere-" Dustin says only to be cut off by Steve, "But you didn't find it." He says.
"It's for sure not on this floor." You say, walking towards Steve and rubbing his arm in a calming manner.
"Oh, so Dustin was wrong." Steve said, giving you a snarky look, one that said, "Oh, so the little genius was wrong for once".
"Oh you would just love that, wouldn't you?" Dustin said turning around to face the both of you.
"That's not what he was saying Dust-" You started before Steve stood up, pointing the flashlight directly in Dustin's face, "No, I'm just stating a fact." He said calmly.
You could tell Dustin was enraged before he even spoke his next few words, "No. You're gloating. Despite the fact that if I'm wrong, we don't reach past the wall, and we don't find Holly and the other kids. Do you understand how selfish you're being?" He says, looking at Steve with a glare that could kill.
You stood in silence, unsure of how to dwindle down this moment.
"Me?Selfish? You wanna talk about selfish? How about the fact when we finally reach Hop and El, we promptly ditch them to pursue this bullshit theory of yours? Not to mention, you're the reason that we lost contact with them in the first place because of your no-show at the crawl. So this whole mess is actually your fault. And I haven't heard so much as a sorry to me or your sister." He rants.
Your gaze flicks to Dustin who has tears in his eyes now, "Ok, guys I really think we should stop now-" You say putting your hands up slightly.
"Shit. Again, it's not like I just didn't show up. I was attacked." Dustin spat.
Your concerned expression was pointed at him, "Dusty..." You say quietly. You and Steve both knew he was attacked, most likely by the gaggle of idiots who have been giving him a hard time at school, but the conformation only makes your heart ache.
"No, you wanted a fight," Steve says pointing at Dustin accusingly, "And that's what you got. Just look at your face, man." Steve said with a harshness in his voice you never would've thought would ever be directed at your little brother.
You wanted to stop both of them, but you knew this pot was bound to boil over eventually, you just hate you're in the middle of it.
Steve was now starring daggers into your brother as he spoke, "You've done some stupid shit in the past, but this? Man, this takes the cake."
"You wanna talk to me about dumb shit?!" Dustin screamed, startling you a bit, "How about dragging my sister, YOUR FUCKING GIRLFRIEND, and all of us into this fucking hell just because you were too stupid to use the tracker on your own?!" He spat.
"Dustin, that's enough!" You say loudly, once again being ignored.
Dustin looks at you with a manic expression on his face before huffing slightly, "Of course! And you, Y/N, are always so fucking quick to defend Steve, always." He said.
Lately you had been telling Dustin to check his tone and behavior towards Steve, as Dustin was the one who started majority of the fights...You guess you'd done it more than you realized. But before you could defend yourself, Steve spoke up.
"Don't speak to her that way, shithead. And are you kidding me right now? Are you saying I'd ever put any of you in danger on purpose? Especially my fucking girlfriend?" Steve says, clearly a nerve had been struck.
"See, Henderson, unlike you I care about my friends. Remember what that's like? Having friends?" Steve says, inching towards your brother.
"Steven." You say harshly, his eyes flicker to you for a moment, you never use his full name. Steve shouldn't have gone there. Like you, Dustin had always struggled making friends, this was a low blow.
"Yeah...I do. I remember what it was like to have a good friend," Dustin says, the pain in his eyes is almost too much for you, "a real fried who actually believed in me, and who was actually kind to me."
"Aha! AHA!" Steve says wagging his finger at Dustin who then questioned his actions, "Here we go. This is what it's all been about, really, Eddie. All your bullshit, pushing everyone, including you sister who would do anything for you, away is because no one could ever be as perfect as he was." Steve said.
You felt like the air had escaped your lungs. You hadn't been brave enough to even allude to Eddie around Dustin ever since his death, much less actually talk about him. You knew shit was about to get bad.
Dustin points the Rubix cube in his hand at your boyfriend, "He wasn't perfect, but at least he knew that, unlike you. He was never fake. He didn't care what people thought about him. He was just himself And you know what? He was the smartest, kindest person I've ever met. And he would've solved that in 30 seconds flat." Dustin spat, now frantically waving the item in the air.
You could tell Steve was wounded by Dustin's words, but what you didn't expect was the words that fell from Steve's lips the next moment.
"Well, if I'm such a goddamn idiot, how come I'm the one still standing here?!" Steve spits.
A gasp falls from your lips and your posture straightens. Fuck, this is bad.
Dustin looks at Steve with an expression of utter pain and betrayal, "What the HELL is that supposed to mean?" He asks, as if he needs clarification.
"That night...I told you not to be heros. I told you both. What did Eddie do? He charged into a storm of killer bats." Steve states, emotion lacing his voice slightly.
"To save my life!" Dustin shouted, tears rolling down his cheek.
"He saved no one." Steve stated harshly.
"HE SAVED EVERYONE." Dustin yelled at Steve.
"You can keep telling yourself that, Henderson, but deep down you know that the reason you're so goddamn pissed is because you know the truth... Eddied wanted to play hero, and he made a dumb call, and he got himself killed." Steve yelled at Dustin.
"SHUT UP!" Dustin yelled.
Before you knew it your little brother was charging at Steve.
"HEY!" You say as he pushed Steve back and began punching him in the ribs.
"HENDERSON?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING-" Steve shouts as he gets Dustin off of him only for him to come charging back.
Dustin was relentless. He was pushing Steve into the wall and hitting him anywhere he could possibly make contact.
"HEY! Dustin please stop!" You begged, Steve had the capability of seriously hurting Dustin, even though he wasn't fighting back.
"HENDERSON, calm down! What are you doing?!" Steve yelled amongst the chaos.
You lunge forward in an attempt to pull Dustin off of your boyfriend, but Dustin just shoves you back harshly, causing you to fall on your back.
"Y/N, BABY?- DUDE STOP. YOU JUST HURT YOUR SISTER-" Steve says frantically.
But Dustin doesn't hear him, or he doesn't care. At this moment your little brother is blinded by rage and grief.
"Jesus! You're gonna hurt yourself, man!" Steve shouts as you pull yourself back to your feet, your eyes following the two boys around the room.
"Please, stop it Dustin!" You plead, tears spilling from your eyes at the scene in front of you.
Every time Steve managed to get Dustin off of him he came right back at him, even knocking him into the other room through the window in the wall.
You gasp in fear as you quickly cross the room to the hole they just flew through. They were both on the floor on their hands and knees, clearly catching their breath.
"Alright Dustin-" Steve pants before Dustin throws a quick punch across his face.
"STEVE!" You shout, fear consumes you as you watch the two people you love most in the world in this situation. Steve will not put up a fight, not against Dustin.
The boys get back on their feet, you're now crying out for them to stop, but ultimately go ignored.
Steve gets Dustin in a chokehold and starts tossing him around, this sends a rush of fear through your body.
"STEVE-STEVE STOP!" You yell as he repeats "ENOUGH" over and over again.
Dustin backs into the wall harshly, causing him and Steve to tumble over.
You jump over the wall, rushing to your knees between the two of them, your breathing is extremely unsteady. Your attention falls to Dustin first, your hands grabbing his face but he pulls away harshly, "Don't fucking touch me, Y/N." Dustin says shakily.
Finally, your own anger spills out, "What the hell is wrong with you Dustin? You could've seriously hurt yourself just now!" You said as tears fell down your eyes.
"Like you'd care." Dustin said standing up.
"If I didn't care about you I wouldn't be here right now. I wouldn't be in this alternate dimension! I'd be in college! But instead I'm here so mom isn't raising an angsty teenager alone. Instead I'm here so you wouldn't be suffering all the time, suffering alone. Instead I'm here, as we search for god knows what!" You shout.
Dustin looks at you quietly, almost too stunned to speak. You can't even remember the last time you yelled at him like this.
"And you charge at Steve? The guy who is in this whole situation because you needed his help all those years ago? The guy who's taken multiple fucking beating for you? The guy who has tried to be there for you constantly but you've shut out?" You rant.
"He said shit about Eddie that wasn't fucking true..." Dustin said, his voice barley above a whisper.
"And that wasn't right of him...But attacking him?" You say shaking your head.
"Y'know what? I'm done..." You say putting your hands up, Steve stands up and grabs you in his arms softly, seeing your distress.
"I-I'm gonna find Nancy and Johnathan....I-I just can't do this." You say, walking out of the room.
Steve looks at Dustin and shakes his head before following you, "Baby-" He says, catching up to you, leaving Dustin alone in the room.
"Just go! You dumb, fake assholes! You two deserve each other!" Dustin screams.
You and Steve make it out of the room when you finally break, he grabs you in his arms and pulls you to his chest.
"I'm so sorry baby..." He says, planting a kiss on the top of your head.
You pull away slightly, "I'm just tired, Steve. A-And seeing him lunge at you was...was fucking wild." You say as he wipes the tears from your eyes.
"The kid is a mess..." Steve whispers.
"Let's just give him some space down here and go fine Nance and Johnathan, if something happens he'll walkie them." You say and look up at him, you notice a small bruise forming on his cheek.
"Are you ok? That was a pretty nasty punch from Dustin." You say grabbing his face in your hands.
"Yeah, it was nothing compared to Billy and the Russians." Steve says, earning a giggle out of you as he turned his head to kiss your palm.
He looks into your glossy eyes, "You're a good sister, y'know..." He whispers and plants a kiss onto your forehead.
You sigh, "Apparently not..." You reply.
"He loves you, he does." Steve says with sincerity.
You could only nod slightly, because right now you felt like the shitiest person alive.
-----
You and Steve had searched a few floor now, ultimately finding nothing. You hope Nancy and Johnathan are having better luck.
You both stop in your tracks when you hear stomping and shouting, "WAIT, I WAS WRONG! Y/N! STEVE! ANYONE!" You hear Dustin scream hastily.
"Dustin!?" You and Steve say at the same time, running down the hall to find him.
"STEVE?Y/N?" He shouts, you both round the corner and run into him on the staircase.
"Dustin!? Holy shit, what happened?" You ask him.
Dustin is holding out a journal, "I-I was wrong. I was wrong about the whole thing..."
Dustin goes onto explain how our entire concept of the Upside Down, the one we've had this whole time, was very wrong.
How there is no shield, no dark-magic barrier....Just a delicate wall between us and certain death.
How instead it's a wormhole, a bridge between two points in time in space, between our world and another.
"...And if the bridge collapses?" Steve asks, "It will take us with it." Dustin states.
Your frantic pacing comes to a halt, the sound of your sneakers catch your brother and your boyfriend's attention.
"Y/N?Sweetheart?" Steve asks, "Nancy and Johnathan...They're gonna break that barrier..." You say looking at Dustin and Steve with wide eyes.
You knew Nance, she takes charge. If she comes across that shield she is going to do something about it. And now you knew that the "shied" is the entirety of the Upside Down.
A second later a large bang rang out from up above...Fuck.
"Nancy-" You whisper. In s second you're all running up the steps as fast as you could.
"She fucking shot it! I know she did!" You yell out, "Dustin did you radio them?" Steve asked frantically, "Of course I did! But the antenna broke when we were fighting!" Dustin says quickly.
Your feet were moving faster than your mind, you couldn't let anything happen to Nancy. When you two lost Barb the pain was unimaginable. The three of you were a little clique, pretty much each other's only friends. Losing Barb to this atrocious place was horrible, and you swore to yourself you'd never lose Nancy to this place.
Eventually the walls start to have some goo-like substance fall from them, it only got more prevalent as you all climbed higher.
"HEY, HEY, HEY, hang on!" Dustin shouts out, the stairs in front of you were melting, a large hole forming on them.
You starred at the sight in front of you, you knew Nancy and Johnathan were up there. You couldn't leave them.
"Maybe we missed them? Maybe we accidentally ran past them?" Steve questioned, "No. No way, I know they're up there." You say, the next second your searching the halls for a custodial closet. Once you locate one you open the door harshly and flash your light around the dusty closet.
You locate what you needed, a ladder.
You grab it and begin walking back over to Dustin and Steve.
"Woah, baby what are you doing-' Steve asks as you lay the ladder across the ever-growing hole in the stairs.
"Y/N! Stop! I'm serious it's not safe!" Dustin begins pleading, "Baby! Stop right now, you can't cross that!" Steve pleads, his voice laced with fear.
"I got it already, I'm not leaving her up there!" You say to them, determined to get to Nancy and Johnathan.
"No, don't!- Stop it Y/N!" Steve says grabbing your waist and pulling you to his body, away from the ladder.
You squirm in his arms, your feet kicking in front of you,"Let me go!" You shout, "I have to get to them!" You add.
"Y/N! You always try to get yourself killed, and I can't let that happen again! Stop being so...So YOU! Stop saving everyone, please. If you go up there, you're gonna die...And I can't deal with it again..." Dustin pleads, Steve loses his grip on you, letting your feet hit the floor as you both listen to Dustin's cries.
"You can't die 'cause I can't deal with it again... Don't let it happen again... Please don't let it happen again...Not you, please not you, Y/N." Dustin cries as he throws himself into your body.
You put your arms around him carefully, "I-I won't go, Dustin...I'm not going." You whisper, hugging him.
Your eyes fall on Steve's who is standing there with wide eyes.
Seconds later the ladder falls, you don't hear it hit the bottom floor for a few seconds...You certainly would've died.
You let out a shaky breath at the revelation and hug Dustin tighter, "I love you, kid." You say and he cries harder.
-----
Eventually you all rescued Nancy and Johnathan from the room they were trapped in, you all got out of the Upside Down as quickly as possible and headed over to WSQK to meet up with the others and wait to tell them what we've discovered.
You and Steve sat alone in the studio, he was sitting on a rolling chair as you scanned the records. You hadn't said a whole lot since Dustin's breakdown by the stairs, you were obviously shaken up.
"Hey..." Steve said grabbing you by the belt loops and pulling you close as he stood up.
You looked up at him with tears in your eyes, "Baby..." He cooed planting a quick kiss to your lips.
"I-I'm just worried about the kid, I've never seen him so distressed." You say, putting your arms around his neck and playing with his hair lightly.
"He loves you a lot, sweetheart. Like a lot, a lot...Maybe even as much as I do." Steve says as you let out a little giggle.
"What?" Steve asks, in pretend offense, "I wouldn't pretend to like Fleetwood Mac for someone I didn't love." He said.
Your expression straightens and you pull back, "Wait. You pretend to like Fleetwood Mac-" You say holding your hand up to him.
Steve stands across from you, his lips moving but no sound leaves them.
He puts his hands up in defense, "...No, I just pretend to because it makes you happy..." He says sheepishly.
You let out an exasperated laugh, you turn around and pick up a Rumors vinyl that was sitting out, "You play a song from his album on the radio everyday for me and you don't like them?" You asked.
"Yup." He says walking over to you and grabbing the vinyl from your hands, "C'mon, I know theres some things I love that you don't!" Steve says laughing and putting the record away.
You put your hands on your hips, "I didn't care for Animal House." You say.
Steve slowly turns around from where he stands by the shelf, he crosses his arms over his chest, "I don't like that itchy brown cardigan you wear, makes my skin crawl." He says, cheeky little shit.
You double down, "I think Peanut Butter Boppers taste like wax."
"I didn't read that book you gave me, Little Women, even though I swore I did." He says, now inching towards you.
You giggle, matching his pace, "I only pretend to like basketball, I don't care about it in the slightest."
He gasps slightly, "I've stolen like all of your lip balm and lost them all." He says.
"I threw out your Scoops Ahoy hat!" You rebuttaled.
"Pretty sure the last time you made cookies I got food poisoning." He said.
"Your music taste could use some serious work!" You say, thinking you've won this game.
You and Steve are now standing toe-to-toe when he delivers the final blow:
"I don't like Star Wars." He says.
Your eyes go wide, "What."
"Yeah, sure the teddy bears are cute and that movie is ok, but overall it sucks. I mean? Light swords? Masked dude with asthma? It's so boring!" He says.
"...We may have to break up." You say and he rolls his eyes.
He puts his hands on your cheeks and looks into your eyes, "But for you, I'd watch them everyday of my life because you love it so much." He says, kissing your lips softly.
You chuckle into the kiss, which Steve only deepens.
His hands run along the bottom of your shirt, trailing up your back as your hands are running through his hair.
Moments later Dustin opens the glass door, "C'mon you guys! Seriously?" He groans.
You two pull away slightly, "Don't make me kick your ass again, Harrington." Dustin says pointing at Steve, "Kick my ass? You did not kick my ass!" Steve said pointing at Dustin and following him out the door.
You could only giggle at their bickering. It was moments like the experience you and Steve just shared in the studio that makes you feel like a normal person, like you weren't in the equivalent of hell just an hour ago.
None of your lives have been normal for years now. You live in delicate, emotional times. But when you're with him, times don't seem so daunting or painful.
And you'd never take that for granted, you'd never take how Steve made you felt for granted...Even if he doesn't like Star Wars.
Summary: You and Steve Harrington find yourselves in trouble when you both accidentally get trapped in a Russian bunker, being pestered for information neither of you have. Being stuck together leads to some promises, deep talks, and painful moments.
Season 3
Henderson!Reader
Border Credit: @fireflyindarkness
Warnings: Depictions of violence.
A/N: I hope you all enjoy this story! There's no mention of Robin in this story, but just know I love her dearly.
You swore you had felt true pain before.
You swore you felt it when you were a little kid and you broke your arm falling off of your bike onto the hot-asphalt that lined Hawkins' roads.
You swore you felt it when Carol punched you square in the face, giving you a swollen-black eye for a week, for standing up to her and Tommy for being a bunch of assholes to Nancy and Barb in the ninth grade.
You swore you felt it last fall when Billy Hargrove shoved you into the wall so hard you were concussed, an act he committed to move you out of the way of his target: Your crush, Steve Harrington.
But you were wrong, this, what you are experiencing right now, is true pain.
You were tied to a cold-metal chair. Your vision was blurring and your ears were ringing so loud that you were having trouble hearing what the Russians were asking you. But you didn't need your hearing to know what they were asking you, they've been asking you the same question for what felt like an eternity now: "Who do you work for?"
You try to open your eyes and look at your perpetrator in the face, but only your left eye would open completely, your right eye is swollen shut.
The bright lights only made the room seem colder as you take in the snide-figure crouching down in-front of you, clearly waiting for your answer.
You let out an exasperated laugh, one that allowed blood to fall from your lips and fall onto your sailor uniform.
"Look at my outfit!" You said tirelessly, "Do you think I just wear this? That I'm some spy in a sailors uniform? I sling ice cream all summer for some college cash!" You say, praying that this time he may take pity on you.
The Russian looks at you for a moment, almost as if he was contemplating something, but he then gave his fellow comrade a quick nod.
You head whipped to the other man in the room as he approached you quickly, "Awwww, c'mon...No!-" You say before the guard delivers yet another quick punch to your gut, causing you to double over in more pain as a guttural scream fell past your teeth.
As you recover, the two men continue to converse as if you aren't beaten to a pulp in front of them. Eventually, the ring-leader speaks to you, "One last chance American...Who do you work for?" He says coldly.
You toss your head back in frustration and pain, "For fucks sake! SCOOPS AHOY!" You say, preparing yourself for the next strike.
However, this next one was so hard that it knocked you clean out.
------------------
Steve had not been in much better shape. He too was beaten senselessly and interrogated for information he just didn't have. And to make it all worse, he could hear you screaming in pure terror from his confinment.
"PLEASE! I'll do anything you want...Just please leave her be!" He pleaded to the guard that had just punched him across the jaw.
Steve would take the beating for the both of you if they would let him, but these people --if you could even call them that-- were showing no mercy.
The guard wiped his bloody knuckles on his uniform, "If you Americans just tell us who you work for, you and your lady can stop this torment". He says coldly.
"I'm telling you, we work at an ice cream parlor in the mall... We work for SCOOPS AHOY!" He practically screams as he hears yet another cry of pain leave your body.
Steve goes to continue his pleading when he realizes he can no longer hear your cries or screams, he hadn't gone what seemed like a moment without hearing your struggling cries or the sound of impact the whole time he had been tied to this chair.
The silence seemed to terrify Steve more than the cries did.
Within moments the metal door opened and two guards were holding your limp body up, your feet dragging across the linoleum floor.
Steve's eyes went as wide as they could in his state as he took in your frame quickly, you were covered in your own blood and had clearly been knocked out cold.
"O-Oh my god...Y/N?!" Steve said pathetically, he couldn't believe the state they had put you in.
The man who had been beating up Steve pulled a metal chair from the corner of the room and placed it behind Steve's back, the two guards holding you up then tossed you in it, tying you to Steve.
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?" Steve yelled, causing blood to spatter from his mouth.
"Y/N?Sweetheart? I-I need you to talk to me, ok?" Steve stammered worriedly.
"Your girl here...She puts up quite a fight." the guard said slapping his hand on Steve's shoulder, "You sailors look to be in poor shape...We're going to get you two a doctor." He said tapping Steve's cheeks mockingly, causing Steve to pull back harshly.
The three men leave the room, the door quickly dropping behind them.
Steve's attention immediately was back on you. He was turning his neck around as far as it could go in a poor attempt to see you.
"Sweetheart? Oh my god, what did they do to you?" Steve says, hyperventilating.
You still hadn't responded but your struggling-breathing sounds suddenly became louder.
"Holy shit, Henderson, you better open those pretty eyes right now. I-I can't do this without you." He says, still no answer came from you.
Steve had been scared before.
He had been scared when he looked into the mouth of a demogorgon for the first time a few years ago.
He had been scared when he to lure a demogorgon away from the kids with just a wooden bat with nails in it.
He had been scared that same night when he had to fight off Billy Hargrove, someone who was not above hurting his kids or you.
But what he was feeling right now wasn't fear, this was terror.
Steve's mind was running a million-miles a minute, thinking of any way he could get you to wake up.
"Y/N...When we get out of here, when, I promise you I'm gonna take you to see that movie you've been talking about all summer," Steve says breathlessly, "that goofy one with the car and time travel, the one you've whined about not having a boyfriend to go see with...I-I'm gonna take you there, as your date, and it's gonna be great..." Steve rambles.
Steve is suddenly cut off by your groaning followed by coughing, "Sweetheart?!" Steve said letting out an exasperated laugh.
"S-Stevie?" You say confused, slowly realizing you're in a new location, "Holy shit...Are you ok?" You ask hurriedly.
"Am I ok? Shit, my ears are ringing, I can'r really breathe, and my eye feels like it's going to pop out of my head...but don't worry about me right now, you were just knocked out cold! Are you ok?" He asks worriedly.
You let out a soft chuckle, "Well, I can't see out of my right eye, my nose has finally stopped bleeding, and I know my lip has a huge split right now that kinda makes it hard to talk...But hey! At least we're stuck in an underground secret Russian base together!" You say, breathlessly.
"Hey, one of the guards said they're getting us a doctor..." Steve says hopefully.
At first you sigh in relief, but that relief fizzled quickly as something dawned on you.
"Steve..." You say slowly, "These people just beat the shit out of us for information that doesn't exist...This isn't going to be an ordinary doctor." You say worridly.
You feel Steve lean his head back against yours, "Oh, fuck." Steve says softly.
You start quickly looking around the room for anything that could help you guys when you notice a pair of scissors on the metal table a few feet away from you.
"Stevie, do you see those scissors over to your right?" You ask as his head turns the other way, "Your other right, dear." You say and he turns his head the correct way.
"I-If we hop at the same time, I should be able to knock the scissors into your lap," You say, "And cut us free!" Steve interrupts.
You count down from three and both you and Steve start scooting the chairs towards the table. You scoot twice successfully, however on the third try you both mess up, calling you to fall, crashing to the floor on your sides.
You both lie in defeat for a moment before you start laughing softly, laughing Steve mistook for crying.
But these comforting words from Steve only make you laugh harder and louder.
"Are you...laughing? Jesus Christ, Y/N." Steve says exasperatedly.
"I'm sorry!" You apologize, still laughing, "I-I just never thought I'd be trapped in a Russian-underground base with Steve 'The Hair' Harrington...I mean- we're gonna die here!" You say, adrenaline clearly coursing through your veins rapidly.
"Gee, don't flatter me too much, Henderson." Steve says flatly.
"No, no...That wasn't meant to be an insult. I just-" You pause, collecting yourself briefly.
"Do you remember Mrs. Click's class? Sophomore year?" You start, "I-I sat behind you all year. You used to come in late every single day with the same breakfast...A bacon, egg, and cheese." You say.
"I don't think you ever handed in an assignment on time even once, and yet, you and Tommy and fucking Carol G ran that classroom...And I would stare at the back of your huge hair everyday and think to myself, 'Wow. When you are popular you really have everything'. You don't have to worry about if someone is going to take you to Homecoming. You don't have to worry if your two friends will be at lunch because if not, you'll have to sit in the cafeteria all alone. You don't have to worry about how you carry yourself, because one wrong move and you become a target..." You rant, emotion falling from your lips.
"A-And god...I wanted to be just like you so, so bad. I wanted to be your friend... I wanted to be popular. So when you started dating Nancy Wheeler, my best friend since kindergarten, I thought maybe I'd finally get into that crowd and I'd never have to wake up with a pit in my stomach every again, because going to school wouldn't just be about academics, I'd be socially acceptable...But losing Barb...You and Nancy breaking up...Everything just unraveled." You say as quiet tears rolled down your cheek and onto the cold floor.
"Well..." Steve started quietly, "If it's any consolation, having those things, being popular, it isn't all that great." He said.
"Maybe so...but you were so above all the dorky people like me that I bet you didn't even know I sat right behind you in Click's class...Did you?" You ask.
His silence is answer enough.
"Stevie," You start, "I'm not telling you this to guilt you...God, you're one of my best friends and I thank God that Dustin dragged you along this journey and I got to know you, to know this Steve Harrington. The Steve Harrington who protected the kids with everything he had from Billy Hargrove. The Steve Harrington who helped my brother get ready for the Snow Ball. The Steve Harrington who got me a job, sure by flirting with the general manager, but got me a job nonetheless!" You say, making him chuckle slightly.
"I'm telling you this because the Steve 'The Hair' Harrington, the 'King Steve' I knew a few years ago... is nothing like the man I've been slinging ice cream with all summer. He's not like Stevie, Stevie is the best." You say.
Steve goes to say something when the metal door opens up, a guard and what is presumed to be the doctor walk in.
The guard stands over your bodies as the doctor places a large metal briefcase on the table, "Now, now Americans...Trying to escape are we?" The guard says as he and the doctor pick you both up.
The doctor looks at you both with his arms crossed, pacing in front of you and then in front of Steve, clearly letting cynical thought plague his corrupt mind.
The guard says something in Russian, although you cannot understand it, you know it cannot be good for you the way the doctor looks at you.
The doctor grabs a scalpel from the table and then walks over to you.
"H-Hey...What're you-" You say, leaning back in your chair as far as the restraints will let you.
"HEY- Leave her be!" Steve yells.
The doctor grabs your jaw harshly, which makes you let out a whimper of pain, and holds the scalpel to your cheek.
"Now..." The guard says, now standing in front of Steve, peering down at him, "You are going to tell me who you both work for or I am going to cut up your girlfriend's pretty face." He says.
Tears start to fall from your eyes, "We work for Scoops Ahoy! Like we've said a million times!" You cry out.
"She's telling the truth!" Steve said, his voice cracking with fear.
The guard looks up at the doctor and gives him a slight nod.
The doctor starts pulling the scalpel slowly, and painfully, across your cheek, causing you to cry out in pain.
"A-A CODE!" Steve says, causing the doctor to pause his actions.
"What was that?" The guard said, looking at Steve intensely.
"W-We heard a code! Our radios intercepted one of your stupid code-signal-things... Where blue meets yellow in the east, and some cat or something?" Steve said breathlessly, "We cracked your code in one fucking day! ONE! A bunch of ice-cream scooping sailors cracked your super secret code in one day." Steve said, with slight pride.
The guard's eyes flick to the doctor who then draws his scalpel away from your face, making you hiss.
"Y?N, sweetheart? Are you ok?" Steve asks worriedly.
"I-I'm ok, Stevie..." You said, very much not-ok. Your cheek was bleeding down your face and into your hair.
The doctor's attention is now pointed towards the briefcase.
He then slowly pulls out two large needles, filled with green liquid.
The stinging pain in your cheek is quickly forgotten as terror fills your body.
"Woah woah woah woah woah, what are you-" You say before the doctor harshly injects the foreign substance into your neck, causing you to scream out.
"HEY!HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HER-" Steve screams all before the liquid is injected into his neck as well.
The doctor then packed up his belongings and then joined his fellow comrade standing by the door, "Maybe in a bit you two Americans will be able to tell us the truth.."
The door shut behind them and silence filled the room.
"W-What did they put in us?" Steve asks, confused.
"I'm not sure...I don't feel any different," You say before giggling a bit, "I actually feel...kinda...good?" You say, your giggles now filling the room.
Steve joins in on your laughter, "Me too, I think they gave us the wrong drug!" He says.
This makes you crack up, "Oh my God, what MORONS!" You shout out.
"Yeah, MORONS!" Steve followed, both of your giggles bouncing off the walls.
"...Something's wrong..." You say.
"Ohhhh totally." Steve states.
You both sat giggling for a few minutes, whatever drug they gave you made you feel weightless, your pain had finally subsided for the first time in what felt like an eternity, and you couldn't stop starring at the bright light on the ceiling for some reason.
"Hey, Y/N?" Steve said.
"What's up, sailor?" You replied, still giddy.
"I wanna let you know, I wish I knew you in high school... I wish I wasn't such a shithead." He says, sincerely.
This causes a laugh to fall from your split lips, "Me too Stevie, and for the record you're still a shithead...but you're my shithead." You say, matching his tone.
Just then the guard came in with the doctor.
"Ohhhhhh! Look Stevie! Our friends are baaaccckkkk!" You say stupidly, causing him to burst out laughing.
The guard bends down in front of Steve, no sign of humor on his face, "Let's try this one final time....Who do you work for?"
"Scoops. Scoops Ahoy." Steve says, causing you to giggle.
The guard let out an exhausted sigh, "You Americans....Fine, if you won't tell us who you work for just yet you will tell us how you got in here." He said now standing between you two.
"What does it matter?" You say laughing and rolling your head, "We're here aren't we? Just let us gooooo, we're bored." You say.
"Yeah, let us go before Dustin comes and gets us..." Steve says alarming you, sobering you up quickly.
"Steve." You warn. The guard's attention is suddenly on Steve.
"Dustin...?" The guard questions.
"Yup, Dustin Henderson. Little nerd escaped around the time you assholes captured us...He probably already got Hopper involved who got the U.S military involved, and they're gonna be here in no time to kick your commie ass back to the U.S.S.R." Steve says with pride as you sit in terror, did he just dox your little brother?
As you go to open your mouth to try and fix the situation, Dustin and Erica burst in the room, taking out the guard and the doctor with some weird weapon.
"Heyyyy look who made it! I was just talking about you!" Steve said to Dustin as Erica untied you both.
"Hey, hey dude," Steve says grabbing Dustin by the shoulders to stable himself as he stands, "How do I look? Like for your sister, I wanna make sure I still look good" He whisper shouts.
Dustin rolls his eyes and gives him an annoyed look, "Dude you look like shit right now, how bad did you piss them off?" He asked looking at Steve's injured face.
"Uhhhh, clearly not as bad as Y/N pissed them off." Erica said helping you stand up.
You turn around to face Dustin and Steve as both their jaws drop, "Holy shit!" They say at the same time.
Steve immediately walks over to you, grabbing at your arms, "Sweetheart, holy shit I didn't know you looked this bad!" He said.
"Wow. Thanks." You say dryly, but a giggle slips past your split lip.
"What! No, no, you're beautiful. But seriously, baby, we gotta get you some help!" Steve says worriedly.
"Baby? What the fuck- Ok look you two, we HAVE to go NOW!" Dustin says grabbing Steve's arm leading him into the hall as you and Erica followed.
Eventually you all located a cart, you and Steve were placed in the back while Dustin drove and Erica co-piloted.
At this point, your drug-induced episodes were at their peak.
"Sweetheart, can you only...can you like only see half of me since only one of your eyes can open?" Steve asks through laughter.
"Noooo, I can still see all of you, including all that hair on your head." You replied giggling.
"Holy shit- imagine if you couldn't see my hair? How would I woo you without it, sweetheart?" He flirts.
"STOP SWEET TALKING MY SISTER, STEVE!" Dustin yells as he swerves through the winding halls.
"Did he just call me his sister? Like did he just call me Sister-Steve like a nun?" Steve asks you, holding back a chuckle.
"I-I think so..." You reply in all seriousness.
"Are you two high?!" Erica turned around and asked.
"For the last time, mom! It's not drugs, just marijuana." Steve said causing you to hit him lightly in a fit of laughing hysterically.
"Oh yeah, yup, they're gone." Dustin sighed.
------
You don't remember much from the elevator ride. You remember Steve pretending to surf on some cart and you pulling it out from under him. You remember Steve wiping out and looking adorable as he laughed on the floor. And you remember Dustin yelling at you and Steve. That's all.
Now you four are walking through the relatively empty mall as Dustin and Erica find a place to put you and Steve while they alert the others of your rescue.
"Heyyyy, sweetheart!" Steve calls out to you, grabbing your hand, "I-I wanna take you to see that-that ummmm...That time movie! With the mad scientist and that dude in the vest!" Steve says eagarly.
"Back to the Future?" You ask, tilting your head obnioxously.
"YES! Steve, good thinking!" Dustin continued, "Follow me, you two druggies."
Erica and Dustin snuck you and Steve into the theater, sitting you down, "You two better not go anywhere, we're gonna go tell everyone you're safe...DO.NOT.MOVE." Dustin whisper shouts while pointing at you two.
"We'll be fiiiiiine." Steve says, putting his arm behind you.
"And no funny business, Harrington!" Dustin says, before grabbing Erica and leaving the theater.
You and Steve couldn't stop giggling for a few minutes.
"Hey, Stevie?" You ask, to which he hums in response.
"Let's get out of here!" You whisper-shout while leaning in, your lips just a few inches away from his.
"W-Wha?" He says before you spring out of your seat, grabbing his hand and pulling him along.
You both enter the halls of the mall, you stand looking up the the windows on the ceiling, looking enamored by the scene.
"WATER!" Steve shouts while taking off towards a water fountain.
You're hot on his tail as he kneels before the fountain, lapping up the water like it was the best thing he'd ever tasted.
"Ya know..." He pauses briefly, "I know you really wanted to see that movie...But I don't think I get it...I mean, I mean why does he wanna bang his mom?" Steve asks,, seriously.
"Noooo," You start, sliding down the wall slightly, "He doesn't want to sleep with his mom, his mom doesn't know she's his mom because he's from the future!" You say to him, wagging your finger.
Steve stops drinking the water once again, "But then why is it called Back to the Future?" He asks.
"Because he has to go BACK to the future, which is actually his present because he is in the past!" You say, confidently.
Steve pauses, "Wha-What?" He asks.
"Ok! My turn!" You say nudging Steve from the fountain-causing him to trip slightly- as you start to drink from it.
While drinking the water you start to feel...Well, not good.
"Hey...Hey Steve..." You say as you feel saliva fill your mouth.
You look up at Steve who seems to be feeling the same way you are, you both shared a glance before you both took off towards the nearest bathroom.
-----
Once you had both puked up your guts, you sat with your back against the tile wall of the public restroom, wiping your sweaty brow with your arm.
You hear Steve flush his toilet when you decide to speak, "Are you still feeling anything?" You ask softly.
"I'm not sure, ask me something." Steve said, breathlessly from vomiting.
"Have you ever been in love?" You ask quickly. The words left your busted lips before your mind could even process what you were saying.
"Yup. Nancy Wheeler, first semester of senior year." He said, and you heard him make a gun-shot sound...Indicating what a shit show that relationship was.
"Are you still in love with Nancy?" You ask, once again speaking without thought. You know his answer may break your heart but you'd be stupid to not notice how they interacted. God, Nancy is over him, she's even encouraged you to go out with Steve, but you've never felt like you could live up to Nancy Wheeler.
"No." He said quickly and simply, "And I haven't been in a long time." He said, certainly.
You felt the air leave your lungs as he continued.
"I think it's because I found someone better for me. Someone I didn't even talk to all that much in high school because I guess I was worried about what Tommy H. would say about me...Maybe I was worried I wasn't gonna be prom king or whatever...And you know, your brother is right, none of that stuff matters after high school." He said, softly.
You couldn't believe what you were hearing.
"Ever since Dustin came back from camp he's been saying 'You gotta find your Suzie, you gotta find your Suzie'...And hell, I don't know if Suzie is even real...All I know is I feel like I've known my Suzie for some time now. My Suzie has made me laugh harder this summer than I ever have in my entire life. My Suzie is just...fucking stunning, even in a dorky sailor's uniform that she somehow pulls off. My Suzie is such a badass, took Russian beatings like a champ and a half." He says, you can practically hear the smile on his face as a blush creeps onto your cheeks.
The silence that fills the bathroom is daunting, making Steve nervous for a second, "Y/N? Did you OD over there?" He asks nervously before sliding under the stall over to you.
He sits up and looks at you, you look back at him as his hand softly touches the cheek that isn't sliced.
"Stevie..." You say softly.
"Yeah?" He asks, with a smile on his face.
"You know when Dustin told you to 'find a Suzie' he probably didn't mean his older sister, right?" You ask, laughing a bit.
Steve playfully rolls his eyes, "Well, he never specified anything!" Steve says, his thumb rubbing your cheek softly.
His eyes go from your lips to your eyes, "God...You are so beautiful." He whispers.
A blush spreads across your face, "Y'know, I recall you saying that earlier but I thought it was because you were just super high." You giggle.
He crosses his arms over his chest, fake-offended, "What! I call you beautiful all the time!" He says.
"Sure! But I thought it was because we're friends!" You laugh and he rolls his eyes, "You don't hear me calling Dustin beautiful!" He says, making you laugh hard.
When both of your laughing died down it's your turn to look at him, "Y'know Steve, I forgot to mention something earlier..." You say as his head tilts slightly, "When we were in the bunker, I had heard you say you were gonna bring me to see Back to the Future as my date because I was whining all summer about not seeing it with my -nonexistent- boyfriend." You say with a slight chuckle.
"...You heard that?" Steve says with a slight tint lighting up his cheeks.
"Yup. And since that moment I've been thinking, wouldn't it just be great to go with my ACTUAL, real, boyfriend?" You ask.
Steve looks at you with a confused expression, "Well, I was hoping to take you, so are you saying...?" Steve says, the gear turning in his head.
You nod slightly, with a smile coming to your beat-up face.
"Y/N Henderson, will you be my girlfriend and go see Back to the Future with me?" Steve says with his hands grabbing yours.
Your thumb gently runs over the back of his hands as you pretend to think for a second, "Of course, you doofus." You say to him.
Steve loudly whoops, "Oh baby, I've been waiting since Billy kicked my ass to ask you to be mine." He said.
Your eye -yeah, eye- went wide, "THE NIGHT WE OFFICALY MET?" You asked.
Steve nodded eagerly, "Please, sweetheart I've been under your spell for a minute now...I can't believe I'm here with you." He said.
You giggled and noticed his gaze on your lips, "Y'know, it may hurt like hell because our lips are ripped open, but I think you wanna kiss me as bad as I wanna kiss you." You saw softly.
Steve grabs your cheek softly and scoots closer to you, "God, how does someone look so hot even beat up?" He whispers, inches away from your mouth.
"I was thinking the same thing about you." You say before the gap between you two closed.
Your lips collided softly, gently moving. Your hands found his hand slowly as his found your hips.
Moments later, a pissed off Dustin an Erica bursted through the bathroom door.
Dustin stood mortified, "OH WHAT THE FUCK?!" Dustin says as you and Steve slowly pull apart..
"Not only did you two leave the theater, but you had me and Erica search the mall like wild animals only to find this picture: Steve Harrington with his tongue down my sister's throat!" Dustin rants.
You and Steve just look at each other and burst out laughing.
In this moment you had forgotten that the world was basically ending.
You forgot a few hours ago you were getting the absolute shit beaten out of you by Russians.
You forgot that Dustin and Erica were starring you two down with a nasty gaze.
Because all you could think about was seeing Back to the Future with your boyfriend, Steve Harrington.
Summary: You and Steve were charged with the task of keeping your little brother, Dustin, and his friends safe while everyone else infiltrated Hawkins Lab. An easy enough task until the kids become unruly and Max's older brother, Billy, decides to make an appearance.
Warnings: None (Fighting?)
A/N: Omg, my first posted fanfic ever? Thanks Steve Harrington for getting me back in the game!
Not proof read.
Fem!reader.
Henderson!reader.
Border Credit: @silkholland
You and Steve were given the task to keep all the kids safe at the Byers house while Nancy, Jonathan, and Joyce dealt with a larger issue at Hawkins Lab. You both had once again been stuck babysitting.
Though, never in all your years of babysitting your little brother did you and Steve "The Hair" Harrington have to stash an inter-dimensional creature in a fridge.
"Is this really necessary?" Steve said breathily, holding a demo-dog wrapped up in a blanket as you helped your little brother take all the contents out of Joyce's fridge.
"Yes, it is, ok? This is a ground-breaking scientific discovery!" Dustin sassed, "We can't just bury it like some common mammal, okay? It's not a dog."
Steve rolled his eyes lightly.
"He's got a point, Steve." You said softly, "All right, all right, all right", Steve replied softly, "But Dustin, you're gonna explain this to Mrs. Byers all right? Not Y/N, you." Steve said, making you blush slightly.
It took all three of you to finally get the door to shut, once you do you hear Mike and Lucas in the next room arguing.
You and Steve exchange a knowing look, these kids have a hair-pin trigger and after El's sudden return a little while ago, Mike is even more on edge than usual.
You both enter the room to Mike lecturing Lucas, "You weren't in there, okay Lucas? That lab is swarming with hundreds of those dogs!"
"DEMO-DOGS!" Dustin interrupts from the kitchen.
"The chief will take care of her." Lucas assures Mike in an annoyed tone, "Like she needs protection..." Max adds, only frustrating Mike more. Yeah, those two do not get along.
Here you and Steve were, exchanging all-too knowing looks. He stood there in jeans that fit him ungodly well with his hands on his hips and a towel in his hand, if you weren't so annoyed you could jump his bones right there.
Maybe now isn't the best time to be focusing on your stupidly-bad crush on Steve Harrington, but it's hard to focus on much else when he looks that good all the time, even with monsters on the loose.
Steve takes a step forward to the group of kids, "Listen dude, if a coach calls a play in a game, bottom line, you execute it. All right?" He says wiping the remaining gunk off his hands from the demo-dog on the towel.
You've never known Mike Wheeler to not have a snippy come back. Not when he was 6 and you and Nancy 10 and he yelled at you guys for dressing him up in dresses, name-calling you two the whole time. Not when you discovered Eleven in his basement last-year and his response to you questioning her presence was, "What you never thought a girl would be friends with us? And certainly not now as Steve eyes him down.
"Okay, first of all, this isn't some stupid sports game. And second, we're not even in the game. We're on the bench." Mike says rudely towards Steve.
"I thought this wasn't 'some stupid sports game'?" You said to Mike since he contradicted himself. Before Mike could open his mouth and sass you Steve interjected, stammering, "My point is..." Pausing.
He had nothing. He's lucky he's so pretty.
"Right, yeah, we're on the bench, so , uh there's nothing we can do." He finally musters and you nod your head in agreement.
Your brother slowly began to speak, "That's not entirely true..." You and Steve both shoot daggers at Dustin, knowing the boy was about to suggest something way too dangerous.
"I mean, these Demo-dogs, they have a hive mind," He said," When they ran away from the bus, they were called away."
The bus. Where you hid the kids while you and Steve paced back to back in a circle, Steve holding his bat with nails and you holding one of Nancy's shotguns. Your heart was in your throat the entire time, if it wasn't for Steve talking you through the entire thing you would've lost it.
"C'mon Y/N, you got this sweetheart." He would say softly right behind you, you both worked well together, taking out and injuring a few before they all fled.
"So if we get their attention..." Lucas started, "We can draw them away from the lab!" Max added.
"Clear a path to the gate..." Mike said hopefully.
"Yeah... and then we all die!" Steve said dramatically.
"Yeah, no way are we doing that." You say rubbing at your temples.
"Well, that's one point of view-" Dustin says before Steve cuts him off, "No, that's not a point of view, man. That's a fact"
Mike then leaves the room and the kids follow, Steve looks at you with wide eyes, "These kids are trying to get us killed." He says
You sigh slightly, "Let's go see what they're doing." You say as you grab his forearm to lead him into the hallway where Mike is hovering over Will's drawing of the hive mind, conspiring on how they can get into the tunnels.
"Here," Mike says going over to and standing over the biggest part of the drawing, "Right here is the hub, so you got all the tunnels feeding in here." Mike said eagarly.
"Maybe if we set this on fire!-" Mike says before both you and Steve said, "That's a no." In unison, sharing a quick glance.
But the excitement in the room was not dialing down.
"The mind flayer would call away his army" Dustin said.
"They'd all come to stop us!" Lucas added.
"Hey!" You said trying to get everyone's attention to no avail.
"We circle back to the exit-" Mike says quickly.
"Guys-" You try again before being spoken over by Mike, "By the time they realize we're gone..." He said.
"El would be at the gate." Max said.
Steve saw how frustrated you are, his own frustration seeping out now too.
Steve clapped his hands loudly, finally getting their attention.
"Hey! Hey! Hey! This is not happening." He says slinging the towel over his shoulder and placing his hands on his hips.
You pray Dustin doesn't see you ogling him at that moment, Dustin loved pointing out how much you stare at Steve. But he looked so good right now you couldn't care less.
Mike tried to protest, but Steve quickly cut him off, "No no no no no, no buts! Y/N and I promised to keep you shitheads safe, and that's exactly what we plan on doing. We already fought off some Demo-dogs and they almost kicked our asses, now what? We call them all here? No way in hell is that happening. We are not putting you all in danger and I'm certainly not putting Y/N in any more danger. We're staying here. On the bench. And waiting for the starting team to do their job. Does everybody understand that?" He rants.
You stare at him with your mouth slightly agape before Mike interjects once again, of course.
"This isn't a stupid sports game!" He says before Steve takes the towel off of his shoulder and points it at him, "I said does everybody understand that...I need a yes." He said sternly.
All the kids stared back at him quietly, looking annoyed.
"I think Steve was just talking to you? You know, the guy who has been saving all of your asses all week? So answer him-" You say before the sound of an engine revving outside made everyone stand still.
Your attention goes over to the window as Max strides over to look at who's causing the noise.
"It's my brother." Max says hastily.
"Fuck." You whisper under your breath. Billy Hargrove is a grade-A asshole. You knew how much he bothered Steve, you knew how much he tormented Max, and you knew how much he loved messing with you and Nancy every morning at your lockers.
You and Steve share a look, you were tasked with protecting these kids from Demo-dogs, but you were also not gonna let any human mess with them either.
"All of you, in Will's room right now." You say sternly, ushering them through the halls.
"HEY! We can help!" Max says, "Yeah, you can help by staying in this room, out of sight, and not leaving until me or Steve get you. Stay quiet." You say closing the door behind you.
You see Steve looking out the window, "He's parking, fucking great." Steve says quietly, rubbing a hand over his face.
You place a hand on his shoulder, "Let's get him out of here." You say walking towards the door.
"Wait-" Steve said grabbing your hand, he looks like he's about to talk when you stop him, "No way am I letting you go out there alone, Harrington. We're a package deal." You say.
Steve chuckles slightly, "Alright, let's get rid of this bastard."
You walk out the door first, planting yourself on the porch as Steve stands next to you.
Billy steps out of his car, cigarette hanging from his lips as he lets out a snide laugh, "Am I dreaming or is that you Harrington?" He says.
Steve stands with his hands on his hips, "Yeah it's me, don't cream your pants." He replies coldly.
Billy chuckles, "Now you may not make me 'cream my pants', but the pretty lady behind you may..." Billy says, his eyes shamelessly raking over your figure. You cross your arms over your chest and point a harsh gaze at him.
"Don't fucking talk to her, you're gonna talk to me." Steve says, now stepping onto the lawn, approaching Billy.
Billy steps forward as well, eyeing up to Steve, "Harrington, what are you and pretty girl doing here?" Billy asks taking his cigarette out of his mouth.
"I could ask you the same thing, Hargrove." Steve said, clearly pissed off, now standing toe-to-toe with Billy with his arms crossed.
He raises his cigarette to his lips once again, "Looking for my stepsister. A little birdie told me she was here." He says.
"Huh, that's weird. I don't know her." Steve says calmly.
"Small? Redhead? Bit of a bitch." Billy said
You scoff, Billy's eyes fall to you quickly before Steve responded, "Doesn't ring a bell. Sorry, buddy."
Billy let's out a sigh, "You know, I don't know this situation..." He says, moving his hand around dramatically, "This whole situation, Harrington, I don't know, it's giving me the heebie-jeebies." He says, now moving closer to Steve.
You step off the porch and onto the steps, you can feel something bad about to happen.
"Oh yeah? Why is that?" Steve responds, squaring his shoulders.
"My 13-year old sister goes missing all day," He starts, looking around the lawn, eyes eventually falling back on Steve, "And then I find her with you, in a stranger's house...and you lie to me about it?" He says. blowing smoke in Steve's face.
Your blood ran cold.
Steve chuckles nervously, "Man, were you dropped too much as a child, or what?"
Billy laughs, licking his bottom lip, "I don't know what you don't understand about what I just said. She's not here." Steve said lowly.
Billy slowly points his cigarette towards the house, "Then who is that?" He asks in a terrifying tone.
You and Steve both whip your heads around, you see all four kids crowding the window and quickly scattering, "You fucking kids..." You say under your breath.
"Oh shit. Listen-" Steve starts before Billy stiff-arms him to the ground.
Billy starts to charge your way as you backup towards the door with your hand out.
"Billy, c'mon let us explain..." You say sternly.
Billy grabs your wrist and pulls you to his chest, you try to pull away but it's no use.
"Y'know...it's a real shame...You look like you'd be be smarter than to hang around trash." He says, you can smell the tobacco on his breath before he tosses you onto the porch.
Your cheek scraps the old porch, for sure leaving a mark. You quickly call out for Steve who is struggling to get the air back into his lungs when you hear all the kids screaming followed by banging.
You are on your feet immediately, stumbling into the house where you see Billy choking Lucas against shelves as the kids scream at him to stop.
Without a second thought you jump on Billy's back, wrapping your ankles around his waist, digging your heels into his abdomen as you pull his hair as hard as you could.
Billy screamed out in pain, releasing Lucas from his grasp who then crawls off towards the rest of the kids.
After a few seconds of stumbling, Billy managed to flip you off of his back and over his shoulder, landing you flat on your back as all the air escaped your lungs.
Your vision was dizzy from the sudden impact, but Billy obviously didn't care.
He picked you up by your shirt collar so your sitting up, he then delivers one quick punch across your face.
You could feel your jaw throb with an indescribable pain, Billy then grabs it harshly and forces you to face him as blood pooled in your mouth.
He looks at you with wicked eyes as he licks his teeth, not listening to the cries of mercy from the kids, "You little fucking bitch. Feisty aren't ya?" You looked at him and spit blood on his face.
He wiped his face quickly, clearly not enjoying the disrespect. He goes to throw another punch before Steve grabs him in a head-lock position, pulling him off of you.
You tried to sit up taller as Dustin came up behind you, helping you.
"Holy shit Y/N! That was badass!" He says, you nod because you honestly can't even think straight as you watch Steve swing a mean-right hook straight to Billy's jaw, "That's what gets you off, Hargrove? Beating up kids and women? Huh?" He says grabbing Billy's collar as he tries to recover.
Billy just laughs, "I've been waiting to see this 'King Steve' everyone keeps talking about!" He says dramatically as Dustin helps you to your feet, blood still leaving your mouth.
Steve stared daggers into Billy, waiting to anticipate his next move.
Billy continued chuckling, "Who knew all it took to get that mentality out of ya was pounding on your girlfriend a little..." Billy said snidely.
Steve pushed Billy lightly in the chest, "Get. Out." Was all he said, rage was written all over his features.
Billy rubs his face quickly, still letting out antagonizing chuckles, "Hey man! Her face may be fucked up but that body is still kicking! Let me know when you're done with her, send her my way and I could show her a really....really good time." Billy said with a wink.
Steve threw another punch quickly, landing a bit before Billy began throwing punches of his own, the first one Steve was able to skillfully dodge, landing another one of his on Billy.
"YES! KICK HIS ASS STEVE!" Dustin yelled.
"GET HIM!" Mike followed.
Steve began wailing on him, ultimately leading him into the kitchen, not letting Billy recover in the slightest.
Billy, still laughing manically, picks up a plate and smashes it over Steve's head.
"STEVE!" You cry out as Steve stumbles back, "Holy shit!" Dustin cried.
Steve stumbles into the living room and Billy follows, you and the kids are hot on his tail.
Billy grabs a delirious Steve by his shoulders, turning him around to face him, "Nobody...tells me what to do..." Billy says before delivering Steve a head-butt that sends him flying across the room.
The kids begin crying out for Steve as Billy starts whooping. He grabs Steve and turns him over, straddling him as he delivers hard punches to Steve's face, no doubt knocking him out.
You, once again, charge at Billy, using all of your adrenaline to throw him off of Steve.
Billy doesn't go far, but is no longer hurting Steve.
Dustin is quickly at Steve's side assessing the damage, and by the expression on his face, Steve isn't looking too hot.
Billy stands up and looks at you now. There is no way Steve is gonna protect you this time and you know it.
You start backing into the hallway towards the kitchen where bloody shards of porcelain line the floor and he follows suit, "Y/N Henderson, you are really something else..." He says, "I didn't know you dorks had it in you, and all for 'The Hair' over there? You think Mr. Popular is really gonna go....for you?" He says looking you up and down.
Your glare stays sharp even through you're about to back into the counter.
You notice Max sneaking up on Billy, you wanted to scream at her to stop in her tracks but you couldn't bring yourself to draw any attention to her.
You notice that she's holding a syringe of sedative in her hand, you see it in her eyes that she's trying to figure out how she's going to reach his neck.
Within the next instance you're kicking Billy hard between the legs. Quick enough that he couldn't deflect and hard enough that he was brought to his knees.
You stand in shock as Max quickly shoves the needle into his neck and leaving it there.
Billy tries to fight the sedative, but ultimately flops on his back on the floor, legs spread.
You walk into the hall quickly and grab Steve's bat before walking back to stand over Billy and choking your hands up the bat.
"From here on out...You leave Max and her friends alone...Do you understand?" You say to him, sternly. For the first time all night, the kids are silent.
"Screw you..." Billy musters out, rolling his head back.
Without a second thought you swing the bat and land it carefully between his legs, narrowly missing his crotch by mere inches.
Billy's head shot up looking at the bat, with wide-eyes.
The kids all gasp as you pick up the bat once again, "Say you understand! Say it! Or next time I won't fucking miss." You yell at him.
Billy licks his lips and let's his head fall again, "...I understand..." He says quietly.
"What?!" You yell back, bat choked in your hands.
"I understand." He says louder now, sedation over coming him.
You finally try to even-out your breathing as you lower the bat.
You turn to face the kids, you face bloody and your jaw turning purple, the kids look at you slack jawed before they run over to hug you.
You hold the bat in the air with one hand as they all surround you, Lucas letting a few tears flow.
"That was crazy!" Mike said.
"Holy shit, Y/N!" Max added.
"You're a badass!" Dustin followed.
"T-Thank you, Y/N" Lucas said finally, and you squeezed him tightly.
All before dread overtook your body,
"Holy shit...Steve!" You said running out of the kitchen and into the living room where he was passed out on the floor.
You drop the bat next to you and fall to your knees, you place his head in your lap.
His eyes were bruised and swollen, his lip was split, and blood adorned his features and knuckles.
"Oh, Stevie..." You whisper as you move his hair from his face gently.
You look at Dustin, "Grab my keys. We're all going back to our place and setting up camp there." Dustin nodded his head and left to grab your keys.
"You three," you say turning to Mike, Max, and Lucas, "Help me carry him out to my car...and then grab me this bat." You said.
The kids helped you carry Steve into the backseat of your car. Then, Max sat up front with you as you started driving home.
You noticed how she was biting her nails and looking out of the car window anxiously, "Hey..." you say nudging her shoulder, grabbing her attention, "You were kickass today, you saved my skin back there." You said to her and she smiled slightly.
"You were a badass with that bat though, I was scared for my dick!" She said, getting a laugh out of you. You squeezed her hand in a comforting manner before you heard groaning from the backseat.
"Y-Y/N?" You heard Steve mumble, his head on Dustin's lap.
"What?! No, dude, it's me." Dustin said.
"W-Wha? Where? Who's?" Steve said trying to sit up.
"We're driving back to my house, Billy's sedated at the Byers' house so that place is a ticking time-bomb." Dustin explained to Steve.
Steve stares at Dustin with wide eyes, "W-Where's Y/N? Is she ok? Did Billy-" Steve panics before you interject, "I'm up here Steve! I'm driving.” You say waving towards the backseat.
"A-Are you ok, sweetheart?" Steve asks and Dustin gags, "Is she ok?" Max laughed, "She almost took a bat to Billy's dick! Yeah, she can handle herself." Max said with pride.
"...Wow, hot." Steve said, a light blush painted your cheeks and Max giggled.
When you pulled up to your house, you and Dustin helped Steve inside and into the bathroom where you placed him on the closed toilet seat.
Once he's sat comfortably you start digging through drawers and cabinets, pulling out all the first aid supplies you can.
"I'm gonna get him cleaned up...Go watch a movie or something, stay out of trouble and if you can reach Hopper, Joyce, or Nancy, let them know where we are." You said kissing the top of his head frantically.
"Okay," Dustin says as he goes to shut the door, he pauses for a second and peeks back in, "But don't like...make-out in here or anything." Dustin says before shutting the door quickly and chuckling.
You hope Steve can't see how pink your cheeks are as you wash the dried blood from your face.
Once your turned off the faucet and dried your face, you took a look a him in the light and he sheepishly looked down.
"Ya know, maybe one of these days I'll win a fight..." He chuckles softly.
You giggle slightly as you wet a washcloth, "Maybe no more fighting for you, Stevie." You say, you notice how his cheeks flush at the nickname.
He spreads his legs slightly so you can slot yourself between them, his hands absentmindedly resting on your waist.
You begin to wipe away the excess blood that adorns his face as he hisses and draws his head back, you sigh, "I'm sorry, Stevie...I'm sorry he did this to you, that douche." You say.
"I'm sorry he went after you...I mean," Steve he pauses, "Why would he ever lay his fucking hands on a kid or on you?" He says quietly.
"Why he would ever try to hurt a kid, I don't know....But don't worry about me, I'm not the one he beat the fucking hell out of." You say as you finish up wiping his face before grabbing the rubbing alcohol and some cotton balls.
"He still said disgusting shit to you and punched you across the face. And if I had gotten up quicker none of that would've happened..." He said looking down, causing you to halt your actions.
"Hey-" You say putting the cotton ball down and picking up his face between your hands, forcing him to look at you. You couldn't believe how beautiful he looked even all beat up.
"You kicked ass today, you were a hero for those kids...and me of course..." You say getting a slight laugh out of him, picking up the alcohol soaked cotton and pressing it to his cuts as he hissed slightly.
"Yeah well, according to Max you were a badass and finished him off." Steve said looking at you, making you blush.
"Well, I only was able to do that because Max stabbed him with a sedative." You say to Steve, who is now rubbing him temples.
You stare at him--all of him--for the first time today. You notice his shirt is covered in blood.
"Hey, c'mon you shouldn't be wearing bloody clothes."
Steve looks at you confused before you peek your head out the door, you hear The Goonies playing on the TV in the living room, meaning the coast is clear.
You grab Steve's hand before he can protest and drag him across the hall into your room, closing the door softly behind you.
Steve stood awkwardly in your room, taking in your vinyl collections, the collection of stuffed animals on the chair in the corner, and of course your Empire Strikes Back poster right above your bed.
He lets out a laugh, "Wow. I always forget Henderson gets his nerdiness from you." He says.
You roll your eyes playfully as you turn towards your dresser, "Hey! Make fun all you want but Star Wars is a masterpiece." You tell him.
He plops down on your bed as you pull out a Pacers t-shirt that is too big for you and is mainly used as a night-shirt.
"Take off that bloody shirt." You say before tossing the t-shirt to him, which he swiftly catches.
"Woooahhh sweetheart, if you wanted me naked in your room you just had to ask." He says while tossing a quick wink your way.
You stammer, you had just realized what this must've looked like.
"I'm just messing with you, sweetheart." He says as he stands and lets his jacket fall to the floor as he achingly pulls off his shirt.
You can't help but look at him, and he can't help but look at you, as he puts your Pacers t-shirt over his abdomen.
But your eyes never leave his face.
"What? Do I have something on my face?" Steve says jokingly, pointing at his busted-up face.
You laugh, "A little something here..." You point at to your lip.
His hand flies up to his lips, "Yeah, they kinda hurt...Do you know what would make it better?" He asks, stepping towards you slowly until he's toe to toe with you.
"What?" You ask with an all-knowing smile.
"A kiss from the prettiest, most-bad ass girl in all of Hawkins." He says placing one hand on your waist and another on your cheek.
You lean in and kiss him softy as your arms fall over his shoulders and around his neck. The kiss was gentle, yet electric.
When you both finally pulled away because you needed air you were the first to speak, "You know...I've dreamed about this moment since I was 15 years old and never once did I imagine it where we were both beat up." You say earning a chuckle from Steve.
"Well, I've thought about this moment a lot too, and in every rendition you are just as beautiful as you are right now." He said running his thumb along your bottom lip.
"You are an idiot, Steve Harrington." You say giggling.
"I'm your idiot, Y/N Henderson" He retorts before leaning in to kiss you once again.
After a few seconds you door swings open, "Hey Y/N can we order a pizza- OH MY GOD WHAT THE SHIT!" Dustin yells.
You and Steve pull away from each other and whip your head towards the doorway with wide-eye. There stood Mike and Lucas with grossed out expressions painting their faces.
Dustin is standing there absolutely mortified (acting as though he didn't just make fun of this exact situation), and Max is laughing, "Oh,I fucking knew it!" Max cheered, "Language!" Both you and Steve said at the same time.
"You know what, just for that we ARE getting pizza and STEVE is paying for it since his hands are still on my sister!" Dustin yells as he walks down the hall and the boys follow. You and Steve look down and see his hands are still on your waist.
Max grabs the doorknob to shut the door, "Badass!" She says to you winking and shutting the door.
You and Steve stand in shock at what just happened before you both started giggling.
"Well, I guess we've scarred our children?" You say to Steve, playing with his hair softly.
"Yeah well, we both fought monsters, hid a monster in a fridge, and took ass beatings today for them, they'll live." Steve said before pressing a quick kiss to your lips and walking out the door to, no doubt, order that pizza for the kids.
You cannot believe the day you just had, but one thing is for sure: You love babysitting these kids with your idiot, Steve Harrington.
