I Donât Want You Like A Best Friend
Pairings: Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader
Best friends to lovers <3
Warnings: Angsty fluff, Tommy being an ass, Billy being a perv but nothing heavy
Tag list: @edb954 @vintage-karma
Authors Note: To everyone who voted for this on the poll, Iâm sorry it took so long. As usual, Iâm not happy with the ending but please enjoy x
It was a little after eight thirty on Friday evening when Steve Harrington's maroon BMW pulled up in front of your house, looking freshly washed and polished. The headlights of his prized possession illuminating your bedroom walls, letting you know your best friend was patiently waiting outside until you were ready to go. Smiling, you give him a little wave through your window, signalling that youâd be right down, still feeling slightly giddy every time you see his new car parked in your driveway.
Mr Harrington had made the promise of purchasing a car for his son on the condition that Steve would improve his steadily declining grades. His parentâs had grown rather concerned that he wasnât focused enough on his studies, too invested in girls, friends and partying to care about getting into college and so they figured a bargaining chip was the only option they had left, knowing their son wouldnât pass up an opportunity like this.
Steve had come to you immediately after his Father had presented him with the proposal, climbing through your window, begging you to tutor him after school hours, even vowing to be your personal chauffeur until graduation. You knew how much he had always wanted a car and seeing as it was the first decent thing his parents had ever done for him, who were you to say no? Eventually, after many evenings and late nights, sharing cold pizza and hot chocolate over many books and study notes, Steveâs grades had finally started to go in the right direction and a few months later, he was presented with the shiny new vehicle, having you to thank.
You had been best friends since elementary school when Steve had accidentally hit you with a soccer ball, covering you and your new dress in mud in the process. Youâd called him a buttface when he tried to apologise, grinning with a boyish charm as he muttered that you still looked super pretty and because you were already dirty, you should just come play with him and his friends. Of course, it didnât take him long to persuade you and youâd been inseparable ever since.
Steve had always had a way with words, could say the right thing to get himself out of almost any situation and as he got older, moving into his later teenage years, it worked even more so to his advantage. Steve could get any girl he wanted, could get away with doing anything he wanted, because he was just that damn charming. Thatâs how you wound up agreeing to go to this stupid party in the first place, using the Harrington charm on you, all puppy dog eyes and pouting pink lips, sweet talking you until you eventually caved. Even after all these years, you still couldnât say no to Steve âthe hairâ Harrington and you kind of hated that he still had that effect on you.
Looking around the room once more, you turned off your cassette player that had been blaring Madonna for the past thirty minutes, quickly glossing your lips, placing the tube back onto your vanity before giving yourself one final glance in the mirror. Youâd opted for a flowy dress, hot pink and short, along with your trademark white converse and a new cardigan that your Father insisted you wear all evening even though he knew you were going to leave it in Steveâs car.
Steveâs head turned at the sudden sound of the front door closing behind you, watching in awe as you walked towards him, wearing a dress heâd never seen before but already deciding it was his new favourite. The colour of your outfit instantly reminded him of your first interaction all those years ago when you were just little kids in the school yard. The memory sending a warm feeling straight to his chest as he got out of the car to open the passenger door for you, trying to stay calm and collected as he did so.
God, his best friend was really pretty.
âHi honey, you uh, you look amazing.â He swallows, pulling you in for a hug, taking in the sweet scent of your perfume.
âYou donât look so bad yourself.â You reply giving him a cheesy grin, settling in to the passenger seat, already rummaging through his tape collection as he gets into the drivers side again.
âReady to go?â He asks, brows raised as you let out an irritated huff, pushing Michael Jackson's Thriller into the cassette player.
âAs Iâll ever be. Still donât know why Iâm even going to this party. Tammy totally hates me.â You state with wide eyes.
âShe does not hate you.â Steve chuckles lightly knowing that was a lie.
Tammy did in fact, totally hate you.
She had done so ever since trying out for the cheer squad at the beginning of the year. Her audition ending up being much worse than her singing and because you were the captain, it had been up to you to let her down gently. She seemed to take the rejection well at first, that was until she âaccidentallyâ spilled a soda all over you at lunch later that day to exact her revenge and you'd been enemies ever since.
âOh come on, we both know sheâs only inviting me to get into your good books. That girl has it baaaad for you.â You tease as a frown begins to form on Steve's face.
âYeah well, Iâm not interested in Tammy Thompson.â He sighs, keeping his eyes on the road, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter.
âOh? But you are interested in somebody?â You question, your own interest peaked as he shuffles uncomfortably beside you. It had been a while since Steve had a crush, his relationship with Nancy Wheeler having ended a couple of months ago, leaving him with some metaphorical battle wounds that he was still seemingly recovering from because he hadn't been on a date since. He hadn't even really talked about the break up at all which was weird for Steve because he would always come to you when his love life wasn't going so well.
âI didnât say that.â
âYou didnât have to, itâs written all over your pretty little face.â You poke at his cheek, seeing a hint of pink flare up.
âSteve Harrington, are you blushing right now?â A giggle escapes your lips as you watch his eyes widen, panic apparent on his beautiful features.
âI am not blushing. Iâm just hot, it's really hot in here.â He sighs, rolling down his window as he continues to avoid your gaze.
âJeez, she must be really special.â You taunt as Steve finally glances at you.
âWill you stop it? Thereâs no one, alright?.â He laughs trying to brush off your teasing but you sense a nervousness in his tone.
âYouâre a terrible liar, you know that right?â
âLook, can we just talk about something else please?" He begs and you decide itâs best not to discuss it further. If Steve wanted to tell you who it was, heâd do it in his own time. He never had an issue telling you before.
âGod, I really hope Billy isnât going to be here.â You groan, throwing your head back in an attempt to change the subject.
âItâs not like Hargrove to miss a party.â Steve grunts at the mention of his new found enemy while you play with the charm bracelet on your wrist.
âHe asked me out today.â You reveal casually as the car suddenly comes to a halt in the middle of the road, sending your body forward in the process.
âHargrove asked you out?â He quizzes with a stressed look on his face. âJesus Steven, warn a girl next time, my boobs couldâve fallen out.â You joke, looking behind you to make sure there were no cars coming before locking eyes with your friend who looks less than amused.
âSeriously, did he really ask you out?â Steve asks again in a tone that leaves a sour taste in your mouth.
âIs that so hard to believe or something?â You challenge, crossing your arms as his hand rests on your thigh.
Of course itâs not hard to believe, youâre a fucking knock out, he wouldnât blame any guy for asking you out. But Steve didnât even want to imagine you and Billy together. The thought of that asshole going anywhere near you made him sick.
âHoney, no. Iâm sorryâI didnât mean it like that, god you're so great and I justâŠyou know I think that guy is a piece of shit and youâ well, you deserve someoneâŠbetter than him.â He explains, clearing his throat, as you nod in agreement.
âI know Steve. Itâs not like I said yes or anything.â You roll your eyes, failing to notice the relief on your friendâs face as he starts to take off down the road again.
âSorry for almost making your boobs fall out.â He teases, playfully nudging you as your lips begin to curve into a smile.
âYou can buy me a burger and a milkshake later to make it up to me.â
âYou got yourself a deal.â He pinky promises, even though he was going to bring you there anyway. It was your usual after party ritual after all.
When Steve pulls up outside Tammyâs house, the party is already in full swing. Thereâs numerous cars in the driveway and abandoned all over the street but itâs a familiar blue Camaro that immediately catches your eye, making your stomach churn.
âOh great.â You whine as Steve takes notice of Billyâs car, clenching his jaw. âTold you he wouldnât miss a party.â He says, throwing an arm around your shoulder protectively.
As you enter the Thompson residence, the hallway was already crowded with people, the smell of weed lingering in the air, as the wood flooring underneath your feet vibrated from the music coming from the back. It's then that you feel Steve's warm hand in yours as he guides you towards the kitchen, making sure you both get there in one piece and you instantly feel a sense of comfort knowing heâs with you.
Youâre both greeted by fellow Hawkins High students as you and Steve squeeze through the crowds. People stop their conversations to high five your best friend as he walks by, while Chrissy runs to you, immediately enveloping you in a hug as if she hadnât seen you mere hours ago at cheer practice.
"I'm so glad you came! I really didn't think you were going to show up." She squeals excitedly knowing how hesitant you had been about attending the party earlier. She had been a witness to many of your heated interactions with Tammy over the past couple of months and she wouldnât blame you if you had decided to stay at home.
"I didn't actually want to come, but somehow, I just can't say no to 'King Steve' here." You playfully nudge Steve as he pulls you closer into his side.
âWho could say no to this face, seriously?â He points at himself as you and Chrissy roll your eyes, giggling at him.
âYou havenât even had a drink and youâre already insufferable, Harrington.â You smile as he holds a hand over his heart.
"Come on honey, donât pretend like you donât love me.â He smirks, thankfully failing to notice the colour your cheeks have gone when heâs greeted by another member of the basketball team. Unfortunately for you, Chrissy is already raising her brows suspiciously and you know she wonât let this go easily.
âIâll go get you ladies a drink, Iâll be right back.â He says, squeezing your hand before disappearing into the crowd. Your eyes follow him for a moment before landing back on Chrissy again who's staring smugly at you with her arms folded.
âWow, you guys really need to just have sex and get it over with already.â She grins playfully as you cover her mouth, trying to shush her.
âChrissy stop. For the millionth time, itâs not like that with me and Steve. Weâre just friends. Best friendsâ You assert but she scoffs dramatically.
âBabe, friends donât look at each other they way you two do. Youâre both so in love itâs insane that you canât see it.â She reiterates, but you still believe sheâs seeing things that weren't really there.
Admittedly, Chrissy wasn't the first person to question your relationship with Steve. Your parents had often wondered what was really going on between you both. Questioning what the true status of your relationship was. Your father was especially hesitant to allow Steve in to your bedroom as you two got older but he eased up when it was clear that you were both dating other people and not each other. Your mom on the other hand, always thought you and Steve were destined to be together from a young age. When you complained to her about Steve's parent's, she'd tease you about the fact that they would eventually be your in laws, that you yourself would eventually become a Harrington. You'd always scoff and roll your eyes but you'd be lying if you said a little part of you didn't secretly wonder what it would actually be like.
It was a line that had never been crossed between you. Not even a little bit. Steve had never shown an interest in you like that and you refused to get your hopes up for anything more, so you pushed your feelings aside, refusing to let anything get in the way of your friendship. You loved Steve more than anything and if having him as a friend was as far as it would ever go, you'd happily accept that. It's not like you were waiting for him to make a move or have some sort of epiphany and realise you were the one. You'd had multiple boyfriends, some Steve liked, some he didn't but either way, they just never seemed to work out and you never seemed to be that upset.
An hour later after dancing with Heather and Chrissy in the living room, you decided to get some much needed air. The music was getting too loud, the smell of weed was making you dizzy and Billy Hargrove had been eye fucking you from across the room for far too long. As you leaned against the wall, taking in a large breath, you notice Nancy Wheeler sitting with Jonathan Byers on a lounge chair, both of whom were looking right at you. You'd heard rumours that they had been hooking up recently but didn't dare ask Steve in case it upset him and now you were wondering if that had been the reason why they had broken up. You shook off the thought almost immediately, not believing that Nancy was the type of girl to cheat but she had been avoiding you ever since the break up and you weren't sure why. Nancy looked suddenly panicked as Jonathan whispered that he'd be right back, kissing her cheek as he got up, nodding as he passed by you. She seemed awkward now, her shoulders tense as she looked away, focusing on a couple yelling at each other on the other side of the yard.
âHey.â You greet, giving her a small, friendly wave, making your way towards her.
âOh, hi.â Nancy smiles nervously as she takes a sip of her drink.
âI like your hair, I've never seen it that curly before." You compliment.
"Thanks." She says, pulling her lips to one side and you sense a tension between you that had never been there before.
âI think Iâve seen them argue with each other at pretty much every party Iâve been to. I donât even know why theyâre together. It looks like they canât stand each other most of the time.â You joke, pointing to the bickering couple but Nancy just nods her head.
"Nancy, is everything ok? Have I done something to upset you?"
âOh god no. I just, I'm sorry⊠I guess I'm just surprised youâre even talking to me after the whole break up thing with Steve.â She admits and you frown, cocking your head to the side.
âWhat? Why wouldnât I? You were honestly the first girlfriend of his I actually liked. I was super bummed when he told me you guys broke up.â
âYou were?â She questions, looking slightly confused.
âTotally! You were really good together." You say as she lets out a sarcastic laugh. âYeah I thought so too for a while.â
âSo then why did you break up with him? I mean, I thought you guys were happy.â
âHe still never told you, did he?" Nancy questions, staring at you in disbelief.
âNo? He hasn't really talked about it at all." You shrug.
"Unbelievable." Nancy mutters into her cup.
"Am I missing something here? Is there something I should know?" You ask, suddenly feeling like you had skipped several chapters of a story.
âI think you should talk to Steve.â She states as you raise your brows.
"Nancy, what's going on? Why can't you tell me?" You quiz as she shakes her head, sighing heavily.
"Because I promised him I wouldnât. Because it's better coming from him." She asserts, nodding at you as Jonathan makes his way back over with two new drinks in hand, taking a seat beside her again. You decide it's best to leave it at that, not wanting to discuss Steve in front of Jonathan and make either of them more uncomfortable than they already were.
You walk back into Tammy's house feeling worse than you were before. Your brain is heavy with questions and your stomach suddenly sick with worry. You needed to find Steve to ask him what the hell was going on. What had he done to make Nancy break up with him? What was so bad that he decided he couldn't even tell you? Had you played some part in her decision to end things with Steve without even knowing?
âWell if it isnât the Princess of Hawkins High.â You hear Tommy Hagan drunkenly snicker as he chugs back the rest of his beer. His girlfriend Carol throws you a dirty look as she clings to him possessively, the duo still clearly pissed off that Steve no longer wanted anything to do with them. You roll your eyes at the couple, hoping to just ignore them but Tommy was never going to let that happen. This was the last thing you fucking needed right now.
"That dress is a little bit slutty for you princess. Giving off the wrong impression.â He slurs as Carol giggles beside him.
"Wow Tommy, I almost didnât recognise you. Did you get a tan? Or is that just what you look like when you're out of Steve's shadow?" You fire back as he moves to get into your face.
âWhat did you just say to me bitââ
"Get the fuck away from her, Hagan.â Steve warns, pulling you behind him before shoving his former friend as Tommyâs back hits the wall. You didn't even know where Steve had come from but you were thankful for his sudden arrival.
âSteve donât, heâs not worth it.â You shake your head, placing a hand on your friendâs chest to keep him from moving forward as a crowd suddenly began to form around the boys.
âYeah Harrington, listen to your girlfriend. Oh wait, sorry man, I forgot, she's the only bitch you haven't managed to fuck yâ" Tommy spat before Steve's fist connected with his jaw as his former friend fell to the floor. Steve's eyes were almost black as he lunged forward again, grabbing Tommy by the collar of his shirt, pinning him to the wall.
"STEVE!" You yell, trying to pull him away as the crowd cheered on.
"Talk about her like that again and see what fucking happens Hagan. You so much as look her way and I swear it'll be the last thing you ever do." Steve whispers before finally letting Tommy go as Carol follows him out of the house.
Steve quickly pulls you away from the party, finding a quieter area as he cups your face. "Are you ok?" He asks, inspecting your body as if Tommy had dared to put his hands on you.
"I'm fine. I just didn't think you'd to punch his lights out."
"I know. Shit, I'm sorry, I just lost it when I heard him say those things. He's just such a fucking asshole!" Steve exclaims as you take his hand and squeeze it.
"No it's not! Jesus, I should never have been friends with those idiots. You always told me they were shitty people. What the hell was I even thinking?â He curses himself, putting a hand through his hair as a silence falls between you.
âThank you by the way, for saving me back there.â You mutter as he gives you a half smile. âIâm sorry it wasnât sooner. I was trying to find you but I didn't know where you were."
âI went outside for a little bit. I um, I actually spoke to Nancy." You reveal as Steve's eyes widen in shock.
"Nancy Wheeler? Nancy? My Nancy? Well, not my Nancy butâ"
"Mhm." You say, crossing your arms, sensing an immediate change in Steve's demeanour when he notes the serious look on your face.
"I uh, I didn't even know she was gonna be here." He says, scratching the back of his neck, suddenly looking very uncomfortable. "What did...did she say anything?"
"Not much. It was kind of awkward, honestly. I told her I was sorry that you guys had broken up and she seemed kind of surprised by that. Like as if she thought I didn't like her or something?" You answer, still puzzled by the conversation you had had with Steve's ex only moments ago.
"What? That's crazy. I'm sure she didn't mean it like that. Anyway, do you wanna-"
"That's not all she said." You mutter as Steve gulps.
âWhâ what else did she say?â He quizzes, his voice barely above a whisper as you notice how tense heâs become.
âShe said I should talk to you about why you guys broke up. That I needed to talk to you.â You reveal while Steve nods his head, clearing his throat.
"Steve, can I ask you something?" You question, biting your lip as your friendâs face turns white.
"Ye- yeah, um, sure?" He answers, licking his lips as he takes a step back, taking a deep breath as if he's been waiting for this exact moment for some time.
"Am I the reason you and Nancy broke up?"
Steve stays silent for a moment, almost trying to register your question, as you stare at him anxiously waiting for a response. He looks panicked, as if he's just been caught cheating on a test with no excuse ready to save himself. Like the walls are closing in and there's no escape in sight.
You werenât used to seeing Steve like this.
You can tell he's trying to find the words, to find his god damn tongue and christ, you were starting to feel so guilty at the thought of being the reason Nancy had broken your best friend's heart all those months ago. Had you been hanging around them too much? Were you not giving them enough time to be alone together? Itâs not like you were third wheeling their date nights or anything. You had dates of your own. Other friends that you hung out with. Itâs not like Steve and you were attached at the hip. But maybe Nancy hadnât seen it that way. Maybe she had made him choose between you and her?
Then suddenly before you could get any answers, Tammy struts over to Steve, grabbing his hand, completely ignoring you. "Come on Steve, a bunch of us are playing spin the bottle and we need more guys!" She grins at you like the cat who got the cream as Steve allows himself to be dragged away.
You try to call for him but he seems to be in a total daze as you follow them back into the living room again. She plonks Steve down, taking a seat next to him in the circle where several more Hawkin's High students were waiting excitedly for the game to begin.
Chrissy calls out to you, keeping a space free beside her as you huff, not really wanting to play this stupid game after the night you had already endured. The last thing you needed tonight was for the bottle to land on Billy Hargrove who was already winking at you from across the circle. You try one last time to grab Steveâs attention but he was hell bent on avoiding your gaze as he sat in silence between your classmates. Giving up, you finally take a seat on the ground next to Chrissy as the game finally gets underway.
Several minutes later, youâre still in the clear from having to kiss anyone but the same couldnât be said for Chrissy who already had to kiss her ex Jason and some curly haired guy youâd seen around school but never talked to. You think his name was Eddie from what you could remember. He was cute though, fingers styled with silver rings and arms covered in tattoos and Chrissy seemed a little bit more than pleased when the bottle had landed on him.
Once Eddie had crawled back to his side of the circle again and recovered from a rather intense make-out session with your friend, he spun the bottle enthusiastically before it eventually stopped and pointed right at you.
"Two babes in one night. I really hit the jackpot." The metalhead grins, winking at you.
You looked straight to Steve, who was gazing anywhere but at you before moving to Chrissy for permission, sensing there may be more going on between herself and Eddie than you've been led to believe. Chrissy smiles at you, nodding her head as the curly haired rocker began his trail over to you.
"Don't worry, forget what you just witnessed a moment ago between Miss Cunningham and myself, I assure you, I'm a total gentleman." He teases, making you feel a little more at ease as you both lean in for the kiss.
Thankfully, Eddie keeps his word, keeping the kiss short and tongue free but not before playfully biting on your bottom lip. You giggle, pushing him backwards as you grabbed the bottle with your other hand, spinning it quickly in the middle of the circle, praying that it would land on anyone other than Billy.
The brown beer bottle seemed to spin for an eternity with no sign of stopping due to the laminate flooring underneath. The rest of the circle was anxiously waiting to see where it would land when it finally came to a halt, slapping their knees excitedly as you tried to hide your nerves. Out of the corner of your eye, you see the arrogant smirk on Billyâs face begin to fall when it becomes clear that the long necked bottle had bypassed him and was slowing down too much to make its way back around to him again. But when it does eventually stop, you feel as if your heart stops too when you lock eyes with the person the bottle is pointing to. The person sitting directly across from you in the circle.
"Well this is interesting." You hear Chrissy mutter beside you, trying to nudge you forward as everyone begins to cat call and cheer.
You don't move. You're frozen to the ground unsure of what to do next. You've never kissed Steve before. Not on the lips. Not any way intimately and you were terrified that if you did, youâd give away every feeling youâve always told yourself and everyone else you didnât have for him.
Steve hasnât moved either but at least heâs looking at you now. He hasnât stopped looking at you since the bottle pointed at him. Tammy is also staring at you. The jealousy is written all over her face and thereâs a little part of you thatâs enjoying seeing her so mad.
âWhat are you guys waiting for?â Someone in the circle questions.
âYeah, itâs not like you havenât done this before.â Another expresses.
âWe havenât.â You mutter. Unsure of why you even answered.
Suddenly the back door opens as Nancy and Jonathan make their way back inside. Both of them stop when they see the situation unfolding in front of them.
âCome on, seriously? Everyone knows youâre both completely in love with each other. Itâs like totally inevitable.â Sara from your cheer squad drunkenly slurs pointing between you and Steve.
Steve looks away from you then, finally seeing Nancy watching on. Her arms are folded now as she waits to see the outcome. Your heart is racing, your face bright red from embarrassment. The last thing you wanted to do was make this harder for Steve. Or Nancy.
âNo, no youâre wrong. Steve and I are just friends. Weâve always been just friends.â You nod assuringly as you catch Steve looking at you again, an almost hurt look an his face.
"Well, friends or not, rules are rules so get to it.â Heather squeals as everyone starts chanting âkiss! kiss! kiss!â
Itâs Steve who eventually makes a move but not the one you were expecting. He begins to back out of the circle, shaking his head. âIâ I canât. I canât do this. Iâm sorry.â He apologises, as he stands up grabbing his keys from his pocket indicating his desire to leave.
You catch Nancy shaking her head at him, rolling her eyes before she takes Jonathanâs hand and walks away from the scene. You hate that your heart stings the way it does right now. The slight sense of embarrassment you feel having been rejected by your friend. Your best friend. Tammy is giggling, highly entertained at seeing you looking so uncomfortable and it takes everything in you not to reach over and slap her.
âBabe, Eddie can drive you home later if you donât want to leave yet.â Chrissy says clinging to you.
"Oh yeah, absolutely. It's no problem." Eddie smiles, sympathy written all over his face.
âNo, Iâm ready to go. I need to figure out whatâs going on with him. Thanks though.â You whisper, hugging Chrissy once more before you stand up to follow Steve into the hallway and out the front door.
He walks ahead of you, opening the passenger side door for you, closing it once you slide in and belt up. He sits next to you, neither of you looking at the other as he turns the key in the ignition and drives off. The car ride home is awkward and it feels odd. It's usually filled with chatter and laughter, some random song playing in the background as you sing at the top of your lungs while Steve cringes when you struggle to reach the high notes but now, there's no laughter. No music. Just silence.
Steve coughs, trying to break the tension between you. "You uh, you still wanna go to Benny's for a burger?" He asks, taking a quick glance in your direction.
"M'not hungry." You mutter, wrapping your arms around yourself suddenly feeling very vulnerable.
"Come on, we always get burgers after a party. It's our thing." He replies, giving you a small smile. You look at him then, finally getting the courage to face him for the first time since he started the car. Was he really just going to pretend like everything was ok right now?
"What are you doing Steve?"
"I'm not doing anything. I just thought you might be hungry that's all. You're usually deciding whether to get onions on your cheese burger at this point and we both know you will." He jokes but then sees the irritated look on your face.
"Can you stop the car?" You ask, ignoring his attempts to break the ice.
"Yeah, sure. You feeling ok?" He quizzes, looking for any signs that you might be unwell.
"Just stop the car, Steve." You demand, before he pulls over on the side of the road.
Once the car comes to a halt, you remove yourself immediately, grabbing your cardigan from the backseat, slamming the BMW door as you take off down the road.
"Hey, woah! Where are you going?" Steve panics, jumping out of the car.
"Home. Somewhere. Anywhere but here." You reply as he begins to catch up.
"You must be crazy if you think I'm letting you walk off by yourself." He half laughs, taking your arm.
"Iâm not sitting in that car pretending everything is fucking peachy when itâs clearly not.â You fire back, pulling your arm away.
âCan we please not do this right now?â He sighs, pinching his nose.
âNot do what, exactly? Cause I donât even know whatâs happening Steve!â You exclaim. âI mean everything was fine earlier wasnât it?â
âYeah, it was. I justââ
âYou just what? Whatâs going on with you?â You quiz as Steve stares at the ground, kicking his foot back and forth.
âNothing. It doesnât matter.â He mutters, shaking his head.
âStop lying to me, Steve. Youâve obviously been doing that since Nancy broke up with you.â You state as he glares at you.
âYou have no idea what youâre talking about.â He spits angrily.
âWell then tell me! Jesus Christ, Iâm your best friend!â
âExactly! Youâre my best fucking friend!â He shouts in frustration.
âLook, please just get in the car, let me take you home ok?â He begs trying to calm down.
âNo Steve. Not until you tell me whatâs going on.â You refuse, crossing your arms.
âHoney, can you please just drop this for right now?â He pleads once more, moving closer to cup your face.
âPlease Steve, I need to hear you say it.â
âSay what?â He asks, confused.
âThat Iâm the reason you and Nancy broke up. Itâs all my fault isnât it?â
âNo. No itâs not.â He shakes his head furiously.
âIt is. I know it is. Nancy could barely look at me earlier and when I tried to ask her about it, she said I needed to talk to you. Then when I did try to talk to you, you got all weird but it was written all over your face. I could see it in your eyes.I know itâs my fault.â
âItâs not your fault.â He reassures, trying to shush you.
Iâm sorry if I was around too much.â
âHoney please stoââ
âIâm so sorry Stevie. I know how much you love her. I know thatâs why you havenât been dating other girls. Youâre still in love with her.â You ramble on, not even realising tears had begun to fall from your eyes.
âIâm not in love with Nancy.â He admits but you keep talking.
âThatâs why you ran away when that stupid bottle landed on you. Because Nancy was there when everyone said that we were in love with each other.â
âThatâs not why I ran away.â He refutes but again you talk over him.
âItâs not like it wouldâve meant anything anyway, if we did kiss. I mean, weâre just friââ
Youâre suddenly cut off when Steveâs lips find yours, pulling you closer to him as his palm caresses your cheek lightly. Your eyes close shut as you feel yourself melting into his body, your chest pressed against his, deepening the kiss when his hand moves to the back of your neck, slipping his tongue into your mouth. Your hands slide up his front, gripping his shirt before finding a home in his Farrah Fawcett sprayed hair. But before you can comprehend what just occurred between you, Steve pulls his lips back, giving you both time to breathe as he rests his forehead against yours.
âMaybe to you it wouldnât have meant anything. But not to me. You mean everything to me.â He whispers, stealing another kiss as he smiles at you. âIâve imagined what it would be like to kiss you since I was thirteen years old. Iâve thought about how I would do it, when it would happen, where it would happen but playing a stupid fucking game of spin the bottle in front of Billy Hargrove and Tammy Thompson, was not exactly what I had in mind.â
Youâre still in shock as your fingers intertwine with his, neither of you moving, both afraid that this wasnât really happening.
âBut what about Nancy?â You ask, twisting your lips as he sighs. âNancy knew it was always you. Even when I tried to tell her it wasnât. Fuck, I tried to tell myself it wasnât you yâknow? Cause it was just easier than admitting the truth. But she saw right through me the whole time. Just like everyone else did and I felt awful that I had put her through that. I just thought that my feelings for you would eventually fade away but they didnât. So Nancy ended things with me, told me I should tell you how I felt but I was too scared, so instead I made her promise not to tell you.â
âCause if you didnât feel the same way, I wasnât sure that we could go back to how we were and I didnât want to lose you. I canât ever lose you.â He admits before you place your lips on his again, letting him know that you felt the same way.
âYou could never lose me, Steve. Iâve always been yours. Whether either of us knew it or not, itâs always been you. Itâll always be you.â You promise as Steve wraps his arms around you.
âCan I take you home now?â
âIâve just confessed my love for you and you want to send me home?â You tease, pushing him away.
âWhat I was trying to say was, I want you to come home with me.â He flirts suggestively, pulling loose strands of hair out of your face before his lips move to your neck.
âOh, you want to take me home huh?â You grin, embarrassed at how easily he could make your knees weak.
âOnly if you want to. We donât have to do anything, I just wanna be with you. But if you want to go home Iâll bringââ
âBuy me a cheeseburger and Iâm all yours, Harrington.â You smirk, attempting to drag him back to his car before he playfully tosses you over his shoulder.
âI knew you were fucking hungry!â