#stargylefic

[rogueddie]

"You've got to be kidding me," Robin hisses, narrowing her eyes.

Steve keeps his eyes forward, refusing to meet he glare, slouching a little further down in the little swing they're sat on. "It's just how it is, Robs."

"Do you need glasses, is that it?"

"I'm not blind, it-"

"No, you clearly are, it's the only explanation. Jonathan has been complaining so much to Nancy that she's been complaining to me. This is getting ridiculous."

"We're just friends! People talk about their friends! I tell you all about the shit Henderson drags me into."

"If you were talking like that about Henderson I'd have you put on a fucking list."

"You're exaggerating."

Robin mutters curses under her breath, shaking her head. She turns, catching Nancys eyes, mouthing 'he is hopeless'.

Nancy squints at her for a moment, thinking, before nodding at her. She jumps up, quickly walking over to Argyle, crouching beside him. Her back is to Robin, so she can't try to read her lips.

"So... any not-a-date plans for tonight?" Robin asks, when the silence drags on too long.

"Oh, shut up, like you're any better."

"What?! I am not-"

"Yes, you are! 'Oh, no, we were only getting milkshakes and sharing the same drink with two straws'!"

"That's different!" Robin flushes bright red. "I'm actually trying to make it something more, it's just... taking time."

"Because you aren't making moves. She's probably thinking the same as you. If you were interested in her, you'd do something about it, right? You can't make her do all the work."

"You need to start taking your own advice."

"Ah, that's the wisest advice that there is," Argyle says, coming to a stop in front of them. "What problem are you advising?"

"Nothing," they both say in sync.

"Riiiight..." He glances between them, before turning a little more to Steve, holding out a daisie chain in both hands. "I made you something."

"Oh, uh... thanks, that's..." he trails off, holding still, as Argyle very carefully and slowly places it on his head.

"There you go, man," he grins, satisfied. "Pretty as a princess."

He tilts Steves chin up with a gentle finger on his jaw. He looks at him for a long moment, with a smile so soft, that Steve can't help the blush that warms his face.

Robin gawks at him as Argyle walks away, waving her hand in front of his face after a moment.

"What?"

"That is 'just friends'?"

[rogueddie]

Steve jerks awake, gasping for breath. It's so dark, the room drenched in darkness. He stretches a hand out, but his side table isn't there. His nightlight isn't there. There's only empty space and the growing horror at-

Oh. He's at the Byers house.

Steve sighs, relieved, as memories of the previous night finally catch up with him. When he'd had one beer too many, Joyce coaxing him into staying the night on the sofa, even though Argyle had offered to drive him home.

He slowly sits up, grabbing at the sofas armrest, squeezing his eyes shut as he tries to push away the last dregs of his nightmare out of his mind... but it doesn't work. He can't stop thinking about it.

The porch light is on, he finally notices. So he gets up, holding the blanket around himself, quietly creeping outside. Argyle is smoking a normal cigarette. He looks up, smiling when he spots Steve.

"Hey," he says quietly.

Steve sits down beside him, pulling the blanket tighter. "Hey. Didn't expect anyone else to be up."

"It's no worries, my guy. Dreamland isn't being nice to me either."

Steve hums, unsure whether he should ask. But the quiet is nice, and Argyle seems content to just sit there too. It's comfortable. The night is nice too. Quiet. There's only a few clouds, leaving the stars bright and visible in the sky.

It takes Steve a moment to realize that Argyle is humming some tune, quietly, bopping his cigarette in time. He's sure he recognizes the tune. He thinks it's something he's heard on the radio- though it's not the usual style he'd go for.

He jerks his head back up from where it had been drooping, almost falling asleep.

"Sleep in my bed," Argyle says softly, nudging Steve and startling back awake when he starts to drop off again.

"No, man. Where would you sleep?"

"In my bed? Bro, it's chill, I'm up. I'll nap later. Go, get some sleep."

"No, I'm not stealing your bed. The sofas fine, that's not the problem."

Argyle hums, nodding a little. He turns back to the sky. It looks like he's tracing the stars with his eyes. His little smile, when he glances over, makes Steve feel less weird about staring.

The next time he wakes up, he's a little confused. It's dark- although he can't tell if thats because he's curled up with his face pressed against something soft.

He hums, confused.

"Shhh, you're ok," Argyle whispers. "Go back to sleep."

Lifting his head, he sees that Argyle is carrying him bridal style. "Wha's goin' on?"

"You need to sleep, my guy."

I am tired, Steve thinks. He blinks heavily, slowly lowering his head back onto Argyles shoulder. "'M not stealing your bed."

He slowly wakes again as he's lowered, first noticing that Argyle is humming that song again. But, when he starts to pull the covers over Steve, he grumbles, trying to push them off him.

"I's your bed," Steve mumbles, blearily blinking his eyes open.

Argyle looks at him with a soft, patient smile. "It is my bed. You're sleeping in it." He chuckles when Steve shakes his head. "I carried you all the way here, man. You're not light."

"Oh... but you need'a sleep."

"Would it ease your mind if I slept here too?"

Steve blinks, his sleepy brain taking a moment to catch up. "With me?"

"Yeah." Argyle waits a moment. "Is that alright?"

"Um... yeah? Yeah, that's alright."

Steve shifts over, as Argyle takes his jacket out so he's just in his matching pjs. He rolls over, onto his side, trying to curl away and take up less space.

"Is it alright if I touch you?" Argyle asks once he's in bed.

"Y-yeah, that's... that's alright."

Curling an arm around his waist, Argyle pulls him back so he's not at the edge of the bed. It pulls Steves back flush to his front. He curls around him more snug, shifting around for a moment, nose pressed to the back of Steves neck.

"Still alright?" He whispers.

"Yeah."

[rogueddie]

He isn't sure what he was expecting Hawkins to be like but, despite the massive end-of-the-world cracks, it's a nice little town. It makes the cracks and breaks more depressing- he's sure the little place would be completely lovely otherwise.

The little street Jonathan directs him down is one of the lucky ones that have gone completely unaffected. Although, it does seem a little eerie- most of the cars gone, curtains closed, the residents inside long gone.

The house they pull up outside of though is still lively, still packing up a car. A group are standing around the trunk, all turning when Argyle pulls the van to a stop.

Once everyone has stepped out the van, and the initial shock is over, they're all running to greet each other. He shifts to the side, pleased to the weird girl and little Byers hugging the same little guy in a group hug. Byers and his girl too, hugging so tight that he's lifting her off the ground. Even Wheeler and his mom...

He can't help but notice the two, hovering at the side of the group. The man quickly looks away when Argyle catches his eyes. He wonders if he's the one that Argyle could feel eyeing him.

He looks flustered, but doesn't resist when the woman drags him over with a hand on his wrist.

"Hey," Argyle greets, shamelessly focusing on the man.

"Hi," he even waves a little. "Uh... sorry, I don't know-?"

"Oh, right. I'm Argyle!"

"Steve," he offers a hand, which Argyle shakes, patting his shoulder at the same time. "Um. This is Robin."

"Like the bird!" Argyle grins when she snorts. "You guys packing up?"

"The schools been turned into a relief center," Robin explains. "We're donating some old stuff."

"Rad. You need any help? I've got plenty of room in my-"

"Steve needs a lift," Robin says, quickly slapping a hand over his mouth when he tries to argue. "We have the boxes all packed up in the car already, it'd be annoying to move them all now. But there's no room left for Steve!"

"Sorry, just, uh... excuse us, for a minute." Steve grabs her wrist, dragging her off before Argyle can agree.

Jonathan and Nancy seem to be finished with their little moment, so Argyle creeps over to them.

"Byers, hey," Argyle glances at the two, where Robin is clearly winning whatever debate they're having. "You guys gonna be ok here for a while?"

"Just for a little while. We're going to need a ride to Hoppers old cabin."

"Right... but you don't need to go, like, right now?"

"Not right now. Why? What are you-?"

A throat is cleared behind them- Steve. He smiles a little awkwardly, shifting. "Um, yeah, I'll, uh... take that offer, if that's still ok?"

"Of course it is!" Argyle easily agrees. "Vans still open if you wanna wait inside, I just need a moment, alright?"

"Yeah, alright."

Argyle waits until he's climbed into the passenger seat before turning back to Jonathan, who's watching with a shocked look.

"I'm giving him a ride to the relief thing."

"Right," Jonathan says, slow with disbelief. He pauses, looking to the van. "Steve?"

"Yeah, seems like a chill dude. I'll be back soon, yeah?"

"Alright, yeah, sure. See you soon, then."

He's already heading back to his van before Jonathan can finish, waving as he goes. He climbs in quick, after calling one last goodbye. Steve gives a little smile again, in greeting, so he risks leaning over, a little into his space.

"You do know the way, right?"

"Yeah, I know the way," Steves laugh is more of a sigh. "We're gonna follow the others though, it'll be easier."

"Ahh, yeah, of course." He turns in his seat, spotting the others as they just finish piling into the car. He backs up a little so they have room to leave. "Your sister won your fight then?"

"My sister? Oh, you mean Robin. No, we're just friends. But, uh, yeah. She usually does."

"Yeah, sisters are like that." He stays silent for a moment, glancing at Steve. He's sure that his silent question is heard, but refused. "You're not Steve Harrington are you?"

"Yeah? What, Jonathan talk about me?"

"Oh, nah, man. The smaller Byers. They don't talk about you a lot, but they both agree that you are one cool dude."

"Really?"

Argyle glances over, smiling at how much he's perked up. "Yeah, man. Gotta say, it's already looking like they're right."

"You're already sure about that?"

"Yeah, it's your whole vibe. You're cool."

"Thanks?"

The rest of the drive is quiet. But, whenever he risks glancing over, he spots Steve quickly looking away. He ducks his head each time too, looking vaguely flustered. It feels like it should be clear messages, but he can remember how confusing some of those initial signals from Jon were.

But his excuse worked the first time, it can work again.

He reaches over, pulling Steves hand closer to his, winding their fingers together. When he glances over, Steve has a little smile, cheeks a little pink.

"Alright?" He has to ask.

"Yeah. Yeah, this is, uh, alright," Steve laughs quietly, shaking his head. "Remind me to never doubt Robs instincts ever again."

[rogueddie]

Scheduling time together, as a whole group, is near impossible. There's so many of them now and they all have responsibilities. Finding time and something to do takes a while.

Eventually, they settle on something simple; movie night at the Harrington house, every Thursday. There's not a lot of seats in the living room, but there's a lot of space, so they make do.

Steve buys a lot of pillows for those that take their turn to sit on the floor, some fold out chairs so the adults don't have to argue over the sofa or the floor.

For a while, Steve has his own little spot on the floor. He knows there's no point in trying to argue for a spot on the sofa, he'd just end up giving it up for one of the kids anyway.

It's a month in when Argyle first tries to offer Steve his spot.

"Nah, I'm good," Steve smiles, plopping down onto his pillow. "I've got a great spot."

The next week, Argyle offers again. But, again, Steve turns him down.

Before he sits down though, Argyle catches his wrist.

"You could sit with me, dude."

"Huh?"

He gently tugs at his wrist, coaxing him closer- close enough to gently tug him down with a hand on his hip. Steve awkwardly perches on his lap for a moment, before letting Argyle tug him back so he's leaning back against him.

It's comfortable, especially when Argyle curls his arms around his waist, holding him close.

For half of the movie, he's pretty sure he falls asleep. He's so comfortable and warm and held and safe. It's only half an hour, his head jerking back up when the kids scream at a jumpscare, but it's the best sleep he's had in a while.

Argyle rubs little circles on his hip, the motion soothing, almost making him fall back asleep.

He's disappointed when the movie ends, when people start to get up. But he gets up to, moving aside so Argyle can stand to. He tries to ignore the fluttering in his stomach when Argyle thanks him.

"You should sit with me next week too."

"Uh, yeah, that... that sounds great."

"Great." Argyle smiles, glancing at the door, where everyone is getting their coats. No one is looking their way, so he reaches out, brushing Steves hair back. "Next week then."

[rogueddie]

Steve is pretty sure he's melting, he's so relaxed. Loose. Like someone is slowly letting the air out a balloon.

He'd been worried about accepting Argyles offer to smoke but, now that he has, he's glad. Even though it's hitting him a lot harder than any of the weed sourced locally, it nots bad. It's soft and slow and leaves him feeling like a cloud.

"What did I tell you?" Argyle teases, nudging him.

Steve hums, turning to smile at him. "Yeah, you did."

He reaches out, catching a few stray strands of Argyles hair. It's just as soft as it looks. Argyle doesn't seem to mind either, which only encourages Steve to reach out a little more.

"Your hair is so nice," he mumbles.

"Oh, man. Coming from someone with such great hair himself?"

"'S not as good as yours."

"What are you talking about?" Argyle reaches up, brushing his fingers through Steves hair. "Your hair is, like, the best."

He hums, fingers stilling, too focused on his nice Argyles fingers in his hair feels. Especially when he lightly scratches at his scalp. He has to close his eyes, tries to tilt his head into his hands- but, then, Argyle pulls his hand back.

Steve tries not to be too disappointed- at least, he's pretty sure he hides it well. Mostly because Argyle isn't looking at him, so he can't see the way he pouts.

But, after a moment, the temptation is too much. He has to ask; "can I braid your hair?"

"Sure."

Steve eyes his hair for a moment, considers how he's sat. The solution seems simple to him. Reasonable. And he doesn't doubt his idea, just goes along with it.

He shifts, throwing one leg over Argyle so he's straddling him, sitting back in his lap. It makes it easy for him to reach for the longer strands of hair, not having to reach up too much.

Argyle stares for a long moment. "Oh."

"Oh? Is... this is ok, isn't it?"

"Yeah... no, yeah, man, this is fine."

He's slow, cautious, in placing his hands on Steves thighs. But Steve gives him a bright smile, seeming to relax a little more when he brushing one of his hands back and forth.

"Tha's nice," Steve mumbles. "Thanks man. For the, uh, weed, I mean. This is great. Nice."

"No problem, Steve-o."

Steve hums again, giving up on the messy braid, slouching forward and resting his head on Argyles shoulder. One hand comes up to brush through Steves hair again.

"Don't... you're gonna make me sleep."

"Good. You deserve some nap time."

He grumbles, trying to argue, but he's already falling asleep. "You'll get uncomfortable."

"Nah. I've got you here." Argyle gently pulls Steve a little closer, so their chests are pressed together. "There we go. Better?"

"Mhmmm..."

"Ok... sweet dreams, Steve."

Steve is pretty sure Argyle kisses him on the side of his head. He's also pretty sure he was probably already dreaming. He's decided to ask him, the next time they spend time alone, if it was friendly. He's trying not to get his hopes up too high.

[rogueddie]

Steve hesitates in the doorway, hovering for a moment. But Argyle stays hunched over, sitting at the edge of the pool, lower legs dipped into the water and leaning forward on his knees.

He kicks his shoes off, the noise making Argyle flinch- he stays hunched over though, head only turning a little, curtain of hair blocking his view.

Steve sits next to him, gripping the edge as he dips his own legs into the water. He doesn't both rolling his jeans up. He'd be just as uncomfortable either way.

"Needs cleaning," Argyle points out.

And he's right. The pool is a disaster. But Steve doesn't come this close unless he needs to. He's never letting anyone actually get in there again, so it doesn't need cleaning.

"Yeah," Steve says.

He stays quiet. He's sure that if Argyle wanted to be alone then he'd tell Steve to leave. But Steve isn't going to force himself to fill the silence. He always ends up saying the wrong thing anyway.

It's actually alright, Steve realizes.

Being close to the pool for so long isn't easy, it isn't comfortable, not by any stretch of the imagination. Having someone else there? It's oddly comforting. Especially because he's pretty sure that Argyle is still more freaked out than him.

"You're shaking, dude," Argyle says after a long moment. He tries to lift Steves hand, not pulling hard, his grip is gentle... but it just makes him grip the edge of the pool tighter. "Are you cold?"

"No, it's not... I'm ok. I'm fine."

"You sure? You don't needa sit with me."

"I'm not leaving you out here on your own."

They fall back into silence.

Steve can feel Argyle glancing at him, see him shifting out the corner of his eye, seeming to debate with himself. And, just a moment later, Argyle nods to himself. He takes off his jacket, draping it over Steves back. He bats away Steves hands when he tries to stop him.

"Thanks," Steve mumbles.

"Nah, thank you. It's great spending time with you, my guy."

He pulls Argyles jacket around him, holding the front shut. It'd probably be easier to just put it on, but he likes how it feels, to be wrapped up in him.

"Why do you call me that?"

Argyle hums, curious.

"'My guy'. Just, uh... curious."

"D'you not wanna be my guy?"

"Wh- that- I didn't say that, it's- I mean..." Steve huffs, annoyed at himself. "It's the implications and shit."

Argyle leans forward, trying to catch his eyes, but Steve keeps his head forward and eyes down, tense. He's so wound up that, when Argyle gently brushes some of his hair behind his ear, he jumps.

He shifts a little closer to Steve, thighs pressed together. He curls his arm around his waist, pulling him so his leant against his side.

"Do you not wanna be my guy?" Argyle repeats, voice hushed, leaning so close that Steve can feel his breath on his ear.

"That's- that's not what I'm saying," Steve whispers.

When he turns to look at him, he stops, breath hitching. Argyle is so close still, close enough that their noses brush. When he doesn't pull away, Argyle relaxes, smiling.

He's looking down, at his lips. He looks back up, looks to Steve, looks in his eyes. Looks, silently, for permission. And Steve nods. His heart is thumping so fast. He's sure if he tries to speak, the words will simply get lodged in his throat.

He's leaning in- slowly, patient, giving Steve time to change his mind.

But Steve only has so much patience. He's about to lean in himself, about to kiss him, finally, finally...

The door slams open, making them jump apart.

"Steve!" Dustin calls, hands on his hips. "Dude! You said you were getting us snacks!" He frowns, seeming to only just see where they are. "Dude, get up, your jeans are in the pool!"

Argyle snorts, patting Steve on the shoulder before climbing to his feet. "Kid does make a very good point, my guy. Come on, let's get you into something dry."

Steve accepts the hand he offers. He avoids Dustins eyes when he frowns at them, eyes narrowing at the way Argyle keeps ahold of his hand as he leads Steve inside.

"Your door has a lock, right?" Argyle murmurs.

[rogueddie]

With so much going on, so much taking priority, so much uncertainty and so much chaos... Steve and Argyle don't get moments alone. There's always someone else in their little group tagging along.

Until, finally, they are able to sneak off. They grab the little picnic basket, a blanket already in Argyles can, and make a break for it.

"I can't believe that finally fucking worked," Steve laughs.

"Just a matter of time," Argyle glances over, grinning. "Maybe we'll have time to go watch that new movie!"

Steve turns, about to lean over and kiss him on the cheek- which is when he notices. "Oh, shit."

"What?"

"It's starting to rain."

And, as though mocking him, the light drizzle that had just begun suddenly becomes heavy. The rain starts falling so fast and hard that it sounds like rocks bouncing off the top of the van.

Steve groans, slouching down in his seat, rubbing at his eyes.

"We can just snack in the van, my guy," Argyle reaches over, patting his thigh. "No worries! It'll be all nice and cozy and shit, right? No fear of bugs either."

"Yeah... no, yeah, you're right. It's just..."

"We planned for something else, I know. But we can make do."

"It's not like we're gonna find many other moments to try," Steve grumbles, folding his arm and glaring out the window.

But Argyle laughs, hand squeezing where it's still resting on his leg.

They pull over a few moments later, in an empty parking lot. Argyle gestures Steve to climb into the back first, quick to follow. He grabs Steve by the waist before he can sit down, pulling him along as he sits down.

"Really?" Steve huffs, looking over to raise an eyebrow when he ends up in Argyles lap.

"Really."

He slowly nudges the picnic basket closer with his foot, keeping his arms tight around Steves waist. Steve laughs when he notices how long it's taking, leaning back against him.

"I could grab it," Steve offers after a couple minutes.

"No," Argyle mumbles, focused. "I've already grabbed you."

"Oh, yeah, and that's the priority?"

Argyle hums, ignoring the basket for a moment, pressing a few gently kisses to Steves neck. "Of course. Always. The most important thing there is."

"Alright, you've made your point."

"You sure? I dunno, Stevie... I think you need more convincing."

"Oh my god," Steve mumbles, going red, "That was awful. An awful line." But, still, he turns enough so that Argyle can lean in and kiss him properly.