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Jensen Ackles and Jack Quaid as Soldier Boy and Hughie Campbell | The Boys, 3x07 “Here Comes a Candle to Light You to Bed” Behind The Scenes [x]      

James Buchanan Barnes

The Bartender

The Detective

The Lifeguard

The Lawyer

The Woodsman

The Agent

The Set-up

The Birthday

The Boardwalk

The Festival

The Frat Party

The Spell

The Summer Camp

Other

The Nomad - Steve Rogers

The Groomsman - Steve Rogers

Stranger Things

Sweet Creature - Steve Harrington

Edge of Seventeen - Eddie Munson

Flavour of the Week - Steve Harrington

Sweet Dreams - Eddie Munson

Flavour of the Week - Steve Harrington x OC

warnings: None, pure fluff, summer romance

word count: 7.8k

For once, Allie was grateful to be babysitting Erica Sinclair. 

It was the hottest day of the year and the air conditioning of Starcourt Mall was a welcome alternative to being boiled alive in the June sun. She was trying to cool off in the food court, reading a new book she just picked from the store on the second floor when Erica slammed her bags on the table. The motion made her jump as Allie looked up at the little girl with a stern expression. 

"What is it now, Erica?" Allie groaned. All she wanted was a little break from the youngest Sinclair and her posse of minions. 

"I want ice cream." 

"No one is stopping you, Sinclair. Go for it." Allie said, jerking her head at the nautical themed ice cream shop across the way. 

"I can't," Erica said slowly, as if Allie wasn't understanding. "The girl who works there said I can't have any more samples. But you can." 

The mischievous smirk on Erica's face sent a little trickle of worry down Allie's spine. She'd never admit that sometimes she was terrified of a ten year old. 

Looking back up at the ice cream shop, Allie bit her lip before closing her book. Sacrificing her alone time in favor of ice cream didn’t sound like that bad of an idea. 

“Fine. Come along, gremlins” she grinned at the face Erica pulled at her comment, stashed the book in her bag and made her way across the food court to Scoops Ahoy. 

The ice cream parlor was packed, every table full of kids and teens in search for the perfect cool down during summer break. Her mouth was watering just dreaming of the ice cream sundae she was going to order, once Erica and her friends had their own, of course. If there was one thing the mall didn’t need more of, it was a hangry bunch of pre-teens. 

As she approached the counter, she could see Robin speaking animatedly with her coworker. She always looked very passionate when she talked but she looked like a conspiracy theorist pointing at her whiteboard this time. Suddenly, her coworker took off his little sailor’s hat and her breath caught in her throat. That hair.

Of course it was Steve Harrington behind the counter. Today of all days, when her long curly hair was tucked up in a messy bun and she felt ragged from dealing with Erica and her antics all day. Allie knew him from around the hallways at Hawkins High, and always had a bit of a crush on him. She took a deep breath, and swiped the baby hairs away from the sticky sweat of her forehead as she stepped forward to the counter. 

“Ahoy there! Would you like to set sail on an ocean of flavour with me? I’ll be your captain, Steve Harrington. What can I start you with?” He leaned forward on the counter, and smirked at Allie, his amber eyes twinkling in the lights. 

Allie could feel the words as they tumbled out of her mouth, “ice cream.”

She groaned and scrunched her nose up, embarrassed that she had blurted out the most prominent words she could think of. His tongue flicked over his bottom lip and his small smirk turned into a full-blown cheeky smile. She could see his lips moving but every ounce of her focus was poured into the two soft freckles on his neck.

“Allie?” Erica flicked her arm bringing her back to reality. Visibly confused she looked to Erica who had an eyebrow raised in annoyance. “Farrah Fawcett’s secret child just asked you a question, were you even listening, or were you daydreaming about your little book boyfriend again?” 

Steve leaned on the counter, elbow propped up by the register. 

"Book boyfriend, huh? Well, how about a real life boyfriend? Got one of those you might be thinking of?"

Allie wanted to dissolve into the floor as he smiled, the flush rising in her cheeks. She could see Robin over his shoulder rolling her eyes. Erica elbowed her, shoving her way to the front before Allie could answer. 

"Give us the goods, sailor boy. I don't have all day," she sassed. 

“Sorry but you already had enough samples, Sinclair. Now, let the adults talk.” he said, not taking his eyes off the beautiful girl in front of him, who was blushing at Erica’s mention of her book boyfriend.

“So, that book boyfriend of yours. What’s better about a book boyfriend than a real boyfriend?” he asked.

Allie’s gaze fell to her hands. She needed to look away from his eyes for a second because they were just too much. She picked at the polish on her nails, thinking of a way to murder a child and not go to jail. Never had she felt so embarrassed in her life. But she needed to come up with an answer soon before Erica said something worse, if that was even possible. 

She huffed out a breath and met Steve’s eyes again, “Well, I guess that um, they won’t disappoint you like most real-life guys do.” 

Steve stuck out his bottom lip and nodded once, raising an eyebrow at her, “Can’t say you're wrong there” He winked, standing up straight and twirling the ice cream scoop in his hand. 

God, this man was more charismatic than she remembered. Just the movement of his hand in that motion made her head go all fuzzy. Erica may have started with the embarrassing comments, but Allie knew she was definitely not doing herself any favors here either. She had to change the subject and fast. 

“Cotton candy” She spit out, crossing her arms over her chest and shaking her head a little, trying to get her attention away from the spinning of his hand. “Could I try the cotton candy ice cream… please?” Allie asked properly, shooting him a smile.

“Excellent choice,” he laughed, grabbing her a small bowl. He extended it across the counter but didn’t let go as her hand brushed his, “gotta be careful with this one. Too much of it will turn your tongue pink.” 

“I guess I’ll have to try something different next time,” she pulled the bowl from his hand and she could feel the heat rising up her neck. 

“Ahem,” Erica cleared her throat. 

“She’ll get a banana split,” Allie smiled as she pressed the tiny sample spoon to her tongue and let the ice cream melt from the heat. 

Steve nodded, brushing a piece of his golden brown hair behind his ear as he got to putting together her sundae. Once he had finished he slid it across the counter to her without taking his eyes off Allie who was digging in her purse for change. 

“Pretty girls get one free banana split,” he laughed and Robin audibly groaned from the back room loud enough for Allie and Steve to hear her. “Unfortunately, you also only get one sample so you’ll just have to come back tomorrow to try another flavor.”

"How many flavors are there exactly?" Allie laughed, dropping her sample spoon in the small trash can by his side. 

Steve's eyebrows furrowed as he counted silently. He sighed before putting his hands on his hips. 

"Thirty five, so if you wanna try each one by the end of the summer, you might wanna start tomorrow," he said with a shrug. 

"Will you be here? I mean, I might need some help." 

Steve's eyes lit up as a "no way" came from the open kitchen window. 

"Yeah, I, uh, will be here," he stammered out with a broad grin. 

After all the times he “sucked“ - at least that’s the way Robin always put it - he didn’t expect this to be the outcome.

“Great,“ she smiled, “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.“ 

She was about to leave, the little gremlins already ahead of her, as Steve’s voice made her stop in her movements.

“Allie!“ 

She turned around, facing him again, but he remained still, as she waited for him to continue.

He hesitated as if he wasn’t sure what exactly to say, or ask even. 

“See you tomorrow.“ he said with a soft smile on his lips.

Allie bit her lip and let out a soft laugh. Steve Harrington, flustered. Because of her. That was definitely a sight to behold. 

“See you tomorrow, Harrington.” 

As she walked out of the shop, she smiled to herself and thought about what the following days would bring. It might turn out to be a good summer after all. She shook herself out of her daydream after Erica cleared her throat. Head tilted and brows raised at her babysitter. 

“That was nasty. Even with the free banana split.” 

“Just eat your ice cream, Sinclair.” Allie rolled her eyes in annoyance. 

The following day, Allie brought Erica to meet her friends at Starcourt once more, all of them taking off towards the arcade as soon as they got there, but not before Erica paused and placed her hands on her hips. 

“Lemme guess, I can find you at the ice cream shop when we’re done?” 

“I will be in the food court. Go have fun” Allie said through gritted teeth, causing the little girl to roll her eyes before taking off to find her friends. 

Once the kids were out of sight, she made her way casually into the ice cream shop, twisting a dark curl around her finger as she pretended to read the menu on the wall. Alle glanced over at the counter just in time to see Robin walk into the back room. 

“Hey dingus, this ones for you..” She heard, causing an involuntary smile to form on her lips.

Allie’s chest tightened as she heard the metal hinges swing open from the back door. Steve slid out, cleaning his lips with the back of his hand as he made his way to the counter. “Hi,” she said quietly, her voice suddenly so small in his presence.

Robin disappeared into the back as he leaned over the counter to come eye level with her as he finished chewing whatever he had been snacking on. 

“How's the tongue?” He asked and Allie flushed red instantly, why did he want to know that she panicked silently. “Shit, the cotton candy ice cream… turns your tongue pink… it was dumb.” He ran his hand hair nervously and shook his head in shame.

She chuckled, shaking her head at him. Her curls hadn’t cooperated that morning, frankly, they hadn’t been doing so all week with the heat wave but she had dared leave them down and now they were sticking to her sweaty neck. Banishing her nerves the best she could she playfully stuck her tongue out, “ready for more flavor tasting.”

“What will it be today?” He laughed, his big doe eyes flickered to her lips quickly before he shifted to the ice cream case. 

 Allie hummed as she tapped her chin playfully. “Let’s do mint chocolate chip today, captain.” she said with a wink. 

Steve’s tongue darted out across his bottom lip as he shook his head and tried to hold back a smile. Allie watched him as he grabbed the cup and scooped up a sample of the ice cream she had chosen. He wasn’t wearing his sailor cap today either. The wild wisps of brown hair that framed his face catching in the fluorescent lights of the shop as he moved. He placed the cup on the counter and handed her the spoon. Fingers lingering on top of each other once again caused Allie’s stomach to flood with butterflies. 

“Gave you a little extra today, our little secret.” 

Allie made a mock locking motion at her lips with her free hand as he smiled at her. 

“Wait, aren’t you gonna try?” 

He stammered at her question, “I don’t-“

“Well I said let’s didn’t I?” 

“Robin, can you man the counter I’m taking my 15.” Steve yelled back as he fumbled around the counter for an extra spoon before he followed Allie back to a table. 

Allie let out a genuine laugh as Steve caught up with her, smirking over at him as she watched him push his hand through his hair. It was nice to see him flustered for once because of her, instead of the other way around. 

“Ok, what do you prefer, cotton candy or mint chocolate chip? Be honest” She asked, taking a seat at a vacant table and putting the bowl of ice cream in the middle. 

Steve thought for a moment as he sat across from her, tapping the spoon on his plump lips, “See that depends on the day. Sometimes I need something sweet like cotton candy, but other times.. You just need that classic tang of the mint, you know? It’s sweet but has that secret side to it that keeps it exciting..” He smirked, taking a scoop of the ice cream and holding it out. “Plus, I like the green of this one… it matches your eyes” 

Allie’s whole body warmed under his stare as she pulled the spoon from her lips. She secretly loved mint chocolate chip and now she’d never eat it again without thinking about Steve Harrington noticing the color of her eyes. 

“So is mint chocolate chip your favorite?” She asked knowing the implications of her question.

He swallowed hard, his throat bobbing against the silly collar of his sailor's uniform as he composed himself to answer her. “It is today, yesterday it was cotton candy,” his soft lips curled into a smile as he watched her turn red. 

“How do you do that?” Allie asked him, watching his eyes flicker across her features in confusion. “One minute you’re a flustered mess and then you open your mouth and you say something cute as if you planned it.”

Steve laughed nervously, opening his mouth to say something but his cheeks flushed red and he pressed another scoop of ice cream to his tongue. Allie followed suit, distracted by the way his lips pressed together as he enjoyed the sweet treat with her. 

“If I tell you all my secrets you’ll just take them into the mall and use them on other boys,” he shrugged with a smile forming on his face. 

“Or maybe I’ll use them on you and that's what you’re really afraid of,” she laughed and he scoffed with a soft shake of his head. 

Steve’s break flew by and Allie retreated to the food court with the promise of tomorrow and the next 33 flavors. 

As the days turned to weeks the two continued to get comfortable around the other. Eye contact was held for longer, conversations flowed more naturally and lingering hands found each other from across the table. 

The third week sailed in and Allie made her way back into Scoops Ahoy, with a big smile and a little extra weight in her bag. Butterflies had never left her stomach the whole time but she hadn’t felt this nervous in a while. And when Steve’s eyes lit up watching from the back room window, she knew she was smitten.

He gave her a small wave and his cheeky smile that made her fall head over heels for the man even more. She waved back with a sweet smile, oh if only he knew what he was doing to her.  It felt like her heart could burst out of her chest from how fast it was beating.  So when he walked out from the back room, she needed to take a couple of deep breaths to steady herself. 

He stopped on the other side of the counter and placed his hands on top. His golden brown hair was messy but neatly tucked behind his ears. A couple of strands managed to find a way to fall forward. 

She needed to bite the inside of her cheek in an attempt to not lean forward and fix it. To touch him. 

“I like that.” His eyes lingered over her face for a bit before stopping on her eyes. 

She chuckled nervously, his gaze felt so much more intense than before. “Like what?”

“Your smile, it’s nice to look at …” He grabbed a scoop from the counter and twirled it around in his hand before saluting with it. “What flavor for the lady today?”

A blush crept up Allie’s cheeks and she bit her bottom lip to stop the smile from growing any bigger. Every time this man spoke to her, she felt all tingly inside. But there was no way she was going to let him see that side of her. Not yet.

“Actually, I have something for you first” She grinned proudly, reaching into her bag and pulling out a book, sliding it across the counter towards him. “This was the book I was reading the first day I came in here, and I thought you might like it. The main character is so sweet. I thought she might make a good book girlfriend for you” 

Steve let out a laugh and took the book, turning it over in his hands as he examined the cover, “Book girlfriend huh? I think I could give that a shot” He smirked, before turning and putting the book on the back counter. “So got a flavor in mind for today?” 

“What number are we on?” She asked, looking over at the display case.

“Hm, 13 I think” 

“You pick, then. Lucky number 13 has to be a Steve Harrington pick” 

Taking a moment to look over the flavor list, a wide smile appeared on his face, “I have the perfect one..” He spoke confidently, as he scooped the ice cream. “Rocky Road. A crowd favorite. And a personal one”

"Oh wow, a personal one? Why wasn't it the first suggestion then?" she teased, watching him scoop out way more ice cream than a normal sample size. 

Steve walked around, coming through the door built into the counter to hand her the cup. 

"Can I tell you something?" he asked, leaning in closer to her than he ever has been. 

Allie felt her breath shorten as she nodded, the sweet smell of waffle cones and whatever he used in his hair that morning filling her head. She could count more of the freckles on his cheeks and noticed how the tips of his eyelashes are a golden brown, just like his hair. 

"I kinda like to hog it all to myself. Devious, I know, but it's just too good," Steve whispers as Allie giggles at his expression, taking the cup of ice cream. This time his fingers trail against hers in a way that is more than obvious. 

"Your secret is safe with me. Can't have you losing your job or anything," Allie murmured, looking up at him before taking a bite of ice cream.

Steve bit the corner of his bottom lip as his eyes zeroed in on her lips and lingered for a beat. She smiled as his eyes found his way back to hers after she let the spoon go with a pop.  

“You got your spoon, Harrington?” 

🍦🍦

Saturday arrived in the blink of an eye and like the ones before during these past few weeks, Allie made her way back to Starcourt Mall. They’d gotten into the habit of having lunch together on Saturday’s since she’d be relieved of her babysitting duties for the weekends. When she arrives at the counter, she’s met with Robin refilling the spoons. 

“Hey Robin.”

“Ah, welcome oh great one” she curtsied, and Allie snorted a laugh as her eyes widened. 

“What?” 

“Nothing, I've just never seen Steve read a book so intently in his life. He hasn’t let it go ever since you gave it to him. Not that it’s that much of a surprise of course. I mean you guys have been spending time together every day this summer and he can’t pull his eyes away from you even if he tried.” 

Robin rambled on and Allie felt like she was in a daze. Not that she thought that he wouldn’t have read it but certainly not that he’d like it so much he wouldn’t put it down. As if he was summoned, the backroom door swung open, a flushed Steve holding the door open book in hand. He ran a hand through his hair and sent her a smile that made her feel like her legs were going to give out. 

“Hi.” He breathed.

Allie let out a small giggle and tucked a curl behind her ear, “Hi” She repeated, clasping her hands in front of her and returning the smile. 

Steve made his way over to where she was standing and held the book out to her, “This was amazing.. I’m not a book guy, but any more recommendations, I’ll be happy to take them” He grinned. 

“Book recommendations for ice cream samples? I think I can accept that” She took the book back from him and noticed a little piece of paper sticking out of it. Not thinking anything of it, she tucked it into her bag. 

The two of them had their usual ice cream date, trying a rainbow sorbet this time to be different. The conversation flowed as smoothly as ever, and at one point as they were talking their hands touched on the table, but neither of them pulled away. Instead, Steve casually intertwined their fingers as they talked. 

Again, his 15 minute break flew by fast and they said their goodbyes. Steve shot her a wink as he walked back into the store. “You should uh, check that book by the way..” 

Allie’s brows furrowed together, as she watched him walk away. She pulled out the book, and again found the piece of paper, pulling it out and unfolding it in her hand. 

“You were right, I did like this girl. But she’s not you” the note read, causing an involuntary grin to break out on her lips. 

She placed a hand in front of her mouth, shaking her head while her smile just widened every time she re-read the note. She turned her head to where he stood before to see if he’d caught a glimpse of how hard she was crushing over him, by just his beautiful written words, but he was nowhere to be seen. He must’ve walked to the back room. 

She smiled to herself while thinking if Steve had the same expression on his face as her, maybe he even felt nervous of the thought of what she would think about the note. Steve Harrington being nervous and flushed over a girl…maybe he even paced back and forth while thinking if his move was all too much and too forward… 

Well Allie didn’t. 

She turned the note and took out a pen from her bag, scribbling down the words that she hoped would have the same effect if she’d said it face to face. 

Exactly what I thought about my so-called book boyfriend, until I met you. 

She folded it and walked over to the desk where Robin stood while scooping up ice cream for a customer. She quickly placed the note on the counter top, clearing her throat to have her attention. 

It suddenly felt really hot. More than usual. “Hi. Can you please give this to Steve when you see him again?” She asked with a soft smile. 

Robin lifted a brow and looked down to the note, a smirk grew on her lips before she looked up to her. “Suuure, I’ll handle it.”

Allie watched as Robin disappeared to the back before rushing off. She bit her lip to keep from squealing, doing a little happy jump that earned her a weird look from a passing older couple as she left the mall into the sticky summer air. 

Another week passed. A week full of waves and smiles across the mall as Allie ushered Erica and her friends around and another lunch date on Saturday that had her crying laughing as Steve desperately tried to avoid an interrogation by Dustin Henderson. 

The next Saturday at noon, Allie excitedly hurried to the ice cream shop as the familiar hustle and bustle of the mall went on around her. When she approached the counter, she noticed something was off. Robin was the only one there, grumbling as she wiped down the counters. 

"Hi Robin," she said softly, trying to hide her disappointment. 

"Hey Allie. Sorry, no lover boy today. He didn't tell you?" 

Emotion choked any words that could have come out as Allie shook her head. How could she be so dumb? She had never even asked for his phone number. But then again, he'd never asked for hers. Her mind started racing as she mumbled something to Robin before turning to walk away. 

As she rounded the corner, Allie ran into someone, hands catching her before she was knocked to the ground. She looked up, relief rushing through her body as Steve gazed down with a smile teasing his lips. 

"Sorry, had to take Henderson home. Didn't figure you'd want that little shit joining us again." 

Allie laughed, smoothing the lapels of his polo shirt with a gentle hand. It was the first time all summer she'd seen him without that ridiculous sailor suit.

"I thought you'd forgotten," she said, looking up through her eyelashes. 

"Forget you? That's impossible," Steve murmurs before pushing a curl behind her ear.

“O-Oh.” the blush creeped up her chest at his admission as she stammered, his fingers still tucked behind her ear. 

He ran his eyes over her face. Almost like he was seeing her for the first time, taking in every single one of her features. She couldn’t help but smile as he ran his hand down her arm slowly igniting every nerve fiber in her body until he reached the tips of her fingers and gave her a soft squeeze. 

“You hungry?”

“Starving, actually.” 

“Well, we can’t have that. Let’s go get you fed.” he chuckled as he laced his fingers in hers and they began walking back towards the food court.

Allie smiled at him, and gave his hand a little squeeze, his thumb gently running over her knuckles as they walked. Ok, so maybe carting around Erica Sinclair and her friends to the mall all summer hadn’t been so bad. 

When they got to the food court, Steve outstretched his free arm and gestured widely, “The choice is yours. Anything you want” 

A giggle escaped her lips, as she dramatically thought and looked around, “I think I’m feeling a burger today” 

“As you wish, m’lady” He winked at her, making their way over to Burger King. 

They got their food, and found themselves a fairly secluded table where it could just be the two of them. As they ate, their conversation moved along from Allie telling Steve about Erica’s new antics from the week, and Steve explaining Robin’s whiteboard to her from when they first met. There were little touches, and nudges, and so many laughs Allie swore she was going to combust. Everything always felt so easy and natural with Steve. 

Steve reached forward, and brushed her curls off her shoulder, his fingertips brushing lightly along the crook of her neck. 

“Hey, what are you thinking about? You’ve been staring at me for a whole minute” He quipped. 

She stared at him for a moment longer, trying to figure out exactly what she wanted to say. Unsure how he would take her next words, “do you want me to be honest?” 

“Always,” he smiled, his fingers lingered on her skin and he grabbed her hand gently in his. “You’re making me nervous,” he laughed and the food court lights made his eyes glimmer. 

“I was just thinking of all the ways I could screw this up,” she admitted. “I’m not in your league and there are so many other girls—“ 

Her words were cut off by Steve’s lips brushing her knuckles, he peered up at her through his thick lashes. “I took you to Burger King, do you think I would just buy anyone a cheese burger?” 

“It’s not that—“ she sighed. 

“I know what it is, Allie,” he got serious for a moment. His brows pinching together and his tongue pushing against the inside of his bottom lip. “It may not seem like it but I think about how I don’t deserve you every time you walk through the doors of Scoops. I want to be here with you, I’d beg for a chance every day if you had turned me down.” 

She stared down at his hand that still held hers. He rubbed the back of her hand with a thumb and she placed her free hand on top of it, stopping his movement. She took a deep breath, she couldn’t look up to meet his eyes from the words she was about to say. The thought wasn’t new. Every time she left the ice cream shop she’d thought about it, scared for that day to come. 

“So you’re not going to ditch me because I’m not like the other girls you've dated?” Her voice slightly broke at the end. 

Steve sighed. He pulled back his hand and placed two fingers under her chin so he could lift up her head, whispering softly.

“And what are the other girls like to you?”

She huffed and looked to the ceiling while shaking her head. How stupid could she be? Steve had literally mentioned it in the note with his beautiful words.. but that could also be just something he says to every girl he meets, the safe card to play. 

Two warm hands cupped her face and once again was she met by those warm and kind eyes she could get lost in for hours. 

He lifted a brow and smiled softly in an attempt to make her keep going. 

“They’re…pretty. Like really pretty.” She whispered. 

He leaned in closer, eyes never leaving hers. Her mouth started to feel dry and face hot from how close they were. “But not nearly as pretty as you, Allie. You’re just getting prettier each day. I’m not going to be a fool and let go of this stunning woman, believe me. You're stuck with me.“ He chuckled slightly as he rubbed her cheeks with his thumbs. 

Allie leaned into his one hand and closed her eyes, relishing in his soft skin. His words washed over her like waves. She wanted to fully believe him, but that doubt would always be in the back of her mind, just a little bit. 

“Well, I consider myself very lucky to be the one sitting here with you tonight” She whispered, finally looking up to meet his amber eyes, and shooting him a small smile. 

His eyes raked over her features, and he started to lean in, both of them inching closer to each other, the tips of their noses just brushing as Steve’s tongue ran across his bottom lip.

“Hey Steve!” Robin rounded the corner, and crossed her arms over her chest. “I know you’re off today, but the till is off by a couple dollars and I don’t know what happened, and now I’m freaking out because what if someone short changed me and I didn’t realize…” 

“Robin! I’ll … Be right there…” Steve let out a sigh, dropping a hand from Allie’s face, but keeping his eyes on her. “I’m so sorry, if it was anyone else I would tell them to solve it themselves, but when she gets frustrated, it’s just.. It’s better if I’m there to help her..” 

Allie sucked in a breath and smiled, “It’s okay, I understand.. I uh, should get home anyway. I have to be at the Sinclair’s early in the morning” She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his cheek. “Thank you for today Steve.. And every day this summer. I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah?”

Steve nodded, looking slightly flustered and disappointed but she let him go. He was too kind, his heart too big and it was in his nature to help the people he loved at the sacrifice of his own well being. 

The next week blew by, she continued to stop by to get ice cream but Steve seemed distracted more and more. Tempted to ask him what’s wrong, Allie took Erica home early that Friday and returned before the parlor closed. Steve was cleaning the counter as Robin stuffed her uniform into her bag. 

“Hey this is a surprise,” he looked up, happy to see her. His hair was fluffy and his eyes were tired but bright when he caught the sight of her. 

“Can we talk maybe?” She asked quietly. 

“I have to drive Buckley home, can it maybe wait until tomorrow?” He looked sad, but Robin appeared from the kitchen and patted him on the shoulder. 

“I’ll walk,” she winked at him, “but you owe me a drivers lesson now.”  

Allie whispered a small ‘thank you’ in Robin’s direction as she walked past her. Nerves settling in her stomach as she thought of what the conversation ahead could bring. She twisted the ring in her finger as Steve rounded the counter and made his way toward her.  Settling his hands on her waist, he leaned in to place a kiss on her cheek. 

“Hi there pretty girl” he said with a smile as his thumbs brushed reassuringly at her sides. 

“Hi” she breathed, letting out a soft nervous laugh. 

“You want anything? I can take some stuff back out for you.” 

“No, no that’s ok. I’m good, thanks.” 

“Ok,” she saw as concern flashed through his eyes, “what’s on your mind?”

“I just—“ she sighed looking around. His eyes had the power to make her so nervous she felt like she was going to explode. The mall was so quiet only the sound of metal doors sliding to the floor as everyone went home for the night. 

“Not here,” he looked around and tugged on her fingers and pulled her into the back. She had never been back here before but I was bigger than she had imagined. A large freezer against the back wall along with a large table in the middle of the room and a few smaller ones that lined the perimeter. 

He led her to the table and before she could protest both his hands gripped into her hips and lifted her to where she was sitting atop of it. Her eyes completely level with his and unable to avoid the contact. She sighed, she had wanted to avoid the soft sparkle in his honey brown eyes but looking at him now she had forgotten all her speech. 

“You’ve been weird all week,” he said, his hands still on her hips, his fingers tapped nervously against her skin. “Was it something I did?” 

Her chest rose and fell softly, a pathetic chuckle leaving her lips as she brought her hand up to rub her thumb against the freckles on his throat. He swallowed tightly under her touch, searching for answers to stifle his misguided guilt. 

“I’m nervous,” she admitted, “when we talked about the girls the other day I wasn’t fully honest. You—“ she sighed. 

“I have a reputation,” he shook his head and a few hairs fell out of place as he dropped his gaze to her lap. “You’re scared I’m only doing this for sex, is that how you see me?” 

His fingers loosened their grip on her and started to pull away but she grabbed his hands before he could. 

She leaned closer to him and slowly placed her hands on his chest, feeling his steady heartbeats. It had a soothing effect on her. She could lay her head against his chest and just listen to it for a whole day while they talked about anything. 

She started to realize that this man meant the world to her. 

She took a deep breath and picked the words carefully in her mind, she really didn’t wanted this to turn out the wrong way. 

“Steve Harrington…” Her words  made him look up again, sadness was set in his eyes and she needed to swallow the thick lump in her throat to not break in front. 

“Listen, ever since I’d walked in here for the first time I’ve got a reason to get up from bed everyday, a reason to put my problems aside and just be. I feel that I can be myself around you and you see me for the one I truly am…but I remember school. People talked about you, I saw you walking down the hallway with a new girl around your arm every month. I don’t want to sound rude to you but why I’m being this honest with you is because I just don’t want to be that girl Stevie. I don’t want you to leave me, I want to stay…I feel so safe with you.”

She couldn’t hold back the tears anymore, feeling how the dam in her eyes was on the edge to spill between the cracks. Closing her eyes, she felt them streaming down her cheeks. Steve didn’t answer but she felt the warmth of his hands against her cheeks, thumbs grazing softly against her wet skin to erase the traces of her sadness. 

He placed his forehead against hers, their heavy breath mixing in the air between them, lips almost touching. She stared at them as he licked his lips before he whispered.

“I know that I may have not been the best boyfriend material…but with you, fuck, you don’t know what you’ve done to me. I can’t even remember who I was before I met you. I won’t let you go Allie, I can’t let you go I promise.”

Allie sniffed and she placed her hands against his cheek with their noses touching. She looked up to him through her glossy eyes and she swore she could see tears at the corner of his eyes.

"You know," Steve whispered, his breath warm against her lips. "I really wish I wasn't wearing this stupid costume while we did this." 

She laughed, running her fingers down the lapel of his outfit. 

"I kinda think it's cute." 

Steve stepped even closer to her, his hips fitting perfectly between her legs. Heat rushed to Allie's face as his nose once again grazed hers. 

"Allie, can I kiss you?" 

She nodded as he bent his head, lifting her chin so he could look her in the eye. Her eyelashes fluttered closed as Steve pressed his lips to hers. He was soft and sweet, way better than anything she'd been served over the past month. She smiled against his mouth when she felt his fingers tangle in the curls at the back of her neck. He pulled away, slightly breathless, and tried to straighten up, but she grabbed the back of his neck to stop him. 

"I wasn't done yet, Harrington," Allie breathed, earning her a heartstopping grin as his hands slid around her back.

“Believe me,” he said between kisses, slightly out of breath, “the way I was thinking about you all day, dreaming about you all night,” he put his forehead against hers, “I couldn’t imagine doing something else.” 

His words only made her want him more. Diving back into the kiss, this time more passionate, he felt the warmth in his body growing. 

This was everything he dreamed of - to feel the affection, the love, the passion. To feel her. 

In his eyes, this moment was perfect - she was perfect.

Steve’s tongue brushed her bottom lip asking for permission to further deepen the kiss. Allie let out a soft sigh letting her lips fall open. As their tongues danced together her hands caressed the hairs at the nape of his neck to pull him as close to her as she possibly could. If she could, she’d stay here forever. They smiled into the kiss as they pulled apart slightly and Steve nipped at her bottom lip. 

“I really really don’t wanna stop kissing you right now but um, can I actually show you something that’s pretty cool?”

“I personally thought kissing you was pretty cool,” Allie laughed as Steve helped her slide from the table to her feet. 

He looked down at her, trailing her features with his big puppy dog eyes. His soft, kiss sore lips curled up and he brushed a piece of her hair back off her face with a single finger. “We can get back to that,” he laughed, leaning forward to steal another. “After I show you this.” 

He wrapped his hand around hers and tugged her through the back door of the shop and into the cold back storage hallway of the mall. “This is creepy Steve,” she raised a confused eyebrow at him causing him to laugh wildly. 

The sweet sound bounced off the empty hall and made her feel all warm and comfy inside as he walked her through the hall. She watched as he scurried a head, tilting her head she watched as he pulled open another door as quietly as he possible could. 

“Hey, eyes up Allie,” he motioned to his face with his hands. 

“Sorry. Your butt just looks so cute in those shorts, it’s distracting,” she laughed walking to catch up with him. 

"Yeah, well, prepared to be amazed by something even better than my butt. Hard to believe, I know, but you've clearly never seen...." 

Steve wrenched open one of the large steel doors to a seemingly empty space, darkness filling the doorway. Allie looked confused, glancing up at Steve. He jerked forward, reaching in to flip on the lights. The room was illuminated, revealing the inside of an empty movie theater. 

"Back to the Future," he said with a shrug, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 

"Oh my god, I've been wanting to go for weeks but none of my friends will go!" Allie shrieked before running in. 

She skipped up the theater steps a few rows before turning back. Steve was still standing at the doorway, watching her with a soft smile. He shook his head before joining her, guiding her to a seat before plopping down beside her. 

"Hey Steve," Allie whispered.

"Yeah?" he said, leaning forward to hear her better and to just get closer to her soft skin. 

"We kinda need the movie to be turned on."

"Oh shit!" Steve exclaimed, jumping up over the back of the seat to run to the top of the theater. 

Allie watched on with a lovestruck grin as he hopped up into the projector room. 

"I know this guy Eddie who got fired for watching movies on the clock," Steve's voice came from the dark room above. "But before he left, he may have let me know how to work this bad boy." 

The screen flickered on as Steve jogged back down to Allie's seat. He ran a hand through his hair, out of breath but smiling widely.

“Impressive huh?” 

“Oh yeah, I’m extremely impressed.” she said peering at Steve through her thick lashes. “Got any more tricks up your sleeve?” 

His eyes widened at her question and he brought his bottom lip between his teeth. 

“I um, I might have one or two.” 

“Hm. So you gonna show me oooor?” 

“Eyes front and prepare to be amazed.” 

Allie snickered and turned herself back to face the screen. She watched him out of the corner of her eye waiting for whatever it was he was going to do. She heard him yawn and feels him put his arm around her as he scooted closer. She tilted her head at him and burst out laughing. 

“Smooth, Harrington. Real smooth.” 

“There’s more where that came from, pretty girl” he winked.

“You know what I think?” She smiled, stifling her nerves. She was too hot even thinking about him calling her pretty girl everyday. She’d never get sick of it, but it would always make her flustered. Something about being alone in the movie theatre turned her on, her skin felt hot and she could resist touching him. 

He looked down at her but pretended to keep his cool as he watched the movie. She nuzzled her nose against his neck, tilting her face as far as she could. “I think you’re in too deep, Harrington.” She laughed, pressing a soft kiss to his throat. 

She felt his fingers tense against her shoulder, and his breath rattled from his lips. A small laugh of satisfaction felt her lips and her breath on his skin was enough to make him shift in his seat. He continued to pretend that he was watching as she kissed him again, finally getting a chance to admire every, single, freckle on his neck and jaw as she went. 

Inhaling sharply he finally turned to her, his eyes twinkling from the movie screen lights. He pressed a finger to her chin, tilting her head and closing the gap between their lips in the dark. “You had a good teacher,” he whispered against her mouth. 

“Oh the best,” she laughed, stealing another round of hot kisses from him. “Isn’t it cliche to make out in a theatre?” She laughed as he tangled his hand into her hair. 

“So cliche,” he licked at her bottom lip. “Wait,” he broke the kiss and Allie groaned, “this is a good part!” 

“Steve,” she giggled, tangling her hand into the collar of his scoops ahoy uniform to tug his attention back to her. “I’ve already seen it,” she laughed. 

“But,” he furrowed his brow in confused and his head tilted to the side.

“You were excited,” she kissed the corner of his pouty lip. “I’m enjoying this more anyway,” she smiled as his brows settled and his smile returned to his cherub face. 

“I owe you a date, a proper one with no interruptions,” he groaned, she could hear the pang of disappointment in his voice. 

“You’re the only one interrupting us,” she scrunched her nose up. “A proper date. Saturday. Steve,” she stopped and met his intense brown eyes, they softened the moment he realized he hadn’t screwed anything up. That it was all perfect. “Just kiss me some more.” 

He rolled his eyes, wrapping his hand around the back of her neck. “As you wish,” he teased as he brought his lips to hers again. 

mert makes that best edits!

fuck your zodiac, were you a Barbie kid, Monster High kid, LOL kid, Bratz kid, Disney Doll kid, Ever After High kid, Lalaloopsy kid, or American Girl Doll kid because it really matters a lot actually