𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗬𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗬 [steve harrington]

chapter 26

trouble in paradise
🎶 snow on the beach - taylor swift

The bright sun fell hot on Izzie's skin as she looked over the buzzing pool. Kids and parents were spread about, splashing and playing in attempts to beat the summer heat. As sweat dripped from Izzie's forehead, she couldn't help but envy Steve working in a cool ice cream shop.

Thankfully, her shift was coming to a close. She stepped down from the chair, and slightly laughed at the women shifting in their seats to impress her now coworker Billy. Blair would often be angry at Billy for teasing the flirtatious women, thereby encouraging their absurd behavior. All of their heads swiftly turned as Billy stepped out of the locker room with a cigarette settled between his lips.

As Izzie walked towards him the women scowled at her. "Looks like you've got fans Hargrove." She smiled.

Billy laughed. "I'll be sure to tell Blair they say hello." Izzie shook her head and continued into the locker room. Swiftly putting in the code on her locker, she grabbed her bag and moved towards her car. Like she did everyday after work, she started heading in the direction of Starcourt mall. Today she was only stopping in to briefly say hello. She wanted to spend as much time as she could with Steve before the summer ended. However, she had promised Blair that she would come over and help her get ready for her date with Billy.

A new beginning was exciting for Izzie, and she really needed a fresh start outside of Hawkins. But another part of her just wanted to stay. Stay here, with Steve. She didn't want to ever be without him.

-

"Alright one scoop of chocolate that's a buck 25." Steve smiled, handing the girl her ice cream. "Have a nice day."

Robin peeked her head out through the window, noticing the sad look on Steve's face. "Why so glum Harrington?"

"It's nothing." He grumbled, returning to his ice cream.

"What? Trouble in paradise?"

"I just, everyone is going to college including Izzie and I couldn't even get into tech, and now my douche bag dad is trying to teach me a lesson. I make three bucks an hour and I have no future." Steve grumbled. "And I have to wear this stupid ass hat."

"Company policy is a real drag huh." Robin frowned jokingly. Looking behind Steve, she saw Izzie walking towards them like everyday. "Hey 12 o'clock." She pointed.

Steve shook his head. "Screw company policy." The boy said proudly, throwing his hat behind the counter.

"Oh my gosh you're a whole new man." Robin encouraged.

"Hey babe." Izzie smiled, leaning over the counter and planting a soft kiss on his cheek.

"Hi." He gushed, trying to hide the bright shade of red painting his cheeks.

"So I'm going to swing by Blair's for a little while, but I can spend the night at your place tonight if you want." Izzie offered, stepping behind the counter.

The brunette boy sighed. "That's fine. I'll see you tonight then?" Izzie nodded, pulling herself into Steve and kissing him goodbye before making her way out of the ice cream shop.

"Bye princess!" Robin called, earning a wave from the blonde girl as she walked off.

-

Izzie and Blair were in Blair's bedroom, catching up and gossiping about what's been going on in their lives recently. Blair went on about how she was stressed about what would happened between herself and Billy once summer ended. He was heading back to California, and he wasn't budging on it. However, Blair wanted to go back home to New York. That's where her life was, and even if she was denied at NYU and now attending a smaller college closer to her old home, she wasn't giving it up.

"Well I can keep an eye on Billy if we ever cross paths in California." The blonde offered.

"Yeah, I guess." Blair sighed, putting finishing touches on her makeup. "What do you think?" She asked, turning to show Izzie the finished look.

"Billy is a lucky man." The blonde smiled.

"He should be here any minute." The redhead said, looking at the clock that read 7:03. "He said to be ready for 7."

"I'm sure he's coming." Her friend assured. "You know he takes longer than you to get ready."

The redhead snickered."Just like Steve with his hair."

Izzie shook her head. "I think his obsession has gotten out of hand."

The two girls sat chatting for awhile longer, but Blair was growing worried as there was still no sign of Billy. It was now 8:30, and he still hasn't shown.

"Maybe something happened." Izzie suggested. "And he forgot to call."

Blair shook her head in defeat. "I thought he was finally going to take the time to spend a night with me."

"I can call Steve and tell him I'm staying here awhile longer. We'll watch movies and eat popcorn." The blonde offered.

"No, Steve is waiting for you." The redhead sighed. "You should go."

"Are you sure?" Blair only nodded, and Izzie began to gather her things. She shot a sympathetic smile at Blair, before walking out to her car.

She drove to Steve's, sighing with relief as she walked in the door. "Hey Izz." He smiled from the kitchen. He had just showered and was now standing over the stove cooking grilled cheese.

Izzie's lips upturned softly, remembering their tradition. "We haven't had a grilled cheese night since-"

Her features fell as she remembered that it was the night that they had gone to the Byers' house. "Since that night. I know." Steve finished, placing the sandwiches on a plate. "But I don't want another thing to be ruined by all of that. So can we just eat our grilled cheese, and dance on the counters?" Steve pleaded, wrapping his arms around his girlfriend.

Izzie settled her head into his chest. "Yeah. That sounds nice"

"Great." Steve beamed, leaning over to turn on the radio. The radio began to play the very song they had danced to in the gas station parking lot. The two climbed onto the kitchen counter, Steve taking Izzie's hand and slow dancing with her. The blonde looked into the eyes of the boy before her, and she couldn't help but allow a large grin to form on her face. "What?" Steve said, noticing how the girl was looking at him.

"Nothing." She answered. "I love you, always."

"I love you too."