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Steve Harrington wasn't one to believe in happy endings. Once upon a time in a happier, innocent time maybe. But for the past few years, he began to see the world differently. He got hit upside the head and, everything changed.
He met Nancy Wheeler, many moons ago. He had fallen hard for her, and he swore until the day he died he would do anything for her. She put him on the right track. He once imagined of living out his days with her. But she found someone else. And that was okay. Steve was just glad she got the happy ending. Even if it meant losing her.
He met Robin Buckley the summer after he graduated. Realizing his life was heading nowhere, he applied for a job at that stupid ice cream joint. But he was glad. Because if he didn't, Robin wouldn't have slipped into his life. He didn't realize it at first, lying to himself. But he fell for her as well. She was funny, and witty, and sarcastic as hell. And she was honest. So he finally told her how he felt. Because maybe, just maybe, he could have a chance at that happy ending. But, Robin didn't like boys. She liked girls. And he was happy for her. Robin eventually found someone for her and he couldn't happier for her. He just glad she got a happy ending, even if it meant without him.
Steve met Eddie Munson in spring break of 86'. Originally thinking Eddie was going to overtake his role, it was the opposite. They worked well together. And Eddie was funny. In a way that didn't make you feel bad about yourself. It made Steve feel warm, and accepted. It took a long ride in that RV before Steve finally figured it out. He wanted to be with him, in more than just a platonic way. If Robin could, couldn't he? As Steve suited up he felt the urge to tell Eddie about how he felt. But he got nervous. And he put it off. He'd tell him after this end of the world. Maybe Eddie could be his happy ending. Raising a few kids and a few laughs along the way.
Then he, Robin and Nancy defeated Vecna. At least they thought they did. Anyway. He was just glad to see Eddie again. But then they found Dustin. Dustin on top of Eddie. And Steve just, broke. He kneeled next to him and just, laughed, and cried. Nancy lead him out of there but he just kept laughing. Steve realized something then.
Steve Harrington doesn't get a happy ending.
He watched Nancy, Robin, Mike, El, Jonathan, Hopper, everybody. At the end of the day they all got their happy ending. And that was okay. Steve knew he lost that chance. Or maybe he just fucked up somewhere so bad he just didn't deserve it anymore. But he was happy for his friends.
Eventually they all moved away and had happy lives, even Robin. One day he looked up around him and everybody was gone. A tear ran down his cheek. But he smiled. He was just happy he got to keep all the memories.