Chapter Text
There is something almost amusing about the haunting feeling of being alone. Longing for something, anything, to heal the invisible wounds you carry daily. Every step, every word, every minute so carefully calculated, till it simply cannot be anymore. Life just always finds a way. So, we beat on.
At least, that's what the first 18 years alive on Earth have taught Steve Harrington.
The terrifying thought of complete and utter loneliness was the catalyst to this very moment.
The moment Steve said yes to dating Jordan Wheeler, and the unfortunate, yet life-changing, events that follow.
~
Oldest of the Wheeler siblings. Hawkins star quarterback. A major league dick.
That's how most would describe the charismatic and charming Jordan, "Jordy," Wheeler.
Jordan got what he wanted no matter what. After dating nearly all of the girls in Hawkins, he gets the genius idea to explore what the male population has to offer. He could have pretty much anyone he wanted, so why settle for less than the best? Steve is standing by his locker talking to Nancy, making the lightbulb go off inside Jordan's head.
Steve is the one he should go after. There are so many things he could gain from that relationship, including upsetting the shit out of Nancy and Mike. As Nancy walks away, Jordy takes the opportunity to talk to Steve.
"Hey Stevie," Jordan leans against the lockers, "can I talk to you after school?"
Steve looks up at him, confused out of his mind. "Why?" He asks softly and Jordan chuckles. "Just do it, okay? I promise it'll be worth it." Jordan assured, his eyes lighting up at the slight blush on Steve's cheeks. This is going to be so easy, he thinks to himself.
~
After school comes faster than Steve could imagine; He anxiously heads out to the parking lot, careful not to pull any attention onto him. He's still Steve "the king" Harrington after all.
Looking back on it, Steve isn't quite sure the reason he said yes. To be honest, he just needs a reason not to go home. Steve's parents are in town; a rare occasion that requires absolutely no celebration. If Steve had a penny for the number of visits his parents had paid him this year...he'd have one penny. ”How rich," he thinks to himself.
Steve glances across the parking lot and sees Jordy waiting for him in his car. His barley working old red Sudan. He smiles softly and quickly walks over to him.
"Hop on in, Stevie," Jordy says, starting the gas. It takes a few tries, but eventually, the older car's engine ignites. "Where are we going?" he asks, earning a grin from Jordy.
Fuck, when did he become so hot?
"Back to my place, if that's okay. I have some movies we could watch." Jordy suggests happily, starting to drive. "That sounds good," Steve replies softly.
The two boys drive in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Jordan finally decides to make conversation.
"You know, you're kinda cute. I can see why Nancy liked you at one point." Jordan points out, making Steve blush redder than a tomato. "You don't mean that," he replies as Jordy pulls into his driveway. "Of course I do," Jordy argues, taking the brown-eyed boy's hand into his.
"What is this? Why are you being nice to me?" Steve finally work up the courage to ask. Jordy sighs, parking his car and turning to face him eye to eye.
"I've always thought you were special," Jordy begins to say, running his hand through his curls, "I just finally had it in me to do something about it. If you don't like me back that's okay...but I'd really like to try this with you..." Jordy timidly says. Steve doesn't think he has ever seen him so shy in his life.
"I...I think I'd like that." Steve smiles softly. For the first time in a long time, he feels wanted in a romantic way. Maybe it's worth the shot. Jordan may have used to be an ass...but people can change. "Who am I to hold his past against him?" Steve thinks to himself.
The two head inside and up to Jordan's room before any of his siblings arrive home. Steve looks around and takes it all in.
Jordan's room is very plain looking. Beige walls, with torn posters covering them. Dirty clothes scattered on the floor, his Xbox controllers out of place. Unorganized. How fitting. Steve quickly sits down on his bed, trying not to make his snooping too obvious.
"You look tired," Jordy states, sitting down beside Steve. He places his hand on the younger boy's thigh as if he doesn't even notice it. Steve's blush deepens, making him look away.
"I'm a little tired...y-yeah..." Steve stutters out embarrassingly. Jordan kicks off his shoes and lies down, pulling him into his arms.
"This okay?" He asks, tracing his hand across the brunette's back. Steve feel shivers run up his spine at the contact.
All he can do is nod, words not forming in his mouth. Eventually, Steve falls asleep, wrapped in Jordan's embrace. This arrangement continues for days, Steve sneaking into Jordan's car after school each time.
However, the day they became an official couple just so happens to be Nancy's day off. And the last thing Nancy ever wants to see is Jordan happy. Not after everything he's done.
So when Nancy walks in on Jordan and Steve making out on the couch, she sees red. Absolute red.
Guilt hits Steve like a wave crashing onto the shore. This is not how he wanted Nancy to find out.
"Is this some kind of prank?" Nancy asks, shoving her brother off of Steve and onto the floor. Jordan winces in pain, but quickly gets up and dusts himself off.
"The fuck was that for, Nancy?!" Jordan shouts, glaring daggers at her. Nancy scoffs, turning to Steve for an answer.
It takes a moment for the shock to set it. All of the possible scenarios run wild through Steve's brain. The thought of losing Nancy's friendship broke Steve's heart...but Jordan has made Steve feel so happy in such a small amount of time. That's got to be worth something, right?
"Nance I know this looks bad," Steve sighs standing up to meet her eye to eye, "but Jordy has made me feel so happy these past few days. I really like him."
Nancy stares blankly at Steve, almost as if the shock of everything made her speechless. "Have you lost your mind?" Nancy screams at the pair in front of her. This just can't be real. It can't be.
"Don't tell anyone-"
"Oh, fuck off Jordy." Nancy cuts him off. Steve sits back down on the bed as Jordan throws his hands up into the air, frustrated out of his mind. "There's no point in talking to you if you won't listen!" Jordy shouts, walking out of the room and slamming the door.
Nancy must notice the fear in Steve's eyes, being as she sits down beside him on the bed. They look at each other at a loss for words.
"I'm not mad at you," Nancy breaks the silence, "I just don't see how you could possibly have feelings for someone like Jordan." Steve runs his hand through his now messed-up hair, taking in a shaky breath as he thinks of what to say. "He's changed...I know you can't see it yet but just give it a chance."
"I hope you're right, Harrington...I hope you're right."
Deep down, Steve hopes so as well.