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The party was wild. The CD played the summer hits as music blasted through the loudspeakers. The only source of light came from the smoke machine that drowned the room in a smoky, colorful madness. Some people danced on the makeshift dance floor, drinks in hand, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, while others occupied the couch with their full attention on the board game laid out on the coffee table.
It wasn’t supposed to be a party. At least you never expected it to be when your friend Robin dragged you out of your house that evening to celebrate your birthday. Nothing big or too fancy, as she put it. However, her definition of ‘nothing too fancy’ was renting a tiny but cozy cottage house, not too far away from Hawkins. She invited all your friends who greeted you with your favorite flowers, helium balloons in a heart shape, and party horns that nearly busted your eardrums.
To say you melted would be an understatement.
Slowly but surely, the music started, the games were out, and the ‘small and non-fancy’ party began accelerating.
You stumbled into the kitchen, holding an empty cup that you quickly filled up with punch. Eleven and Max sat at the table with cups of grape juice and buzzed each other’s ears off. A dopey grin formed on your lips, cue the consumed alcohol. You waved at them as you approached them in a few quick strides.
“What’s new, girls?” You asked, taking a sip of your drink.
“El saw some odd fashion magazine, and we’re trying to determine whether the outfits are ridiculous or atrocious,” Max replied with a chuckle. She pushed the above-mentioned magazine toward you, and there it was – the most absurd abomination of fabrics and accessories you had ever seen. You weren’t sure if such a thing was allowed to be called ‘clothes’.
You laughed, louder than you intended. The alcohol in your system crumbled every limit. Raw and unfiltered sound flowed out of your mouth, so genuine it was contagious, making two other girls burst out laughing too. The drink in your hand almost made its grand escape before a soft hand wrapped around your wrist, balancing you.
You slowly turned only to see your boyfriend, Steve. Gentle light danced on his face as he smiled softly at you. You grinned in response, leaning into his embrace. You nuzzled into his neck as you inhaled his familiar scent. A sense of home washed over you instantly.
“Whatcha girls laughing about?” He asked curiously as his arm went to wrap around your shoulder, thumb drawing small patterns on the exposed skin.
“Look at that,” you giggled and held up the magazine closer to his face. “Just how high a person must be to come up with something like this?”
“Are you sure it’s wearable? Looks to me like a fever dream,” Steve snorted and kissed your hair.
“Ew, jeez, get a room,” Max drawled, while Eleven made faux vomiting sounds—tongue rolling out, one palm over her eyes while the other rested on her neck. You shook your head, but honestly, their reactions made you want to snuggle your boyfriend even closer, crawl under his skin, and fuse into one powerful being. “So corny,” Max added as she rolled her eyes.
The celebration continued in this manner, with people having fun in the best way they could think of. Gradually, more and more people began dozing off, even while standing. Eddie sprawled on the couch, snoring loudly while Dustin and Robin tried to settle him more compactly to make more space for others. Mike, Will, and Lucas leaned tiredly against the wall, watching the whole ordeal unfold. Max and Eleven excused themselves to occupy one of the spare rooms, instantly claiming it to be a ‘girls only abode’.
Finally, Steve led the very much inebriated you towards the main bedroom. He had one of his arms wrapped around your waist, and the other hand held yours firmly. You babbled about the recent gossip about your annoying coworkers, though, perhaps mixed with a bit too much fiction to sound realistic. Still, he nodded along, smiling to himself.
The bedroom finally swung open, and Steve sat you down on the soft covers. He kissed your forehead when you peered up at him curiously, and then grabbed his bag to pull out the makeup remover he had grabbed previously from your nightstand.
“Let’s get you ready for bed, princess,” Steve murmured to prevent the headache.
He soaked the cotton pad in liquid before he pressed it against your skin. He dragged the pad over your eyes, making you giggle at the sensation.
A warm feeling bloomed in your chest at the doting behavior of your man. Despite his fondness for alcohol, he stayed perfectly sober so that you could have a good time. And now, he took his time to pamper and care for you.
His left hand held your cheek, guiding your face in all directions to get rid of every bit of foundation. And once he was done, Steve kissed your nose with an exaggerated ‘mwah’ before pulling away.
“You’re like a mother,” you commented as your body shook with the power of your giggles.
“So, should I start calling you baby?” Steve quirked an eyebrow and chuckled when you cringed, your nose scrunching adorably like that of a bunny. Then, his hands gripped your blouse, tugging it upwards. “Alright, baby, let’s get you changed.”
“Wow, Harrington, trying to get me naked?” You wiggled your eyebrows as you sat on the bed, clad in nothing but a black bra and a skirt.
“Baby,” Steve breathed out. He leaned down to capture your lips in a sweet and tender kiss, one hand coming to grip your exposed waist. Your eyes fluttered closed, and you chased the sensation of his plush lips. You sighed contentedly. However, before things could escalate, Steve pulled away just enough for you to feel his hot breath still grazing your cheeks. “As much as I’d love to ravage this perfect body of yours, I want you to be conscious and sober for it.”
“Boo,” you drawled with a pout. You were about to complain when your vision began spinning, and you fell backwards, bouncing lightly against the soft mattress. “Okay, fine. Sleep it is…”
“You didn’t have a choice in the first place, princess,” Steve snorted, hands on his hips, truly like a mother. “Now, come here, you minx, let’s get you comfortable.”
You allowed Steve to unclasp your bra and tug down your skirt, leaving you nearly bare and exposed. Even in your intoxicated state, you were amazed by the steel resolve of your boyfriend. His deep love and respect were palpable in every caress against your naked skin. Despite your breasts being on display, his eyes never left your face as he planted yet another sweet kiss on your lips.
And just as you raised your arms to wrap them around his neck, Steve pulled away, tugging you with him. You yelped, at first, at the sudden movement, and then at the darkness that was caused by your pajama t-shirt.
“All done. Now, scooch over,” Steve said. He quickly changed into his spare clothes and climbed onto the bed.
“Yessir,” you slurred, suddenly feeling sleepy. You rolled closer to the wall, allowing Steve to crawl under the covers and wrap you in his secure embrace.
Familiar warmth engulfed you, and you sighed. You buried your face into his neck, breathing in his scent.
“You smell like home…” You mumbled, already dozing off at a record speed.
“Really? I’m glad,” Steve whispered back, kissing the top of your head. His fingers gently threaded your hair, lulling you to sleep. “Happy birthday, again. I love you.”
You never replied, breathing calmly and steadily. Steve wasn’t sure if you heard the last bit, but the dopey grin on your face told him everything he needed to know.