(1) Learn How To Love

This Is Not A Very Fun Slumber Party

"Where to?" Steven asked, adjusting the driver seat to his height.

"Well, it's a little late. I'm pretty sure most everywhere is closed right about now," you laughed slightly.

"Hm... true dat," Steven started the car. "We could head back to my place and just hang out?"

You blushed quietly.

"If you want-" he added.

"Yeah, that sounds nice," you smiled.

The two of you rode to the beach house, listening to Sadie's old band on the way. They had a really cool horror vibe to their music that spoke to you. You recognized a few songs and carelessly sang along, relaxing into the passenger seat. Steven loved the sound of your voice and did his best to listen to your singing over the cassette.

Eventually, the Dondai moved from pavement to sand, and slowed to a stop at the base of the temple.

"Here we are!" Steven turned off the car and ducked out of his seat, gently closing the door behind him. You met him on the rickety wooden porch leading up to the house while held the door open for you. "Make yourself at home, I'm gonna go change."

Steven went upstairs once you gave him a nod. You made yourself comfortable on the couch and checked your phone while you waited for him. You got a few congratulating messages- some from people you haven't even spoken to.

You smiled, remembering the night that already felt like ages ago, even though it was probably only two hours ago. Everything felt like a distant memory- the nerves, the performance, the crowds' cheers... then you remembered Kevin.

Oh wow, you just left him there.

Yeah, well. He deserved it.

No, he didn't. He's got a good heart, he just lashes out sometimes when he's hurt.

But that's not okay. He needs to understand that his actions have consequences.

You broke his heart.

Like he broke yours.

But why would you want anyone to feel like you did? You were in so much pain...

He deserves to feel pain!

"You ready to get this party started?" Steven said, excitedly emerging from the top of the stairs in his pajamas.

You halted your inner debate and put on a smile, nodding at Steven. He wasn't fooled for a second.

"What's wrong?" He sat next to you carefully.

Normally, you would've shaken it off and changed the subject, but if there was anyone you could talk to, it was Steven.

"Kevin," you looked at the floor with your hands folded in your lap.

"Oh," Steven slouched, "right."

"I'm sorry," you made eye contact as the two of you spoke in sync.

"What?" You asked, surprised. "Why are you sorry? I'm the one that-"

"I didn't mean to get you hurt- or hurt him. I should've just stopped. I went too far, and I- I hate hurting people," Steven rambled, his voice shaky. "It's because of me that he... that you..." Steven looked down and shuddered; "I'm so sorry."

"Steven..." you were taken aback. "None of that was your fault. It's okay. You're okay," you put your arm around him and rubbed his shoulder comfortingly. You put your head on his shoulder while he relaxed into your touch.

"I wish you hadn't seen that," you muttered and gently took Steven's face in your hands. "I never expected him to-"

"It doesn't matter what he did to me," Steven interrupted, "he could've done so much worse to you." Steven faced you and placed his hands on your shoulders. "I'd take a thousand punches before I let anyone hurt you."

Steven's gaze held so much caring for you, but also showed fear- of anything bad happening to you. His grip on your shoulders, although gentle, was tight- as if he was afraid to let go. You felt safe in his arms. Protected. Secure.

Loved.

You shrugged him off your shoulders and collapsed into a hug. You buried your face in Steven's chest and allowed yourself to feel everything. Slowly but surely, tears fell from your eyes, one by one, and as they fell, they melted into Steven's black T-shirt. He held you closer, adjusting himself so he could wrap his arms even tighter around you. He lightly rested his chin on your shoulder and let tears of compassion and empathy roll down his face.

Eventually, your stomach and throat began to ache, and the tears ceased. You held the fabric of Steven's shirt in your hands and used it to ground yourself in the here and now. You took a few shaky breaths.

Deep breath in, deep breath out.

Steven rubbed comforting circles on your lower back until you looked up at him with tear-stained cheeks.

"I'm hungry," you said dryly, and the two of you laughed. Steven wiped his face with his palms and groaned.

"I've hit my emotional quota for the week," Steven joked, standing up. "Let's make some cookies and eat the dough until we get sick."

"Yay, sleepover!"