Dumpster Fire

CHAPTER 6

Steve opened the door for the pizza, handing over a large chunk of cash. "Keep the change."

"Hey, thanks man!"

"No worries." He grinned before closing the door with a foot, lugging the food over to the kitchen. "Guys! Food's here!"

"Did'ja get my meat lovers?" Dustin asked, leading the herd of young teens.

Steve backed off, "Duh, dweeb."

"You're a dweeb." Dustin retorted, reaching around Will to pull a box of pepperoni off a pie underneath, beaming that smile Steve found undeniably adorable. "Here it is!" Triumph in his voice like he'd slain the food himself, piling slices on his plate.

"Thanks, Steve." Mike smiled up from his spot in the swarming hoard.

A chorus of thanks went off from the rest of the kids and that was all Steve had been waiting for. He felt something warm and full fill him from the inside.

"If you're really thankful, put your dishes in the sink this time." He half joked, moving out to the living room with El and Max, taking the couch across from Nancy and Jonathan.

"It was one time." Will complained.

"My parents were pissed." Steve cocked a brow, pointing. "Don't do it again."

The silence as they ate grew moderately uncomfortable. Nobody bothered to state the obvious; they're never home anyway.

It made Steve's house the perfect place for The Party to meet. The map was sprawled between the couches, table pushed against the far wall, bodies and noises and living was happening around Steve. And when they weren't around he worked at the mall after school.

The idea was to wear himself out too much to notice the absence of anyone in his life, but Scoops Ahoy! wasn't quite the booming business in the off season.

That was okay, he was still making money; saving up for tuition. Or his own place. He didn't know yet.

"-do you roll to-"

"I roll to attack." Dustin's greasy fingers reached for the dice.

"Ah!" Max jolted across the map, figurine falling over as she blocked him. "Wipe your fingers, pig."

"You're just worried I'm going to get the kill first." Dustin obliged, grabbing a napkin, rolling some number combo that got the kids hyped as fuck.

Nancy giggled, leaning into Jonathan. "I have no idea what's going on, but it's kinda cute seeing them so excited."

Steve grinned, nodding to agree when the timer on the stove went off. "Alright!" Hands slapped on thighs as he stood. "That's game-" complaints rose from The Party. "No. What was the deal?" Fists moved to hips.

"No bitching." Lucas stood, eased his way around the map. "I'm gunna take a leak first."

"Anyone else?" Will nodded, as did Mike and Dustin with a shit eating grin.

"You guys are so dumb." El rolled her eyes, playing with her figurine from the floor.

A knock at the door made them freeze.

"Were your parents coming home early?" Jonathan halfway stood.

Steve shook his head. "He's in Japan closing some deal." Eyes rolled. "I'll get it." Hands ushered everyone to go back to normal as he turned away.

Pounding, more violently, on the door and Steve knew who it was. Flinging the door open there stood a mildly drenched Billy.

"Hargrove?"