~ Our Forever ~ Steve Harrington

*S3 Chapter Ten*

The idea of having kids one day has always excited me. I mean, of course I'm not ready for them now, but I had always known that one day, after I settled down, I would want to start a family. Maybe get a little dog or cat, name it something dumb like Shadow or Penny. It was a simple dream that I hadn't ever really questioned.

Erica Sinclair is making me regret this dream.

The four of us, Robin, Dustin, Steve and I, all sat on top of the Star-Court roof overlooking the stupid room we had somehow determined was a good way to spend summer vacation, waiting for the little demon child to make her way through the vent. Robin was holding a walkie talkie to communicate, Dustin was staring intensely at the doors with binoculars, and Steve and I were playing rock paper scissors. We were very productive and valued members of the team.

"Erica, do you copy?" Robin asked the girl on the other line.

"Mhmm, I copy," her voice sounded irritated even through the muffled static of the walkie. "You nerds in position or what?"

Robin rolled her eyes. "Yeah, we're in position. It's all quiet here, so you've got the green light."

"Green light, roger that," Erica responded.

"Dammit!" I hissed, losing my fifth round in a row. Steve laughed maniacally as I tried to go again. He declined my attempts.

Noticing the stares from Dustin and Robin, I pulled my arms to my side and shut up.

Erica paused. "Is everything good up there?"

"Yes, sorry, you're good to go," Robin assured.

"Copy that. Commence Operation Child Endangerment," Erica spoke confidently into her mic.

"Can we maybe not call it that?" Robin begged for the hundredth time.

Instead of acknowledging her pleads, Erica spoke up "See you on the other side, nerds."

"Is anyone else growing to appreciate this nickname?" Dustin quipped, looking at the three of us. "Just me? Yeah, ok."

I couldn't help but laugh, shoving Dustin's head gently, who swatted my hand away in annoyance.

For a while, the four of us sat silently, listening to the sounds of Erica's grunting as she struggled to make her way through the vents. I almost began to feel sorry for her as Robin turned down the sounds of her panting.

As I stared impatiently at the doorway, my head bagan to feel heavy. Noticing Steve's shoulder was relatively close to me, I leaned up against him and rested my eyes for a brief moment. I could've sworn I heard his breath hitch as, for just a second, he said nothing. Then, "Feeling drowsy there, Junior?"

I nodded against him, humming softly. Another second went by, until I felt his hand softly making its way into my hair, stroking it gently. I froze, but his hand was so comforting that I let it happen, allowing myself to appreciate this silent interaction.

The moment was interrupted by the sound of grunting stopping, and a staticky voice calling out, "Alright nerds, I'm here."

I jumped up, a rush of adrenaline suddenly running through me as I realized we were actually about to go inside. Robin turned up the volume again and pressed the button to respond.

"Do you see anything?" She prompted.

"Yeah, I see those boring boxes you're so excited about," Erica stated.