Sunflower || Steve Harrington

Peony

PEONY:
Shame, Bashfulness, Anger

     There were many times in his life that Bowie Rogers had found himself in peculiar situations. Many of them included Steve, in some way or another, and most of the others involved his elder brothers. Whenever he was alone, however, he was often able to get out unscathed.

     The choice to get caught by the police was a difficult one, but he always knew that his mother would be there for him. Cathy felt a sort of debt, with her son being adopted, and wanted to do her best to make him feel welcome. Even if he'd never known another family, she was guilty, and the blonde boy often used it to his advantage.

     Of course, when they eventually arrived back with minimal conversation about what really happened with Jonathon Byers and Nancy Wheeler, Steve's car was parked in front of the Rogers house. Bowie, of course, ran towards it, and yelled goodbye to his mother before jumping into the passenger seat.

     As expected, Steve was there, his face all bloodied and bruised. To his surprise, Carol and Tommy were too. Though, from the tension spreading at a rapid pace through the vehicle, they wouldn't be for long. Despite not being able to explain why, Bowie knew that it was destined to burst soon enough, and when it did, he would be more than happy to put his two cents in and fuel the fire.

     The Harrington boy had decided that they needed to stop somewhere. Rather, Bowie had decided they needed to stop somewhere because Steve was in so much pain.

     Fair Mart was the place of choice.

     Tommy and Carol had rushed out of the car, and into the store with clear instructions of buying aspirin. Whether he did it or not was his own decision. Tommy was free spirited, and at times, cruel. He knew the consequences that came with messing with Steve, however. He more than anyone knew the wrath of the youngest Rogers boy.

     As the two friends waited, Bowie offered a cigarette to his friend, but they were pushed away.

  "Suit yourself, you fuck." The blonde hummed, taking one himself, and lighting it within a moment. The silence was uncommon, and even though they were so comfortable next to one another, it was odd for them to be this way.

     Smoke filled the air swiftly as Bowie smoked his way through half a cigarette, not caring for the state of his lungs. Secretly, he was glad when Tommy and Carol returned; at least then it wouldn't be silent.

  "Hey." Tommy greeted, proving Bowie right, as he passed Steve a small bottle of pills and a coke. "you owe me $1.20." When Harrington downed the meds, he thought it was best to continue. "Don't worry, he'll need more than aspirin when we're done with him."

  Though it was true, it didn't need a comment. "Yeah, if the creep ever gets out." Of course, it was Carol.

  "First brush with the law." Bowie shook his head, weakly as he laughed. "Won't be there long."

  "The cops should just lock him up forever. Did you see the look on his face?"

     Steve groaned, loudly, pain growing. He'd been silent so far, but clearly had no idea about how to treat his wounds. It was always him who had superficial injuries, and he'd gotten pretty good at looking after himself.

     "Hey, pass me that." The blonde was passed the cold coke can, and used it as best he could to minimise the swelling around Steve's eye. Despite knowing it wouldn't do much, he was grateful.