And His Name Was Steve

Chapter 1: Once Upon Us

Quick A/N: This is my first story and it is inspired by: "My Hero Steve Harrington" - odetomendes. It is not copied at all! Anywho, this chapter contains mentions of family issues,forms of physical touch, and cursing. Just wanted to let y'all know <3. Anyways I hope you enjoy the story!
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Friday: November 4, 1983

Lea Henderson slammed her head against the desk in agony, realizing her geometry test was next period. "Ughhhhhhhh," she droned while lifting her now messy haired head. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she grabbed her unfinished study guide that she thought was due the following day. How could I have been so stupid echoed throughout her mind. She had always been an A student, because of the immense effort she puts in studying and learning. Before her father left, he always pushed her to do better in school. With him being gone, she tended to put that previous pressure on herself, knowing if she is going to do well in school, it would be for him...to maybe come back.
Her self pity was interrupted when a pair of arms wrapped around her body. Startled, she turned around to see her best friend, Steve Harringon.

"Hey beautiful." Steve leaned down and kissed her on the forehead quickly releasing before sitting down behind her. They always used cute nicknames for each other, however, their relationship was completely platonic. At least that's what Lea kept telling herself, so she could stop...it. It constantly nawed at her. That overwhelming bubbling feeling of love and intense feelings for him.

She suppressed it by talking to other guys and pretending to be okay with Steve dating other people. But she knew deep down that Steve was the one she liked the most...loved the most. Everytime he comforted, laughed with, cried with, hugged, held hands, cuddled, kissed, she fell deeper in love with him. All she ever wanted to do was tell him the truth. But in reality it would never work out, he liked other people, not her.

Steve's smile morphed into a slight frown when he noticed Lea's negative demeanor. He locked hands with her, "What's wrong?" Lea broke into a ramble, "I forgot about my geometry test and now I'm probably going to fail, and I'll never get into college and -" Steve released one of his hands and brushed Lea's hair behind her ear. "Hey hey hey, it's just one test. You're the smartest person I know. Damn it, I wish I could be half as smart as you. You have always been an A student and you care alot about school. This one test isn't going to determine your whole future." Lea smiled appreciating that she has Steve in her life. He is such a good friend... he's perfect... a perfect friend.

"Hey, how about I take you somewhere tonight, it'll be a surprise!" Lea giggled, "Alright Harrington, pick me up after school?"
"Sounds like a plan!"

Steve let her hands go as his gaze turned to Nancy fucking Wheeler.
"Hey babe" he worshiped, grabbing her waist and pulling her into his lap. Their lips connected, making Lea lose her smile as she turned her head, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Great, another moment ruined by his fucking girlfriend.
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The last bell of the day rang, signaling the end of school. Lea's lips parted, breaking into a smile. She quickly grabbed her bag and burst through the school door. From afar she could see Steve leaning against a dark cherry red BMW. Steve's family was loaded. But he never cared about his money. He rarely spent it on items for himself and never acted like a braggy rich kid. He was humble and minimalistic. When Steve noticed Lea, he began to wave and his face lit up. She bit her bottom lip and walked over to him.

"M'lady" Steve bowed and opened the passenger door for Lea. "Why thank you kind sir!" Lea leaned into the car, plopping onto the cold leather seats. In the rearview mirror she noticed one large plaid blanket. Steve hopped into the car, his hair steadily swaying with his body movements. "Love, what's this for?" Steve smirked and winked, "You'll see." Lea giggled as she fell to the side of the seat. The two drove off to Steve's secret location blasting "What a feeling" and "Maniac".

When they arrived they were at the infamous Hoosier Hill, the highest point in Indiana. Lea rubbed her eyes awakening from her three hour long nap. Steve was rubbing her shoulder whispering, "Lea were here." Lea groggily looked at Steve, happiness blooming on her tired face. She stretched her limbs and stolled out of the car. Her head snapped back as she stared at the 1,257 foot elevation. Steve and Lea locked eyes just dying laughing at each other. "Steve, what are we doing here?" "Trust me," Steve beamed as they walked in front of the car, their hands meeting each other. He massaged her knuckles as they began their descent upward.
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The sky had turned to a dark navy, stars lighting their path. Gasping for air with achy muscles, they eventually reached the top. Lea's eyes widened, her jaw dropped, the view...incredible. There were huge boulders for miles, with the clearest view of the sky. Trees lined the distance, looking like small ants from here.

Steve wrapped his free arm around Lea's body, her head falling onto his shoulder. He gently placed the blanket down, continuing to hold Lea. "Lea remember when we were six?" Lea turned to Steve, her eyebrows furrowed, confused on the question. "It was our birthday and we were at the lake and it was night time. You could see the stars shining on the water and you told me you wanted to be an astronaut." Lea bowed her head reflecting on the memory, her eyes widening and her face glowing with nostalgia. "You said you wanted to touch the stars. Be so close to them that they would light your entire world. Well Lea Marie Henderson, I can't make you an astronaut. But I can bring you to the closest place to the stars, the highest point in Indiana, Hoosier hill."

Lea Wrapped her arms around Steve, burrowing her face in his chest. A happy tear left her eye as she began to laugh and cry. He stroked her hair and kissed her on the head.

"What did I ever do to deserve you as my best friend?" Lea changed her gaze to Steve's face, the starlight reflected on her glossy brown eyes, "Just by being yourself darling." She planted a kiss right on his Jawline, "Love you Harrington." "Love you Henderson."

They fell onto the blanket and watched the stars until she fell asleep. Her soft brown hair fell against Steve's light green shirt. Her skin glowed with the moon radiating on her. He stroked her cheek and connected his lips to her temple.
"Only if you knew how crazy I am for you Henderson."
"Only if you knew."
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A/N: hey guys I hoped you liked the first chapter! I'm hoping to make more going through the plot of Stranger Things and continuing on with this relationship! Releasing another chapter soon!
07/07/22