𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞; 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧

𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐞; 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬

Song: Baby, This Love I Have by Minnie Riperton (don't judge y'all this song slaps)

Warnings: Sexual Content (MINORS DNI 18+), swearing, mean Steve.

Author's Note: I've been on vacation this week, that's why my posting was delayed but I am back with a fresh mind! Also, thank you for 200 reads! Also, these collages are so fun to make haha.

A large commotion in the station had Jo shocked when she opened the front door following her lunch break. Officers were suiting up, pistols in holsters as they made their way to their cruisers in the parking lot. Her eyes shifted to Steve and Hopper, who were murmuring to each other in the corner, possibly about a plan.

"What the hell is going on?" Jo inquired, tapping Robin's shoulder while she had the phone on hold.

"Murder at Benny's, in broad daylight, too. They're sending a group out now. It could be a killing spree at this rate." Robin bluntly stated, too enraptured by her phone call to glance over at her worried best friend.

"Steve and my dad are going? I have to go. I need to report on what's happening-" Jo was interrupted by Robin.

"No, you don't. That is an active crime scene, Jo. You need to stay here!" Robin had her head on straight, having grown used to the panic around the station when something out of the ordinary robbery or domestic call would occur.

"I'm going to ask anyway," Jo explained, ignoring the eye roll from her friend. Anyone close to Jo would say that one of her worst traits was her stubbornness. Jo often bit off more than she could chew after she made risky decisions.

Jo approached Steve, observing his agitated tone as he talked to an officer. "Close it off to everyone and don't let any reporters get in. How fucking hard is that?" Steve's frustration was spilling out. He had already disclosed that information to 3 other officers before that one, and he was at the end of his rope.

His hair was a little disheveled as he ran a hand through it, compared to the pristine style he usually wore. "Hey Jo, do you need something?" Steve inquired harshly, making Jo's stomach drop. Normally, he'd start the conversation off with a 'sweetheart' or at least have a nicer tone of voice.

But she'd forgiven him, figuring that the day's events had triggered his stress. "No, just wanted to know what time we're leaving to go to the scene?" Jo fumbled with a clipboard in her hand, chewing her lip anxiously.

"We? Sweetheart, you're staying here. It's an active crime scene. I don't want you to get hurt," Steve replied, chuckling at her as if she were joking. Unfortunately, she was dissatisfied with his dismissive answer.

"Hopper put me on the case, Steve. I have as much right to be out there as you-"

"Except for the fact that you don't. You don't belong in this field, Jo. You're not trained, you're not qualified, and you're just not ready." Steve hadn't meant to be harsh, especially not to Jo. But it still didn't change the fact that it seemed like he thought so little of her abilities.

Steve didn't have a clue. Hopper knew his role as a father was to protect his two daughters, Johanna and El. Part of that protection included training. Guns, knives, hell, even swords; the Hopper's knew how to fight.

"You don't know that, Steve. The chief said he'd let me-"

"So talk to the goddamn chief then, since you want to go above my head and complain to my boss. Be my fucking guest! I don't have time for this." Steve's words dug harshly into her, making her furrow her brows. He had been so sweet to her this morning, what changed?