𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 ── 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧

[ 005 ] - ..Will Bite You Where It Hurts.

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Trigger Warnings for this chapter - implied abuse, implied neglect, implied child abuse..

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John and Eliza led Steve into the living room and closed the door, ensuring privacy for their conversation. They turned to face him, their expressions indicating that they wouldn't hold back their concerns.

John spoke first, a mix of seriousness and concern in his voice. "Alright, Steven, care to share what the hell is going on here? Who's that guy in your clothes? And why did it look like he'd been living in a cave for a month?" he demanded, his words laced with skepticism and anger.

Steve sighed softly, knowing he couldn't downplay the situation, "His name is September. We found him outside in the rain, he looked rough and shivering" he explained truthfully, his voice tinged with empathy and worry for September's situation.

Eliza raised an eyebrow, her concern evident in her voice, "He looked rough? In what way exactly?" she pressed, her eyes searching Steve's face for more information.

Steve nodded, recalling September's appearance and condition. "Yeah, he was drenched from head to toe, and he was wearing this weird gown thing, like something from a hospital or something. I didn't want to leave him out there in that state, especially in the rain, so I offered him a place to stay tonight" he explained, his voice laced with a mixture of concern and compassion but glad enough that his parents hadn't seen September other than already changing him into a spare set of his clothes.

John's skepticism deepened as did his anger, his voice laced with caution, "Hospital gown? Are you sure he's not escaped from there or something? We don't want any trouble in our house, especially with strangers we know nothing about"

Steve shook his head firmly, defending September's innocence, "No, he's not a fugitive or anything like that. He's just found himself in a tough situation. I can promise you, he won't cause any trouble" he assured.

Eliza and John exchanged skeptical glances before Eliza spoke up, her voice laced with a mix of concern and curiosity, "Alright, let's say he doesn't cause any trouble. What are we going to do with him once tonight is up? We can't just keep him here indefinitely."

Steve nodded in agreement, "I understand, and you're right. We can't keep him here forever. But for tonight, I thought he could stay in my room, and I'll sleep on the couch" he proposed, willing to sacrifice his comfort for September's well-being.

John looked at Steve for a moment, weighing his response, "Alright, for tonight it's fine. But tomorrow, we need to find a more permanent solution. We can't just have a stranger staying indefinitely and you won't be taken the couch Steven, that's not how we raised you" John stated firmly.

Steve nodded again, understanding the gravity of the situation, "Thank you, Dad. I appreciate your understanding. Tomorrow, I'll make it my mission to find a more permanent solution for September" he responded with determination, grateful for his father's willingness to accommodate this unexpected guest for the night.

John's expression softened slightly, a hint of sternness still present in his voice. "See that you do, and make sure he stays in your room. We don't want him wandering around the house overnight" he instructed, his protective instinct shining through.

Steve nodded obediently, "Understood, Sir. He'll stay in my room, no wandering around the house" he confirmed, his voice reflecting a mix of reassurance and determination.

John and Jane exchanged a brief nod, a silent understanding passing between them. "Just ensure he stays in your room and keep a close eye on him. We'll discuss further arrangements tomorrow" John reiterated, his voice carrying a mix of caution and fatherly concern.

Steve nodded once again, fully comprehending the boundaries his parents had set, "I will, Dad. I promise, he'll stay in my room, and I'll keep a close watch over him. I won't let anything happen, I swear"

With that, John and Eliza seemed satisfied with the agreement as they said goodnight to Steve and made their way up the stairs, disappearing into the upstairs hallway.

Steve stood in the living room for a moment longer, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. He couldn't shake the lingering sense of unease and worry for September's situation but was thankful for his parents' cooperation, even if it was only for the night.

With a final glance at the hallway where his parents had disappeared, Steve made his way back towards the hallway where he had left September waiting.

As he approached the spot where he had left September earlier, his heart sank to find that he was no longer there.

Dread washed over Steve as he frantically looked around, searching for any sign of his new companion.