𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 ── 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧

[ 006 ] - Swimming Pools Smell Like Wet Wolf.

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Trigger Warnings for this chapter - implied abuse and neglect..

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"You can get lost easy in here" September says as he leaves the bathroom and looks at Steve making Steve nearly jump out of his skin when he heard the sudden voice behind him, his heart racing in his chest.

Steve spun around, only to see September emerge from the bathroom, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

"Sorry" September says simply as Steve took a moment to catch his breath, his heart still hammering in his chest. He let out a nervous chuckle, trying to shake off the initial shock.

"Ah, you scared me there. No worries, man. I was just.. looking for you" he admitted, his voice slightly shaky. "I needed the toilet" September stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Steve let out a small chuckle, feeling a bit foolish for his momentary panic, "Ah, right, of course. Silly me. I should've figured that" he grinned, his initial worry replaced by a mix of relief.

Steve glanced back towards his room, a thought crossing his mind, "Come on, let's head to my room. I can give you some clothes to wear for the night" he gestured, beginning to walk towards his bedroom.

September watched him silently as he followed since Steve led the way into his room, flipping on the light switch to illuminate the space.

Steve gestured for September to come closer, "Here we are. You can make yourself comfortable. Just make sure not to mess up my neatly made bed" he added with a smirk, his tone laced with a hint of playfulness.

"Your rooms so.. busy" September states making Steve raise an eyebrow, a bemused expression on his face. "Busy? What do you.. what does that mean?" he asked, genuinely curious about September's observation.

Steve glanced around his room, his gaze noting the neatly arranged possessions and personal touches that adorned the space.

"You have a lot of stuff" September stated simply making Steve chuckle softly, realizing that September's perspective was different from his own, "Oh, you mean my stuff? Yeah, I guess I do have quite a few things. But it's not like clutter or anything" he explained, his voice carrying a hint of defensiveness.

"It's nice" September states as his eyes looked around the room slowly while Steve's demeanor relaxed slightly, his guardedness giving way to a softer expression.

"Thanks, man. I appreciate that" Steve said with a soft smile, realizing that September's observation wasn't meant as a criticism but just an innocent remark.

Septembers eyes widen slightly as he could smell the pool with his heightened scents and moved over to Steve's window to look down at it with eyes of amazement.

Steve noticed September's sudden interest in the window and moved to join him, "Hey, what's got your attention there?" he asked curiously, following his gaze down to the backyard below.

"You have a pool?" September stated even though it came out more like a question which Steve couldn't help to have a small grin form as he glanced down at the pool outside. "Ah, yeah, that's my pool. It's pretty handy to have, especially during those hot summer days" he replied, a hint of pride evident in his voice, "You like it? Want to take a dip or something?" he offered, half-jokingly as Septembers eyes widen slightly at the notion.

Steve noticed the surprise in September's eyes, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "You look like you've never seen a pool before" he commented, his tone carrying a touch of playfulness. "It's not such a big deal, you know. Just a place to cool off and relax" he explained, amused by September's reaction.

"I haven't been in one in years.. not like that one" September admitted making Steve's smirk soften into a genuine smile, recognizing the longing and nostalgia in September's voice. "Oh, I see. So, it's been a while, huh?" he mused, his tone conveying understanding, "Well.. why not? We've got the pool right outside, and it'll be just the two of us. Maybe a little swim would do you good" he suggested, a mix of invitation and encouragement in his words.

"But it's raining, and I'll smell like wet wolf" September says making Steve chuckle softly, amused by September's concern. "Ah, don't worry about the rain or the smell. It's just water, and you won't smell any worse than you already do" he teased, his words laced with lighthearted humor.

"You are saying I stink?" September asks in amusement and hurt making Steve laugh softly at September's question. "No, you goof, I'm not saying that. I'm just teasing, that's all" he clarified, his voice carrying a sincere tone to reassure him, "But truthfully, a little water and chlorine won't make you smell like a walking wet dog, I promise you that" he added, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes.

"Alright, but I literally don't know how to swim" September admits making Steve's expression softened as he placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, his voice filled with reassurance, "Hey, don't worry about that. I'll teach you. Swimming isn't that hard once you get the hang of it and I used to be captain of the swim team at school so you're in safe hands" he comforted, his tone carrying a gentle and encouraging undertone.

September nods simply making Steve's smile widen, pleased by September's agreement. "Perfect. Then it's settled" he declared with a nod.

"Why don't you change into these swim trunks while I go get myself a pair and meet you by the pool. That way we can start your swimming lesson" he suggested, gesturing towards a stack of swim shorts neatly folded on a corner chair.