𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 ── 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧

[ 007 ] - Blue Lights.

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Trigger Warnings for this chapter - implied abuse and neglect, mention of Brenner, the scientists and tasers..

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September instantly grabs the swim shorts and changes, not bothering to wait for Steve to leave the room.

Steve couldn't help but chuckle quietly at the sight of September stripping down and changing right in front of him.

Steve shook his head slightly, feeling a mix of amusement and awkwardness. "Um, you know you're supposed to wait till I leave or change in the bathroom, right?" Steve asks in a playful remark, a hint of humor in his voice.

September freezes on instinct, naked with the shorts just under his ankles as he looks at Steve as if to assess him to see if he should carry on or not.

Brenner would of been angry by now or one of the scientists would of used there 'Blue Lights' taser on him to get him to listen.

Steve quickly averted his gaze, feeling a tad uncomfortable at the sudden exposure as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, trying to maintain a casual demeanor.

"Um, maybe you should finish getting dressed before we head out" Steve suggested, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement at the situation.

"You told me to wait till you left" September says in confusion making Steve let out a small chuckle, shaking his head slightly.

"Ah, you're right, I didn't really make that clear, did I? What I meant was.. that.. it's usually best to change in private, like in the bathroom. You know, just for privacy's sake" He explained, a hint of amusement lingering in his tone, "But it's alright, no harm done. Let's just get you dressed and not have a repeat of this situation" he added with a friendly smile.

"I'm used to changing in front of people.." September admits in confusion making Steve raise an eyebrow, slightly surprised by September's revelation.

"Used to changing in front of people? What do you mean by that?" he asked curiously, his tone carrying a mix of puzzlement and intrigue.

Steve wondered what kind of lifestyle September had led that made him accustomed to such practices.

"Where I came from.. the Uh, 'hospital' place" September says quietly making Steve's eyes widen slightly at the revelation, his expression reflecting a mixture of concern and sympathy.

"Oh, I see" he replied softly, his voice laced with a newfound understanding, "And changing in front of others was normal there, huh? That must have been quite different from how things are here" he remarked, trying to empathize with September's experience.

"Very different" September said simply with a small nod to which Steve nodded back thoughtfully, recognizing the contrast between September's past experiences and the norms he was familiar with.

"Yeah, I can imagine. It must have been.. quite an adjustment" Steve mused, his voice carrying a hint of compassion as he gently placed a comforting hand on September's shoulder, offering silent support.

"Can I.." September motions down the shorts around his ankles still in embarrassment making Steve quickly understand the unspoken request, a warm smile spreading across his lips.

"Of course, go ahead. No need to feel embarrassed" Steve reassured, his voice filled with understanding and support as he took a step back, creating some space for September to finish getting dressed while he turned away discreetly, giving him privacy.

September bit his lip as he pulled the shorts up slowly while Steve stood facing away from September still, respectfully giving him the privacy he needed.

Steve listened quietly as the sound of fabric rustling filled the air, indicating that September was actually getting dressed and a small smile tugged at the corners of Steve's lips, appreciating the trust being shown by his unexpected companion.

Once the sounds of dressing stopped, Steve turned back around to face September, his smile widened as he saw the other boy dressed and ready in the swim shorts.

"There you go, looking perfect now" Steve remarked, his tone lighthearted and encouraging before he added, "Now, about that swimming lesson.. shall we head out to the pool and get started?"

"Can you tie these.. don't want them falling off" September asked, still not used to actually doing anything by his own since he left the lab hours ago now.

Steve glanced down at the waistband of September's swim shorts, noticing that they weren't secured properly, a small chuckle escaped his lips at the realization.

"Oh, of course! Let's get those sorted" he replied, amusement evident in his voice as he stepped closer to September, gently taking the drawstring ends.

September couldn't help but blush which made Steve chuckle softly as he caught sight of the blush creeping onto September's cheeks.

He gently tied the drawstring, securing the shorts in place, and making sure they fit snugly and comfortably. "There you go. All sorted and secure" he remarked, a touch of playful teasing in his voice.