····•✦
┆september hopper was the forgotten..
'subject thirteen' however was the terror..
but atleast he's able to meet his
biological father once more, a bunch of
reckless kids and a careless but caring
brunette that september would do
anything for...
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Trigger Warnings for this chapter - the lab and Brenner mention, implied abuse and neglect..
·—★—·
September blushes when he inhaled slowly.
The scent of Steve was overwhelming to say the least, the slight emotional state that he could smell of Steve's happiness, mixed with a small amount of anger and sadness that was paired with the natural scent of hairspray, cigarettes and a mix of roses was definitely overwhelming too.
Steve noticed the subtle shift in September's demeanor and raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
Steve observed the way September's breath hitched slightly, "Everything alright?" he questioned, his voice laced with genuine confusion. "You smell like cigarettes and hairspray" September stated simply with a small smile.
Steve's expression turned sheepish, caught off guard by September's blunt yet accurate observation.
Steve scratched the back of his head, a slightly embarrassed grin spreading across his face, "Ah, yeah.. I guess I do" he admitted, unable to deny the truth of the statement before adding, "Been smoking a bit lately, especially under the stress of school, you know? And the.. The hairspray's just a part of my routine.. makes me feel sharper" he explained, trying to justify himself.
September nods as Steve let out a small laugh, "I know it might not be the most pleasant mix, but it's just my way of dealing with things" Steve admitted, his tone tinged with a hint of defensiveness.
"I'll try to lay off the cigarettes, though. Might make things a little more bearable for you" he added with a playful wink, attempting to lighten the conversation.
"I don't mind it.. just a bit strong though" September said quietly, in reality it just reminded him of his old life too much and he really didn't want to be reminded of it.
Steve's expression softened at September's words, a flicker of relief in his eyes, "Ah, so it's not completely repulsive then?" he asked with a hint of teasing, trying to maintain some lightheartedness and added, "Maybe I should switch to a lighter scent shampoo or something" half-jokingly, a small smirk playing on his lips.
"Like strawberries" September said in a small unsure tease making Steve raise an eyebrow, surprise written across his features.
"Strawberries?" he repeated, a hint of mirth in his voice, "Do I really smell that fruity to you?" he asked, his tone laced with a playful edge before he leaned a bit closer, "Or is that your way of saying I should lay off the smokes and hairspray and go full-on berrysmoothie instead?"
"Marshmallows and strawberries" September stated making Steve burst into laughter, unable to contain his amusement at the unexpected description.
"Marshmallows and strawberries! I've officially become a walking dessert, it seems" he chuckled, his voice carrying a note of good-natured humor, "I guess I'll have to add that to my daily scent application. 'A little bit of smoke, a dash of hairspray, and a sprinkle of strawberry marshmallow essence'?" he joked, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"Perfect" September says with his first ever smile since leaving the lab making Steve's eyes widened slightly in genuine surprise, taken aback by the sight of September's smile.
Steve hadn't expected the guarded boy to crack a smile, especially in response to a silly joke like that. A warm feeling blossomed in Steve's chest, and his own smile widened.
"Well, now you're looking like a different person altogether. Keep smiling like that, and you might just make my day" Steve tells him, his voice laced with genuine fondness.
September laughed and Steve couldn't help but chuckle at the sound of September's laugh, feeling a sense of lightness and warmth in the moment.
"There we go! A smile and a laugh together. You're going to make me think you enjoy my company or something" Steve joked, his tone filled with playful banter.
"Something like that" September teased lightly making Steve's smile widened at the unexpected confession from September, a mixture of surprise in his expression.
"Oh, really now?" he replied, a touch of teasing in his voice. "In that case, I better up my game and make sure you stick around then" he added, his words carrying a playful undertone, but also a genuine eagerness to continue spending time together.
