Kissing Habits.

20. The Snow Ball '84

Chapter Twenty
The Snow Ball '84

SNOW HAD BEGUN TO FALL IN HAWKINS. For the youngsters at Hawkins Middle, they were getting all put-together for their annual Snow Ball. Gallons of hairspray, glitter, and perfume carried down the streets, letting neighbours know just how prepared the kids were for their dance.

Pulling up in front of the gym, indicating it was the right place with a huge cheesy poster next to the open doors, Steve Harrington let out an exhale.

"All right, buddy, here we are," he grinned, leaning back in his seat and turning to his passenger, all decked up in his fancy tuxedo.

But his passenger didn't seem too excited; more nervous than anything, actually. Dustin stared out the window, trying to get a glimpse through the door at the Winter-themed venue, and gave a huge exhale as his chauffeur continued to speak.

"So, when you get in there, you remember what to do, right?"

With a soft nod, he turned to look at him. "Show her that I care."

And Steve's smile only widened, his eyes folding into crescents. "You're learning, my friend," he spoke, patting Dustin on one of his shoulder pads.

However, Dustin still didn't crack a smile, instead leaning forward to angle the rearview mirror down towards him, anxious about his appearance.

With a tut, and reaching to return the mirror to its previous position, Steve nudged him lightly in his rib. "Hey, you look great, okay?" He hummed, voice soft, genuine. Dustin glanced over at him, sinking into his seat. "Really. You look great."

"Now, you're gonna go in there looking like a million bucks!" The pep-talker grinned, raising his voice slightly in an attempt to amp him up, which finally earned a small smile and fist pump from Dustin. "And you're gonna knock 'em dead."

"Like a lion," Dustin nodded, smile growing. And, without warning, he rolled his tongue, creating a sort of growling... purring sound, and all Steve could do was stare at him in disbelief.

The words paused in his throat for a moment before speaking, giving a soft shake of his head. "Don't do that, okay?"

Once more, voice small, Dustin nodded. "Okay..."

Acting as though it had never even happened, Steve held a palm out, smile having returned to his lips. "Good luck, man."

Dustin returned the favour, locking hands with the teen, a crisp clap ringing throughout the BMW. The two boys grinned at the sound for barely a moment before Dustin decided it was time to join the party.

As soon as Dustin had closed the passenger side door behind him, and stepped off into the gym, Steve reached into the back seat and took hold of the bouquet of roses, placing them in the seat Dustin had taken up.

Once he knew Dustin was safe inside, Steve pressed down on the accelerator, and began to drive down Hawkins town.

"CAMILA DIWATA ABALOS Y DIMAANO!" Boomed throughout the bungalow, and Camila groaned as she pulled herself up from the couch. It had been a stay-in night, where she and her family were intending to just watch over some home videos her mother had found in her closet earlier that week.