A/N - This chapter was inspired by the song Never Let Me Down Again by Jessica Mazin (most commonly known for its use in the Last of Us series). This is set during season 5, but I've worked really hard to keep it relatively spoiler-free for you guys, just in case anyone hasn't finished watching the series just yet. I hope you all enjoy it.
You were pretty sure Steve's hand hadn't left yours the entire time the team were talking, working to come up with some plan of how to fix whatever Vecna was trying to throw at you. Now and then, he'd tense his fingers, squeezing them around yours tightly, as if he was reminding you that he was there, that he was still holding you, that you were safe with him. It was sweet, really, but you couldn't help but wonder whether it was more for you or for him.
And then, he'd had a brainwave, some incredible idea coming to his head, and he was on his feet, dragging you along with him as he rattled off this plan that you never would have been able to think up in a thousand years, and only releasing you when he truly had to, letting your hand shift to his back, the contact still there.
"You're a genius, you know that?" you murmured after he'd finished his explanation, his arm shifting to wrap around you, keeping you as close as possible. "My boyfriend, the braniac," you teased gently, earning yourself a kiss on the temple and a snort of laughter.
"I got lucky," he corrected. "Was half expecting Dustin to laugh me out of the building," he hummed.
"Don't do that," you chastised lightly. "You had a great idea. And that great idea could help us save the world from total collapse, so own it."
He sighed softly, pressing his forehead to the side of your head. "Sorry, Baby," he murmured. "Yeah, I'm a genius," he added, drawing a soft chuckle out of you. "You're dating the smartest guy in the room."
"Don't push it," you teased, drawing a snort of laughter from deep in his chest. "I mean, Mr Clarke is right there," you hummed. "He's a smart person by trade," you pressed.
"Yeah, but he's not your boyfriend, so who cares?"
You turned to face Steve with a bright smile, letting your arms lift to drape over his shoulders. "Don't be jealous, Baby," you murmured, pressing a quick kiss straight to his lips. "I've only got eyes for my genius, remember?"
*Time Skip*
As the day had gone on, Steve had gotten quieter, his usual joke-heavy personality softening, his shoulders tensing. You'd been doing your best to lighten the load, offering up your most affectionate nicknames and lingering near him whenever you got the chance, but it hadn't seemed to help. His mood had deepened, darkened, his face set in a frown.
And then, just as you were all about to begin loading yourselves into the truck, ready for your entrance into the Upside Down, he'd grasped your hand again, hesitating a little away from the group.
"Sweetheart," he started softly, letting out a gentle hum when you immediately wrapped your arms around his middle, your chin resting on his chest, letting you watch his face carefully.
"You look real handsome," you confessed quietly. "Think you need to start wearing your hat like that more often," you added, watching as he bit back a smile.
"You really think so?"
You nodded slightly. "Makes you look so-" your words trailed off. "You're beautiful," you finally added with a small sigh.
You watched the small hint of a smile slip from Steve's lips before he leaned down to connect his lips to yours. And God, you'd always known that Steve was a good kisser. Hell, you'd spent the last three years being kissed by him, and he'd never left you unsatisfied. But it had never been like this before, had never felt so charged, so heavy, so meaningful.
He pulled back slightly, his forehead still pressed to yours, his hands lifting to cup your neck, thumb drawing soft circles into skin behind your ear.
"I love you so much," he breathed, his voice thick as he took in a shaking breath.
"Don't say that," you uttered, pulling back slightly to look up at him properly, your brow furrowed. Steve looked confused at your comment, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to find something to say. "Don't say it like you think you're not going to get another chance to."
"Baby," he uttered, his tongue darting out to wet his bottom lip. "We don't know how this ends-"
"Don't," you bit, reaching up to place your hand over his. "You're going to be careful. You're not going to be an idiot and play the hero in there," you pressed on. "And then, we're going to come home, and we're going to live happily ever after."
He let out a soft, shaking breath, leaning down to kiss you again, more gently this time. "And you're going to marry me," he added, his lips still brushing yours.
"The second you ask," you confirmed, your voice softer than he had ever heard it before. "And then, we'll get a little house somewhere, right? And-"
"And children. So many children, people are going to think we've gone fucking crazy. "
"Right," you agreed, letting a soft chuckle. "As many as we can afford. A little army of Harrington brats."
He pulled you closer then, wrapping his arm around you fully, his chin resting on the top of your head.
"I love you," he breathed again, and this time, you didn't chastise him. This time it wasn't a goodbye; It was a promise.
"I love you, Steve," you hummed, your words muffled against his chest.
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