Steve Harrington

Steve met you through Robin. You were one of the few people Robin hung out with that she actually approved of. You were friendly and fun, everything anyone would look for in a partner... or even a friend.

You used to walk into Family Video to say hello or watch movies, and every time Steve saw you, he'd try his best to look nonchalant as you leaned against the counter and switched ET to A New Hope. Steve was way too aware of his own existence around you: Did his smile seem too intense?

But then you said your goodbyes and left, leaving him cursing himself and wondering if his breathing was too ragged or if Robin's steady gaze meant she knew something.

Steve tried to mention this to Robin, but what was he supposed to say? "Hey, that friend of yours is really cute in a totally straight way... Is he single? Does he like men? You know... for totally friendly reasons." So he kept quiet.

One night, Steve met up with you and Robin; just a group of friends drinking. You spent most of the night sitting by the pool talking about work or school. Robin talked about band class, his feet in the water as he complained about his grades, but Steve just watched you; part of him tried to understand you, while another part didn't. Later, Robin excused himself and went to the guest room, leaving you and Steve alone. It wasn't awkward; he liked talking to you, but one friendly beer turned into two, then four, and then you were in his room, on his bed, kissing him like he'd never been kissed before. Your hands were in his hair and his were on your hips; all Steve could think in his foggy mind was wow.

Then he pulled away. This wasn't right, no matter how good it felt, a part of his brain was gnawing at him. You were a man.

"I'm not..." Steve couldn't even say it. "I'm not a..."