"Um, why're you asking so many questions? Look, can you bring the clothes or not?" Goldie sighs into her phone.

Mike watches and attempts to listen to whatever it is Steve is saying on the other line.

Not much has happened since he's agreed to stay the night. Marigold decided to call Steve for clothes before Mike calls his mother. He knows the plan will work because he's done it a few times before.

He'll probably get lectured later, but he feels like it's worth it, seeing as Marigold is  all smiley.

"Okay, I'll be waiting outside. Don't take long and bring me a pizza while you're at it," she smirks.

"What?!" Steve scoffs. "Why the hell would I bring you a pizza? I don't even know why I'm bringing you clothes!"

Mike smiles. He can hear their conversation now.

"Just do it, Harrington! You're rich, you can spare some money on the poor girl," she pouts. "Please? I had a really bad day.."

"Stop that!" Steve groans. "I can hear you pouting on the other end of this damn line. You're playing the guilt card and you know I hate that."

"Steve!" She begs.

"Okay, fine!" He sighs. "I'll be there in a few."

"Yay!" She cheers, "Bye, love you!"

As she sets her rotary phone back onto its receiver, she looks up at Mike with the brightest most fulfilling looking smile.

"You're really good at manipulating people," he coins.

"What? No! Me? I don't manipulate," She giggles, laying back in her bed. "I just get what I want."

"Pass me the phone so I can call my mom," he rolls his eyes. "Loser."

"You're the loser," she gasps, passing him the phone. "I'm the coolest girl in world!"

Another playful eye roll, and he's dialing his house number. The line rings a few times and before he knows it, his mother picks up in a slightly irritated tone. He can tell she was probably trying to have one of her "self care" days.

"Hello?"

"Yeah, Hey mom, it's Mike," he boredly states.

"Mike?" Her voice becomes more aware. "What're you doing out?! You need to come home! You were supposed to be back by—"

"About that, um, sorry but I have to stay the night here at my friends. We're working on this really important project and we're no where near done," he explains quickly. "Okay, see ya later!"

"Michael—"

"Bye! Love you," he hums, slamming the phone down and ending the call.

"What'd she say?" Marigold worriedly questions. "Did she get mad?"

"A little," he shrugs. "I'm sure she'll get over it."

There's a small sense of adrenaline flowing through his veins as he registers the full extent of their situation. He's really staying the night at a girls house. What're the boys gonna think when he tells them?

"Hey, um..." Marigold suddenly whispers, trying not to look him in the eye.

He catches the faint blush spreading across her cheeks.

"Yeah?" He responds, interested in her sudden shyness.

"You look cute in that sweater," she grins before standing up. "I'll be back, I think Steve is here."

She leaves him blushing like crazy and his heart beating quickly. He's never been complemented by a girl before, and he's pretty sure he's having some sort of heart attack. He can't believe that Marigold of all people can make his heart burst with joy.

More importantly, he's upset that he isn't upset about it.

"Wait," he suddenly follows. "I'm coming with you!"

He rushes down the stairs after her, passing the living room out the door. Hester is sat, nervously watching the boy follow her.

She knows she should put her foot down and say no he can't stay the night, but she just can't. She lets them be.

"You could've waited in my room," she points out, sitting on her porch steps.

"I want to be with you," he states, not realizing how romantically cheesy it sounds until she raises a brow at him. "I mean, I just don't want to be alone in your room!"

Although he tries to correct himself, Marigold is already smiling like a maniac to which he rolls his eyes.

"You like meeee," she coos, reaching over and poking his cheeks.

"No, I really don't," he insists, relieved as a car drives up to the curb.

She quickly stands and skips towards the vehicle. He watches with a goofy grin, entertained with her childlike attitude.

"Steve, you're the best!" Marigold smiles, taking the folded clothes and pizza from the window.

He also hands her an extra bag. It's full of a bunch of snacks, and she knows he must've stopped at a convenient store just for her.

"Yeah, yeah," he shrugs, remaining in his car, arm leaned on the windowsill. "I am pretty cool, aren't I?"

She rolls her eyes, "Jeez, don't let it go to your head."

He peaks around her, seeing Mike sat at the steps. When they make eye contact, the young teen waves awkwardly, praying that he won't tell Nancy.

He's definitely telling Nancy.

"Is that Nancy's brother?" He blinks.

Marigold turns to glance at Mike before turning back and nodding.

"Uh, yeah," she nervously coughs. "So, anyway, I better let you go. Uh, thanks for the clothes, Steve. I really owe you one."

"What's he doing here?" He cuts in, giving her a suspicious look.

"Nothing," Marigold rushes out, not thinking her answer through. "I mean, a project!"

"Are you gonna have sex?!" He exclaims, pushing the door open and climbing out of the vehicle. "Hell no, I'm not letting this happen."

Mike's eyes widen at his loud voice, and he rushes to a stance as Steve throws Marigold over his shoulder and begins forcing her into the car. He's got it all wrong, and the younger boy rushes over to aid her.

"STEVE, NO, PUT ME DOWN!" She struggles. "THIS IS KIDNAPPING!"

"YOU ARE TOO YOUNG TO BE HAVING SEX," He screams, continuing to try to shove her into the car. "I WONT ALLOW THIS."

"What the hell are you talking about?!" Mike shouts, causing the two to freeze. "I'm here working on a project!"

"Oh," Steve blinks laughing nervously and slowly letting the girl down. "Yeah, of course, I know that."

Mike stares at him with a mixture of disgust and horror, defensively moving Goldie behind him when she properly on the ground.

"What were you gonna do?! Were you gonna kidnap me and force me into some church school?!" Goldie giggles. "You're crazy!"

"I was just gonna drive you around until I thought it was safe," Steve nods, getting back into his car. "I see that there's no harm now, so I guess I'll leave you to it."

"Don't tell Nancy," Mike suddenly states, a worried look.

"You know I have to," Steve sighs, starting up his car.

Mike only sighs knowingly, taking the folded clothes from Goldie's hand so that she can properly hold the pizza box.

"Oh, yeah, um," Steve points to the clothes, "I put an extra hoodie in there for you, Goldie. It's like doused in my cologne, cause I know you like it."

"I love you, Steve," she smiles brilliantly. "Thank you for everything! Are you giving us a ride to school tomorrow?"

"Course," Steve nods, then glances to Mike. "Keep your hands to yourself, Wheeler. No one touches the golden girl."

Mike rolls his eyes, turning and walking back to the front door.

"Bye!" Goldie waves, quickly following after him.

Steve rolls his window up, glancing at the two one more time before he drives off. When he looks at them, he can't help but smile a little.

He can clearly see the connection between two from the way Goldie links her arm in Mike's. Mike is so much taller than her, he has to lean down a bit just for her comfort, but he doesn't even seem to mind. Although, he does try to pretend to be bothered, which Goldie only smiles at.

He wishes Nancy and him were still like that.