(Ep. 6: The Spy)

1980

Leaning back against the brick wall, Gwen waited with her Spanish textbook in hand for what seemed to be forever. It was unusual for Steve to be this late to their tutoring session. From always being on time or being the first one here, thirty minutes late was extremely out of place.

Worried something happened, she hurried inside to look for him. Maybe he forgot or got held up. A million reasons filled her mind, but none of them came close to the sight in front.

Steve was surrounded by Tommy and Carol. He was pressed up against his locker while Tommy appeared to be teasing him about something. Steve tried walking past them, but Carol blocked his every attempt.

"Come on, I gotta go now," he told them.

Placing his arm around Steve to prevent his escape, Tommy smiled and confronted him, "You've been spending an awful lot of time with that Henderson chic. Are you two an item now?"

"Have you fucked her yet?"

Gwen held herself back and just hid to listen to his response. She trusted Steve to tell the truth and let them know nothing was happening between them. It's just two friends studying together. They might hold hands when he walks her home, but that's it. There's been nothing more than that.

He laughed, "She's helping me with Spanish. You know I need to pass that class if I want to stay on the basketball team."

His friends weren't satisfied. They were determined to get the dirty scoop regardless if there was anything or not.

"If that's just it, then why did we see you sharing a milkshake with her? You seemed very comfortable with someone who's just your tutor," Carol used air quotes around the word 'tutor' as she waited for him to confess.

Now even more curious on what his response would be, Gwen waited for him to tell the truth. She found herself craning her neck even more, but soon became broken when hearing his next words.

"Seriously, guys? I would never dream of dating or fucking Gwen Henderson," Steve boastfully tugged at the collar of his shirt as he started laughing. "Just look at her and look at me. I'd never get involved with someone with lots of issues."

"Her dad dying really did a number on her," Carol joked.

Steve nodded, "You got that right. She thinks we have a chance at becoming more, but only in her dreams would that happen. Once I pass the class, I'll just turn it off, and goodbye, Henderson."

Their laughter felt agonizing against her ears. His betrayal burned her from the inside out as she realized that everything had been a lie. Their supposed friendship and trust for one another wasn't real. None of it was.

She had been a fool for having trusted him with her personal life. He used it against her and even laughed about it with his friends, who have done nothing but ruin her life through every chance they can get.

"I bet her dad faked his death just to escape her and her freak family," Tommy laughed, now being joined by Carol... and Steve.

Gwen wanted to confront him, to punch that frivolous face of his, but the more she tried convincing herself to do so, she knew she wouldn't be able to go through with it. She should have listened to Jonathan's warnings and should have believed the rumors about him.

How could she have been such an idiotic fool?

Gwen hated Steve Harrington. She hated him more than anything and it hurt to have once considered him a friend. She should have denied helping him, but she was nothing more than an idiot.

An idiot who felt the love for the king of Hawkins High transform into a profound hate.

Remembering that afternoon just made everything worse now that she's in Steve Harrington's backseat - where she's positive lots of women have been in.

"Wait a sec, how big?" Steve asked for the thousandth time.

"First it was like that," Dustin narrowed his fingers to show how small Dart was to then extend them to a bigger measurement. "Now he's like this."

"I swear to God, man, it's just some little lizard, okay?"

Gwen removed her seatbelt and leaned forward in between them, causing Steve to jump in surprise, "If you don't believe this then just drop us off and we'll take it from here."

"Put your seatbelt on. Right. Now," he ordered, earning a frown from her as she shockingly did as he told. "You see? You can take orders."

Not saying anything, she removed her seatbelt and adjusted herself to where she was laying down and placed her feet against the windows.

"Oh come on! Seriously, Henderson?!" he exclaimed.

Already losing his temperament, Dustin glared at the two and snapped, "Can you children stop?! I'm the kid here and I'm being way more civilized than you two!"

"Now you know how it feels being your sister," Gwen mumbled.

"When I do it it's adorable, but when you do it, it's just embarrassing. So just do as Steve says and put your seatbelt on."

Not wanting to argue anymore, she settled on doing as she was told and just stayed quiet for the rest of the drive. She faded out the stupid questions Steve asked while constantly having to send various looks whenever she catches him staring at her through the mirror.

"Listen kid, if this turns out to be a lizard, I swear to-"

"It's not a lizard!"

"How do you know?"

"Because his face opened up and he ate my cat," he blurted out as if it was the most normal thing to say.

Her eyes widened in shock that her mother's beloved cat was dead. She wasn't close to Mews considering she scratched her every time she tried petting her. Only when the orange cat was in a good mood would she allow Gwen to hold her and give her snuggles. But even then, she knows how much this would hurt her mother. Sometimes she thought she loved Mews more than her own kids.

"Mews is dead?! What the hell, Dustin?!" she exclaimed, already starting to panic.

"I know, I know. I made up the lie that Mews ran away so mom went to look for her."

"We gotta get there now! Drive faster!" Steve immediately pressed on the gas harder, causing her to fall backwards and bump her head against the window. Gwen rolled her eyes at him, frowning at the smirk he's putting on. "Watch it, asshole!"

"Oops," he simply said as he tried to refrain from laughing at the way she's rubbing her forehead and glaring him.

__________________

The three of them stood in front of the storm cellar doors trying to listen in to the monster Dustin locked up, but there was nothing but silence and crickets chirping from a distance.

"I don't hear shit," Steve complained as he got closer for a better listen.

"Me neither," she agreed.

"He's in there," Dustin told them as he hovered behind them on having no intentions of going down there.

Gwen leaned her foot forward, providing a kick against the door just like Steve used his bat to do the same. There was no noise coming from down there. Not even a small movement or a growl.

Already thinking this was a set up from both siblings, Steve shone his flashlight on their faces, "Alright listen you two. I swear if this is some sort of Halloween prank, you're dead."

It took everything not to lash out on him. She wanted nothing more than to smack him with his own flashlight, but she had to admit, working as a team was way better than just her and her brother.

"It's not a prank," Dustin said.

"Although, it wouldn't be such a terrible thing locking you up in there." Walking past him, she figured she had to be the one to take initiative. If he was going to keep doubting her brother, then he might as well just let them be and drive off in that burgundy BMW of his. "Get me the keys to this."

Her brother bolted inside, leaving the two of them alone once again. Only this time, they remained silent and just allowed nature's quietness to fill the tension.

Steve watched her from the corner of his eye, admiring the way she fixed her hair and adjusted that jacket of hers. He started remembering those dreams he's had and the way they left him completely afraid that he was starting to feel attracted to her.

It didn't make sense to feel this all of a sudden when all they've done is make their lives impossible. Even if they had been friends once, Steve didn't want to go down that path as he's not certain what it could lead to now.

"Here!" Dustin ran out from the house and aimed to toss the keys to him, but Gwen reached over and caught them before Steve was able to even notice.

"Give them to me," he demanded, holding his hand out and gesturing in his direction.

She didn't even react to his words and simply walked past him to press the key into the lock.

Steve clenched his jaw as he stood back with his hands on his hips and tried ignoring how frustrating this girl was. It was only now that he was starting to regret agreeing on helping the siblings since it seemed she had no intentions on working together.

Gwen opened the door, allowing the trapped air to blow their hair back and reveal nothing but darkness underneath.

"Let me see that," Steve took the flashlight from Dustin's hand and crouched down in front of the door. He squinted his eyes to try to get them to focus, but even when the light covered the entire cellar, there was nothing suspicious to be seen.

"If that thing is still in there, shouldn't it have come out already?"

There were only glimpses of barren paths and tons of junk Claudia had thrown in. Gwen started wondering if maybe it had fallen asleep - did these things even sleep? Or maybe it found an exit and is now who knows where.

"He must be further down there," Dustin pointed out. "I'll stay up here in case he tries to escape."

The older teens looked back, glaring at him as this was his idea and now he's not willing to go further. Clearly he was more afraid than he let on and was just using them to do the dirty work for him.

"Thought you were brave, little Dustin," she turned back around and shook her head disapprovingly.

"And I also believe there's no shame in running... or staying put."

Steve exhaled sharply and looked down at the cellar as he debated on how to go on about this safely. Just walking down there was dangerous enough and he didn't want to admit that the kid was right and there was no shame in running off. He's tempted to right about now, but that meant leaving her alone to check the cellar by herself, and that was something he wasn't about to let her do.

He gripped tighter on his bat and decided that he should be the one to take the risk all in means to keep them safe. He's not about to let her go down there and face that monster, not if he can prevent it.

"You guys stay here." Gwen snatched the flashlight from him and started taking a few steps down when she suddenly felt his hand pulling her back.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! You're not going down there," Steve stood in front of her, blocking her path as he held his arm in front of her to stop her. "You're staying with your brother."

"And let you handle this? I'll have better luck myself, but if you're too scared, then stay up here."

And she just marched down there with no care in the world.

His jaw hung open. He looked at her brother for some kind of reassurance, but the kid just had a wide smile on his face as he urged him to follow his sister.

Not wanting to deal with her annoying brother, he followed after her like a bolt of lightning. Skipping a few steps to reach her quicker, his terrible luck made sure to have him miscalculate to end up toppling over her.

Unable to process what just happened, Gwen searched for the light source, but found her uttermost nightmares right in front... or better yet, right on top.

She was left frozen, in complete awe of having Steve Harrington this close. She could feel every part of his body press against her, bringing goosebumps to cover every inch of her skin as she tensed at the sight.

Steve was still recovering from the hard hit and ran his hands through his hair like usual. Only when he was able to regain focus, he was met by her piercing blue eyes. He was left utterly astonished at the beautiful woman, automatically becoming submerged on the incessant need to memorize her face, every birthmark, everything about her.

His eyes burned to hers as he asked, "Are you okay?"

She tried speaking, but her mind was still trying to comprehend having Steve Harrington on her. She was only able to let out a small figment of a word that was barely audible, "Yes."

He moved her hair from her face, starting to feel that stabbing in his heart the more he spent time this close. His heart banged against his chest that he could only hope she couldn't hear or feel it.

Only something switched in an instant. Gwen shut her eyes for a split second and as if something turned off inside her, she screamed, "Get off me!"

Raising his hands in surrender, he did as she asked and gave her distance. He reached down for the flashlight, not realizing she had as well. The second they reached for the small object, he felt the comforting brush of her hand, which reminded him of the fall of 1980 of when they used to tolerate each other. He didn't realize how much he missed her until now.

"Can anyone tell me what's happening?!" Dustin yelled, worried their silence was linked to Dart hurting them.

Steve yelled back, "We're working on it!"

Ignoring what happened, they returned to searching for the creature. They checked every corner and past the tools Claudia had thrown.

Steve walked around the small room, stepping over lots of bare grounds until he stumbled upon something. Wanting to see what the hell it was, he shone the flashlight over what appeared to be a slimy covering.

Gwen left her spot and quickly walked over. Standing next to him, she tried ignoring just how close she got and regretted not maintaining a greater distance. Moving away would be the right thing, but that meant alerting him of just how much his presence was affecting her.

Steve's shoulders tensed as his hands gripped tighter to the flashlight that his fingers were turning white. He could feel the warmth emitting from her, only making his heart race as he felt her fingers accidentally brush against his.

"Umm, what do you think this is?" he asked, trying to ignore the sudden tension in the room when there are far more important things to deal with.

"It seems like shedded skin. I'm not sure, though," she adjusted the light more clearly while he picked up the viscous material with the bat. The nails stuck perfectly to it, allowing it to hang loosely as the light went through it perfectly.

"Guys? What's going on down there?" her brother called out.

Their noses wrinkled at the disgusting scent while trying their best to refrain from admitting the truth. Dart wasn't here and it's clear he found some way to escape.

She walked around the basement, biting the inside of her cheek as she searched for clues. Until she finally found the answers.

Looking over at Steve, she pointed her flashlight to the massive hole in the wall. Now even more overwhelmed that a fully grown demogorgon was out in the world probably eating more than just cats.

"Get down here," Steve told the youngest Henderson.

Dustin followed immediately, fearing his beloved pet could have possibly died, but was instead received by the shedded skin.

"Oh, shit," not only that, both of them pointed to the hole. "Oh, shit!" he exclaimed when he realized what this meant.

All three walked over to the wall and inspected the contents of the tunnel while trying to figure out what to do next. It appeared to be more than just an escape route. There was something sinister about the way it was shaped.

This was definitely a connection to something more.

__________________

Drops of prickling rain started falling at about a quarter past midnight. The entire household was sound asleep. Not a single sound came from the furthest corners except for the light snoring of Dustin and Claudia.

After all three decided to continue their search in the morning, Dustin got the brilliant idea of asking Steve to sleepover. His reasoning on needing to have some muscle just in case Dart were to return.

Not that Gwen wasn't able to notice his plan on trying to keep her and Steve under the same roof. All just reminding her of Nancy's failed attempts on trying to get them to get along, which meant Dustin would surely fail like she had as well.

Gwen couldn't sleep just thinking how Steve Harrington's in her house. More specifically, sleeping in her brother's room. She repeated their short interactions that made him out to be someone entirely different than she remembers.

He had been protective of her brother. When checking out the tunnel, he made sure nothing was lingering before allowing any of them to enter.

Her brother's expression when seeing Steve come to the rescue when the smallest sound was heard was a mixture of astonishment and amazement.

Gwen spent every minute trying to find every flaw, every little memory that'd remind her of the terrible person he is, but none of them were coming close to how good he was today.

Harrington had been perfect.

Even if she's not fully ready to let the past go, she started to realize that maybe Steve Harrington wasn't all bad and could be someone great.

Why did he have to be so nice to her brother? Why couldn't he still be that same asshole from a year ago? Everything would be easier if he hadn't changed. She wouldn't feel guilty for hating the now seemingly nice guy.

Gwen felt a strange flutter. She hadn't felt it in years and the fact that she's feeling it now is definitely not a good sign. She closed her eyes and tried ignoring whatever it is that she's feeling. Her face blushed in the darkness, making her sit up and toss the covers across her bed.

She pulled on her cardigan and put on her slippers. Tiptoeing past Dustin's room - even though he can sleep through anything - she walked to the kitchen for a glass of cold water. Nearly reaching the refrigerator, the room became illuminated by a flash of thunder, causing Gwen to jump at the sound.

Thunderstorms used to be her favorite.

Little five year old Gwen would dance in the rain while hearing the music from his father's record blast from his study. A compilation of his favorite artists, AC/DC, Blondie, and Queen filled the entire household. Each time lightning struck, she'd belt out the melodies even louder and prance around like a lunatic to then be joined by her dad following her routine.

She wouldn't have skipped the thunderstorm years later if she knew it could've been the last dance with her dad.

Gwen didn't try to think of her dad too much, but the smallest things, no matter how insignificant they might be, always brought her back to being nine years old and being told her dad wasn't coming home. He had been dead for 8 years, but some pains will never ease.

"Can't sleep?"

Nostalgic emotions had been replaced by irritation when hearing his voice. Gwen let out an exasperated sigh and made her way past him, not before providing a shove. There was no way in hell that she would spend a second with him, let alone share a conversation.

Expecting his usual remarks, she was surprised when he instead asked, "You okay?"

She stood completely still. Her fingers were digging into the base of her palm, all while trying to convince herself that her answer would be genuine.

"I was until you got here," she coldly said.

He flinched at her words, unsure why they hurt considering she's told him way worse. Steve had believed that after today, things between them would've taken a turn for the better. "Can we not do this? Just for tonight?"

Not argue with Steve Harrington?

Such a thought never crossed her mind. All she's ever known is try and do everything to torment him. From ruining his pathetic attempts at flirting, to embarrassing him in front of his crushes, being nice to him was never an option.

"As long as I don't speak to you, I'm all good."

She was halfway to her room when his laughter stopped her. It was the same one he used when making fun of her with his friends. The same one that had been used to harass her best friend for years.

Her jaw became clenched as she slowly turned around, "What's so funny?"

Steve just folded his arms defensively. His lips curved into the tiniest bit of a smile as he waited for her to take the next step.

Gwen wasn't sure why he was making her so angry or why his presence was more than enough to frustrate her and want to punch that pathetic smile from his face. She never understood why he had that effect on her and why she allowed it to happen.

He shrugged and walked deeper into the living room. Taking a seat in front of the window, he waited for her to come as the lightning illuminated his messily parted hair.

Gwen knew she should head back to her room. It would be the right thing, but she just couldn't let him win. Especially in her house. She whirled around, running her hands through her hair before following after him.

Steve leaned back and just wrapped himself with the white blanket that had been placed neatly on the seat, "May I help you?"

"Get the hell out of here. Now."

His brows furrowed at such a ridiculous suggestion. He wouldn't dare leave, not even if she demanded him to. With that thing still out there, he'd rather risk having her hate him for an eternity than have her in danger.

He stood up from his seat and looked down at her as she stood her ground - even though she was troubled that he was just a few inches taller.

His words were barely a whisper, "Do you really want that?"

She swallowed hard, feeling every inch of his words become engraved into her soul. The shadow of his presence was clouding her judgment as she parted from him.

"Did you not hear me?" she began. "Get out. Now."

Ignoring her demands, he walked towards the window and sighed deeply. He stared out into the night and watched the trees sway back and forth from the harsh winds and heavy rain. He hoped she would join him and maybe just for a minute, their past could be left behind.

As much as she wished for him to leave, she knew deep down that's not what she really wanted. How much he drove her crazy frightened her to the core that only pushing him away helped her forget the terrible feeling.

She stood beside him and ignored his eyes falling on her. She watched the drops of rain trickle down the glass and create a puddle in the windowsill. The branches of the overgrown bushes pressed against the surface, scratching every inch as it rained like it hadn't for a long time.

Gwen was forgetting her annoyance until lightning struck again. The room became brightened and the thunder roared like never before. She gasped, trembling at the rush of haunting memories this sound evoked. Her breaths turned shallow, her eyes closed as her mind counted to ten.

One. Two. Three...

"Don't tell me you're afraid of a little thunder?"

Her chest heaved in struggle. Dark spots started covering her vision as she searched for support. She didn't want to risk passing out in front of him. He would for sure use this against her like he's done before.

Expecting her to respond, he was confused at her quietness and gave her a few seconds, but nothing happened. There was just absolute silence. He dropped his gaze from the window to be met by her terrible state.

"Gwen!" he exclaimed and held her up before she almost lost her balance. "Hey, I'm right here. I'm right here," he calmly said, holding her hands together and taking deep breaths with her.

One. Two. Three...

"It's okay. It's just a little thunder. Nothing else," he started to lean closer and hold her in a gentle embrace. Letting her breathe in and out, he continued holding her against him.

The moment she felt him, he woke her from the tormenting memories as her mind was now focusing on his touch and the way she didn't hate this. She intertwined her fingers with his, drawing circles around his thumb that she soon found herself leaning her head even more on his shoulder.

"I'm right here, Gwen. I'm right here," he softly repeated, resting his head on hers as he closed his eyes and gave her the time she needed.

Thunder struck again, making her flinch as she held tighter to him and squeezed her eyes shut. She could feel his arms gently holding her, bringing a sense of safety that slowly started to help her put the memories to the back of her mind.

"Can you say something?" she whispered.

He smiled, "Something."

It was such a silly thing, and normally she would've hated it, but she couldn't help than laugh as she started to look up at him. Relieved to find that charming smile of his, she felt a new sense of comfort that made her forget the storm was happening.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah. Thanks."

They turned silent and took a seat on the floor. Steve continued embracing her, coming to the realization that he didn't hate this. Of course, she didn't either, but neither would ever admit it.

They hated each other... and that was the only emotion they could ever feel for the other.

"So, you've fought an alternate dimensional monster and you're afraid of thunder? I never expected that," he hoped it wouldn't anger her and she'd take it as a lighthearted comment.

"It's not the thunder that I'm afraid of..." she trailed off. "Every time I hear it, I just... I remember-" Doubts filled her mind as she questioned whether or not to tell the man who she once trusted this to, but then had betrayed her. She would be an idiot for believing this new person could be trusted with one of her secrets. Let alone with the most important part of her, yet as much as she wished to push him away, the words just flew out with ease. "I remember my dad."

He felt privileged to be her confidant. Given their history, he knew how hard this must be for her. Sharing your secrets with someone who hasn't been deemed trustworthy can be viewed as naive or courageous. She took a leap of faith with him. Something no one had ever done.

"How did he die? If it's alright to know."

It's been public knowledge on the cause of his death. The entire town of Hawkins became extra cautious on stormy nights like these because of what happened. She thought everyone knew, which is why she's never spoken about it before. Not even to Jonathan whom she trusts everything to.

"Car accident. It was on a night just like this. All I can remember was listening to the rain and wanting to dance under it with him." She could only wonder if her dad hadn't been pressured to get home quicker, would the accident never have happened? "It just... happened in an instant."

Steve wondered what it would be like to lose his father. Of course he'd be affected, but would he really miss him when he's rarely at home? "Was there anyone else with him?"

"Me," she breathed out, "I was in the backseat."

His eyes widened at her words. Unable to process what he heard, he couldn't imagine not having her in his life. A life without her would be terrible, dull, and unworthy of living in.

"Were- were you...?"

"I don't remember much, but from what Hopper told me, he said I flatlined for a few minutes. He was the first one there so he did everything he could to save me."

Hopper had been there for her ever since that day. From always coming to check on her despite living in New York at the time, he managed to visit and stay for dinners and game nights. He had become a second father to her and was what she needed just like she was to him.

"I'm glad you came back. I never would've been able to meet you," he admitted, gripping her hand gently.

She shook her head and gave a disheartened smile, "Come on, Harrington. Like not meeting me would've affected you."

His gaze softened as he adjusted himself to get a clearer view of her face. She was surprised by his solemn expression that made her freeze her tracks.

"Believe me. Not meeting you would've been the greatest tragedy."

He stared at her intensely and she could tell he was being honest. He was capable of lying and Steve always found himself able to lie easily without thinking, but for the time in years, he was being completely honest.

The room turned quiet. Only the rain played in the background as they sat in their companionable silence. Each admiring their presence as this had been the first time where they felt safe and like no one else mattered.

There were no monsters. No alternate dimensions. No one but them. Just two souls longing for the other.

"Tell me about your family," she said.

Steve's throat turned dry as he struggled to describe what appeared to be a picture perfect family, but was nothing more than a calamity.

Arriving to an empty home filled him with an undeniable sense of dread knowing there'd be no one to share his day with, to share winning the big games, or even when he gets an A on a test he's been cramming for. He's been alone for most of his life that having someone to share everything with never crossed his mind.

"There's not much to say honestly. Parents are never home so I'm always by myself. Can't complain since I can throw raging parties," he forcefully laughed and expected her to join like Carol and Tommy always did, but she knew him well enough to realize none of his words are genuine.

"Doesn't it bother you that your parents are never home? I can't imagine not having anyone to share your day with," she observed the way his eyes melted from the hurt of his absent parents.

The mask that he's always worn was starting to disappear as he was choosing to let her in, but he was afraid. Afraid if he lets her know the real him, she'll end up disappointed and leave like everyone did. If his parents didn't want to spend any time with their son, why would she? Why would anyone?

"Not really. You get used to it," he shifted uncomfortably in his spot, fidgeting with his hands from never having spoken about this to anyone. Not even to Nancy who he once considered to be the person he could trust everything to, "So umm, are you sure you're feeling better?"

Gwen smiled understandingly - the kind of smile that offered solace and deep comprehension. From experience, she knows the challenges that come in opening up to someone. Much more to the person that offers nothing but unpleasant responses.

"Yeah, I am," she said, soon hearing the rumble of a car arriving in her driveway.

Both of them exchanged startled glances before heading to the window. Soon to discover that it was Billy Hargrove trying to surprise his girlfriend.

"For fuck's sake," she muttered under her breath and turned to Steve - who had the most agonized look on his face that resembled that of jealousy.

"Guess he can handle it from here."

Just like that, she watched him storm into her brother's room and slam the door quietly, but enough to understand the amount of anger this unexpected visit caused him.

Before Billy was able to try and head to her bedroom window, she walked out and addressed him, "What are you doing here?"

He smiled and sprinted towards the door. Pressing his lips against hers, he started to let himself in before she stopped him, "Was just missing you. Aren't you going to let me in?"

"My mom and brother are here. You'll wake them so can we please do this later?"

Steve's burgundy car was standing at the edge of the driveway. Close to Billy's but not close enough that he'd notice and question her about it. Her breath had been sucked right out as she worried one simple glance could cost her everything.

"I won't make much noise," he began, "Thought it'd be amazing to wake up by your side."

She had to admit how sweet he was being. It almost hurt how much she was trying to drive him away. He was her boyfriend and he just wanted to spend time with her and here she was spending time with another guy.

The same guy that she's supposed to hate.

"That sounds really nice actually," she told him while holding his hands against her. "How about we save it for a date? That will give us more time together."

Billy smiled as he had spent all night thinking of how ecstatic he was to have someone special like Gwen as his girlfriend. He loves how she isn't afraid of him, how she didn't throw herself at him, and how she doesn't hold back.

Not spending much time with her was hurting him in ways his father wasn't able to, which is why he chose to drive here in the middle of the night. Maybe spontaneity would be their thing.

"How about tomorrow night? We can go out for dinner," he starts caressing her cheek, feeling the rush of adrenaline only she's able to bring. "We'll have a fun little ride downtown and head over to Lover's Lake like we planned."

Gwen hadn't heard anything as all her mind focused on was the way his touch didn't provide the same sensation Steve's did. Not even an ounce of thrill, passion, or anything a boyfriend should bring. There was just... nothing.

And she hated herself for it.

Instead of trying to find a way out from this date, she hoped that accepting would be the first step in trying to get her feelings for him to change. What's to say her longing for Steve will last?

She forced a smile and agreed, "It's a date." Her arms embraced him in more of a friendly way that caught him off guard, but he wouldn't dare question her.

"I'll pick you up at 7," he kissed her forehead before walking off into the rain. He turned to see her one last time, but she had already gone back inside. He chose not to think much of it as he had something to look forward to.

A night with Gwen Henderson... the girl he was starting to fall for.