My Bookworm
Steve Harrington x Female reader.
Authors note- hey all you cool cats and kittens. I’m back but with a special story this time. It’s my first time writing for Steve Harrington and I really hope you enjoy it. 3.6k words
Warnings- heavy spoilers for pride and prejudice yall I’m sorry but also like it’s been out for awhile so I’m not too sorry. Pretty fluffy.
Summary- when Steve meets the new librarian he finds himself in a reading challenge.
As Steve leaned on the counter of the family video just like every other day he found himself growing sleepy as he leaned his head on his hand. Only to be startled awake by the sound of the door swinging open. Hoping it was a customer only to find Dustin Henderson.
“Hey Steve!”
“Hey Dustin.”
“What time are you off today?”
“3. Why?”
“I need a ride to the library.”
“Oh so you can go see your new librarian friend that you think is so much cooler than me cause she knows about all your books and stuff. Yeah no thanks.”
“Oh come on Steve you need to stop being so jealous when I have older friends.”
“I am not jealous, Henderson.”
“Then give me a ride to the library. You don’t have to come in with me. I just need a ride.”
“Fine.”
“Cool I’ll just hangout next door at the arcade while I wait for you to get off work”
Steve watched as dustin made his way next door to the arcade as Robin came out from the back with a box of tapes.
“Any customers yet?” Robin asked as she set the box down on the counter next to Steve.
“Nah it was just Dustin coming to ask for a ride to the library after I get off work in an hour.”
“Oh you’re going to the library?”
“I just said that.”
“Can you pick me up a copy of Wuthering Heights? I need it for class and I totally spaced it.”
“Why do I have to check it out under my name?”
“Cause I have to stay till closing tonight and the school library didn’t have any copies of it so I need one from the public library.”
“Fine I’ll get you Wuthering Heights but you owe me one.”
“Fine”
Steve and Robin spent the next hour rewinding the tapes and placing them back in their cases before it was time for Steve to get Dustin from the arcade and head for the library.
***
The library was just as quiet as Steve had expected it to be but it made him feel uneasy nonetheless. Dustin took point and walked up to the counter setting his books there and ringing the little bell on the counter.
Upon ringing the bell you emerge from the back room with a copy of pride and prejudice in one hand and a half eaten apple in another despite the sign behind you that said “No Food or Drink allowed”.
“Ah if it isn’t my favorite little library patron. Come to gather more knowledge, have you?”
“Why yes I’ve come to return these and then I’ll go grab some more to check out.”
“Well how about you go look for those books while I get these checked in. And how about you?” You said as you turned to face Steve.
Steve Harrington had been frozen in place as soon as you walked out of the back room with your book in hand.
He had never seen you before and didn’t know you were well… stunning is the only word that came to Steve Harrington's mind and when he realized you were speaking to him he felt as though his brain would short circuit.
“Uh hi I’m Steve Harrington” he reached a hand over the counter to shake your hand and you obliged.
“Well Steve Harrington it’s nice to meet you finally. Dustin here has told me a lot about you. What can I help you with today?”
Steve cleared his throat and retracted his hand away from yours gently.
“I'm uh actually looking for a book called Wuthering Heights or something. My friend needs it for a project.”
“Ah, follow me. That’s gonna be in our gothic fiction section under B for Brontë.”
Steve was amazed to see that you didn’t even need to think about it. You just knew where it was immediately like some sort of magic trick.
As you walked him to where he needed to be he was able to catch a whiff of your perfume. You smelled like vanilla and old books and it’s like Steve Harrington had finally found his favorite smell.
Grabbing the book off the shelf you hand it to him and he holds it gently. Walking back up to the counter you prepare to check him out and Steve realizes that he doesn’t want this to end.
“So uh how come I’ve never seen you around Hawkins before?”
“Oh I’m new to Hawkins. Just moved here.”
“Ah that explains it. Where ya from?”
“Oh I’m just from Indianapolis. So not too far.”
As you stand there checking out the book to Steve you can’t help but feel his eyes boring into you. You can’t really pinpoint why he would be staring and it’s making you nervous. Did you have something on your face?
Nonetheless you check the book out to Steve and hand it back to him and Steve stands at the counter waiting for Dustin.
“So how about you Harrington? I may be new but how come I’ve heard so much about you from Dustin but haven’t met you till today?”
“Oh you know I’m just a busy guy who doesn't really have a lot of time for the library these days.”
“Too busy for reading” you fake a gasp and hold your hand over your chest as if you’re in pain.
“Alright alright yeah yeah I’m not the biggest reader.”
“Only people who aren’t good at reading say that.”
Steve scoffs. “I’ll have you know y/l/n I’m an excellent reader.”
“The book you checked out today isn’t even for you Steve.”
“What’s that got to do with anything?”
“Maybe you checked the book out for your friend because you can’t read.”
You’re both laughing now but Steve still takes it as a challenge.
“Fine, recommend me a book to read and I’ll read it in 2 days. That’s a Harrington guarantee.”
“A Harrington guarantee…hmm alright deal. If you read Pride and Prejudice within two days and come back here to me and you can describe the plot you win.”
“What do I win?”
“What do you want?”
Steve thought about it for a moment.
“How about I’ll tell you what I want when I win?”
“Sounds like a deal to me” you reached your hand over the counter to shake his hand and he obliged. Sealing the deal.
Dustin walked back up to the counter with a stack of 6 books.
“Henderson, you know the rules. 5 at a time.”
“Yep” Dustin counts out the books and skips one to pretend there’s only 5.
You count the books and count 6 right in front of him. Making Steve laugh.
Dustin leans over the counter. “My mistake. However I am on a curiosity voyage and I need my paddles to travel. These books. These books are my paddles.”
“5 at a time Henderson. You know Claudia will kill me if she catches me checking out extra books.”
Steve turns to Dustin and grabs the book.
“Here just add it to my list. I’ve already got a book for Robin anyways and you have to check me out Pride and Prejudice anyways.”
You get the books checked out to the boys and watch out the window as they walk to Steve’s car. You couldn’t help but hope to see Steve again sooner than planned. That Dustin kid was right. Harrington had amazing hair.
***
Steve Harrington made it his absolute mission that night to read that book. He barely slept as he read it but he found himself becoming so involved in the story that he didn’t care.
The next day at family video Steve sat at the counter like normal but instead of being on the verge of falling asleep he instead had his nose in a book. That’s when he heard the bell to the shop ring and walked little Dustin Henderson once again.
“Steve! I need another ride to the library today.”
“Why?”
“One of the books I got is totally not what I thought it was. It said it was about radio tower communications but it totally is more about military style when I need civilians.”
“Okay fine I’m off at 3 again today.”
Dustin walked out the door and over to the arcade to wait for 3 o’clock.
When 3 o’clock arrived and it was time to head to the library, Steve found himself rather excited at the prospect of getting to see you again so soon.
As you sit in the library with your head in another book you don’t even notice when Dustin and Steve walk in and set the book on the counter until Steve clears his throat.
You turn your attention to him quickly.
“Oh hi guys. Back so soon?”
Dustin taps on the book.
“Yup just here to return one.”
“Wrong book?”
“Yup.”
“Well I’ll get this checked in for ya. Steve, how's the book coming along.”
“It’s great! No idea why Elizabeth is interested in that Wickham guy though. Seems like a total tool to me. If you ask me she should end up with someone more like Darcy or Mr Bingley.”
“I’ve never even considered Elizabeth and Bingley together. It’s totally clear Bingley and Jane are meant for each other.”
“I don’t know I think a smart girl like Elizabeth could gain a lot from Bingley’s charm”
You scoff as you finish checking in Dustin’s book.
“Well Harrington I think by the time you finish it you’ll have a different opinion.”
“How about you, what book are you reading now since I’m reading this?”
“The Vampire Lestat. It’s the sequel to Interview with a Vampire by Ann Rice. It’s pretty good so far.”
“I think I’ve heard of that one.”
“Maybe you’ll have to give it a read next.”
“Maybe I will.”
Steve was leaning on the counter and had a flirtatious smirk on his face that was quickly replaced by a startled expression when Steve felt a foot step on his own and looked down to see Dustin standing on his foot. Upon looking up at Dustin, Steve could tell there was something Dustin wanted to say.
“Well your book is all checked in Dustin and Steve I took that extra book Dustin got yesterday and moved it to his account instead.”
Before Steve could respond Dustin was taking the lead.
“Well y/n it has been lovely to see you yet again but Steve and I have to get going.”
You attempted to say goodbye but Steve was already being dragged out of the library by Dustin as they made their way to Steve’s car.
***
Dustin didn’t say anything initially when they got in the car. Only when they were stopped in front of Dustin’s house did Dustin decide to speak.
“You totally like y/n.”
Steve had a bewildered look on his face.
“I do not!”
“Really then why are you reading that book?”
“It was a challenge Henderson.”
“Oh and really what’s the prize?”
“Get out of the car Henderson.”
“I’ll find out tomorrow when you go back to the library to finish the challenge.”
“Okay fine so what if I like her what’s the big deal?”
“That’s all I needed to hear.”
And just like that Dustin was out of the car and on his way inside leaving Steve alone once again.
****
Once again Steve stayed up all night trying to finish the book but to no avail. He did however bring it to work with him and spent all day reading it just in time to finish by 3 pm. Dustin hadn’t come into the store today to ask for any rides and Robin didn’t need to return her book yet so this trip was solely for Steve.
Steve got in his car and headed to the library. When he walked in he rang the bell on the counter but received no answer. He started wandering around the library and found you in a corner stacking books. He was about to call out your name until he heard your humming and noticed your swaying. As you turned slightly he could see the Walkman on you and decided to just stand there for a moment.
Steve’s heartbeat started to quicken as he watched you and he didn’t quite understand the feeling. The only time he’d felt close to that was with Nancy. So how could it be he’s feeling this with you when he barely even knows you.
As you turned a bit more you saw someone out of the corner of your eye and you yelped. Jumping back, dropping the books in your hand, and tearing off your Walkman sending it to the floor.
Steve couldn’t help but giggle at how cute your yelp was but immediately rushed over to help clean up the mess that he now felt responsible for.
“Sorry I didn’t mean to scare you. Just didn’t want to interrupt your little music session there.”
“No worries. I’m not actually supposed to be listening to music when I stack books. I just wasn’t expecting anyone right now.”
Steve helps pick up the books off the floor and stack them on your cart. He then picks up the Walkman and examines it to make sure it isn’t broken. He then holds the headset up and tries to hear what’s playing.
“Tears for Fears. Nice.”
“Thanks. Felt a bit inspired.”
“Really? Head over heels kind of inspired?”
The question made you blush and you began to stutter out and answer before Steve chuckled and held up a hand to stop you.
“I’m messing with you.”
What Steve didn’t know was that you were listening to that because of him. Ever since he walked into this library he’d been weaseling his way into your heart and you couldn’t quite get him out of your head. Not like you really wanted to anyways.
You gather the cart of books and push it up to the front counter. You stand behind the counter while Steve leans on the other side and sets his book on the counter.
“So did ya finish it?”
“Every word baby.”
Baby. The words made your cheeks flush.
“So who does Elizabeth end up with?”
“Darcy.”
“Okay and who does Jane end up with?”
Steve huffs. “Bingley. But I still stand by my point that Elizabeth and Bingley could have given it a chance. I mean Bingley is the one who gets Darcy to even look at Elizabeth at the ball in the first place.”
“Ignoring your point. Who does Mr Wickham end up with.”
“Oh don’t even get me started! Wickham running off with Lydia was disgusting. I mean what the hell was that?”
“I know right? Wickham. What a horrid man. Well Harrington I believe you’ve finished the book. I’ll get it checked in for you. What did you want as your reward?”
Steve gave a fake cough to clear his throat.
“Well uh. I was thinking. How about you let me take you out sometime? Maybe if you’re free tonight?”
Your eyes got very wide and the smile on your face grew impossibly wide. You tried to contain your excitement as much as possible.
“I am actually free tonight. I get off at 5 if you wanna come back and pick me up?”
“How about I just stay till 5 and hangout. Maybe help you shelve some books.”
“I’ll agree to you hanging out but I’m afraid I can’t have you work for free. You can just watch me shelve.”
So he did. For the next hour you and Steve got to know each other as you stocked books and Steve was absolutely amazed. You hardly had to look or stop and think to find out where something went. It was like magic because you just knew where it went.
Steve was also amazed with how smart you were. The words you were able to work into everyday conversations astounded him. It almost made him glad that you hadn’t gone to Hawkins high. He knew you guys wouldn’t have hung out back then and he thinks that’s a downright shame.
As 5 pm rolled around you closed up the library and walked out with Steve. As you walked out the evening sun was shining in your eyes and you winced slightly, holding up a hand to shield yourself and it made Steve laugh.
“Bookworm not used to sunlight?”
“Something like that I suppose.” You gave him a light chuckle back.
You didn’t mean to walk ahead of Steve but you did and automatically made your way to his car without him having to tell you which one it was.
“How'd you know which one was mine.”
“Oh I saw Dustin getting into your car the last few days from the window.”
“So you were watching me huh?”
Yet again you try to stutter out an answer and Steve laughs at how flustered you get.
“Calm down calm down i'm just messin with ya.”
Steve opens the passenger side door for you and you get in. Steve then makes his way around to the drivers side and situates himself before leaving the parking lot.
****
As you sit in Steve’s car listening to the radio and making small talk it dawns on you that you have no idea where Steve is taking you. But you choose to just have some faith and trust him. Luckily it works out as Steve pulls up to your favorite cafe in town.
It’s a couple doors down from Melvalds where you see Joyce Byers from time to time. Either Steve Harrington is a stalker or he sure knows how to pick a date spot. As you get out of the car and make your way to the cafe you decide to tell Steve that.
“This is my favorite cafe, you know. I come here at least 3 times a week.”
“I’ve actually never been here before but a friend of mine said you might like it”
The truth is Steve asked around and Nancy actually told him that she’s seen you there a few times and he figured you’d probably like it for reading.
As you walk in and sit at a table the waitress come up to the table.
“Hi y/n! Would you like your usual?”
“Yes please.”
“And for the gentleman?”
“A black coffee.”
“I’ll get those right out for you two.”
Steve turned to face you.
“Well I guess that proves it. You are a regular here.”
“What can I say? It’s great for reading.”
“I thought you might say that.”
The waitress came back with both of your coffees and gave you a slight wink that Steve didn’t catch. You immediately started blushing and attempted to hide your face by taking a sip of your drink.
“So Steve, what's your favorite book?”
Steve thought about it for a moment. Putting his first to his chin he pretended to make it look like he was deep in thought about it before turning to face you once again.
“Pride and Prejudice.”
You laugh hard and set your drink on the table.
“Is it the only book you’ve ever read or something?”
Steve scoffs and takes a sip of his drink before setting it on the table.
“No but this amazing girl recommended it to me and now I think I’ll associate her with that book forever.”
His words left you breathless and speechless. Steve took the opportunity and reached across the table to hold your hand.
The rest of the date goes pretty much perfect. Steve is a gentleman who makes you laugh and looks at you like you’re the only girl in the world. He listens to every word you say as if he’s on the edge of his seat.
When the two of you finish a few cups of coffee and the sun begins to go down Steve pays for the coffee and tips the waitress before the two of you head out of the cafe. Steve opens the passenger door for you and proceeds to drive you home per your instructions on how to get there.
Upon arrival at your home, Steve exits the vehicle and opens the door for you once more. Walking you to your front door hand in hand.
“Well thank you Steve I had an amazing time tonight.”
“So amazing that you might want to go see a movie with me this Friday?”
“I think I’d like that a lot.”
“I’ll pick you up at 8?”
“That sounds good to me.”
You turn towards your door to open it and then back to Steve. He’s standing so close to you and you just know if you don’t do it you’ll regret it.
In one swift motion you lean up on your tippy toes and pull Steve into a kiss. At first he gasps in shock and when you try to pull away he only deepens the kiss. When the both of you pull away to catch your breath you’re smiling like idiots.
Steve watched you turn and walk inside and he turns and walks to his car and all he thinks about on the ride home is what book he’ll read for you next.
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can I say a confession. I kinda lost all my interest in the MCU not even the prospect of zendaya and tom returning in sm4 is exciting to me obviously I would eat up a press tour but not the movie. I dont post end game this MCU has been rather flat and dull. No hate to people who love the MCU, I really hope the MCU delivers yall some magical stuff. Its just watching other major blockbusters and seeing their quality like top gun or mad max or dune or spiderverese like Im reminded at what cinema can be when creators are given time and freedom to build their own worlds and create unique moments story telling or when we see great cinematigraphy and sound design.
Like Im glad I opened myself to see smaller things or films I've never thought I would watch like poor things, american fiction, la chimera, all of us strangers, past lives and just being transported and experiencing something amazing and emotional and feeling rewarded as an audience member. I dont know I feel like mcu is kinda lagging behind and I feel lile audiences deserve better products and the MCU just dont deliver anymore.
Thanks for your confession Anon. 😊
Idk if you meant for me to hold this "Confession" off until Sunday so that you could have immunity lol 😆, but I saw this posted to my inbox yesterday, and it didn't say to hold off from posting until Sunday, so I assume you wanted me to post it. 🤷🏾♀️ If I misunderstood, I apologize.
Anyway.....
I'm definitely a self-proclaimed "Marvel Girl" (always have been 😊), but I also love DC comics as well. I'm not one of those who feels like fans HAVE to choose btwn one or the other. 👀
With that said, Marvel to me is like the fun, exciting, "junk food" of cinema. Like eating junk food, watching Marvel movies is fun to digest, it's enjoyable, it's exciting, you feel GREAT while watching it, and you can't wait until you see some other new films coming out.
But, you can't exist SOLELY on junk food and be healthy, just like if you're truly a fan of film, you can't ONLY watch Marvel films and be 100% satisfied in your movie-viewing life. 🤷🏾♀️ You need a balance.
It sounds like you're definitely a fan of film, and you watch a variety of stuff. That's awesome! 😃 👍🏾☺️
While I love Marvel, I too have noticed that some of their more recent films have left some fans a little disappointed, and just feeling a little "Marvel Fatigue".
I honestly think that they got worried that after they killed off most of the OG Avengers, that fans would lose interest, and so they started just churning out more and more films and series in order to put out the "next phase". But in all honesty, I kinda feel like after NWH and Wakanda Forever came out, I sort of feel like Marvel should have taken a little bit of a BREAK, and allowed the fans to miss them (sometimes, absence makes the heart grow fonder), and really taken their TIME in writing better films going forward after resting for a few years. 👀
Cuz you're right, some films are feeling a little sloppy and rushed, and honestly, when you compare some of the newer Marvel films to films like "The Dark Knight" , or even "The Batman", or shooot.... even "Spider-man 2" lol 😆, you can kind of see the STARK difference. (No pun intended lol)
Obviously, Marvel films aren't going to be like "Poor Things" or "All of Us Strangers", so I wouldn't even compare them to those types of films rofl 🤣
But yea, like when you even compare some of the Marvel films to a movie like "Top Gun: Maverick" (which was AWESOME and brought back old school style Hollywood filmmaking), you can tell the immediate difference in how you feel when watching it, the writing, the cinematography, the MUSIC, everything....
I think Marvel reigned Supreme for many many years (over a decade), and so maybe they got lazy or felt that MORE content more OFTEN was "better", but I actually think the opposite. 👀 🤷🏾♀️
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