A/N: Hello everyone, so this is the start of my second story for true colors. I really enjoyed writing my first one, "You are my first step". I actually wrote another story that is about 5 chapters at this point, but I'm not really happy with how the second chapter is working out. I've rewritten it about 3 times so far and it's getting closer to what I want. So that story might come out eventually. In the mean time, I think I've read almost every story on this site with Alex and Steph as a pairing. I've really enjoyed stories where Gabe is alive, so I decided to take a stab at it myself.

This story is a different telling of Alex and Steph coming together. It doesn't really follow the story of Life is Strange True Colors. Gabe is alive in this one and Steph and Alex's meeting is different. I should say this could potentially contain spoilers for people. I'm hoping to just have fun with this one.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy what I have so far and thanks for reading.

Steph banged on her air drums as hard as she could following along with the end of the song she had playing for the people of Haven Springs. Just before it ended she turned back to the microphone and turned it on.

"An awesome song to finish off an awesome day, thanks for that request KRCT listeners. Up next will be more modern rock to keep things going all night. I'm Steph, you're listening to KRCT, and I'll catch you all tomorrow," she said before she turned off the mic and and swung it out of her face. She grabbed her phone and decided to look at her options, if any, for the day. She opened the dating app she had signed up for and started scrolling through random matches.

"Pass... lame... she's like a million miles away." Steph sighed as she yet again she declined the matches she had and set her phone down. She liked Haven Springs, but trying to find a date here sucked. She decided to ignore the app for now, it hadn't been helpful at all for her dating life. She decided to make sure the playlist she had was good to go for the night so she could leave. There was still a bunch of LARP planning she had to get to.

As she was fiddling with the computer something caught her eye through the recording booth window. She glanced up to see a girl approaching Valkyrie. She should have immediately gone out before a blood bath happened, but that didn't happen. Instead she stood still and watched, though when she would think back on it, she would realize she was just taking in as much of this girl as she could.

Eventually Steph blinked a few times snapping out of whatever daze she was in realizing she was staring. She watched as Valkyrie gave, whoever this girl was, a death stare. She recognized what that meant, so she grabbed her phone and keys and put them in her pocket before leaving the booth quickly.

"That's a good way to lose a finger," she joked as she approached Valkyrie and picked her up. She couldn't help her eyes wandering over the girl in front of her as she get Valkyrie a few pets. She was even more beautiful up close. Steph needed to know more, so she set Valkyrie down and let her scamper off before extending a hand. "I'm Steph Gingrich, Haven Springs DJ and drummer."

Steph couldn't help but smile when the girl shook her hand. She was definitely attracted to her and being in this town single for as long as she had was really taking it's toll on her. It hadn't even dawned on her how long they had been shaking hands.

"Fuck, she is cute," Steph thought as the girl curiously raised an eyebrow at her. It made her wonder if she had accidentally said that out loud.

"My fault," Ryan called from the front of the store. "She was trying to get a gift for someone that had something on the waiting list. I couldn't find it and asked if she could help me."

Steph broke her eye contact with Alex and glanced over to Ryan only for a brief moment. The fact that they weren't open right now wasn't even crossing her mind. She didn't care, she just wanted to know more about this mystery girl. "Let me guess, you're getting a gift for your... boyfriend?"

Alex chuckled before shaking her head and smiling, which Steph swore was the most adorable thing she had ever seen. "Not a chance, boyfriend's aren't really my thing," she said casually letting the words linger for a moment.

"Boyfriend's aren't her thing!? Oh shit, did she really just that? Keep it together Steph."

Alex smiled at whatever internal dialogue was associated with this joy surrounding Steph. "I'm just getting a gift for a family member."

"Good to know," Steph replied with a smile. Before she could say anything else, she was interrupted by her cellphone ringing. She wanted to ignore it. It had been a long time since she had met a girl like this. A girl who could effortlessly capture her attention without even trying. It was especially rare in Haven Springs of all places.

Seeing as though the LARP she was putting together was in a few days, she knew she couldn't ignore the call though. She reluctantly let go of Alex's hand and grabbed her phone, groaning when she saw it was Eleanor. "Fuck, I have to take this. It was really nice meeting you."

Even though Alex may have been a little disappointed that Steph had to go, she didn't show it. She just gave Steph a nod and let her pass as she answered her phone and walked towards the front of the store. It gave Alex a chance to breathe, because apparently she had been forgetting to do that.

She could hear Steph discussing something with Ryan briefly before she turned back towards Alex and waved at her before leaving the store. Alex waved back with a smile before glancing back down to the sheet in her hand. Maybe Haven Springs wouldn't be so bad she thought.

"Is Gabe's order on there?" Ryan asked as Alex turned back towards him and nodded before making her way back up front. "I guess I'll be helping you get the record now. Steph had to go help Eleanor. She's planning this big LARP and Eleanor is kind of forgetful on what needs to be done."

Alex nodded and glanced back towards the radio booth where Steph had come out of. "Steph said she was a DJ. Does this town have it's own radio station?"

Ryan glanced over at the on air sign himself as he grabbed Gabe's record. "Yep, Steph runs the show and the shop when she isn't conning me into doing it."

"That's so cool," Alex said as Ryan placed the record down in front of her. "I didn't think a place like this would have it's own radio station."

"Yep," Ryan replied as he took the money Alex handed him and started getting her change. "Ever since Steph took over, the station has been way better."

"I'll have to check it out," Alex said as she grabbed Gabe's record and her change. "Thanks for letting me get this, even though the store is closed. I should probably get back to Gabe though."

"No problem, it was nice to meet you, Alex. Welcome to Haven Springs."

"Thanks, it was nice to meet you too," Alex said as she left the store and started making her way across the street again where Gabe had left her. It seemed he was still busy with Charlotte.

Ryan looked out the window after her, once he was sure she wasn't coming back he pulled out his phone quick and started typing a text.

Ryan - "Hey, I just met your sister. Steph did too, they were flirting like crazy."

Gabe pulled his phone out of his pocket and read Ryan's text. He stopped just short of the door where he could see Alex waiting and looking at the buildings on the other side of the street. She hadn't noticed him yet, so he sent back a quick text to Ryan.

Gabe - "Steph was flirting with my sister?"

Ryan - "I think they were flirting with each other, idk. It looked flirty from where I was sitting. Oh, but I don't think Steph knows who Alex is yet. I don't even remember her asking for Alex's name."

Gabe - "Steph the lady killer flirted and didn't even get a number, let alone a name? We're talking about Gingrich, right?"

Ryan - "The one and only."

Gabe - "She'll be at the bar later I think. I'll get it out of her and let you know what happens."

Gabe put his phone back in his pocket and stepped outside, the sound of the door opening causing Alex to turn around. "Hey sorry about that."

"No problem. Hopefully everything is alright with Charlotte?" Alex asked curiously still holding Gabe's record behind her back.

"As good as apology flowers can make it," he shrugged. "What do you got there?"

"A gift," Alex said before revealing the record to him. "I decided to check out the record shop across the street while I waited. This is the one you wanted, right?"

"Wait, you bought my hold item for me?," Gabe asked as Alex nodded and handed him the record. He inspected the cover for a second before smiling and giving Alex a hug. "This is awesome. Thanks, Alex. You know you didn't have to do that though. I'm supposed to be helping you get started, remember?"

Alex shrugged, "I know, just think of it as a thank you for inviting me out here, I guess."

"Well thanks then, but I wanted you out here. You don't owe me anything," he explained before motioning with his head to start walking. "Since you brought it up. I should probably show you where you're going to be staying. I mentioned it was above the bar, right?"

"I don't think so. Should I be worried?"

Gabe shook his head. "Nah, I work at the bar. I'm pretty certain I can even get you a job there. Which works out because now I can keep an eye on you when you come and go. Gotta make sure your not bringing home any weird dudes."

"Gabe the guard dog," Alex joked as Gabe nudged her arm with his elbow. "You won't have to worry though, I don't plan on bringing any guys home."

"That applies to girls too, whatever floats your boat. I'm not one to judge," he said putting his hands up in surrender. Alex rolled her eyes at his antics, but decided to stay silent as they approached the tavern. She wasn't quite sure if she was ready for him to know where her preferences lied.

He briefly introduced her to Jed who was busy with a customer. Not wanting Alex to wait around with while still lugging around the bag she arrived with, he figured he'd save a proper introduction for later. Leading her up the stairs he unlocked the apartment door and pushed it open before standing to the side and letting her enter.

"Uh, wow," Alex said as she entered and Gabe closed the door behind them. "This place is a lot bigger than I thought it would be. Do you have this whole floor to yourself?"

"Yep," Gabe confirmed as he walked past her. "Best part is you can get on the roof up those stairs, that is my favorite place, it's really peaceful," he explained before stopping in the middle of the room and turning to face his sister again. "So what do you think?"

"It's great," Alex said still taking in all of Gabe's things scattered around the apartment. She had sometimes wondered what Gabe would turn out like throughout her time away from him. Somehow seeing his apartment just kind of made sense to her. He, in many ways, was exactly how Alex had imagined an older version of him. There was one thing that stuck out to her though as she looked around the place. "Where should I put my stuff? I only see one bed."

"Well, I guess it's time for my gift then," Gabe said sort of nervous to say it. He didn't want Alex to feel like he was abandoning her right when she got here. "I won't be staying here with you. This entire place is yours. I'll be close by, I'm going to be moving in with Charlotte," Gabe explained trying to gauge his sister's reaction to the news. "Now before you say anything, we've been talking about moving in with each other for awhile and this just seemed like a good opportunity. I've already talked to Jed, he's cool with it being rent free for a month or two, but you'll need to get a job."

"Wait," Alex said still processing what Gabe had just said. "So, this place is mine. . .? Like, I live here alone? You're not messing with me are you?"

"Nope," Gabe said as he approached Alex. "This place is all yours. I wanted to make sure you had a place to call your own when you got here. I also wanted to make sure you felt welcome here. You're not forcing me out and I will be right down the street. I do want to move in with Charlotte. That said, if you need anything, just call me or come over."

Alex looked at her brother for a moment, she could see the purple aura around him. She could feel that he was worried she wouldn't like it. "Uh, wow. I don't know what to say," Alex finally spoke. She decided actions might be better right now and gave Gabe a big hug. "Thank you, Gabe. Not just for this, but for everything."

"No sweat," he replied giving her a few pats on the back before letting her go and watching her explore her new place. She dropped her bag near the bed and began looking closer at the things Gabe had still spread out around the room.

"I've never had a place of my own," Alex said as she went over to a window and looked down to the street. "Seriously, thank you Gabe."

Gabe just smiled and waved a hand at her as if it was no big deal. He was happy Alex liked the apartment. He was just glad she was here in the first place. He had been so worried about reaching out to Alex, so worried that she might hate him, but it was worth it now. "I'm glad you like it. My shift is about to start though, so I'm going to head downstairs. You take your time up here, relax, feel the place out, do whatever you want. When you're ready, come downstairs and I'll properly introduce you to Jed. Oh and before I forget. I've been waiting to say this ever since we first got in contact again. Welcome home, Alex."

Alex smiled at his comment as he turned and left the apartment. She was so happy she almost felt like crying, which caused her to chuckle. She couldn't remember a time where she felt like this before. A part of her wondered if she would wake up tomorrow and realize this was all a dream. That would be more akin to the cruel reality she called generally called life.

She shook the thought from her head before turning away from the window she had been looking out of and glancing around the apartment one more time. She couldn't help the smile on her lips, for the first time in as long as she could remember she was home, whatever that meant. She figured she'd have plenty of time to figure it out.

An hour or two later. . .

Steph - "Gabe, I met this chick today at the record store."

Gabe - "Steph, those are called customers."

Steph - "..."

Gabe - "lol. Sry, so you met a girl today? You going on a date or something?"

Steph - "God I wish, she was... idk. I'll be at the bar soon. I will tell you about her then. I'm not gonna be there long though. Got some LARP prep."

Gabe - "nerd"

Steph stuffed her phone into her pocket as she left the record store and locked the door. After helping Eleanor she came back to relieve Ryan of his duties and finish up a few remaining tasks before shutting down for the day.

As she made her way to the black lantern that girl crossed her mind again. Steph hadn't seen her before, which was kind of odd for this town. She didn't look like a camper that had decided to visit town either, they usually had a look to them. This girl had a look all her own and look didn't look like the camping type.

Pushing open the door to the Black Lantern Steph grabbed a seat at the bar and drummed her fingers against the bar top for a minute until Gabe came over and set a drink down in front of her. They had been friends long enough now that Gabe knew what she got. He glanced around the bar quick to see if anyone was looking for his attention. Seeing as though every seemed happy at the moment he leaned against the bar in front of Steph. She had an excited look on her face whether she realized it or not. "Alright, so tell me about this girl you met at the record store."

"Black hair, cute glasses, and she's a little shorter than me. Oh man she is so hot, but in a kind of nerdy way. I don't know how to to put it," Steph said remembering all the details of the mystery girl. "She was trying to get Valkyrie off the waiting list. I went out and talked to her and I don't know, dude. There was just something about her, I can't say what it is, she has been on my mind ever since I met her."

Gabe chuckled at Steph, she probably didn't realize that her calm, cool, and collected demeanor was no where to be seen right now. He definitely knew she was talking about his sister though. Not that he doubted Ryan, but this just confirmed it. Steph flirting with a girl wasn't anything new though. He wasn't sure about Alex though, he had no idea what type of person she had become since they were last together.

"This sounds dumb, but you ever see someone and just... I don't know, know they are different?" Steph asked as Gabe snapped out of this thoughts and thought about it a moment before shrugging.

"I guess Charlotte maybe. . .? You sure you're not like this because it's been awhile?"

Steph looked at him deadpan for a moment.

"I meant since you've met a girl you were interested in. Get your mind out of the gutter."

Steph glanced to her right to see if the people near had overheard, but they weren't paying any attention to her or Gabe. "Maybe," Steph admitted with a shrug before taking a drink. Gabe had a point, it had been awhile, her dating app wasn't helping anything. His point wasn't enough to convince her that something felt different with this girl though. "I don't know. I've been on dates with girls that haven't left an impression like this and I met her for like two minutes."

"Never took you for a love at first sight kind of person," Gabe said before pushing himself off the bar he was leaning against. There was a customer that had waved a hand towards him, so he went to get them another drink.

It gave Steph a moment to take a drink herself and think about it. Love at first sight was something she didn't believe in, at least she thought she didn't. Maybe this was just an unusually strong attraction? She wasn't sure, all she knew was that she hoped to see this girl again. No, she needed to see her again. Even if their introduction was incredibly brief, she had grabbed Steph's full attention.

"Sorry about that," Gabe said returning to where Steph was sitting. "So, what's this girls name?"

"Her name is. . ." Steph stopped, her name not coming to mind. She remembered saying her name and shaking her hand. She remembered Ryan interrupting, she remembered the phone call, but she never remembered getting her name. "Oh, fuck."

Gabe raised an eyebrow at her curiously as Steph thought through everything. It didn't take long for him to realize Steph had no idea. "Wait, you're crushing on this chick and you don't even know her name?"

Steph buried her face in her hands as she mentally kicked herself. She thought over the whole meeting with this girl and all she could seem to remember is how cute she was. "Gabe, I fucked up so bad," she finally admitted never lifting her head. "Fuck, what if I don't see her again?"

Gabe smiled, he obviously knew that wouldn't be a problem, but Steph had no idea. "Don't freak out just yet. Besides, it's not like you even know her yet, I still think you're probably blowing this out of proportion."

Steph remained silent as she thought about it. She had to admit to herself that she was acting out of the ordinary over a girl she didn't even really know. She hadn't really lost anything at this point, she didn't even know the girls name after all.

"I hate that you're right," Steph sighed as she dropped her hand from her face. She grabbed her phone and checked the time. She had wanted to stay longer, but this was only supposed to be a brief visit, just to get all this off her chest. "Well, if you see her, let her know she should stop by the record store tomorrow. Unfortunately, I have some LARP preparation to do."

"Got it. Go to the record store. There is a super nerd who might be looking for you. I think I can handle that," Gabe said with a nod of his head.

Steph groaned even though she knew he was joking. "Please don't scare her away before I get the chance to talk to her."

"I'm messing around, I'll send every girl with black hair and glasses your way."

Steph stared at him a moment before sighing. "I hate you sometimes," she said with a shake of her head before stand from her bar stool. "Thanks though, seriously."

Gabe watched her leave before looking at the stairs leading up to Alex's apartment. He was kind of surprised she hadn't come downstairs yet. At the same time he was really happy she hadn't yet. It would have completely ruined his fun.

Gabe - "Dude, Steph is crushing on my sister hard. She has no idea Alex is my sister."

Ryan - "Got it, mess with Steph while we can."