"Are you sure that you're ready for this, honey?"

Steve nodded as Joyce watched him from the other side of the mirror, her hands reaching for him but then pulling away, as if she wanted to help him. Steve didn't comment on it, not wanting to make this whole situation stranger, and took the Farrah Fawcett spray, putting four puffs into his hair.

"It'll be fine, Mrs. Byers. Hopper already proclaimed Robin and I alive again, and Dustin really wants to hang out with me. I do too, honestly."

"I know, but…could you hang out here? I don't feel comfortable letting you out into the town yet." Joyce said, crossing her arms nervously.

He turned to her, her concerned yet kind eyes boring into his, a motherly look that Steve still hadn't gotten used to, and he looked away.

"I can hide my powers. It's easy, and I honestly want to get away for a bit. No offense, I just feel cooped up."

"I'm not worried about your powers, I trust you, Steve. I'm just worried about you having a panic attack or something."

"I won't have one, and if I do, I'll adapt to stop it. I'm sure my body won't want to have a breakdown in public. My powers are neat that way."

Joyce reached out and took his hand, her gentle touch making him feel like he said something wrong.

"Honey. That's exactly what we want to avoid. You need to feel things, you need to experience these things instead of pushing it down. Your powers are useful in many ways, but that isn't one of them."

Steve went silent for a moment, not even thinking about that. Was it the same principle as everyone saying that men should cry, even though his father told him that he shouldn't? Was it the same idea? He didn't really know what to think of that. He didn't even know what to say about it.

"I probably won't have a panic attack, and if I do I'll have Henderson call home for me."

Joyce smiled softly, no doubt about the fact that he referred to her house as a home, and he smiled back.

"Okay. But be careful."

"I will."

With a quick hug shared between them, he made his way to the front door, grabbed his keys and shoes, and gave Jonathan a wave goodbye. Jonathan waved back hesitantly, and turned back to the book that he was reading.

Steve didn't waste a second getting into his car and driving off, thankful that he was finally back in his car. Things were finally beginning to feel normal. His hands gripped the steering wheel familiarly, the way the engine roared as he drove was like music in his ears, and he felt good, like everything was working out, but it was, wasn't it?

He was calling Robin every day that he didn't see her, and she was doing better than ever. El had been helping her train, teaching Robin how to hone and control her powers to the point that Robin wouldn't get too overwhelmed, and could handle the stream of emotions and thoughts that she experienced every day.

Steve was still living with the Byers, and probably will be for the near future, and was getting used to living normal life again. Today was the first day that he did his whole hair routine again, Hopper being kind enough to buy him the products for it, and yesterday he had gotten some of his old clothes back. They were a lot better than the clothes that he was borrowing from Hopper, Jonathan, and the one set that he still had from Tom. Wearing his own clothes made him feel more like himself. For the first time in forever, he felt human. The tattoo on his wrist didn't burn like fire whenever he thought of it, and he was thankful.

It didn't take too long for him to drive up to the Henderson's place, where Dustin and his mom were waiting outside, the older woman brightening up as soon as she saw his car. He didn't waste a second climbing out, and was immediately pulled into a big hug.

"Oh, Steve, sweetie, it's so good to have you back! We were all so worried about you!" Mrs. Henderson exclaimed, kissing his cheek with a motherly affection, and Steve laughed.

"It's really good to be back, Mrs. Henderson."

"You have to come over sometime for supper, Steve, to start making up for the months that you were gone!" She said, pulling away reluctantly. "I will make your favorite, I promise."

"Whatever you make is my favorite, and yes, we should totally do that sometime. As long as I can bring a salad or dessert or something like that."

"Oh, of course, you make the best food."

"Mom!" Dustin groaned. "Can we go now?"

She nodded, giving her son a hug before he rushed into the car.

"Now, the two of you have fun! Stay safe, and look both ways before crossing the street!"

Steve gave her a smile as he climbed back into the driver's seat. "We will!"

As soon as he closed the door, made sure that Dustin was buckled in, and pulled away, Dustin let out a sigh of relief.

"She hasn't stopped talking about seeing you all day. I was beginning to think that she wouldn't let us go."

Steve reached over and ruffled Dustin's hair fondly. "She just cares about people, it's nice."

"At least you don't have to deal with it 24-7." Dustin replied, rolling his eyes, but Steve could still tell that Dustin loved her.

"So, what's the plan?" Steve asked, fumbling with the radio until music came through the speakers. "Milkshakes, movies, arcade?"

"Milkshakes could be good. It's probably been a while since you've had one."

Steve chuckled. "Yup, it has."

"What about a movie? How long has it been since you've seen a movie?"

"I watched one with Joyce and Robin the other night."

"But before that?"

"I…"

He could feel Dustin's eyes on him, and he sighed, instantly knowing what Dustin was trying to do.

"Dude. You're not a very discrete detective. I know what you're up to."

Dustin immediately went on the defensive. "What are you talking about?"

"You're trying to figure out what happened to me!"

"What? No, I'm not!"

"Are too!"

"Are not!"

"Are too!"

Dustin threw his hands up in annoyance. "Fine! Maybe I am, but can you blame me? The cover story Hopper made for the town isn't cutting it, you all told us that it was fake! You're not telling us anything, not even a hint! Of course I want to know!"

Steve sighed, running his hand through his hair. He knew where Dustin was coming from, and he also knew that not knowing was probably really bothering the kid. But, what could he do? He wasn't ready to tell him yet, and he needed to protect him. He just had to help Dusitn see that.

Though, knowing Dustin, it would be really challenging.

"I'm sorry, Dustin, but I can't tell you."

"But you said that you just needed time! It's been two weeks!"

Steve didn't know what to say to that. He knew that he had said those words, right before Hopper and Joyce had found out, but he knew that it may have been a lie. He did need time to get better, to get used to the world around him, living life again, but would any amount of time get rid of his fear?

He would only admit it to Robin, but he was afraid. He was afraid to be seen differently, to be treated like a freak, like a party trick, if anyone else found out about his powers, about who he was. He liked having the number on his wrist and the meaning behind it hidden from the people that he cared about, the kids that he saw as his own. He just wanted to be Steve to them, not Nineteen, not another experiment with powers.

He had a feeling that time wouldn't fix this feeling for him. So, would he ever tell them? Would he ever tell Dustin, even if it was safe?

If only his stupid powers would fix the fear.

"Look, Steve," Dustin said softly, cutting through the silence. "I get it if you don't want to. But how can I help you if I don't know what happened? If something bad is coming to hurt you, if you're still in danger, I have to know. And…"

"And you're curious, as you should be." Steve added, turning into the diner parking lot. He parked the car, yet neither boy made a move to get out.

Dustin waited patiently as Steve struggled to find words to explain what was going through his head, without revealing anything that he didn't want to.

"Dustin, I'm not in danger. At least, I don't think so." He began, and Dustin listened intently.

"And, you being here, being my friend, my brother, helps a lot. Where I was, it was just Robin and I for a bit, and even then we were alone a lot. It's nice to be around people that care about me, that are willing to go and get milkshakes, that have moms that can't stop fussing over me. That's what I need right now. I don't know when I'll be ready to tell everyone what happened, but I promise, when I am, you'll be the first to know."

Dustin nodded solemnly but reluctantly. "Okay."

Steve gave him a small smile, and stepped out of the car, Dustin following suit. Immediately people stared as they entered the building, no doubt shocked that Steve Harringotn was back, despite Hopper's public announcement saying exactly that. Steve chose to ignore them.

It didn't take long for them to find a seat, order their food, which consisted of two milkshakes, one coffee for Steve, and a plate of fries to share. The waitress seemed a bit flustered, asking Steve if he was okay, and the teen slid on an easy smile, reassuring her that he was in the best condition of his life.

She would never know that it was a lie. But was it? He technically was, but in a bad way.

Steve shook the thought out of his head, and turned back to Dustin, who stared out of the window longingly.

"So," Steve said, hoping to break the uncomfortable fog that had hung over them. "Aren't you starting high school this year?"

Dustin nodded, turning back to him, yet refusing to meet his eyes, and took his hat off, running his fingers along the rim.

"Are you excited?"

Dusitn shrugged. "Sort of."

Steve reached over the table and patted his shoulder, giving him what he hoped was a comforting smile.

"You'll do great. You're crazy smart, every class will be a breeze for you. And, if anyone starts bullying you, just pretend like you don't care. That always makes them stop, and take it from a guy who was a bully himself."

"Do you regret it? What you...were?"

"Being a bully? Absolutely. It's something I regret everyday."

Dustin nodded. "Well, I feel like you've made up for it."

Steve shrugged. "Maybe. But, like I said, you'll do fine."

"Thanks. What are you planning on doing?"

"Robin and I are looking for new jobs, but she's going to be starting school, too. She has a lot to catch up on from last year, because of, you know…"

"Where have you looked?"

"Robin was thinking of Family Video."

Dustin laughed. "Really? Family Video? You wouldn't survive a day!"

"Are you kidding? Of course I would!" Steve replied, rolling his eyes, and Dustin shook his head, chuckling.

"You wouldn't. At all. Tell me one movie that you like."

Steve shook his head. "Dude, this is stupid."

"One. Movie."

"Fine! Umm…Star Wars."

"Which one?"

"There's more than one?"

"Yes, Steve! This is classic movie knowledge!"

Steve took a second before responding. "The one with the teddy bears…?"

Dustin sighed loudly, though Steve could tell that it was in a teasing way. "You'd never survive there."

It didn't take long for the waitress to come back with their food, and Dustin dove into the fries, while Steve took his time. Dustin, who seemed to be in a bit better of a mood ever since they had started talking about Star Wars, was now sharing the classes that he was looking forward to, and how his and Suzie's relationship was going, which, apparently, was exceptionally well.

Steve nodded along with a smile, adding his two cents when the time called for it, but he honestly just enjoyed spending time with the boy that he had missed so much. Never did he ever think that after all of the time that had passed, all of the experiments, the needles, the escapes, the pain, the fear…after all of that he would end up here, eating a meal with someone who was basically his little brother. It was nice.

He couldn't ever express how much he missed this. How much he missed Dustin. But he could surely try.

"Hey, Henderson?" Steve said, and Dustin snagged another fry.

"Yeah?"

Steve swallowed. "I…I really missed you, dude."

"I missed you too. A lot." Dustin said, his voice becoming thick with emotion, "I'm really glad to have my big brother back, I didn't think…I thought it was my fault, and if you didn't come back…"

Steve's heart stopped for a second as he heard the words. How could he be so stupid? Of course Dustin would blame himself.

"It wasn't your fault. I promise." Steve said sternly, and he hoped that the young boy sitting in front of him would believe him.

At that moment, the waitress walked by, accidentally hitting Steve's coffee with her elbow. The hot liquid spilled all over his hands, and, at the horrified expression of Dustin and the waitress, he jerked away, feeling the heat for a split second before it faded away. Then he began pretending that he still could feel the heat that was no doubt emitting from the liquid. But he now felt nothing. No pain, no heat, not even the slightest burn.

"Steve, are you okay?"

"Oh, I am so sorry! I'll go get you some ice and some napkins!"

Steve gave her what he hoped was a grateful smile and began wiping his hands with the few napkins we had, Dustin rushing to help him.

"Do you need some water? It spilled right onto your skin!" Dustin exclaimed, and Steve shook his head.

"Ice should be fine, and it wasn't too hot, anyways."

Dustin's eyes widened. "What? No, it was steaming hot when it spilled! How are you not in pain?"

Steve realized that he probably wasn't putting up the best acting job for this. He had to up his game, or else Dustin would suspect something.

"It does! I'm just better at hiding it, but this hurts!"

Dustin didn't look like he believed him, and Steve didn't blame him.

As Steve continued to wring out his hands, shaking off a fake pain that should have been real, occasionally pressing it against the milkshake bottle that should have been cold by wasn't, the waitress came back, apologizing greatly. Steve shook his head, telling her that it was an accident, that he was fine. After the mess had been cleaned, the food eaten, and the milkshakes gone, Steve tossed some money on the table, money that Joyce gave him and told him sternly to spend all of it, and led Dustin out the door. He didn't count it, but he knew that it was enough to cover the meal and the tip.

A cooler wind hit them both as they exited the diner, and Steve closed his eyes, savoring the cold as long as he could before it settled back into the neutral temperature that he always felt.

"Steve? Are you okay? Is it your hands?"

"I'm fine." Steve said, his heart sinking as the cold went away. "Why don't I bring you home, yeah?"

Dustin nodded, worry shining in his eyes, and the two got back into the vehicle again, the heavy silence returning with vengeance. And Steve couldn't help but feel that it was all his fault. He ruined a good day, a good time. He ruined it because he couldn't share what happened to him and was forced to lie, pretending that everything was normal. But Dustin could see through it. He always could.

Steve only hoped that this didn't ruin the relationship he had with the kid that meant the world to him.