Violet wasn't sure if she should go back to Steve's house or not. It had been over an hour since his dad had seen them and demanded to talk to Steve. He'd promised her that he would be alright, but Violet wasn't entirely convinced that he would be. She knew that Steve's dad could be mean. She knew that he said things that were cruel and harsh and she felt sorry for Steve. Violet just didn't want to get him in trouble. She didn't want him to feel like she'd ruined something for him. Chewing on her bottom lip, Violet kept pacing her room when she had a knock on her door.

"Violet, your boyfriend's here."

She moved to open it and saw her dad stood there with Steve behind him. Donnie had an amused expression on his face. Violet shot a glare at him, but he just chuckled at her and then looked between the two of them.

"This door stays open," he demanded, pointing at the two of them. "And no funny business."

"Dad," Violet complained.

Steve smiled down to his feet, finding the exchange almost adorable. He couldn't quite understand what had happened to Donnie Mattheson, but it was almost like he wasn't the same man who had threatened Steve all those months ago on the driveway. He'd mellowed slightly, but Steve still didn't want to get on his bad side.

"I have nothing but honourable intentions, Mr Mattheson."

Donnie arched a brow. "I'm not convinced, but you can have the benefit of the doubt."

Violet let her dad leave before Steve stepped into her bedroom. She pushed the door to, but didn't close it completely. "Are you alright?" Violet asked and Steve looked at her, seeing the concern on her face and he just nodded at her. He'd changed into jeans and a yellow sweatshirt, hair mussed up on top of his head. He held a hand out to her and this time she didn't look down at his fingers before she took it. Tugging her to him, he bent down and kissed her quickly, the peck short and sweet.

"I'm fine," he assured her. "Dad just warned me about you."

"About me?" Violet checked.

Steve walked her backwards to the edge of her bed. She sat down on the edge of it and Steve sat down with her. He kept her hand in his before leaning back, making himself at home. Violet crossed her legs on the bed, sitting upright but still keeping his hand in hers.

"He thinks that you're dangerous," Steve said. "He thinks that you could lead me astray…being with a tennis star…he's scared you'll either bomb or you'll do well and it will overshadow me. He told me that a man should never be overshadowed by his woman."

"That feels very dated," Violet said.

"I told him the same thing," Steve assured her. "I told him that I wanted you to succeed and I knew you would. I told him that I didn't care about you being more well-known than me. Why would I? I want that for you. He then said I'd just be a First Lady…like I'm not as much of a man because you'll be the star in the relationship…"

"You know that's bullshit, right?" Violet checked. "You're very much still a man, Steve, and if me playing tennis is going to be an issue for your family then I don't want you to get into trouble with them."

"I don't give a shit," Steve promised her.

"Because I wouldn't give it up," Violet said and Steve knew that. She would never give up the one thing that she loved and had seen her through so much. "I mean, I like you, but tennis…it's my life…and being with me probably won't be easy because I can't be the same as other people. I can't ditch practice. I can't spend my every waking minute with you, even though, at the moment, I really, really want to."

"I'd never ask you to do that," Steve said to her. "I know how much this means to you and I would never ask you to risk it. I care far too much about you to ask you to do that."

"I just…I just want you to be sure."

"I'm sure," Steve said and he moved his hand from hers, reaching for her neck and bringing her face down to meet his, kissing her again. "But can we circle back to you saying that you want to spend every waking minute with me?"

"I don't think your ego needs that," Violet assured him and patted his chest. "Anyway, I know it's getting late. Do you want to stay for dinner? Dad's going out and he's said I can order in tonight…we could watch a film…"

"Sounds good," Steve said and, for once, he was much happier staying in than going out.

…

The weekend had been pretty blissful. Steve had stayed late at Violet's house. The two of them had sat on the sofa, pizza open in front of them on the coffee table and horror film on the screen in front of them. Steve could still smell a whiff of chlorine from Violet's hair as she rested against his side. He had an arm around her shoulders and her legs were curled beneath her. Steve was slouched on the sofa, legs stretched in front of him and can of coke on the coffee table. He'd been watching the film, but Violet had soon fallen asleep against him. He didn't wake her until the movie ended and he told her to go to bed and he'd see her the next day. She'd relented, kissing him quickly and letting him out, watching him walk back to his own house.

She headed to her bedroom and was about to close the curtains when she spotted Steve in his bedroom. He'd waved at her and Violet just waved back and closed the curtains, a stupid smile staying on her face until she drifted to sleep.

On the Sunday, she had a steadier practice with her dad before her and Steve had gone for a walk together and then done homework for Monday. Violet drove them to school on the Monday and had parked up, seeing Daisy stood in the distance with Jacob, the two of them by her car. Violet said goodbye to Steve considering he had gym practice. He had just subtly taken hold of her hand, squeezing it to say goodbye before dashing off. The two of them had agreed not to make it obvious that they were a couple in public. He'd only been dating Nancy a week ago and now he was with Violet.

Walking up to her friend, Violet tried not to groan at the smug look on Daisy's face. Jacob had an arm slung over her shoulders. "Well, well, well, look who it is," Daisy said and Violet rolled her eyes. "You think I didn't spot Steve holding your hand. Look at you, you've gone red."

"Jacob, would you mind if I killed your girlfriend?" Violet questioned him and he chuckled as Daisy continued beaming.

"I'd miss her, but it depends how much you pay me to keep quiet," he said and Daisy nudged him in the stomach. He laughed and bent down to kiss the side of her head. "Joking, of course."

"You better be," she warned him.

"Definitely," he said and Violet looked away as the two of them kissed. They pulled apart after a moment and Jacob adjusted his backpack on his shoulder. "I'll let you two get to class. I've got gym."

"Oh, Steve's just headed there," Violet said, motioning over her shoulder with her thumb.

"I'll see if he wants to team up," Jacob said. "See you later."

"Bye."

"Bye, baby," Daisy said and he took off at a jog. Daisy picked her rucksack up from the floor and slipped it onto her shoulders. The two of them started walking at a steady pace towards the main building together, Daisy nudging Violet in her arm. "So…" she drawled.

"So?" Violet asked.

Daisy rolled her eyes. "You playing hard to get with me?" she asked her. "So, how was the weekend? Did you spend it with Steve?"

"Most of it, yeah," Violet said. "He came and watched me at the tennis tournament on Saturday morning."

"You told me when I called you that he'd been. But you were supposed to go on a date with him after that," Daisy said. She had called Violet after the tournament to see how she had gotten on before she had gone on her date with Steve. "Did he take you out?"

"No," Violet said. "He actually…he tried to teach me how to swim in his pool."

Daisy's eyebrows wriggled. "Seriously?" she checked.

"He said that he wanted me to know how to swim because I'd fallen into two pools now and he's had to jump in for me. I reminded him that Carol actually pushed me in once so there was a difference, but he wasn't having it. I know it sounds lame, but it was quite sweet actually."

"He wants you to be able to protect yourself," Daisy said thoughtfully. "I guess that is pretty sweet."

"And we had pizza at mine and watched a film," Violet said. "We went for a walk yesterday and just did homework. We're keeping things quiet for a little while. I mean, this has all happened really quickly and I don't want Nancy to hate me even more than she does. I just…I figured it was for the best not to walk around school together like that."

"I get it, I guess," Daisy said. "And I like Nancy, I think she's great, but you're my best friend and I'll always put you above anyone else. I guess that's why I can't help but be happy for you. You and Steve are good together."

"I like him," Violet confessed. "I mean, he's…I don't know…"

"You don't need to explain," Daisy promised her. "He's obsessed with you. Has he tried anything yet? Holding your hand? Arm round the shoulders?"

Violet knew she was blushing and her friend knew it too. Daisy's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. She stopped walking and Violet looked back to her with a shrug of her shoulders.

"You didn't," Daisy said.

"Yeah," Violet confirmed for her and Daisy let out a shriek at that. "Keep it down."

"You kissed him?" Daisy checked. "Oh my God, on the first date, you hussy," she joked and Violet rolled her eyes and kept on walking to class. Daisy jogged to keep up with her, taking hold of her by the arm. "You're not getting out of giving me details. How? What was it like? Is he a good kisser?"

"It was nice," Violet told her.

Daisy's face fell. "Nice?" she echoed the word. "No. You two have been skirting round how you feel about each other for months. Your first kiss is not just nice."

"Okay, fine," Violet relented. "It was more than nice. We were in the pool and he was trying to get me to swim, but I freaked out and just ended up clinging to him like a limpet and he…we just floated in the pool and he told me that he wanted to kiss me and I was pretty nervous because I've never done that before, but he…well…he kissed me and it was…yeah…it was really good."

"Ugh, that actually sounds pretty hot…making out in a pool."

"We didn't make out. His dad came home early from his trip and found us. I don't think he likes the idea of Steve being with me. He thinks I'll either be a failure and embarrass Steve or if I'm successful then I'll end up making him feel insignificant."

"Bullshit," Daisy said confidently.

"That's what I said," Violet replied.

"And Steve?"

"Told me that could never happen and that he supports me no matter what," Violet said. "And I believe him. I know he's telling the truth because he…well…he's pretty great really. I just don't entirely know about the future if his parents don't like me."

"Don't worry about that," Daisy urged her. "Steve likes you and that's all that counts."

"Yeah, I know."

"I mean, he must like you enough to make out with you."

"Why do I tell you things?"

"Because you love me and who else can you tell?"

"Fair point," Violet conceded and the two of them made their way to biology for first period.

…

Violet had gone back to her car after having final period free and so she'd quickly done a workout and changed. She'd showered briefly, leaving her hair still damp from sweat but figuring she could shower at home. She'd thrown her tennis equipment into the trunk of her car and had stood by it, waiting for Steve to show. Folding her arms over her chest, she looked around as people prepared to go home. She spotted Carol in the distance, ignoring her glare.

"You look lonely. Need some company?"

Violet looked up and saw Billy Hargrove moving towards her. He was wearing a white tee with a denim jacket over it and denim jeans. His hair was pushed back from his face and a cigarette dangled from his lips. Violet watched as he planted himself in front of her and she just folded her arms and cocked her head.

"I quite enjoy being alone. No need to worry about me," she assured him.

"Yeah," he said. "You see, the issue is, I'm not in the habit of letting pretty girls stand by their cars all alone. Never know who might be lurking…it's dangerous out there…"

"Out there, it might be, but here in the parking lot of high school, I think I'm fine," Violet assured him.

Billy chuckled. "They said you were stubborn."

"They?" Violet asked.

"Carol and Tommy," Billy said. "Although, I don't entirely believe what the two of them say after the Halloween party. Figured that wasn't cool. They almost seemed jealous of you."

"They just don't like me," Violet said. "They've had it out for me for a while."

"Trust me," he said, taking a drag of his cigarette. "That's jealousy. I know all about you, the tennis star…so do you wear those short white skirts?"

"Hate to disappoint you, but they're actually skorts," she replied.

"Bet you still look hot though," Billy said to her and he dropped his cigarette to the ground and stamped on it with the heel of his shoe. "And fuck them guys, I think it's pretty impressive what you do. Saw you on the court a few days ago…there's a fire in you. Not sure King Steve is the guy for you. You're too much of a livewire for him."

"And who says I need handling?" Violet questioned. "Or that I'm with Steve?"

She didn't need that rumour getting back to Nancy. But it did hurt Violet. She wanted to be with him. She didn't want to hide it, not really.

"Trust me, girls like you like to be independent, but you still want a man to take control…" he trailed off and stepped towards her. "Dominate you."

Violet just shook her head and folded her arms over her chest. "I hate to disappoint you, but I don't think you know girls as well as you claim to," she told him.

"Want to put that to the test?"

"I'm good," Violet assured him.

It was then when Steve made his appearance. Jogging towards the two of them, he didn't know what Billy wanted with Violet, but he didn't want to stand there and do nothing. And he didn't like the way Hargrove had stepped closer towards her, hands on his hips angled towards her. Steve knew what they'd promised each other. They were taking things steady. But he felt a fire in his stomach and he let it consume him.

Coming up to Violet, he instantly wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Hey, babe," he greeted her, almost making her jump as he seemed to come out of nowhere. He looked to Billy, pretending to a double-take, like he hadn't seen him. "Oh, Hargrove."

"Harrington," Billy replied, smirk still on his face.

"You lost or…?" Steve trailed off and Violet felt the weight of his arm increase.

"I'm right where I need to be," Hargrove promised him and then glanced over to Violet. "Just think about it," he said to her and winked before turning on his heel and leaving. Violet watched the back of him for a moment and then looked to Steve who was still glaring at Billy's back.

"You done?" Violet questioned.

"What did he want?"

"Nothing important," Violet assured him and she moved from under his arm and pulled her trunk open for Steve to chuck his things into. He shut it for her and followed her to the driver's side. He opened the door for her.

"He must've wanted something, Vi," he replied.

"He was just talking shit," Violet said and she slipped into her seat and Steve closed the door. He got into the passenger side, but he wasn't done with the conversation. He quickly shut the door as Violet tugged at the sleeves to the sweatshirt she wore over her mini skirt.

"But what did he say specifically?" Steve pushed her.

"Does it matter?"

"Yes, it matters."

"Okay, fine," Violet relented, putting the key in the ignition but not turning it. "He was talking about how a girl like me should be with a man who knows how to tame her and control her. It was just bullshit…I think he just wanted to annoy me…and maybe annoy you and that clearly worked because you won't stop doing on about it."

"Yeah, because that asshole was flirting with my girl," Steve said and Violet felt a flutter at him referring to her as 'his girl'. "I don't like the way he looks at you, Vi."

"Well, you don't have anything to worry about," Violet promised him. "He's not interested. He just likes getting under people's skins. Besides, I think your possessiveness told him that he's barking up the wrong tree."

"Better have," Steve said.

"And 'babe'? Really?" she asked him.

"So is babe out as a nickname?"

"Do we have to have nicknames?" Violet asked him.

"Terms of endearment then," he tried again.

"Don't think anyone has ever called me anything but my name…or a pain-in-the-ass," Violet confirmed and he smirked at that.

"Well…let's just try and see if one sticks," he told her. "Honey," he tacked on and Violet shot a glare over in his direction. He laughed at her and slid a hand to her thigh, letting it sit there and feeling her shiver. "Besides, is it true what he says?"

"What?"

"You want a man to take control every now and then?"

"When have you ever known me to be anything other than a control freak?" Violet questioned.

"Yeah, but like…you know…some girls like it when guys get possessive and domineering…others don't…you…I'm just trying to figure out what you like."

"I don't know if I like you talking like that. It's like you have prior experience, which I know you do, but I don't want to be like that," Violet said. "And I don't know, Steve, I mean, I like you and I guess that's all I know right now. I don't need you to pretend to be someone you're not for me…but it was pretty hot to see you getting all jealous."

"Really? That did it for you?"

"Did something for me," Violet confirmed.

"Well, I don't really want to get jealous again, but glad there was one upside to Hargrove being here," he said to her and he squeezed her thigh. "But I also don't mind a bossy woman who takes control either…so feel free to drive me home whenever you're ready."

"You gonna take your hand off my leg?"

"I quite like it here," he replied and Violet just shook her head before backing out of the parking lot and driving them both home.

…

"I don't know. I don't see why we have to do this."

"Because she hasn't been at school and I hate conflict," Violet said to Steve as he drove them towards Nancy's house. "I just want to resolve this and tell her I'm sorry."

"I think you might've told her plenty of times, Vi," Steve said, hands steady on the wheel. "I just think she needs time and not us bombarding her."

"I disagree."

"You usually do," Steve muttered and she hit his leg gently. He pulled up outside the Wheeler house and Violet looked at the box of chocolates in her lap. Glancing over to Steve, she saw that he was looking at the house. His eyes flickered back to her and his lips tugged upwards. "I know it sucks, but it will get better. Just trust me, okay?"

"I just…I've never really had friends before and I guess it was new to me, but Nancy really looked out for me and then I do this…go behind her back and fall in love with her boyfriend even though I promised I didn't care about you."

Steve blinked then, hands moving from the wheel and arms folding over his chest. He turned his torso to the side so that he could look at her. "You love me?" he asked from her and Violet realised what she'd just said to him. It had just slipped out. She hadn't meant to say it to him. She definitely hadn't wanted to say it in that context.

"I…I mean…I…" she stammered.

"I love you," Steve told her, not entirely sure if he should be saying that, but he didn't care. He wanted her to know. "I mean, I know it seems premature, but I think I've loved you for a long time now. And I know that's going to freak you out, but it's the truth, Vi. The truth is that I do."

"I love you too," Violet confessed to him and Steve just smiled before leaning towards her, taking her cheek into his hand and kissing her.

Violet closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment before they jumped apart, a banging noise on the window separating them. Steve looked over his shoulder and saw a curly-haired kid stood there who he recognised from school. Steve opened the door to the car and climbed out as Violet did the same.

"Is there a reason why you two are making out outside Wheeler's house?" the kid asked.

Violet recognised him as Dustin Henderson. He was stood there with a blue baseball cap and marron zip-up jacket, a headset on him and a backpack too. Violet walked round to stand next to Steve, box of chocolate cradled against her front.

"Yeah, we do it in the hope that little kids might interrupt us," Steve replied and the kid let out a sarcastic laugh before his face fell flat.

"Are those for Mr and Mrs Wheeler?"

"No," Violet said. "They're for Nancy."

"Good," Dustin said and he snatched the chocolates from Violet's hands.

"Hey," Steve protested, but Dustin was already walking around Steve's car to the passenger side.

"Nancy isn't home."

"And where is she?" Violet asked.

"Doesn't matter," Dustin said, tossing the chocolates onto the back seat. "And we have bigger problems than you two breaking her heart."

Violet guessed that he didn't mean for his words to cut, but they did. Steve moved a hand to the small of Violet's back, trying to offer her some comfort.

"Do you still have that bat?" Dustin asked him.

"The bat?" Steve wondered.

"The one with the nails," Dustin replied.

"Yeah. Why?" Steve wondered.

"I'll explain it on the way," Dustin said and he climbed into the car, closing the door. Violet and Steve exchanged glances between each other.

"What the hell is going on?" Violet asked.

"Your guess is as good as mine," Steve said. "Whatever it is, I bet it's not good."

"Never is," Violet said and Steve went to where Dustin had sat in the front seat. Opening the door, he shook his head at him and pointed to the back. "Move," he demanded from the kid. Dustin frowned.

"You're serious?" he checked.

"Unless you're my girlfriend, you don't get the front seat," Steve told him and Dustin groaned but clambered into the back, letting Violet take the front seat. She sat down and turned around to look at Dustin behind her.

"What's going on?" she asked from him.

"We've got a serious problem," Dustin said.

"What type of problem?" Steve wondered, sitting down and turning around to look at him.

"A problem not from here," he said and Violet knew what that meant and she shook her head. "I'll explain on the way, but we need to go."

"I don't like this," Violet muttered so only Steve could hear her.

"Neither do I," Steve agreed, but they both knew that they were going to do as Dustin had asked them.

…

A/N: Dustin is here! It would be amazing to know what you think of the story so far!