Everyone pretends this is just another plan. Another gate. Another near death situation. But this one feels different. The rift pulses in front of you red, alive. Steve stands at the edge of it, bat in his hand, jacket already scorched at the hem. He looks… calm. Too calm. Robin paces, chewing at her thumbnails. Dustin keeps adjusting his backpack straps like if he stops moving, he’ll fall apart. And you- you’re staring at Steve. He catches you. Of course he does. Steve always does. “Hey,” he says softly, stepping closer. “You okay?” “I should be asking you that,” He smiles, crooked and familiar. The one he saves just for you. “I’ll be better after.” He pauses ”You know. When I get back, I’m taking you on that date I owe you.” You smile up at him softly. “You’re an idiot, Steve Harrington.” “Yeah,” he agrees easily. “But I’m your idiot.” Before you can respond, he steps closer. He leans in, forehead resting against yours for just a second. Not a kiss. Something that feels final. “If I don’t…” His voice drops, rough and quiet. “I’m glad it was you.” Your throat closes around his name. “Steve-” He pulls back before you can say anything else. “Hey.” A beat. His eyes glance at Robin and Dustin. “Take care of them, okay?” Then he turns. Because that’s what Steve does. He decides then he goes. Robin steps forward, eyes shining but unbroken. “I’ll bring him back,” Dustin hesitates, then launches himself at Steve in a quick, fierce hug. “No hero stuff,” he mutters into Steve’s jacket. “Just… come back.” Steve ruffles his hair. “I’ll try, Henderson.” And then they’re gone. One, two figures swallowed by red light and smoke and the sickening sound of the gate sealing behind them. The silence afterward is worse than the noise. It stretches. Suffocates. You don’t realize how quiet it’s gotten until the gate starts to open again. Robin stumbles out first, coughing hard, ash streaked across her face, blood dark at her sleeve. Dustin looks up. Your heart leaps into your throat. “Where is he?” you ask, already moving toward her. “Where’s Steve?” Robin won’t meet your eyes. Dustin’s lip trembles. The world tilts. “No,” you whisper. “No, no-he was right behind you.” Dustin finally shakes his head. Just once. Your knees give out, and you don’t even remember hitting the floor. The concrete is cold, biting through your jeans, but you can’t feel it. He still owes you a date. The gate hums again. Robin stiffens. “Is that supposed to-”* The red light flares. The gate tears open like it’s being forced from the inside. A shape stumbles forward. “Steve?” He collapses out of the rift, hitting the ground hard, coughing. You’re on him instantly, hands shaking as you grab his jacket, his face, anywhere you can touch him to prove he’s real. “You idiot,” you sob. “You absolute-” He laughs weakly, eyes fluttering open. “Guess,” he murmurs, voice barely there, “I still owe you that date.”