Chapter Text
Given the universe’s natural affinity for the apocalyptic, Steve Harrington rarely found himself in shock anymore. It wasn’t that things didn’t affect him, but more so that he realized that anything can and would happen so it’s best to keep an open mind. As is with all things, there were exceptions to this phenomena.
The two most shocking things that ever happened to Steve, happened in quick succession of each other, only a few weeks, at most, separating them. Number one: Eddie Munson was alive and well. It took some time, of course, but Steve was grateful for the required CPR lessons he took in order to be a lifeguard. He remembered the desperation, the exhaustion in his bones as Eddie’s head lolled, Dustin’s gasped sobs fueling him to not stop, not until he absolutely had to, not until he was dragged away. He also remembered the stuttered inhale, his new favorite song, that brought light back into his life. Eddie’s eyes fluttered, still shut and unconscious, but breathing. The adrenaline made the details a little fuzzy, but the next thing he could remember, he was on the stained mattress, grasping the back of Dustin’s hoodie in a deep hug. It was all too close for comfort, but the thought that he could have lost them both overwhelmed his senses and he allowed himself, just this one time, to be completely open and vulnerable with just how much he cared for his curly haired pseudo brother.
It took time but the doctors were able to stop the blood loss, replacing it with the only other A negative blood in the group. Steve will never forget the fearful squeak Robin made as they pulled out the needle, but she presented her arm with a determined expression. Now they joked about how they were officially blood related and, despite how dorky they sounded, Steve would always smile at the thought. It wasn’t long after the color returned to Eddie’s cheeks and his wounds were stitched up that he decided to return the favor for Steve, muttering something about the importance of mouth to mouth before pressing his lips to Steve’s. It had the opposite effect, leaving Steve completely breathless, but it was a small price to pay for such tenderness. They quickly sorted through the feelings, much to the relief of everyone else, and began a very sturdy relationship within a week of Eddie waking up. Steve was overwhelmed by the support, not bothering to hide their relationship from the kids who simply teased them before moving on. In fact, everyone, down to Murray Bauman, knew about their new relationship, everyone except the Harrington’s.
The second biggest shock in Steve Harrington’s life was coming home from work and finding his parents sitting in the living room. The shock reverberated through him as his bag hit the floor next to his jaw.
“Hello Steven, how was your shift?” His mother had asked without even looking up from her paper.
“Umm…” He trailed off, taking in the scene before him. “It was fine, what are you doing here?”
“We live here, silly.” She sighed. “Do try to keep up, dear, I’m not feeling up to many questions right now.”
“Yeah, no, of course.” He stuttered, looking down at his shoes. “H-hi dad…” His father exhaled deeply, glancing at him with a stern expression before turning the page of the newspaper he was reading. If Steve had spent his whole life waiting for his father to relieve the hunger for attention, he’d have starved when he was young, so this wasn’t new for him. What was new, however, was that two months had passed and they were still at home.
“Steven?” His mother called him while he sat at the table, where he was enjoying a bowl of cereal. “Have you seen the tennis rackets?”
“They should be in the box in the downstairs hallway…” He glanced in her direction,brows furrowed in confusion. “But mom the tennis courts are going to be closed, after the earthquake, that is. It did a good amount of damage, a lot of people didn’t survive.”
“Not at the country club.” She scoffed, tightening her visor. “The better half always prevails.” The disgust rolled in his gut like hot oil. The better half. Meanwhile, his better half sat well below the wealth line and somehow had a much richer life than anyone he'd ever met. “You should really join us.” Her smile was artificially sweet, much like the Arnold Palmers they enjoyed sipping.
“I don’t think so, Mom.” He sighed, noting the crinkling in her brow. She wasn’t pleased. “I’ve just never been good at tennis.”
“Well that’s certainly true.” She chuckled. “Still, it might help with…” She gestured to his torso. “You’ve really been letting yourself go since the last time we saw you.” There it was. He hated the way his ears burned with the rest of his face as he looked down at the floor. “Nothing to be too ashamed of, Steven, we all require some temple maintenance to keep trim, some more than others of course, but you’ll get there eventually. You just need to focus on a stricter exercise regiment and more importantly, you need to eat less.” With that she pulled the bowl of cereal away from him. So much for breakfast.
He really hated himself for how much it bothered him. He knew that with his parents, humiliation came, but they were still his parents so they were obligated to be honest with him, right? Maybe he really did need to lose a few pounds, especially if he wanted to keep someone like Eddie interested. The thought of the man lifted his spirits slightly, and even though he felt absolutely hideous, he wanted to see him. He waited, of course, until after his parents left before he rushed out the door to his boyfriend’s.
***
The seatbelt was going to be the death of Steve. He could feel it against his stomach and all he could think about was how disgusting he was. He forced himself to calm down, thinking only of Eddie’s warm smile as a reprieve. Eddie was so pretty. He was lithe and flowy with his movements, exaggerated expressions driving Steve absolutely wild. He was in deep, dare he say, love . He let out a shaky breath as he pulled into the trailer park, smirking at the little flower garden that the older ladies in the community had planted when Max and Eddie came home from the hospital. It was nice to see people that cared for the ‘troubled youth’ especially after the half baked cover up the government came up with for Eddie.It wasn’t the communitywide apology that Eddie deserved, but it was a symbol that he was welcome back in his home, and that’s what mattered most to him.
Wayne Munson was elbow deep in the hood of his truck as Steve slid out of his seat, the sound of his car door shutting rousing the older man’s attention.
“Morning Mr. Munson!” He called to him with a wave.
“Morning Steve.” The gruff voice called back. “Come here for a minute.” Steve obliged, walking over to the truck.
“Wanna learn how to change a spark plug?” The older man smirked, noticing the pristine white shirt that Steve had on. “Unless you’re scared of getting a little dirty.”
“Challenge accepted, Mr. Munson.” He chuckled.
“Son, you spend enough time over here to call me Wayne.” He clapped his shoulder with a smile. “Besides, only cops call me Mr. Munson, you ain’t working for the feds, right?”
“What kind of a guy do you take me for, Wayne?” He laughed.
“To be fair, Steve, that’s exactly what a fed would say.” With that the lesson began. Changing spark plugs soon turned to changing a tire and the oil. By the time he was done, he had a black smudge across his forehead and a grin on his face. Was this how kids bonded with their dad’s? “Shit, I’m lucky to have you around, Eddie never helps with this stuff.”
“And risk my calluses?” Eddie’s warm tone crooned from the window of the trailer. “Not likely Old Man.” Wayne rolled his eyes as he laughed, muttering something about primadonnas as the door to the trailer swung open, revealing the sleepy eyed Eddie Munson. Steve was instantly enveloped by him, his senses overwhelmed in the best of ways, as he wrapped his arms around him from behind. Steve could already feel the waves of stress dissipating.
“Morning.” He smiled as Eddie nuzzled into his neck from over his shoulder.
“It’s like noon.” Eddie whispered, breath hot in Steve’s ear. “You stink.” He let go of Steve with a grimace, laughing as he noticed the grease stain on his forehead. “Jesus Wayne, you putting him to work?”
“Some people appreciate the value of honest work.” Wayne sent a pointed glare at his nephew. Eddie placed a hand on his chest, fake pain evident in his drastic expression.
“Shamed? In my own home? And to think you were my favorite Uncle.” Eddie’s eyes shined playfully.
“I could send you to your Uncle Al’s if you prefer.” Wayne and Eddie burst into simultaneous laughter, clearly an inside joke that Steve was out of the loop for. It didn’t bother him, he knew he was intruding on their life not vice versa, he just didn’t know what that kinda thing felt like, besides with Robin but they tended to explain their inside jokes to anyone that asked.
“Seriously though, you can use the shower.” Eddie pinched his nose as he shoved Steve toward the door of the trailer. “I’m stealing him back now!” He called over his shoulder.
“Thanks for teaching me about your truck!” Steve shouted quickly as Eddie pulled him into the kitchenette, the door shutting behind him hard enough to make the mug collection rattle. Eddie giggled manically as they entered his room.
“I'm so happy you’re here.” He smiled, planting a gentle kiss to Steve’s lips. “Sorry he kinda bombarded you, but if it’s any consolation, he likes you!” Steve couldn’t help the warmth that bubbled up in his chest. Eddie had a way of making him feel like the most special person in the world and that was exactly what he needed. He returned the kiss, meaning for it to be soft and chaste, but Eddie gripped the back of his head as he deepened the kiss with a moan.
“I was promised a shower.” Steve smirked as he broke the passionate moment, noting the disappointment on his boyfriend’s face before it was replaced with something new.
“Well…” He glanced mischievously towards the bathroom. “I also need a shower, so we could save some water ?” He winked. Steve wanted to want that so desperately, but the idea of Eddie, in all his glory, next to him… it made his stomach go cold. He came here to escape his parents and yet the grip his mother had on him made him feel like he was nine again. “Orrrr not…” Eddie drew out, releasing Steve from his grip as he threw himself on his bed.
“Eddie…” Steve whined, making a face. “Are you mad?”
“No, no, Babe, of course not.” He sighed. Steve stayed silent which drew Eddie’s eyes to him. He could tell that Steve didn’t believe him. “Love, I’m really not upset. I get it, showering is a very intimate thing and maybe we’re not ready for that.”
“It’s not that…” Steve whispered. “I-I am ready for that, you know, I just… I’m not really feeling it today, another day, absolutely, but I’m just a little in my head today, that’s all.” Eddie’s warm eyes met his and he knew he understood. The older man reached out a hand, squeezing Steve’s gently.
“I understand.” Steve could feel the sincerity. “Are you doing okay? You said you were in your head…”
“Yeah, yeah…” Steve nodded as Eddie got off the bed, laying a hand on his shoulder as he grabbed a towel. He knew Steve was bad at being vulnerable when he was looked at head on, so he busied himself to make him feel more comfortable. “It’s um… my parents are still in town and it doesn’t seem like they’re leaving anytime soon.”
“And how does that make you feel?” Eddie called from inside his closet.
“I don’t know.” Steve sighed at the difficult question. “I always wanted them to be around more, but now I finally enjoy the independence and they smother me.”
“That makes sense.” Eddie hummed, bringing him an old tee shirt. “Now get in so I can snuggle you up after.” He gestured to the shower. Steve smiled, kissing his knuckles before closing the bathroom door.
As the water poured over him, Steve tried not to think of his mother’s words and the way they tore through him. He didn’t think he was unhealthy by any means, eating when he felt hungry, but the more he thought about it, the more pizza nights and ice cream runs popped into his brain. He rinsed his hair quickly before soaping the rest of his body as fast as he could, ready to be out of the hot water and into his lover’s arms again.
***
“You’re awfully quiet.” Eddie murmured, his voice echoing through his chest, which Steve’s head was resting on. After Steve had gotten out of the shower, Eddie took his and then they laid together in soft, smelly good bliss on Eddie’s flannel sheets. Steve hummed in agreement, eyes fluttering shut as Eddie ran a hand through his hair. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Yeah, I’m feeling a lot better.” Steve’s voice was quiet. “Just sleepy.” It was the perfect time for a nap, nestled together and warm but not too warm, music that Steve couldn’t begin to name playing softly in the background, light filtering through the red sheet that Eddie used as a curtain. Steve was practically putty in Eddie’s hands when they cuddled like this, especially after he confessed his lifelong lack of affectionate touches that led to the tightest hug Steve had been wrapped into, followed by near constant touching from his very tactile boyfriend. Eddie’s arms squeezed him gently as they shifted into a more laid down position. It was quiet, and just as Steve began to doze off to the feeling of fingers in his hair, his stomach let out a very loud growl. He winced at the volume in the quiet of the room, hoping it would somehow go unnoticed, but when he felt the gentle shakes of Eddie laughing, he knew he was caught. Eddie leaned over, his face upside down in Steve’s point of view, with a playful grin.
“Should’ve told me you were hungry, Princess.” He began to scoot forward, but not before Steve grabbed at his hand.
“No!” His yelp was too desperate, he could tell from Eddie’s brows. “No… I’m okay, really. I’m barely hungry.”
“Stevie, it’s fine.” He chuckled. “We kinda dozed through lunch so I’m kinda hungry myself, but Steve, you don’t have to worry about like… I don’t know, being a burden here? We have a lot of food and what we have, we have to share, so don’t feel like you can’t eat here in some weird act of charity. I want you to be comfortable, okay?” Eddie’s eyes were so sincere and full of love and Steve could feel the swell of emotion in his throat. Hopefully that’d be the only thing he’d swallow down.
“Don’t worry about that, Eds.” Steve smiled. “I feel more comfortable here than anywhere else, it’s just that I already had a lot to eat this morning so I probably shouldn’t have a huge lunch.” It was a partial lie, but he knew Eddie wouldn’t let him get away with no breakfast and no lunch.
“If I’m out of line, tell me, but babe,” Eddie grasped his hand. “If you’re hungry you need to eat, okay? It doesn’t matter if you had a whole buffet for breakfast, if your body is telling you to have lunch, you shouldn’t ignore it. Is food something you struggle with? If that’s too personal of a question you don’t have to answer, of course, I just want to ask on the off chance that you want to tell me.”
“It’s not a food issue…” Steve grimaced, picking at the edge of his shirt with the hand Eddie wasn’t holding. “It’s more of a ‘I’m getting fat and need to cut back’ issue.” Steve watched anger pass over Eddie’s face, so he tried to pull his hand away, but found it caught in Eddie’s fingers.
“Did someone tell you that?” Eddie’s voice was a soft whisper, like he was horrified, maybe he finally noticed now that Steve pointed it out.
“It’s not a big deal.” Steve sighed. “I was just talking to my mom this morning and she mentioned that I was a little out of shape an-”
“I literally hate your fucking mother.” Eddie seethed, running a hand over his face. “Why the fuck would she say that?”
“Because she’s my mom, so she’s obligated to be honest and tell me that kinda stuff.” Steve shrugged. “Which I’m glad she did because I didn’t really notice before she said something, but she’s right.”
“Sunshine.” Eddie’s voice wavered. “She’s definitely not right. You’re stunning. Period. No matter what size you wear, or the number on the scale, you’re stunning. If you’re skinny, you’re skinny and stunning. If you’re fat, which you’re not, but if you were you would be fat and stunning. It’s not a bad thing babe. You are the most beautiful person I’ve ever met and your body, while it’s a gorgeous body that I can’t wait to explore, it’s only like 1% of what I love about you. Please, if you think your mom is obligated to be honest, then your boyfriend definitely is too.” Eddie never broke eye contact and Steve fell head over heels in love. There was nothing quite like Eddie Munson.
“God I love you.” Steve threw himself at Eddie, peppering his jaw with kisses.
“I love you more.” Eddie smiled before pulling him up and walking into the kitchen. “Sandwiches okay?”
“Sandwiches sound great.”
***
“Ithaca? Is he nuts, that’s like a ten hour drive?” Robin scowled as she reorganized the comedies.
“Well it’s like a four hour flight, which he’d definitely spring for. He doesn’t drive anywhere that he could fly to. It makes him feel like a big important person.” Steve sighed as he closed a vhs case, making sure the tape was rewinded before adding it to the ‘go back’ pile.
“Still, four hours is a long flight away from everything you know.”She popped the gum she was chewing. “And to be an intern no less. A glorified coffee stooge, no offense, at best.”
“Well it’s for his company, so I’d start off as a sort of warehouse apprentice, learning under the guy in charge so that my dad can hold it over my head for all eternity that I’d never be successful without him.” He rolled his eyes as he grabbed the stack, carrying a few into the romance section. “I mean it’s technically my choice, so obviously fuck that, but I’m just ready for them to leave like they always have. You can’t be gone for the better part of a decade and a half and then expect me to be the person that you ‘raised’ me to be.” His shoulders were stiff with tension, the stress of homelife getting worse each day. It had now been three months. Three months of constant scrutiny and judgment that left his head cloudy and heavy until he could sneak away to his boyfriend.
Was it healthy being this codependent? Probably not, but Steve knew he had many unhealthy coping methods that he was leaving unchecked, so what’s one more.
“Well if it’s any consolation…” Robin squinted at him, before biting her lip. “Shit, I actually have nothing.” He couldn’t help the snicker that escaped him.
“And to think that I was in love with you once.” He wrinkled his nose at the thought, it just felt like a weird alternate universe. “My standards have been raised at least.”
“Have you seen Nancy?” Robin whipped around to him. “No offense to you or your lover …” She rolled the R. “But Eddie is definitely below Nance.”
“That’s new.” He could’ve sworn he saw a little blush on her freckled cheeks. “Are you an official Eddie Basher now or just a Nancy supporter?”
“We made friends after talking more,” Robin sighed. “She’s not what you think she is, in the most respectful way I can say that, but there’s a lot you didn’t see. She’s deep and interesting and-”
“Fucking hell Rob.” Steve whipped around to her. “Do not tell me…”
“Steve.” She groaned, looking at the floor.
“You are into Nance, aren’t you?” He pointed his finger at her in accusation.
“Hypothetical situation, entirely I promise.” She crossed her heart. “But if you had a lesbian best friend that wanted to date your ex girlfriend, does that count as breaking bro code?”
“It’s not-” He ran a hand through his hair, trying to put words to the emotions he was processing. “Look I’m not mad, I’m a little shell shocked to be honest, but I also can return the sentiment to you and say that you also don’t know everything about Nancy.”
“I know things didn’t end on the best foot for you guys, but to be fair, you guys were both completely different people then.” She walked over and settled against the counter next to him.
“I know I sucked back then, Robin, people don’t like to let me forget it.” He pinched his eyes in annoyance. “Does that justify it though?”
“Steve, I don’t think you’re understanding what I’m trying to say.” She looked at him with a sad expression, noticing the defensive stance.
“I don’t think you’re understanding how much she hurt me.” He snapped. “She said things to me that really bothered me and people told me to suck it up. I’m so sick of only being seen for shit I did years ago while everyone else gets to redeem themselves. I’m not against you guys being together, if that’s what you both want, I just don’t want the same thing to happen to you, okay? I care too much about you to watch you go through that.”
“Steve,” She made a face. “You better give me a fucking hug, now. I’m sorry that I was pushing it, and obviously I’m going to be careful, I mean I don’t even know if she’s into women. At the very least she likes effeminate boys.” She nudged him. “But I’m also a big girl, not one of the kids you babysit, I want to make that clear. You don’t need to keep an eye out for me. I appreciate it, but it’s not needed, capiche?”
“Capiche.” He sighed as she pulled him into a light hug. “Do you feel like sushi for dinner?”
“You hate sushi.” She frowned.
“Yeah but you love it.” He flicked her shoulder. “So does Eddie, the traitor.”
“I think you should have something that you like for dinner.” She rolled her eyes. “And that you should take Eddie out for a little date to get rid of this heavy energy you’re carrying around.”
“What about you though? Not that it doesn’t sound nice, but we normally do Fridays.”
“I’m sure my mom will enjoy seeing me home an extra night this week, don’t worry about me.” She waved off his concern. “As for Eddie, take him to the drive in and go to that little diner that’s right off Lincoln. The one that sells maple lemonade and those fries you like.”
“Fine, I’ll take my boyfriend out for a date.” He sighed, pretending to be put out. Once they finished closing, he made a plan for the night. He was going to stop at home and change, pick up some flowers, and surprise Eddie at his trailer and invite him out for dinner and a movie, then they’d pick up some takeout from the diner and go to the drive-in where they’d make a nest in the back of Eddie’s van. Perfection.
***
“For fucks sake Steven!” His father’s fist slammed down on the table, rattling the glass of brandy that he’d been nursing. “I know you’re stupid but this is a step too far.”
“I’m not stupid, Dad.” Steve muttered, crossing his arms. Deciding to tell his dad that he wasn’t going to take the internship wasn’t in the plans for the evening, but he didn’t exactly have a choice. His parents cornered him upon him changing out of his work clothes and coming down the stairs.
“Speak up, dear, mumbling is unbecoming.” His mother chipped in unhelpfully.
“The idea that you would throw away your life without a plan is incredibly disrespectful.” His dad glared at him, Steve’s eyes falling to the floor. “I’ve invested so much in you and you’ve squandered it into such… uselessness.” It hurt, honestly, more than he expected. He had always felt his increasing ineptitude but to hear his father put it so bluntly? To be given the knowledge that he was a failed investment, nothing more than an object his father wasted money on? Devastating.
“I-I have a plan, it’s just…” He trailed off, feeling the tension rising as he dared speak his mind.
“Speak up!” His mom snapped.
“Just because it’s not your plan, it doesn’t mean I don’t have one.” In for the penny, in for the pound. “I want to teach or maybe be a guidance counselor. I feel really in touch with my passion when I’m guiding the kids I babysit. It just feels right… I’m sorry that you feel like I’m letting you down by not taking this internship, but I have to trust myself.”
“You will never make it in this world.” His father sneered. “Teaching is women's work, even if you were bright enough for it I wouldn’t approve. You are my greatest disappointment and regret. A washed up, spoiled little brat that no one can stand to be around.”
“That’s not fair-”
“Why do you think we left so often? For our health?” Steve’s dad whipped around to him. “You were so needy and affectionate, like having a daughter only worse, and the constant chattering about the most mundane things. Remember how much he talked, dear?” He turned to Steve’s mother.
“Constantly.” She nodded. “About the strangest things too, science projects and history lessons. We needed an escape and our jobs offered the perfect opportunity.” Once upon a time, Steve was a nerd, but the constant lack of attention led him astray from the things he enjoyed, only ever getting a glance in his direction when he would talk about beating the other kids at basketball at recess.
“So why stay now?” Steve’s voice was thready, his stomach in his throat. It was too much.
“This is our home.” His father shifted in his seat. “You’re over 18 now, yet you’re in our home because you can’t afford and can’t achieve anything more in life. You don’t get the audacity to ask me what I’m doing in my home.” His voice was a gravely snarl. Steve felt like he was bathing in a pot of boiling water, the threat of boiling over lingering in the edge of his mind. He needed to get out.
“Since I clearly irritate you so much, I’ll get out of your hair. I’m going out with a friend tonight, I have a key so don’t wait up.” He barely processed the hand before it smacked him across the face.
“You are not to ever speak to us like that again.” His mother sank back down in her seat, observing her nail polish to make sure it wasn’t chipped. “After everything we do for you, you want to act like this? It’s because of that rat you associate yourself with. Him and his no good Uncle are on the wrong side of the tracks for you to be spending so much time together, and don’t try to convince me otherwise, I have people watching everywhere. You’re letting that little urchin bend your mind, and I’ve heard some disgusting things about him, aside from the murder charges…” Steve knew exactly what that meant, even if he was still reeling from the slap.
“He’s not-” Steve stammered. “It’s not like that.”
“Ms. Jenkins saw him out with some boy last week.” She wore a smile but it was the smile that monkey’s do when they want to rip your face off. “She couldn’t see the other man very well, it was the back of his head, but she saw him kiss the other man’s cheek and no man would do that if they weren’t… that way.” Steve stood quickly, backing out of the room. Was he running? Maybe, but he needed to get away and clear his head. More importantly, he needed to talk to Eddie because they hadn’t been on a date in a week and a half and when they were, Eddie never kissed his cheek.
***
I’m overreacting. I’m overreacting. I’m overreacting. I AM OVERREACTING . His brain was screaming at him as he made his way to the trailer park. He trusted Eddie, way more than he trusted his parents.He wasn’t about to let them drive a wedge between himself and his desired future. The more he thought about it, the better he actually felt. Eddie knew how Nancy had messed him up, he wouldn’t do the same, he wasn’t that cruel. He saw a flowerstand coming up on the side of the road and decided to buy a bouquet of daisies. Everything was going to be fine, better than fine, in fact, because everything from this point forward was going to go according to plan. Dinner and a movie followed by snuggling under the stars. It was exactly what the doctor ordered.
As he pulled in he could see the tv from the window, playing some old western movie that Wayne adored. The screen door was closed, but the main door was open, allowing a nice breeze to cool the trailer as the sun began to dip beneath the horizon. The sounds of cicadas mixed in with the sound of a gun fight, the smell of a cigarette wafting through the air. It was pure comfort. As he got closer, holding his daisies close to his chest, he heard Eddie’s voice.
“... I don’t know, I just can’t take it anymore.” He sighed, presumably to his Uncle. “Obviously I’m worried because Steve and I both have commitment issues, but I can’t keep pretending that I’m okay with the way things are going just to keep Steve from freaking out.”
“You’re just going to have to rip the bandaid off.” Wayne agreed. Steve felt tears flood his eyes, his heart thundering in his chest as he dropped the flowers and ran back to his car, speeding away before he could be caught.
‘Eddie wants to end things. ’ Was looping through his mind, urging him to drive faster.
***
Mrs. Buckley came to the door rather quickly, perhaps sensing the desperation in Steve’s knocks. “Steve! What a lovely surprise! What brings you out our way tonight?” She asked with a smile.
“Hey Mrs. B.” He plastered a polite fake smile onto his face. “Would you be able to grab Robin for me? I really need to speak with her.”
“Oh did she not tell you?” She looked genuinely surprised. “She’s out at that Japanese restaurant with that Nancy girl from school. They’ve had plans since Tuesday, it’s all we’ve heard about, I’m shocked she forgot to mention it to you, but I’m sure she meant to, she just loses track of things easily. That girl would lose her head if it wasn’t attached.” She rambled. “Anything you want me to pass onto her when she gets home?”
“Um… no…” Steve whispered. “Actually, do you mind not telling her that I came? I want to surprise her.” Giving him her word, Mrs. Buckley closed the door as Steve slipped back into the driver's seat. Robin made plans on Tuesday. It was Friday. She’d known all week and wouldn’t have said anything if Steve hadn’t figured it out, choosing to blow him off instead, choosing Nancy like everyone else.
His body felt numb but simultaneously felt as though a million volts of electricity were coursing through his veins. Eddie wanted to leave him. Robin wanted to leave him. Everyone always just left. Eventually they found someone better, be it a new man in Eddie’s life, or Nancy in Robin’s, they all met the same fate. He was doomed to be stuck on the sideline for all of eternity. Unless.
Hell, he had nothing to lose.
***
The door, unsurprisingly, was locked, so he knocked carefully until he saw a figure approaching through the frosted glass.
“After the scene you caused earlier, what makes you think we’d let you stay in our home?” His father hissed, causing Steve to shrink in on himself. “Explain yourself.”
“I want to do it.” Steve knew he was signing a lifelong contract, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. “I want to take the internship.”
“Why should I trust you now?”
“I wasn’t ready before, I was weak and stupid, but I’m here now and I’m willing to put in the effort if you give me a chance.” Steve breathed deeply, the release shaky.
“Don’t make me regret this.” His father muttered before stepping aside and allowing Steve back into the home. “We leave on Monday.”