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Steve was being dragged around the mall whilst Robin was looking for a new outfit for them both for her work Christmas party. Robin had recently started a new job at a tattoo parlor as a piercer and had practically begged Steve to come with her to the Christmas party. She said it was for ‘moral support’ since she was still so new to the job, but Steve had a sneaking suspicion that it was also because of a certain curly haired metal head that Robin had mentioned quite a few times. She thought she was being subtle about it, mentioning how he had long brown curly hair, was a nerd who enjoyed Lord of the Rings and Dungeons and Dragons, as well as the fact he was chaotic and confident - basically Steve’s type, or at least his type according to Robin. Steve was adamant he didn't have a type, just because his past couple of partners happened to have a few things in common, it was purely coincidental.
So here he was, being a good best friend and listening to her ramble on about how they both needed new outfits that had to be perfect so they could both make a good impression on her co-workers.
“Robs, you need to take a moment to breathe…we’ve already been into three different stores and you’re still not satisfied” he put his hand out to grab his best friend's arm to slow her down as she was rushing towards yet another store.
Robin finally stopped and turned to look at him, he wasn’t sure why she was so worried about it. From what she had told him, everyone seemed nice and she seemed to get along with them all well. So why did she need to panic so much about a Christmas party where people would probably end up too drunk to even remember anything?
“Look, I just want it to go well and I want them to like you too. You’re the most important person in my life, so please just put up with me dragging you around clothes shopping for a little bit longer.”
Robin was basically pouting at Steve, he rolled his eyes at her and gestured as if to say ‘ lead the way’.
After going in another two stores, Robin found something she deemed worthy enough to wear. It took another store for her to find something she deemed worthy enough for Steve to wear.
***
It was finally the day of the Christmas party and Robin's nerves had rubbed off onto Steve, he suddenly found himself feeling anxious. Not so much about meeting this guy, who according to Robin is a ‘mischievous scamp’, but more so about making sure he doesn’t let his best friend down. He wants to make a good impression for her.
Funnily enough, as Steve was becoming more nervous Robin seemed to be becoming less so.
“Stevie, I’m so sorry I’ve put you into panic mode! It’s going to be fine, honestly they will all love you because you’re amazing!”
“Robin you’re biased, of course you’re gonna say that!”
“Me? Biased? Never! We both know I think you’re a complete dingus” Robin gave her best melodramatic performance, throwing her arms into the air and looking almost disgusted at the implication. Steve couldn’t help but laugh at her and she soon joined him.
He could always count on her to help him feel calmer, almost lighter. She was right, it was going to be fine and he was going to have fun meeting Robin’s new co-workers.
Once they’d finished getting ready and dancing around the apartment whilst singing along obnoxiously loud to Christmas songs, they got in a taxi and made their way to the party. As they entered the building Robin held on tight to Steve’s hand and he gave her a reassuring squeeze.
The parlor had rented out a function room in a bar and it was decorated accordingly. Over the top Christmas decorations hung everywhere they could reach and cheesy Christmas songs were blasting out of the speakers. He even spotted some awful Christmas banners with tattoo puns on them such as ‘Merry Christmas (Tat)too you!’ There was also a table full of festive themed food such as snowmen marshmallows and Christmas tree themed slices of pizza. There was also a bowl of what Steve assumed to be some kind of punch, as well as the bar serving drinks.
Even though the parlor wasn’t that big, there seemed to be quite a few people here for the party. Robin tugged Steve over towards a blonde haired girl who had tinsel wrapped around her ponytail. She immediately lit up when she saw Robin coming towards her.
“Robin! You made it, I’m so happy to see you!”
Robin finally let go of Steve’s hand and returned the hug that the cheery blonde girl was giving her.
“Of course Chris, it’s good to see you too. You, um…you look really nice.”
It was at this point that Steve looked towards his best friend and realized that the blonde girl, who is apparently called Chris, wasn’t the only one happy to see the other. Robin was practically glowing and he definitely took note of the slight blush that spread across her cheeks. It was finally starting to make sense, why she was so nervous about tonight and wanting to find the perfect outfit. His little Buckley had a crush. What Steve didn’t understand is why she hadn’t told him? In fact, he couldn’t recall her mentioning anyone by the name of Chris at all. That would have to be a question for later, when they were alone.
“Hi, I’m Steve.”
He awkwardly held out his hand, feeling as though he was interrupting a moment between them.
“Oh, yeah right…Steve this is Chrissy and Chrissy this is Steve, obviously…I just said that, sorry now I’m just repeating myself.”
Chrissy laughed and held her hand out for Steve and gave him a warm smile, “it’s really nice to meet you Steve, Robin has told us so much about you!”
“All good things I hope.”
Steve returned the warm smile and then excused himself to the bar. Whilst he was waiting to be served he kept glancing back over at Robin. He could tell she was nervous and stumbling over herself but Chrissy was just smiling and placing gentle touches on Robin’s arm. He couldn’t help but smile as he watched his best friend being bashful and attempting to flirt.
“They’re cute aren’t they?”
Steve was startled away from the girls by a voice next to him, he hadn’t even realized anyone had come to stand next to him at the bar.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you sweetheart.”
He turned to his side to see a man around his height, leaning against the bar. He was wearing a leather jacket over what seemed to be some sort of band t-shirt, black skinny jeans and big black boots. His hair was thrown up into a messy bun, and just like Chrissy he had a piece of tinsel wrapped around it. Steve eventually made eye contact with the man, and oh god was that a bad idea. He had the most gorgeous chocolate button eyes Steve has ever seen in his life.
The man lifted up a hand to tug at a loose strand of his hair and tuck it behind his ear and his hand was littered with big chunky silver rings. Steve couldn’t help but swallow, he suddenly was finding it hard to breathe.
“If you keep staring at me like that sweetheart, you’re going to give me a complex” the man chuckled.
Oh right, Steve hadn’t said a word.
“Fuck, sorry…um I, Robin…” he awkwardly gestured back towards the girls, “she’s my best friend, I’m here with her…that’s why I was watching them, like not in a weird way.”
The man looked like he was trying not to laugh, he bit his lip and looked Steve up and down, “so you’re friends with bluejay huh? The name's Eddie, nice to meet ya.”
He stook out his ring covered hand and Steve just stared at it for a moment before he realized he was supposed to be shaking it.
“Right, yeah…I’m Steve, it’s nice to meet you too.”
Eddie grinned at him, eyes wide and he almost looked mischievous…wait, this was that Eddie. The metal head that Robin kept, very unsubtly, mentioning to him. Well fuck, Robin was right and she was going to have a field day about it. He was Steve’s type.