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"Steven."
He jumped, whipping around, "[Name]... How, how did you- When did you?"
"You were lost in thought." You smiled up at him, "I'm a little surprised it was that easy to sneak up on you."
Relaxing a little, Steven accepted the to-go cup you were trying to hand over with little fuss.
"Fair warning, it's hot cocoa." You leaned against the nearby railing, "I heard from Klaus that you were holding a little soiree. And from what I understand, that means alcohol. So no caffeine for you, sir."
"And why not?"
"Pretty sure Klaus wouldn't forgive me if you woke up in a ditch," You smirked, "Or in the ER with alcohol poisoning."
Steven chuckled softly, "What kind of light weight do you take me for?"
"The kind who doesn't know the biology of blood vessels and stimulants." You opened the bag in your hand, "But I know you don't like sweets so... Here. A soft-baked pretzel with extra salt."
"You're too kind [Name]." He lifted the large treat from your hands, "Though I have to know, what are you doing out so late? It isn't like you to wander around like this."
"Stood up again." Steven cocked an eyebrow as he resumed leaning against the railing, "Okay, so not really like a ding-dong-ditch situation but like... I just got really bad vibes from the guy."
"In what way?"
"Like he was after something about work." You frowned through a bite of your own pretzel, "It'd be a little more understandable if it were just physical. I'd still have left the guy but that's different."
You were unbothered by Steven looking you up and down as you both stood there in silence, even less bothered when he slipped an arm around your waist. Both of you standing there in a comfortable silence, letting your body heat blend together against the chill night air.
"So what are you doing all the way out here, Steven?" You sipped at your hot cocoa, "Not like you to sneak away from a party, or leave people alone in your apartment."
"I... called off the party due to some... complications." Steven grunted.
"Complications huh? Like some bad vibes?"
Freezing in place, "You're too sharp for your own good you know."
You couldn't help but chuckle softly. It wasn't your fault you and Steven were familiar with one another. Reading him was easier than a picture book. But it came at a price; Steven side eyeing you with the burning intensity of a thousand suns every time you exercised that expertise.
"So you're out to contemplate the meaning of life, the universe, and everything, huh?"
"What are you on about this time?" Steven turned to face you, "What are you referencing this time?"
"Oh nothing." You smirked, "Just figured that the chit chat at your little party must've been dry as dust for you. That you'd need to wander off in the dead of the night just to think over the intricacies of your place in the universe."
"Now you're just mocking me."
"Maybe, maybe not. You'll just have to expand your media diet to figure it out, Mr. Never-Watches-Anything-Modern."
"Maybe you should 'expand your media diet' and watch some classic acting." Steven tugged slightly at your waist, "Instead of the rewrites and remixes."
"Ah, thou doth perceive me to be but a common wench?" You closed your eyes in mock acting, glancing at Steven through one, half opened eye, "Or perchance you crave a more, Shakespearian jab? You haughty, silver-tongued devil."
"Stop that."
"Don't underestimate my ability to annoy you good sir. Unless you want me to start quoting the original Notre Dame de Paris?"
"No, none of that from you." Steven tapped your shoulder with the butt of his cup, "Besides, you don't want to clue Klaus into your teasing, now do you?"
"Might make him laugh though." You mused, "Could stop Zapp from his dumbassedry for a little while."
"Touché." He leaned against you, "Can't say it wouldn't be funny to see."
As much as Steven hated to admit it, he was enjoying cuddling with you. He hadn't really felt this way about anyone, and he was terrified to say anything concrete. Running you off would be the worst thing Steven could do. So he was lucky you were comfortable being close.
His arm loosely wrapped around your waist, leaning practically chest to chest. It was a miracle he didn't nuzzle against you with how softly the two of you were talking. But he would be lying to say it wasn't comforting, being this close, teasing and joking with someone who knew him. Someone he knew he could trust.
"You're a good man Steven."
"Hm? where's this coming from?"
"Just, the way you were holding yourself earlier." You leaned forward on his shoulder, "Like you were trying to keep yourself from unravelling at the seems. Or like Atlas, trying to hold the weight of the world without rest."
"Like Atlas, huh?" Steven adjusted, scooting a little closer, "You sure you don't have me mixed up for Klaus?"
"You both have your impossible tasks. But you are more susceptible to getting down on yourself after a failed social interaction."
"A failed social interaction. I guess you have a point..."
"And you can't let people get to you like Steven." You raised an arm, slinking it around his waist, "Especially those who can be bought and sold for a corn chip."
Steven turned toward you again, eyes wide, "You really are too sharp for your own good [Name]."
"Maybe. Or maybe that's just my survival skill."
Steven cocked his eyebrow again, "Survival skill?"
"We all have our little secret weapons. You should know that better than anyone."
"What do you mean?"
"You're wildly seductive, I read people like books, and Klaus is so earnest he doesn't realize how intimidating he is." You smiled softly, "Its the way the world works. It takes all sorts to make the world after all."
"Yeah, I see what you mean." Steven relaxed against you, "But your skill is probably the most double-edge sword of all of them."
"You think so?"
"Of course. You could also be read if you get too close."
"Says someone who can barely read a cartoon character."
"Hey!"
Steven couldn't help blushing as you snickered at him. This wasn't fair, not only could read him like a book. Not only did you have a unique hold on his heart. But you were the only person he would let get this close without fighting it, without fighting you.
It would have been perfect, had someone not pulled up on the street behind him.