Chapter 1: Setting the Scene
Chapter Text
Dustin POV
Monday
Dustin Henderson is excited for his first day of high school. Terrified too, daunted and jittery with nerves, but ultimately excited. And he gets to be excited, because he knows that one Robin Buckley will be his ‘Buddy’ for the first two months of school. (This new buddy system was odd, no one had ever heard about it before, but apparently some schools in Indianapolis had trialled it and it proved to be successful: have a senior classman escort a junior around for the first few days of the school year, and have regular check in for the first few months so that the junior feels supported and won't struggle with the transition to high school.)
Whatever. Dustin didn't have an opinion about it really. He just knew he would get more time with Robin, and that was always a good thing. Now that she was officially one half of Steve. He used to be jealous of Robin - of how close she became with Steve after they started working together and doing everything together short of using each other toothbrushes. But it became pretty apparent that he wasn't being replaced, so he got to genuinely like her.
He mets up with The Party on the ride over to the school. It meant swinging out of their way, unlike the convenient route to the middle school, but it's fine - they've arrived at school together for the past three years, they're not going to stop now. And sure, they also have to take a deviation to pick up Max, but no one (Mike aside) seems to mind.
The rest of the party let Dustin know as they peddle through Hawkins that this new Buddy system is stupid, and it's unfair that he gets to have his Buddy be a senior he spends a lot of time with - his friend he reminds them - and that if they have to be forced to pair up with complete strangers, he should be too. All Dustin can offer is his middle finger with feigned sympathy.
Once they arrive at the high school, they have to sign in at a pop up booth so they can receive a name tag (“Gag me.” Max groans) and some paperwork, that juniors are sure to read closely and not shove into their packs and forget about. Dustin wonders if he should bother to wait with the others, his childhood friends, in their awkward huddle by the table with the other juniors as they wait to be collected by their Buddy. It's a sea of anxiety and tension, and one kid already looks close to tears. But alas, Dustin can see Robin arriving and he is still feeling boastful, so he bids his party adieu and runs off.
“Robs!” Dustin barely restrains himself from hugging her - something he is assured isn't exactly cool - but Robin has no such worries. She slings an arm around his shoulders and pulls him in, turning his cap around on his head.
“Well, if it isn't Henderson.” She hums, like it's a surprise to see him. “My buddy, my pal.”
“In the flesh.”
“Good. Don't want you coming to school without your flesh, that'd be embarrassing.” Robin lets him go, she gives him a once over and nods. “Come on my little rugrat, let's find your locker.”
The hall is still relatively quiet as they look at the number on one of Dustin’s sheets, and look for the corresponding locker. They find it, and Dustin slips his padlock from middle school through the loop.
“There. Claimed.”
“Way to go.” Robin nods, leaning against the locker next to his. “So, what have you got first?”
“Chemistry.” Dustin checks his paper. “Then Home Ec.”
Robin looks up as she thinks. “Okay, you’ll have Mrs Ericson first, she’s nice but I just know you’re going to correct her a lot so just be careful not to piss her off.”
“Noted.” Dustin grins; he will absolutely be correcting his new teacher if she dares make mistakes in one of his best subjects.
Dustin glances around as the hall starts to fill with coupled up students, and annoyed sophomores who are trying to elbow their way through the crowd. Dustin spies Lucas, walking with a senior in a basketball jersey - he looks happy, good. Mike’s tall form can be seen coming from a mile away, and he looks like he’s drowning, and it’s easy to see why. The blonde senior walking with him doesn’t appear to notice Mike's struggles, she’s too busy telling him something. And the girl is stunning. Cheerleader uniform, strawberry blonde ponytail all shiny and bouncy, a 40 watt smile that could light up an entire power grid.
“Wow.” Dustin says as they watch the pair.
“Wow.” Robin agrees. Dustin glances over to see that Robin is also starring. Oh right, lesbian. Anyone Dustin finds attractive, Robin is going to too. Most likely. “That’s Chrissy Cunningham. School royalty, pretty much.”
“Poor Mike.” Dustin looks back at the two of them, stopping not far away to what must be Mike's new locker. Mike is sweating.
“I dunno about poor.” Robin mutters, and stands up straight as a beady eyed junior Dustin remembers from gym last year accesses the locker she was elaning on. Mike laughs at something Chrissy says, and that makes her giggle. “God, she’s…”
“Oooh.” Dustin looks back up at Robin, hearing that forlorn tone of voice. “You’re like, into her, huh?”
“What? Uh, no.” Robin hurriedly looks around, a bit panicked. “I mean. Yes, but don’t advertise it.”
“So, how bad?”
“Huh?”
“How bad is it, is it terminal? Are you like, writing her name on your math homework with little hearts?”
“Dustin, shut up. It’s… she’s in the ‘don’t even think about it’ group, okay? As unattainable as it gets.” Robin sighs, looking at the woman in question again. “Sometimes I think…I - ugh, fine. It’s bad. I burn, I pine, I perish!”
“Of course you do.” Dustin scoffs, crossing his arms. Robin’s theatrics were endearing. “Have you talked to her?”
“Yeah, tons of times. We share like five classes together.”
“And? Is she - like you?” Dustin whispers, and luckily the noise of the students around them is enough that Robin doesn’t seem to mind his subtlety.
“I’m not sure. I think - well, sometimes I think so. But listen.” She sighs, adjusting her bag and looking around again. “Forget about her. She’s got an incredibly uptight mother, and even if we could work something out, it's a widely known fact that she won't date until her best friend does.” Robin sighs forlornly for the third time that day. “Because, you know, she has to be perfect and be a good best friend.”
“Who's the friend?”
Both their attentions are interrupted by a greeting shouted down the hall. Dustin misses the exact words said, but not the way the crowd ripples with the arrival of the owner of the voice; seniors tug their junior buddies to the side, sneering or whispering as the newcomer makes his way down the hall. It’s almost biblical how he seems to part the sea of students. And he looks fucking rad; wild hair longer than most everyone else’s in town, chains hanging from his ripped jeans, demon peaking out of his leather jacket.
“Who is that?” Dustin watches the newcomer walk with enviable confidence towards them.
Robin doesn’t exactly tense, but she seems to brace herself a little bit. “That’s Eddie Munson. He’s… you’d like him. He runs the DnD club, plays in a metal band. Total nerd.”
“That’s sick.” Dustin smiles as Eddie breezes past them, smelling like cigarettes and something else herby that Dustin can’t place. “How is she friends with him?”
Eddie walks up to Chrissy, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. They grin at each other and speak softly, Dustin can’t make out what they’re saying. Mike stares and doesn’t even try to hide it.
“No one knows.” Robin shrugs, watching them as well. “They never used to be that way, but over the summer break things changed. They've had this weird bond ever since. Platonically though, Munson is um… not interested.”
“So, like you and Steve and your weird bond.” Dustin nods, putting it together pretty easily. Robin has a tell when she's talking about another queer, her ears go red and she twitches her nose like a nervous bunny rabbit.
“Huh. Yeah, kinda. I mean - no one is as close as Steve and me.”
“Steve and I.” Dustin rolls his eyes.
Eddie kisses Chrissy's forehrad, before seeming to only now notice Mike. He looks him up and down, says something with a cock of his head and Mike stammers a reply.
“I think…” Robin chews her lips, looking like she's debating if she should continue. “I think she's got stuff going on. Like… things a-at home or, about herself. She used to be really shy and jumpy. Since she got Eddie's attention she's… she's blossomed.”
Dustin winces. “Okay. Now you’re being gross.”
The bell rings. It’s different to the middle school bell, Dustin thinks it sounds worse.
“Shit. Well, I didn’t get to show you anything but meet me back here at lunch?” Robin gives him a smile. Dustin nods.
Eddie steps back from Chrissy and Mike, hand sliding down Chrissy’s shoulder to take her hand. He kisses her hand like she really is royalty and she squeals, shoving him away with a smile. Dustin looks back to catch Robin staring again, he shakes his head. She really was one half of Steve - absolutely hopeless.
Chapter 2: ACT I
Summary:
Robin and Dustin come up with a plan, Robin sets it in motion, and Steve get approached by someone unexpected.
Notes:
Some plot changes for the following!
I removed a lot of the purity talk, because Robin isn't gonna be about that.
Jason is an A+ asshole in this entire fic.
Chrissy is interested in Robin, genuinely. She isn't as vapid as Bianca, either. But she is technically in on some of the plot, because that's movie accurate. Her not being honest with Eddie is chalked up to her trust in Robin, so.
Steve's sexuality isn't address until the next chapter, but for the sake of the story, he's just chill. He likes girls (for now), he isn't homophobic.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Robin POV
Tuesday
It’s day two of being Dustin Henderson’s Buddy, and so far it’s been good. As good as it can be when Robin has to give up her free time in between classes to show him around, introduce him to people and check his well being. Fortunately she did manage to introduce him to Eddie in as much as Eddie caught the boy staring at lunch, so to stop any theatrical outbursts Robin just pointed to Dustin and told Eddie he wants to join his DnD club. Dustin just about peed himself.
Luckily Dustin seemed too distracted yesterday with planning to try and win favour with the third time senior that he dropped any and all Chrissy talk. Thank god. Dustin was a good person, well intentioned with every move he made, but this was - different. This was life and death stuff. Teasing about crushing on Chrissy in front of the wrong people could get them both in deep trouble.
Robin puts her calculus homework into her locker, biding her time until Steve's favorite child turns up (Steve was so excited they'd be hanging out all week, his two favorite people getting along, like they don’t regularly enjoy ganging up on Steve outside of school hours). It's unfortunate they agreed to meet at Robin's locker today though, because her locker was right beside a couple of particularly nauseating jocks. Usually they didn't pay her any mind, and she got away from them as soon as possible.
“Virgin alert. Your favorite.” One of the jocks elbows his friend sharply. Robin glances over at them; Jason Carver and Luke Owens, the most boyish boys to strut around in their jerseys and wolf whistle at girls in the parking lot. They are looking in the direction of Chrissy who is walking past, no doubt to find Mike (which makes Robin briefly wonder why Jason and Luke aren't with their Buddies right now, but they probably ditched them).
“Looking good, Christine!” Jason calls after her as politely as you can at someone who is walking past you.
Chrissy turns, a bit surprised, but sees Carver and flashes him a smile, wiggling her fingers at him as she continues walking. Robin feels a bit proud that Chrissy didn't stop and fawn like other girls often did around the guy. Maybe a point to Chrissy not being a hundred percent straight. Maybe just a point to her not being like every other idiot.
“Dude. She’s outta reach, even for you.” Luke chuckles darkly as Chrissy disappears down the hall.
“No one's out of reach for me.” Jason straightens, a bit offended.
“You wanna put money on that?”
“Money I've got. That - I'd do for fun.” Jason scoffs in amusement as the two walk off. Robin is left fuming. Men are disgusting. All men, except Steve. Every other man - wait, Jonathan is okay, Robin's met him socially a couple times now. And the kids are still kids - but every other man is scum. The worst of the worst. They all deserved the electric chair and-
“Hey, Rob.” Robin nearly elbows Dustin in the face she jumps so much. “Shit, sorry. Are you good?”
“Didn't see you coming.” She says breathlessly.
“Who's that guy you’re glaring at?”
“It's Jason Carver. He's a jerk, and he's the basketball captain.” Robin raises her hands in sarcastic celebration. “He’s - well, you know how Steve used to be the king around here?”
“That's new Steve?” Dustin actually points and Robin smacks his hand back down by his side.
“Yes.” She hisses. “Only not really. I remember King Steve, and he was never as much of a douche.”
“He is a douche, total looser.” Mike says, now beside them. “He dated my sister for like… forever, and hasn't gotten over it. ” Robin knows that's not exactly the truth.
“Yeah, and you're still not over it either. It's weird you're so defensive of your sister, you know.” Dustin crosses his arms.
“I am not! Steve just sucks!”
Dustin opens his mouth to argue, and Robin readies herself for an intense argument (Because it always is between them) but they're interrupted.
“Michael?” Says the voice of an angel. Chrissy is standing behind them, clutching some books, and looks a bit started by them three of all turning in unison to look at her. “Did you still want me to show you to the drama room?”
“Oh. Y-yeah.” Mike nods, and Chrissy nods back with a kind smile. A smile that would make Robin get on her knees.
Dustin and Robin watch them leave, Mike's gangly form next to Chrissy's perfect ponytail, swinging gently, perfect round shoulders framed by her cheer vest, skirt flipping in time with her hair. Angelic indeed.
“Man, look at her.” Robin sighs, leaning against the lockers again.
“Mhm.” Dustin looks unimpressed. Robin isn't sure if it's the lingering taste of Mike's slur against Dustin's personal hero in the air, or if he's judging Chrissy from afar. It turns out to be the latter, as Dustin confirms with: “I don't see it.”
“There's more to her than you think. I mean… the way she smiles. And look at her eyes, man. I mean, you're missing what's there.”
Dustin looks at her. “No, Robin. What's there is a snotty little Princess that'll eat you up and spit you out if she wants. You said she's queen bee, so she could totally ruin you. You can do better, with someone safer.”
Robin is too touched at Dustin’s anger at the possible outcomes that she forgets to be mad he insulted the object of her affection. No doubt Dustin's heard the whispers about the cheer team, being uptight and nasty, the type to obliterate some insignificant senior because she was queer (Robin thinks of Eddie, and wonders if Dustins heard about that too). But that's not Chrissy!
“No. You're wrong about her. I mean, you haven't talked to her, haven't sat behind her in history for two years. You don't know her like I know her!”
“Alright, I'm wrong? I'll get you a shot. Ask her out if I'm so wrong.” Dustin looks determined, sizing Robin up like she's gonna roughhouse him for suggesting it.
“Wait - are you serious? How are you gonna do that??”
Dustin thinks. “Give me some time, I'll need to ruminate on it.”
“It's alright guys, you go ahead. I need to help Robin with something.”
Max and Mike roll their eyes, Lucas and Will smile, and the four of them scoot off into the parking lot, Lucas getting honked at when he weaved in front of a car.
“So, what's the genius plan?” Robin asks as they wait for their ride. Dustin looks around before leaning closer.
“So, when I asked my girlfriend out, she told me I wasn't very clear. Like. She said I beat around the bush for way longer than I needed to.”
“So you just suck at it, then?”
“Hey, we're not talking about my game, alright? I'm trying to say you need to be unclear with her, get her alone and just like - hint. Make it so if she isn't like you, she can just think you're weird.”
“I don't want her to think I'm weird!”
“Better weird than -!” Dustin stops himself. “It doesn't matter if she thinks you're weird if she isn't interested, right?”
Robin looks at her shoes; she could do that. They had a semi-friendly relationship as it was, and the idea of Chrissy looking like she needed to get away from Robin the Weirdo was definitely preferable to Chrissy's face if she thought Robin was repulsive and no better than some gum on the bottom of her shoe.
“I guess I can do that.”
“Then if she does pick up on it, you're good to be more clear. Woo her.” Dustin wiggles his eyebrows and Robin grimaces.
“Okay, but you're forgetting about Eddie. Chrissy's promise to not date.”
Dustin's face crumples into a serious pondering look as the familiar burgundy car pulls up in front of them, and while Robin slides in the front seat, Dustin invites himself into the back. It always amazes Robin that Steve never seems surprised by the kids he babysits anymore. The appearance of Dustin in his rear view mirror has Steve sighing instead of looking surprised or upset (then again, Steve is never mad at Dustin. Can't be made at your favorite kid).
“Henderson. Your bike broken?”
“Nope, I just need to talk to Robin. It can camp out here for the night. You can drive me tomorrow too.”
“Oh can I now?”
“You already drive Robin everyday!”
“Robin is special.”
“Damn right I am, Dusty-Buns.” Robin chirps proudly, then looks to Steve. “Seriously though, there's stuff I need to go over with him.”
“Can't you do it after work?”
“It'll be like, ten! He'll be in bed by then.”
“Hey! I'm not twelve.” Dustin complains, crossing his arms.
Dustin POV
Dustin's sitting in the backroom of Scoops Ahoy with Robin, doing very serious work, while Steve man's the shop by himself. Dustin knows they only have so much time before Steve will kick him out and complain that Robin isn't working, so time is of the essence.
“So, you’re in luck. She needs a French tutor, and you know some French.”
“When did you find that out?” Robin scrunches up her face.
“I have my ways.” Dustin smirks, but Robin doesn't look convinced. “I ran into Mike in the bathrooms, asked about her. I think he thinks I’m interested in her.” Dustin rolls his eyes. “So, that’s your in. We just need a guy to take Eddie out. Even if it's just the one time, then you can give it a go. Provided she doesn't, you know, burn you at the stake for it.” Dustin fiddles with a pen, ready to write down ideas. The only thing they've written down is an idea of a new sunday.
“I'm telling you, she's… she's just different.” Robin messes with her hair. “I like the plan. But who on God's green earth would be willing to ask out Eddie on a fake date?”
“We just need someone to agree to go on a date. It can be a blind date type thing, we don't even need to tell them it's with a guy.”
Steve comes into the back room, and stands there, hands on his hips. He points an accusitory finger at them and squints. “I really, really hate this. Just so you know. You two. You're conspiring.”
“We're not conspiring, dingus. It's… school gossip.” Robin shrugs casually. Dustin tsks at that, it's the wrong thing to say to Steve, perks up like a dog with a treat.
“What about??”
“Nothing! Can I just borrow your best friend's attention in private for like, five fucking minutes? Jesus christ.” Dustin whines, pouting like a child. Steve sighs.
“Fine. Ten more minutes.” Steve wanders away back to the front of the store. Man, Steve was too nice for his own good.
Huh… too nice for his own good…
“Hey,” Dustin taps Robin’s arm to get her attention back. “What about him?”
“Him? No, no. No way! Guy has no game, hasn't been out on a date in -” Robin comically checks her wrist for an absent watch. “Like 9 months.”
“Yeah, well, then at least he's horny.” Dustin grins salaciously, Robin gags. “I'm serious, he's our guy. Totally has a soft spot for us both. He'll go on a blind date no problem.”
“I don't know…” Robin sighs, moving her hands up and down like she was physically weighing the outcomes.
It was debatable. Is a chance at Chrissy is worth cheating Steve out of an actual date? He wouldn’t exactly be disgusted by being out with a guy, he's good like that (now, anyway)...
“I mean, uh, we could pay him?” Dustin suggests. “Then at least he's getting something out of it. God knows he could use the money now his parents… you know.” Stopped giving him an allowance after the whole no college thing.
“But - we don't exactly have any money to give.” Robin gestures between them. Dustin had a small amount of savings from odd jobs, but that was already spoken for. Robin might of had some, but not enough.
“Well…” Dustin flounders for a second, brain burning through all the ideas he's been harvesting the past few hours. “Well, what we need is a backer.”
“A what now?”
“Someone with money…who's stupid.”
Wednesday
Day three of high school is more nerve-wracking than the first; purely because of Robin's evil idea. Dustin had liked the idea last night, in the safety of the back room of Scoops. But now it seemed entirely too daunting.
“You don't have to do this, you know.” Robin reminds him for the fifth time. “The backer was your idea, you can stop anytime.”
“No, I'll be fine. It's not like he can punch a junior for saying hello.” Dustin nods, all fake determination as they make their way into the cafeteria because he is only slightly terrified about walking up to Jason Carver and his table full of jocks.
Robin had suggested Jason as a backer because of his comments she'd overheard yesterday regarding Chrissy. A little petty revenge for his asshole comment, and if he was interested in Chrissy, he's dumb enough to fall for their ruse. Even just long enough for him to hand over some cash for one date. One shot.
Robin bails and doesn't enter the cafeteria with him, like she hasn't been seen with Dustin all week so far. And it's not like Dustin has the stomach for food, so he wastes no time on beelining for the table he can see Jason at, and sitting his dumpy butt down on the edge seat before he can overthink it. The entire table turns to look at him, like they knew the moment someone below them sat down. He's next to Jason at least.
“Uh…Are you lost?” Carver is looking a bit concerned, a bit upset. Like he isn't sure he's allowed to tell a junior to fuck off, but certainly wants to.
“No, actually, I just came by to chat.” Dustin flashes him a nervous grin, showing off his pearly whites. Jason grimaces.
“And, you are?”
“Well, actually,” Dustin breezes on through, it's easier to just bite the bullet and explain why he's here. No need to bother with an introduction, maybe Jason won't ever know his name. Good. “I thought that I'd run an idea by you. Just to see if you're interested.”
Carver smiles, pitifully amused like Dustin is a toddler showing him his favorite rock. He looks around the table for validation and gets the same emotion mirrored back at him. “Thanks little guy, but I'm not.”
“Well, hear me out.” Dustin interjects, surprised by his own confidence. Is he doing all this so Robin has a chance at love? Man, he really did love her. “You want to go out with Chrissy Cunningham, right? But she can't go out with you because she has that weird promise to keep to her friend, right?”
“Does this conversation have a purpose?” Jason growls, not amused to be reminded of the The Freak (a totally dope nickname as far as Dustin was concerned).
“What I think you need to do is, you need to hire a guy who'll go out with Munson. I know just the guy.”
“Who?”
“You, uh. You remember Harrington? He will do anything for some cash, he's dying to get out from his parents house. You know - he's super bummed about no college and all.” He leans towards Jason conspiratorially. “Kinda pathetic now, you know? Working at the mall in that stupid uniform. He'll take some cash to tow Munson around for a few hours.” Steve would smack Dustin if he heard him talking about him like this, that is if he didn't smother him to death for offering Steve up as bait in the first place.
Jason turns to face Dustin in his seat, studying him curiously. “What's in it for you?”
“Hey.” Dustin shrugs with a sympathetic smile. He's relieved Jason isn't making a fuss over the fact Dustin just inferred the last King of Hawkins High was fine around queers. Robin warned him Jason was something of a bigot. “If I’m walking down the hall and say hello to you, you say hello to me…”
“Yeah, yeah. I get it. You’re cool by association… I’ll think about it.” Carver waves him away, done with their conversation. Dustin smiles with relief, happy Jason heard him out as he planned. He doesn't make any move to get up though, and Jason looks at him again. “We're done now.”
“Oh yeah, yeah. Um…” Dustin scrambles to his feet and does a weird wave. He hadn't rehearsed the goodbye. Jason just ignores him. Dustin heads out the cafeteria, and Robin grabs him as soon as he's through the doors
“How'd it go??”
“Relax now, relax. The hard part’s over.” He nods. “We can let Carver pretend he’s calling the shots. While he’s setting things up, you have to take your shot with Chrissy.”
“Oh. That is a good idea.” Robin huffs. She's anxious. But she's confident now that the first ball is rolling. It's in Jason's hands now - as terrifying as it is to leave anything up to that meathead. They just had to get to Steve before Jason did.
Robin POV
Friday
Dustin got Mike to tell Chrissy that he knows someone willing to tutor her in French, and Chrissy told Mike that she is free Friday after school. Robin would also be free after school on Friday, even if it meant calling in sick to work.
Friday didn't come soon enough; now that the plan with Chrissy was sorted, all Dustin had to talk about was how to get in good with the DnD club - Hellfire. It was something Robin had no idea how to help him with, but she tried. It helped take her mind off Friday. Dustin arrived on Friday morning with baked cookies to offer the Hellfire members, which Robin could tell he'd asked Steve to bake for him instead of Claudia because of how photogenic they looked. Robin warned him a bunch of smelly nerds might not appreciate cookies as a peace offering, but Dustin had Will, Lucas and Mike all saying otherwise. And they were right, surprisingly. Eddie said he could sit with them next week.
Then, once that was over, Dustin was prepping Robin for French, and then it was time for class, and then Robin was walking to the library with a big fat French textbook and her stomach feeling like it was around her ankles. She'd spoken to Chrissy before, they'd had classes and projects and rehearsals where the band and cheerleaders would warm up at the same time. But this was one and one, this was only the two of them, this was Robin shooting her shot.
The library is pretty empty when Robin arrives. She finds a table and sits down, hoping to have a moment to take a calming breath, only to smell the fancy perfume Chrissy favored and look up to see her.
“Can we make this quick? Roxanne and Andrew Barrett are going to have an incredibly public break-up. Again.” Chrissy rolls her eyes in amusement, plopping down in the seat.
“Oh, yeah, um, okay.” Robin has to force her eyes to look away from the girl sitting next to her, and to the textbook. “I thought we'd start with pronunciation, if that's alright with you.”
“As long as there’s no hacking and spitting parts. Please. It’s so gross.” Chrissy sighs, Robin finds herself chuckling.
“Okay, sure. Minimal spitting words it is.” She looks up at her, and it isn’t until Chrissy raises her eyebrows encouragingly that she realizes she was probably starting. She shakes her head.
They go over a few very basic phrases, Chrissy repeating Robin's pronunciation better than Robin expected, and it’s sad to see Chrissy apologize and beat herself up over simple mistakes. It makes Robin wonder who taught her to be so apologetic. But it does give Robin the excellent opportunity to praise her and reassure her she’s fine. Chrissy likes the praise, her eyes get all smiley.
“Um. You know, you should try ordering food, it’s good practice. That’s what my mom did with me. There's that new restaurant like ten minutes from here. I can come with you, i-if you'd like.” Robin tries so hard to not look at her lap, not to blush and get flustered. It’s a hint, like Dustin said; if she doesn’t pick up on the subtly she’ll be confused why Robin reacted so much.
“You're… you're asking me out?” Chrissy's giant eyes get even wider, her whole face flushes. Robin tenses herself to run; to skip town and change her entire identity (Sorry Steve, sorry mom). She's suddenly lost all confidence in her gaydar and is expecting the worst - the utter worst. Maybe Dustin was right and Robin had just badly hinted at the most popular girl in school that she was interested in her.
Fuck.
“That's so cute.” Chrissy's face relaxes into a shy smile. “What's your name again?”
Robin ignored that barb to the heart, knowing she has to keep going if this is going to work. “I-It's Robin.”
“Right, sorry. I did know that.” Chrissy looks away, blushing Robin realizes. And wow. What a way to find out she had been right. All the little looks and smiles over the years had meant something! Robin felt like jumping onto the table and shouting it out to the whole world. “I um. Look, Robin…”
“I know about your promise.” Robin cuts in. “W-with Eddie. I mean, everyone does. I think it's sweet. But I uh, well, if someone were to ask Eddie out -”
“Yeah right.” Chrissy snorts sarcastically, and even that's attractive. “In case you haven't heard, he's a particularly hideous breed of loser.” (She says it with affection, the same way Robin calls Steve dingus. Like you're such a complete uncool idiot but you're my uncool idiot.)
Robin smiles; Chrissy isn’t turning her down. She isn’t refusing or running away - she was talking about it like they would actually go out. “Yeah, yeah. I noticed he's a little… anti-social. But that doesn't matter. I know a guy -”
“No. No, you don't.” Chrissy's entire demeanor suddenly shifts and closes off, almost sadly. It makes Robin's heart stutter; she's such a protective friend! “I'm not going to let someone use -”
“No! I wouldn't suggest any random guy I mean - Eddie deserves more than that. You remember Steve Harrington? He will show Eddie a good time, even if it's just one night. He's the real chivalrous type, and I'm his best friend. He wouldn't be a dick, because it would upset you, which would upset me.” Robin snaps her mouth shut, worried that was a step too far. Chrissy looks weary. Okay, so maybe Chrissy was fine to go on a date with her, that’s easy enough to do with another girl in town without it being too obvious and everything, but Robin was bordering on letting it slip how invested she was. She didn’t need to sound in love.
“And he won't mind that Ed is…”
“Well yeah, he wouldn't mind going out with a… a difficult individual. I mean, you know, he hangs out with me so he knows how to handle weird things.” Robin chuckles. It's working, Chrissy is softening to the idea; her eyes are still cautious but she's relaxing, arms uncrossing. It’s working!! “I'd insist the date is fun and everything. Besides, Steve likes a challenge. It would be like extreme dating.”
Robin feels a warm, soft hand alight on her forearm. “You would you do that… for me?”
“Oh yes!” Robin grins, then looks down, embarrassed. “I-I mean, you know, I could look into it.” Robin looks up at Chrissy from under her lashes. Chrissy laughs. “Just… okay, I know he’s your best friend and everything. But can you… not tell Eddie?”
Chrissy tilts her head like a puppy, blinking, and it’s all Robin can do not to squish her adorable confused face. “Why?”
“He’s… I mean, you know what he’s like. If you tell him Steve’s going to ask him out, he’ll never go for it. But - if you don’t tell him, he could just have a fun night and once he knows you’re - I-I mean. If you were to, want to get food with me again…”
“You mean, don’t let Eddie know you’re working a loop-hole into our pinky promise, because he’ll freak out about it?”
“I mean… that's up to you. If you wanna go out, that is.” Now Robin can't help but hunch in on herself a bit. She's asking a lot here - for Chrissy to lie to her best friend, to manipulate the promise. She's putting herself in between them, and asking Chrissy to choose.
“Well,” Chrissy says diplomatically. “One night can't hurt. It's not like it's a lie anyway.”
Robin looks up at her. “You mean it?”
“Sure.” Chrissy smiles, cheeks still pink. “He will be going on a date, won't he? Who knows. Maybe Steve will surprise us.”
Chrissy then turns back to the homework, signaling the conversation over with. And Robin is much too afraid to jinx things to try and continue it.
Steve POV
Saturday
Another day working in an itchy uniform, surrendering pride to smile and wink and sell ice cream. Whoop-de-doo. And worse, Robin isn't even here today. Steve is alone for the morning shift, because of course he is. The only saving grace is that most of the former senior class of Hawkins High is still in bed, so he doesn't have to deal with that particular humiliation.
But it is still particularly humiliating to serve the current seniors - and Steve internally screams as he sees Chrissy Cunningham heading for the store. Great. He'd always liked Chrissy; back when she was button-nosed junior, that would just giggle when he deigned to smile at her. Now she was head cheerleader, Queen Chrissy, and she was going to giggle at him and his ridiculous uniform like the other cheerleaders that had been in.
And oh! Even better! Eddie Munson is with her - he's definitely going to laugh. Munson liked to laugh at everything Steve did, has for years. He'd get a sick thrill out of Steve in his sailors uniform for sure. He wasnt sure when theyd become friends, but he'd seen them around together. Oh well. Might as well get this over with, maybe if he's charming enough they'll be too confused to point and laugh.
“Ahoy!” He greets them with his best customer service smile, tipping his stupid hat. Chrissy grins. “Would you like to set sail on this ocean of flavor with me? I’ll be your captain, I’m -”
“Do they make you say that?” Eddie cuts in with a serious face, blinking a couple times. Chrissy swats at him.
“Sure, but who wouldn't be a bit cheesy when you're talking to such pretty customers!” He winks, and it's fully aimed at Chrissy, who purses her lips in an embarrassed smile and rolls her eyes. But Eddie, because, of course, he has to, takes the opportunity when he sees it.
“Well, color me strawberry sherbert, Harrington. I'm pretty to you?” He leans an arm on the glass with a smirk. “Did you receive one too many basketballs to the head?”
“Just give me your order.” Steve groans.
He gets their ice cream for them, Chrissy with one scoop of vanilla and Eddie with some three scoop rockyroad-sherbert-coffee abomination, and they go sit at a booth. They mercifully keep the ridicul to a minimum, Eddie glancing at him and whispering to Chrissy, who giggles and elbows him. Private harassment is fine so long as Steve doesn't have to hear it.
As if today could get any worse, not ten minutes later a walking advertisement for American breeding walks into the store, stopping to talk to Chrissy while completely ignoring Eddie. Steve really hopes he was never quite so cliche as Jason Carver.
“Hey, how ya doin'?” Jason smiles as he comes to the counter, all charming and effortless. Steve knows that smile, he invented that smile, it doesn't work on him at all.
“Do I know you?” He asks, moving away from where Carver is now reclining against the counter to rinse his spoons. Jason seems to dismiss his question, because obviously Steve is joking; no one doesn't know who Jason Carver is.
“See the freak?” Jason nods over his shoulder. He doesn't need to gesture, Steve knows who he means without looking. Freak. It's so high-school now Steve is no longer there. Eddie was just a weird guy. Jason is also a weird guy.
“Yeah. What about him?” Steve sighs, starting to wipe down the bench to make it clear he didn't have time to chitchat.
“That's Eddie Munson. I want you to go out with him.”
“Uh huh. Yeah sure, Voorhees.” (Steve had given Jason the nickname in his junior year, putting him in his place. Jason Carver = carving knife = Jason Voorhees. He'd been proud of it at the time, and everyone at his lunch table had laughed uproariously. It was a good day.) Steve’s irritated that Carver seems to have forgotten that, for one thing, Steve went to the same high school. That said Eddie is in his third senior year. And Steve used to be the guy before Jason was. Steve doesnt need a fucking introduction to any senior. And how dare Carver think he can just order Steve around? They're not on the basketball team, they aren't even classmates. Steve is a full on adult thank you very much and - Wait, go out with him?
Jason's faux smile turns into a glare at the nickname and Steve's inability to be charmed or do what he's told. “Look. I can't take out Christine Cunningham until Munson starts dating. They're friends or some shit, and -”
“That's a touching story. It really is.” Steve turns to him, hands on hips. “Not my problem.”
“Would you be willing to make it your problem if I provide - generous compensation?” Jason smirks, eyebrows wiggling.
Steve frowns, lowering his voice. “You're going to pay me to take out some guy?”
“Mhm. Don't panic! It's not like you have to touch him or anything. Just pretend for like, an hour and then bail. He won't care.”
It's not like you have to touch him… He won't care. Jason didn't give a shit about Eddie at all, that much was clear. It's not like Steve was overly fond of Eddie, he didn't know the guy, but Eddie was still a human being with feelings. And being gay in a town like this wasn't easy, Steve knew that now thanks to Robin, and it isn't made any easier with guys like Carver policing people's genitals and what they did and didn't do with them.
But. Steve could use the funds… maybe they could just hang out for a bit. Besides, if not Steve, Jason would ask some other asshole who would probably kick Eddie's ass for even accepting a date from another guy. At least Steve was going to be decent. He'd at least be down to have fun for a few hours. Maybe he and Munson could become friends, catch a movie and come to the conclusion they weren't each other's type. Simple as that.
“How much?” Steve asks suspiciously.
“Twenty bucks.” Jason offers. And Steve pauses to think if Eddie's dignity would be worth twenty dollars, Jason groans. “Fine. Thirty.”
“Well let's think about this.” Steve comes back over to him, leaning close and whispering like they are planning a heist. At this point, he's just seeing how dumb the new basketball captain is - how much he's willing to cash out for one date. “We go to the movies. That's 15 bucks. We get popcorn. That's, uh, 53. And, uh, he'll want Raisonettes, right? So, uh, we're lookin' at 75 bucks.”
High bar, total lies. Jason doesn't seem to pick up on it, but he's not exactly happy. “This ain't a negotiation.”
“50 bucks and we've got a deal.” Steve holds his hand out. His personal fuck you to Carver, and an excuse to make an extra buck.
Jason shakes on it.
Notes:
I did up the chapter count too, as it was getting a bit lengthy. I like to post more palatable chapter lengths.
Chapter 3: ACT II
Summary:
Robin and Dustin are too late to warn Steve about their plan, but Steve is already on board. And he gets a couple chances to try for Eddie's attention.
Notes:
Changes and notes for this chapter!
Steve's sexuality does come up briefly, and he says he likes women but will go on a date with a guy for Robin's sake. But it's already becoming clear he is protective of Eddie already, and thinks he's cute. But you know. In the normal, totally usual way.Time is moving a little weirdly, since it's not super obvious how much time passes in the movie.
And more assholery from Jason. But he gets worse.
Chapter Text
Robin POV
Saturday
Robin had rung Dustin with the news as soon as she’d gotten home on Friday, which was an odd reaction. Usually this is the sort of thing she’d ring Steve about (she got a date!). But they both knew asking Steve in person would be a much more controllable situation, so they agreed to go to Scoops together tomorrow, even if it was Robin's one weekend off. They met outside the the mall on Saturday afternoon at the bike racks. It was lucky Robin's bike had air in the tires - she hadn't ridden in months thanks to Designated Driver Steve. They quickly go over a speech to sell the whole plan, who was going to say what, and how they were going to convince Steve to join them.
But it turns out, they didn't need to.
“You'll never guess who came in this morning, with a weird as fuck offer for me.” Steve greets them as they get to Scoops Ahoy, not even getting out a hello. Robin and Dustin freeze, then look at each other. Crap. Jason had gotten here first??
"W-who?" Robin asks, going for casual but yhe weakness of her voicr gives her away.
"Jason Carver. I remember when he was this pimple faced junior who couldn't catch a ball to save his life." Steve scoffs as he removes an empty tub of ice cream from the counter. "He comes in here all full of himself and fucking -"
"Asked you to ask out Eddie Munson." Dustin finishes with a sigh. "Shit."
Steve stops, looking between his friends suspiciously, and in full dad tone says, "You two have something to do with this?"
“Go.” Dustin's elbow jabs into her side, but Robin can feel panic wiping her brain of all thoughts and ideas. Steve's mad. He's gonna be mad!
“No, you go.”
Dustin clears his throat and leans on the counter. “The situation is, my buddy Robin here has a major jones for Chrissy Cunningham.”
“Yeah, I know.” Steve rolls his eyes, putting the tub down. “She won't shut up about - wait, she's your buddy all of a sudden?”
“Okay so, we meant to get to you first to explain!” Robin takes a deep breath. “See, Chrissy and Eddie are best friends, kind of like you and I are best friends, but obviously not exactly, because you're my like - you're my guy, okay? But anyway, Chris promised Eddie she wouldn't date until he did in this weird solidarity pact, and like, it's so sweet, I wouldn't even do that for you, even if you weren't getting zero dates these days. I need to reinstate the You Suck board. Anyway - I thought Chrissy might like me, like, like me like me, so Dustin devised a plan for me to see if she does, and she does, Steve! So we needed to figure out a way to get Eddie a date so she could go on a date, and I know she wouldn't let Eddie go out with just anybody, so we thought if we could pay you then you'd be happy to take Eddie out, just for one night, only we don't have money, so we thought Carver was dumb enough to fall into our little plan, because he's interested in Chrissy too and he's a jerk so we could swindle him, but we meant to get to you first so you would agree and play the game with him too. Honestly we didn't mean to put you in that position!”
Robin sighs, exhausting herself. But Steve isn't frowning or pouting or walking off in a tantrum at being taken advantage of. His lips are parted a bit, like he's a little confused, probably just trying to catch up on the meaning of what she just blabbed because she spoke so fast.
“Why didn't you ask me?” He says quietly, folding his arms across his chest.
“What?”
“I said, why didn't you just ask me to take Munson out? I would have if you'd just asked.”
Robin and Dustin both stare at him.
“You… you would have?” Robin's voice is quiet.
“Yeah. I would have. To help you? Of course. Besides, it's not like Munson is horrible. And I'm happy to take that assholes money for it too, just the cherry on top.”
“But Steve. He's a guy.”
“Shocking. I hadn't noticed. Do you think it's the hair?” Steve turns away from them both, walking out the back.
“You like -… since when??” Robin follows him, Dustin tagging along.
“I like women.” Steve states simply, heading to the freezer. “Doesn't mean I can't take a guy on a date.”
Robin feels her lip quiver. Sometimes it's shocking how something so little feels so big. Steve's never been homophobic exactly, and he's certainly been nothing but supportive of Robin, but hearing him speak like that...
“Steve…”
Steve ducks inside the freezer and retrieves one of the giant refill tubs of chocolate ice cream. “And if you're going to lecture me about the dangers of being seen with another guy, I'm happy to take the risk you take everyday for one night.”
“Ugghh. I'm gonna cry, you jerk!”
Steve looks alarmed. “Don't cry, Rob. You know I can't let you cry alone.”
“It's your fault!” Robin hangs her head, staring at her shoes like he won't notice the tears of he can't see them.
“So don't make us cry over it?!”
Steve POV
Saturday
Steve starts his car up and thinks over his situation. Where is he gonna take a guy like Munson? And how was he gonna convince him to even come out with him? Eddie was never going to believe him, believe that a former Jock was remotely into him in a genuine way.
There were rumors, always were in high school. Not about Munson being gay, that was factual (because he'd said so himself). But about quiet locker rooms after gym class, hookups out of town. Steve never thought it was his business who fucked what really (if a hole feels good and everyones having fun, go for it?). So approaching the only widely known queer in town without it coming across as some dated, closeted, high school hookup was gonna be tricky.
Maybe just not hinting at anything sexual would be all it would take. An easy feat since Steve wasn't wanting a hookup, he wanted a date. One date so Robin could have hers. Piece of cake.
But this was Eddie Munson, so the cake was probably made of some sort of jelly, and Steve is armed with a paper knife to get his piece.
How does he even approach a slippery jelly situation? He surely can't just go to Munson's trailer and knock on the door. Eddie worked somewhere, surely. Maybe Steve could stage an innocent run in with him. Does a trailer have a washer or did Eddie have to go to the laundromat? That could work… but Eddie would never buy that Steve Harrington, local rich kid, needed to use the laundromat.
But miracle of miracles! Who's shitty van should be pulled to the side of the road on Steve's route home, and who should be tickering in the engine but one Eddie Munson! This has to be fate. A golden opportunity. God loves Steve after all.
Steve pulls over ahead of him. Wouldn't this be perfect if Eddie knew nothing about cars! Steve learnt to fix his car some years ago when he couldn't afford to go to the mechanic, he could come in all knight of shining armor-y and save the day! A jelly cake might not be so slippery if it is swooped off its feet.
Steve jogs over to him. “Hey there. Need a hand?”
“No!” Eddie shouts, not looking up. He eventually does emerge from the bowels of his car, looking startled to see Steve in front of him. Then cautious, like Steve has remembered their lingering high school statuses and might have come by to beat him up for the fun of it.
“If you're sure. I always work on my own car if you decide you need a hand.” Steve shrugs, lingering. Eddie watches him. “So how ya doin'?” Steve says simply. No smarmy smile, no Harrington charm - honest to goodness ‘I'm here as a normal person for normal reasons’ attitude. This jelly is easily spooked, after all.
“Sweating like a pig, actually. And yourself?” Eddie replies, judging the situation safe enough to take his eyes off Steve and stand, wiping his hands on a rag, apparently done with whatever was wrong with the van. Goddamnit.
“Now there's a way to get a guy's attention, huh?” Steve half smiles, sprinkling some moves as he winks and shoves his hands in his pockets. Casual but hinting. Not outright flirting, no undertones.
Eddie looks at him, startled again. He frowns at him like Steve had just admitted to enjoying a dog shit sandwich on the regular. It disarms him enough that he turns his back on Steve and shuts the van’s hood.
“My mission in life.” Eddie mutters sarcastically, and when Steve chuckles he seems to find the courage to continue. “But obviously I've struck your fancy. So, you see, it worked out in the end. The world makes sense again!”
Eddie picks up his tools, about to get back in his car and Steve panics. He has to make this work. He has to be the one to take Eddie out before Jason bribes someone else. Before some other random guy tries to take Eddie out, and no doubt break his heart at the same time. Or his face.
“Pick you up Friday, then?”
Eddie bristles and hurries his movements, expecting something bad to follow Steve's words by the looks of it. Steve doesn't follow him, doesn't want to make him uncomfortable.
“Oh, right. Friday. Uh huh.” Eddie opens the driver's door and lobs his toolbag into the back, where it lands with a heavy thud somewhere.
“Come on. Might be fun. I can take you to places you've never been before.” Steve angles for a flirt, tilting his head cutely. Hinting a bit more, but still keeping it light.
“Like where - the 7-Eleven on the other side of town?” Eddie snaps, annoyed. “Do you even know what you're talking about, Harrington?”
“I know a lot more than you think.” Steve says defensively, irritated he's fighting a losing battle. Obviously Steve wouldn't ask another guy out without knowing what he was doing.
“Doubtful. Very doubtful.” Eddie scoffs, not leaving room for Steve to reply before he's bringing the engine to life and drowning out all conversation.
Maybe this wasn't a jelly cake situation. Maybe Eddie was a souffle. Steve would need to be more meticulous, more delicate.
He was going to get a date with Eddie Munson.
Robin POV
Monday
“And, then what?”
“Then I ran after his van, flailing my arms and begging him to come back. What do you think happened?!” Steve jabbed his fingers against his glabella in an attempt to pinch the bridge of his nose, but the light changing interrupted him. “You've got a big fucking brain, Henderson. Use it.”
“Sor-ry.” Dustin muttered sarcastically.
The three two of them decided the safest place to discuss plans was in Steve's car, then they didn't have to be so conscious of anyone overhearing, but it meant Steve picking up both Robin and Dustin up every morning and every afternoon. Steve wasn't entirely thrilled but he'd rather be in on the planning than miss out and have the two deviants come up with some insane plan and have him suffer for it.
“You sound really pissed he didn't fall for you…” Robin muses with a smirk.
“Yeah, it's not fun getting turned down by every gender.” Steve mumbles, “Don't stress, I'll try again.”
“I wasn't stressed.” Robin says with her hands up.
Dustin leans forward. "Just be sure to do it before Jason decides to just murder Eddie instead.”
“Stevie’s way too nice, he wouldn't let his future boyfriend get harmed in any way.” Robin leans closer to Steve to make kissy faces.
"Oh hey look, the school.” Steve pulls up, breaking hard. “Get out.”
Robin and Dustin pile out, Steve says a quick ‘see you later’ before pulling away. They both sigh.
Robin turns to Dustin. “We are screwed.”
“Hey, no, hey. I don't want to hear that defeatist attitude. I want to hear you upbeat.” Dustin holds her by the shoulders.
Robin perks up with fake enthusiasm. “We are screwed!”
“There you go!”
“Maybe I'll go ask Chrissy for advice. She'll have to know what will work on Eddie.”
“Hey, I'm trying to get to know him too, maybe I'll glean something.”
“I think his best friend will know more than you, you've only known him for two days.”
Steve POV
Wednesday
He's got to try again. Steve's been thinking how to approach Eddie his entire shift today, because it's got to be him. Dustin has put the idea in Jason's head that straight dudes will accept cash to date a queer, and god knows who he'll go to if Steve doesn't succeed. Probably another guy on the basketball team, a friend who would “take a bullet” for their captain. Someone who Steve highly doubts will be upstanding enough to be comfortable being seen with Munson's vicinity without making a big deal out of it. He can see one of the guys flinching and pulling away from Eddie, being a jerk because Eddie thought he could touch him. The idea of Eddie's brown eyes getting big and sad when he realizes the situation…
It's already Wednesday, and while working alone again today means he has more time to think, Steve's acutely aware he is steadily running out of time. His motive has changed entirely, he knows; it occurs to him while clocking out that Robin's relationship with Chrissy hasn't even been on his mind lately. It's now just making sure that harmless weirdo doesn't end up with a broken heart or face.
Then, almost as if focusing on the situation all day instead of correct scooping techniques manifested the solution, Steve spies a certain metalhead sitting down alone in the food court as he's getting off his shift. It's not lunch time, Eddie must have a free period.
This has to be fate. Eddie is eating, he's not going to actively run away. Steve sends up a silent prayer as he swipes the sailor hat off his head and makes his way over. He sits down across from Eddie and just smiles.
“Nice choice, rye or white?”
Eddie startles and stares at him again, like he's got two heads, although now he looks more angry and confused. “Are you following me, Harrington?”
“I was getting off work!” Steve defends himself, gesturing to his uniform. “I saw you sitting here, thought I'd come over to say hi.”
Eddie clearly doesn't know what to do with that information, looking Steve over. “Well… hi.”
“Not a big talker when you're not on cafeteria tables, huh?” Steve puts his elbows on the table, relaxed, as he attempts a joke. Eddie doesn't seem to like it.
“Depends on the topic. My choice of sandwich bread doesn't really whip me into a verbal frenzy.” He mocks, like Steve is the worst at making conversation. Steve knows he's not, but he isn't entirely sure how to keep up.
“Sorry, next time I'll ask about your choice of filling.”
That gets a twitch of a smile from the other man, and it feels more rewarding than it should.
“You planning on invading my peaceful lunch some other time, Harrington?”
Steve shrugs. “It's not like it's exactly peaceful. You're in the middle of the mall.”
A screaming toddler punctuated Steve's statement; he shoots Eddie a look in a particular way, the same ‘see?’ look he gives Robin when he's proved correct about something. Eddie squints at him for a second, looking for something.
“You're not afraid of me, are you?”
"Afraid of you? Why would I be afraid of you?” Steve tilts his head, utilizing his puppy dog eyes. He knows they're killer (Nancy would always say so).
“Well, most people are.” Eddie shrugs and looks back at his food, picking at the crust. The eyes must have worked, he looks all shy. Cute.
Cute in the normal, usual way.
“Well, I'm not.” Steve says as earnestly as he can. Because it's true. “Annoying, sure. Especially in school, but I'm not afraid of you.”
“Well, maybe you're not afraid of me. But you're not afraid… to be seen with me?” He looks up from under his bangs, eyes wide.
Steve gives him a quizzical smile, ignoring the twinge in his gut at the angle of Eddie's eyes. How round and shiny they seem, eyelashes looking long and dark. Feminine, that's all. Surely…
“Have you seen the people I hang out with these days? Weirdos. All of them. Buckley included.”
Eddie scoffs, but it sounds like a laugh. “...not what I mean.”
Ahh, yes. The queerness. It's easy for Steve to be relaxed in this situation, because he's pretending. Eddie's life is at risk - not only whatever is left of his social life, but actual life if the wrong people were around. Steve sighs.
“I know what you meant.” He nods, letting his smile relax down to a small smirk. “I have a healthy amount of fear, how's that?”
Eddie squints at him, looking his face over again. Looking for something.
“This isn't… youuuu…” Eddie waves his hand in Steve's direction. “I don't know. Exploring?”
“No.” Steve shakes his head, huffing as he says something honest. “I've never felt the need to explore.”
Eddie sits back, looking disarmed by that. And he probably is; technically, it isn't a lie, but it sure makes Steve sound like he always was into guys. He wasn't, not that he knew of, never felt the need to try it out.
Steve isn't lying, but he isn't being one hundred percent truthful. And he has a feeling he'll be teetering on that line for a while.
He does manage to get Eddie to chat to him for a few more minutes, drawing out what he was doing at the mall on a Wednesday afternoon (buying new guitar strings, free period like Steve throught), and what kind of guitar Eddie plays (Steve heard the name but had no idea what it meant. All he got was it was black). But Eddie then rewrapped his uneaten sandwich and got up.
Steve walks with him to the car park, but Eddie doesn't talk. And that's fine. Steve is proud of the progression he'd made so far, he isn't going to push it. Being allowed to walk with Eddie, albeit a bit behind him, was as far as he'd take it for today.
They say a quick goodbye to each other as they pass Eddie's van, and Steve continues on to his car, but the sounds of tires screeching to a halt makes him pause. Eddie had only just got into his car when a familiar Jeep pulled up behind him and parked. Jason Carver emerges from the car, shutting the door like it was a perfectly normal parking spot, and heads towards the mall's doors.
“What is it, asshole day?” Steve hears Eddie mutter before he leans out his window. “Hey! Do you mind?”
“Not at all.” Jason doesn't even turn around to acknowledge him. Steve's surprised at the rivalry; sure, he never was especially kind to the weirdos and “freaks” at school, but never openly antagonistic. Steve could see that Jason seemed pleased to have annoyed and inconvenienced Eddie. Like he actually had something against Eddie personally.
Eddie sticks out his chin, thinking. Steve watches him get an idea, an evil little smirk creeping on his face. Steve's already smiling before Eddie even makes a move, throwing the car in reverse and revving out of his parking space, the rear bumper of his van colliding nicely with the side of Jason's Jeep.
Carver whips around, running back over. “Hey! You jerk!”
“Whoops! It's like there's not supposed to be a car parked there.” Eddie shrugs, wincing dramatically. Steve laughs so hard his stomach hurts.
Steve POV
Thursday.
Laughing comes back to bite Steve a few days later when Jason catches him at the grocery store. Steve is just doing his weekly shop, waiting for Dustin and the kids to finish their new after school club thing, then he'll take them home (always the fucking babysitter). Jason was suddenly walking, more like storming, down the cereal aisle. Steve was glad Jason was alone at least. Two men talking next to Captain Crunch was one thing, but a three on one would draw too much attention.
“Harrington!” Jason gets in his face, toe to toe, and maybe this would draw too much attention in and of itself. “When I shell out fifty, I expect results.” Jason jabs a finger into Steve's chest so hard he feels an ache.
“Yeah, I'm on it.” He swats Jason's hand away, looking around. If it got back to Eddie that they were talking there'd be no way any of the current plans afoot would work. That'd be too suspicious.
“Watching the freak violate my car doesn't count as a date.” Jason spat, and Steve thinks about being Jason - being basketball captain and the king of the school; if he was ever this shallow - would he be more upset about his Beamer getting slightly dented (Because honestly the rustbucket’s bumper came out worse than the Jeep) over a potential date with someone he liked?
“Do you know what the repaint job is gonna cost?” Jason groans, then he calms himself down and it looks like it's an effort to do so. “Look. If you don't get any, I don't get any. Let's go get some.” Jason smirks, like it'll be some kind of revenge for Steve to “get some”. Like he wants Steve to pursue Eddie in order to humiliate him. Maybe he does.
Asshole.
Steve stands straighter. “I just upped my price”
“What?” Jason tenses to lash out, but restrains himself. Steve wonders if he would have tried to shove or pin Steve somehow. Steve also wonders if they would have been an equal match - he doesn't have the greatest track record with fights but he should be able to guess what moves King Carver will pull on him. He used to be him, after all.
But no, Steve's got to stay in control of the situation. So Jason doesn't go asking someone else. So Eddie stays safe. Oh, and so he can continue to play Carver while Robin and Chrissy spend time together, that too.
“A hundred bucks a date. In advance.”
Jason looks disgusted. “Forget it.”
“Forget Cunningham, then.” Steve says easily, like it's not a threat, though he means it as one. Jason considers it, sneering the whole time like he smells something rotten.
“You better hope you're as smooth as you think you are, Harrington.”
Chapter 4: Act III
Summary:
Robin get closer to Chrissy, and devises a way to get Steve closer to Eddie.
Notes:
Some notes!
Time is again moving a little weirdly, since I cannot figure out the time frame in the film. Just forget about it, yeah?
I realize I've got two codependent best friend relationships going here, one slightly unhealthy. But it's just so cuuuuuuute. Shhhhhhh, it's fine.The Evil Dead came out in 1981, it's pretty scary if you ask me. The whole film seems right up Eddie's alley.
Sleepaway Camp came out in 1983. I think there's enough men in short shorts and crop tops, and murder for Eddie to find it very fun.
Chapter Text
Robin POV
Tuesday
The weekend passes in a blur. Mainly because Robin worked Friday night and all day Saturday - which means time with Steve so she's not gonna complain - then her mom insisted they needed to buy new clothes, so it was a trip to Indianapolis all of Sunday. And Monday was spent anxiously watching Dustin sit with Eddie and the Hellfire club, and making sure he didn't mess it up. He brought his friends, which Robin is certain Eddie didn't agree to, but he's not done more than observe them. It makes the younger kids sweat and she knows Eddie is enjoying it.
So it's a relief to get to the end of the day on Tuesday and be free to walk over to Chrissy's locker, and she's free to do that now, because they are friendlier and maybe sort of flirting subtly, maybe. She slumps against it.
“It should be illegal to be busy an entire weekend. I feel like I was robbed.”
Chrissy looks a bit started, but chuckles. “Hello to you too. Or, wait - bonjour.”
“Tres bien.” Robin nods. “When are you free to study this week? I mean, i-if you want to that is.”
Chrissy lights up a little. “Oh, well -”
“Hey, Christine.” A voice says from behind her.
Chrissy spins to look up at Jason Carver while Robin slumps down a little further - she's been invisible to jocks her whole life, she isn't jumping to change that.
“Oh Jason! You scared me.” Chrissy giggles breathlessly.
“Sorry, I didn't realize I was sneaking.” Jason leans on the lockers next to Chrissy, smirking. “You look nice today.”
“Oh, uh. Th-thank you.”
“So, are you going to Lowenstein's thing on Friday night?
“Yeah. I might.” Chrissy nods. Robin can't see her face anymore but she can tell from the sound of her voice she's smiling.
“Good, 'cause, you know, I'm not gonna bother if you won't be there.” Jason does that infuriating pout thing guys do, like they want a girl to fuss over a hint of melancholy. Robin rolls her eyes. “See you there?”
Jason leans a fraction forward, and god, if Robin wasn't paralyzed with the need to be invisible she might have stepped forward to preserve Chrissy's bubble of personal space. As it is Chrissy just sways back a little, chuckling.
“O-oh. Okay.”
Jason grins, successful in whatever that was, and he walks away. Chrissy is stuck for a moment watching him, slowly turning to her locker. She looked red in the face but a bit, almost shy. She didn't like Jason, did she? No way! She liked Robin. Logically Robin knows people can like both genders, but that didn't seem fair!
There's a pause as Chrissy gets her books in her bag then she shuts her locker and Robin snaps out if her little jealous spiral.
“Can I walk you home?” She asks, maybe not fully out of it yet.
Chrissy gets that small pleased smile again, she nods. “I'd like that.”
“So, you want to go to Lowenstein's party?”
“Yes. And I really, really wanna go, but I can't. Not unless Eddie goes. It's not… like not technically a date or anything but. I dunno. It's the same principle.”
I love you, Robin doesn't say. Instead she offers Chrissy her hand to help her step down from the garden wall she'd been balancing on. And Chrissy just takes it, like it was the only natural thing to do.
“Yeah I know. I'm workin' on that. But so far Eddie's not exactly goin' for Steve.”
“He's probably just scared it's a joke or something. There's not a lot of, um… strange people on Hawkins.” Chrissy chews her lips. Strange meaning queer. Meaning them, Robin realizes with a little electric thrill.
“Oh, tell me about it. So… let's think, what kind of guy does he like?”
“Pretty guys, I think. Like movie star pretty. Um… Harrison Ford is someone he's talked about. Have, uh,” Chrissy chuckles nervously. “Have you seen Star Wars?”
Robin nods with a smile. “Oh yeah, several times. So, dumb and brave. That's Steve!”
Chrissy grins, relieved, and Robin wonders if there's any possible way two women could make each other pregnant, because there needs to be about a hundred babies with smiles like Chrissy's in the world and Robin wants to bake them herself.
“What if I write some stuff down? We're hanging out tonight so I can just make note of stuff.” Chrissy continues on. Robin shakes her head free of baby making thoughts.
No better than a man.
“That'd be great! Then I can prep Steve. Tutor him in the best way to woo that strange man.”
Chrissy barks out a laugh, covering her mouth. “And you're a great tutor, so I have faith! Let's study Thursday after school, keep Friday free."
Free for a date!
"Totally. A party is probably more fun than a French restaurant, right?"
"Yeah, let me get a little better at French before I embarrass myself in front of the waiter." Chrissy goes a bit pink in the cheeks.
Wednesday
“Okay, here. Before Eddie catches up to me!"
Chrissy appears at Robin's side. Robin hadn't seen Chrissy at all today, it was one of those days where you just never seem to have the time. And like, it's fine, they'll be seeing each other tomorrow. But it still makes Robin giddy to see the other girl.She holds out a folded piece of paper.
“Okay, here you go. I wrote some things down I found in his room…just like stuff from his calendar, a list of CDs and books he’s currently into, um, concert tickets. I uh… he has. Um.” Chrissy tugs on one curl anxiously. “Like. A whole box of condoms. Unopened. So. He wants to have sex. If that helps.”
Flustered. Adorable. Robin takes a breath.
“Thanks for braving a gross boy's room to get this. You're a good soldier.” Robin says seriously as she slips the paper into her pocket. Chrissy bites back a giggle.
“I can't believe I went behind enemy lines.” Chrissy sighs. And Robin giggles.
She's playing along!
“It'll be worth it.” Robin salutes her. Chrissy giggles again and turns to leave, but pauses and looks back.
“See you tomorrow?” She smiles shyly.
“Looking forward to it.” Robin nods, unable to stop the grin on her face.
Dustin POV
Wednesday
“So what've you got for me?” Steve sits back, resigning himself to his fate.
They're hanging out at Steve's house, under the guise of watching a movie - Robin even braved Keith at Family Video to hold up the story - but really it was to work out how to approach Eddie next. Steve didn't seem reluctant to work out how to get Eddie on a date, he just seemed pissed off his best friend and a literal fifteen year old were giving him advice.
“A little insight into a very complicated guy." Dustin smoothes out the crinkled list in his hands. "First thing: Chrissy said that Eddie likes pretty guys.”
Steve waits for Dustin to continue, then he looks between the two of them, offended. “Are you telling me I'm not a pretty guy??”
“No! Very pretty! He's a gorgeous guy!” Dustin gestures to Steve, looking to Robin for help. She nods enthusiastically. Steve rolls his eyes. “Okay, uh.” Dustin looks back at the note. “He also likes Chinese food, his band plays metal music at a couple local places. Oh, he runs the Dungeons and Dragons club - which we already knew.” Dustin grins, looking to Robin for enthusiastic backup again, but she doesn't seem interested about that part. “Uh… Here's a list of CDs that he has in his room. Oh, and books - guy’s a huge nerd. And that's coming from me.”
“So… you're telling me I'm supposed to buy him some noodles and a book, and sit around listening to him play music?”
“Have you ever been to The Hideout? His band is playing there tonight.”
Steve is already shaking his head before Dustin finishes his sentence. “I can't be seen at that place, that’s like - a bikers and lowlife bar.”
“And there’s that upper class snobbery.” Robin chides, shaking her head in disappointment.
“And I can not stand around listening to metal, are you kidding? That stuff is like nails on a chalkboard!"
“Just assail your ears for one night.” Dustin moves to sit next to him as Robin works in her best puppy dog expression. Steve wavers. It's his two favorite people teaming up against him, they have this in the bag.
“He has an unopened box of condoms, if that helps.” Robin adds, with delight at Steve's discomfort. Steve groans.
"Come on, I'm dying to hear him play. Gareth was telling me about their next show, they've got a great lineup. You listen to Metallica right?"
"Like, one song."
"Just pretend it's all creative interpretations of Metallica."
"And think of me, and my poor broken heart if I'm not allowed to date the love if my life!" Robin fakes sobbing, overdramatic. A little like - well, Eddie. Maybe Chrissy and Robin are a perfect pair.
"You haven't even graduated yet. You haven't found the love of your life!"
Steve POV
Wednesday
The Hideout. It's full of what Steve assumes it would be. Bikers in their leather jackets, and definitely a fair few people Steve really doesn't want to be seen around, and a lot of people that look like Eddie. But they're not Eddie, so Steve has no interest in being near them. He gets to the bar in one piece, straddles a stool and orders a beer. Safe now he's no longer drawing stares as he walks through the place in his acid wash jeans and black t-shirt. He didn't exactly have clothes to suit this place.
Once he has a few mouthfuls of beer in his gut he relaxes, looking around for the reason he came. He doesn't know how he missed it - the stage, the lighting, Eddie front and center on a sick looking guitar, making all sorts of screeching and music sounds that Steve can assume, from the claps as they finish, was decent music. And look - this isn't his scene, it's not his style of music or venue choice, but there's something in the way Eddie tosses his hair back from his face, all sweaty and flushed, that makes Steve feel like he never wants to leave.
Eddie's band, as Steve now notices he's not alone up there, does another song, at least Steve thinks so. He's actively trying to not listen, he's just enjoying the view. Eddie was so weird - hair fluffed up, yet somehow also stuck to his forehead, looking downright handsome as he grins at his bandmate, then sticks his kitten tongue out to nail a tricky sounding solo. Steve doesn't notice he's been smiling.
Their set ends, the band waves and they're apparently done for the night as they turn to pack up. Steve's disappointed he didn't get to watch their entire show - and disappointed that now the bands done another attempt at music is blaring through the speakers - but he's hoping Eddie saw him here. Maybe he'll come out for a drink after they're done, and catch Steve here. And, sure enough, Steve just starts his second beer when he spies Eddie jogging towards the bar, waving to the bartender. Eddie slumps against the wood, exhausted, thanking an impressively bearded biker for complimenting something, the playing probably. And then he sees Steve across the bar.
He freezes, looking scared, and Steve hates that he still feels scared around him. Not that he can blame him, but it isn't working in his favour. Steve's too far away to talk to him, so he just holds his bottle up in silent cheers, then takes a drink and looks away. He gives it a minute before he glances back, but Eddie is gone. Or, rather, he's now at Steve's side and Steve jumps.
“If you're planning on invading my peace and quiet again, we might as well just get it over with!” Eddie shouts over the music. He looks irritated but Steve can see the hint of pink in his cheeks even in the low light.
“Would you mind?! You're kind of ruining this for me!” Steve shouts back, taking another drink from his beer. He catches Eddie recoil in surprise. The bartender places a water in front of Eddie, but he doesn't touch it.
“So how long have you been playing here?!” Steve asks, trying to keep his voice low but still speak over the music. Eddie just watches him, so Steve just shrugs.
“How come you're here?!” Eddie finally says/shouts.
“I heard there was some band playing tonight! Wanted to see what the fuss was about!” Steve gestures to the stage. Eddie rolls his eyes, finally taking a drink.
“Wouldn't have pegged you for a metal fan!”
“I'm not! This was my taste test!” Steve finds himself laughing at how true it was, and Eddie seems to believe him, because there's that hard earned smile.
“You're a freak, Harrington!” Eddie shakes his head, leaning back against the bar. It's progress, at least. “Your ears bleeding yet?!”
“I think my eardrums left the building a while ago!”
They both laugh, the tension has gone from Eddie's shoulders. Now's the time to make the next move, before he disappears again. Before Steve fucks up and Eddie retreats again.
“You know! I was watching you out there before… I've never seen you look so sexy!” The last words are out of his mouth just as the song ends, leaving the ‘sexy’ heavy in the air. Eddie is frozen in place, looking like he wants to disappear off the face of the earth. A few heads turn, but no one seems to think much about it, possibly they only heard the last word. Steve doesn't let the moment become awkward. “You should come to the party on Friday night. As a guest, don’t deal.”
Eddie squints at him, looking for something on his face. He either finds it or he doesn't; he looks down, biting back a smile.
“You never give up, do you?” Eddie looks at Steve from under his bangs.
“Was that a yes?” Steve leans forward.
“No.”
“Well, was that a no?”
Eddie thinks for a second, then turns to leave. “No.”
“I'll see you at 9:30 then!”
Robin POV
Thursday
It's Thursday afternoon, no Dustin. Only Chrissy. The library is quiet, it's almost as though they're totally alone, free to talk about anything. They only have until 4, then the library is shut for the night. But an hour is enough. An hour in Chrissy's presence is enough heaven for a lifetime.
Maybe Robin is a bit too obsessed.
“Have you talked to Eddie about the party yet?” Robin asks, tapping her pencil on the textbook. They've done about ten minutes of study in the past half hour, but neither of them care.
“No, not yet. I know Steve asked, I heard all about how annoying that was. He's… you just gotta catch him at the right time, you know?” Chrissy plays with the end of her ponytail.
“That's okay. We don't have to go together if -”
“He's waiting to give me a ride home, so I'll ask him after we're done.” Chrissy continues with a nod. Her foot has been resting on top of Robin's for three minutes and she hasn't moved.
“Oh.”
“You're gonna come with me, it'll work better that way.”
“How so? Does Munson, uh - does Eddie think I'm… someone to listen to?”
“Oh no, you probably shouldn't talk. But if you're there you'll remind me why I'm asking and to not back down when he becomes an ass.” Chrissy turns to her notepad and doodles something, taking the attention off what she just said.
Chrissy wants Robin to stand with her so she can be motivated. Chrissy wants to know Robin is beside her so she remembers why she's convincing her best friend to do something he'll hate, so Chrissy can go to the party with Robin.
Christ.
“If you're sure it'll help.” Robin can't help but smile. Chrissy glances at her, then clears her throat.
“Okay. What's next?” Chrissy points to the textbook.
The librarian comes over at 3:55 to tell them to pack up. They got a decent way through the next lesson, Chrissy can now ask how Robin is doing beautifully. No hacking or gagging or spitting. They make their way outside and towards Eddie's van, and he must see them coming because he slides the back door open and lets out a cloud as they approach.
“Edward! I'm not going home smelling like your hobby again!” Chrissy scowls as they get to him.
“Then you walk, princess. You want me to save those delicate feet of yours and wait an hour for you to level up your French? I'm going to pass the time how I want.” Eddie grins like a Cheshire cat. Robin frowns a little - how they became friends she'll never know.
“I recall it was you who said I shouldn't be walking anymore.” Chrissy crosses her arms.
“That was before you started studying with Buckley over here. Hey, Robin.”
"Hey, Eddie.”
“Oh, so it's fine for me to sit in Gareth's smelly garage while I wait for you guys to rehearse?”
“That deal was because I have to wait outside for the cheer rehearsal.” He pokes her nose with his forefinger.
“So how long have you been married?” Robin cuts in, because this back and forth could go on for a while, if they’re anything like her and Steve. Chrissy smirks at her while Eddie scowls.
“Oh, we're still on our honeymoon.” Chrissy informs her, taking Eddie's hand.
“Mazel Tov.”
“Eddie.” Chrissy faces him again. “Lowenstein's party.”
Eddie sighs. “What about it?”
“I would like to go.”
“Okay. The cheer girls can give you a ride to that, surely.”
“No, I want us to go.”
“No way.”
“Yes way. Please?”
“I'm not going to that antiquated mating ritual. No one's asked me to sell, and I don't sell where I'm not wanted.”
“But Eddie!”
Eddie looks over at Robin, who's feeling mighty dumb just standing there. He sighs again and rubs his eyes.
“Chris, you know -”
“Can you, for just one night, forget that you're The Freak to those people, and let yourself have fun? Please? Please? C'mon, Eddie, please do this for me.” Chrissy tugs his hand to her chest and Eddie takes a measured breath.
“Fine. I'll… make an appearance.”
Chrissy beams and throws her arms around his neck. “Thank you! I'll make it up to you!” She pulls back. “Name your price.”
“...The Evil Dead.”
“Again?” Chrissy whines.
“Yes. And this time no hiding!”
“But it's scary!”
“I agree, it's way too scary, Munson. Pick a better poison.” Robin says, praying her butting in won't sour his mood. It was a knee-jerk reaction to side with Chrissy, but if she isn't careful Eddie might rethink his party attendance, which will no doubt make Chrissy rethink hers.
“You've seen it?” He looks at her, eyebrows raised, he looks impressed.
“Yeah. Someone brought it to band camp one year.”
“How fun.” Chrissy scoffs.
Eddie looks at Robin suspiciously, then to Chrissy, and back again. Robin wonders if he suspects something, maybe he's figured out what's going on…
Chrissy pouts, trying her hardest to make her eyes even bigger and sparklier than they usually are. Robin doesn't know how Eddie can withstand it, she'd be bending over backwards so fast she'd be mistaken for Linda Blair.
“Alright, alright… Sleepaway Camp.”
“Ugh, God. You just want to see Jonathan Tiersten again. And those tiny shorts!” Chrissy detaches from Eddie and holds her hands up in the air, like he's suddenly something repulsive to touch.
“And don't forget the full frontal.” Robin joins Chrissy in grimacing at Eddie, hoping again to not to piss him off. Instead he actually scoffs, wiping at his nose to hide the way his mouth has kicked up into a smile.
“Nah, it's the murdering shitheaded teens I admire.” He holds his hand out to Chrissy, who shakes it. He tilts his head to her, an inquisitive little look on his face and she nods. Some little communication just happened right in front of her and Robin desperately wanted to know what was said. Maybe they're more like herself and Steve than she gave them credit for.
“Okay, bye Robin. Thanks for today. Pick me up tomorrow on your way?”
“You bet.”
Robin gets home, says a brief hi to her parents and jogs up to her room. Right on que, as telepathic as always, the phone rings as she sits down. She doesn't even have to say hello, she knows it's Steve.
“So, I just got home, and the answering machine sounded a lot like Munson, telling me he's free Friday, for “whatever”. You have anything to do with that?”
“No. That was all Chris.” Rob tugs her converse off. “I asked if she'd go to the party instead of go get French food, and her response was to just go convince Eddie to come. Therefore, it was a yes.”
"So my braving The Hideout was all for nothing?"
"You had fun, I know you did. Besides, he complained about you so. You know, he's warming up."
Steven chuckles fondly. “So, how'd it go today? Fluent in French yet?”
“Ouí, mais je l'étais déjà, no?”
“English, Birdie. You're not tutoring me.”
Robin giggles. “It was fine, I'm actually better than I remember. And like, we got to talk about a lot more than just French stuff.”
“Like whaaaat? Are you using my material?”
“Yes, mom. I made sure to compliment her on her hair and clothes.”
“Good. Girls like it when you do that.”
“Duh, dingus. I know.” She fiddles with the phone cord, feeling oddly girlish and like kicking her feet for joy. And she knows he would never chastise her for it. He was safe. She loved him so much. Before she knows it, she's talking way too much and way too fast, but she can't stop herself. “And then Chrissy said that I was right, that she didn't wear the blue cardigan with her dress because she thought it was mixing colors. And the fact that I noticed - and this is a direct quote - really meant something to her.”
“You told me that part already.” Steve informs her like she usually does when she's double ranted and is retelling stories. He's not annoyed, he's just saying.
“Sorry. I've been thinking about it the whole way home…” She sighs.
“Okay, alright. Just calm down. Don't make me get the hose.”
“How're you gonna hose me down through the phone?”
“I'll come over. Hose you through your window.”
“Not if I shut the window.”
"I'll bring the hose inside."
“I'll run.”
“I'm faster.”
Robin chuckles. “So, see you tomorrow, Superman? ‘cause you know - you're my hero for doing this.”
“Hmmm…. I like that. Superman. See you tomorrow, Lois.”
“Isn't Eddie Lois in this scenario?”
“Then what does that make you?”
“...can I be Jimmy Olsen?”
“Whatever, nerd. I'll see you tomorrow.”
Chapter 5: ACT IV
Summary:
It's the infamous party scene... it's Robin getting mixed signals, it's Steve getting Eddie in his arms and vomit on his shoes.
Notes:
Notes!
TW: Homophobic language, toxic man in general.Jason is taunting Eddie because they hate each other more than is healthy, as Steve sees. There's a reason for this, unfortunately it's cannon accurate.
Chrissy does act pretty odd but! If you've known guys like Jason, it's hard to stand up to them. Especially when he's determined to have your attention, and if you don't do what he says he'll take it out on someone else.Sorry for the delay in updating again, been working on a new WIP and works been soul sucking.
Chapter Text
Friday - The Party
Steve POV
Steve arrives on the Munson's doorstep at 9:25pm sharp. He's dressed in his old high school party outfit - jeans and a polo - and he's fully ready to wrangle his way through a night with Eddie. Which - he's oddly... looking forward to? In a weird way. It's rewarding in a way, like the burn after a good basketball game.
Steve knocks on the door, adjusting his watch. He hopes Eddie's uncle doesn't answer, that man scares him. Always has. Luckily, it's Eddie that opens it, all in black of course. He's even wearing some eyeliner, and Steve thinks it's adorable that he's dressing up.
He's excited!
“What are you doing here?” Eddie looks bewildered, like he was surprised Steve was picking him up despite Steve having asked to.
“Nine-thirty right?” Steve just smiles, then ducks a little self consciously. “I'm a little early.”
It works; Eddie's expression becomes something soft, guarded, and he looks away, tugging at his hair like he is debating whether to hide behind it or not.
“Whatever.” He shoves Steve's shoulder, stepping onto the stoop, deciding not to be phased by the physical closeness. “I'm driving.”
Steve gives him a nod, pocketing his own keys. He gets a look over Eddie's shoulder as he turns to close the door. Eddie's uncle is in the small kitchen, looking somewhat somber.
“Night, Mr Munson.” Steve calls, trying to be polite. Both Eddie and his uncle jump, surprised. Steve looks between them. Eddie mutters something that sounds like ‘freak’ as he slams the door and escapes to his van.
The house, big as it was, seemed tiny considering most of the senior class was here, as well as most of the rest of the school. First party if the school year, and it's already raging.
It took about five minutes to even edge their way through the front door, and Steve had to resist the urge to hold Eddie's hand so they wouldn't get separated in the crowd. The music was thrumming from somewhere to their left, there was already the smell of pot and cigarettes in the air. Which was amusing, considering Eddie only just got here.
“So, what do you usually do at parties?!” Eddie shouts to Steve when they manage to get shoulder to shoulder again.
“Ideally, have fun!” Steve grins with a laugh. “Relax man, have a drink and try to have a good time.”
Eddie looks a bit disgusted by the suggestion, but doesn't argue. He does try to worm his way further into the house, presumably to find the drink station, and Steve follows. But they just squeeze into the hallway when they're path is blocked.
“Hey! Who said you could come tonight, freak?” Jason smiles, posturing up to ensure they can't slip past. He doesn't seem to see Steve standing there at all, or doesn't want people to think he knows the former King. Luckily, Eddie is used to this behavior and just rolls his eyes.
“Wait, was that - ?” Eddie perks up and holds a hand over his chest, looking shocked. He points up to Jason's head. “Did your hairline just recede??”
Jason gets caught in the gag and is taken aback for a second, hand absent-mindedly going to feel his hair. Steve chuckles; Jason has always had such shit hair and he acted proud of it. He had nothing on Steve, but then again, few did. Eddie turns to walk around the stunned jock, smirking at having tricked Carver momentarily. But Jason snaps out of his daze, now red in the face, and slides to the side to block their path.
"Hey, where ya goin?” Jason barks. Steve gets the eerie feeling that Jason's behavior is more than a hate for the town weirdo.
“Away.” Eddie replies simply, and now turns on his heel to head the other way, drinks be dammed.
“Christine here?” Jason baits him back.
Eddie whirls around and gets into Jason's face, annoyance at the jock now replaced with anger. Steve braces himselfnto get in between them.
“Stay away from her.” Eddie threatens. Jason smirks, enjoying getting the reaction he wanted.
“Oh I'll stay away from her. But I can't guarantee she'll stay away from me.” Jason licks his canines, walking backwards, slowly being consumed by the crowd of bodies.
Eddie seems stuck to the spot for a second, Steve reaches for him but before he can touch his hand Eddie jolts, spinning around again and marching away. Steve follows him, and he honestly isn't sure how he managed it, but by the time Eddie stops to take a breather he's gotten a solo cup and is downing it.
“Hey let's uh, let's find Chris yeah?” Steve suggests, hoping that locating her will ease the tension that's suddenly gotten ahold of his metalhead.
Eddie glances at him, nodding stiffly, eyes wider than usual. Steve then wonders if Eddie is just anxious - such a crowded house, Jason's taunting... Eddie would usually be set up in some quiet corner selling his wares and leaving early. Steve takes a leap of faith and steps closer, hiding the fact he's also taking Eddie's hand in his own.
“Come on, let's start outside.” Steve nods. Eddie holds his hand for all of five seconds before he lets go.
Chrissy wasn't outside. Steve had glanced Robin several times over the heads of the other seniors, but Eddie was getting increasingly more upset the longer they stayed looking for Chrissy, so Steve was hesitant to leave his side. They've just done a lap of the upstairs and are about to head outside again when Jason reappears.
“Hey Munson. Look who found me!” Jason waves to them over the crowd. He's so excited to show Eddie that Chrissy is tucked under his arm, not that she looks altogether thrilled to be there.
Steve cannot fathom what this guys problem was. He thought Jason was interested, genuinely interested, in attaining Chrissy. Getting her attention, or affection, at least getting the title of Chrissy's Boyfriend. That he liked her. But he seems much more amused by antagonizing the guy who he claimed to hate.
Eddie watches as Chrissy gives him a nervous smile, waving. There's an exchange between them that Steve misses, but he sees Chrissy shake her head slightly, a crease between her brows. Jason still looks victorious, the rest of the basketball team laughing at something that seemed to miss Steve entirely. Jason then pivots them away, disappearing into the crowd again.
“And I thought you were the dramatic one.” Steve says quietly. He isn't sure if Eddie hears, because Eddie just leaves his side quicker than he'd moved all night and he's gone.
Steve has done a lap of the house three times now, looking for that messy head of dark hair. Hoping to hear the laugh or the theatrical speeches. But there's nothing. Not sight or sound of the usually loud boy.
Steve starts to feel anxious himself. He did not trust Carver or any of his friends to not escalate things, given the increasingly unnerving way Jason had been behaving. Steve starts imagining the worst: what if te whole team strong-armed Eddie into the pool and started holding him under. What if they took to locking him in a closet? Hell, attempting to give him a swirly, and what if Eddie's hair got caught in the piping or some shit??
Finally, finally, Steve sees him. He's by the stairs, shotting one of the two glasses he's holding, and Steve physically moves two or three students out of his way to get to him.
“What's this?” Steve takes the last shot away from Eddie, who seemed too surprised to fight for it. “I've been looking all over the place for you!”
“I'm getting trashed, man. Isn't that what you're supposed to do at a party?” Eddie says back, swaying slightly. He stinks of alcohol already. Was Steve such a bad date that he let Eddie get drunk so quickly?
“I say, do what you wanna do.” Steve argues back, keeping his tone gentle. And I want to take you away from this place, he doesn't say because being so open with a drunk Eddie probably wasn't the wisest.
“Funny, you're the only one.” Eddie mumbles, looking away. Eddie looked so small right now. Steve wanted to hug him, to tell him the truth, to tell him Eddie deserves better than life in this backwards little town. Someone slides between them, and Eddie plucks one of the shots from their hands before twisting away. “Later.”
Robin POV
Robin had picked Chrissy up outside her house, talked about what they hoped to do at the party. Chrissy wanted to dance. Robin wanted to make sure Chrissy got what she wanted. But after they arrived it was as if the sheer social pressure of high school dynamics turned them into opposing magnets. Someone saw Chrissy and waved her over, Robin went to follow but someone bumped into her and she lost her footing. Then Chrissy was further away and seemed to stay there.
Far away from wherever Robin went, until she lost her entirely.
So Robin now spends her precious time looking for Chrissy rather than dancing with her, or laughing with her, or simply standing around her. She spots a few people she knows from band, says hi, moves on. She see Steve and it feels like he's a literal lighthouse, she goes to him immediately.
He seems to be trying to catch Eddie she thinks, judging from how he's moving and looking around. But she can't think of much else other than how terribly her own night is going to spare him a sympathetic thought.
“Hey. Have you seen her around anywhere?” Robin feels like she's about to implode from nerves. Steve looks suddenly torn, looking back and forth from Robin to Eddie. He sighs and steps over to her.
“Relax. Relax.” Steve gives her a smile, running his hands down her arms soothingly. “I'm telling you, follow the love, man. I think she's looking for you too.”
Aha! Chrissy is in the living room. She's alone. Robin slips through the crowd like she became a liquid with her determination to get to her.
“Hey.” Robin says, smiling. She's here now, she's found Chrissy, she can relax. Her night might be saved yet.
“Oh, hi Robin.” Chrissy smiles. She looks pleased to see her, but tired. Like she's rather be anywhere else. Why was she alone?
“So, uh, I didn't get to say it before but, you really look amazing.” Robin swings her body on the spot a little, feeling shy. This is much too public to do anything other than talk, but it is stilling giving her an extra dose of butterflies in her stomach.
“Thanks.” Chrissy nods, cheeks a bit pink. “I wanted to say you….umm…” Chrissy looks past Robin then, eyes a bit tight before she smiles, it's now a big bright smile. Because of…
Jason swarms in on her like some giant wall between the girls, not even acknowledging Robin's existence, as usual. She's left staring at his stupid letterman jacket while he speaks. “Christine, let's go. We're all congregating around the pool to see who falls first.”
“Oh, well, I-I was just talking to -”
“Come ooooon, I wanna make bets with the boys. Need you there for good luck.” Jason slips his arm over her shoulders, and she looks shy about it.
Robin can only watch as Jason physically pulls Chrissy with him as he moves away. She hesitates and turns to Robin again, but her expression has gotten tired again. “Um, I'll just.. see you around, okay?”
Robin nods dumbly, watching Chris join the other popular kids outside. Was... this all just a plan to get to go hang out with Jason? Chrissy seemed to be so happy seeing Jason. What if Chrissy had played it cool this entire time, played it cool about liking Robin, just so she could use the excuse to run away? Eddie wouldn't like her being with the popular kids so, maybe she had to do it behind his back. Sneak around, pretend to be queer so she didn't upset her friend. In what world did that make sense??
Stupid Jason, stupid boys, stupid party!
Steve POV
“Hey hey hey! Why don't you let me have this one, huh?” Steve reaches to take the cup away from his date.
“No! This one's mine!” Eddie twists away again, slurping down the liquid before Steve can get his hands on it.
They've been doing this for the better part of an hour, Eddie trying to get away from him while Steve strives to keep an eye on his alcohol consumption. Steve doesnt know how high of a tolerance Eddie has, but even for a regularly drinker, if he doesn't slow down soon, he'll need to get his stomach pumped. Steve tries not to think of the last time he was chasing after his drunk date, hopefully Eddie wouldn't call him bullshit and leave with another guy. Though, now at least Steve is sure he is bullshit considering the fake dating…
Steve slides between bodies, still searching for Eddie. His momentary lapse in attention made him lose sight of the guy, but helpfully this time Eddie climbs on top of the dining room table. Steve sighs and makes his way there, but not before he realizes what Eddie is doing. A song came on the speakers and Eddie was playing air guitar to it, not at all well because he was too drunk to move his fingers properly. He was still moving around like he was playing though, and people had gathered around to watch. Steve tried moving faster, to save Eddie's future embarrassment, but the crowd was too thick. He had to elbow his way there. Besides, a guy gyrating and headbanging on a table was not matching the vibe of this party. People would start throwing stuff soon.
As Steve gets to the table he pauses, catching his breath, and works out how to get Eddie down without physically manhandling him. Eddie turns out to be helpful again when he tries to do a little jump in the air with his invisible guitar, a real rockstar move, which - had it been different circumstances Eddie might have pulled off and Steve might have found it attractive. However, Eddie is much too drunk, fails the landing, and pivots off the table, onto the floor, directly onto his head as far as Steve can tell.
“Shit!” Steve shoves people out the way, not even caring if they fell into someone or lost their footing. He gets to Eddie as the crowd disperses, their entertainment over. And it enrages Steve that even if they all collectively don't think Eddie is worth caring about, a human still took a fall onto his head, and no one is even checking on him!
“Hey, look at me. Are you okay?” Steve looks between Eddie's eyes, or tries to. Tries to check for blood in his hair or disproportionate pupils but Eddie is actively trying to squirm away so it's difficult.
“I'm fine.” Eddie pulls Steve's hands from his face. He must be too drunk to feel.
“You're not fine! C'mon.” Steve drags him to his feet, not missing the little giggle Eddie does at the manhandling. Maybe Steve should have just thrown Eddie over his shoulder before the performance started.
“I just need to lie down somewhere.” Eddie protests, still trying to get away. It's like maneuvering liquid, Eddie's body is limp and wiggly. But this is far from the first time Steve's dealt with someone completely wasted, so he manages to hold him up.
“Nu-uh. You lie down and you'll go to sleep.”
“Sleep is goooood.” Eddie grins, looking at Steve. Steve ignores the tightness in his chest at receiving such an unfiltered expression. Eddie has never smiled at him like this. Steve kind of loves it?
“Yeah. Not if you have a concussion, man.” Steve manages to pull them both outside. Eddie is dangerously close to collapsing right out of Steve's arms, and luckily, Steve spies a chair by the garden.
“C'mon. Here, sit down. Sit.” Steve sighs, dumping the body in his arms onto the seat. Eddie is heavier than he expected. Steve straightens and sighs, then swoops foward as Eddie's head suddenly drops. “Hey, hey!” Eddie's head snaps up as Steve shakes him awake. “No sleeping.”
Eddie then tries to stand and Steve has to grab him around the waist again, and luckily this time Eddie puts an arm around Steve's shoulders independently. They need to get somewhere quieter, somewhere away from the masses so Eddie won't be tempted to run again. He needs to get Eddie out of here. Get him home.
But before Steve can even leave the patio, Robin is in front of him. Red eyed, picking at her nails. “We need to talk.”
“What's wrong?” Steve stops, but the loss of momentum had Eddie slumping all of his weight forward. “Goddamnit. Can this wait a second? I'm a little busy right now.”
“It's off, okay?! The whole thing's off.” Robin says anyway, and Steve falters; she doesn't look upset, maybe like she might kick a garden gnome about it but not close to tears.
“What're you talking about?” Steve asks her, adjusting his grip on Eddie.
“She never wanted me. She wanted Jason the whole time. I was wrong.”
“Robin…” Steve sighs. She's angry at herself. It's not like her to admit she's wrong, even though right now she most definitely is. But an angry Robin is not an easily reasoned with Robin. “Look, do you still like the girl?”
“Yeah...”
“Yeah. And is she worth all this trouble?”
“Well, I thought she was…”
“Well, she is or she isn't, Rob. See, first of all - Jason is not half the person you are, you know this. Especially as a decent boyfriend. Secondly, don't let anyone ever make you feel like you don't deserve what you want. I've seen how she looks at you, Rob. You're wrong. Go for it!”
Robin swallows; now close to tears. She looks at Eddie for the first time, as though only just noticing him. “Do you -”
“Rob. I love you, but fuck off. Go tell her how you feel. Alone. She'd rather go home with you.” Steve smiles, warmly at the memory of how Chris lit up from her very soul seeing Robin at Scoops the one time he saw them together.
Robin takes a breath, but nods. “I'll call you later.”
Steve gives her a nod, trying to ignore the guilt chilling his stomach as she walks back into the house. He's her best friend, he should be there for her. Should help her talk to Chrissy, should be more supportive. But no, right now his job is to make sure Eddie makes it home alive.
"C'mon.” Steve says lightly, hoping to entice Eddie into finding his feet. They're almost back to Eddie's van, then they can get out of here. When we're high school parties ever fun?
“You're so patronizing.” Eddie whines, full on whines like a child.
“Leave it to you to use big words when you're smashed.” Steve mumbles, finally getting to the van. He props Eddie up between the side of the van and himself so he can have his hands free to search Eddie's pockets for the keys. But he takes a second to catch his breath again before attempting to get his personal ragdoll up into the passenger seat. Besides, it was a nice night and Eddie could use the fresh air for a minute.
“Why are you doing this?” Eddie says, looking at Steve in the eye for the first time since they left the trailer park.
“I told you. You may have a concussion. Someone has to keep an eye on you.”
“You don't care if I never wake up.” Eddie scoffs, his voice getting softer.
“Sure, I do.” Steve nods, starting to dig around in Eddie's pockets. He finds the keys immediately, thank God. Eddie might not like Steve's hands in his pockets, or like it a little too much, and neither reaction would be good right now.
“Why?”
“Well then, because then I'd have to start taking out guys who actually likes me.” Steve smiles and Eddie chuckles, low and soft and Steve's stomach feels fluttery. He suddenly wonders if their bodies being so pressed together was a bad idea.
“Like you could find one.” Eddie rolls his eyes, pouting his adorable plush lips.
“See that, there? Who needs affection when I have blind hatred?” Steve, for some reason unknown to him, puts a hand on the van door behind Eddie's head. Eddie smiles. They stay like that for a moment, looking at each other. It's nice… “Why'd you let him get to you?”
“Who?”
“Jason.”
“Ugh, I hate him.” Eddie sighs, leaning forward and letting his head fall onto Steve's shoulder.
“Well, you've chosen the perfect revenge: mainlining tequila.” Steve scoffs. He actually likes Eddie's head against his shoulder. Probably because he hasn't had anyone this close in a long time. Surely that's all.
Eddie giggles. “Well, you know what they say…”
“No. What do they say?” When Eddie gives no response, Steve angles his head to the side to try and see the older man's face. Eddie looks like he's asleep. “No, no, no, no! Eddie! C'mon, wake up! Look at me, man!” He gives Eddie a shake, really really not wanting this night to turn into a visit to the ER. “Listen to me, Eds. Open your eyes!”
Eddie jolts upright again, gasping a little. Steve's sighs in relief, not even noticing their faces are centimeters apart. They both pause, staring into each other's eyes, just far enough apart so that Steve doesn't have to go cross-eyed to do so.
“Hey… Your eyes have a little green in them.” Eddie smiles fondly, like he just unlocked some hidden secret about Steve he'd been searching for.
Steve feels himself blush, but before he can come up with a response Eddie shoves him away and promptly vomits on the ground. All over Steve's shoes.
Robin POV
The party wraps up around 2am. Robin spent her night nursing a beer and watching Chrissy from across the room. Robin couldn't work out if Chrossy physically couldn't get away from Jason all night, or if she didn't want to. But either way, when the party goers were starting to stumble home, Robin felt more depressed than she had felt since her life before Steve.
Robin heads outside, fully expecting to go home and cry her pillow into a sopping mess. She spies Chrissy standing outside, alone again finally, but she looks like she's waiting for someone.
“Hey. Have fun tonight?” Robin asks, feeling her entire chest freeze over, anticipating Chrissy to be fake again. Waiting for the pain of rejection that she's sure she's in for now. Waiting to see it on her face
“Tons.” Chrissy rolls her eyes sarcastically. Robin gives her a still smile and turns to walk away.
“Hey, um Robin?” The cold in Robin's chest does a painful 180 to spark with hope. “Do you think you could walk me home? Jason's uh… everyone left and…”
“Yeah. Of course.” Robin nods. Chrissy gives her a small smile before gesturing for them to head down the street.
Robin knows it's not a far walk, not when they can take a couple shortcuts, but it feels like it takes an eternity. Neither one of them talks much more than commenting on a particularly colorful garden bed they pass, or the crack in the pavement Robin nearly trips over. Robin is too worked up about the whole evening to try and think of anything to say. Overthinking as usual, about how Chrissy seemed to smile extra wide at seeing Jason, at how tired she seemed when Robin approached her, rethinking the last week to see how stupid she was to miss Chrissy using her.
They finally make it to the Cunningham house, which is all dark save a light on upstairs. Probably Chrissy's room so she doesn't sneak in and knock anything over, Robin guesses. Chrissy stops, facing Robin and taking a breath like she's about to speak. But she doesn't. They just stand there.
“You never wanted to go out with me, did you?” Robin scuffs her sneaker against the curb, looking down.
“Y-Yes I did.” Chrissy says in a small voice. A small scared voice, Robin notes. Maybe this was hopeless.
“No. You didn't.”
“It's just that -”
“That's all you had to say. I know it's not easy, especially here. This town sucks.” Robin looks up at her, and she hopes she doesn’t cry. If Chrissy was just using her she sure as hell doesn't get to see Robin cry over it. “But you know, just because you're beautiful, doesn't mean you can treat people like they don't matter. I mean, I really like you. I'm willing to do the whole nine yards, or whatever the fuck the saying is. Hiding in plain sight, sneaking around. That suits me just fine, it's worth it for you. Anything is worth doing for you. But if you don't want to... just be honest. I'm sick of seeing Jason act like he's God's gift just because we gave him the idea that he gets to have you, when -”
Chrissy steps forward and cuts Robin off with a kiss. Outright, on the side of the street, right in front of her house, she presses her lips to Robin’s. It isn’t a perfect kiss; Robin’s mouth was half open and she squeaked embarrassingly. But it was a kiss!
Chrissy steps back again, chewing her lips. She doesn't smile. “I'm… it's scary. But I don't not want you.”
“Really?” Robin steps towards her, not letting her go far. She doesn't even notice her hands coming up to sit on Chrissy's elbows. “You looked… I mean, at the party when I came over to you, you looked sad but then Jason -”
Chrissy is shaking her head. “I can't hide anything from you, parties get exhausting especially when Jason just… well, seeing your face made me want to go home. Go anywhere else. W-with you. I feel like a jerk, I just - I couldn't shake him, honestly. I was worried he'd -"
"It's okay, it's okay. I guess we should have just stuck to the French restaurant idea, huh?"
Robin grins when Chrissy nods, leaning closer to rest her forehead on Chrissy's, and Chrissy closes her eyes, hands coming forward to hold onto Robin's jacket.
"I promise, Chris. We’ll work it out.”
“Okay. I trust you.” Chrissy nods again, then, with a quick glance back at her house, she gives Robin another kiss and then trots away, a hand over her mouth.
Robin stands there, processing for far too long, before she all but runs the rest of the way home.
Chapter 6: Act V
Summary:
Steve takes Eddie home, and things go south. Then Steve manages to fix it by sacrificing his pride, but then things go south again.
Notes:
Bit of a longer one! Again I'm sorry for the weird timeframe we're experiencing, I changed it to the start of the school year so it can't be prom. Oh well - forgive me!
We have our first Eddie POV!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Steve POV - Friday
Driving Eddie's van was a challenge; turns out she was just as temperamental as her owner. And Eddie was too drunk or too nauseous to offer any advice; he just sat in the passenger seat, looking out the window quietly. It was weird.
Steve pulls up to the trailer park, letting the van roll quietly into the space outside the Munson trailer. Wayne has left already for work, if Steve remembers Dustin mentioning the man's nightshift correctly. Steve's Beemer is where he left it, down the path a little so it wasn't so obvious. He kills the engine of the van but leaves the music playing quietly and sits back, relieved the night was over.
What a disaster .
“I should do this.” Eddie says, tone kind of quiet and a bit raspy from the vomiting. He was definitely more sober now he'd gotten rid of at least half of what was still in his stomach. Some of which was still on Steve's shoes, but he was desperately trying not to think about it.
“Do what?” He turns to face Eddie.
“This.” He gestures to the stereo, and presumably the music playing on it.
“Install car stereos?” Steve asks to be cheeky, and Eddie rolls his eyes so hard they go all white. Steve chuckles. “What do you mean? You already have a band.”
“No, like. Become famous, get a record deal, make it on radio. My uncle would love that.” Eddie says the last part softly, like a secret admission.
“You don't strike me as the soft type.” Steve teases, smiling once Eddie smirks back.
“Oh, so now you think you know me?” Eddie waggle his head, hair bobbing. He's actually kind of… endearing.
“I'm gettin' there”
Steve says it like a sure thing, because he is getting there, and he's happy to be getting there. But there's something in the way he says it that unsettled Eddie somehow, he squirms in his seat and scoffs
“The only thing you people know about me is that I'm a freak.”
Steve tries to not let it sting that Eddie still sees him as an “other”, as one of the small minded people, the popular kids, despite being about as unpopular as you can get working in a stupid outfit, serving ice cream, being bullied by middle schoolers. If only Steve could say “my best friend is a lesbian!!”, and maybe Eddie would calm down and trust him, even if it was still a deceitful arrangement, but Robin gave Steve strict instructions to never, ever, ever tell anyone. And, of course, he wouldn't do that.
“Yeah, well... you're not as vile as I thought you were.” It almost hurts Steve to realize he's being honest. He has genuinely enjoyed these past few weeks. He took pride in annoying and courting Eddie. And tonight has proved to him that he definitely cares more than he thought possible.
Eddie smirks to himself, looking at his lap to spin his biggest ring around a few times. “Yeah?”
“You're… well, kind of adorable actually.” Steve says, sitting forward slightly.
He hopes Eddie will recoil at the compliment, shrieking that he isn't cute or anything of the sort. But Eddie instead just looks at him, eyes wide. And after a second, leans forward to try and go for a kiss, Steve realizes too late. He jerks back a little with a gasp and Eddie freezes. They can't do this. The guy was still definitely too drunk to really be aware of himself, and besides, it wasn't… fair . It wouldn't be right to kiss Eddie when they weren't…
“Um. Maybe we should do this another time.” Steve breathes, knowing as soon as he said it that it was the wrong thing to say.
Eddie sits back to stare at him, expression unreadable. Then he just scoffs, fumbling for the door handle and jumping out. He doesn't stick the landing, but by the time Steve jumps out and darts around the van he's on his feet. Steve offers him his keys and Eddie stomps into the trailer and slams the door behind him.
Robin POV - Saturday
When Robin wakes up the world is made of sunshine and roses. A world where Chrissy Cunningham likes her, and she's been kissed, and all is right with the world. She flutters downstairs for breakfast, kissing both her parents cheeks. They're amused and a bit suspicious but Robin doesn't give them time to question her as she escapes back upstairs with a bowl of fruit.
She picks up her phone and pops a slice of pineapple into her mouth, listening to the dial tone.
Steve answers after almost a minute and a half. “Ye - h-hello?”
“Morning dingus!”
“Not so loud Rob, God.”
“Oh, sorry. Are… you hungover?”
Steve huffs. “No.”
“Migraine?”
“Getting there.”
“Sorry, I'll keep it down.” Robin promises. She wants to squeal and shout and tell Steve all about her night, but - no, just because she wants to hog the conversation doesn't mean she gets to go first. She can get the politeness out of the way. “How'd it go with Eddie?”
“Ugh…” Steve sounds like he's rubbing his face. “Less than ideal.”
“Oh no. What'd you do to him?”
“I didn't do anything! He tried to kiss me, but I - thank you very much - am a gentleman.” Steve scoffs, proud of himself. But then he sighs, almost like he was disappointed by what he was about to say. “He would've been too drunk to remember anyway...”
“But the plan was working .”
“I know, but - wait. What do you care? I thought you wanted out.”
“Yeah, well I did, but, uh, that was until she kissed me.” Robin grins to herself. Steve is quiet for a minute.
“Where?”
“Outside her house. I walked her home.”
“No, I mean where did she kiss you? On the cheek? Lips?”
“Lips! Twice!!”
“ Rob .”
“Sorry, sorry.” She whispered. “I just - she likes me. She is just scared, and I get it. Because I am too, you know. But man. The way she looked at me. And dude! I've never been kissed before!”
“Robin Alice Buckley, if you keep shouting I'm hanging up.” Steve growls out.
“Sorry! Ah… sorry. I'll be quiet.”
“Let me take this downstairs, I need painkillers.”
“Did you get any sleep?”
The line goes quiet as Steve heads downstairs, Robin has the question ready on her lips again in case he'd put his bedroom phone down before he'd heard her. But after the crackle of the kitchen phone being picked up, he immediately responds.
“Not really. Hence the migraine.” He sighs.
“Do you wanna talk about it?” Robin feels guilty that she hopes he says no. Not because she doesn't want to hear, but because she doesn't think she can contain her own excitement long enough to listen.
“Just… I keep being haunted by his eyes. He was so… hurt. It's like he knew .”
“He doesn't know.” She assures him, eating more fruit. “If he did he'd tell Chris, and she'd tell me.”
“Yeah…”
“I'm sorry those doe eyes kept you from sleeping. Sounds like you're in lo-”
“Okay, come on. I know you're dying to talk. Tell me everything, don't skip anything. I wanna know what flavour lipgloss she had on.”
“Oh, gross!”
Monday
Robin had spent her Sunday working with Steve, who, while he put on his charming smile for customers and smiled wide when Robin wanted to talk about the kiss again, spent most of the time sighing and moping around. It was like he was heartbroken - which he wasn't , he'd told her over and over again he just felt bad about it all. The whole scheme. He needed to stop.
And Robin believes him, if there's one thing she's sure of in this life it's that Steve Harrington is a good guy (Jerky junior year aside). His heart is probably made of actual rainbows and sunshine, and Robin hopes it doesn't get snuffed out. Buuuuut she also suspects that there's more to this than just feeling bad over having embarrassed a gay guy and lied to him. Like sure - perfectly reasonable to lose some sleep and get an upset stomach over it - but for Steve to deflate and look like he should be looking out a rainy window in a romcom?
Nah. He is too invested in this whole plan. Too invested in Edde. Steve's told her about his past relationships, she knows he falls hard and fast. But can you fall hard and fast if you don't know you're in love?
Today it's Monday. She'd called Dustin after she'd called Steve on Saturday and asked him to see how Eddie was feeling, subtly. She purposefully didn't tell him the whole story so she could surmise if Eddie interpreted the events differently. Then Steve would pick them up from school and they'd work out how to fix this. Because while Robin and Chrissy might be able to work things out from here, Steve wasn't going to last in his current grief.
Robin gets to the car first, and huffs as she climbs in the back. Dustin will have earned shotgun if he had talked to Eddie; the senior looked like he was a walking thunderstorm today.
“How is she?” Steve asks, Ray Bans on so he's probably got a headache again.
“Good. We packed up slowly in trig and pretended to discuss homework, once the classroom was empty she uh… well I'm up to three kisses now.” Robin sighs dreamily.
“Really lesbianing it up now.” Steve chuckles.
Dustin actually runs to the car, grinning when he sees he can sit up front. He slams the door shut behind him and Steve starts driving.
“Alright. I talked to him. I got the scoop.” Dustin huffs, chucking his bag into the space at his feet.
“What did he say?” Robin sits forward.
“Hates him with the fire of a thousand suns. That's a direct quote.” Dustin smiles, enjoying the groan Steve gives as he slumps onto the steering wheel.
“Thanks. That's very comforting of you.” Robin reaches forward to swat the bill of Dustin's cap.
“We don't know. He could just need a day to cool off. Maybe two.”
“What was his version of the night?”
“He wouldn't tell me. Just that ‘Harrington really put a fucking damper on the party’. And then he talked about how much he hates everyone at this school and how stupid your hair is.”
“My hair ?”
Tuesday
Robin skids to a stop beside Chrissy's locker, having run from class to try and get some time with her before lunch. She startles Chris, but they both just smile and giggle.
“Wannaaaaa study this week?” Robin tilts her head.
“Mhm. When are you free?” Chrissy pulls a textbook from her locker.
“For you?” Robin whispers, glancing around. Chrissy blushes and bites her lips. “I don't work Thursday or Friday.”
“Hm. Could you do both days? My mother says knowing French makes me a more appealing person, so she's very supportive of my study time.”
Robin frowns, about to argue that Chrissy is plenty appealing on her own, but a shadow looms over them and she clamps her mouth shut. It's Jason.
“Hey there, Christine.” He's all smarmy smiles and standing close to Chrissy. Now that Robin knows Chrissy isn't interested, Jason's advances were just painful to watch.
And still a bit terrifying. Jason has every green light to pursue chrissy, Robin has none.
“Hi, Jason.” Chris replies, sweet but a bit stiff. He doesn't seem to notice it.
“I want to talk to you about the social dance.”
“Look, you know the deal. I can't go if Eddie doesn't -”
“Yeah well. The freak is going.” The grin on his face suddenly seems menacing. Like Eddie being asked to prom was going to be a bad thing for him.
Shit, has Jason gone and planned something on his own??
“Since when ?” Chrissy frowns.
“Oh, let's just say I'm taking care of it.”
Chrissy shoots Robin a worried look, eyes wide. Jason then saunters away, and the girls are left speechless.
Steve POV - Thursday
Chrissy came to see Robin at Scoops on Wednesday afternoon, and the two of them tried to figure out what Jason was up to. Steve was included in the conversation after he realized what they were talking about, but they couldn't come to agreement on what Jason may do next.
It turns out they didn't have to wonder for long. Steve had the closing shift, so the mall was pretty quiet when he locked up, and the car park even quieter. And Jason chose this time to get Steve alone by his car, posturing like Steve wouldn't voluntarily stand still long enough to talk to him. Which is probably true by this point, but the intimidation still feels rude.
“Here.” A wad of paper is shoved into his hand. “This should take care of the flowers, the limo, the tux, everything. Just make sure he gets to the dance.”
Steve looks at his hand - almost two-hundred dollars. That'd finish off his escape fund. He could use this to get himself out of Hawkins. Hell, with their money combined this could get him and Robin out from underneath all the prying eyes and small minds. Safe. Free. He images it. The freedom. Taking Eddie to the dance to pay his way out of town. He can see Eddie in a cheap tux, rolling his eyes at all the cliche goings on in the over-decorated gymnasium.
But then he remembers Eddie's face in the car, when Steve wouldn't kiss him. The shame, the anger, the hurt . Hadn't he agreed with himself to not toy with the guy anymore? Robin was close enough with Chrissy now, they didn't need to do this!!
Fuck Jason, fuck his games, and fuck his weird need to torment the super senior!
“You know what? I'm sick of playing your little game.” Steve slaps the bills back into Jason's hand and crosses his arms, hand gripping his biceps to stop any further attempts at pushing the money back. Jason frowns, annoyed.
“You sick of, let's say, 300?” He opens his wallet again.
“Yeah. All of it man. I'm done. If I decide to ask him, it'll be because I feel like it.” Shit, shit, shit. Steve forgot he was talking to a major homophobe. He has to redirect this away from what he may or may not feel like doing. “If I'm feeling kind. I don't want your money, I'm not a charity case.”
“Too good for my money, Harrington?” Jason shakes his head. It's hard to tell if he's pitying because he thinks Steve's stupid, or if he's gonna make Steve regret it. “Fine. Go fuck the faggot for all I care.”
Friday
Steve has to fix this. Has to make this right. He has to take Eddie to the dance before Jason uses his brain for once and comes up with some other plan. He has to keep Eddie safe (and he also can't sleep without waking up from dreaming about big, sad brown eyes. But that's neither here nor there).
He goes through shift, trying not to focus on the 'how' of making up with Eddie. Up until this point he's done his best on the fly, just going along with whatever the older guy throws at him. He finishes up with minimal catastrophes and only some caramel ice cream on his uniform. Time to go home and brainstorm.
Steve happens to wander past the record store on his way out. He isn't sure why, he just finds his feet carrying him there. And he walks close to the window, almost bumping into a couple as he does so, like he was helplessly drawn to the glass. And he then sees why: Eddie is there, rifling through the records.
Well. Now’s the time. No time like the present. It's now or nothing. He has to go in there and figure something out fast, because unless he wanted to hang outside the school or trailer park like some pervert, this was the best shot he was gonna get.
Fuuuuuck.
“Excuse me, have you seen Metallica’s new album anywhere? I've lost my copy.” Steve tries to be casual as he walks up to Eddie, smiling nice and wide. It's fake, they both know it, and the metalhead looks up - brief surprised crossing his face before Eddie tries to hide his anxiousness behind irritation.
“What are you doing here? This is supposed to be my safe space.” Eddie gives him a dirty look. But he doesn't run, doesn't confront him or call him names. He just pauses, looking Steve over. “You're so…”
“Charming? Wholesome?” Steve smiles hopefully. And god it hurt how hopeful he was that maybe Eddie had gotten over it already.
“Un-welcome.” Eddie finishes coldly, but... there's no scowl. If anything - his eyes twinkle just the littlest bit. So maybe that ‘hate with the fire of a thousand suns’ has cooled off.
“You're not as mean as you think you are, you know that?” Steve says, exasperated. He's glad Eddie isn't running, but he wants him to say something about the other night. A ‘how dare you’, or ‘I hate you’, just something .
“And you're not as cool as you think you are.” Eddie retorts, crossing his arms, a hint at something playful in his tone.
“Oooh, someone still has their underwear in a twist.” Steve volleys back, mouth pulling into a half smile. Eddie's playful. That's a good sign.
“Don't for one minute think that you had any effect whatsoever on what goes on in my underwear.” Edde glares, but Steve knows him too well by now. Knows that pink tone to his cheeks, the way he snaps back when he's feeling embarrassed.
“Then what did I have an effect on?” Steve presses gently. “Because clearly you're -”
“Other than my upchuck reflex? Nothing.” Eddie quips, plucking a CD case from the shelf and shoving it against Steve’s chest, before marching away. Steve looks down at the Metallica font and feels his chest cave in a little with disappointment.
But... there's also that familiar ache of hope. Which can only mean one thing.
Steve's in love.
Shit.
Steve calls Robin and Dustin after school, which is a regular occurrence now when he isnt able to pick them up. He prefers the phone call, since he can do a three way phone call on his father's phone in his office.
"I have officially made out now. Just so you guys are aware how thankful I am for all your hard work." Robin says through a mouthful of food. "So. Any news?"
"Look, I am not exactly in the position to ask him everyday." Dustin answers, also eating something. Steve reminds himself to teach them both a little phone etiquette.
"But you know something." Steve says, because when does Dustin not know something. Even if he didn't directly talk to Eddie, he could probably pick up on what Eddie ate and have some update for them.
“Yeah... He's still pissed.” Dustin signs, Steve feels himself deflate. “Look. You embarrassed the guy. Sacrifice yourself on the altar of dignity and even the score.”
“And how do you suggest I do that?”
"Well..." Dustin muses with a purr. "I do know Eddie's favorite song..."
Eddie POV - Sunday
"That little shit lied to us." Jeff groans. "I knew free doughnuts was too good to be true."
"Yeah, well you're still paying for gas." Eddie sighs.
Dustin had promised them adamantly during yesterday's DnD session that he'd gotten word of a buy one get two free deal at the doughnut shop at mall. Said his mother told him, swore on her life. And Eddie thinks that if he ever meets Mrs Henderson, he's going to tell her what a little liar her son is.
"Fine. But we're going to look at the bookshop stove we're here." Gareth shrugs. Freak looks very depressed to learn about the lack of sweets, despite the fact he didn't even like doughnuts, but agrees.
Nerds.
They've barely made it across the food court when Eddie freezes. The others take a few steps, then pause.
"Dude, what -"
"Shh!"
They stop to listen, but there's nothing except the sounds of families all around them. Kids shouting, dads sneezing, girls squealing with laughter. But there's... there's something else.
"Can't you hear it?" Eddie points upwards. "They're playing Metallica."
"At the mall?"
It's definitely Metallica, and it's definitely getting louder. They aren't the only ones that stop to listen, several other people have paused their shopping and eating too listen. Then it gets louder again.
"Someone's doing this. Got to be. " Jeff turns in a show circle, like he'll be able to see someone hacking the mall's sound system from where they're standing.
"Is it...a joke?" Freak frowns.
"Who would blast Metallica at the mall as a joke? Eds?"
"You think I'm doing this??"
Theres then a sharp crackle that interupts Master of Puppets, and a voice over the sound system. "Is... is this it? Oh fuck... Oh. Sorry folks. Uh...I don't have long."
"Oh holy shit." Gareth looks to Eddie. "That's Harrington."
"No it isn't!" Eddie shushes him, fighting off a blush. He regrets telling them about all of that bullshit. Even if he was high at the time. But no way is Steve the type to go breaking into the mall's offices to do this. He's a jock, a goodie-two-shoes, some jerk that is toying with Eddie's -
"Hey, Metallica Fan." The voice says again. And okay - that's definitely Steve Harrington. "Just wanted to say sorry. Guess I'm not good with words. Uh... call me. Yeah. Call me. Please, baby."
Eddie feels entire stomach clench. The rest of his band are staring at him, jaws open. Eddie vaguely overhears someone comment on how romantic that is, how lucky that girl is, what kind of girl listens to Metallica anyway, but it gets drowned out by the white noise in Eddie's head.
The song gets cut off and the normal music resumes at a lower volume, people going back to whatever they were doing, a funny little anictode to tell their friends now stored away.
Baby??
"Dude, if you don't go see if he managed to escape without being caught and suck his face, I will." Jeff hisses, grabbing Eddie's arm.
"What - what do I say to that?"
"Whatever you want!"
"Give him a ride home. Make sure the cops don't want to talk to him."
"He could get fired for that." Eddie can't move. Steve did that. For him. Steve broke the law, risked his job, his reputation, for him.
Steve - Sunday
“Man, I can't thank you enough for helping me sneak out of mall jail. Very cool.”
“No problem.” Eddie nods, focusing on the road and his mirrors, anything other than Steve. Maybe it hadn't entirely worked…
Steve had been caught, the mall cop escorting him to the security office. There was a little jail cell and everything. And sure, Steve wasn't worried about himself. What was a little trespassing for love? But he wasn't entirely sure what to do about getting out. His parents weren't home, he couldn't get Robin or Dustin to get him out. It had been a genius idea, it would have definitely gotten Eddie's attention, if Dustin had successfully manipulated him into coming.
But Eddie had heard it, because less than fifteen minutes of being behind bars of the first time, Eddie appeared at the security desk, out of breath, rambling about some fight happening at the lingerie store. The mall cop rushed off to investigate, and, without a word, Eddie slipped into the office, picked the lock, grabbed Steve's hand and they ran. It was possibly the hottest two minutes of Steve's life. Eddie let go once they got outside, and Steve didn't argue about running towards Eddie's van. It was raining and his car was further away.
“I thought for sure I was going to spend all day there, I tell ya. So where did you learn to pick locks?”
“Just something I uh, picked up.” Eddie says as notices Steve is still shivering, and reaches over to turn the heater on. They ride in silence. Steve smiles to himself. It had to have worked on some level, or he wouldn't be here now.
Eddie pulls over outside the Harrington house and shuts the engine off. There's no noise except the rain on the van roof but it feels… nice. Neither of them make a move to get out, or move at all.
“So, what's your excuse?” Steve asks, watching the rain run down Eddie's windshield.
“For?”
“Acting the way we do. You embrace the whole freak thing, I embraced the dumb jock shit.”
Eddie thinks about it for a moment. Steve wonders if he's going to get an honest answer, or another smart remark. But then Eddie sighs. “If people expect me to be a freak then... Why should I do any different? Why shouldn't I be as free as I wanna be with it?”
“So, you figure if they're gonna think you're a freak, you might as well have fun with it?”
“Something like that.”
Steve looks at him for a moment, realizing he's about to admit something he never thought he would. “I respect that. It's what I like most about you. You're not afraid. Of them, I mean.”
Eddie looks at him, almost sadly. “I'm plenty afraid, Stevie. Just not of their opinions.”
“Exactly! I wish I was like you.” Steve says quietly, and Eddie blinks in surprise. “All I think about is other people’s opinions. Do they like the way I look? Did I say the right thing? What are they saying behind my back? I want to be free like you.”
Eddie smiles slowly, studying Steve again. “You can be. I say, do what you wanna do.”
They both smile, Steve chuckles and rubs his neck. He chews his lip, thinking as he looks back up at Eddie. “Come inside.”
Eddie's smile dies down for a second, glancing up at the house like it was a dangerous place to enter into. Steve thinks maybe for Eddie it is.
“It's not a command, just uh - a request. No one's home.”
“You sure you’re not gonna worry about other people’s opinions about this?” Eddie turns back to him, eyes curious.
“The only other person I care about worrying about this - is you.” Steve says seriously. Eddie's eyes soften again the way they do when he's touched by something. “If you want to, you're welcome to.”
Steve opens the door and slides out of the van, shielding his backpack against his stomach from the rain. He doesn't look back as he walks up to his front door. He hopes by the time he unlocks it that Eddie will have joined him, and he's relieved to step inside and find Eddie stepping in behind him. They stand in the entry, shredding their jackets and brushing rain-damp hair from their faces. Steve looks over at him, and smiles.
“Hey.” Steve reaches out, takes Eddie’s hand and drags him closer before kissing him.
Kisses him before Eddie can pull away or overthink it, wrapping an arm around his waist to keep him there. And Eddie doesn't run, doesn't fight it or shy away. Steve feels cold hands cup his cheeks, and suddenly Eddie's returning the kiss and Steve doesn't think he's ever had such an amazing kiss before in his life.
“Okay, be honest.” Eddie starts, even though he can't seem to stop himself from dipping back for another kiss. “Did you invite me in to get me out of these wet clothes?”
“Wasn't what I had intended, but I wouldn't say no if you want to.” Steve answers honestly. Eddie chuckles.
“No. None of that stuff is true.” Eddie chuckles, rolling his eyes affectionately.
“State trooper?” Steve asks.
“Fallacy.”
“Uh, dead guy in the parking lot?”
“Rumor.”
“Eating a live duck?”
“Hearsay. Your turn. Bobby Ridgeway's balls?”
Steve laughs. “Fact. But he deserved it. He tried to grope Carol Perkins in the lunch line.”
“Fair enough.”
They've been talking for almost an hour now, relaxing in the living room. No pressure, no feeling cornered or forced to act any certain way. No need to hide. Just the two of them enjoying the soft couch, sitting side by side, both now wearing a change of clothes from Steve's wardrobe. Eddie looked particularly adorable in one of Steve's old swim team sweaters.
It seemed impossible, and yet - Steve was in love with him. A month ago Steve didn't think he could ever be in love with anyone else, let alone another guy, but whatever dog-like persistence he had chased Eddie with had tripped him into being ass over tit for the guy. Steve smiled as he watched Eddie try to free his hands from the too long sleeves; Eddie caught him staring, but Steve didn't shy away.
“Tell me something true.”
“Something true ?” Steve pursed his lips as he looked around the room for inspiration. “I hate peas.”
“No.” Eddie scoffed, and they both chuckled. “Something real . Something no one else knows.”
“Hmm, okay. You're sweet…” Steve leans closer, kissing Eddie's cheek ever so gently as to not spook him. “..and sexy...” He brushes Eddie's hair away from his neck to kiss there too, enjoying the way Eddie swallows “...and completely hot for me.” Steve pecks his lips with such ease, it almost doesn't feel real.
He leans back with a grin, Eddie is shaking his head but smiles. “You're amazingly self-assured. Has anyone ever told you that?”
“I tell myself that every day, actually.” Steve shrugs, and he doesn't lean away.
He doesn't lean away, and all Eddie has to do is sway a tiny bit and their lips are together again. He was already addicted to this, the feeling of Eddie's lips against his. The slight stubble rubbing against his skin, the way Eddie's hair always managed to just get in the way no matter what angle Steve tried. The way Eddie seemed more than happy to wrap his arms around Steve like not hugging him was an impossibility.
“Go to the dance with me.” Steve whispers, eyes still closed. Eddie moves forward, brushing his lips against Steve's.
“Hmm. Is that a command or a request?”
“C'mon, go with me.” Steve opens his eyes, pecking Eddie's lips. “Please?”
“No.”
“No? Why not?” Steve pouts.
“No, I won't go with you.” Eddie opens his eyes too, pulling away with frown.
“Why not ?”
“Because I don't want to. It's a stupid social thing.” Eddie removes Steve's hand from where it had wandered to his thigh.
“C'mon. People won't expect you to go. You'll freak them out.” Steve is still smiling hoping Eddie will join him. But Eddie looks even more upset by the second.
“ Why are you pushing this? What's in it for you?”
Steve feels like he's been slapped. That stupid deal with Carver is back to bite him in the ass. He's serious about asking Eddie, for the sake of just going with Eddie. So Eddie could have a normal high school experience before he leaves for good, and so Steve could be part of it. Not for the money, or for Robin, or anyone else. Yet here Eddie was asking him the very thing Steve dreaded him finding out.
“Oh, so I need to have a motive to want to be with you, is that it?” Steve says back, aware his tone is a bit too bitchy, but he can't help it. He's panicking.
“You tell me.” Eddie's jaw looks tight, clenched.
Steve shakes his head, sitting back in disbelief. “You need therapy, has anyone ever told you that?”
He really expects Eddie to lose it at him, to walk off or yell. But Eddie just stares, eyes tight and guarded. He's looking at Steve like he knew this would happen, like he was waiting for the moment Steve would slip up and make a mistake, to prove it was too good to be true.
“Answer the question, Steven.”
“Nothing!” Steve throws his hands up. “There is nothing in it for me. Just the pleasure of your company, okay?” He's being honest, but it comes out all wrong . It sounds frustrated and sarcastic, sounds like he's overcompensating for being pushy.
A mix of emotions pass over Eddie's face, then he's getting up. And Steve goes to say something, but what could he say? What would Eddie believe?
“Eddie, wait.”
Notes:
Poor Eddie :( poor Steve :(
banished_artcat on Chapter 1 Fri 13 Dec 2024 04:14PM UTC
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E_D_osbourne on Chapter 1 Sun 15 Dec 2024 10:22AM UTC
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Elsa kevin (Guest) on Chapter 1 Mon 18 Aug 2025 07:17PM UTC
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E_D_osbourne on Chapter 1 Thu 28 Aug 2025 07:18AM UTC
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elsa kevin (Guest) on Chapter 1 Thu 28 Aug 2025 09:47AM UTC
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E_D_osbourne on Chapter 2 Sun 16 Feb 2025 04:04AM UTC
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E_D_osbourne on Chapter 3 Thu 23 Jan 2025 06:41AM UTC
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E_D_osbourne on Chapter 6 Mon 28 Jul 2025 08:36AM UTC
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