Atomic | Eddie Munson

17*

We've all been waiting for this one :)

Katherine sat on the check-out counter of Family Video, swinging her feet over the edge as she waited for Steve and Robin to get back with their lunch. It was slow that day at work, only a few customers every hour, which was unusual for a Saturday. People were probably busy prepping for Halloween parties and trick-or-treaters.

"Bad news, Kit-Kat. They were out of strawberry, so we got you chocolate," Robin said as she entered the store, milkshakes in hand. Katherine sighed dramatically and took the milkshake from her friend's hand, taking a sip. Steve, who had walked in right behind Robin, passed Katherine her french fries and grilled cheese. She took them eagerly and started eating right away.

"Got any plans later?" Steve asked the girls.

"I'm going to Patrick McKinney's Halloween party tonight with Eddie," Katherine said once she swallowed the bite of her grilled cheese.

"You're going to that party too? Why didn't you tell me?" Steve responded. Katherine raised an eyebrow.

"You graduated. Why are you going to the party?" Robin asked. Katherine nodded, also wanting to know why their friend was going to a high school party. Steve shrugged.

"I was invited by Patrick. Are you going, Rob?" he asked. She nodded, which surprised Katherine. Halloween parties didn't really seem like Robin's thing.

"Yeah, at least for a little bit. I think Vickie is gonna be there," Robin said. Steve and Katherine shared a look but didn't say anything. "What are you guys wearing?"

"Eddie and I are going as Claire and Bender from The Breakfast Club," Katherine responded. Robin awed in response. Even Steve had to admit that the idea was cute. It fit the two well. Even though Katherine was a bit grunge-y, she was well known and generally well liked. She wasn't exactly like Claire, but she wasn't the antithesis of the character either.

"I was gonna go as Marty McFly," Steve stated. Robin and Katherine burst out laughing at their friend. Steve rolled his eyes as Robin wiped away a stray tear. "What's so funny, huh?"

"It's just... you aren't the most... studious," Katherine said, choosing her words wisely, still laughing. Steve gave her a light shove on the shoulder.

"What about you, Robin?" Katherine asked. 

"A friend from band and I are dressing as the twins from The Shining," Robin replied, taking a fry from Katherine. Katherine smacked Robin's hand when she reached for another fry. 

"That's cute," Steve said, Katherine nodding along. The three friends continued to do their jobs.

About an hour later, Gareth Emerson walked in. Katherine recognized him immediately and greeted him. She liked the boy, in a friend way of course. He was always nice to her when he was over for Hellfire Club or anytime he saw her when she was with Eddie.

"Hey Gareth. Do you need help looking for something?" Katherine asked. He noticed her and sent her a friendly smile as he walked up to the counter. 

"Uh, yeah. I called earlier to put a tape on reserve," he said. 

"Oh yeah, I have it back here," Katherine said. She rummaged through the tapes on reserve behind the counter. She found Gareth's tape and handed it to him, to which he handed her his Family Video card. "Are you doing anything later?"

"Jeff and I are gonna watch some movies and then work on some stuff for the band. Or we might crash McKinney's Halloween party. We haven't quite decided yet," Gareth stated. 

"Ah, gotcha. Well you're all set. Have fun with whatever you end up doing," Katherine said. Gareth flashed her a smile before going to leave.

"Thanks Wheeler!" he called over his shoulder.