Freak || Steddie

chapter two

"You left me stranded!" Robin practically screamed at Steve as she walked into library. Customers glared at her, her voice being too loud for a library. They both started working there after their local ice cream shop went out of business. Steve looked at her amused, he didn't remember his promise of bring her to work until their shift started and she was no where to be found. He had quickly sent her a text, apologizing for not picking her up. "I had to get a ride from Nancy, which by the way, was AWFUL." She continued on with her scolding. She mumbled to herself as she set down her things behind the counter and apologizing to the few customers there. "Uh— what happened to your face?" The questions began to pour out of her mouth in between her scolding Steve for fighting. "It was Munson again, wasn't it?" He looked at her with an exasperated facial expression. She immediately stopped talking. Steve has expressed his hatred for the metalhead on multiple occasions. "So what did The Lion say this time?" She finally asked.

Steve rubbed his face, careful not to hit any sensitive spots. "Temporary suspension and community service," he mumbled. He knew what her reaction was going to be. With in school suspension and detentions she'd wave it off saying Steve got off easy, but this was completely different. In some ways, Robin acted more like a mom to Steve than his own mom did. Not that he didn't appreciate it, he needed someone to knock some sense into him every now and then.

Robin kept a straight face, trying to process what Steve had just said. "Holy fuck, Steve," was the only response he got from her before a customer walked up to the counter, asking for help. He didn't want to hear her lecture about getting suspended so he jumped at the opportunity to help.

Walking the customer to the "teen romance" section, Steve pointed out the book the she wanted. Steve put on his charming smile and tried flirting with the young girl. One glance at the swollen cut and bruises on his face make her wince and turn away. With a small sigh he walked back to the counter where Robin still stood. "Even when he's not here, he's making my life hell," he muttered to her. She knew he was talking about Eddie. The metalhead always seemed to push the right buttons on the boy next to her and as amusing as it was most of the time, she felt for him. "What are you doing after work?" He asked Robin. He was hoping she'd be free, he didn't exactly want to go home to an empty house. As close as the two were, Robin didn't really know Steve's living situation. She knew they went on business trips but Steve guessed that she didn't know for how long.

Robin had a sour look on her face, "this conversation that you're trying to avoid isn't over." With a loud groan, Steve walked into the 'employees only' room, trying to avoid his best friend. Of course, without hesitation, Robin followed close behind. "What are you going to tell your parents?" Of course that's what she was concerned about, not the fact that Steve was about to have the worst month of his life— starting tomorrow.

Steve thought carefully about his next answer, "I won't tell them. I'm 18 and The Lion already said he wasn't going to call them." Even if he did happen to tell them, it wouldn't give him any more attention than he already got. "Why are you so concerned about that anyways?" Steve wanted to change the topic, he didn't want to think about the suspension, his parents, the community service, or Eddie fucking Munson. He wanted to think about the cute girl he was taking on a date this Saturday. Stacy? Lacy? He couldn't remember the girl's name, maybe if he had actually saved her number in his phone he could remember. He'd probably subtly ask it on Friday. Steve was good at it, taking girls on dates that is. He always treated them with respect, brought them flowers, had deep conversations with them, walked them to their porch at night, but he never felt the kind of connection he wanted with them.

"I just don't want you to get in trouble, is all," Robin finally responded. She had been sorting some of the return books and looked deep in thought. Steve nodded his head absentmindedly, but didn't respond in hopes the conversation was over. "I'm hanging out with Vicki after work by the way," she answered the question from earlier. Steve couldn't escape the large and lonely house tonight. He knew his young friends Dustin, Mike, and Lucas were probably busy with nerd stuff so that was also off the table. Steve felt like he wasn't going to catch a break today.