(1) Learn How To Love

Your First Day: Part Two

"Fired?!" Steven's mouth hung open.

"Yes, fired," Mr. Smiley's eyebrows creased.

"Well what about me?" You asked, re-inserting yourself into the conversation. "Am I fired, too?"

"You're not the one standing next to a game that was just... on... FIRE!!!" Mr. Smiley heaved and stuck his finger in Steven's chest.

"Heh, fire. Fired. Kinda funny," Steven muttered, desperately trying to lighten the mood.

"Funny. FUNNY?!" Mr. Smiley was turning red now.

Steven shrunk; "I- no! No, not funny, just-"

"Get... out," Mr. Smiley towered over Steven.

And without another word, Steven put his hands in his pockets and walked to the locker room.

"Alright," Mr. Smiley nodded towards you, "clean up this mess. It's my day off."

You waited for him to leave to ditch your station and find Steven.

"Hey," you peeked your head through the doorway and found Steven sitting on the bench, staring at his shoes. "You okay?" you asked.

"Yeah, I've just never been fired before," he looked up at you. "I've also never had a job before."

You smiled lightly, a small chuckle escaping your lips. You sat down next to Steven.

"I just wish I could make it up to him, you know?" he continued, examining the wall in front of him.

"Yeah, I know," you put your arm around his shoulders and squeezed him towards you gently. "I think you should just give it space for now, let things cool off."

"Pun intended?"

You laughed lightly; "no, not intended. You know what I mean though right?

"Yeah, I know. It's just..."

"Easy to take it to heart?"

"Yeah."

"Well, when you're Steven, a lot of things are easy to take to heart," you joked, bumping your shoulder against his.

Steven smiled and exhaled quickly through his nose. Sort of a laugh, but not really.

"Just try not to let it get to you," you spoke just above a whisper. It was comforting. Sincere.

"Right," Steven relaxed his shoulders and sighed. "You know, you don't have to work here. I mean, I'm the one who caused the damages."

"Well, clearly you're not gonna work it off," you smirked.

"True, but still," you made eye contact.  "Are you sure you wanna do this?"

"I don't really see another option?" You shrugged.

"Right... Well, hey!" Steven stood up abruptly, suddenly much more cheerful. "When does your shift end? I'd love to take you out on a date... eyebrows, eyebrows."

"Hmmm... I don't know," you crossed your arms. "I sorta have a boyfriend..." you looked over to the side.

"I won't tell him if you don't," Steven raised an eyebrow.

"Hmmm... okay, you've convinced me! Give me a couple hours," you grinned excitedly.

Within those couple hours, a total of maybe... 5 customers came in. Mostly little kids with jackets full of quarters and dreams. You'd exchange their tickets for small prizes and treats, and they'd skip away gleefully after paying $30 for a beanie baby. Once or twice, Onion would try to sneak his way back in wearing several disguises, but you caught him and kicked him out every time. No one else in all of Beach City stands at only two feet... except maybe Mayor Nanefua. But Nanefua wouldn't be wasting her time trying to break into an arcade. She's got mayor duties to attend to.

Before long, you were ready to close up and toss your 80's print in your locker. As you went around the room switching off each and every game, you couldn't help but find your gaze lingering on the windows. Outside were the glowing beginnings of a classic summer sunset. Something about the Beach City sky was so beautiful to you. And knowing that Steven was under the same sky you were only made it better.

Speaking of the devil, Steven snuck up on you in the staff room as you gathered up your things.

"Boo," he said, hugging you from behind.

"I heard you coming," you smiled and closed your locker.

"Blasphemer! I'm the stealthiest guy I know," Steven leaned up against the small wall of lockers and crossed his arms defiantly.

"Are you? Because I'm pretty sure I heard you trip over an electrical cord in the lobby," you raised an eyebrow.

Steven stared at you, his poker face strong.

"So ANYWAY," he changed the subject, "I was thinking the beach. You in?"

"Sunset beach?" you clasped your hands over your heart. "How romantic," you swooned dramatically.

"I know, I know," Steven chuckled. "I'm putting all my moves on you."

You rolled your eyes playfully and smiled.

"Is it working?" he leaned in, looking down at you by only a few inches.

"A little," you smiled and cupped his cheek in your hand. You admired his face for a moment. His round lips, his freckles, his deep brown eyes- with probably the longest eyelashes you'd ever seen. You let it all sink in.

And as you kissed him, you were still in euphoric disbelief that the two of you were together.

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