Steddie Hands, Steddie Heart

Chapter 11 - The Last-Minute Customer

Author's Note: Robin is a supportive best friend :)

Steve eyed his watch for what felt like the millionth time that afternoon and let out a frustrated groan. It was only 4:30 pm. Working at a video rental store was boring work in and of itself, but knowing that this shift was the only barrier keeping Steve from hanging out with Eddie made the job almost excruciatingly dull. The store closed at 5:00 pm, and since Steve was the only employee scheduled that day, he'd likely have to stay for an extra half an hour to complete closing tasks by himself.

The store was empty and Steve had decided to get a head start on closing down the store for the day when he noticed a familiar wood-paneled car pull into the parking lot of Family Video. Nancy wasn't a regular at the store, so Steve wondered what the Wheelers' blue station wagon would be doing outside Family Video until none other than Robin hopped out of the passenger's side and bounded towards the store. His eyes shifted to find that Nancy was indeed in the driver's seat, watching Robin with a soft gaze before pulling out of the parking lot and driving away.

"Hey dingus, miss me?" Robin asked with a smirk.

Steve put his hand and frowned on his hip and Robin chuckled.

"Uh oh, Mama Bearington is out, are you gonna scold me?" she joked.

Doing absolutely nothing to combat Robin's characterization of Steve as a tired mother of many children, Steve proceeds to do just that.

"Some nerve you have, coming into work as a customer after calling out sick. You don't look sick to me," Steve said.

Robin shrugged.

"I didn't lie, I just told Keith I was having lady troubles. And in the romantic sense, I definitely do. His fault for not asking what kind," Robin replied smugly, eyes gleaming with mischief.

Steve crossed his arms.

"And what about telling Eddie I wasn't here today?"

Robin's eyes lit up.

"So he did come in? How'd that go?" She asked excitedly.

Steve said nothing, trying to keep his stance that he wasn't happy with Robin's decision to manipulate his love life, but the bright red blush that crept along his cheeks gave him away.

Robin gave him a wide grin and slapped his arm playfully.

"Steve! You better spill all the details, I am absolutely ridiculously invested,"

Steve bit back a smile and passed Robin to close up the store early, ensuring that no one would hear their conversation.

"Okay, but that doesn't mean that I agree with you tricking Eddie," Steve said, returning to his initial spot behind the counter.

"Well, I wanted you guys to make up. You're welcome, by the way."

Steve rolled his eyes but grinned at his best friend's dedication to setting him up with Eddie.

"Well we did make up," Steve started, "And then we made out for a while," Steve finished, shrugging as if it were no big deal.

"You did what?! Steve Harrington!" Robin gasped before pulling him into an awkwardly positioned but loving hug across the counter.

"It's no big deal, Robin, really," Steve whined, faking annoyance.

"It is absolutely a big deal! This is great, Steve!"

In actuality, he was eating up the affection Robin was giving him. It was still hard for Steve to accept his attraction to more than one gender. It was still a very new and raw idea in Steve's mind, and he was still dealing with a lot of internalized homophobia and self-hate that made it hard for him to feel okay with his sexuality. Although Steve wouldn't say it, Robin's pride towards Steve's pursuit of a non-heterosexual relationship meant a lot.

"Thanks, Robin," he said as she finally pulled away from the hug.

"Of course. So..." Robin started, "do you guys have a date planned, or?"

Steve shook his head before replying, "No. He's picking me up after work though."

Robin's features twisted into an incredulous expression.

"Steve, that's a date."

"What, no it's not. We're just hanging out. Like guys do."

Robin slapped her forehead with her hand in frustration.

"Steven. Oh my god-" Robin sighed.

"What?"

"You are so stupid sometimes. How do I even-" Robin started, "If Eddie was a girl, would this be a date."

Steve pondered it for a second. Usually, after a makeout sesh like the one he had with Eddie, anything he did with the girl was basically a-

"Shit," Steve groaned.

Robin choked back laughter at the realization on Steve's face. Steve peered at his reflection on the reflective surface of the counter in front of him.

"I gotta call it off with Eddie, I look like shit. I don't have time to go home and change. I'm in my damn uniform for god's sake I'd never show up to a first date looking like this," Steve rambled.

Robin put her hand on his shoulder to steady the spiraling boy.

"Hey, it's fine. If Eddie really likes you, I don't think he'll mind," she remarked.

"But what if he doesn't-"

"Trust me, Steve. I think he really does," Robin assured him. "Besides, I'm already here to help you close. Free of charge, might I add. So let's get going with that so you don't have to leave Eddie waiting too long after closing. Okay?"

Steve sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Okay."