Obey Your Master

Nightmare

The air was brisk yet slightly humid this evening. It was the year of your graduation, and summer was just around the corner. As Dustin, Mike, Lucas, and Max talked to each other outside the hangout, you raised your head to stare up at the star-filled, cloudless sky. You had been informed by Dustin that other guests would be arriving. You were quite interested in who they were, and sure enough, a recognizable voice from behind you provided the answer to your question.

Walking in your direction were Steve and Robin. "Yo!" Steve shouted from afar. Since you were aware that you had not invited them this time, how could you possibly explain the sight?

As they stood in front of you, you were able to form genuine words. You tried to connect the dots by asking, "What are you doing here?" Did Dustin already know your two friends? You were unaware of anything other than the brief conversation Dustin and Robin had at lunch when she chose to sit with you.

Steve crossed his arms and groaned, "Henderson convinced us." Even though he may have seemed annoyed, a lopsided smile appeared on his lips, showing that he in fact wasn't.

Your jaw gaped as your eyes shot back and forth between Robin and Steve. You said, appearing ashamed that your two different friend groups already knew each other, "I didn't... know... you guys were friends."

"Don't look at me. I barely know the kid" Robin said and raised her hands in defense.

Steve answered, freeing his arms to rest at his sides. "You might say that I've become some sort of a babysitter to these goddamn kids"

Since the two of you hadn't hung out that frequently, Steve remained a bit of a mystery despite the fact that you had known Robin for a while. Additionally, you hadn't really made an effort to get to know the man. All of a sudden, you felt horrible to even call him your friend, and you were determined to make things right.

Just like the previous time, you were all seated at the table that was closest to the action. Robin and Steve took a seat next to you after grabbing a chair each.

Eddie and his band got to work. You could see Steve enjoying the music when you turned to face him. You chuckled at the sight and then resumed watching the show, admiring Eddie's voice and guitar skills. This time, there were more people, and even though most of them were just hanging out at the bar, you were glad that the Corroded Coffin received more attention.

After the performance, everyone left the building, including Eddie and his bandmates. While everyone was chatting among themselves, you approached Steve who had been left alone as Robin went to the restroom. "Not your kind of crowd, huh?" You chuckle as you recall how Steve turned down your invitation the week before by saying those exact words.

Steve's eyes were wide as he peered down at you. He furrowed his brow and put his hands on his hips, saying, "I assure you it isn't."

Your brows also furrowed in confusion ."I assure you, it did seem like you dug the crap out of it." Steve sneered at your remark but grinned in response.

Eddie walked up to the two of you conversing and was now standing in front of you and Steve; you hadn't noticed him glancing at the two of you earlier. He gave Steve a long, almost irritated-looking stare.