The Drive-In

22

Even though every atom of Steve says otherwise, he knows he can't run after Eddie out of here.

He plays through the last sequence of chords way too quickly for the band that had just formed around him and gives a "Sorry about that folks, maybe my talents lie elsewhere, thanks for not throwing anything at me." before taking off his guitar.

Robin runs over to him, barging several girls, also headed toward Steve, out of the way.

"Steve, I tried. I did." Robin looks around nervously, "I think she...I mean...I just need a bit more time."

Steve doesn't have time to respond as he feels a hand on his shoulder, "I'm Jeff. This is Gareth. This is Paul" Steve nods at each of them in turn, but his eyes keep flicking to the door. He wanted to get to Eddie.

"Can we just borrow you for a minute in the back?" Steve looks around at the three guys he was confident a minute ago were gonna beat him up on stage, then they played the rest of the song with him, but maybe now they were gonna beat him up backstage instead.

Robin grabs Steve's hand, "We're, um, a package deal. He's my...er... betrothed, and....yeah, we can't be separated."

The faces of the band members contort into an absolute stupor, but Jeff manages wearily, "Sure, you can come too."

Once in a private area away from the crowd, Jeff stands in the middle of everyone, "Ok guys, listen, I have something important to say. It can't wait." Steve sees Jeff take a deep breath. "I'm bisexual," he says firmly. Jeff's body language is feigning confidence, but the worry is located in his eyes that dart between his two bandmates.

Steve turns to Robin to exchange a look of alarm but then quickly turns back to the other two members of the band, who appear to be deep in thought.

"Er, so you like dating two people at a time?" Paul tries and receives a backhanded slap on the arm from Gareth.

"No, idiot, he likes men and women, like Bowie," Gareth says, scowling at Paul. His expression eases when he turns back to Jeff. "I mean, fine, but why? Guys are fucking gross, dude. Chicks smell nice, and their skin is soft," he adds dreamily.

Paul looks around, "How come you didn't wait for Eddie, man? He's gonna be pissed you didn't tell him too."

Jeff laughs. "I think Eddie guessed a long time ago. I know he'll have my back," Jeff says happily. "And for your information Gareth, guys can smell nice and have soft skin. That's pretty sexist of you, actually," Jeff kindly reprimands him with his hands on his hips.

Gareth looks a little guilty, "Sorry, man. My bad"

"Well, of course, Eddie will, man. He's your brother. Corroded Coffin is for life." Paul says, holding up four fingers and then making an L-shape.

"Ha! I like these guys!" Robin says enthusiastically before letting go of Steve's hand and stepping into the circle. "And I only like girls," she says proudly, high-fiving Jeff.

Steve is entirely at a loss for words with what is happening. Robin didn't have to say anything at all, but she looked so happy having done so. Steve wonders if he has the courage in him somewhere too, but he needs to talk with Eddie first.

"See, the strange fighty lady gets it," Gareth gestures at Robin.

"How did you all get so liberal, huh?" Robin asks, absolutely delighted, coming back to hold Steve's hand.

"It's what Hellfire is built on. Helping people that are different or the ones that are gonna struggle in high school. Eddie can spot them a mile away. Plus, it would be positively hypocritical of us if we were prejudiced against someone for anything they can't do anything about. Unless they are an asshole. Then they can get fucked." Gareth says with pride.