Second Chances (ON HOLD)

Chapter Seven

Steve was lost for words as he stared up at the metalhead. He knew Eddie was there and was expecting to see him but a part of him was still caught off guard. Those warm, brown eyes seemed to have a hold on him and he couldn't look away.

After what felt like minutes, but had only been a few seconds, Steve managed to avert his eyes and settled them on an ugly lampshade of his Mothers. He really needed redecorate, he thought to himself.

"Hey man, I hope this is okay." Eddie said as he descended the stairs. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously as he waited for Steve to say something.

"Oh, yeah man. It's cool. Nance explained everything to us." Steve replied, allowing himself to make brief eye contact with Eddie before he looked away again. "No one would think to look for you here."

"Well, almost no one..." Robin mumbled to herself not so quietly. Nancy looked at her with wide eyes while Steve just glared at his best friend.

"Thanks, Buckley. I feel so much better now!" Eddie grumbled, sarcasm dripping in his voice. He got to the bottom of the stairs and the four of them stood there awkwardly, none of them sure what to say next.

"Do you have any food, Steve?" Nancy asked, breaking the silence. She left them in the foyer and made her way to the kitchen, not even giving Steve time to respond. He gestured towards the kitchen and the three of them joined their friend.

Nancy opened the fridge and frowned when all she saw was some beer and a packet of bacon. "How do you not have more food?"

Steve fought the urge to roll his eyes. "I'm rarely home. Why would I need lots of food?"

Robin smirked before rushing over to the pantry door and swinging it open. Steve stared wmin shock as his his gaze fell on an almost fully stocked pantry. "Surprise!"

"What the fuck! Where did all that come from?" Steve asked, not used to seeing that much food in his house.

"My Mom was worried you weren't eating enough." Robin said, casually shrugging her shoulders and giving him a big grin. "We brought it here the other day before my shift started."

Steve couldn't help but smile back at his best friend. "Thanks, Rob! That was sneaky! Remind me to buy your Mum some flowers too."

"Well, what are we waiting for? I don't know about you but I'm starving!" Eddie piped up, dramatically rubbing his belly.

Steve shook his head as he chuckled. "How does pasta sound?"

"Like a fucking dream, Harrington!"

"Wait, you can't cook Steve. Remember?" Robin pointed out.

Steve huffed as he remembered he couldn't use his hands. Even though he didn't do it often he did love cooking. "Damn it! Munson, can you cook?"

"Hell yeah, I can!"

"Hey! What about us?" Nancy asked, arms crossed over her chest.

"Nancy, don't even pretend you can cook. You and I have never cooked a day in our lives!" Robin grinned, patting Nancy on the shoulder.

"She has a point!" Steve replied, shrugging at her. He watched as she sighed and relaxed her arms.

"Fine, Robin and I will check the house and make sure all the windows are secure and close all the curtains."

The two girls quickly disappeared from the room, leaving Steve and Eddie alone. Steve watched as Eddie grabbed pasta and pasta sauce from the pantry. Once he had set them down on the counter he looked at Steve, who gestured to the fridge.