Chapter Text
Steve is utterly frustrated.
Seriously, he's had enough. Even from where he was outside the video store, he could hear his friends' uproarious laughter. As he stepped through the door, arms carrying snacks, the bell above the door rang. Dustin's gaze immediately lifted from his scattered notebooks on the counter and he shot Steve a warm smile, his eyes crinkling, revealing his baby teeth. To be honest, Dustin wasn't the issue here. No, neither was Robin, who was diligently organising a shelf. No, the problem is Eddie.
"McDonald's burgers, so awesome!" Robin exclaims as she rushes to his side.
She deftly takes the paper bag from his hands and begins distributing the orders with a practiced easy, Steve had grown accustomed to buying food for four instead of two. Dustin enthusiastically diving into the food, homework forgotten, as if he'd been starving for days. Robin followed suit. Only Eddie, who was seated cross-legged behind the store counter, civil picked up his fries.
"Thanks, Harrington," Eddie smiled at Steve.
Steve mumbles something under his breath and shrugged, feeling a little grumpy. Eddie, honest to god, had been squatting at the video store for a few months now, smoothly integrating himself into their tight-knit group. If Steve were being honest, he'd have admitted to himself a twinge of jealousy regarding how easily Eddie had inserted himself into Steve's friend group. Dustin always looking at metalhead with admiration, sharing a host of obscure references that Steve didn't understand, despite his best efforts. Eddie had also managed to penetrate Robin's sarcastic defences in record time. Eddie even knows all about Vickie, and when Steve questioned Robin about how he found out, she just shrugged and said Eddie had figured it out on his own. As if it was just some puzzle he could have deciphered.
"Nancy swung by while you were out, by the way." Robin informs him, her cheeks full of food. "She was clearly looking for you, but she didn't really ask where you were," Steve sighs and settled down next to his friend before taking a fry for himself.
The past few months had been somewhat complicated and he'd distanced himself from Nancy, especially with Jonathan's return and the other drama going down within his own family. He'll always have a certain fondness for the young girl he met in high school, the one who opened his eyes to so much. But, he didn't feel like reigniting a relationship with her. Not after how much he's grown.
"Poor Stevie," Dustin teased, nearly finished with his meal. "The most beautiful girl in town yearns for him."
"Nancy isn't the most beautiful girl in town," Robin immediately protested.
"Oh really? Then who is, Genius?" The kid retorted with a wide-toothed grin.
Robin starts to respond but then stopped herself, her cheeks reddening. She took a bite of her burger, and the rest of the group bursts into laughter at her embarrassed expression.
"Things progressing with Vickie?" Steve asks gently. He meets Eddie's curious gaze. Eddie was eating his fries slowly, a rock magazine seemingly appearing in his lap out of nowhere.
"Same as always," Robin muttered, shaking her short hair. "We're the club of romantic losers."
"Speak for yourself! I'm with my Suzie," Dustin immediately chimed in, wearing a smug smile. God, was that kid.
"Sorry, your genius girlfriend who lives miles away," Robin spoke, rolling her eyes.
She narrowly avoided a playful swipe from Dustin and stuck her tongue out, playfully ducking behind the counter. The bond between the two had always warmed Steve's heart and gave him some breathing room. They'd usually be so preoccupied with teasing and taunting each other that they hardly bother him.
"Who would've thought that King Steve Harrington would end up in the ranks of the love-stricken losers?" Eddie's commented, grabbing the attention of the two mischief-makers, who promptly start teasing Steve.
"Laugh all you want, I've had more romantic successes than all of you combined. And I'm not afraid to approach my crush, unlike some people." He said, pointing a look at a certain girl across from him.
"Or to face a million rejections," Dustin chuckles.
"Who's to say I haven't had more romantic successes than you, Harrington?"
Steve turned his attention to Eddie, who was eyeing him with a mischievous grin. Steve couldn't recall anyone ever mentioning Eddie "The freak" Munson's love life before. But there's a world beyond school, Steve figured, and Eddie doesn't look half bad in his own special way.
"It's my rockstar good looks, it melts hearts." Eddie teased, running his hand through his hair. "Combined with my bad boy reputation,"
"As a drug dealer, you mean?" Steve shot.
"That's beside the point, Stevie. I'm talking tattoos, hairstyle, fashion, attitude. You get the idea?"
Before Steve could reply, Eddie was already on his feet, balancing precariously on the counter's edge. He swept his hand through his hair, taking a step forward and swaying obnoxiously, mimicking the catwalk models he'd seen on TV.
"I'm a star in my own right, Stevie," he continued, sending him a suggestive wink. "The one they all call in the dead of night."
He twirled around, hopping off the counter, and grabbing Robin's hand, leading her into a chaotic and uncoordinated dance. He spun her, catching her in his arms, all while moving to imaginary music.
"They fall at my feet, begging for a kiss, a bear touch." Eddie raved "They ask me, 'Eddie, why this lifestyle? Why these sweet tats, the piercings! Why rock?'" He said in a frankly off-putting falsetto. "And you know what I tell them, Harrington?"
Steve wanted to mock Eddie and his flamboyant outburst. But instead, he caught himself starring, transfixed to his dark gaze, his mischievous smile that set Steve's heartbeat through the roof. Eddie was simply born for the stage, destined to shine under artificial lights. Steve could picture it.
"Well? Any guesses?"
Eddie approached closer and Steve has to fight the urge to step back and make room. His breath hitched, and he felt immobilised by the other man's eyes, captivated by his advancing presence.
"I tell them this, every simple one" He emphasised " It's just rock & and roll, baby." He said casually, before stepping in closer " Rock & roll," he whispers, dangerously close to Steve.
A charged silence filled the small shop. Steve was frozen in place, Eddie eyeing him with interest, eyes twinkling. His satisfied grin that graced his lip was ever-present, fully pleased with the impact he'd made on the man standing in front of him.
"Many end up heartbroken, but I just can't be with them all! Yet, I, Eddie Munson, the freak of Hawkins! I have a dream, my dear Harrington." Eddie mused "The dream of finding love and escaping this place to live freely. So this year, it's going to be my year." he concluded.
Eddie took a deep breath, finally subsiding from his exuberant performance, and returned to his spot on the counter, as if nothing had occurred. Steve gradually reconnected with the world around him—the sunlight streaming through the window, the background music humming along, Dustin snickered as he flipped through his greasy school handbook. Robin was gazing at him in an odd manner as she absently fiddles with her empty fry container. Steve cleared his throat and takes a bite of his, now cold, burger while grappling with the swirling sensations in his body and mind.
"Anyway, which subject do you need help with from Dustin and Robin this time?"
Steve distracted himself by observing that the store's entrance had swung open, bell ringing out, allowing two giggling girls in. They casted a lingering glance in Steve's direction before disappearing into the aisles.
"Duty calls," Steve sighed, moving away before he could catch Robin's cheeky remark.
As he approaches the customers, he recognises Martha and Lucy, two girls from his graduating class last year.
"Ladies, how may I assist you?" He asked, approaching with all that trademarked 'Harrington Charm'.
"We're on the hunt for horror movies for a horror night. Any suggestions?" Lucy's voice had retained its familiar high pitch. Steve adopted an open, friendly expression as he tried to recall suitable options.
"What kind of movies are you looking for? Truly terrifying ones, or more for a fun evening?"
"Hmm, genuinely terrifying ones," Martha said, her smile playing around the edges as she twirls a strand of her hair. "But only if you could you come over tonight and protect us from all those monsters."
Steve opened his mouth to reply, but his words don't come out. Martha seemed to have gained more confidence since the last time they spoke? He made an effort to keep his expression neutral, albeit a touch charming. After all, isn't that why he was hired?
"Unfortunately, I'm occupied tonight. However, I can recommend 'Friday the 13th' or 'Evil Dead.' They're sufficiently spine-chilling but offer an enjoyable watch, unlikely to burden you with too many nightmares."
"Or you might consider watching 'The Shining.' Now, that's genuine horror cinema—gritty and suspenseful."
Eddie's sudden appearance completely catches Steve off guard, the girls' sharing surprised and somewhat irritated glances. If Eddie continued to drive away their clientele, both he and Robin might end up getting fired. And , sadly, Steve required this job to support himself, And that's not to mention Robin's situation.
"The Shining is an excellent movie, but perhaps not ideal for a relaxed evening. It's a film better enjoyed in solitude," Steve offers, stepping to the side to obscure Eddie's towering presence.
"We'll take 'Friday the 13th' and 'Evil Dead.' Thanks for the suggestions, Steve. And feel free to drop by tonight if you find the time."
Steve's smile broadened as he gestured toward the counter with a sweeping motion of his hand.
"Thank you for the invitation. Just check with my colleague Robin for the arrangements."
The two young women headed toward Robin after a final smile, followed by a wink from Martha. Steve immediately diverts his attention back to Eddie, noticing his proximity.
"Please, y'know, refrain from scaring away my customers, alright?"
"Have you ever watched 'The Shining'?" Eddie inquired, completely ignoring Steve's previous comment and the disapproving glance he receives.
"Um, yes? Robin made me watch it."
"And what did you think?"
Steve shifted uncomfortably under Eddie's intense gaze, feeling like he was being towered over, despite their similar heights.
"I loved it. It's one of the best films I've ever seen. Though, I couldn't sleep for days after watching it," Steve confessed, a bit embarrassed. He doesn't even know why he's sharing this with the other.
Eddie's face suddenly lit up, his radiant smile igniting something within Steve's stomach. He's never witnessed someone displaying their emotions with such honest intensity. Eddie was the only person Steve knew that could shift from euphoria to anger to boredom in the blink of an eye, which was sometimes challenging to keep up with. Nevertheless, it did always keep things interesting.
And Steve had to admit to himself he'd grown accustomed to Eddie's presence around him.
"I see your brain expanding in your skull." Eddie chuckled "So, what would you recommend me, Stevie?" Eddie tilts his head slightly, a mischievous grin curving his lips, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on Steve.
"You've probably already seen all the movies in this store, Hobo."
Eddie mirrors Steve's grin, full of confidence. "Oh, I'm an easy man to please, Harrington. A handsome guy like you," Eddie trailed off without finishing his sentence, and Steve found himself hanging onto his words, his breath hitching in his throat.
Something was off about him today, with Eddie getting under his skin far too much. Steve's chest tightened, his throat drying up and his palms becoming sweaty. He inhaled sharply, hoping to clear his mind only to be met with the distinct scent of the other man across from him —a blend of aftershave and a tangy spice that lingered in the air. Steve's gaze landed on a VHS tape behind Eddie's shoulder, and a triumphant smile spread across his face.
"'Beetlejuice'?"
Eddie tilted his head even further, a wicked smile mirroring Steve's own was playing on his lips.
"'Beetlejuice'? What about it? Have I seen it? Did I enjoy it?" he rambled, amused.
"Do you want to watch it? Not now, you've got to catch up on your schoolwork. But maybe someday?"
"You're lucky I adore 'Beetlejuice.' So, how about it, Harrington? A little evening to relive this cinematic classic? Nothing too terrifying for your delicate heart?"
"Don't underestimate me, Munson," Steve retorted, playfully nudging him. "I'd be happy to watch it again; Robin can't stand that movie."
"What?!" Eddie exclaimed, his eyes wide and comically exaggerated.
He stumbled slightly under the weight of his emotions, steadying himself by grabbing onto Steve's shoulder, then winking at him teasingly before he turned toward the counter.
"Buckley! Get over here; we need to have a chat."
Robin turned her head and arched an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed by Eddie's boisterous voice.
"What do you want, Munson?"
"Since when did you dislike 'Beetlejuice'? Our friendship is built on a lie, and it's breaking my heart. I thought we shared the same taste. My world is crumbling."
Steve's interest quickly waned as he joined Dustin, who appeared highly entertained by the squabble between the two idiots. He cast a glance toward Eddie and Robin, observing that they've seemingly reached an understanding, inserting a 'The Goonies' VHS tape into the television. Steve often struggled to fathom how his life had unfolded like this—working in a family video rental store, babysitting a bunch of rowdy kids, and being best buddies with a snarky prodigy. Not to mention Eddie and his Dungeons & Dragons escapades. If anything, Steve was the odd one out in this circle of friends, the outlier who doesn't grasp any of their references yet still manages to blend in.