Chapter Text
Steve never would have expected having to get up at the ass crack of dawn to open a Family Video store to be on his summer schedule, but sadly it was. And honestly, he was not a morning person. His usual wake up time was after 1pm, sometimes even later. He enjoyed his time to sleep, now being graduated from high school and not worrying about college, there wasn’t anything to wake up for in the morning. Other than when he was scheduled to open Family Video with Robin. At first, he never had to open the store or work any earlier shifts, Robin and him both had written down that his availability was only for closing shifts. Which went great for the first few months, until their manager Keith found out they were almost always free in the morning when he overheard them one night. Steve considered himself always busy because of his sleep, but Keith didn’t take it that way.
This was one of the very few mornings he had where it was only him opening the store. It mostly was him and Robin opening together, or Steve showing up an hour after Robin opens the store, which still happened to be too early in the morning for him. Not only was Steve in a terrible mood for having to get up early, but the store key had broken in the lock. He groans, his head falling back to stare up at the light blue, pink streaked sky. He takes note that there's barely any clouds this morning. He looked at his watch, seeing as it was only just turning 6am. Nobody else would be showing up until 8:30am. Steve’s arm drops back to his side as he turns his body, leaning against the glass door and sliding down to sit on the ground. He had no way to get ahold of Keith, who had the other spare key, nor would he have a way to get someone to pick the lock considering no locksmith would be available for another two hours.
Steve didn’t know when a van had pulled up to the parking lot, he was too busy being in his own head over how he was definitely getting fired for something out of his control. It wasn’t until he heard footsteps approach him that he was snapped out of his daze. He looked to where the footsteps emerged from and was met with ripped black jeans and annoyingly white rebooks in his face. He looks up, his lips thinning into a line as he sees the annoying smirk on his friend’s face.
“What the hell do you want, Munson?” Steve said flatly, his gaze turning more annoyed as he realized how Eddie’s stupid smirk grew the second Steve opened his mouth.
Eddie Munson. The freak who listens to metal, plays D&D with sophomores, and who just barely graduated highschool after being held back for the third time. He, unlike Steve, was a morning person. He enjoyed getting up around this time to head to early band practice or to work on his van and wake the neighbors with his loud music. It wasn’t that Steve hated the guy, they were..friends. They shared a mutual bond with both Robin and Nancy, so they both ended up becoming friends due to being dragged around together by the two girls when they wanted to do something fun. Not exactly friends but they tended to enjoy each other's company when they were left behind by the other two. Well, Eddie enjoyed it. He got to poke fun at Steve and talk his ear off while Steve would get annoyed to the point where he’d try the quiet game strategy on Eddie. He worked once, only because Eddie was done rambling on about his last D&D campaign and had nothing else bouncing around in his mind.
“Well good morning to you too, Harrington.” Eddie quipped, tilting his head slightly to get a better look at Steve. “Say, aren’t you supposed to be inside the store at this time?” He looks through the glass doors, seeing nobody inside and sensing that Steve was supposed to be behind those doors preparing to open the store.
“Yeah, I am. But I can’t get in.” Steve sighs, pushing himself off the ground and dusting his pants off of any dirt. “And why’s that?” Eddie presses on, Steve already close to his limit. If it were later in the day he’d be able to handle Eddie right now. But considering it’s past 6am, the key to the store broke, and that he might get fired for not being able to open the store, he was not prepared in the slightest to deal with him today.
“Oh, because I just want to get fired and decided to sit outside the store instead of opening it!” Steve smiled at Eddie, sarcasm dripping from his tongue. Eddie gave a puzzled look to Steve, “If you wanted to get fired then why would you even show up? That is really stupid.” Steve’s smile dropped into a frown, his eyebrows burrowing. It still surprises him to this day as to how oblivious Eddie can be. “No, you moron. The key broke in the lock so I can’t open the store. Why the hell would I show up if I wanted to get fired?”
“Well you aren’t the brightest sometimes, Stevie.” And there is that annoying smirk of his again. Steve rolls his eyes, about ready to pull his hair out. Eddie’s hand clasped onto Steve’s shoulder, giving him a bit of a jostle with how hard his hand came down. “No need to worry though, I can let you in from my side. I’m opening the music store today too.”
That’s right, how could Steve forget so easily? Eddie worked next door at the music store and now he just so happened to be opening the same day that Steve is when his key breaks. He thanks whatever powerful spirit just saved his ass with the most unholy being in front of him.
Steve let out a sigh of relief, the fear of being fired washed away at the hand of Eddie Munson. He gives Eddie a short smile, nodding a thank you. Eddie took the hint that Steve was not up for anymore small talk, and removed his hand from Steve’s shoulder. He digs the key out of his pockets and unlocks his own store's door. He holds the door open for him, Steve giving another short thankful nod as he passes by into the store. Eddie lets the door close behind him as he makes his way to clock himself in. Steve doesn’t wait a second longer and books it through the back and into the Family Video store.
Thankfully, all the stores were connected. They all had a door which led to a long hallway that connected each store to one another, all of those doors being unlocked at all times in case of emergency. Not only does the music store and Family Video connect, but along with a few other stores and the one that Nancy Wheeler also worked at. It was a small book store which was on the other side of Family Video. That place didn’t open for another hour, almost all of the other connected stores didn’t open as early as Family Video and Tape World, the store Eddie works at. Steve wasted no time rushing to unlock the one door without the key broken in it and hurrying to start booting up the computers at the counter. He grabbed a morning movie and before popping it in, he paused. His thumb rubbed against the tape as he looked at the back door. Before he could register his movements, he found himself walking back into Tape World.
Steve stood there awkwardly, fidgeting with the tape in hand. He didn’t know why he suddenly felt embarrassed, he was fine just a few moments ago. Now he found himself standing at the back entrance to a music store and staring at Eddie opening the stores blinds. His eyes lingered a bit too long when his eyes met sharp, dark brown. His body tensed, watching Eddie shift under his gaze.
“Is there something else you need, Harrington? Or do you just enjoy watching people from afar without them knowing?” Eddie’s annoying smirk came back again, his hands going to his hips. Steve couldn’t tell if it was to mock his own actions or not, considering it was something he did on the regular. He shook his head and went ahead with his question. “Since you helped me out this morning, I was thinking of asking you what the morning movie should be. I grabbed Karate Kid, but thought it’d be better if you picked.” Why was he so embarrassed? Steve never got like this for such little things. He just blamed it on lingering morning nerves from the key breaking.
Eddie’s smirk turned into a huge grin and Steve swore he saw his eyes even sparkle. Eddie triumphantly marches up to Steve, patting him on the head then messing up his hair. Steve groans, swatting his hand away. “Asshole, stop! This takes time to look effortlessly perfect.” He tries fixing it, Eddie snickering beside him. “You mean to tell me you don ‘t just wake up with naturally perfect hair?”
Steve paused for a second, his eyes darting to Eddie who just stood with yet another shit eating smirk while he waited for a response. Did Eddie really think his hair was naturally perfect? He didn’t let the thought linger and instead rolled his eyes, turning to make his way back to Family Video. Eddie followed behind, hands diving into his pockets. As they made their way inside, Eddie went to roam around the action section while Steve flipped the sign on the door to open. He knew nobody would be coming in yet anyways, so it didn’t matter whether he flipped it now or in another hour.
He made his way back behind the counter, watching Eddie’s fingers trail against the shelved movies. He notices how long Eddie’s fingers are, no wonder he played the guitar. He strolls around the store, going from section to section. He really was taking his sweet time for a morning movie that he wouldn’t even get to watch, that is if he has no customers for the next two hours. Eddie finally grabs a movie from the Sci-Fi section, deciding on Night of the Comet. He happily hands it over to Steve, who groans at the choice yet pops it in anyways.
“Thanks I guess for the horrible choice, Eddie.” Steve deadpanned leaning back against the counter. Eddie didn’t respond, leaning forward with his elbows on the counter and chin in both hands, his eyes already glued to the tv screen. Steve glances at him, the corners of his lips twitching into a small smile. He may find Eddie to be a real pain in the ass, but he did enjoy the company and the rare comfortable silence to come along with it. He continues with the small morning chores while Eddie just stays and watches the movie, completely forgetting he has a store to attend to.
+++
Steve’s favorite part of the day was finally here, the end. Steve was basically having a stare down with the store clock while Robin tended to a customer at the counter, renting her the movie “Footloose.” Once it hit 1:00pm, Steve had jumped from his spot to clock out. He put his time card in the slot and then, finally, he was free from the hell hole known as Family Video. When he came back out, he watched as Robin changed the front door sign so she could go on her lunch break.
“Sucks that you have to stay, doesn’t it Rob?” Steve gloats, patting her shoulder with a teasing sympathetic look in his eyes. Robin shoved his hand off her shoulder, making her way to the counter to grab her lunch that was stuffed underneath.
“Yeah yeah, sooo sad that the pain in my ass known as Steve Harrington is going to be leaving me. How will I survive another excruciating three hours without his nagging voice complaining every five minutes?” Sarcasm was dripping from her mouth like a waterfall. Steve gave a fake offended look, his hand going to his chest. Robin bit her bottom lip, trying to hide her smile.
They said their goodbyes and just as Steve was about out the door, a tall figure with dark brown curls jumped out from the back door. Steve jumped, coming back inside the store to run and save Robin. The jumpscare caused her to scream and throw the nearest thing at the figure. The beast let out a yelp, holding his head after just getting knocked with a hard VHS tape.
“Ow! Hell Robin what was that for?” Eddie’s hair fell from his face, revealing himself now. Robin turned and bent down, holding onto her heart as Steve stopped in next to her. “Jesus Christ, Eddie! I thought you were some hairy Demogorgon!” She stood back up, glaring daggers at the older. Steve ran a hand through his hair, also annoyed about the heart attack he almost endured.
“Jeez, I didn’t mean to scare you guys. I was just coming in to grab you two for lunch out back, Nancy is already waiting for us.” He points a thumb over his shoulder. Robin nodded, grabbing her lunch again and making her way past Eddie.
“I’m good, I just got off work so I think I’m going to head home and nap.” Steve’s hand fell from his hair and to his hip, doing that annoyed soccer mom pose like always. Eddie scoffed, walking up next to Steve. “Oh please, you can stay an extra 15 minutes to have lunch with us. Besides, I’m off work now too and I’m staying to keep them company.”
Eddie sneaked his arm around Steve’s shoulder, walking in through the back now. “Eddie, I don’t even have anything to eat. I planned on eating at home.” Steve sighed, letting himself get led by Eddie out back to the picnic table where Robin and joined across from Nancy.
“I don’t either, I’m just here to spend the time with these two.” Eddie leaned slightly closer towards Steve’s ear. He could feel Eddie’s hot breath against his skin, hairs on the back of his neck standing up. “If we left these two alone, who knows what they’d get up to.” He whispers playfully into Steve’s ear. A chill races up his spine, he could feel the tips of his ears heat up.
Steve turns his head away, pushing his elbow into Eddie to move him away. Scoffing, he continues his way to the picnic table, joining on the bench next to Robin. He tuned into their conversation about how Nancy is applying to college and trying to convince Robin to do the same. He knew Robin wanted to go to college, but he hoped that she didn’t and stayed back with him. She was his best friend after all, he wouldn’t know what to do. Sure, he had a few other friends who weren’t going to college, but those few friends consisted of a group of sophomores and Eddie. Steve had considered college at one point, his parents always wanted him to go and were willing to pay for him to go anywhere. That chance flew out the window the second he almost failed his sophomore year and got caught smoking weed with Tommy in the house. His relationship was already rocky enough with his parents, they were always gone for weeks on business trips, but that’s what really set them off. Steve didn’t know why his parents had cared so much, they were never around for any of Steve’s birthdays so to think they cared about a little bit of marjiuana was not on Steve’s mind.
There is a light tap to his knee from under the table, it was able to pull Steve out of his sorrowful trance. He glances over towards Nancy, she was giving him a look of concern. He knew that look all too well, pressing his knee slightly against her foot to let her know he was alright. She took it back and continued her conversation. She always worried for him, for everyone really. Nancy really cares for all of her friends, even for Steve who happened to be her asshole ex-boyfriend.
“And then she starts yelling at me because she didn’t have exact change!” Robin was rambling on about a lady who came in this morning complaining about how they carry graphic horror movies and blaming the two of them for her own mistake. They were used to this sort of thing, considering they both worked together at an insanely popular ice cream shop before a video store, they always had angry customers. Nancy smiled wide at how Robin waved her arms around when telling a story and even started laughing at her for speaking with food in her mouth.
“And I thought my table manners were awful.” Eddie grins, a harmless glare being sent his way from Robin. “At least I have enough manners not to scare my friends half to death, Steve had looked like a mom about to have a heart attack.” She snorts, her hand moving to cover her mouth so her food didn’t fall out.
“Okay to be fair, I thought Eddie was some hairy monster about to attack you, I had to act fast!” Steve tried defending himself, only causing the other three to laugh more. He sighs, a smile creeping to his lips. No matter how hard he tried to hide his adoration for his friends, he always ended up being an open book.
Once they had settled down, Eddie started drumming his hands on the table. “So..” He elongated the word, seeming nervous. It was weird seeing Eddie shut down like that, turning into some shy little kid.
“I was uh.. Thinking,” He leans back, looking at Steve now. Steve’s eyebrows slowly shot up, waiting for Eddie to hurry up and speak what was on his mind. “You guys can, like, take home movies for free whenever, right?”
Steve rests his chin in his palm, watching Eddie slowly sway back and forth across from him. “Not exactly, we can only take two movies home during a shift. If we come in when we aren’t working, we don’t get them for free.” Eddie nods, now only one of his fingers tapping against the dirty wood.
“Would you maybe want to grab some and we can watch them at my place?” He looked Steve in the eye now. Steve sits up at the suggestions, not really expecting that from Eddie. Usually it was Robin who pushed for movie nights. He could kindly turn it down and let Robin bring the movies instead while Steve goes home and catches up on his sleep, but something in his head was yelling at him to go for it.
“Sure, sounds like it could be fun.” Steve shrugs, he’ll have to catch up on his sleep tomorrow on his day off. Eddie let out a sigh of relief, his shoulders falling as he untensed his body. “We can grab the movies and beer while Rob and Nance get some snacks once they’re off their shift.” Steve looks to Robin and Nancy who were now pulled out of their own conversation by the sounds of their names.
“What are we getting for you dweebs?” Robin says, one of her eyebrows raising. Steve decided to ignore the name calling and instead stood from his seat. “We are having a movie night at Eddie’s, him and I will get beer and movies while you and Nancy can get food for us all when you’re off your shifts.”
Robin and Nancy look at each other with puzzled looks, then turning back to Steve. “But we just had a movie night this week?” Robin asks, confusion covering her face. “So? What’s the harm of changing it up a little and doing two this week?” Steve looks toward Eddie for backup but was met with some unknown emotion. Eddie was staring into space, picking at the wood coming off the table. Steve would ask him what was on his mind later, putting a mental pin in it.
They always did a movie night once a week, each time it was at someone else’s place. This would screw up the rotation, considering it would have been Robin’s turn to host their movie night. Steve was looking forward to it too, they had a movie picked out that thankfully wasn’t a romance or horror movie.
“He’s right,” Nancy stands from her seat now too, gathering her brown paper lunch sack. “I mean, what’s the harm in going over to Eddie’s to watch a couple movies.” She threw away her trash, looking at Robin. She was pouting, crossing her arms across her chest. Steve knew Robin didn’t like sudden change, especially if it meant a perfect routine getting ruined. “I guess it isn’t that big of a deal..” She mutters, glancing over to Eddie. Her expression softened when she saw how Eddie was in his own space and oddly very quiet.
“Then it’s settled!” Steve made his way around the table and behind Eddie, his hands slapping down to his shoulders. It caused Eddie to tense up under his touch and freeze. Steve noticed and dug his thumb slightly into his skin, slowly rotating them to carefully massage the tension away. He always did this for Robin and Dustin when they were a nervous wreck, mainly for Robin since she always seemed to be a mess. He could feel Eddie’s body relax now and he helped pull him up from his seat. “We’ll get going then so we won’t hold you two from your eventful jobs in customer service.” Eddie finally spoke, his normal self coming to life in the blink of an eye.
The two bid their goodbyes to Robin and Nancy, going in through Family Video. Steve picked out a movie and Eddie grabbed the second one. Of course, Eddie picked out a horror movie while Steve picked out his classic favorite, “Back to The Future.” They bickered about each other’s movie selections all the way to Steve’s car.
“Listen, Harrington. I am getting tired of watching that movie now. You and Robin always love watching it. What is there to even love about it so much to rewatch it hundreds of times?” Eddie leaned against Steve’s car on the passenger side, Steve standing on the driver's end of the car. “It has, like, sentimental value to the both of us. Gave us a good bonding experience.” He and Robin don’t exactly talk about the events of that night at StarCourt, especially the parts that led up to Robin coming out about being lesbian to Steve after they vomited up trashy movie popcorn on the disgusting bathroom floors. Nancy and Eddie already know of Robin’s sexuality, but it was just a silent agreement between the pair to not talk about that bathroom engagement to anyone
“I’m not even going to ask about it.” Eddie chuckles, leaning off the car. “I’ll follow you to the store around the corner?” He asks, backing up to his van that was parked just next to Steve’s car.
“I was thinking maybe we could get something to eat first. I mean, neither of us had lunch, and I know you don’t eat breakfast because ‘eating at six in the morning is nasty.’” Steve suggests, leaning off his car as well now. He doesn’t know why he remembered such a stupid detail about Eddie, probably because he doesn’t know anyone else who acts like that.
“Taking me out on a lunch date are we? How smooth of you, Harrington.” Eddie smirks, his head tilting to the side a bit. Steve stuttered, not prepared for what was coming to him. “No that’s not- shut up. I’ll meet you at Tracy’s Diner.” And with that, Eddie hopped into his van while Steve got into his own car. Steve touched his face, he could feel it was warm. Was he catching a cold? That would fuck up his plans this week if he was coming down with something. He had to be babysitter this weekend and take the kids to some waterpark while Nancy and Jonathan tagged along. Now that he thinks about it, he should invite Robin and maybe Eddie along too. He would rather drown in the kiddy pool then have to third wheel his ex and her new boyfriend and babysit a group of sophomores at a water park. Yeah, Eddie and Robin would need to come and be his saviors.
He started thinking about what Eddie would wear. Considering how pale he was and how he was always wearing heavier clothes, Steve didn’t even know if Eddie would want to come along. He’d not only probably melt to death in his regular clothes there, but he’s stick out like a sore thumb. Real tall with pale skin and long curly hair with bangs that bounced as he walked, not to mention his Demobat scars. He wouldn’t be alone on that though, him and Steve would be rocking those battle scars like champs. Steve didn’t notice the huge smile that crept up on him as he thought about him and Eddie spending a day at the waterpark. He definitely was going to ask him and Robin later tonight.