[He’s more than a little shocked at the noncommittal shrug that Steve gives him, though he tries to school it on his features, not dropping his grin for a second. He had half expected Steve to go off and call him a number of different things before kicking him out of the store in those blue sailor shorts. Instead he takes off his hat, running his hand through his luscious hair.

He tries to ignore the way his stomach flutters a little at the easy way Steve talks to him, like they’re old friends instead of just a freak who comes in to give him a hard time from time to time. Eddie takes a spoonful of ice cream, letting it melt on his tongue before swallowing and answering Steve’s question.] Well, I never thought I’d see King Steve in a sailor’s hat scooping ice cream, but I guess we all have to compromise eventually. I had some business to see to in the food court. Seems like half of Hawkins is here on any given day.

[ He looks Steve over, taking in his expression and noting how much better his face looks when it’s not beat to a pulp like it had been the end of last year.] What about you? Didn’t want to spend another summer lifeguarding at the pool?

[ If he knew about Steve’s usual summer gig, well, sue him. He was only human. Besides, the pool was another good place to drum up business this time of year. Except he’d taken to giving Hargrove plenty of space. He didn’t need that kind of trouble in his life.]