for ididntrun

[spikedbats]

[ When handed the ultimatum by his father, Steve had hoped to be able to get away with another summer spent as a lifeguard at the pool. It would have been fine, he would have a little bit of breathing room before he decided what to do come September when he wasn't among the rest of the college bound kids going to classes.

But when Billy Hargrove showed up, that plan had gone right out the window. Instead, Steve turned to Starcourt, and applied to every possible job. Just like the string of colleges he applied to, all of them turned him down. Not even his mother's name could land him a job.

Until Scoops Ahoy got back to him. The caveat? The damn uniform he'd have to wear. But, a job is a job, and Steve's dad was placated long enough to leave him alone for the rest of the summer with promises to check in.

And so begins the longest summer imaginable, because of course Dustin had to go off to his genius camp, leaving Steve to get guilt tripped by the pack of rascals hassling him for free ice cream and, once they learned they can sneak through the employee break room down a long hallway right to the cinema to avoid paying for a movie, well...Steve was doomed.

But not nearly as doomed as having to serve his fellow classmates and make up excuses for why he didn't get into college while simultaneously trying to flirt with the cute girls. All while Robin Buckley marks down his progress (his shame) on a whiteboard. He just has to keep reminding himself, this is better than having to deal with Billy all summer.

It's Robin's turn for a break now, leaving Steve to man the counter, and Steve is so close to abandoning the hat in hopes that maybe having his hair on display will help with the ladies. But then he remembers the district manager likes to pay visits unannounced and the last thing he needs right now is for the only job willing to give him a chance to find a reason to fire him. So, he stands in his stupid sailor ensemble with his stupid sailor hat, and he waits for a customer. Any customer at all. ]

Comments

[ididntrun]

[ Eddie studies him for a moment like he's waiting for some kind of catch or punchline, but when none comes he sucks in a deep breath and nods. ] Yeah, okay. I can manage that.

[ He wants to make a joke about how they could go to Lover's Lake instead, but he thinks maybe he's lucked out about as much as he's going to without going bust. Besides, the quarry is another popular make out spot, not that Eddie really thinks they're going to end up making out. Though, he might spend the next two weeks daydreaming about it.

He scoops out the last bite of ice cream and lets it melt in his mouth.] You sure that's enough to satisfy King Steve? I can at least provide some party favors for this party of two. Free of charge, of course. On account of your glorious achievement.

[ Graduating high school was barely an achievement, but it was a notable life event. One that he hasn't' been able to achieve for himself yet.]

[spikedbats]

Stop calling me that, ( Steve whines, placing his head in his hands. Once upon a time, he would have reveled in being considered royalty. He loved being popular and getting first dibs on the female population in school. He loved the celebrity status that being the basketball team star would net him. Now? He loathes it. He can't believe he ever craved that kind of attention.

If he reflects closer, he will realize it had been a replacement for the lack of attention he'd get at home, only exacerbated once his parents realized they could leave him alone to fend for himself while they went off on business trips.

None of this was Eddie's business, though. He can't really fault the guy for not getting the memo. )

To tell you the truth, I don't think King Steve ever really existed. But hey, I'm not gonna say no to party favors. ( He shrugs. A night of debauchery with Eddie Munson sounds way better than anything he would have done with his old friends. )

[ididntrun]

[ Eddie tilts his head to the side, studying Steve for a moment before taking a step back. ] Okay, okay. No more King Steve. How about just, sailor, from now on?

[ He grins at him and then tosses the cup into the nearby trash can, bouncing on his heels a little when he actually makes it. ] Hey, look at that. What's that called in laundry baskets? A five pointer?

[ He knows he's wrong. He doesn't care. He wipes his fingers on his jeans and gives Steve one last smile. ] All right, Sailor. I'll pick you up at nine on graduation night. Outfit's optional.

[spikedbats]

( Steve makes a pained noise at Eddie's new nickname. He opens his mouth to protest but is distracted by Eddie's reaction to making the shot into the trash can. He's caught between wanting to chastise Eddie for not gently tossing it in the trash can even though it made it in and playing right into Eddie's hand by correcting his basketball misnomer. He sighs, rubbing at his hand. He's surrounded by children.

He pulls his hand away when Eddie announces he'll pick Steve up at nine. This is starting to sound a lot like a date.

And Steve, to his horror, is actually considering showing up in this outfit. )

Uh-huh, sure. You won't make me change if I show up in a polo and jeans? ( He returns Eddie's smile with one of his own, leaning over the counter. ) I'll see you then, Eddie. I am looking forward to it. Even if I'm almost scared to see what ideas you've got for us to do that night.