It was another boring day at Family Videos for Steve. There had been a grand total of five customers braving the stuffy store. Steve and Robin were sweating profusely, cursing Keith for not fixing the AC despite the record-breaking heatwave that was on its third day. Robin was fanning herself with an old magazine whilst Steve tried to fix his wilting hair in the reflection of the TV monitor.

They both looked up at the sound of the bell. Eddie strolled into the shop, hair pulled back and carrying a box with a grin. "I've got you a present!"

As he dropped it on the counter, both Steve and Robin peered inside to see several ice pops. Robin squealed. "Oh my god, Eddie! You're amazing!"

"I know," He replied smugly before ripping one open with his teeth.

"Seriously, thanks." Steve took one too. "How did you know?"

"You've only been complaining about the busted AC for months now. I figured you'd be suffering so here I am!" He snapped his fingers at Steve. "But there's a catch?"

"Yeah?"

"I want a movie." And he backed off with a grin to peruse the shelves. As he went, Steve noticed he was wearing a crop top and his eyes were drawn to the mark just under his ribs. "Got any new horror worth my time?"

"Couple of B-movies. Hey, Eddie, what's that?"

Eddie hummed, turning to face him and Steve got a full view of the mark. It was a soul mark, still the faded pink of someone unbonded. Steve felt his breath catch as he stared at the familiar swoop of a bat wing, the mirror of one of his side.

"Steve?" Eddie was looking at him with mild concern. "Hey, earth to Stevie?"

"Huh, what?"

"You good? Getting kinda spacey on me."

"I'm fine, Eds. Just gotta... find something in the back room. You good for a few minutes?"

"Yeah, sure."

Steve hurried away, feeling Eddie's eyes on him the whole way. Robin jumped back as he stumbled inside. "Christ, Steve, where's the fire?"

"Eddie!" He whispered, waving his hands manically. "His soul mark!"

"What about it?"

Steve hesitated before pulling up his shirt. Robin looked at the bat wing, reaching out to touch it. "That's cool, mine's some sort of fancy pen on my ankle, not sure what that's about. You know what it means?"

"Eddie!" He said again. "It's Eddie! He's got the same mark but on his left side."

"Holy shit, seriously?" Robin had the audacity to snicker. "Steve, don't tell me you're surprised?"

"Uh, yeah."

"You've been making eyes at each other for weeks! Come on, you don't think he's hot?" Steve blushed as she waggled her eyebrows. "Exactly. So go be a man and tell him. Better yet..." She turned around and rummaged in the drawers, pulling out a pair of scissors. "How about you show him?"

Steve submitted himself to her will, wincing as his shirt was cut off just under his ribs in a makeshift crop top. "This is stupid."

"Eddie will think it's hot."

"Shut up." It was the perfect argument. He pulled at his shirt when she was done, frowning at his reflection. "This looks stupid."

"Take off the vest."

Alright, it looked better without his uniform. Steve turned from side to side, examining his soul mark now on display. "What if he freaks out?"

"Like you, dingus?" Robin patted his back and gave him an encouraging smile. "Trust me, he'll be thrilled. Now, get out there!"

"About time!" Eddie called as the sidled behind the counter. "You should give me a job already, I served two customers. Any longer and these babies would've melted away."

"Sorry, Steve needed a wardrobe change," Robin smiled sweetly, shoving Steve into the centre of the room. "What do you think?"

Eddie hummed, focused on picking another ice pop. "Give us a twirl then."

Feeling ridiculous, Steve did, even holding up his arms so the shirt lifted up. When he stopped it was to find Eddie staring at him with an open mouth and Robin looking smug. "Well?"

"I'm gonna grab our lunch." Robin winked and mouthed good luck before disappearing outside.

Steve approached the counter again and his nerves faded away as he laughed at Eddie's still stunned expression. "Yeah, that's how I felt when you walked in here earlier."

"Holy shit, come here and let me see!" Eddie dragged him behind the counter and compared the marks. Now stood next to each other, it was clear the wings were identical. "Wow, I'm so gonna brag about this at school tomorrow."

"Dude!"

"You did not just call your soulmate dude?" Eddie groaned, head falling back on his shoulders. "Why am I stuck with a jock?"

"Oh, like being stuck with a metalhead nerd is any better," Steve quipped. When Eddie looked at him again though, he smiled. "I'm not complaining."

"Really?"

Steve touched just under Eddie's mark and heard him inhale sharply. "Really, Eds. I've liked you for ages. Honestly, I'm kind of glad you're my soulmate. Would've sucked telling them I was in love with you."

"Good thing I feel the same way." Eddie suddenly pressed close and kissed him. He hummed, searching Steve's face. "Not bad."

"Shut up, Munson." Steve initiated the second kiss, tilting his head so their lips fit together perfectly. As he stepped closer, their chests met and he gasped at the sudden warmth burning into his side. Breaking free he looked down to see his soul mark was now black; complete. "That's better."

"Yeah." Eddie traced Steve's, smirking when he shivered. "That feel good?"

"You gotta stop. I've still got four hours left of my shift."

"Come over after?"

"Yes." Steve nodded eagerly, stealing another kiss. Eddie laughed against his mouth but kissed back for a few minutes before finally pulling away. "You have to go?"

"Don't sound so disappointed. You'll see me later." Eddie winked as Robin reappeared. "Don't forget!"

"I won't," Steve called as the door shut behind him. He watched Eddie get into his van and bit his lip, trying not to smile too obviously. Robin cleared her throat and he finally looked at her. "What?"

"You two had fun then."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Mhmm, your mark is black."

Steve grinned and absently traced the now-darkened skin. "Oh, before I forget, you owe me a new shirt."