"This is not a good idea, Robin."

"Shut up and duck!"

Steve had little choice when she pushed on his head, forcing him to crouch behind the counter when the doorbell rang, announcing a customer. Except it wasn't a customer because they had spotted Eddie's van pulling into the lot a few minutes ago, and Robin had whispered her half-formed plan to Steve.

"You want to know if it means something? Then let me do the talking."

Not that Steve had much choice now, kneeling awkwardly and trying not to breathe too loudly. And he did want to know how Eddie felt. They had been doing this thing for months now. Steve wanted to take the next step but was worried that Eddie didn't want more. Maybe he was fine with hanging out and kissing.

It seemed that his constant worries had finally annoyed Robin into action. "Hey, Eddie," she called, kicking Steve to make sure he would be quiet, not that he'd been making any noise. Steve took the afternoon off, sorry. He didn't tell you?"

"Nope," Eddie's voice returned, too close for comfort. "But it doesn't matter. I can annoy you instead, Buckley."

"Just shut up around the customers, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Steve felt more and more foolish with every passing minute, but it was too late. If he stood up and revealed himself, he didn't have any excuse for what he was doing on the floor. Robin served a few customers, talking about nothing in particular with Eddie, the kids, the next DnD session, graduation, and the like. Steve had a cramp, and he was about to face up to the colossal embarrassment when Robin got to the point.

"Do you love him?"

"Excuse me?"

"Steve. Don't play dumb with me, Eddie. You think I don't know you guys have been sucking face for months now? So, spill it, do you love Steve?"

Steve held his breath, not wanting to miss a word.

"Yes. No. Maybe?" Eddie laughed nervously. "It's… complicated."

Steve's heart, which had been so full seconds before, now felt broken. Complicated was never a good word, but complicated meant Eddie didn't love him.

Robin nudged him gently with her foot, which was a small comfort, and he squeezed her leg in response. "Wow. That's pretty shitty, Eddie. Maybe don't say that to Steve. Try and let him down gently."

"Whoa, whoa! Who said anything about that?"

"Uh, you did, just now. 'It's complicated.' Complicated my ass. God, you're such an asshole, and I actually thought you liked Steve, that you were good for him."

"Slow down!" Eddie sounded upset, so Steve tugged on Robin's jeans to make her stop. "I never said I wanted to end it. It's complicated because I am totally gone on him, and all we do is kiss! I mean, Steve Harrington wants to take it slow? Kinda feels like he doesn't want more."

In the silence that followed, Steve wanted to get up and spill his guts to Eddie. He wanted to wrap him up and tell him that wasn't true. Steve wanted everything with him.

"I do love him," Eddie said firmly. "But you better keep that mouth shut, Buckley. It's my decision to tell him."

"Scouts honor," Robin replied weakly. "You should say something, though."

"Maybe. Anyway, I'm gonna head out. This has been a real conversation killer."

The bell rang again seconds later, announcing Eddie's departure, and Steve finally got up. He looked at Robin in stunned silence, and all she did was shake her head. "So… what now?"

"Go get your man, Harrington!" Robin shoved him towards the door, making a shooing motion. Not needing to be told twice, Steve took off.

"Eddie, wait!"

Eddie turned, looking at Steve in surprise when he ran out of the store. Then his eyes widened in realization, and his face went red. "You were there the whole time?!"

"Uh, yeah," Steve admitted sheepishly. "Sorry. It was Robin's idea. Then you started talking, and I couldn't just announce my presence."

"Yes, you could have."

Eddie was starting to get annoyed, which was the last thing Steve wanted. So he grabbed his arms and pulled him into the relative safety of the back of the van. "I'll apologize later, but right now, I just wanna tell you that I'm in love with you. Like totally, utterly gone on you. A-and I didn't want to rush things! That's why I'm taking it slow. I want this to last."

"…you love me?"

"Yeah." Steve smiled, leaning in, and they kissed when Eddie accepted him. "I really, really do."

"Oh, good, because it would've really sucked if you didn't."

"I heard." Steve pulled back to look at Eddie properly. "But could you say it to my face?"

Eddie hesitated, but then he broke into that wide smile that always made Steve's heart skip a beat. "I love you," he said.

"I love you," Steve breathed back, kissing him again. He wished he could stay in the back of the van forever, just holding Eddie, but he had to get back to work. Robin would only wait so long. Regretfully, he broke free and whispered, "Come over later?"

"Yeah," Eddie said without hesitation. "You better go before I insist you stay."

Steve laughed but climbed out, offering Eddie a warm smile before heading back to Family Video. "Tonight!"

Eddie nodded and got into the van to leave. When Steve entered the store, he couldn't help grinning at Robin's raised eyebrows. "He's coming over tonight."

"Finally!" She cheered, almost leaping over the counter to hug him. "I told you it would work."

"I promise never to doubt you again."