#steve has many opinions about backsplash and paint colors but still no knowledge of the more physical part of it

[purplepri]

It's been running around my head the idea of Eddie and Wayne inheriting a house from like, a distant aunt or something, and then they move to a distant small town

It's nothing fancy, actually pretty much the opposite, what with it being abandoned for some time. The lawn is overgrown, the roof is falling, the plumbing is shit, but it's theirs and nobody can take it away from them.

They start working pronto, with Wayne assessing what they'd need to make it somewhat liveable until they could make it a true home. He sends Eddie on his way to the hardware store, where two bored employees were behind the counter.

Eddie nods at them, and grabs everything Wayne put on the list that he can find, then goes to the cashier to pay.

He smiles at the guy, who's looking at him a little wide eyed. Maybe he's never seen a metalhead before. He eyes the name tag pinned to his (very form fitting, very flattering) shirt.

"So, Steve. There's some stuff I couldn't find in store, where could I buy them?"

The guy clears his throat.

"Can I see what you're missing?" Eddie gives him the list, some of it crossed out. "Yeah, we can order it for you, but it may be a while until it's here ."

"Eh, I don't mind. My uncle and I just moved in, we're fixing up a great-great aunt's house, just down the street. I think it's okay for now, with what I have. I'll just order in and pay for what I already got."

Steve rings him up, throwing some discreet looks at him, then turning away and blushing lightly. Eddie finds him adorable.

"So, that house looks a lot run down, do you guys need a hand?" Steve says while giving Eddie his receipt. Eddie smiles.

"We certainly wouldn't mind a little help. Look, here's my number." He pulls Steve's hand closer to his, snatches a pen from the holder and scribbles down his number. "Bye, Stevie."

Eddie winks before walking to the door. He doesn't hear Steve answering a trembling bye, nor Robin's (his co-worker and best friend) slapping his shoulder.

"Steve."

"I know, Robin."

"Steve!"

"I know, Robin!"

"You're a disaster with any type of construction work!"

"I fucking know, Robin!"

She looks at him.

"You're a lost cause, doofus."

"... I know, Robin..."