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[bigboyvibes]

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[whatwestarted]

Of course I think so.

[her tone is dismissive, like this is all just completely obvious.]

You were a great boyfriend. All those dinners with Barb's parents - you barely even knew her.

[bigboyvibes]

Stop...

[He lowers his head slightly in shame. They both know damn well that he wasn't a good boyfriend. He never had been.]

I wasn't a good boyfriend.

[whatwestarted]

[nancy gives him a firm look, sits up a little straighter.]

I loved you, Steve. I just - needed more than that. It wasn't your fault.

[bigboyvibes]

[Ouch.

Ouuuuuch.

Steve can feel old wounds begin to rip open and pieces of his heart will start leaking out. ]

I'm sorry my love wasn't enough.

[whatwestarted]

Yeah. I'm sorry, too.

[she means it.]

I didn't want love. I wanted... vengeance, I guess.

[bigboyvibes]

I should have been more understanding of what you were going through.

[And he was stupid to believe that love could fix their problems, heal her heart.

It was a hard lesson learned but he's grown from the pain.]

[whatwestarted]

It's not like either of us had a guidebook to follow, Steve.

[she hesitates, then leans forward, touching his wrist.]

The only way we can go is forward.

[bigboyvibes]

I know....

[That still didn't ease the blow of her choices and the fact that their relationship crumbled in the process.]

Crawling forwards.

[whatwestarted]

[she squeezes his wrist and then hesitates before letting him go.]

Do you still want to do this? The movie.

[bigboyvibes]

[Shit!

He had forgotten all about the movie. The conversation had drifted a little too personal and deep.]

Shit! Right the movie. Guess we better be heading inside, yeah?

[whatwestarted]

Only if you want.

[she's trying to give him a gentle escape, if he wants it.]

[bigboyvibes]

Is that a hint you would rather not?

He understood if a movie really isn't her vibe right now.]

[whatwestarted]

No. But I'm the one who keeps...

[she trails off.]

I'm making life harder for you.

[bigboyvibes]

[His brow knits in confusion as he processes her words for a second or two.]

Harder for me?

[whatwestarted]

[she thinks about beating around the bush, then sighs and rubs her face.]

You have feelings for me, Steve. Don't you?

[bigboyvibes]

[Leave it to Nancy to be forever straight forward and she isn't wrong with her question.]

I did, yeah?

[whatwestarted]

No, I mean - you do now. And I keep asking you to hang out.

[bigboyvibes]

[Steve sighs softly, his head falling back against his seat.]

I know I screwed up when we were together, Nance. I screwed up a lot. I've been trying to change, be better.

[He knows it isn't much but he's attempting the effort.]

Is it difficult for you to hang out with me?

[whatwestarted]

No.

[it comes instantly, firmly.]

I just don't want you feeling like - I don't know. That you've got to hang out with me to atone for something.

[bigboyvibes]

[He gives another soft sigh. He doesn't know what she would like for him to say.]

You should know by now Nance that if I didn't want to hang out with you I wouldn't.

[whatwestarted]

I don't know that.

[but she seems like her fears are soothed, at least. she unclicks her seatbelt, leaning in to kiss his cheek in gratitude.]

Come on. You can get the popcorn.

[bigboyvibes]

[And there isn't a rule book saying they can't be friends, right? He gives a small smile at the kiss to his cheek.]

Extra butter?

[He unclicks his own belt and moves to get out of the car.]

[whatwestarted]

Sounds perfect.

[the lobby is much emptier than she expects it to be, and nancy makes a thoughtful little noise.]

Guess it's not a popular movie.

[bigboyvibes]

You also got the latest showing.

[Steve's actually surprised the lobby isn't buzzing with couples using the movie as an excuse to makeout and get a little handsy.]

I'll grab the popcorn and some drinks? Any special requests?

[whatwestarted]

[it's an action movie - she'd expected a throng of teen boys for some reason. she shakes her head at the question.]

Just anything. You want me to pick seats?