it was late, and the parking lot outside family video was empty, except for steve’s car and yours. you’d stayed late to help with inventory, even though your shift had ended hours ago. steve had tried to convince you to leave earlier, saying you didn’t have to stick around, but you’d insisted.

“come on, steve, you know i can’t just leave you to do all this on your own,” you’d said, and he hadn’t been able to argue with that.

now, as you both finished up, steve glanced over at you, a small smile tugging at his lips. you were tired, but still cracking jokes to keep things light, your laughter filling the otherwise quiet store. it was moments like these that made steve realize just how much he appreciated having you around.

“hey, you didn’t have to stay this late, you know,” steve said, trying to sound casual as he shelved the last of the tapes. “i could’ve handled it.”

you looked over at him, raising an eyebrow. “and miss out on all this quality time with you? no way.”

steve chuckled, shaking his head. “yeah, right. you’re just here for the free popcorn.”

“busted,” you teased, flashing him a grin. "but seriously, i wanted to help. plus, i know you’ve got to close up alone sometimes, and that’s no fun.”

steve’s heart softened at your words. it wasn’t just that you’d stayed to help, it was that you cared enough to make sure he wasn’t stuck doing it all by himself. he couldn’t remember the last time someone had done something like that for him.