Just A Little Steddie Thought, Let Me Know If You Want More. Quick Disclaimer, This Has A Dyslexic Mc

Just a little Steddie thought, let me know if you want more. quick disclaimer, this has a dyslexic mc who has some internalized bullying for it. I am dyslexic and this was based off of my personal experience with dyslexia, though it’s different for everyone, by no means is this a universal truth or accurate description for the entire population of people who are dyslexic.

Steve wandered through the empty isles of Family Video, scanning the titles to make sure they were all in their correct places. He absently read the titles aloud under his breath as he went along.

“The G-od Fa-th-er.” He unscrambled the letters of the name in his mind, he barely noticed it anymore, though when he heard his own voice saying the titles aloud he stopped. A memory came to the front of his mind.

Nancy scanned the library shelves, the top of her head tucked under Steve’s chin. She gave a little sigh. “Steve? Don’t read the titles aloud, remember? It’s really distracting. It’ll go faster anyway if it’s in your head.” She turned her chin up at him to give a little smile.

“Sure, sorry Nance.” He knew that it would be harder to figure the words out without sounding them out, but it was fine. He was really just here for Nancy anyway.

Steve closed his mouth, chewing on his bottom lip as he continued to scan the titles, saying the words in his head like if he was speaking out loud.

“The Godfather.” Someone said beside him.

Steve nearly jumped out of his skin.

Eddie stood next to him, hands folded behind his back as he leaned on the balls of his feet toward the shelf. “That’s a good movie.” He continued down the line, reading the titles aloud. “The Goonies,” he kept up reading the titles out, making the odd comment about them. Eventually he came across one that was misshelved and Steve plucked it off.

Putting on his “King Steve” face, Steve turned toward Eddie. “Are you mocking me?” Could people just not leave him alone? He knew he wasn’t that bright, but did everyone have to keep reminding him? His face was heating up as he stood there.

Eddie’s head snapped up, looking at Steve with wide eyes. “What? No! Nope, no, no. I was just… I also read titles aloud and… well-“

“I looked like I needed help? Well, I don’t, thanks.” Steve shouldered past the other guy, making a b-line for the correct shelf. What an asshole.

“That’s not it. Wow, this is all going the wrong way.” He rocked his head up and down and absently brought his hands around his ears. “It’s stupid, but I thought it was cute- not in a condescending way! Just in a… normal way…” Eddie looked at Steve through his lashes.

“So you are making fun of me.” He slammed the VHS in its correct space, looking at Eddie with a face that screamed “I’m tired of your bullshit.”

“No! No, Steve. You’re taking this all wrong. I was reading the movie titles out loud because I was listening to you and following along to see which movie I wanted to watch, then you stopped and I just kind of… picked up where you left off. I wasn’t thinking about it, it was just kinda automatic. Sorry.” Eddie scratched the back of his neck and held one hand out toward Steve, it’s intention unclear.

“Oh. Okay.” Was all Steve could come up with as a response. “As far as movies go, have you seen Back the the Future?”

Eddie shook his head. “I have not.” He grinned at Steve.

“No way! You have to see it, it’s a great movie. I watch it, like, once a week.”

“It really must be good.” He dug the toe of his boot into the tile floor, looking down for a moment before putting on a devilish grin. “Wanna watch it with me? If you haven’t already seen it this week, that is.”

Steve tilted his face up, looking at Eddie down his nose in a considering manner. He rocked his head side to side. “Yeah, okay. My place tonight?”

“Yeah! Wait, I don’t know where you live.” Eddie pulled his hair in front of his mouth.

“You could hang around till the end of my shift if you want. You can follow me home.” Steve found the movie and walked up to the counter, sliding it over to Robin.

She groaned. “Not this movie again, Steve. How could you enjoy watching a movie so many times. Especially considering what happened the first time-“ Robin’s eye shot toward Eddie and she cut herself off.

“We’ll, Eddie hasn’t seen it.” Steve shot back. “I’m just going to educate him.” He snatched the movie away from his friend after she processed it.

Robin just rolled her eyes.

Eddie bounced on the balls of his feet behind Steve’s back. This was going to be the longest shift ever.