Chapter Text
The drive to Steve’s house takes about 10 minutes and they were silent the entire time. The journey is filled with stolen glances and nervous smiles, neither boy quite able to believe the situation they were in. Who would’ve thought that the king of Hawkins High would fall for the town freak, actually who would’ve thought that Steve Harrington was into guys?! That’s still a fact that is hard for Eddie to believe even though he’s on the receiving end of Steve’s affection.
When they pull into the driveway of the Harrington household Eddie’s eyes go wide in awe at the size of the building. “Jeez Steve, when I said take me to your palace I was kidding, my whole trailer could probably fit into your living room!”. Steve turns his head away from Eddie in embarrassment, lets out a small nervous laugh and gets out of his car. Before Eddie has even finished undoing his seatbelt Steve is there opening the door for him. “Ooh such a gentleman! Thank you my liege.” Eddie curtsies deeply once he’s out of the car, a mischievous grin plastered on his face. An unavoidable smile sneaks onto Steve's face, Eddie is a complete dork and he just can’t get enough of it.
Steve takes Eddie’s hand in his and pulls him towards the front door. Eddie freezes at the threshold of the house, some invisible force keeping him just outside like it’s wrong for a mess of a man such as himself to enter such a prim and proper place. “I didn’t drive you all the way here for you to hang about in my front yard all day Eddie” Steve chimed. Hesitantly Eddie steps into the hallowed halls of the pristine Harrington home, takes off his boots and carefully places them on the shoe rack. He is incredibly thankful that he wasn’t wearing socks with holes in today, the embarrassment from that would probably put him 6ft under.
“Make yourself at home,” Steve smiles. “We’re gonna need a few empty beer cans and an overly full ashtray for this to get anywhere close to my home!” Eddie laughs, causing a shockwave of pain to spread through his abdomen. Although the emotions from the fight have almost completely faded away the bruises and cuts are still there in full multicoloured glory and will be for sometime. He groans and wraps his arms tight around himself. “Shit dude, are you okay?” Steve rushes over to his side and places one hand on Eddie’s arm and the other softly on the side of his neck using his thumb to rub small comforting circles over the sharp edge of his jawline. They gaze into each other's eyes, Steve’s teeming with care and worry whilst Eddie’s sparkle with wonderment. Neither of them are sure who made the first move but here they are gladly lost in the intoxicating moment of their second proper kiss.
Steve pulls away and leans close to Eddie’s ear “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” he whispers. Eddie stands bolt upright and goes bright red, no one has ever called him beautiful before and it feels like a million fireworks have been let off all at once inside him. He tries to speak but the only thing that comes out is a shaky squeak that causes a sweet chuckle from the other boy. Seeing as his brain isnt allowing words at the moment Eddie does the only other thing he can think of to show Steve how much his words meant to him. He reaches round the back of Steve’s head, lightly grabs his hair and pulls him in for another kiss, this one sloppy and needy. Teeth clashing against teeth, tongues dancing in and out of each other's mouths, the breath heavy and fast. Steve’s hands dart to Eddie’s hips and he grips so tightly like he's holding on for dear life. After a while Steve gently pushes Eddie off of him and he reaches down lacing their fingers together and he leads him over to the couch. He tosses Eddie the remote for the TV “Put whatever you want on I’m gonna make us some lunch, BLT okay?”. The sudden change in atmosphere throws Eddie a little but he’s hungry and is glad to have something that isn't the school's crappy cafeteria slop. “Yeah that sounds great!” he replies, getting comfy and flicking through the channels to find something vaguely interesting. Not long after Steve walks back to the sofa holding two bundled up tea towels. “What on earth are those for?” Eddie queries, “They have ice packs in them to help with your swelling and bruising.” Steve replies and meticulously places them on Eddie's ribs. Eddie shivers at the cool sting, it’s uncomfortable but if Steve says it will help he won't protest. Steve returns after a little while with two plates carrying what Eddie believes to be the best looking BLT’s he’s ever seen. Once they're both settled on the couch Eddie tucks into his sandwich which is a surprisingly good distraction from the ice freezing his sides.
After lunch Eddie instinctively takes Steve’s plate from him, tucks the ice bundles under his arm and heads towards the kitchen sink. “You don’t have to wash the plates or anything, just leave them on the side and I’ll sort it out later” he calls after Eddie but he hears the water start to run anyway as Eddie cleans their dishes. When he re-enters the room Steve is looking at him with confusion, “What? You cooked so I cleaned, seems only fair” he remarked before sitting back down on the sofa. Steve leans over and kisses him gently on the cheek “Thank you”, “No problem” Eddie chimes, placing his hand on Steve’s and rubbing his thumb across the back of it. “You know I’ve had an annoying crush on you for the longest time, so this all feels, it feels kinda like I'm dreaming.” Eddie admits sheepishly. “Really? Why? I’m nothing special, there’s probably thousands of guys out there just like me!” Steve exclaims, genuinely surprised by Eddie’s confession. “Such a show of modesty from the King of Hawkins High! I have to admit at first it was mainly because of your looks, shallow of me I know. But when you matured and I saw how you were with those kids and Robin, everything changed and it became more than a superficial crush. Steve there’s only one you and you are literally perfect!” Eddie beamed. Tears start to roll down Steve’s face he’d never thought much of himself and this stunningly beautiful and unique boy holds such a high opinion of him. Eddie pulls him in for a hug and kisses his forehead before carefully wiping away Steve’s tears.
“Umm, this is a kinda awkward question but I need to ask it as it's been playing on my mind a bit and I don’t want to do anything to make you feel awkward…but, what do you want from this and where do we go from here?” Eddie’s voice is small and hesitant. Steve sits up and pauses for a moment thinking of his answer. The pause causes Eddie’s pulse to race as his nerves go out of control. “Well…I’d like this to go somewhere and be something more, but I’ve never had more with a guy so I’m not 100% sure what to do next.” Steve’s reply is equally full of nerves, he really does like Eddie and the thought of what they have not developing into something more serious causes a deeply uncomfortable knot to form in his stomach. Eddie takes a breath and reaches for Steve's thigh “Did you want to maybe go on some dates or something? I think it might be a nice idea for us to hang out together outside of school and get to know each other more.” He smiles shyly. Steve’s eyes light up and a big grin spreads across his face “Yeah that sounds perfect, I really enjoy spending time with you and would love to get to know all about you and what you’re interested in!” he exclaims full of excitement before practically throwing himself at Eddie for a hug. “I’m glad you like the idea but watch my ribs Stevie they’re super tender after Tommy’s bullshit earlier” he groaned. Steve pulls away slightly and goes in again for the hug but he takes a much gentler approach the second time round.
Steve stands up and tenderly brushes Eddie’s cheek. “So I have this film that Dustin has been begging me to watch for ages and I was wondering if you wanted to watch it with me? I think it’ll be your thing” Steve requested as he walked over to a cabinet containing a stack of VHS tapes. “Sure why not, watching a movie with a cute boy sounds like the perfect way to heal my poor injured body” Eddie replies, the smile on his face growing ever larger whilst saying the last part of his sentence with an extra dramatic flare. Steve giggles and puts the tape in the player before returning to the couch and cuddling up in Eddie’s arms, Eddie tugs him in close and it’s the safest either of them have felt in a very long time. The film starts playing and Eddie instantly recognises it, ‘The Never Ending Story’ he went to the cinema to see it with his friends from Corroded Coffin and really enjoyed it so he’s more than happy to watch it again. Steve spends the majority of the film asking questions that would be answered if he just focussed on watching the film. Eddie doesn't mind though, he finds Steve’s curiosity endearing and the way he looks up at him through those long lashes when he asks something makes Eddie’s heart flutter. They don’t make it through the whole film as both boys fall asleep, Eddie’s body finally caving to the exhaustion from the beating and Steve nestled deep into Eddie’s chest listening to the calming thump of his heart beat.
*
“Hey Dingus you here?!” a shout echoes from the front hallway and both boys are startled awake by the loud interruption. They look around for the source of the sound and notice that it's now 3:36pm and the school day is well and truly over. Both of them are surprised to see a panicked Robin rush into the front room. Steve had given her his spare key ages ago so she can come and go as she needs. “Robs?” a bleary eyed Steve replies “What are you doing here?” he sits himself up on the sofa and Eddie lets out a soft sleepy grumble at the loss of Steve. “What am I doing here? What am I doing here?! Steve no one has seen you since before lunch! You just vanished, then Max overheard Tommy H muttering some nonsense about you and a fight and I got worried. Plus you were supposed to give Dustin and I a lift home today!” Robin splutters as she stumbles over her words in a fit of frustration. The guilt of letting his friends down hits Steve hard, Eddie immediately notices his change in body language and without a thought of what Robin might think he leans across and starts to rub gentle reassuring circles on Steve’s back. Robin clocks both the change in Steve’s demeanour and Eddie’s reaction to the change, she takes a deep breath and recenters herself. “Look Steve I’m just relieved you’re okay but next time you decide to ditch like that I’d appreciate a heads up. Also don’t worry about not being there to drive us home, Nancy gave us a lift and no offence but she’s a much nicer taxi driver than you.” she smirked as she walked over and slumped down in an old leather armchair next to the sofa.
“You look like shit Munson”
“Thanks Buckley! Luckily I had King Steve there to save me and patch me up.”
“Oh what a valiant act with no ulterior motive at all Steve!”
“Shut up Robin!”
“Ulterior motive?! Stevie, whatever does she mean!”
Steve blushes as Robin bursts into a fit of giggles, Eddie manages to hold back his own laughter not wanting to cause himself any further pain instead he pulls a stupid face and cheekily sticks his tongue out at Steve. Steve grabs the remote and starts to busy himself with rewinding the VHS and putting it away. Robin and Eddie exchange a knowing look and decide, without words, to lay off of him for a bit. It’s been a whirlwind of a day and the last thing Steve needs is his best friend and crush teaming up to tease him. Once he’s done sorting out the tape he stands in the middle of the room with his hands on his hips. “I guess you want a lift home Robs?” Steve asks knowing full well the answer is yes. “Trying to get rid of me already?” Robin feigns shock, “But yes I would appreciate it.” She smiles and walks to the front door to get ready to leave. “Ed’s would you also like a lift home? I don't think it’s particularly safe for you to walk home, you might have like a concussion or something.” his voice is softer and more caring than it was with Robin. “If you wouldn’t mind then yeah, that would be great.” Eddie pushes himself up off the sofa, walks towards Steve and kisses him gently on the cheek. “Are we leaving or what?!” Robin calls from the front door. Steve smiles and takes Eddie by the hand, they walk to the door and put their shoes on ready to leave. “If Eddie’s coming with us then you’re not allowed to skip lunch tomorrow, I need to have a full rundown of what happened today!” Robin whines, desperate to know the gossip and unsure if she can actually wait till tomorrow to find out. “Okay Robs, tomorrow lunch I’m all yours” Steve chuckles before grabbing the keys and herding everyone to his car.
*
After safely dropping Robin home Steve drives as slow as he legally can over to Eddie’s, trying his best to extend their time together. Eddie spends a large chunk of the drive complaining about Steve’s taste in music and promising to introduce him to a better selection of artists. If it was anyone else whingeing about his music Steve would be royally pissed, it's his car so he gets to play his music. But it wasn't just anyone, it was Eddie and he wants to share his favourite music with Steve so he wasn't in the slightest annoyed, Eddie disliking his music means he gets to learn more about Eddie and what type of things he likes. As Steve pulls into the trailer park Eddie can’t help but feel embarrassed, Steve lives in a beautiful neighbourhood and he lives in such a dump. He shifts his gaze from Steve and the road to stare into the footwell of the car and hide behind his hair.
As Steve parks in front of Eddie’s trailer he realises that Eddie’s van is not there. “It seems we kinda abandoned your van at school, so I’ll pick you up in the morning and drive you in, then you can rescue your van.” Steve smiles, placing his hand on the other boy's thigh. Eddie starts to twirl his hair round his fingers as he maintains focus on the footwell of the car. “You really don't have to, I know how people can talk and me turning up to school with Steve Harrington will really set the rumour mill going.” his voice is quiet and he seems so small to Steve in this moment. “Let them talk! Baby I’d rather make sure you get there safely than worry about some bullshit reputation.” Steve lifts Eddie’s face by his chin and tucks the hair behind Eddie’s ear so he can see his face clearly. “Baby?” Eddie repeats back, “Sorry, was that too much? It just came out I wasn't thinking, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable…” Steves ramblings are interrupted by Eddie’s soft lips pressing against his own. The worry releases from him as he caves into the intoxication of Eddie’s kiss. “Don’t stress, I liked it.” Eddie whispers as he pulls back from the beautiful boy next to him. “Oh, okay, good.” Steve blushes and rubs his hand on the back of his neck.
Steve gets out and walks with Eddie to the door of his trailer but before Eddie opens the door he turns to face Steve and takes both of his hands in his own. “Thank you for everything, today turned out to be the best day I’ve had in ages! Oh and um are you free on Saturday to go on a date with me, if you still want to that is?” Eddie’s voice a mixture of joy and nerves, anyone would think that the pair hadn’t spent all afternoon cuddling up with each other and exchanging kisses with the way Eddie asked the question. “It’s alright I really enjoyed today too, kicking Tommy’s ass was a really satisfying bonus! And yeah I’m definitely free Saturday, I’ve never been taken on a date before I’ve always been the one planning stuff so I’m really excited especially cos it’s with you.” Steve takes Eddie in his arms for a deep hug and rests his face on the other's shoulder whilst softly kissing Eddie’s neck several times. Eddie’s stomach fills with fireworks again at the sensation and he truly believes he’s the luckiest person alive right now.
Eddie reluctantly leaves Steve’s embrace and opens the door. Before entering he turns around to look at Steve one last time and dramatically curtsies “Farewell oh handsome King!” he chimes. “Farewell my beloved Bard!” Steve replies equally dramatically and bows. “Beloved Bard! What a title I’m truly honoured to be the King's beloved.” Eddie coos, true joy dancing through the syllables. Steve goes bright red and smiles coyly as Eddie takes his face in both of his hands, and gives him a sweet quick kiss goodbye. The cold of Eddie's rings pressing against his skin feels like a kiss of their own, Steve locks the feeling in his mind to cherish and revisit whenever he needs to. Once Eddie is inside and has closed the door Steve practically skips back to his car full of joy, the excitement of being taken on a date bubbles up inside him till he fears he might burst. For once in his life someone wanted to treat
him
and take care of
him
! Eddie Munson may not be his usual type but he was absolutely perfect and Steve couldn’t wait to experience all the things that would come with his relationship with the stunning boy.