Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was 9:30 in the morning and Steve had been waiting for Robin to turn up since their shift started at 8. It wasn't like her to be late to work; she hadn't called in sick, so Steve was worried.

After about another ten minutes, Steve picked up the phone, about to call Robin and see if she was home but as soon as he did, the person in question walked through the door.

"where the hell have you been? I've been worried sick! And these tapes aren't going to rewind themselves, you know."

When he didn't get a response, not even a short snarky comeback, he turned to face his co-worker, "Robin...? Hey, are you feeling alright?"

There was again, no verbal response from her. Instead, she turned around to steve and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him and letting her head drop to his chest.

Steve was taken by surprise by this action but he immediately reciprocated, sliding his arms around Robin's shoulders and squeezing her closer.

"you wanna talk about it?"

Steve felt Robin shake her head.

"Okay...that's okay, Rob. You wanna just stay like this?"

Robin nodded and squeezed Steve's torso harder. He smiled and rubbed her back softly. There was a small sniffle from Robin before she whispered something into his chest, "thanks, dingus."

"I'm always here, Rob. Always."

He would always be there for the people he loved.

~~~~~

After a few minutes, Robin lifted her head and wiped her eyes, "I got in a fight with my parents."

"shit...you wanna...talk-"

"no. No, I don't want to talk about it really. I just wanna...stop thinking about it."

Steve looked around the store and spotted a packet of skittles he had bought early that morning, "wanna see how many skittles you can catch in your mouth?"

Robin's face lit up and she dropped her arms from around Steve, rushing to grab the skittles.

This led to the two of them running around Family Video, Robin pelting Steve with the small coloured candies screaming, "taste the rainbow, bitch!" and Steve couldn't be happier.

Chapter Text

Out of all the kids in the party, Mike was one of the kids he'd spent less time with and didn't know as well as the others. When it came down to it, though, he knew Mike looked up to him much like Dustin did, maybe just a little less.

Knowing this, it didn't shock Steve to find the younger wheeler on his front porch. What did shock him was that Mike was completely soaked in rainwater and was trying to hide his tears. He wasn't doing a very good job of that.

As soon as Steve saw that his- THE kid, was crying, he bolted to his front door and practically ripped it off its hinges, "Wheeler? Mike, what happened? Come inside, it's freezing."

Mike stepped into the house, head hung low and obviously avoiding looking at Steve, who sighed and put a hand on mikes shoulder, "Mike...please talk to me. I know I'm not really good at the whole...comforting thing like Nance is but you can talk to me."

The teen then broke down, burying his face in Steve's shoulder (Steve still can't believe that the kid is now taller than him) and letting himself cry. It wasn't a small cry either, it was a raw, emotional kind of cry. One Steve had only experienced once, but he wasn't going to think about that right now, Mike needed him. He wrapped his arm around Mike and rubbed his back softly.

"it's alright...does your mum know you're here? Do you want me to take you home?"

Mike calmed down a little to answer Steve's question, "N-no she- she thinks I'm at Will's."

"Okay...do you want me to take you to the Byers'?"

"NO! No, I can't- I- I can't."

"Hey, hey, That's totally fine...how about you stay here the night? I'll make some pancakes, maybe order a pizza and we can watch Grease?"

Mike picked his head up off Steve's shoulder and wiped the tears off his face, "you- you don't like musicals..."

"Yeah, but according to Nancy, you watch it when you're sad..."

"she told you that?"

"no, no she told me you watched it on repeat after you and El broke up so I kinda figured it out."

Mike laughed softly and walked over to Steve's couch. He went to sit down but his older friend stopped him, "dude! You're soaked in rain. Come with me, I think I have some old stuff that might fit you," Steve walked upstairs and started going through his closet, "and you can shower if you need to, there should be an extra toothbrush somewhere and the towels are on the top shelf in the bathroom. You don't feel hot, do you? Wheeler, I swear to god if you got sick because of that rain I'm gonna be pissed- what are you laughing at?"

As he turned around, he spotted the teen laying on his bed, holding his stomach in laughter. He sat up for a moment and caught his breath," you sound j-just like my mum!"

Steve scoffed and threw some clothes at him, "get changed, shit-bird, I'll be downstairs."

~~~~~~

About half an hour into the movie, Mike looks over at Steve from the TV screen. He looks nervous, his face pale and his hands clasped together, "I kissed Will."

Steve almost choked on his slice of pizza. He was not expecting that, "oh...wow. Okay...is that why you're upset? That seems like a good thing, right?"

As soon as Steve finished talking, Mike let out a breath and his shoulders relaxed. Steve didn't judge him at all, "you're...cool with that?"

"...wanna know something, kid?"

The younger man nodded and turned to face Steve fully, crossing his legs up on the couch. Steve took a breath, "I kissed a guy once. Well, multiple times."

Mike's eyes widened, "you did? What- when?"

"uh...shit- uh okay. You promise not to freak out? Only like...two people know."

"I just told you I kissed my childhood best friend, I'm not going to freak out, I promise."

"it was Billy. he and I had a...something...going on."

"oh...that's why- I mean, at the funeral you-"

"cried like a little bitch and physically couldn't stand up for more than a minute? Yeah, that's why. Anyway, the point I was going to make is that...when I kissed Billy, I thought it was the dumbest thing I could have ever done, but, it turned out to be almost the best decision I've made. We were meant to hate each other and yet we just...couldn't. You should talk to Will. Because if Billy and I can get together after a month of beating each other up, I guarantee that you and Will are going to be fine."

The smile Mike gave him was genuine, "Thanks Steve...I'll talk to him."

It made Steve happy to know he had really helped the kid, "Anytime, mini-Wheeler."

Chapter Text

Max has never liked opening up to people. Especially not about her emotions. She usually keeps to herself and just presses everything into a small box in her mind, but it wasn't working as well today. All she wanted to do was curl up into a ball and cry.

It was Saturday, thank God, so the pressure from school was off her for now but it still felt like her whole body was moving through clay as she biked to the Harrington residence.

Steve was the only person she could think of who knew what she was feeling. Who knew what it was like to lose Billy. The only other person she knew who actually loved him.

It was a warm night, the air was humid and it made Max feel like she was suffocating. As soon as the house was in her field of vision, she sighed in relief and started biking a bit faster.

She knew knocking on the door would be no use. It's summer, so Steve was most likely sitting by his pool. Even when it's dark outside, Steve hated being inside his house, says he hates the heat and his aircon is broken. Says the heat reminds him of too many close calls with death.

Knowing all this, Max walked around the side of the house, out to Harrington's pool. There, Steve was sitting at the edge, his legs only slightly dangling into the water. The redhead walked over and sat next to him, not saying a word.

Steve nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw movement from next to him but quickly relaxed when he saw it was just Max. This had become a more frequent thing, a habit of sorts that had started after Starcourt. Sometimes they would talk about what was bothering them, other times they would just sit in silence, keeping each other company.

The older teen moved a little closer to Max, smiling sadly, "what brings you here tonight?"

"just...shit," she tilted her head back, looking up at the stars illuminating the sky, trying not to let the tears in her eyes fall, "everything is shit."

Humming in agreement, Steve nudged her with his shoulder, "don't do that. Don't stop yourself from crying. It just makes everything...well, shit."

So, Max took his advice. She let it all out, sobbing with her head in her hands, tears falling into the bright blue water under her.

"come on, Mad-Max...let's go inside, yeah? Get some water and then I can drive you home...?"

Unable to do anything else, Max nodded and stood up. Steve did the same, but as soon as he was able to, he wrapped his arms around his friend and pulled her into a tight hug.

This caused the teen to start crying again, but Steve didn't care. He just held her through it, not caring if the heat was getting unbearable. He would suffer through it if it meant Max would feel better.

He'd go through hell for these kids. Not that he'd admit it.

Chapter Text

Jonathan had never really liked Steve. Well, Steve assumes he doesn't like him, given their past hatred for each other and both of them having dated Nancy, they definitely weren't best friends. They were barely even friends.

Steve wanted to have a night where he got drunk, watched a movie or two and went to bed. Of course, the universe had other plans. Jonathan Byers, for some godforsaken reason, was sitting on Steve's couch.

The guy had shown up at his door with red eyes and a forming bruise on his cheek. He didn't know what to say so he just stepped aside and let him in. Now they were awkwardly sitting next to each other in the living room.

Steve didn't want this to carry on for the rest of the night so he spoke up, "so...what's up?"

Jonathan was quiet for a minute or two before inhaling deeply and promptly pushing all the air out of his lungs slowly, "Nance and I broke up."

"shit. And she left you with that?" Steve vaguely gestured towards the now purple mark on Jonathan's face. He waited for a reply, studying the other man's face.

After a few minutes, he shook his head and took a small breath, "that was my old man...tried to come back and 'welcome us home'... Shit went down. Almost broke my hand punching him. it's really just not my day."

Steve sighed and bit his cheek lightly, "why'd you come here? I mean- we kinda skipped out on the whole 'friends' thing and you don't like me that much-"

"I like you. Who said I didn't like you?"

"I just- well, I just kinda assumed because of everything with Nancy and well...people tend to not like me enough to stick around...so, yeah."

"well, your assumption is wrong. You're a great guy"

Steve couldn't help the smile that stretched across his face, "not too bad yourself, man. You're tough as shit. I could never stick up to my dad like that. Honestly, if I'm what you consider to be a great guy, you must be fuckin' legendary, Byers."

Jonathan didn't know what else to do. So, naturally, he fell forward into Steve's chest, wrapping his arms around him. The other man was not prepared for this level of contact but, being who he is, he wraps his arms around Jonathan's back.

They didn't say anything, just hugged for a few minutes. Then, the stoner in Steve's arms started giggling, actually giggling, "s-sorry it's just," he pulled himself together and sat up, letting his head come to rest on Steve's shoulder, "Will said you gave great hugs. I might have secretly just wanted to test that theory."

The older man chuckled and put his head on top of Jonathan's, "Is that true or are you high?"

"...why can't it be both?"

A light, carefree laugh fell from Jonathan's lips and he looks up at Steve, "I meant what I said. Even if I am off my ass right now."

"Wanna know a secret, Byers?"

"oh, I love secrets."

"I am so...drunk right now. I don't remember half of the bullshit I just said."

The two erupted into laughter, both almost falling off the couch.

The rest of the night was filled with shitty movies that quickly turned into the funniest thing on the planet due to the boys' intoxicated comments about the characters.

After everything that had happened with interdimensional monsters and people with superpowers, this one movie night made Steve feel like Jonathan was finally part of his strange little family.

Chapter Text

It was pouring outside. The streets slowly flooded and for once Steve was happy he got stuck on the night shift. At least the heating system in Family Video was working. He and Robin hadn't seen anyone in the last two hours. so, they've been watching movies and talking about girls like; as per usual.

As Steve was about to complain about his dating life again, a figure walked past the door, headed towards the arcade. Immediately, something felt off about the situation. So, he jumped up and over the counter, "Rob, I'll be right back!" 

"but Steve it's raining and-" 

He didn't hear the rest of her sentence as he ran out into the storm, looking over to the arcade. It was hard to make out who it was because of the rain but he looked a little harder. Of course, Steve would know that bowl cut anywhere, "Will! Little Byers, hey!" 

He quickly jogged over to the arcade, getting soaked by the rain. His hair is going to be ruined. 

He crouched down in front of Will and put a hand on his shoulder. It was only then that he noticed that the boy was crying, "Will...you alright?"

He's never seen Will like this. Sure there were times when he would be upset but nothing like this. The young teen was curled into himself, his whole body shaking. Steve sighed softly, "come on, will...deep breaths, buddy."

Slowly, but surely, Will's breathing slowed and he dove into Steve's arms, gripping the back of his shirt. The older boy smiled down at him, "hey. How are you feeling?" 

"...bad. A-A lot of...thoughts and not really...knowing what to do." 

The comment made Steve frown, taking his hand off Will's shoulder and resting it on his back, "you wanna...tell me about it? If not we could go to family video, watch a scary movie and steal robin's snacks." 

This got Will to smile, a small laugh falling past his lips, but he quickly went back to frowning, his arms wrapping tighter around Steve, "do you ever feel like...no one really gets you? Like, everyone sees you and knows you, right down to your favourite brand of maple syrup but...none of them really get you because they aren't going through the same experience as you?" 

"I mean...yeah. I was going through some stuff a couple of months ago and I couldn't talk to Dustin about it or any of you guys or...or Eddie. I had Robin and nancy, they helped because they had gone through similar stuff but...I guess it was just different, you know?"

Will nodded, "yeah. I know. What...was the thing? That you were going through? I-if it's okay to ask I just thought maybe-" 

Steve chuckled, slinging his other arm over Will's shoulders; pulling him closer, "it's fine, Byers. I had- have...this stupid crush. I was freaking out because I didn't think they would like me back and...well, I don't know if they do, but there's a chance that they might. Don't tell Dustin, though. He's already on my ass for not telling him who it is."

They both laughed, Will, seeming a lot more carefree now that Steve had opened up to him. He looked let go of his older friend and smiled, "I like someone too. Pretty sure I'm a lot less hopeless than you are, to be fair."

Raising an eyebrow, Steve looked down at Will, dropping the arm he still had around him, "In my defence, name one thing more difficult than romancing Eddie Munson, the most outgoing, jock-hating guy in Hawkins."

Steve only realised what he'd done when he saw that Will's eyes were the size of saucers. He went to scrabble for an explanation when Will spoke up instead, "clearly you haven't seen me try and flirt with Mike. It's like flirting with a fence post. Only the fence post has stupid, dark, beady eyes that stare into your soul and make it impossible to form a proper sentence." 

Both boys burst into giggles, which soon turned to them wheezing while holding their stomachs. A few minutes of laughter passed and Steve composed himself as much as he could, "so, I suppose we're both in the same ballpark. Both in love with hellfire nerds with long hair who are completely oblivious." 

The young Byers nodded, "yeah...only my crush kissed me, granted he ran away afterwards, but it's still progress." 

"yeah yeah, okay. Go ahead, rub it in about how you have more game than me." 

Will smiled and poked Steve's arm, "...I'm good. Thanks for this...it was nice to have someone finally get me." 

Steve smiled at the comment, knowing just how much it meant to both Will and him, "no problem, kid. It was nice to have someone that gets me, too." 

Steve stood up and held out a hand, which the other accepted. They stood there for a minute before Steve gestured towards the video store, "my movie and snacks offer still stands."

The teen nodded and started walking back to Family Video beside Steve. Just as they got to the entrance, Will tapped his shoulder. 

"can we watch the karate kid?" 

"Of course, we can, Byers. Ralph Macchio, right?" 

"oh, 100%"

The air was filled with laughter as they stumbled into the store. Robin was looking at them cluelessly but it didn't matter to them. 

They got each other. That's all that mattered. 

Chapter Text

Steve, yet again, had been roped into driving the kids home after hellfire. It's not like he minded, it's just that a particular metalhead has been taking up every square inch of his brain.

Hellfire had officially been moved to Eddie's new place ever since he had graduated, so it was pretty much impossible for Steve to avoid him. Usually, Steve would wait outside his for the group to walk out to his car but tonight, Steve needed to talk to Eddie.

He made his way to the front porch of Eddie's trailer. The closer he got, the more his heart raced. He took a deep breath to calm the pounding in his chest, but as he got closer to the door, he could hear Eddie's voice and he was even more nervous than before.

With a sigh, he opened the door and walked in, sticking near the side in hopes of not disturbing anyone, but as soon as Dustin waved at him, everyone's eyes turned to where he was. Eddie's face lit up as he saw Steve standing against the wall; waving him over to the table, "come over, Harrington! We finished like half an hour ago but little Byers drew all our characters and they're cool as shit!" 

A warm smile spread across the babysitter's face and he walked over, looking down at the sheets of paper littering the surface, "holy shit, Will. These are incredible."

Will's cheeks reddened and he picked up another drawing, "I...drew you as well. Because even if you don't like D&D, you're like...a badass in real life still."

Steve couldn't stop the tears that sprang to his eyes, "thanks Will, this is...wow...oh, uh, Eddie can I talk to you for a minute?" 

“sweetheart, you can talk to me for as minute minutes as you like." 

Eddie followed up his statement with a wink, making Steve's face burn red hot. He couldn't stand the metalhead's fake flirting sometimes, "I-I meant like...alone?" 

He looks around at the kids who all whistled or smirked when he said that. Rolling his eyes, he quickly grabbed Eddie and dragged him to his room. 

"Woah, Stevie, Take me to dinner first."

Steve scoffed and reached into his pocket, "shut your trap, Munson. I just...wanted to give you this," he held out a large, silver ring with a bat carved into it, "Robin and I were at a market and...I saw it and thought it would look good on you. Also, it matches your tattoo, and it would be kinda ironically funny given the demon bat thing." 

"oh my God...you really know how to get a guy going, Steve-O." 

They both laughed a little and Steve slapped Eddie's arm softly, "yeah, yeah. Keep it in your pants, Munson."

"oh, that's exactly where it's going."

True to his word, Eddie pulled back the waistband of his boxers, dropping the ring into them, "oh, by the way, Mike, Will, Dustin and I are seeing a movie tonight so it's just Lucas you need to take home, his parents are still...not very cool with me. Thanks for the ring, by the way. Night, Stevie." 

Steve was trying to not think about how weirdly attractive that action was when the dungeon-master in front of him pressed a kiss to his fingertips before tapping Steve lightly on the cheek. So, maybe Robin had been right when she said Eddie could be into him. 

Steve shook his head and cleared his throat. He glanced over to the table where Lucas was packing his stuff, "Lucas, is Erica with you?" 

"Nah, just me today."

"cool, let's go." 

~time jump because the author is lazy~

Steve watched as Lucas got out of the car and walked to his driveway, stopping before he even got halfway to the front door. A sad sigh passed Steve's lips and he quickly got out, walking over to Lucas.

"Sinclair, you doing okay, man?"

Getting only a shrug in response, Steve pushed a little further, "okay, let me rephrase. I know you're not doing okay, so I think it would be good to...talk about that."

"you and Eddie are...close, right?" Lucas looked at Steve, his eyes slightly glossy. 

The words made the older boy blush, shrugging a little, "I wouldn't say close- unless he said that. Did he- did he say that we were close?" 

The teen stared at Steve, eyebrows raised slightly, "uh... I kinda just assumed because of the secret "other room discussion" you two had earlier." 

"right. Right, of course. So, like, what's going on?" 

"I can't help but feel like...Eddie is still mad at me. For helping Jason and skipping out on campaigns, all that stuff. Now that I am in hellfire again, the guys on the team keep giving me shit for it. It's like, no matter where I go, I'll always be a traitor."

By the time Lucas had finished talking, tears were running down his face. The poor kid probably thought everyone hated him. The thought made Steve want to rip them all to shreds, 

"Lucas...I promise you that Eddie is not mad. Not at all. Every time he tells me about your campaigns he's always “you should have heard what Lucas said, it was hilarious” and “what Lucas did was insanely cool”. The guy adores you, kid. he adores all of you, whether he's "too metal" to admit it or not. As for those jock assholes, I wouldn't give them the time of day. Always remember, if someone is constantly trying to drag you down that means they will always be beneath you. You're so much more amazing than them and you are a much better player. So screw them."

Before he could even take a breath, arms were thrown around him. He was quick to hug back, rubbing Lucas' shoulder lightly in hopes to comfort him. About a minute went by before he heard a small whisper from the teen in his arms,

"Yeah, screw them."

~~~~~~

The weekend came and went and if on Monday, half the team had black eyes and busted lips, Lucas didn't even need to question where they got them. 

Chapter Text

There was rapid knocking coming from Steve's front door. It was the middle of the night so this was less than ideal but still, he stumbled down the stairs and opened the door. There stood Nancy wheeler, soaked in rain and her eyes red.

"What is with you Wheelers and showing up at my house completely soaked-"

He got cut off by Nancy talking, rather rapidly actually.

"I BROKE UP WITH JONATHAN AND I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE I STILL HAD FEELINGS FOR YOU BUT TURNS OUT I DON'T AND I DON'T WANT TO GET BACK WITH JONATHAN BECAUSE WE ARE LIKE COMPLETELY DONE AND I JUST FOUND OUT I LIKE GIRLS AND I THINK I'M IN LOVE WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND!"

"Woah Woah Woah, okay, uh, slow down Nance. Okay, just come inside, for now, I'll get you some tea and some pyjamas and then we can talk, alright?" 

Nancy sniffled and wiped the tears and rain off her face before stepping inside, "O-okay. Thanks, Steve..."

"no problem."

~~~~~~~~~

Steve set a cup of tea down on the coffee table in front of Nancy, who was curled up with a blanket, and took a seat on the other side of the couch, "so...now that there is no risk of hypothermia...you wanna go over what you said at the door?" 

A few moments of silence passed before Nancy took a sip of tea, sighing afterwards. She quickly positioned herself to face Steve, crossing her legs on the couch, "well, Jonathan and I broke up...it was a mutual thing. I'm pretty sure he's also interested in...someone else."

Nancy seemed like she wanted to say something else but Steve didn't pry, that was Jonathan's business. He just sat the same way Nancy did and nodded, "yeah, I know. He came over the night it happened and we hung out." 

Nancy looked as though her jaw would fall off any second, "you and Jonathan hung out?" 

"well, yeah. We actually do pretty often now. Me, Him, Argyle, Eddie. We all...hang." 

A small giggle passed Nancy's lips and she placed the mug she was holding on the table, "and by hanging you mean you all get high?" 

"Maybe...that's beside the point. Back to what you were ranting about...you said something about liking girls...?"

A look similar to embarrassment crossed Nancy's face, "um...yeah I- I don't know I guess I just kind of...realised it the other day. I don't really know what I am...but I really like this one girl. I thought it was just me wanting to be friends with her but...it's something else now."

Steve was grinning from ear to ear. He was so excited at the prospect of Nancy possibly being like him. He put his mug down, moved closer to her on the couch and put a hand on her shoulder, "it's Robin. The girl you like?" 

Nancy squeaked and slapped a hand across her mouth before mumbling out, "how do you know?" 

"you uh- kinda shouted it at me...when you were on my doorstep."

"right," slowly, she lowered her hand and let her head fall onto the back of the couch, "I'm just...I'm still trying to wrap my head around all this."

Tears slowly passed down her face, falling onto the couch cushion. Steve's heart ached at the scene, "hey, no. None of that," he brushed away some of her tears, "no crying over love."

This statement made Nancy pull Steve into one of the tightest hugs he's ever received but he didn't mind, he just hugged her back and let her cry into his shirt. 

Steve looked around them and started laughing, "it's kind of a funny contrast."

He felt Nancy's head lift from his shoulder and she looked at him in confusion, "what is?" 

"well, about two years ago we were in this exact same position only we were madly in love." 

Both of them doubled over in laughter, leaning on each other for support. They laughed till their lungs hurt and the tears she'd turned into ones of happiness. 

 Eventually, Steve sat up, his legs still crossed on the cushion as he picked up his mug, "come to think of it...we're in exactly the same position. We're just madly in love with different people this time." 

It took a second but Nancy looked at him in pure shock, "we? Steve! Why didn't you tell me you had your eye on someone?!" her smile was blinding and it made steve feel a little bad about not telling her sooner. 

"I'm sorry! I just, you know, wasn't sure if you'd react well...BUT now that I know you will react well...it's -uh- it's Eddie."

Nancy let out a sigh that sounded like she had just run a marathon, "I thought you'd never figure it out." 

This caused them both to start up another round of loud laughter, doing their best not to spill the tea they were holding. Steve held up his mug towards Nancy, "To us. The definition-of-disaster duo." 

They clinked their mugs together and settled into a comfortable silence, sipping their tea.

They might both be disasters but at least they have each other. 

Chapter Text

Argyle was a really chill guy. Mainly due to him being high 24/7, but he was cool nonetheless. When they smoked hung out together, he would make Steve laugh almost as much as Eddie constantly. That's what made it so weird when the long-haired boy showed up at his house, completely sober and fidgeting with a rubber band around his wrist. 

Steve was quick to open the door and invite him in. He was still confused but people showing up at his door in the middle of the night was something that happened regularly. As soon as Argyle stepped into the house, he pulled him into a bone-crushing hug. Not that he minded, but he did need his lungs still.

"Argyle...what's up, man? It's like...almost two in the morning. Also, not that I don't like the hug but I do need to breathe"

"Yeah, uh, sorry about that," the tanner boy stepped back from the hug and pat Steve's arm, "I was over at the Byers' but Jonathan fell asleep and I needed to talk to someone that wasn't...him."

"Okay," Steve walked over to the kitchen, motioning for his friend to follow, "so, this is a problem you can't talk to Jonathan about? You guys talk about practically everything..."

Argyle thought for a second before chuckling and looking back at Steve, "yeah, we kinda do, don't we? Anyway, it's pretty much impossible for Byers to hate me but...I think he might?" 

It wasn't clear to Steve whether that last part was a statement or a question, but in all honesty, many things Argyle has said have confused him. 

"well, why do you think that? Why would you think Jonathan hates you?"

"Nah, man. I know he does. Said something stupid, now Byers won't talk to me." 

"hey, don't jump to conclusions," he poured two mugs of hot chocolate and set one down in front of Argyle, "Maybe he just misheard you. Or took it the wrong way!"

"I mean...I was pretty clear about it, dude."

"Alright well, this might be a bit easier if I knew what the hell you said to him?" 

Hesitantly, the younger man sat forward on his chair, "I told him that...if it wasn't for Nancy I would totally make out with him. And then...he said he isn't with Nancy, and we haven't spoken since." 

"...DUDE! He obviously wanted you to kiss him!"

"wait...really? oh, fuck. yeah, I can totally see that now."

They both broke out in laughter. Steve shook his head and slapped argyles arm lightly, "you're an idiot if you can't see that he's into you. you two are like...soulmates, practically."

"well, yeah. But Jonathan is so...hard to read. he's cool and mysterious and I'm loud and...not."

"don't sell yourself short. you're awesome dude, he'd be lucky to make out with you."

Steve pulled Argyle into a side-hug, rubbing his arm softly. His friends could be real idiots sometimes but he'd always be there to help them out. Even with random dating life issues.

Chapter Text

El and Steve had never interacted much. They knew of each other and have had a few casual conversations but other than that, they never spoke one on one.

That didn't stop her from walking up to him one day when he was babysitting for the Hopper-Byers and squeezing the life out of him. He hugged her back, still confused as all hell but not complaining about the affection, "you okay, El?" 

The girl shrugged and held on tighter, "just needed a hug..."

"you sure you're okay?" 

"me and Mike...broke up."

"oh, I'm so sorry El, that sucks." 

El shook her head, "we decided to...we both thought it would be best."

"oh, okay. But...you're still allowed to be upset about it."

"I am?" 

"of course! Take me and nance for example. We were in love once. Then, we broke up and yeah it hurt but now were better friends than ever."

"just friends?" 

The question threw Steve off a little because he hadn't heard anyone ask him that in a while, but he smiled and nodded, "yeah, just friends." 

"because you like Eddie?" 

"I- WHAT? Who told you that?! Was it will? I swear to god I'm going to-" 

El giggled and covered Steve's mouth before he could continue, "it wasn't him. You are...very bad at keeping secrets." 

Steve grabbed her wrist lightly and pulled her hand away, "uh- excuse me, young lady, I'll have you know I'm an excellent secret keeper." 

"not when it's about love." 

Steve choked on his own spit. Love? LOVE?! He knew he liked Eddie but love is a whole other ballpark. 

"L-love? No, I don't...I don't..." did he? Did he love Eddie? 

Sure Eddie was cute and smart and had a nice smile. Not to mention how much steve loved it when he laughed, like, genuinely laughed, or put on voices for the kid's campaigns. He loves the way his eyes lit up when he saw Steve standing in the crowd at one of his shows. He loved everything about him. He was absolutely, completely in love with Eddie Munson. Well shit. 

"oh God...oh God I'm in love with Eddie." 

El put her hand on Steve's shoulder and smiled softly, "love isn't bad..."

"yeah," he looked up at the girl and smiled back at her, "love is never bad..."

Chapter Text

Steve and Dustin had been close for a while now. Where one of them was, the other wouldn't be too far. Until Eddie Munson came into the picture and suddenly Steve was alone most of the time. 

Not that Steve wasn't glad that Dustin was making friends in high school, he was, but sometimes he wished that he and Dustin had some one-on-one time to talk. So much had happened and he needed someone other than Robin to talk about it. But he was fine. Just fine. It was great being completely alone in a giant house with nothing to do but watch movies and drink whatever steve could find in his dad's liquor cabinet

Steve, once again, was about to go to bed when a slow knock came from his front door. He groaned loudly and walked towards the door, "WHEELER I SWEAR TO GOD IF IT'S YOU AGAIN IM GOING TO GRAB YOU BY THE EAR AND THROW YOU SO FAR THAT- oh, Dustin. Hey, man."

Dustin was standing on his doorstep, face red and stained with tears. He looked distraught and Steve seeing this made steve want to find out who did this and make them pay. Instead of that, he pulled Dustin into his house and over to his couch, letting the younger boy squeeze him as hard as he possibly could. As much as his back ached and he needed to take a deep breath, he didn't complain, he knew Dustin needed this right now.

"Hey...what's going on? you're kinda freaking me out."

"I-I think Suzie might b-break up with me." "what?! No! why? what happened?" "nothing I just...I think she might be sick of me."

"hey, come on now. Don't say that. You're amazing, man. You're the best friend I've ever had and if she doesn't love you then she's insane!" 

"watch it, Steve. She's still my girlfriend."  "yeah yeah, okay you little shit, you wanna stay over and watch this movie with me?" "is it a good movie or did you pick it?" "I picked it- HEY! you little-"

steve grabbed the nearest couch cushion and hit Dustin lightly. Laughter broke out between the two of them and Steve wrapped Dustin in another hug. it was times like these when steve was reassured that Dustin still felt safe with him and needed him. On the downside, this made him feel bad for not opening up to his younger friend about his crush. it is a big risk telling anyone about liking Eddie, but the thought of telling Dustin and having him leave and be disgusted with him was terrifying.

"hey, Henderson?"

"yeah?"

Taking a deep breath, Steve sat up straighter, "you know how...you asked me to tell you about the girl I like?"

The younger's face lit up and he grabbed Steve by the shoulders, "you're finally going to tell me?! yes! I've been waiting for this."

"you have to promise to be cool and not freak out or anything, okay?"

"...sure? just tell me, Steve!"

"Dustin, I'm serious about this. i don't want you to freak out and think it's weird and never talk to me again because I can't loose you. If I did I think I'd go completely off the rails and that's not good for anyone-"

"Steve-"

"seriously, you're like my best friend and I need you to keep me stable-"

"Steve!"

"sorry. I'm nervous."

"i can see that. Just...tell me who it is. I won't go anywhere."

A few seconds of scilence pass before steve speaks up, "Eddie. it's Eddie. The person I like."

Dustin was staring at him with an unreadable expression and he almost bolted out the front door. Until the curly haired boy laughed and pat Steve's shoulder, "congrats, Steve! you are officially the last person to know about your crush on Eddie."

They both looked at each other for a minute before laughing so loud it hurt their chests. Besides the pain in his lungs, Steve honestly thought this was the best outcome. Dustin was still here and was totally cool with the fact that Steve had a crush on a man.

And by the way he fell asleep halfway through the movie with his head on Steve's arm, it's safe to say he still needed Steve as much as Steve needed him.

Chapter Text

Eddie Munson was the kind of guy you fall in love with. At least, to Steve he was. He was always so charismatic and playful, but he was also there if you needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to remind you that you're not alone.

He was there for everyone when they needed him and never stuck his nose where it didn't belong. He was genuinely selfless. So, when he walked up to Steve out the back of Family Video and started sobbing in his arms, Steve knew something really bad had gone down.

"Eddie? Eds...what's going on? What happened?"

"...fucking assholes came by my work today." 

Once Eddie's name was cleared, he started working at the arcade a few doors down from family video. Steve and he would smoke together whenever their breaks lined up. 

"fucking assholes as in Jason and his groupies or some random dicks?" 

"random dicks...if it was Jason I wouldn't have a job right now for kicking the shit out of him. " 

"right, of course. Do you want me to fight those random dicks for you?" 

"Nah," Eddie shook his head and finally looked up at Steve, "just wanna smoke and forget about it." 

Steve sighed and threaded a hand into the other's long hair, slowly massaging his fingers over his head, "you sure about that?" 

"mmm...no. Just keep doing what you're doing and I'll be good."

Chuckling, the younger continued his actions and tried to slow his heart rate as Eddies rested his head on his shoulder.

"a-anything else I can do to help?" 

Steve blushed as he felt Eddie's breath fan over his neck as he laughed softly; however, what really made him turn red, was the man's next words. 

"how about a kiss to heal my broken heart, Steve-O?" 

The question made Steve stop his hand movements and looks down at his friend. He was silent for a few seconds before smirking, moving his hand from Eddie's hair to his jaw, "okay." 

Before Eddie could even react, he was being kissed. Genuinely, fully kissed by King Steve himself. It was over just as soon as it started and the metal head frowned when he could no longer feel the other man's lips against his. 

"Harrington...you know I was joking, right?" 

Steve shrugged and smiled softly, "yeah, I know you were joking...but I wasn't." 

As soon as Eddie smiled, Steve was kissing him yet again. Though, this kiss was slower than the other, much more intimate. The long-haired man sighed into it; relief and excitement coursing through him all at once. He grabbed the collar of whatever dumb polo Steve was wearing and pulled him closer, smiling when said man's free hand slid to his waist. 

Once they broke apart, they stood in silence for a minute or two; their eyes closed and their foreheads pressed together. Just basking in the presence of each other and the moment. 

Eddie slowly pulled away and looked and the guy in front of him, "Jesus, Harrington. Guess what they all say is true. You are an...awful kisser. So bad. Honestly, we should do that again just to make sure that it's as bad as I think it is-" 

He was cut off by Steve laughing and punching him in the shoulder, "alright, alright. Before you...prove how bad I am at kissing,  I just...I need to say some stuff. So, it's about to get really emotional and cheesy so please wait till I'm finished talking before you say anything because anytime we talk about emotions you either say 'noice' or quote a movie I've never seen so just...listen...please"

Eddie nodded and waited for Steve to say what he needed to. The younger man took a deep breath and sighed before talking, 

"Eds...I'm so, so in love with you. Like... it has actually been really hard not just telling you that every time I see you. Literally, like, every time you're near me I completely forget how to do most normal tasks and end up looking like a total mess. I know you might not feel the same but I needed to tell you before I did something that got me fired."

"...how long? "

"how long...have I wanted to say that or how long since I realised I love you?" 

"all of the above...?"

This made Steve chuckle and loop his arms around Eddie's waist; locking his fingers together behind his back and pulling him closer. 

"well, they're pretty much the same story. I knew I loved you when you stopped Dustin from falling into lover's lake. I've wanted to tell you since you hot-wired that RV and made me drive it."

"That was a pretty great moment in our bizarre and complicated history...wasn't it?" 

"mhm...definitely one for the trophy case." 

They laughed and Eddie moved his hands to hold Steve's face. 

"for the record...I love you too...or whatever, you know."

Eddie looked up, expecting to see nothing but disappointment on the face of the man in front of him for his blunt answer, but instead, he was just smiling at him fondly. 

"yeah...I know."

As they both leaned in, the door next to them opened and they jumped apart. Only to find Robin staring at them with wide eyes, "are you kidding me, Steve? Your break ended five minutes ago! Now stop making out with your boyfriend and come help me deal with this stupid mum and her even stupider kids!" 

"fine," Steve rolled his eyes, "if I have to." 

"wait," Robin looked from Steve to Eddie and back at Steve before her jaw dropped, "he's actually your boyfriend?" 

Steve looked back at the metal head and smiled, "well...if he wants to be?"

The smile that broke out on Eddie's face was nothing short of blinding as he walked up to his potential boyfriend, "he does. He really, really does."

"good. Because I would love to call you my boyfriend."

"...noice." 

"Edward I swear to god-"

Chapter Text

It was a Friday night and Eddie was over at the Harrington house for the weekend. The two young men were sitting on Steve's couch and drinking, just enjoying their time together. 

"Could you please tell your kids to stop bragging about how cool you are? I could barely get through last night's campaign because they all had stories about all the “cool shit” you've done." 

"...the kids talk about me a lot?" Something in Steve's voice sounded genuinely surprised at this fact; It made Eddie's heart hurt for him.

"yeah. Shit, dude. They bring you up, like, all the time."

"oh...that's nice." Steve smiled but something in his eyes still looked completely dumbfounded at the thought.

"you seem shocked, Harrington."

Steve's cheeks reddened and he pulled his knees closer to his chest, "well, I just kinda thought I was more of a fun babysitter with a lot of money and a car than like...anything else, you know?" 

"Steve, sweetheart," the older reached out and took Steve's hands gently; rubbing a thumb over his knuckles, "you mean so much to those kids. You have no idea."

As Steve was about to respond, a knock came from the front door. The two men smiled at each other as Eddie got up to answer it. 

The door was opened and there stood the entire party, plus Jonathan, Nancy and Robin (who no doubt drove them there or were asked to supervise). Each of them holding a sleeping bag and snacks. 

"hey, Henderson...and also the rest of you...What's all this about?" 

Dustin looked confused at the fact that Eddie answered the door before shaking it off and bursting into a grin, "Steve said he was too sick for movie night so we thought that we'd bring the movie night to him!" 

"oh, yeah okay. Come on in then." 

The kids walked past Eddie and into the living room, all yelling Steve's name when they saw him. 

After a few minutes of catching up and deciding what to watch, they all settled down. The metalhead walked over and sat next to his boyfriend, pulling him into his chest. 

----------------------------

It was only twenty minutes into the movie when a warm, wet drop fell on Eddie's arm that he had draped over Steve's shoulders. He quickly looked over only to see his boyfriend crying softly, yet not tearing his eyes away from the screen. 

"Stevie...," the older man gently rubbed his thumb over the other's shoulder; whispering to him gently, "what's going on? You alright?" 

Steve nodded and wiped away his tears quickly, "I'm good. Just...the movie is kinda sad."

"Sweetheart, we're watching back to the future." 

"oh..."

"come on...talk to me. what's going on in that pretty head of yours?" 

"I just- it's just been a while since this house has felt like this."

"Like...a cinema," Eddie raised an eyebrow and pulled Steve closer to him, "or like a daycare?" 

The younger laughed and leaned back into Eddie's chest, shaking his head, "no...like a home...my parents tend to disappear for months on end and it's started feeling more like a holiday house than an actual family home...but...now I've got my family here with me. It feels like home."

Dustin -who had very clearly been eavesdropping on the conversation- turned around from his spot on the floor and leapt at Steve, throwing his arms around him, "you're cheesy as shit, Steve." 

The couple laughed at Dustin's words and pulled him into a small group hug. A few minutes went by and one by one, everyone in the lounge had joined in. The whole party now with their arms around Steve in one way or another. 

Eddie's arms wrapped around his shoulders; Dustin's around his waist; Max -who slotted herself right next to Dustin- had wrapped her arms around his torso; El, nancy and Robin were all standing behind the couch, their arms thrown over Steve and Eddie's shoulders; Mike and Will were tucked awkwardly into the side of Steve that Eddie wasn't on, only half hugging him so they could remain holding hands; Jonathan and argyle both had their head on either one of Steve's thighs, their arms wrapping around his shins. 

The feeling of being surrounded by the people he loved made him almost want to cry. He almost did, letting out a small sob. He quickly shut his mouth, afraid everyone would pull away but they only hugged him tighter. That action made him give up any effort of trying to seem though. He let go and started sobbing, clinging to as many of the people surrounding him as possible. 

-------------------

A few minutes go by and steve calms down, lifting his head and looking at everyone. 

"thank you...i love you guys."

They all moved so they could look at him but never stopped hugging. Max was the first to speak up, 

"we know, Steve. And...even though it's “uncool” to admit it...we love you too." 

"yeah. Yeah, I know." 

Will then spoke up, only softly as to not startle his older friend, "do you? Because...for the past few years you've thrown yourself into danger to protect us and you're always there for us when we're sad or not sure what to do...but we never really told you how grateful we were. At least I haven't. Without you...me and Mike wouldn't be together."

"yeah," Robin spoke up from behind him, raising the hand she has laced with Nancy's, "or me and Nance!"

"or," Jonathan said from the floor, reaching over to place his hand on top of Argyle's, "me and this guy over here." 

Steve looked around and smiled, "guess I give good love advice..."

"the best," Dustin said, laughing a little, "except you don't listen to it! For God's sake Steve, you gotta get back out there!" 

Steve and Eddie looked at each other and then back at Dustin before the long-haired man smirked and linked his hand with Steve's, "that won't be necessary, Henderson."

"....why not?" 

"because of this." 

Eddie pulled his boyfriend into a kiss, short and pretty PG but enough for the kids to get the message. 

It seemed to click in all their minds simultaneously because everyone in the room let out a collective "ohhhh" at the new development in the two's relationship. 

Dustin looked away, pretending to throw up. The dungeon master raised an eyebrow and nudged him, "got a problem, dusty? Never seen two guys kiss before?"

"oh, no. Believe me, with Will and Mike around I've got enough of that daily. I don't care about that. I care about the fact that I just had to watch my dads kiss..... I mean-" 

Before he could continue, Steve cut in, smirking rather deviously, "oh, do you see us as father figures, Dustin?" 

"WHAT?!....NO! If anything I see you as bother figures because you're always bothering me!“

“It's okay," Eddie comforted him, placing a hand on his shoulder, "son." 

Everyone burst into laughter and continued to tease Dustin about his choice of words.

Steve looked around and smiled as he realised something. His house didn't feel like a home because his friends were in it. His friends felt like home, that's why they were at his house. They were all there because they care and wanted to be around him. 

He was the luckiest motherfucker on the planet. He had the hottest, most amazing and most talented boyfriend in the world...and the most kick-ass family of all time.