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Chapter Text

Steve bit back the low whine building in the back of his throat. Dustin and his friends were a few feet past the door. Robin and Nancy were past the door. Fucking Eddie Munson was standing on the other side of the door. 

He didn't have time for tears. There were more things to worry about.

Steve was currently in the bathroom, Eddie's Jean jacket discarded. And Steve was slowly pulling the makeshift wrappings off of his torso. The fabric seemed to stick to his wounds. Pulling at his skin. Causing ripples of pain. 

But much to Steve's dismay, the tears gathered in the corners of his eyes anyway. He tried his best to focus on his injuries.

"Hey Harrington you need anything in there?" Eddie banged on the door. 

"I'm fine." He gritted through his teeth. He took a some of the paper towels he snagged and wet it. 

"Really cause if I'm not mistaken. The gauze is out here, and you are in there. I may not have passed Mrs. Ranscal's class but I know that math does add up." 

Eddie's ramblings we're surprising grounding. And his fast talking masked the hisses of pain Steve was emitting. 

"I'm fine." 

"You keep saying that Harrington but I don't believe you." Eddie sassed back. 

"I'm fine! I just---" before Steve could continue his elbow knocked against the small sink. The flash of pain shocked him, sending him reeling backwards. In his stumble his feet caught on the Jean jacket. Before he knew it he was heading straight for the ground. The thump unmistakable, no matter what side of the door you are on.

"Shit Harrington what was that?"

Steve instead focused on not crying. Very much holding back tears and not allowing himself any luxuries was the main priority.

"Steve?" The silence began to worry Eddie. Steve could hear nervous shuffling on the other side. "I'm coming in." Eddie decided with a sure voice. 

The door swung open to reveal the great Steve "The Hair" Harrington spread out on the bathroom floor. His head was thankfully clear and hadn't hit anything. But his feet were tangled through the jean jacket. And his bare torso showed off his injuries brightly.

"Shit Steve, you okay man?" Eddie dropped the gauze in favor of grabbing Steve's arm. He hoisted Steve to sitting, despite his whine of protest. 

Steve was slowly loosing his battle to his tears and it was embarrassing. 

"I'm sorry." Steve muttered. Turning his head away to scrub at his face. 

"What are you sorry for? Sorry for being a badass. For bravely fighting those fuckin bat things. Sorry for your injuries. Well maybe you should be a bit sorry for not asking for help but I mean. Forget that, you have nothing to be sorry for." 

Steve responded with a weak chuckle. "You think?" 

"I think? I know! Steve Harrington, badass. Savior of the free world." Eddie put on an announcer voice, cupping his hands around his mouth to make it echo. 

The voice caused a giggle out of Steve this time. Soft, gentle, happy.

Eddie returned the favor with a crooked smile. 

"Let's get your wound dressed. I'll give you a shirt, and then we can stop Vecna. Yeah?" Eddie gently reached forward and brushed away the stray tears. He gave Steve plenty of time to move away, but instead Steve leaned forwards. Relishing in the contact.

"I need some agreement Steve."

"Yea. Okay." Steve nodded. 

Eddie helped Steve to his feet. Grabbed the gauze and paper towels. Handing them off to Steve. Eddie grabbed a few more first aid things and quickly shuffled the two of them into his bedroom. 

"Sit." Eddie urged Steve to his bed. 

Steve did as he was told. Sitting on the bed patiently as Eddie moved to grab items as needed. First Eddie cleaned around the wounds, hands steady and sure. 

But once Eddie wet some hydrogen peroxide Steve flinched away harshly. 

"Hey, I know. It sucks. But it's necessary."

Steve willed himself to big. He could do it. But he was teetering. Towing the line. He knew if he gave himself an hour. Just that would set him straight for weeks. But he didn't have an hour to himself. He didn't even have five minutes to himself. But the pain was too much. 

So if he stuck the tips on his fingers in his mouth to suck on. If he had a few more tears slide down his cheeks. Only Eddie had to know, right?

Before Steve knew it Eddie was wrapping gauze around his middle and helping Steve into a band tee. 

"How do you feel?" Eddie asked. 

At this point Steve's fingers were long gone, and he felt a little more like he was on solid ground. 

"Better. Thank you." Steve shyly answered. 

Eddie turned over his shoulder but Steve stopped him. 

"Wait!"

Eddie looked back with curious but knowing eyes. Steve knew Eddie wasn't stupid. Knew he'd recognize the common signs. It's in every health class. Then again he knows Eddie didn't exactly pass a lot of classes. 

"Can you uh. Not tell the others?"

"Tell them what?" Eddie asked. 

"Don't make me say it." Steve grumbled.

Eddie's encouraging smile was answer enough. But still Steve wanted to be sure.

"About my classification." Steve whispered softly. 

"Oh....Oh! Oh." Steve watched the gears turn in Eddies head. Steve could practically hear them click into place. Eddie fully turned to Steve. 

"That, is entirely your business. As long as you feel safe and big enough, I don't see why I would need to tell anyone." Eddie turned to go again but Steve was still teetering. In this head space questions and words tended to flow easier. 

"You really trust a little that much?"

Eddie turned back one more time. "I trust you that much." 

Finally the door clicked open and Steve was left to trail after Eddie and join everyone else. Maybe having someone else know isn't that bad after all.

Chapter Text

It's been a long month. 

After the defeat of Vecna, Steve's been a bit on edge. 

In the moment everyone was united by one common thing. Shared trauma whilst trying to stop a power wielding psychopath. Or something like that. 

But afterwards there was nothing standing between Steve and the 'incident'.

You see Eddie has been integrated into their odd group of friends now. So much to Steve's dismay, they see each other quiet often now. Thankfully, by having nothing to bond over other than Dustin Henderson, Steve was able to kept their conversations short. 

But with everything going on Steve had been neglecting to keep up with other events in his life. 

Say the day of the year his parents get back from their extravagant trips. 

See Steve's parents visit exactly 3 times a year. 

In February for the Hawkins founders day parade. In November for the Harrington family gathering. And now, in April. For the anniversary of his brother's death. 

Steve never knew his brother, he had died when Steve was young. From when Steve could faintly remember still having bedtime stories and cuddling on the couch. When his parents were actually around and not replaced by Nannies.

But even without knowing him, Steve still had to live up to the ghost of his sibling. His father was a constant reminder of how much he was failing in life. 

So Steve always makes a point to regress a few days before his parents arrive home. To avoid any incidents. 

But he woke up that morning, with the intent to make some breakfast, maybe swim a bit. When he heard the tell-tale sign of a car in the driveway.

By the time it dawned on Steve it was too late. 

The door clicked open and a familiar voice bellowed from below-- "Steven! We're home."

Since his parents arrival Steve didn't really have any escape. He didn't work, since he always takes this day off. He hadn't made any plans to rely on, and even if he did. Robin was working, Nancy was busy being a journalist, and the kids were busy with some DnD session Will made. 

Steve had helped his parents move their stuff out of the car, made breakfast for all three of them, and pretended to be pleasant even though internally he was panicking.

No matter how much preparation Steve would take, his parents always had him reeling. The visit would start out fine, they'd feign caring. Then at some point there'd be a passive aggressive comment about the disappointment that is Steve's life. His dad would compare him to his brother. His mother would cry. His parents would argue. Steve would be on the verge of a panic attack. 

Usually the stress reliever of regressing would help a bit. But his parents visits would always make him drop as soon as they left. Usually he doesn't need long or frequent sessions. But whenever his parents are involved it always sends his schedule into disarray. 

They were on track for a normal Harrington visit. They were driving to Nathan's grave when his father made his first passive aggressive comment. Which was an accomplishment for him. Waited a good 2 hours before putting Steve down. 

"You know Steven. I'm glad you are learning your place in the real world but, don't you think you have better potential than a family video store."

"Robert--" Steve's mother chastised. 

"I'm just saying, he did so well in high school. You were on the basketball team, swim team, baseball. You were even dating Nancy Wheeler. I mean you let her get away, you must have really shown your true colors to allow a girl like that to leave."

Steve kept quiet. He knew it was easier if he did. That didn't stop his heart from hammering though. Didn't help his fingers drumming against his thigh. 

They finally got to the graveyard. As Steve's mother trotted ahead, flowers in hand, Steve's father locked the car with a glance at Steve. 

"You're not nearly the man your brother would have been." 

Steve was used to that one. But the next thing his father said. So quiet Steve almost thought he wasn't supposed to hear. As if it was meant for his brother instead....

"Should have been you instead of him."

Steve knew it was disrespectful. Knew it was going to get him in trouble. But those few words had him spiraling. He could either stay there and drop in front of his parents.Or he could turn heel and get as far away from them as possible. 

He chose the latter.

"Steven? Steven!"

His mother and father's voices melded together as he ran into the woods. 

It probably wasn't the best idea to let a panicked Little wander in the woods alone but he didn't know what else to do. By the time the adrenaline wore off, and Steve's legs grew tired, he was too deep in the trees to turn around. 

There was a crack and a thump behind him that had Steve whimpering. 

The noise grew closer and closer. And the image of a demogorgon passed through his mind. 

Maybe he could do as his father wished and replace his brother. 

The trees shifted and Steve shielded his face only to be met with a confused "Harrington?"

Steve peaked between his hands to see Eddie Munson standing there. A rusted lunch box in his hand and the other on his hip. 

"What are you doing out he---"

Steve cut Eddie off by throwing his arms around Eddie's shoulders. He needed something grounding, something warm and strong. 

He hadn't had a real proper hug in ages, and the knowledge that he was with someone he trusted finally set free the restraints he had and he dropped. Dropped harder than he ever has in his life. 

Harder than the first time he regressed. Confused and scared. Harder than the time his father raised a hand to him. Harder than the night Nancy had called their relationship 'bullshit'.

"Shit Steve you're---"

Steve cut Eddie off again with a sob of pain. 

"Jesus Christ.... Hey it's, uh. It okay. Just let it out man." Eddie attempted to comfort. It wasn't exactly his MO, but this was Steve Harrington. A Little. A very distressed Little at that. Miles from home and in the middle of the woods. 

Eddie used his free hand to gently rub Steve's back and was met with a shudder from Steve. Eddie ripped his hand back scared he'd done something wrong. Instead it brought forth a distressed whine from Steve. 

It reminded Eddie of the whine from a month ago. From the injured and scared Steve. It tugged at Eddie's heart then. And it was practically shattering his heart now. 

"Okay okay, yes to physical contact." Eddie shushed, returning his hand to Steve's back. The way Steve melted into the hand was answer enough. The poor thing was thrumming for the touch. Even whilst sobbing uncontrollably into Eddie's shoulder. 

Steve in that moment had nothing on his mind but the feel of leather and denim against his cheek. He would have never thought he'd like the combination of materials. But in this moment it was what he needed. So he allowed himself to cry into the jackets. 

It took a good few minutes, and the worry that Steve would make himself sick, before the cries began to die down. 

"Hey there how are you feeling?" Eddie asked with a pat to Steve's back. 

All he got in response was a muffle 'humf' against Eddie's shoulder. 

"Okay not talkative that's fine. I can do the talking if you want. But first let's get you someplace else. My trailer is close."

Steve gave a small nod against Eddie shoulder but made no indication that he was going to move. 

"Steve come on," Eddie said with a nudge. 

Steve just wrapped his arms tighter around Eddie's neck. As if he left go Eddie would disappear. Or worse his dad would reappear. 

Eddie noticed the panic building in the little again and scrambled to fix it. "Do you want me to carry you? Is that it?"

Steve hummed thoughtfully for a moment. It hadn't crossed his mind to be carried but now that it was there he couldn't think of anything else. 

The thought of pressing close to Eddie as he was lifted in the air. To feel the jostle of each step. But reality invaded his thoughts. Reminding him he was too big, too muscly, and someone could see if they did. Reminding him that he wasn't built like Little's are supposed to be. So reluctantly Steve pulled away. Shaking his head no. 

Eddie could tell the boy was lying but he got a good look at his face now. Which was covered in tear tracks, eyes puffy, and his gaze was downcast to the ground. 

"It's not too far okay?" Eddie decided trailer first, then deal with everything else later. 

Eddie grabbed Steve's hand gently and tugged him in the direction of the trailer park. 

And despite everything, Steve let himself enjoy the feeling of a person caring for him. Even if it would only be for a little bit. 

Chapter Text

Eddie managed to get Steve within the walls of his trailer, both of them kicking off their shoes, before Steve became impatient and the Little wrapped his arms around Eddie once more. This time Steve lunged for Eddie's torso, arms wrapping around the waist this time and his head comfortably pillowed against Eddie's chest. Well as comfortable as a grown man's body can wrap around another's. 

"Steve" Eddie says helplessly, standing in the middle of the living room. "Come on, lets go to my room," Eddie goes to peel Steve off of him but is met with much more resistance than in the woods.

A more panicked 'humpf' comes from Steve this time. His arms tightening in stubbornness. 

"Steve, you can't possibly be comfortable like that." Eddie tried again. 

Steve whined in retaliation. Hoping if he was stubborn enough, maybe Eddie would keep his attention on him. 

"Fine, you wanna be like that--" Eddie briefly broke the connection between himself and Steve, only to scoop up the Little before a temper tantrum erupted. "There. Happy?" Eddie quirked an eyebrow. 

Steve didn't have the time to be upset with the break in physical contact. Not with how easily Eddie held him on his hip. Being held in headspace was everything Steve wanted and more. The touch was even more comforting than he thought. The feeling of Eddie's cradling him just so. The weightlessness of being in the air. The flickers of insecurity about being too heavy washed away immediately. Steve decided instead of answering with words he would lean into Eddie shoulder. His hands drifting up to Eddie's neck for support. 

Eddie bounced him gently on his hip before turning to head towards his room. It elicited a small watery giggle from Steve that Eddie realized he definitely wanted to hear again. Especially following all the crying the poor boy did. He deserved happiness in this headspace. Not patching up wounds and emotional breakdowns in the woods. 

Eddie took his time walking down the hall. Murmuring and chattering with himself to provide some noise to otherwise empty trailer. "I'm not used to this much quiet from you Harrington." Eddie teased, pushing open the door to his room. 

Steve wriggled unhappily at that, a whine escaping past his lips. 

"What? Want down?" Eddie went to place Steve on the floor. 

He was suddenly met with much more fevered disagreement. Steve tightly gripping Eddie, choking the metalhead just a tad. 

"Careful," Eddie wheezed out, Steve's grip relaxing just a quickly as it tightened. 

After a moment of confused silence, a murmur echoed from the boy. Muted by Eddie's shoulder. 

"Jus' 'teve". 

"What was that?'

"Just Steve." The boy said slightly louder. Making sure to enunciate like his father taught him. In that moment Eddie realized he hadn't heard Steve speak as a Little until now. The slight lisp to his words, the airy lilt to his voice. It made Eddie want to coo over Steve until Steve was letting out those adorable giggles again. But the boy was currently still agitated so instead Eddie reassured with an apology, the promise of using only his first name, and quick back rub. 

"How about we sit down, yeah?" Eddie offered. Whilst he was capable of holding Steve, he would only have so long before his arms got tired.

Eddie waited until Steve's hair brushed up and down in the crook of Eddie's neck. Only then sitting on the edge of his mattress. He shifted Steve to sit next to him but kept close. Eddie thought through what he needed to do next. 

He soothed Steve and got him into his trailer but now what? He's a neutral, so he doesn't have any natural instincts to help him right now. He definitely should have focused more in health class during the Little units. But for now he was just going to have to feel it out and see how Steve reacts. One thing he did know though was after you cry a lot, no matter your classification, you need to hydrate. So with Steve settled comfortably on Eddie's mattress, Eddie went to stand and get a glass of water. 

As soon as he stood though Steve's hand shot out to grab Eddie. 

"I'm just gonna get you a glass of water, okay? I'll be right back." Eddie tried to explain. But Steve seemed to have other plans in mind. 

"No." Steve pouted, pulling at Eddie to come back. 

Eddie took it for Little Steve being stubborn. Just like his big self. 

"It'll be a minute or two I promise. You need water with all the crying you did." Eddie brushed at the dried tear tracks on Steve's face as a reminder. 

Steve simply whined in reply. 

Eddie gently pulled his hand out of Steve's grasp, despite the sounds of disagreement. 

"Just a minute, one minute." Eddie backed away, quickly jogging to the kitchen. He grabbed a glass of water and also wet a a rag in the process. 

Just as promised Eddie was back within a minute but it seemed the damage was already done. 

Steve had melted down into full hysterics again. Tears streaming down his face in waves, his breaths coming in ragged and torn. He was thrashing against Eddie's sheets, one hand balled in the thick comforter and his other hand banging against the bed. 

"Steve--" Eddie rushed forward. He left for a minute?!

"Ed-Ed-Eddie" Steve cried out between sobs. His hands reached forward in a grabby motion and Eddie's heart broke at the sight. 

"I'm right here. Hey right here Stevie, come on." Eddie set the glass down in favor of gathering Steve back up in his arms. He hadn't realized this was the reaction Steve would have, otherwise he wouldn't have left him alone. It dawned on Eddie, Steve was probably much younger than the last time this happened. 

"You-you-you--" Steve stumbled over his words, slurring and crying out between syllables. 

"Breathe first Steve, Breathe with me okay." Eddie was started to get just as panicked as Steve and that wasn't helping anybody. So Eddie held Steve as close as he could and started exaggerating his breaths. Talking big gulps of air in, and slowly breathing it out. 

Steve started to catch on and began imitating the breathing pattern of Eddie. 

"In and out, that's it Steve. You're doing so well." Eddie began rambling, the only thing helping his frayed nerves at the sight of such a distraught Little. When Steve was big again, they were gonna have a chat. Eddie didn't say anything the first time because it was so busy at the time with Vecna and the party was there and all. Plus there wasn't much to talk about. But here and now, Eddie worried if this was what happened every time Steve went down. The image of Steve in his big house all alone, crying to no one but the walls caused Eddie heart to clench. 

Beneath him, Eddie finally heard Steve begin to breathe normally again. 

Eddie kept up the pattern by rubbing Steve's back, silent tears dripped down Steve's face now. And it reminded Eddie of the entire reason he left in the first place, water. So he scooped up the glass from his nightstand where he left it and the wet rag. 

"Come here." Eddie gently eased Steve far enough to get a proper look at his face. Which as he predicted, was a mess. He swiped the old and new tears away, dabbing under Steve's puffy eyes gently. He cleaned his face with some murmurs and talks of nothing. Eddie could tell by the way Steve's shoulders began to slump, the Little enjoyed the sound of Eddie's voice. Even if the words meant nothing at all.

Eddie brought the glass of water to Steve mouth. Urging Steve to open up. Eddie used one hand to cradle the back of Steve's head and the other to tilt the glass for a few seconds before letting off. Eddie let Steve take his time with the water until it was all gone. It was in that moment Steve seemed to find his voice again. 

"You--you left." Steve's voice wavered. Almost edging a third set of tears.

"I know, I know I did. I'm sorry, but I came right back. See just like I promised." Eddie tried to give Steve a gentle smile but it wasn't returned. 

"Lot-Lot's of people make, make, make... Lot's of people make promises." Steve frowned. "Does-doesn't mean the-they keep 'em." 

Eddie didn't know how to respond to that. Because Steve was right. People didn't always keep their promises. What was wrong was when Steve was in Little space he shouldn't have to worry about big thoughts like that. But here Steve was. Overthinking something as simple as a glass of water.

Again, Eddie may not know much about Little's but he did know Little's weren't separate entities of their big selves. He understood that any insecurities Little Steve had, so did Big Steve. Which was a saddening thought. But for now Eddie needed to focus on helping Little Steve. He couldn't do much about Big Steve unless he wanted Eddie to help. 

"You're right, but I did keep it. Didn't I?" Eddie offered. 

"Y-yea." Steve mumbled. He squirmed once more in Eddie's grip. This time though, he seemed to keep fidgeting with his shirt. 

"Hey, it that uncomfortable?" Eddie pointed, trying to change the subject the best he could. 

"Itchy." Steve nodded. 

"Do you think you might want to borrow a t-shirt? Something nice and comfortable. You can pick one out if you like." Eddie pointed at this closet where there was dozens of oversized t-shirts. Some with band names on it, others from thrift stores with random logos. 

"You let-let me?" Steve asked as if Steve would never be allowed to touch Eddie's shirts. 

"Yea of course. I don't mind." Eddie helped Steve to his feet, leading the Little over to the closet. 

Steve looked at all of the options in front of him, unsure of which to pick. With a second glance at Eddie to make sure it was alright (Eddie nodded in encouragement) , Steve reached out and began touching the shirts. It began tentatively. But soon Steve's hands were buried in fabric, rubbing and comparing softness. He held one in his right hand that he seemed to like. He hesitantly looked over his shoulder at Eddie. 

"This one?" Eddie stepped forward.

Steve nodded shyly. 

Eddie slipped it off the hanger and took a closer look at it. 

"Metallica," Eddie said with a wide grin. "Good choice."

Eddie grabbed a pair of sweatpants and they moved back to the bed where Eddie set the clothes down. 

"Are you comfortable with me helping or do you want to do it on your own?"

Before Eddie could say anything else Steve cut in with a "Help please."

Eddie nodded and carefully began to unbutton Steve's shirt, it was a very nice button up so Eddie was sure to gently fold it and set it out of the way. He gently directed Steve's arms up and slipped the shirt over his head. Next Eddie helped Steve step out of his jeans and into sweats. Once again folding Steve's clothes and setting them aside. 

When Eddie turned back to Steve he wasn't sure what he was expecting. But it sure as hell wasn't to see Steve just look so incredibly small. The t-shirt seemed to swallow Steve. His hair flopped in his face, having lost its usual poof. Steve's shoulders were still slouched as he looked up at Eddie with the biggest doe eyes. 

In that moment all Eddie wanted to do was scoop Steve up and never let go. And though he wouldn't admit it. Little Steve had Eddie wrapped around his finger (as if Big Steve didn't already).

"Wanna lay down?" Eddie asked Steve. 

Steve shook his head no even though the yawn that followed betrayed him. 

"Come on, I'll lay with you." 

That seemed to tip the scales because Steve reluctantly nodded this time. Eddie crawled up his bed, allowing Steve to tuck himself against his side how he saw fit. Eddie brought a blanket up to tuck around Steve's shoulders.

Steve yawned again, eye lashes fluttering against his cheeks. 

"Take a nap. I'll be here when you wake up." Eddie said, brushing some of Steve's hair back. 

Steve leaned up, making eye contact with Eddie. "Promise?"

"I promise." Eddie replied. Carefully keeping an eye on Steve as the Little slipped into a slow peaceful nap. 

Chapter Text

Steve finds himself blinking awake from some of the best sleep he's had in weeks. He was slow to wake-up. Taking his time becoming aware of his surroundings. The first thing he recognized was the fuzzy feeling still vibrating in his skull. A familiar feeling he associates with being in-between headspaces. Not yet small, but not yet big. The next thing he becomes aware of is the heavy weight of something in his mouth. With a gentle prodding from his tongue he is met with skin. Telling him he had regressed young enough to find comfort in his thumb. 

What he doesn't seem to easily piece together though is the steady beat of a heartbeat under his ear. He's currently on top of someone. Someone who can very much tell Steve is Little right now. 

Immediately panic kicks in and Steve feels his breathing pick up. He tears his thumb away and tries to use the hand to push against the chest he was once resting on. 

In his panic he didn't realize there was a hand resting in his hair, a hand that was attempting to pet Steve's hair in a calming motion. 

"Hey it's okay. You're okay." Is murmured in his ear. 

"Ed-Eddie?" Steve questions. Steve finally matches a face to the heartbeat. He turns to the metalhead with panic still evident on his face. "What am, what am I doing here? How'd I g-get here?" Steve swallows past his stutter. Hoping it goes unmentioned by Eddie. 

"Well I don't know a full answer to the how, but I ran into you in the woods. You uh, you dropped pretty hard so I brought you back to my trailer. I hope that's okay. You weren't exactly in a state I could communicate with." Eddie attempted to assure Steve, but all it did was send Steve into a further spiral. 

He dropped in front of Eddie. And not like that first time in front of Eddie. No, the first time he was teetering, nothing dire. He didn't reveal any dark secrets or show vulnerability the first time. But it's very likely Steve was needy and clingy earlier. And with everything going on (and the fact he woke up with his fucking thumb in his mouth), Steve knew he probably went as young as 3. He can't believe he subjected Eddie to play babysitter for him. Steve who is supposed to be the babysitter, not be babysat. 

"I'm sorry." Steve croaked out. He finally pushed himself fully off Eddie, still halfway lying in his arms all this time. "I'll get out, I'll get out of your hair. I'm so sorry I didn't mean to do that to-to you." Steve rambled as he clambered to his feet. Though he was a bit wobbly, he still managed to stumble over to his neatly folded clothes. 

"Whoa whoa whoa Steve, What do you think you're doing man?" Eddie was definitely much quicker than Steve was at the moment. Eddie jumped off the bed and swiped the clothes away before Steve could grab them. Steve stared at Eddie like a kicked puppy. If Eddie wasn't so concerned right now he might even find it cute.

"Leaving," Steve frowned. "I've b-bothered you enough." Steve said it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. And Eddie hated it. 

"Like hell you are. You dropped really hard Steve. Like it was intense man. And a," Eddie checked his watch, "An hour nap isn't gonna completely fix it dude." 

Steve felt himself getting agitated. Why wouldn't Eddie just let him leave, hasn't Steve embarrassed himself enough?

"Just. I just want to go okay? Is that too much to ask?" Steve was trying to keep his voice steady because as much as he hated to admit it. Eddie was right. Steve may have resurfaced right now, but he could feel another wave of fuzziness hit him. He needed to regress again and soon. And he's doing his best to make sure it's not in front of Eddie....again.

"Bullshit dude. You need to eat something at least. I think we have some pizza rolls in the freezer--"

"Why does it matter so much to you, you're not my caregiver." Steve snapped. He was inching closer and closer to a hard drop if Eddie kept this up. He'd rather Eddie be mad at him and let him go than subject Eddie to this all over again. 

But instead of snap back like he wanted Eddie seemed to soften further. "Cause, I care about you Steve. And I think you are scared of being little in front of people." Eddie's eyes bore into Steve's skull like he was picking out all of Steve's insecurities with his gaze. Steve squirmed uncomfortably under the hard truth.

"But too little too late Stevie, cause now I'm not going anywhere." 

Steve was taken aback. That was not the response he expected. But a small part of him realized it was the response he wanted. 

"Now are you done being grumpy or do you need more time to pout?" Eddie exaggerated a pouty face to mock Steve. Much to Steve's dismay it elicited a giggle from him. 

"There we go," Eddie smiled. He ruffled Steve's hair, earning him a playful swat from Steve. 

"You mentioned pizza rolls." Steve huffed, trying to change the subject. He wasn't feeling as intense as moments ago, but he was definitely starting to wade into the waters of feeling small again. He'd much more prefer a gentle progression this time if possible. 

"Yeah, this way." 

Eddie made sure Steve was following before beginning their journey to the kitchen. 

Eddie swung open the freezer door, sifting through the mess of frozen peas and forgotten meats until a victorious "Ah ha!" could be heard and Eddie popped out of the freezer. "Found 'em." Eddie shook the bag with a smile. Steve didn't really respond, just sent a small smile back. 

Eddie was quick to start the oven and spread out a fair amount of pizza bites on a pan before turning back to Steve. 

"Let's sit on the couch while we wait for the oven to pre-heat." Eddie jerked his thumb towards the living room and waited for Steve to begin walking first. 

The settled on the couch. Well settled is a strong word. Eddie flopped onto the couch as Steve sat stiffly on the edge of the couch cushions. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Eddie gently tapped Steve's knee with his own. "Do you want to talk about it?" 

"Talk about what?" Steve bristled. 

"The reason you were in the woods, by yourself, on a Wednesday, dressed in your Sunday best." Eddie tried to frame it as a lighthearted joke but Steve didn't seem to find it funny. 

They were left in another 10 minutes of silence. The oven timer managed to give Eddie something to do. He awkwardly pat Steve on the shoulder before quickly ducking into the kitchen. He slid the pan into the oven and set a timer. As he began walking back to the couch, Steve finally spoke up. 

"My parents came home for my brother's anniversary." Steve said with a monotone voice. Eddie sat down next to Steve and nodded at him to continue.

"They don't come home often but when they do I usually regress before they come. Just to be safe. They uh, they can be a bit stressful sometimes." Steve says with a grimace. It's an understatement, but he doesn't feel like diving into all of his family trauma right now. "With Vecna and everything my concept of time has been kinda thrown off. So like an idiot I forgot they were coming. And with no preparation at all I got thrown off when we were heading to my brothers grave and I--I--"  

"You panicked and ran off when you stared feeling small." 

Steve nodded in response, avoiding eye contact. 

"So if your parents are home, where did you plan on going earlier when you were so adamant on leaving?" 

Steve opened his mouth to respond but found it held no answer. "I uh, I didn't actually think about that." Steve admitted softly. "My mom mentioned their next flight is scheduled for Friday, so I'll just try and avoid 'em til they leave." 

"They'll still leave on Friday without even seeing you the rest of the week?" Eddie asked with a bit of protectiveness surging over him. 

"You underestimate my parents." Steve's voice returned to that monotone place. It was almost scary how devoid of emotion Steve could make himself sound. 

"You're staying with me for the rest of the week." 

"What? No Eddie, I won't do that to you. I'll be fine--"

"Nope. That wasn't a question. My Uncle works at night, he won't bother us. Just the next two days. You're staying here." 

Steve really wanted to argue with Eddie, insist he'd be fine. That this wasn't his first rodeo. But the look in Eddie's eye said there was no debate in this. And Steve was still way too close to regressing to use up his energy on a loosing argument. 

"You'll have to drive me and Robin to work on Friday." Steve supplied.

"Happily. I'd rather that than send you home." 

With that matter settled Eddie stood to check on the pizza rolls. 

Steve didn't know what he did to deserve Eddie Munson. 

"They need a bit to cool, anything you'd like to drink? I have tap water and uh. Yeah tap water." Eddie grinned over at Steve. Eddie quickly realized the only drink in the fridge was beer, and we was very much not going to offer Steve beer in this state. 

Steve chuckled a bit and accepted the glass of water with thanks. 

He took the glass from Eddie with both hands, and as Steve drank he had a hard time keeping the glass steady. Something that didn't go unnoticed by the metalhead. Steve drank half the glass before placing it on the side table. Only a little bit of the water had splashed around. There was a bit dripping down Steve's chin. 

"How about you go wash your hands and then we'll have lunch." Eddie swiped at Steve face gently with his thumb. Steve just barely leaned into the touch before realizing what he was doing. Steve scurried off to wash his hands and Eddie went ahead and made up two plates. He didn't exactly have vegetables, which Eddie knew wasn't terribly responsible of him as the adult figure in this situation. But for now the pizza rolls would have to do. He placed them on the table and grabbed Steve's half finished water.

Steve came back with clean hands and a quickly growing appetite. Turns out having a metal breakdown makes you hungry.

"Careful they're still hot." Eddie pointed at Steve's plate.

Steve nodded and instead leaned in for his water again. But Steve over calculated and his hand slammed too hard into the glass, knocking it over and the rest of the water splashing to the floor.

Steve's eyes grew wide in panic and picked up the glass before it rolled off the table. "I'm sorry! I'm so-so- I'm sorry!" Steve stuttered. He started wringing out his hands nervously as his voice raised in pitch. Eddie watched the poor boy work himself into a tizzy within seconds. If Eddie didn't do something quick he'd have a tearful Little on his hands again.

"Hey hey it's okay. I promise it's okay, accidents happen. Eddie grabbed a bundle of napkins off the table and dropped them on the puddle of water. It quickly soaked up the water. At least one issue solved.

Eddie circled around to Steve seat and crouched next to Steve chair. "Steve hon look at me." Eddie tried to use his gentlest voice for the sake of Steve.

Steve managed to look up from his lap, eyes glistening with unshed tears. Eddie brushed Steve's hair out of his face while the boy tried to gather his words. " 'M sorry-m so so-sorry." Steve word we're slurring together on-top of his stutter.

"Hey it was a little water it's okay. Look it's already all dry." Eddie gestured to the clump of napkins skill on the floor.

"Not angry?" Steve's voice wavered.

"No! Of course not. I would never be angry about something like that."

Steve nodded at Eddie's words but he still was aggressively wringing his hands.

"Steve stop you're gonna hurt yourself." Eddie gently reached forward to separate Steve's hands. Steve whined but instead grabbed onto Eddie's hands.

"Prom-Promise-Promise you're not m-mad?" Steve hiccupped. A single tear rolled down Steve's cheek and Eddie swiped it away with his thumb. 

Eddie felt a bitterness in his mouth when he whispered reassurances to Steve that he wasn't mad. Because that's a lie. He is mad. Not at Steve, never at Steve. He was mad at Steve's parents for ever making him feel this shameful. Mad at the past mistakes that have forced Steve to constantly apologize. Mad at the world for hating Little's when they are so so precious. Mad at the tears that seem to trail after Steve no matter what. 

Eddie is mad, furious, that the world seems to be against this fragile adorable Little. But for now all Eddie can do is calm Steve down and gently encourage him to eat pizza rolls. To do his best to put a smile on Steve's face just once. To get that adorable giggle rolling through the air again. And maybe, just maybe, Eddie can make sure Steve doesn't feel the need to apologize for his presence.