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“Cheryl Ladd.”
“Pass. Uhh, Farrah Fawcett.”
“How is that even a question, Steve. Have you seen Charlie’s Angels? She's like .. perfect.” Robin rolled her eyes. They were playing their game of ‘Are we really that similar that we share all the same childhood crushes?’
Realistically, they were just killing time until they were able to clock out and go home. The Family Video Store had been dead for three hours because who the hell is coming in on a Thursday afternoon. They will have the odd mom who has a weird fascination with Steve who comes in here, hair done and lipstick freshly applied in the rear-view mirror of their car, or the occasional stoner who turns in a copy of a Cheech and Chong movie three weeks late, but otherwise, it's dead. Hence the game.
Robin is currently sitting on the counter, legs crossed and fiddling with her keychain. Steve is wandering around the store, picking up movies aimlessly.
Robins hums, tapping her fingers, “Okay, how about... Mia Sara?”
Steve turns the corner, “Who’s that?” He comes up, leaning up against the counter, arms crossed.
“Are you serious?” She scoffs, hopping off the counter and bee-lining fantasy section of the store, picking up Legend. Steve turns towards her, back against the counter now. “You seriously haven’t seen Legend? It was that fantasy movie that came out last year; literally everyone saw it.”
“Well fuck me for being a little busy fighting inter-dimensional monsters; I didn’t make much time to go to the movies.”
Robin stays silent while she inserts the VHS into the player, the TV above showing the intro sequence for the film. “Fair point.”
Forty-five minutes into the film, they sat on the stools behind the counter. Both of them are drinking Ecto Coolers, trying to eliminate the heat because, of course, this place has shitty AC that does nothing for the early August weather in Hawkins. They usually keep a nice stock of snacks and drinks in the back since they watch several movies every day to cure the insufferably long shifts.
“So?”
“What?”
Steve can see her glare at him from the corner of his eye. “Mia, dingus.” Steve looks at the current scene; Mia’s character is fine. And Steve says as much. He watches as she and a long-haired Tom Cruise walk through the forest.
“Fine, Steve? Fine?”
“Yeah, I mean.. she’s pretty.”
Robin huffed. “No wonder you don’t have a girlfriend; you’re too picky.”
As Steve was about to dispute, the bell on top of the door chimed. In walked Eddie Munson himself. Despite the aforementioned heat in Hawkins, he was wearing his usual ripped black jeans, some metalhead band t-shirt that Steve doesn’t know, and black boots to complete the ‘I’m cooler than you can ever hope to be’ look.
Over the last few months, in the aftermath of Vecna, the gang has expanded. Eddie has become a consistent hang with Steve and Nancy, but mainly Robin. The two of them seem to have some kind of thing that Steve just doesn’t quite understand. Sometimes when he hangs out with them, he feels like he is on the other side of a joke. Nonetheless, he’s a cool guy and makes Steve nervous in a way he can’t quite explain.
“Robbie! Harrington! My favorite duo, how are we doing on this fine afternoon?” Eddie exclaimed, his loud presence immediately known as he walked in. Steve’s eyes track as he walks up to the counter and leans in to see what's on the screen.
Robin says, eyes still focused on the screen, “I'm trying to educate Steve on the wonders of Mia Sara in Legend, but he’s being a dingus.”
Eddie leans in further to view the screen, creeping into Steve’s personal space. He smells like weed and denim, interesting.
On the screen is shirtless Tom riding a pegasus with Mia. Eddie hums, then turns to Steve, voice quieter than earlier, “Don’t worry, Mia’s not exactly my type either. Someone else has my eye.” Eddie winks before dropping down from the desk. Steve feels warmer than before; he takes another sip of his soda.
“Your vote doesn’t count, Eddie.”
Eddie gasps, a hand dramatically grasping his chest, “And why the hell not?”
Robing looks away from the screen and gives Eddie a bored look, “You know exactly why.”
Eddie glares at her but gives up. “Whatever. Legend sucks anyway. Rocky’s way better.”
And, of course, any mention of Rocky Horror sends them down a spiral. Steve sits there completely distracted, still watching the movie.
What did Eddie mean anyway? There are not many characters in this movie. Most of the film has been Mia and that fucking red devil dude. Sure Tom Cruise appears every once in a while, but that wouldn’t make any- oh. Of fucking course, that makes sense. Eddie ‘The Freak’ Munson. He always figured that name was just because he dressed like he did or because he made a hobby of climbing up on lunch tables or even hellfire club. But no, those jocks that Steve used to be friends with were just ignorant pieces of shit.
God, Steve felt like an ass.
He looked at Eddie. His wild hair bounced as he gestured loudly with his hands, making Steve notice the rings that littered his fingers and the chipped black nail polish. The various pins that decorate the vest that Steve himself once wore. Since when did Eddie have dimples?
“Earth to Stevie….. You alive in there?” Steve blinks himself back to reality when a hand waves across his face.
Steve shakes his head, looking ahead to see the blinged-up hands snapping in front of him. “What?”
“You went awol there, dude,” Eddie said, looking at him intently.
Steve gives a grin, “Yea, totally fine.” He looks over to see Robin looking at him weirdly. He waves her off. “Anyway, Munson, is there a reason you’re here?”
For the second time, Eddie fakes hurt, somehow more dramatically this time. The back of his hand held to his forehead, “Oh, how you wound me,” and falls to the floor.
Under his breath, he whispers, “Jesus,” which earns him a smack on the arm from Robin. Steve clutches himself and whisper-yells to her, “What the fuck was that for?”
“Quit being a dingus, and maybe I’ll stop.” Steve glares her way, but they both turn back to Eddie, who is now doing what he thinks is an attempt at sitting on the counter. Completely lacking any grace, he fumbled his way into sitting like a little kid on the floor of their kindergarten classroom, on the video station counter.
“If you two are done having your little .. married couple fight,” Eddie starts, “then I can get to what I am actually here for instead of just annoying Stevie here.”
Neither of them says anything.
“That’s what I like to hear.” He leans in to pat them both on the cheek twice. Steve is caught off guard, and his face definitely doesn’t feel hot afterward. Fuck, he needs to get laid.
“So the plan. Party. Stevie's house. You guys bring drinks. I bring the fun.” Eddie said with a grin, waiting for them to match his enthusiasm.
There is a pause in the room, then, “Is that the whole plan, Munson?” Steve asks, skeptical at best.
Eddie scoffed, “Uh, yeah. I’m not exactly the planner of this relationship Stevie.” Relationship? What the hell is this guy on?
Robin decided that it was her time to interject. “And what is exactly is the purpose of this party?”
“Well, actually, it wasn’t my idea. One of his,” He points at Steve, “children wanted to do something before they have to go back to school. And who am I to deny them of life's simple pleasures?”
Eddie was looking at Steve intently, begging for Steve to say yes. He was clearly aware that he was gonna get his less-than-half-baked plan fulfilled. Steve may have the title of Babysitter amongst their friends, but he knows Eddie values those little twerps' opinions just as much as Steve does.
Steve continued to look at him, pleading eyes barring right into his soul, “Fuck it, fine. Saturday, 4 pm, my house, pool party.” Eddie hopped up, standing on the counter, whooping loudly. “But none of that at my house. And definitely no drinks for the kids.”
—--
So here Steve is four days later, running around his place and trying to make it look like he’s an adult who takes care of himself. His parents haven’t been back in god knows how long, at least a month. If you didn’t know any better, you would think Steve lives here alone. And for all intents and purposes, he does.
He’s already set up everything outside. Coolers full of soda littered the edge of the pool, towels stacked up on the chairs and tables, and the kitchen inside was filled with snacks, drinks (soda for the kids and beer for the adults), and solo cups.
It's funny if you think about it. Three years ago, Steve would never have imagined this was how he would be spending a Saturday. Inter-dimensional beings and Russians aside, it was just so different. Back then, he never would have been caught dead with anyone in a club like Hellfire, and he surely wouldn’t be a mentor to a large handful of teenagers. Old him would be pissed that the only girls at the party were his ex-girlfriend and his lesbian best friend, who he is pretty sure are flirting with each other. Life is really, really fucking weird.
As Steve walked around to set a few more towels out around the deck, he sees the group walk around the side of the house.
“Steve-o!” Dustin called out.
“You guys really couldn’t come in the front like normal people?”
Eddie was the one to respond this time, “Personally, I’m offended you would ever try to make me normal, Harrington.” As he dropped his boombox on the table next to Steve.
The kids immediately dropped their stuff on the ground around the pool and hopped in. Nance and Robin each claimed a chair, dropping their bags before walking inside and grabbing drinks.
Steve stripped out of his shirt and applied sunscreen before diving in, effectively splashing the kids. Despite their protests, they were laughing. These kids have been through so much; Steve is glad to give them some joy in this Hawkins Hellhole.
“Weak splash, dude. This is how you do it.” Eddie screamed as he ran towards the pool before cannonballing right next to Steve. He flinched at the way the water drenched him, wiping his eyes just as Eddie breached the water, inches from Steve’s face.
Eddie leaned in, “See?” He said before winking, and before Steve could respond, he dipped back under the water to swim towards the shallow end. He had an urge to follow him, but that was dumb. Right?
Instead of thinking on it too much longer, he pushed himself up on the side of the pool. Grabbing his towel, getting himself a little dry before heading inside. He needed a fucking drink.
Nancy and Robin were still inside, standing incredibly close to each other, sipping drinks. Honestly, if they don’t get it together soon, Steve’s gonna butt in. They’re just so obvious to everyone but themselves.
Steve went into the fridge and grabbed a handle of vodka, twisting the top open and taking a long swig.
“Why did you put beers in the coolers if you were just gonna do that?”
Steve looked at the pair, who were clearly confused and maybe even slightly concerned. He just took another drink before saying, “Needed something a little stronger.”
Two hours later, Steve is slightly buzzed as he sits on the edge of the pool, watching everyone play a game he was still figuring out the rules for.
He didn’t think they’d be here again. Year after year of watching everyone that he grew closest to almost die countless times. Vecna was some of the worst of it too. Nearly killing Nancy, Max, Eleven, and Will all while they were all separated and unable to be there for each other. Finally, he feels like he can take a deep breath for the first time in a while.
But when he does, all he smells is weed. Before he even looks to his side, he knows who is sitting there. It’s Eddie, dripping wet from just getting out of the pool and not caring enough to dry himself off first. Steve can feel the water from Eddie’s trunks on his leg, with no space between their thighs.
Steve can see some half-assed tattoos littering his thighs, all black ink that looks like they were done in someone's basement. Honestly, they probably were. His shorts were black, as most of his wardrobe was. And Steve thinks this might be the first time he’s ever seen Eddie shirtless for anytime longer than it takes to change a shirt. He’s seen the tattoos scattered on his chest, but now he can see the guitar pick and dog tag dangling from his neck. Of course, Eddie seems like the type to never take his jewelry off, even in the pool.
“Now, if I didn’t know better, Stevie, I’d think you were checking me out.” Eddie grinned, holding a beer out for him to take. Which he did.
“Just thinking, dude. Don’t flatter yourself.” Steve quipped, tone playful. The beer is helping.
Eddie scoffed, “Way to take a hit at a man’s ego. I know your type is more cheerleader-meets-damsel-in-distress but lying never hurt anyone.”
Steve laughed. Is that what people really think about him? To be honest, Steve doesn’t even know his own type. The more time that goes on, the less he knows about himself. He chooses not to voice his opinion on that, though, “What makes you think that’s my type?”
Eddie looked around, face scrunching like he was thinking really hard. He’d never seen Eddie make that face before. Honestly, he doesn’t know a lot about who Eddie actually is or how he is outside of the things he remembers from high school, where it was clear his view was tainted. He hummed, “Nothing specific, I guess. It’s just the vibe I get from you.”
“Vibe? You think my vibe is sexist dickhead?”
Eddie paused for a moment before breaking. His head tilted back, body shaking with his loud laugh. Huh, Steve definitely hadn’t seen that before.
Steve chuckled at him, then took a long sip of beer while Eddie composed himself. “What’s so funny?”
Eddie looked at him, “Never thought I’d hear King Steve say ‘sexist’ in my life.” Eddie paused before continuing, ”I’m just using my impression from knowing you in high school, so yes, ‘sexist dickhead comes to mind.”
God, Steve’s high school reputation really is gonna come back to haunt him for the rest of his life. “Well, a lot has changed since then. And don’t call me that.”
Eddie holds up his hands, “Alright, heard loud and clear.” There was a pause, each of them sipped their beers. Steve looked at the sun that was sitting lower in the sky now, not quite sunset but casting a nice glow over the water and sky. “So, if that’s no longer your type, what is?”
Steve looked over at him then, eyes meeting. How does he answer that? For obvious reasons, his love life has been minimal at best. He and Nancy were never meant to be romantic, working much better as friends. Clearly, his feelings for Rob were never going anywhere. And the dates he’s been on since working at the Family Video Store have been ordinary at best. The conversations get boring after 15 minutes, and they all just expect him to be King Steve. He’s not that version of himself anymore.
He wants someone who gets him and can make him laugh. Someone who won't freak out when he wakes up in the middle of the night or who will be fine with him having his bat leaning against his nightstand. Kind of hard to explain that, so he just wrote off dating for now.
Eddie is still intently looking at him, waiting for his reply. His eyes are really cool, like a comforting hot chocolate. He’s kinda pretty, not like Nancy or Robin, but like in a totally unique way that made his stomach hurt. Huh, that explains the odd nerves he feels. Or maybe it's the beer. It's gotta be the beer because Steve can’t help but think that if he was a girl, he’d totally kiss Eddie. Weird.
He flickers his eyes from where Eddie’s painted fingers are gripping his beer bottle, rings shining in the sunlight, back up to his face, “Guess I’m still figuring it out.”
—-
Hours later, the kids are sprawled out around Steve’s living room, blankets and pillows were thrown about the room. They were watching Goosebumps (again) and talking amongst themselves, some of them slowly falling asleep after a long day out in the sun.
Meanwhile, Robin, Nancy, Eddie, and him have set themselves up the firepit on the side of the house. By now, they ditched the beers, and Eddie brought some joints for them to pass around, one for the girls and one for Eddie and him. Steve was sufficiently cross-faded, definitely looser, and more open than he was a few hours ago.
“I still can’t believe she actually showed up to sing at the pep rally. As much as I hate to admit, Steve was right; she does sound like a muppet.” The group laughed.
Steve added, “It was fucking terrible. You really gotta get better taste in girls, Buckley.”
Robin glared at him from across the fire, throwing an acorn at his face. Steve flipped his middle finger up her way in response.
“I really shouldn’t be one to laugh. I, too, had terrible taste in high school,” Eddie started, taking a small puff before continuing, “It was my Sophomore year. Randy McCarthy.”
Nancy responded this time, “No way, Randy ‘The Sweat’ McCarthy? He was such an ass.”
“That he was, Nance. I sat behind him in English class. He was a stupid fucking jock, but he had the whole Rob Lowe in The Outsider thing going for him. Then he punched me in the face a few months later because one of his buddies thought I was gay. I mean, good guessing on their part, but the guy had a mean right hook.”
Jesus Christ. Steve knew that Eddie went through it at school, but he didn’t realize how bad it was. Randy had definitely not been Steve’s friend. Still, they hung out in the same circle of the Hawkins jocks who specialized in making everyone who wasn’t hot and popular have a miserable time in high school.
“I’m sorry, Eddie,” Nance said.
Eddie stood up, taking another drag of the joint before giving it to Steve. Eddie stood behind him, both hands resting on Steve’s shoulder. Steve definitely feels completely normal about this. He takes a large puff of the joint as a distraction. “Moving past the depressing bullshit, I propose a game.”
Robin asked, “What kind of game? I know you, and I really don’t feel like getting killed tonight.”
“Chill, Rob. It’s a nice friendly game. And poses no threat of getting us killed, you have my word.”
She laughed, “Your word doesn’t mean a whole lot, but I’ll play.”
Nancy agreed, “Sure,” shooting Robin a smile.
Eddie bends down with a whisper in Steve’s ear, his breath incredibly warm on Steve’s ear from his proximity, “And what about you, Harrington?”
Steve wasn’t about to be the killjoy, turning his attention to Eddie. Eddie's hands still grasping at his shoulder, the tips of their noses touching. Steve looked him in the eyes, “I’m in.”
“Wonderful!” Eddie said, clapping aggressively. He walked around the circle they created, “So, I’ll give a hypothetical person with a number that signifies their attractiveness but say either a good or bad thing about them, and you will respond with the number that indicates how you would think about them after that ‘thing.’ Capeesh?”
Steve responded, “Not really, but I imagine that's not going to stop you.”
Eddie grinned over at him as he flopped into his chair again, “Who knew you were pretty and Smart?” Is Eddie flirting? “So, she’s an 8, but she hates your music.”
Robin scoffed, “Hates my music? I have great taste. How dare she, 2.”
Eddie smirked, “Harsh, Buckley. I like it!”
Nancy answered next, “3, My Footloose soundtrack is too important to me.”
Eddie laughed, “Fair play. Steve?”
He knew that Eddie was a metalhead, basically the complete opposite of his playlist full of Bowie and Queen. If Eddie can flirt, he can too, all in good fun, right? “8. I’m open to new things, music included.”
Steve must have thrown Eddie off because he immediately looked away, clearing his throat before saying, “Alright, Nance, your turn.”
“Umm, alright. They’re a 3, but they always smell really nice.”
“6.” Robin. “8.” Eddie. “7.” Steve.
The game goes on for a few more rounds. They get progressively higher. The tone shifts, though, when it’s Robin's turn.
“Alright.” Robin said, “They’re a 9, but they don’t know when to shut up.” Steve knew what she was doing, especially if her glance at Nancy was any indication.
Eddie chimed in first, “I’d say 4. I’m the talker in a relationship; there can only be one.”
Steve laughed and answered before Nancy got the chance to, “Personally, 8. I deal with it from you, Robin. I think I can handle the person I’m dating doing it too.” He leaned over then, tapping Eddie on the shoulder. He bent over enough to get close to him so that he could whisper, “You know she’s totally only doing that to get in Nance’s pants.”
Eddie chuckled, whispering back, “Oh, totally. They’ve been all over each other since Vecna. I’m surprised, though, that you’re so chill about Robin getting with Nancy.”
“Nancy is history. I’ve moved my attention elsewhere.” Steve quipped, tone coy.
From the side of his vision, he can see Robin stand up. “Alright then, boys, I think me and Nance are gonna head in. Thank you for the joint, Eds. We will see you in the morning.” The two then ran off into the house, Robin dragging Nancy behind her by the hand.
Steve leaned back to his chair, “Fucking, finally. I would have intervened if they hadn't figured it out soon.”
They both laughed, still passing the nub of the join back and forth. There was barely anything left at this point, the action more to fill the lull of the conversation.
Steve rested his head on the chair, leaning back fully. He titled his head to the side, a clear view of Eddie’s profile from this angle. He realized he’s never seen Eddie quite this relaxed. Of course, with Vecna, there was constant stress alongside being accused of murder. And from what he heard from Dustin, Eddie hadn’t handled it very well.
But now, he seems nonchalant. Steve watches as Eddie brings a joint to his mouth. His lips wrapped around the filter, taking a long drag. He stares as the smoke leaves his lips. So smooth, like he’s done this a million times before. He probably has. Steve can't bring himself to look away. Something about seeing Eddie this way is making him simultaneously so incredibly nervous and also unusually content. How those two things can coexist at the same time, he’s not sure.
Eddie turns his way then, looking directly at Steve, “Staring again, Harrington?”
The easiest thing to do would be to play it off. He’s high anyway, easily could be lost in thought. But that just doesn't feel right. There’s been this tension all night, and if there’s one thing that Steve isn’t afraid of, it’s flirting. Even if he has no idea what it means or why he is doing it with Eddie. “I guess I am.”
—---
Two days later, he’s sitting behind the counter in the empty Family Video Store at 10:58 a.m., waiting for Robin to show up for her 11a.m. shift. He needs to talk to her now.
Nothing happened that night. At least nothing directly happened. Steve and Eddie shared another joint and sat next to the fire for another hour. There was what Steve would call sarcastic flirting before they went to their respective rooms and fell asleep. By the time he woke up, everyone was gone. The kids were taken home by Eddie and Robin, leaving him alone in his house to think about that night for the past however many hours it's been since.
He genuinely couldn’t tell if Eddie was being serious. Did he want Eddie to be serious? What did this mean for him? Steve was so sure he liked girls. Like bobbies are his favorite thing. But he can't entirely deny that he felt something for Eddie. All he wanted to do was run his hands through his hair and kiss his neck. That’s not what straight guys say, right?
Hence why he needed Robin asap.
Steve was impatiently tapping his fingers along the counter when the bell above the door rang, and in she walked. Steve exhaled a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. He walks around the counter and walks up to her, “Thank God, Robin, dude, I need to talk to you now.”
Robin gave him a frustrated sigh as she walked past him, “I’ve told you how to rewind the tapes so many times. Please tell me haven’t forgotten again.” He rolled his eyes, following her.
“No, Rob. I’m serious. I need your help.” She walked into the back room to clock in, dropping her stuff in her locker.
“This isn’t about Nancy and me, right? Because I thought you were alright with it. You told me like a thousand times you were over her. And like, trust me, she’s definitely over you, like without question.”
God, she never stops talking. “No, Robin, please listen to me. I-”
Robin continues, “Please don’t beg for me to take it back, dude. It’s pathetic. Plus, didn't you just go on that date like two weeks ago with that Jessica girl? Like c’mon, dude, I know she’s your ex, but like-”
Steve slammed a hand over her mouth, “Robin, I’m totally fine with you and Nancy. Now I need your help, so I will take my hand off if you shut up and listen. Deal?”
She nodded. He quickly tore his hand away, wiping it off on his pant leg. She kept her promise and did not say a word. This may have been what Steve wanted, but the sudden silence made him nervous. Obviously, she is the best person to ask. She’s gay and his best friend. There’s no judgment between them, well, at least not much. But there was just this part of him that felt like she would be weird about it.
You know what, no. He’s just got to go for it.
“How did you know you were a lesbian?” Might as well pull the hypothetical trigger, right?
Robin looked at him more intently, “You’re serious?”
“100%.”
Robin leaned back against the counter, “Cynthia Marks, third grade. She was my best friend and would always sit behind me in class and braid my hair. I used to get so mad when she would hang out with other friends without me. Then as I grew up, I figured out that it wasn’t because I was just weird socially and wanted to keep my friends close, but I didn’t want her to braid anyone’s hair because I liked her. Then, Tammy Thompson really sealed it in.”
Steve hummed. That didn’t really help. He doesn’t really remember having too many crushes before meeting Nancy in middle school.
Robin continued, “Can I ask why you wanted to know?”
Steve looked up. “I just, something almost kinda happened at the party. Um, between me and .. Eddie.”
“WHAT?” Robin screamed.
“Fuck, Rob, be quiet, please.” There was no one in the store, thankfully, but still, Steve hasn’t even said any of this out loud before, so he’s not quite at the shouting at the rooftops stage yet.
Robin coughed, playing it cool, “Sorry, so um, what happened exactly?”
“Nothing specific, really. There was just a lot of flirting, I think? Or at least I was flirting. I couldn’t really tell if Eddie was being serious or not. The whole day he was just like complimenting me and being really playful.” Steve ran a hand through his hair, feeling his nerves build in his body, “I know he's gay, but he was also drinking and smoking, so I don’t know he if was doing it on purpose or if he was high or that’s just his personality. I don’t know. I’m just confused, and I don’t know what to do.”
Robin stared at him, mouth slightly agape. “Um, wow. Okay. That is a lot to break down.” She paused; it was clear she was being deliberate about what she was going to say. “First off, did you want something to happen? You said you were flirting with him, right?”
Steve groaned, “I mean, I don’t know, that’s the problem. Like I like girls, right? Remember, boobies! I always pause Fast Times at 53 minutes and 5 seconds. I can’t be gay.”
Robin gave a light laugh, “Yes, Steve. I am vividly aware you like girls. But you know you can like girls and guys, right? Like Nancy, she’s bisexual.”
No, Steve definitely did not know this. “Bisexual?” He asked.
“Yeah, bisexual. It means you like everyone, not just girls. Guys, too.”
“That’s a thing?”
“I can’t believe you’ve been my friend for this long and didn’t know. Yes, bisexual is a thing. It might be what you are. But honestly, you can figure that part out later. You like Eddie?”
“I think?” Steve responded. He might not know exactly his feelings, but whatever it was, it was definitely not platonic. “I mean, yeah, at the pool, I thought, “If I was a girl, I’d kiss him,” so I think that's a yes.”
Robin looked at him before busting out laughing. One of her hands came to clench her stomach, the other gripping the counter to stabilize herself.
Steve scowled at her, “Oh yes, Rob, please, laugh at my crisis. That’s so helpful.”
In between breaths and laughs, she said, “I’m sorry, but that is the gayest shit you could have said. Yeah, dude, you definitely like him.”
“Alright, but how do I know if he likes me? I’ve never done this before,” Steve sighed, hopping up on the counter, playing with the thread of his pocket.
Robin scoffed, “Why are you asking me? I just kissed a girl for the first time ever two days ago. You’re King Steve. Use your charm.”
“Yeah, but Rob, I’ve never tried to date a guy before. I don’t know what I'm doing.”
Robin snickered, “You know what, Steve, neither have I. You are on your own with that one, buddy. I believe in you.”
He honestly feels so overwhelmed with the idea of even speaking to Eddie again without like a gallon of beer in his system. But like, he’s dated so many girls, how different can it be with a guy? Even if the guy is Munson.
“You got me there. Anyway, what happened with Nancy?” Steve inquired.
Robin immediatly changed her demeanor, “Oh my god, Steve, it was amazing, so we went-”
—--
Steve is sitting in his car a quarter of a mile down the road from his destination, but he can't bring himself to drive the rest of the way. After his conversation with Robin yesterday, he figured it was just best to go for it. If he sat for any longer thinking about being bisexual or Eddie, he was going to throw himself into the upside-down. He couldn't really do that since the openings were all closed thanks to Eleven, but fuck if he didn't feel like it.
Since the whole Vecna thing went down, Eddie and his uncle were relocated to a new trailer park and in a trailer without a reminder of the past on the ceiling. This time they were each given their own trailer, so all things considered, an upgrade. Otherwise, it was the same, just in a slightly better part of town. Steve could see the sign for the park up ahead, his grip on the wheel tightened. He was extremely nervous, but now or never, right?
He murmurs, “Fuck it,” before pulling onto the road. It's not even a three-minute drive until he’s parked in front of Eddie’s trailer. His van is parked out front, so Steve knows he’s home.
Before he allows himself the opportunity to drive away and just pretend this never happened, he gets out of the car. He beelines for the door, knocking three times.
At first, he thinks he might have been mistaken. Maybe Eddie isn’t home. He’s only ever been here a few times to pick up Dustin, Will, Lucas, and Mike, but that at least tells him he is definitely at the right place.
He thinks about turning around to leave until he hears the creak of the door open, then, “Harrington, what a pleasant surprise.”
Eddie is standing in the doorway, arm stretched out to fully open the screen door. And holy fuck. He’s clearly just in his pajamas, but god damn if it isn’t doing something to Steve. He’s wearing a pair of low-hanging grey sweats that are way too long for him as they are pooling at his feet. And his shirt is from his band Corroded Coffin, a black shirt with blood-red writing, but it has clearly been cut in a way where the ends are shredded, showing the space between the top of his sweats to his bellybutton. And Steve doesn’t think he’s seen anything hotter in his life.
Eddie cleared his throat. Steve’s attention moved to his face then. “Steve? Did you just come here to ogle and move on, or is there a reason for your visit to my neck of the woods?“
Steve sighed, “Sorry, yeah, I uh wanted to talk to you, if you got time. I kinda forgot to ask if it was a good time.”
“I always got time for you, Stevie. Come in, come in. “ Eddie grins, walking into the trailer, Steve following.
Steve shucked off his shoes, leaving them near the front door, and dropped his keys on the counter. God, he’s fucking nervous. What does he do with his hands? As if he read his mind, Eddie asks, “Beer?”
“Sure.” Eddie hands it to him. “Thanks.”
Eddie goes down the hall to his bedroom, and Steve follows.
He walks into the room and looks around. The walls are covered in posters, unsurprisingly. His bed covers are black, the room smells of weed, and there are guitars in every corner. There is some low-metal music playing from a stereo on the ground. It screams Eddie, and Steve kind of loves it. He never put much thought into decorating his own room. It just never seemed that important.
There was nowhere else for Steve to sit, so he sat on the corner of the bed, twisting to look at Eddie. He is sat, legs crossed, on the bed, beer cradled in his lap, looking at Steve. “So, to what do I owe the honor, Harrington?”
What does he even say? ‘Oh, I’ve thought about nothing but your hair and your lips for the last 72 hours, and if I don’t kiss you in the next 10 minutes, I might self-combust?’ Something about that doesn’t seem entirely appropriate.
“I’m gonna assume you didn’t mean to say that out loud, right?”
Fuck, Fuck fuck fuck fuck. He’s been here all of 2 minutes and has already royally screwed this all up. “That, um, yeah, no, I didn’t. But I guess it’s out there now. I’ll just go.” Steve gets up, only a few steps from the bed, when he feels a ringed hand grab his wrist.
“Stay.” Eddie looks up at him sincerely.
Steve debates just leaving anyway because there's no way this can go well after what just happened, but Eddie is pulling him towards the bed, and he just folds. Eddie keeps a light on his wrist.
“You want to start over?” Eddie asks.
Steve nods and takes a long gulp of beer before starting, “Honestly, that was kind of it. Not exactly how I pictured saying it but yeah. I’ve been panicking since the party, and I just couldn’t hold it in anymore.”
Eddie briefly studies him, “You mean to tell me that I caused Steve ‘The King’ Harrington to have a gay crisis? I’ve done it. I’ve won at life.”
“Shut up, Munson.” Steve laughed, shoving lightly at Eddie’s arms. He’s thankful for the awkward tension in the room to be eliminated.
“No, but seriously, how you hanging in there? My gay crisis took like two years and a fuck ton of porn, so you’re already doing better than I did.” Eddie laughed, taking a sip of his beer. The column of his neck moving when he swallows.
Steve tried to stay focused, “I talked to Robin, and she uh, explained to me what being bisexual is, and I’m pretty sure that’s me. Or at least, I think. I’m not really sure. You’re the only guy I’ve liked, so I’m just going off context clues here.”
Eddie looked taken aback, “You keep hitting me with the flattery, Harrington, and I’m gonna get really high expectations. “
“Expectations?”
Eddie laughed, “Well, I wouldn’t want you combusting on me, would I?” Eddie scooted a little closer to Steve.
The two are now inches apart. Steve can almost feel Eddie’s breath on his face. He looks at Eddie, who seems to want it just as much as Steve does.
Eddie slowly runs a hand up to Steve’s cheek, resting ever so lightly. He looks Steve right in the eye and whispers, “Is this alright?”
He can barely nod before his willpower completely deteriorates, and he leans in the last inch before their lips meet. Steve isn’t sure what he expected. There are no fireworks, no confetti. Eddies lips are soft, his five o’clock shadow is burning Steve's upper lip, his breath tastes like a mix of beer and weed, and the metalhead music is still playing softly in the background. It’s perfect.
Steve melts into the kiss a little more, Eddie letting him take control. He slides a hand over Eddie’s bare hip, pulling him ever so slightly closer. The other hand snakes its way into Eddie’s hair, just like he imagined. He swipes his tongue over Eddie’s lip before deepening the kiss.
Steve would kiss Eddie forever if it weren't for his lack of air. He waited until he had no breath left before he pulled back. Both of them breathless and staring at each other.
“Holy fuck.” Steve murmured, without even really meaning to.
Eddie grinned, thumb running over Steve’s bottom lip. “You said it, Harrington.”
Steve just sat there, hand still hooked under Eddie’s shirt, running his hand over the small of his back. Steve’s eyes flickered down the expanse of Eddie’s neck, wondering what it would be like to kiss him there, to hear the sweet noises he would make.
He looked back at Eddie, who was waiting for Steve to say or do something. God, he's so fucking attractive. He was looking directly at Steve, eyes wide and wanting. His smile was soft and sweet, lips bright and shining from their kiss.
“You’re gonna be the death of me, Eds.” He said before bringing their lips together, tugging Eddie closer by the nape of his neck. This time, he has a goal.
He kisses Eddie with fervor, the kiss much more profound and intense, whereas the initial kiss was sweeter and more patient. Steve then pulls away from his mouth, earning him a whine from Eddie, perfect. He made his way down his cheek to the side of his neck, planting small kisses as he went.
Steve stops at a point under his jaw, mouthing at the skin there. Eddie is clearly enjoying, if not a little ticklish, if his giggle is any indication, “If you don’t stop, I’m gonna piss myself.”
He withdraws from Eddie’s neck to murmur, “Pro tip: Don’t talk about piss when I’m trying to make out with you.”
“Ohhh, he’s got jokes.” Eddie sniggered, “I’m ticklish, asshole.”
Steve smirked, “Oh, are you now?” He laughed, moving to hover his hands over Eddie’s sides.
“No, Steve, I swear to God if you-” Steve smirked at him before resting his hands right under his ribcage, tickling him playfully.
Eddie’s laugh roared throughout the room, face bright and mouth agape as he fell over in an attempt to get away from Steve. The two rolled around, pushing each other's buttons and fucking with one another. Falling into easy laughter.
They fell side by side, facing each other. Both of them panting, faces flushed.
“Can’t believe I managed to bag Steve Harrington.”
Steve laughed, “Fuck off, Munson,” before kissing him. He can’t believe he bagged him either.
—-
“No, I’m vetoing horror movies.”
“Oh, come on, Rob. Have some fun!”
“I’m siding with her on this one, Eds,” Steve said, looking down at him. Eddie, Nancy, Robin, and him were sprawled around Steve’s couch for a movie night. It’s a weekly tradition now that the pairs have been dating for a few months.
Robin and Nance are curled up together in the corner of the couch, a blanket wrapped around them and a bucket of popcorn for when they can all actually agree on a movie.
As for them, Eddie is lying down, head resting in Steve’s lap, demanding every four minutes that Steve personally feed him a Lifesaver. It'd be annoying if Steve didn’t like him so much. Lifesaver in mouth, Eddie rebuts, “Hey asshole! You’re my boyfriend. You’re supposed to agree with me, remember?”
Steve laughs, patting his cheek, “I love you, but I can only handle so many slasher movies.” Eddie huffs, arms crossed, and continues to suck on his candy.
Nancy chimed in then, “Well, what about Rocky Horror? We all like that one!”
“Honestly, we should just make this ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ movie night because that’s what we always end up watching since we can’t agree on literally anything else,” Robin said.
“Fine with me.”
Then there was silence, all of them waiting on the last response. They looked at Eddie, who scanned between the three of them. “Ugh, fine. Rocky, it is. Y’all are so boring.” Eddie said as he huffed and got up to put the VHS in the player before returning to the couch.
He slammed himself back into the couch as the commercials began to play on the VHS. This time he sat up, leaning into Steve’s side, still pretending to be mad.
Steve leaned into his ear, “We can watch a horror movie later when it’s just us, promise.” He held up his pinky near Eddie, who looked at him, thinking before wrapping his pinky around his. They let their hands fall between them as Science Fiction/Double Feature started playing on the TV.
Steve leaned in. Eddie still smelled like denim and weed. He pressed a kiss on his cheek and whispered, “Love you.”
Eddie kissed him quick, tasting of cherry Lifesavers, “Love you too, you nerd.”