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ROBIN

Nancy Wheeler was smiling at her in a way that made her stomach turn into knots. It was a gnarly mess and she wasn’t sure what to do with it. They were sitting outside of Robin’s house just…chatting in the car. It was late, both of them had carpooled to Steve’s house for their weekly movie night. Every Thursday, Nancy, Robin, Eddie, and the kids met at the Harrington residence to watch a movie. 

It started after the Vecna thing. They were all at the Harrington residence, it being the biggest of the houses, after the final battle. All of them sprawled in the living room not really saying much and it freaked Steve out. Like freaked him out bad.

Robin remembered seeing it written all over his face, the way he just stared into the room with everyone just…not okay. 

So Steve Harrington did the dumbest, and most brilliant thing, he’s ever done. 

“Dustin what is that dumb movie you are trying to get me to watch? Moon Battle?”

“ Star Wars is NOT dumb!” Dustin was up from the floor in an instant. 

“What the hell do you mean you haven’t seen Star Wars? ” Mike bitched. “You really do live under a rock now don’t you?”

The kids and Eddie started in on Steve, yelling about how he hadn’t seen the classic and how he can’t be a part of the party until he’d seen it. Nancy was staring, slack jaw, because it was the most energy she’d seen out of everyone in days since Vecna was defeated and Robin? Robin was staring at Steve with newfound appreciation. Because she knew he’d seen Star Wars . Hell, she made him watch the movie several times pre-Vecna. They talked about how hot Leia was. She bought him a copy for his fucking birthday. She caught his eye and he gave her a wink before engaging in the gaggle of children. 

When Eleven had chimed in, rather bashfully, that she also hadn’t seen it. It was decided. Steve told the kids to look for the movie and he was going to make popcorn so they could watch the “nerd shit” properly. 

It had been a tradition ever since. Each week they all found themselves in the Harrington living room to watch something. It was nice and Robin looked forward to it because it was something so insanely normal . No talk of monsters or the Upside Down or government coverups. It was just a movie, a movie that oftentimes Steve had never seen or claimed to have never seen just to rial up his kids, and they just existed together. 

It was also the time when Robin got to spend a lot of time with Nancy. 

A lot. 

Nancy often picked Robin up for movie nights since it was at Steve’s place and, unless they were going together after work, meant that she would be left with her bike. 

“You can’t ride your bike that late at night, Rob,” Nancy had said when Robin stressed that it wasn’t a big deal. “I worry about you. What if someone were to hit you?”

It was very good logic and Robin couldn’t argue because what if someone hit her? Also, who was she to pass up the opportunity to hang out with her crush?

Mike had gotten a ride from Eddie so he could spend a little more time with El before the end of the night. So it just left Nancy and Robin…sitting in Robin’s driveway. 

“I mean, like, can you believe Harrington? I swear to god that guy lives under a rock. He hadn’t seen Raiders of the Lost Arc? Like I would have thought that shit would be so far up his alley. God, I can’t believe we are friends with that guy.”

“We are, in fact, best friends with that guy,” Nancy corrected with a giggle. 

“Ugh, you are so right.” Robin slouched in the seat, turning her body to Nancy. “He is so lucky he has us.”

“Oh absolutely,” Nancy shot her another smile that made the knot in Robin’s stomach get impossibly tight. 

They’d been at this shit for over an hour and Robin wanted more than anything to kiss her. 

But Nancy was straight. Totally straight. Even though she definitely was cuddling with Robin during the movie tonight and totally held her hand during the scary part. 

But straight girls do that shit all the time. It’s why Robin was able to fly under the radar. Thank god girls were more affectionate than guys because otherwise she’d be totally fucked. Like 12-year-old Robin was a cuddly mess and didn’t really get that even though girls were all cutesy they didn’t do it in a way that meant they wanted to kiss one another. 

Nancy leaned her head in, her hands resting on the center seat impossibly close to Robin’s. 

“What are you doing tomorrow night?”

“Oh, I don’t know. There is a double feature of Evil Dead and The Thing tomorrow night at the Tower Theatre at 11 pm and I think I might go.”

“Aren’t those scary movies?”

“Nancy Wheeler,” Robin pushed herself up and leaned in close. “Are you telling me you’ve never seen either Evil Dead or The Thing?”

A cute dusty pink tinted Nancy’s cheeks as she stared down at her fingers. She nodded, once, bashfully looking up at Robin through her eyelashes. 

“Oh my god, Wheeler you are as bad as Steve!” Robin placed her hands in the center. Their fingers were barely an inch away from the other. “I’m going to have to make you watch them sometime.”

“I’m free tomorrow night,” Nancy tilted her head and bit her lip. Her fingers were suddenly on Robin’s. “I mean if you want the company. I totally get if you want to be alone though.”

It was dizzying, having Nancy’s fingers wrapped within her own. “It’s a date, babe!” Robin said without thinking because all she could think about it that she was holding Nancy Wheeler’s hand. The words rang in Robin’s ear. 

Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shitshitshitshit.

Nancy was pink in the face as she leaned in closer. If Robin didn’t know any better, she could have sworn caught Nancy looking at her lips.

“A date,” she said softly, their noses brushing. 

Robin’s whole body was on fire. Her hands, chest, face, all of it. It was too hot. Absolutely too hot in the car. She was out the door before she realized it.

“I’ll see you at the Tower theatre tomorrow at 10:45 pm be prepared to be scared, Nance.”

Robin nearly tripped on the steps of her porch.

She was at the phone before she realized it, dialing a familiar number. It rang and rang and rang for what seemed like forever, for eternity when a familiar voice picked up.

“‘Ello?” it was groggy.

“Steve oh my fucking god!”

She heard her best friend groan into the receiver and she proceeded to tell him absolutely everything that transpired over the last hours. 

STEVE

Steve didn’t know what to think. One minute he is working he rewinding Alien and the next he is being roped into going with Robin and Nancy on their not-date-date. It was taking all his energy not to roll his eyes into the back of his skull as Robin rambled on about how she didn’t know if Nancy really wanted this to be a date or if she used “date” as a friends kind of thing. So could Steve pretty, pretty, pretty , please come with so if it wasn’t a date she wouldn’t completely embarrass herself.

“Robin, you used the word date with her. I think she knows it is going to be the two of you.”

Thank god it was a slow Friday morning because Robin could not stop freaking out. She was on the phone with him from 1am until a little after 3am rambling about Nancy Wheeler. She was so lucky he loved her or he would have left her deal with her gay panic at 1am by herself.

“But what if she doesn’t! What if she thinks it is a friend thing? Steve I literally can’t handle it. Like, I’m this lone lesbian and I’m walking a pretty thin line here. I’ve never really gone out with girls before. It’s all, like, so new and girls are confusing Steve. Like, I know we were holding hands but like, that’s what girls do. And we know Nancy likes boys because she was with you and Jonathan. Like for all we know Nancy doesn’t like girls. In fact, all the evidence suggests that she doesn’t like girls.”

Steve snorted. “Listen, Rob, I love you. You know I love you, but like I watched Flashdance with Nancy and I’m 99% sure we both were staring at Jennifer Beals the entire time.”

“Steve please!”

Steve threw his arms in the air. “Fine. Okay, fine, I’ll go!”

Robin’s arms were around his waist in an instant as she yelled into his shirt “thankyouthankyouthankyou.”

“But only to prove that you are being completely ridiculous.”

Robin pulled back and shot him a hundred-watt smile and his heart melted a little. Robin was his best friend. He’d do anything for her. Absolutely anything for her, even if she was being completely stupid about this. 

“Okay, but I really don’t want to go alone so we are going to have to think of someone to come with. I do not want to be some weird third wheel to my ex girlfriend and lesbian best friend.”

As the words left Steve’s mouth, none other than Eddie “The Freak” Munson walked through the door. He was wearing his signature jean vest with a Black Sabbath t-shirt, a logo Steve was now familiar with seeing as Eddie had made it his new mission in life to educate Steve on everything heavy metal. Because, and to quote Eddie, “no way in hell am I going to be hanging out with a guy who blares ABBA and George Michael like it’s his fucking day job.” 

Not that Steve had any complaints about hanging out with Eddie. It was nice, even if he found the music to be too loud. And it gave him a chance to study him more, figure out what made the guy tick. 

Or more, clearly, why Steve got all weird and knotted around the guy.  Because, he wasn’t gay…he didn’t think he was gay cause him and Robin had definately talked about boobs and how the Molly Ringwald was totally both their type. But also, sometimes he thought like stars like Michael J. Fox were hot. And Steve totally thought it was normal for other guys to think of each other as hot until that movie night three weeks ago with the Party and the only ones who thought Han Solo was hot were El and Max…and him. Dustin gave him shit about it calling it his “guy crush” whatever the fuck that was suppose to mean and Lucas said that he definitely wanted to dress up like Solo cause he looked so cool and that is not was Steve meant. 

Like he meant that wouldn’t mind being pinned up against a wall by Harrrison Ford. 

Which, in the whole grand scheme of things probably means he isn’t straight. But he hasn’t had time to talk to his best friend, a literal lesbian, about his crisis because she was having a meltdown every other day about whether or not Nancy Wheeler liked her and if Steve was really cool about Robin liking Nancy cause she would supposedly back off if that was the case. 

Even if Steve had a problem, which he 100% does not, it’s not like Robin could help who she liked anyway. And, besides, Steve knew he would be ecstatic that two of his favorite people would be dating. It would be absolutely stellar. 

“Eddie, the man of the hour,” Robin leaned over the counter her feet dangling as Eddie sauntered over to her. Steve couldn’t help but stare at him as he walked over. He was all confident and collected, completely sure of himself. And it was hot. There was nothing Steve loved more than confidence. It was sexy on anyone and, right now, it was especially attractive on one Eddie Munson. 

“And what can I do for you Madam Buckley,” he propped himself up on his elbows and stared at Robin with his big, doe brown eyes.

Stupidly big brown eyes. 

“What are you doing tonight Munson?”

“Absolutely nothing,” Eddie smiled. “What can I do for ya?”

“Come with me, Steve, and Nancy to the movies tonight? Please?” Robin had her biggest puppy dog eye look. Pushing out her lip as she attempted to sway the boy. Steve wished he had a camera so he could take a picture and hold it over Robin’s head forever. 

Eddie tilted his head. “I thought this was suppose to be your date with Nancy?”

Steve threw his hands up. “Exactly what I said Munson. But she thinks that Nancy is going to think the word “date” means a friend thing.”

“It could mean a friend thing,” Robin buried her face in her hands. “I don’t expect two dinguses like you to get the complications of female friendships. I mean, like, do you know how many straight girls just hold hands and cuddle? Like a fuckton of them but none of them are..you know…are…”

“Into boobies?” Steve supplied which resulted in a sharp elbow to his gut. Eddie let out a loud laugh that made something stir in Steve’s stomach. It was worth it, getting hit in the stomach, so he could make Eddie laugh.

“I mean, I can totally see the female species as a confusing one. But, Robin, I do think she will be expecting a date.”

“Let’s make it a friend date thing, please? And, if I’m wrong, then I will owe you both big time and you can make fun of me until the next supernatural disaster?”

“Which, we hope will never come,” Steve said seriously because, god damnit Robin you can’t be saying that kind of shit in Hawkins. 

“Oh absolutely,” Robin nodded quickly. “I mean, so it’s basically like I’m saying you can make fun of me forever.”

Eddie pretended to think about it for a moment, making Robin panic even more before Steve swiped at him from behind the counter. His fingers brushing the metalhead’s exposed arm. And it was totally and completely normal for your fingers to tingle after touching someone you were completely and totally platonic with. 

Totally normal.

“Knock it off Munson,” Steve said, hoping he wasn’t blushing at the brief contact. “You’re making her freak.”

“Oh alright,” Eddie sighed. “I agree to go. But only so Harrington and I can make fun of you for the next century when you are proven wrong.”

Robin squealed in delight, throwing herself full across the counter to wrap her arms around Eddie’s neck. 

ROBIN

Steve was sprawled out on her bed, tossing a stuff pig in the air over and over again. She, on the other hand, was having an absolute melt down on what exactly she should be wearing to this maybe-but-probably-not-date. She was staring in her mirror deciding if she should tuck in the blue top or if it would better to leave it out. 

“Robin, you gotta stop, you are going to rip a hole in your shirt.” Steve wasn’t even looking at her, how would he know? Nevermind that she was stretching out the fabric. 

“You aren’t being helpful.” She slapped his outstretched leg. “I’m having a crisis and you’re playing catch.”

Steve rolled over, propping himself on his elbow as he gave her an unimpressed stare. 

“You are always having a crisis.”

“ Shut up!” she felt the anxiety crawl up her throat. She pawed at the edge of t-shirt. “Tucked in or out?”

Steve considered it for a moment, looking her up and down. “Tucked in, totally.”

Robin pushed her tshirt into the black jeans, turning back to the mirror to fret with her hair. 

“Robin you look great, you gotta stop worrying so we can grab Eddie and head out.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” she glared at him in the mirror. “You always look good.”

Steve did look exceptionally good tonight. He was in a white tshirt with a dark green button down thrown over it as well as a pair of dark wash jeans that Steve, and she quoted, “Made his ass look like god sculpted it himself”. It was an exceptionally good outfit for a casual thing. 

“Speaking of looking good,” Robin turned to him and stared down at the boy. “You look really nice for this not date.”

Steve sat up, fiddling with the buttons of his top. 

“I haven’t been out in a while so I may have overdone it.”

Something was fishy. She leaned over him and…was that cologne she smelled?

“Steve are you wearing cologne?” Robin pulled back, alarmed and a faint blush creeped onto Steve’s face.

“Maybe?”

What is this dingus up to?

Steve cleared his throat, standing up and bumping her shoulder. “Now we really have to get going or we will be late. And I doubt you want to make Nancy wait.”

Robin nodded, grabbing her wallet and following Steve out. 

—

Robin couldn’t stop her hands from shaking. They were approaching the Tower theatre and she felt like she was about to explode into a million tiny pieces. 

Steve and Eddie were on either side of her, with Eddie relentlessly teasing Steve about the fact that he played Phil Collins on the car ride over. But she couldn’t focus. She was about to find out if Nancy thought this was a date or a hangout. 

God did she hope it was the former. 

“Calm down Rob,” Steve bumped her shoulder. “It’s going to be fine.”

“And prepared to be completely wrong,” Eddie chimed in, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. 

But Robin barely heard them. There in the darkened street, was Nancy Wheeler. She was in a long pink skirt and and a white cinched top. Her hair was done in a half-up, half-down look and she had on heels. She wasn’t dressed casually at all, she was done up.

Because this is a fucking date. 

Nancy raised a hand to wave at them but Robin could see the look of confusion on her face. 

“Oh! I didn’t know you guys were coming too,” Nancy said once they got to her. “I thought it was going to be a me and Robin thing.”

Holy fucking shit it was a date with Nancy Wheeler. Holy fucking shit.

Robin could feel Steve open his mouth, prepared to give some funny excuse that would make Robin die of embaressment and she just–

“It’s a double date!” Robin blurted out and she feels both boys beside her stiffen. 

“A…double date?” Nancy glanced at Steve and Eddie, a finger bouncing over each boy. “But…”

“Oh yeah, absolutely,” Robin linked her arm through Nancy and thanked every god that the streets were empty.  “A double date. You and me, and Munson and Harrington.”

She could feel both Eddie and Steve staring at her, feel their eyes burrowing holes in the back of her skull. Oh yeah, she was totally and completely dead. And she could tell Nancy 100% did not buy it. After all, Steve Harrington was straight. As straight as a fucking rod. 

Fuck .

“Yep,” Steve swooped in. If she was attracted to men in any capacity she would have kissed him. “Eddie and I are just crashing. Ya know, the Tower being the cool punk scene and shit. And Eddie’s been begging me to watch The Thing for two months now so… We…um…yeah.” Robin looked at him and saw that he was a bright red. 

“Oh!” Nancy’s lips formed the letter before smiling slightly. “Well that’s great. I didn’t know that about you Steve.” God she was so fucking perfect. So sweet. 

“It’s a new thing,” Steve shrugged. 

Fuckfuckfuckfuck.

Eddie was a pale white. God, Robin felt horrible. It wasn’t a secret that Eddie was gay. It wasn’t even that big of a secret that Eddie had the biggest crush on Steve. Everyone in there group knew, or could guess, except for Steve. He was painfully oblivious. And now…

I owe him my weight in records. God.

She shot Eddie a pleading look and she was met with a shaky smile. 

“Yeah, well, what are we doing out here,” Eddie said a little too loudly. “We got a double feature to see.”

The four made their way to the ticket window, with Steve and Robin purchasing the tickets for their date. Eddie and Nancy went to buy popcorn, leaving Steve and Robin alone in the dead lobby. 

“Steve I’m–”

“You owe me big time Buckley,” Steve sent her a look. “And you are so fucking lucky I love you.”

“Really? Even still?” She was worried. This was a lot to ask a friend. Especially your very straight friend. 

Steve huffed. “It may be a dumb call but…yeah. You’re my best friend and, even if you are the biggest dumbass in the history of dumbasses, I still love you.”

Robin wrapped her arms around Steve and felt tears well up in her eyes. Oh god. 

“Steve I’m–”

“You better kiss a girl tonight so we can laugh about this okay?” Steve placed a kiss on her hair. 

“I’ll try.”

“Good. Now Eds and I are going to sit a couple rows behind you okay? Because I have no desire to watch the catastrophe that will be you flirting.”

“Okay,” Robin sniffed. 

“Cheer up, Buckley. This isn’t the time to mourn.” He winked at her. “The time to mourn is tomorrow when Eddie and I start cashing in on everything you owe us.”

“Everything alright?” Nancy was standing beside them, a tub of popcorn in one hand and a soda in the other. Eddie was behind her with a similar set up.

“Yeah absolutely perfect!” Robin was too loud. God she needed to chill the fuck out. 

“Good,” Nancy bumped Robin’s shoulder. “I’m excited.”

–

They were sitting in nearly empty theatre and everything felt too hot. Evil Dead was playing but Robin couldn’t focus because holy shit she was on a date with Nancy Wheeler and it was an actual date!!

Not that she made any attempt to woo Nancy. They just sat side by side, nibbling on popcorn and watching the movie. Or, in Robin’s case, attempting to watch the movie. 

Nancy’s hand was sitting on her lap, palm up as if she was inviting Robin to take it. It had been that way for the last 20 minutes and god did Robin want to take it.

Woman the fuck up Robin, she chided herself. You better make a fucking move or your going to be indebted to two idiots for nothing.

She took a deep breath before reaching out and taking Nancy’s hand in hers. It was warm and her palm tingled at the contact. Nancy threaded her fingers inbetween Robin’s and gave her a small squeeze.

“I was hoping you would do that,” Nancy was looking at her with a small smile. 

“I…uh…Nancy I just think…” Robin was stumbling, flailing around like a baby duck. 

“Yeah?”

“Umm…” Robin’s brain was short circuiting. “Umm you know I read in a magazine that apparently horror movies make people like really horny.”

Did she just really say that?

“Oh yeah?” There was laughter in Nancy’s word, and Robin’s eyes flickered down to the smile on her lips… But Robin? She couldn’t stop.

 “Something about the fear just makes people really…ummm…romantically inclined I guess? I don’t know why that would be because, I mean, would you really want to make out to someone is literally dying on screen but…”

“I mean,” Nancy’s other hand was now on Robin’s arm. “I kinda get it. It’s like…a thrill ya know? It’s…intoxicating.”

Robin was red in the face, she was going to melt into the floor. Disappear. Oh my god, Nancy Wheeler was flirting with her. 

“Well I mean–”

“Robin?” Nancy’s face was so close now. So close that Robin could count every single eyelash.

“Yeah?”

“I really would like it if you would kiss me now.”

“I…yeah, okay.” With that, Robin leaned forward and pressed her lips to Nancy’s.

It was like fireworks. No, better than fireworks. It was like…everything fitting into place. 

Robin sighed and Nancy took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, opening her mouth and slipping her tongue in. Robin bit back a moan.

Holy hell I’m making out with Nancy Wheeler.

Robin’s free hand found their way to Nancy’s waist and Nancy’s to Robin’s hair. It was…perfect. Making out with Nancy. 

Suddenly there was a scream followed by laughter and the two girls ripped apart, eyes wide as they stared at the group in front of them. 

But no one was looking at them, the group was too busy whooping at the ending. Clapping as the credits rolled. 

Robin barely heard the theatre attendant announce that there would be a 10 minute break before the next movie. 

Robin turned to look at Nancy, who’s lips were pinker than usual. 

“I…um…”

“I can’t wait until the next movie to start,” Nancy squeezed Robin’s hand with a smirk. “So we can finish where we left off.”

“Me either.” Robin licked her lips before turning around to look at her friends with a look of victory but what she saw confused her. 

Steve was all but sprinting to the lobby and Eddie was staring at the space Steve had once occupied with an open-mouth expression. 

“What the hell is going on back there?” Nancy asked, following Robin’s gaze. 

“I have no idea.” 

STEVE

Eddie and him were sitting in the back of the nearly empty theater. There was a group of kids in the front row, completely engrossed in the movie, and Robin and Nancy dead center fiddling in their seats. 

And that was it. 

Steve shouldn’t be surprised. Even if it was a Friday night, the Tower was on the outskirts of town and it was rather late for a double horror feature. 

Not that Steve could focus on the movie. He was completely consumed by the fact that he was on a fake date with his crush.

Fucking Robin. 

She is so dead. 

The popcorn sat untouched on the floor between them. Eddie was watching the movie his hands drumming on his knees. Those damned rings glinting in the movie’s light. 

If Steve was to say anything it was the fact that he had a hand thing. When Nancy and him were together he loved playing with her hands, tracing her palms and running kisses along her fingers. He felt the urge to do a similar thing to Eddie’s. Thread their fingers together and stop the drumming. 

He hadn’t realized he was staring until Eddie cleared his throat. 

“Everything okay Harrington?” His big, brown eyes were curious as he cocked his head. 

“Oh yeah,” Steve cleared his throat and was grateful it was dark so Eddie couldn’t see his blush. “Umm, Robin owes us big time.

“Big time,” Eddie argreeed. “Umm, sorry you have to pretend to be on a date with a boy. I know you aren’t into that thing.”

Steve turned his head to stare at the screen, unable to keep looking at Eddie because it wasn’t true. The last hour had proven that Steve Harrington was into men. More specifically, he was into Eddie Munson.  He didn’t really think about what came out of his mouth next. 

“I wasn’t lying,” he cleared his throat, unable to look at his crush. “It’s a new thing for me.”

“What’s a new thing?” 

Was that…hope in Eddie’s voice? Nah, Steve was imagining it. No way in hell would Eddie Munson have a crush on him. 

“Me…uh, being into guys.”

There was a long pause. On the screen there was a the close up on the lead’s face  followed by cackling and clapping from the front row. Oh god, oh god.

“What?” Eddie finally said and the lights flicked on as the credits rolled. 

Someone high schooler working the late shift announced from the back of the house that there would be a 10 minute break between this movie and the next and Steve stood up so quickly that his head was spinning. 

“Need anything? I think I want some Red Vines? Do you want some Red Vines?” 

Eddie was staring at him mouth agap as Steve turned on his heel and ran.

Oh god oh god. Fuckfuckfuck. 

Thank god that the bathroom was empty because Steve was having a crisis.

“Get your shit together, Harrington.” He glared at himself in the mirror. “It’s completely natural.”

It didn’t feel natural, the way his stomach was doing flips. He could vomit. Fuck maybe he should vomit that way he’d have an excuse to leave.

You cannot do that to Robin.

“Damnit!” Steve pressed his palms into his eyes. Shit how could he be so stupid?

He gave himself five more minutes to panic before heading to the empty lobby and buying Red Vines from disgruntled teenager. He was Steve Harrington and he wasn’t going to pussy-out. Absolutely not. So what? He liked guys. He knew Eddie liked guys. It meant absolutely nothing. 

It means absolutely everything.

The movie was already going by the time Steve returned. He sat down next to Eddie and opened the package, pulling one out.

“Red Vine?”

Fucking smooth Harrington.

Eddie was staring at him incredulously. “I don’t want a fucking Red Vine Harrington.” Eddie hissed. 

Steve said nothing, just took a giant bite of the licorice and tried to focus. 

Everything is fine. 

“So you’re into guys?” Eddie asked softly. “Cause you know it’s okay to be into guys Harrington.”

Steve wouldn’t look at him. “Umm. Yeah. I…Yeah, I’m into… well a guy. One guy in particular really. I just…” Steve turned to him and swore his heart stopped. The two were nearly nose to nose. Heat rushed to Steve’s face as he turned back to the screen. 

He was a fucking idiot.

He shoved the rest of the Red Vine into his mouth to shut himself the hell up. 

He felt Eddie lean back into his seat and didn’t say anything They just sat like that for what felt like forever, them sitting in silence as The Thing played,  until he felt a hand on his leg. Steve’s eyes darted down to find Eddie’s ringed fingers tapping out a beat on his thigh. 

The air seemed to shift due to anticipation? Fear? Eddie’s face was right next to his, his fingers still moving on Steve’s leg. “What guy Harrington?” Eddie’s voice was cool, collected in his ear. 

“I…umm…” Eddie’s hand traveled farther up his thigh and his brain was short-circuiting. All he could focus on were the small circles Eddie was tracing.

Holy shit. Holy fucking shit. 

Steve turned his head and his eyes met Eddie who was smirking at him. 

“Use your words baby. Who’s the guy?”

Steve’s eyes darted from Eddie’s eyes to his lips and his heart just stopped. Eddie leaned forward and Steve just ran for the second time that night.

The bathroom was cool and Steve slammed the door open. He pressed his palms into his eyes.

Fucking idiot. Stupid, fucking idiot. I have to move now. Have to go somewhere else completely because I cannot show my face ever again holy hell I–

But before Steve could do anything else the door slammed open and there stood Eddie Munson, in all his glory. 

“Who’s the guy Harrington?” Eddie’s chest was heaving as he glared at Steve. They stared at each other for two seconds? Two minutes? Two whole eternities? Steve wasn’t sure, time seemed to halt as one thought consumed him.

I want to kiss Eddie so fucking bad.

Steve wasn’t aware of his body closing the distance until his mouth was on Eddie’s and he was shoving him up against the door. Eddie gasped against his mouth and Steve deepened the kiss before everything came back to crashing down

Oh fuck.

Steve pulled back, a gasp escaping his lips as they broke contact. 

“I’m so–”

Eddie brought Steve’s head back down and consumed him. It was hot, too hot but he wanted it. Couldn’t stop himself as Steve nipped at Eddie’s lips causing the boy in question to moan. It set something off in Steve. He made the Eddie Munson moan. 

He smirked against his lips, ready to pull back and say something cute because damnit he was Steve Harrington and Eddie Munson maybe liked him back. A yelp escaped Steve’s lips Eddie flipped them, picking Steve up like he was nothing and pressing him into the door. Steve groaned as he felt Eddie’s hard cock against his own. 

Fuck fuck fuck.  

And they kissed and kissed and kissed. Steve running his hands through Eddie’s hair and the two of them grinding. Hands on Steve’s waist, Eddie nipping at his lips, using his tongue. It was…perfect.

But soon reality was setting in. The kisses became slower, longer, and Steve was soon lowered to the ground. 

“Ahh,” Steve moaned as Eddie was kissing his neck now, lips latching onto a spot at the base that caused Steve to squirm. And Eddie laughed, his body shaking against Steve’s.

“God, baby,” Eddie brought his lips to Steve’s to kiss him softly. “I am going to have so much fun with you.” Eddie’s hand ghosted Steve’s hardened cock through his jeans and Steve bit back a groan, thrusting slightly at the pressure. 

“Fuck Eddie.”

“Plenty of time for that Stevie,” Eddie pressed his forehead to his. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Staring into Eddie’s eyes, Steve couldn’t help but smile. “I’m not going anywhere either.”

They stayed like that, foreheads pressed together for a long moment. Eddie pulled away first, clearing his throat. 

“As much as I would love to stay in this bathroom and keep making out with you Harrington. We should probably get back and see how the lovebirds are doing.”

“You’re right.” Steve nodded, adjusting himself and attempting to fix his hair

“You look great,” Eddie said as Steve shot him a look.

“I look like I was making out.”

“Well you were,” Eddie said matter-of-factly. 

Steve rolled his eyes, taking a few more seconds to fluff his hair, before stepping out into the lobby. There, exiting the theater was Robin and Nancy.

All four of them stared at each other for a brief moment. 

Nancy’s skirt was ruffled and Robin’s hair was messed up. Both of them had swollen lips as though they were making out.

Holy fuck they were making out. 

The thought was quickly followed by:

Holy fuck what do we look like?

But judging by the girls’ bulging eyes, he assumed they were in a similar state of disarray. 

“Is the movie over?” Steve squeaked out, blushing.

“No, we didn’t know where you guys went.” Nancy was looking between the two with a growing smile. “Holy fu–”

“You!” Robin pointed at Steve. “And you?!” Robin pointed at Eddie. 

“Oh hell yeah,” Eddie was smirking, unashamed from anything. “I see the two of you also….” 

The two girls blushed. 

“Yeah well…” Nancy pushed her hair out of the way. 

“I don’t owe either of you guys shit,” Robin announced. “In fact, I think you two owe me.”

“Fat chance Buckley,” Eddie laughed.

“Let’s just call it even, okay?” Steve said, glancing around. “And do you all mind if we continue this shit not at a public place?”

“Yeah, okay fair.” Nancy said, threading her arm with Robin’s. The four walked outside the theater to the dimly lit street. They stared at each other, unsure what to do. Steve knew what he wanted to do and, as much as he loved Nancy and Robin, he needed to get away from them asap.

“Steve I’m taking Robin home,” Nancy announced, seeming to have the same thought as Steve. 

“So you can keep sucking face?” Steve teased.

“Oh absolutely,” Nancy puffed out her chest and looked the two boys up and down. “Besides, I think you will probably be doing similar shit in your car.”

Steve said “Probably” as Eddie responded “Of fucking course.”

ROBIN

LATER

Robin’s phone rang at 3am. 

“Hello?”

“Oh my god.” Steve Harrington was on the other line.

“Oh my god is right,” Robin whispered screamed. “I was just about to call you. You and Eddie?”

“Me and Eddie,” Steve sounded happy. 

“When the hell were you going to tell me you liked guys?”

“Soon? After your date with Nancy I…I didn’t want to interrupt and figured my crisis could wait until after things settled for you.”

“As sweet as that is Steve, and really, it’s very sweet, you should tell me this shit. I thought I had royally fucked over Eddie cause he has been, like, crushing on you for months and we all thought you were straight.”

“Yeah, well, surprise!”

Robin glanced at the clock and bit her lip. As much as she loved chatting with Steve on the phone, her parents were upstairs and her dad would be getting up for the morning shift at the hospital in an hour. “How late are you planning on staying up?”

“Oh late...early? Whatever, you know what I mean. I definitely cannot sleep right now. Too wired.”

Robin felt that, her body was wide awake after having made out with Nancy for over an hour in her car. 

“Me too.”

“I’ll pick you up and we can go to that 24-hour diner off of main? I want to hear about what happened!”

“Perfect! And, I may hate the idea of kissing men, I want to hear all about your sexual awakening because holy shit Steve!”

“Holy shit is right!” she could hear his smile. “See you in 10!”

END

Chapter Text

NANCY

Nancy Wheeler was not straight. 

She’s known it for a while. Pre-Vecna while. She was at a coffee shop, trying to take a break from the bullshit of everything. Stressed about school, stressed about Jonathan, stressed about family, stressed by the lack of sleep she was getting. She was sitting there, sipping a lukewarm cappuccino, wondering why the hell she ordered it when she heard it. 

“I mean, I’m into girls.” 

Nancy risked a glance to her left to see a group of four gathered around a too-small table. They were dressed in leather and band tees. None of them had natural hair, it was all bright and done in loud styles. 

“Oh?” The only guy in the group cocked his head. “What about Adam?”

“Also guys,” the girl with pink hair said. The group giggled, bumping shoulders but Nancy couldn’t focus.

You can do that?

“You poor bisexual,” the guy teased. “What are we going to do with you?”

  Bisexual?

Later that day she found herself with a stack of sexuality books and a locked bedroom door.

What the fuck does this all mean?

She couldn’t sleep that night. Bisexuality, as Nancy found out, was the attraction to one or more gender. She was tossing and turning all night because, holy fucking shit, that was it.

It was why sometimes when Steve and her would watch movies, she would catch herself staring at the female lead. How she had a poster of Jennifer Beals in her room and couldn’t really explain why  just that she liked it. Liked it a lot. Why when Steve mentioned Robin Buckley, her stomach would flutter. 

Then the whole Vecna thing happened and she couldn’t help but be jealous because Robin clearly liked Steve. And, normally, Nancy would be ecstatic because she wanted Steve happy and Robin made him happy. But she didn’t like it because she… maybe had a tiny crush on Robin Buckley. 

Robin was this awkwardly cute band kid. She made one of her favorite people smile. She was witty and smart and—

Nancy knew she shouldn’t feel this way, she was with Jonathan, but that was ending. It was fading because suddenly there were hundreds of miles between them and she couldn’t justify him anymore. They were together because of trauma. She knew that. Knew that in her core. She loved him, still loved him, but not like that anymore. It was the kind of love she held for Steve. 

Grateful for what they shared but knowing it couldn’t be her forever. 

Robin, however…

Drove her up the wall. Made her stand on edge when they talked. Made her pick Robin to be her partner because she wanted to ensure that she would be okay. Absolutely needed to know that in her core.

And then they defeated Vecna and something broke in Nancy because it meant she probably wouldn’t see her anymore. Robin was Steve’s best friend, not her’s. She had no reason to see her. 

But Steve, god bless Steve Harrington, started hosting these weekly movie nights and things got better. Because she was seeing Robin weekly. Nancy insisted on driving Robin home because it wasn’t safe to be riding a bike at 1 am anymore…but also because she wanted to keep talking.

And then there was that day two weeks ago. It was Robin, Eddie, her, and Steve hanging out at the Harrington residence because Steve’s parents were always gone. They were all relaxing in the living room with some rock record Eddie brought on the turn table. It was becoming a more frequent occurrence, the four of them just hanging out together.

But it was a weird night because Steve was glued to Robin’s side. He was always touching her, hand on her knee or on her shoulder. Now, they were holding hands and it hurt Nancy. Broke something in her. 

Because damnit all to hell, Steve and Robin were probably together. She knew it bugged Eddie too. She saw the way he stared at Steve, wishing that he would see him. Everyone in Hawkins had a guess that Eddie was queer. But Nancy knew because of the way he hovered around Steve. Laughed at his dumb jokes, stared at his ass (which, Nancy would admit, was a very nice ass), and insisted to educate Steve on all things metal. 

Nancy could relate to him. Falling in love with someone who was straight. Because here she was with Robin Buckley. 

“I have something to say,” Robin sat up and propped herself on the couch. Steve was right beside her, shoulder touching hers as he held her hand.

I want to be the one holding her hand.

Nancy prepped herself because Robin was clearly about to announce to the group she and Steve were a thing. Nancy needed to have a smile because they deserved happiness. They—

“I’m a lesbian.”

All the air was sucked out of the living room in a second. Eddie and Nancy were staring and Steve was sending them the nastiest look, a look of “you shitheads better not fuck this up”.

A lesbian?

Eddie cleared his throat. “I mean I’m gay so like fuck yeah Buckley. Glad to have another one to stand up to these straights.”

Robin looked relieved, laughing slightly at Eddie. Then eyes were on her. Big blue eyes were staring at Nancy with expectation and fear. 

Oh god, Nancy hadn’t said anything. But how could she because everything was different now.

I have a chance with Robin!

Nancy could feel Steve’s anger building, could tell he was about to snap because damn, she was taking a long time. She shook her head and felt a smile falling on her lips because this meant absolutely everything.  Nancy threw herself at Robin, arms wrapping around her small body. She buried her face in Robin’s shoulder. 

“Thank you for telling us! I love you.”

Robin wrapped both arms around Nancy and she could feel the tears splashing on her head. Robin was crying. 

Nancy felt Steve’s arms, followed by Eddie’s, and they just…held each other as Robin cried. It seemed like forever, a wonderful vulnerable forever, before Robin stopped and they all released each other.

“I was so worried!” Robin sniffed. 

“Why?” Nancy asked. 

“Well, it’s a lot.”

“It isn’t,” Eddie reassured and Nancy nodded. 

“See, I told you they would be cool with it,” Steve said. 

Robin laughed and buried her face in her hands. 

“Can we focus on something else now, please?”

And now here they were, two weeks later, in the same living room. The kids were all laying on the floor, popcorn and candy wrappers fanned out around them as they watched Indiana Jones because Steve hadn’t seen it. Nancy and Robin were sitting in the love seat, side by side, and Nancy’s heart was beating too fast. 

She was going to do it. Cuddle with Robin. Eddie said she should go for it, that the worst thing she could do was tell her no. He was right, of course, but it didn’t make it any easier. Nancy really liked Robin, really liked her. More so than she has with any other guy she’s been with. Her stomach was like a million butterflies when she was with Robin, all wings and flutters. 

Deep breath and–

Nancy leaned her body against Robin’s and placed her head on her shoulder. She felt Robin stiffen at the contact briefly before relaxing into her. 

Success!

They stayed that way for an hour. At some point, Robin threaded her arm around Nancy’s shoulder and pulled her closer. Then, Nancy readied herself for the next thing. 

During a particularly intense moment, Nancy reached out and threaded her fingers with Robin’s.

The butterflies in Nancy’s stomach are going a million miles an hour. Fluttering and pulsing and making every part of Nancy’s being vibrate. 

Nancy’s eyes caught Eddie’s who gave her a once over with eyes followed by a smirk. Nancy felt her face turn bright red and she nuzzled deeper into Robin’s grasp.

Oh hell yeah. 

EDDIE

He was 100% walking into the Family Video to tease Robin. 

Not to see Steve.

Or that’s what he told himself after he spent five minutes in his van fiddling with his hair and straightening his rings. Yeah, totally.

Eddie knew he had it bad. Hell, everyone knew he had it bad. Well…maybe the kids didn’t but they needed everything spelled out for them so they didn’t count. 

Robin had called him this morning, asking his opinion about what had transpired between her and Nancy last night. Because, and he quoted, “Steve said Nancy was into her but Nancy was straight. Straight Eddie! And, like, she definitely thought it was a friend date.”

If only Eddie could sit the girl down and tell her everything Nancy had told him. Because, no, Nancy was definitely not straight and totally had a thing for Robin. And that the only one in love with a straight was him.

God, why did Steve Harrington have to be straight? 

Sometimes, Eddie could swear he’d catch Steve staring at him. Checking out his ass or his arms. Sometimes there were moments, where they would be laying in his bed and a record would be playing and Eddie could swear Steve was about to kiss him. 

But he was totally wrong. Steve was 1000% into women. So for women, it was painful. 

I mean, there was that time Steve said he thought Solo was hot. But, like, that didn’t mean anything because lots of straight men thought Harrison Ford was attractive. And Steve was just one of those guys so secure in his sexuality that he could say that shit and no one would think twice. 

Except maybe Eddie cause he really wanted it to be true. Really wanted it to be true that Steve had a thing for men. 

In my fucking dreams. 

“Eddie, man of the hour,” Robin was leaning over the counter, eyes wide with excitement as he entered but he only had eyes for Steve. 

Slightly shocked Steve, with his big hazel eyes tracking Eddie’s every move. 

He’s straight Munson, stop reading into shit. 

“And what can I do for you Madam Buckley,” he asked, trying hard not to look at Steve. 

Stupid Steve. Straight men are so confusing I have to stop being friends with them. 

“What are you doing tonight Munson?” Robin’s eyes were huge. Clearly she wanted something.

“Absolutely nothing. What can I do for ya?”

“Come with me, Steve, and Nancy to the movies tonight? Please?” Robin had her biggest puppy dog eye look. Pushing out her lip as she attempted to sway him. 

Eddie tilted his head and bit back a sigh. “I thought this was supposed to be your date with Nancy?”

Steve threw his hands up, his shirt hiking up slightly and flashing Eddie a strip of his stomach. God he had it had.  “Exactly what I said Munson. But she thinks that Nancy is going to think the word “date” means a friend thing.”

“It could mean a friend thing,” Robin buried her face in her hands. “I don’t expect two dinguses like you to get the complications of female friendships. I mean, like, do you know how many straight girls just hold hands and cuddle? Like a fuckton of them but none of them are..you know…are…”

“Into boobies?” Steve supplied which resulted in a sharp elbow to his gut. Eddie let out a loud laugh because, of course, Steve Harrington would be focused on the tits of a woman. God, it wasn’t even that funny but he couldn’t help himself. Steve was this lovable dumbass.

Completely lovable. 

Eddie got why so many women fell in love with Steve. He was this giant golden retriever of a human. Completely loyal, caring, compassionate, and an absolute idiot to social situations. He would do anything for his friends whether that was battling another other-worldly being or driving his gaggle of children to the arcade for the third time that week. 

Eddie shook his head, he needed to stop it with Steve. “I mean, I can totally see the female species as a confusing one. But, Robin, I do think she will be expecting a date.” 

“Let’s make it a friend date thing, please? And, if I’m wrong, then I will owe you both big time and you can make fun of me until the next supernatural disaster?”

Tempting. 

“Which, we hope will never come,” Steve said seriously and Eddie couldn’t help but agree with the ton. Robin did not need to inviting the Upside Down to rear its ugly head again. 

“Oh absolutely,” Robin nodded quickly. “I mean, so it’s basically like I’m saying you can make fun of me forever.”

Eddie pretended to think about it for a moment because it was fun to fuck with Robin seeing as he rarely got to do it. She was a total dork, but she was usually in control. 

Steve’s hand brushed Eddie’s arm and he felt a shock shoot through his body. God, he felt like such a child, losing his mind over such a small thing. 

“Knock it off Munson,” Steve said and Eddie could have sworn that was blush gracing Steve’s face. “You’re making her freak.”

“Oh alright,” Eddie sighed. “I agree to go. But only so Harrington and I can make fun of you for the next century when you are proven wrong.”

Robin squealed, wrapping her arms around Eddie’s neck. 

—

God Eddie had it bad. 

Steve was in a white shirt and a green button-down that made his hazel eyes pop. God, he hoped it wasn’t completely obvious that he was staring at him…or at his ass when they were getting out of the car. Because, damn, those jeans were doing everything for him. 

“I literally can’t believe you play Phil Collins,” Eddie was giving him shit because if he didn’t he was going to go back to gawking at Steve. 

Fucking straight Steve Harrington. 

“Phil Collins is great,” Steve was laughing. “Like I don’t get why you don’t see it.”

“Steve your music taste is shit.”

“His rendition of ‘You Can’t Hurry Love’ is fucking amazing.”

“Steveeee,” Eddie groaned out the words when he caught sight of Wheeler’s hand.

She was totally dressed up for a date. Steve shot Eddie a look as the three of them approached. 

“Oh! I didn’t know you guys were coming to,” Nancy said once they got to her, her eyes were full of confusion and she was blushing. “I thought it was going to be a me and Robin thing.”

“It’s a double date!” Robin blurted out and Eddie felt the entire world go out from under him. 

“A…double date?” Nancy glanced at him and Steve. “But…”

“Oh yeah, absolutely,” Robin linked her arm through Nancy's. “A double date. You and me, and Munson and Harrington.”

Eddie was going to kill her. Absolutely strangle Buckley with his bare hands. Steve was going to have to pull him off her because what the fuck Buckley. God, she was so fucking lucky he liked her because what the hell. Eddie couldn’t look at Steve because he was probably uncomfortable. Being paired with a guy. 

Fuck .

“Yep,” Steve said and Eddie couldn’t help but stare. His face was turning red and he looked uncomfortable. “Eddie and I are just crashing. Ya know, the Tower being the cool punk scene and shit. And Eddie’s been begging me to watch The Thing for two months now so… We…um…yeah.” 

“Oh!” Eddie knew Nancy didn’t believe a word out of Steve’s mouth. “Well that’s great. I didn’t know that about you, Steve.” 

Yeah, the world will stop spinning if Steve was actually into guys. 

“It’s a new thing,” Steve shrugged. 

Eddie knew he wasn’t helping, could feel that the color had drained from his face. Robin shot him a pleading look and, damnit, she was so fucking lucky.

“Yeah, well, what are we doing out here,” Eddie said a little too loudly, because he was totally chill and definitely not panicking. “We got a double feature to see.”

This was not how he imagined his first date with Steve would go. 

NANCY

“She totally panicked didn’t she?” Nancy asked Eddie as they were waiting for their popcorn. 

There was no way in hell Steve and Eddie were on a date. Steve was straight. 

Their token straight.

“Oh yeah,” Eddie laughed uneasily. “She didn’t know if this was a date-date or a friend thing. And, of course, she went with the latter.”

Nancy laughed, leaning up against the counter. “She’s so cute when she is panicked but damn.”

“Yeah,” Eddie’s whole body was nervous. The entire thing was too much. 

“Sorry, you got roped into pretending to be on a date with Steve.”

“It’ll be okay,” Eddie said. “I mean, it sucks that it isn’t real and that he is painfully straight but…” He trailed off as the teenager handed them to large popcorns. 

“Have a good movie,” the teen said in a bored tone.

“Thanks!” Nancy said before turning back to Eddie. “Still, I’m sorry.”

“It’s good. I mean, it will be good so long as you two get a kiss out of it.”

He laughed at Nancy’s face going bright red. God, she had it bad. Shee turned to see Robin’s face buried in Steve’s chest and Steve pressing a kiss into the girl’s hair. 

“Everything alright?” She asked. 

“Yeah, absolutely perfect!” Robin was so cute when she was nervous.

“Good,” Nancy bumped their shoulders together because she wanted to touch. “I’m excited.”

—

It took a second for Robin to feel confident enough to hold her hand, but Nancy didn’t mind. 

She liked that Robin was being as nervous as Nancy felt. 

Nancy liked even more how gentle Robin was when they first kiss. The way she treated Nancy like she was something precious, something special. It made her heart swell three sizes. 

There was laughter after there kiss and something cold settled in Nancy’s stomach. If those stupid teenagers were laughing at her and Robin she would kick their asses. She did not go toe to toe with a demogorgon to be mocked by a bunch of dipshits. 

But they weren’t laughing at her, they weren’t even looking at her. They were cackling at the end of the movie. 

“I…um…” Robin was nervous again, fiddling in her seat. 

“I can’t wait until the next movie to start,” Nancy squeezed Robin’s hand. “So we can finish where we left off.”

God did she want to kiss Robin until the end of forever.

“Me either.” Robin licked her lips and Nancy bit her lip. God she was so lovesick it was unreal. She and Robin turned back to look at the not-date couple in the back so they could give them a thumbs up and tell them that it happened! But what Nancy saw confused her.

Steve was running like he just saw something from the Upside Down and Eddie was staring at the space Steve had once occupied with an open-mouth expression. 

“What the hell is going on back there?” Nancy asked.  

“I have no idea.” Robin glanced at Nancy before raising her arms to give Eddie a ‘what the fuck’ expression. The boy looked shell-shocked as he shrugged his shoulders at the two of them and sunk into his seat. 

“God Steve is such an idiot,” Robin turned back to the screen, kicking her feet on the chair in front of her. 

“Yeah, I mean, I know he’s straight but he can chill.”

Robin gave Nancy a wide-eyed look. “Then you know…”

Nancy laughed. “Yeah, I mean, come on Robin there is no way we wouldn’t know if Steve liked guys. And, like, he is really into girls. I should know.”

Robin snorted. “Yeah, I guess me saying him and Eddie were on a date is kind of a stretch.”

“Stretch? Try a marathon. There would be no way we wouldn’t know Steve. Steve would have told us. Besides,” Nancy bumped her shoulder against Robin’s. “I think it’s cute you were panicked about this.”

Robin groaned, throwing one arm over her eyes and squeezing Nancy’s hand. “I just…Ugh, women are so complicated ya know?”

“No,” Nancy said which caused Robin to turn her head and look at her. “Liking you is the easiest thing I’ve done.”

Robin’s face went bright red and Nancy laughed again. 

“God, this is the longest 10 minutes of my entire life,” Robin moaned. “I need the movie to start back up.”

“Oh?” Nancy leaned as close as she would dare in the bright theater. “And why is that?” 

“Because I want nothing more than to kiss you again.” 

Now it was Nancy’s turn to blush because, damn, Robin sounded so confident when she said that. So sure of herself that it was everything. 

Robin squeezed her hand before turning to the screen. They sat there, in a comfortable silence until the theater went back again and The Thing started up. 

As soon as it was dark, Robin’s mouth was back on Nancy’s and she couldn’t help but sigh. Kissing Robin just made everything make sense. It was perfect. She couldn’t help herself, releasing Robin’s hand and slipping it onto her thigh, up her waist, to her waistband. 

Robin had both hands cupping Nancy’s face, consuming every inch of her like Nancy was the last thing on this planet. The very last thing and she wanted it to last forever. Being consumed by Robin was perfect. She wasn’t sure how long they were at it, kissing like it was just the two of them but it didn’t really matter.

Robin pulled away slightly only to start trailing kisses down Nancy’s neck. Nancy had to bite her lip, holding back the moan as Robin sucked a tender part behind her ear. She felt herself yank up Robin’s shirt and slip her fingers under her shirt. 

“Unfair,” Robin whispered as she kept at Nancy’s neck.

“I’m unfair?” Nancy giggled. “You are…ahh.” She sighed softly as Robin bit down on her neck. 

“Quiet babe,” Robin pulled back and pressed their foreheads together. “You gotta be quiet.”

Nancy risked a glance at the teens in the front row. They were too consumed with the movie to notice them. 

“I am quiet,” Nancy’s fingers moved upwards to skim the band of Robin’s bra, smiling as the girl shivered. “You are just trying to get me to make noise.”

“Maybe,” Robin bit her lip. “I like knowing I have that kind of effect on you.”

“Oh darling,” Nancy pressed a soft kiss to Robin’s lips. “You have no idea the kind of effect you have on me.”

Robin smiled before turning her head back to the back row. She tensed up, causing Nancy to look. But there was no one there. Robin pulled away and began searching the theater as did Nancy. Anxiety crawled up her throat because where the hell did they go?

“I swear to god if they ditched us without saying goodbye I’ll kill them,” Robin said, though Nancy could tell that the lack of the two boys also put her on edge. You don’t go through the shit that they have gone through and don’t say goodbye. 

They were leaving the theater quickly, hoping that the two of them would just be in the lobby. But what they saw was shocking. 

The door to the theatre was swinging behind them as their two disheveled friends stumbled out of the bathroom. Their lips were both swollen, hair wild, and clothes messy. Steve was even sporting a hickey at the base of his neck. 

Nancy felt her eyes get bigger as she looked between the two of them.

Oh my god. 

EDDIE

“Everything okay Harrington?” He caught Steve staring at his lap, a faraway look in his eye. 

God, he felt so bad. Steve probably felt so uncomfortable, pretending to be on a date with him. 

“Oh yeah,” Steve cleared his throat and Eddie could have sworn he was blushing. “Umm, Robin owes us big time.”

“Big time,” Eddie paused, trying to think of the right thing to say. “Umm, sorry you have to pretend to be on a date with a boy. I know you aren’t into that thing.”

Steve turned away from him after that. God, Eddie knew they were friends but like, still. It must suck, being here, like this. Eddie wouldn’t love to be roped into a girl without his consent first so he can only imagine how Steve felt–

“I wasn’t lying. It’s a new thing for me.”

Eddie’s heart stuttered. What did he mean?

“What’s a new thing?” Eddie was trying not to get his hopes up. It was going to hurt if he got his hopes up.

“Me…uh, being into guys.”

Eddie couldn’t breathe. It was like everything stopped working. 

Steve Harrington was into guys?

After what felt like forever, Eddie chocked out “What?” as the lights turned on. 

Some high schooler popped his head into the theatre, announcing that there would be 10 minutes before the next movie. Steve was on his feet in seconds, looking down at Eddie with a panicked expression. 

“Need anything? I think I want some Red Vines? Do you want some Red Vines?” 

Eddie was gaping at him as Steve ran away. 

What the actual fuck?

Robin caught his eye and she gave him a ‘what the fuck’ look and he shrugged because how the hell was he supposed to know. The world just stopped right then. Just stopped moving because Steve Harrington, straight man extrodinair, was not all that straight.

How the fuck did he not know that?

It felt like only seconds before the theatre was going dark again and The Thing began to play and Steve wasn’t back.

Steve Harrington is into guys. Steve “The King of Hawkins” is into men. Holy fucking shit.

The sound of a package being opened brought him back to reality and there was Steve, pulling out a Red Vine. 

No way in hell it took him over 10 minutes to get Red Vines. 

“Red Vine?”

I swear to the fucking gods

“I don’t want a fucking Red Vine Harrington.” Eddie hissed. 

Steve said staring at him before chomping down on the licorice. Like he didn’t just drop the biggest secret in Hawkins since the Upside Down.

Calm down.  

“So you’re into guys?” Eddie asked, softer. Trying to put himself in Steve’s shoes because it had to be scary, dealing with your sexuality in fucking Indiana. Eddie would know. “Cause you know it’s okay to be into guys Harrington.”

He leaned in closer, trying to get Steve to look at him.

It’s okay Steve.

Steve wouldn’t look at him. “Umm. Yeah. I…Yeah, I’m into… well a guy. One guy in particular really. I just…” Steve turned to him and suddenly they were nose to nose. Eddie glanced down at Steve’s lips and heat spread across his body. He watched panic fill Steve’s eyes as the boy went bright red and turned back to the screen, shoving the entire Red Vine into his mouth. 

Eddie leaned back, thinking about what Steve said.

He’s into one guy in particular?

Suddenly the last two months played in Eddie’s head. The way Steve would invite him over all the time to listen to music Eddie knew Steve wasn’t the biggest fan of. How Steve would always sit down next to him during movie nights unless the kids were particularly bitchy about the sitting situation. How he knew he caught Steve staring at his ass. 

Oh my fucking god I’m that guy. 

A smile fell on Eddie’s face because suddenly everything made perfect sense. He wasn’t crazy because Steve Harrington was into him . And, by the way, the boy wouldn’t look at him, Steve was just as into him as he was into Steve. Eddie’s smile turned into a smirk as he rested his hand on Steve’s leg and began tapping.

Oh, you are mine, Harrington. 

The air seemed to shift as Eddie leaned in, placing his mouth right next to Steve’s ear. “What guy Harrington?” 

“I…umm…” Eddie’s hand traveled farther up his thigh, teasing him because it was fun to watch the usually collected Steve lose it. And lose it due to the small circles he was tracing in his leg. 

Just say it. 

Steve turned his head and his eyes met Eddie’s.

“Use your words baby. Who’s the guy?”

Steve’s eyes darted from Eddie’s eyes to his lips and Eddie leaned in. But suddenly Steve was running. 

“Fucking idiot,” Eddie groaned before chasing after the boy. 

No way in hell was he doing this dance tonight. Not after figuring everything out. Absolutely the fuck not.

The bathroom door slammed open as Eddie entered, chest heaving. “Who’s the guy Harrington?” 

Eddie needed to know. It was a need that Eddie had never known, it clawed at him, filling his brain because he couldn’t fucking do this anymore. He needed the answer to all the staring and the flirting and he needed to know that Steve felt it too. Felt the lightning every single time they bumped shoulders or grazed fingers. 

Fucking say it, Harrington. 

It was too long and doubt spread in Eddie’s chest. Maybe he was wrong, wrong to push him, wrong to ask this. He was about to open his mouth, telling Steve that he was going to drop it when the boy was upon him. Steve crashed his lips down onto Eddie’s, who gasped at the contact. 

Because holy shit he was kissing Steve Harrington.

More like being swallowed by Steve, who kissed him with an intensity that made Eddie’s knees weak. Before he could make it go further, to allow himself to get swept up by Steve Harrington, the boy in question pulled away. Shock and fear were on his face.

“I’m so–”

Eddie cut him off because no way in hell was Steve going to apologize for the best kiss of Eddie’s life. Eddie’s lips were back on Steve in a second and he put his all into it.

I like you. It’s okay. God is this perfect.

At some point, the two boys switched. Eddie having picked Steve up and pressed him into the door, grinding on the other. 

Fuck fuck fuck.

All Eddie could think about was how he was with Steve and Steve was with him and that this was it. This was the moment that everything was falling into place.

But reality slowly settled back and Eddie began to slow them, lowering Steve back to the floor. As much as he wanted to stay in this moment it had to be a lot for a boy who was just realizing he wasn’t straight. Still, he pulled his lips off of Steve’s and began to kiss his face, down his jaw, down his throat. 

“Ahh,” Steve moaned as Eddie kissed a spot at the base of the boy’s neck that caused him to squirm. 

Laughter bubbled out of him as he brought his face back to Steve’s.

“God, baby,” Eddie kissed Steve softly. “I am going to have so much fun with you.” Eddie’s hand ghosted Steve’s hardened cock through his jeans because, god did he like the effect he had on the boy. He liked that he was the one who made Steve turned on this way, made him wild enough to make out in a public bathroom even though they shouldn't, made him try to stop the groan exiting his throat because they were not supposed to be doing this.   Steve thrust against his hand and Eddie bit back another laugh.

God Steve Harrington was perfect. 

“Fuck Eddie.”

“Plenty of time for that Stevie,” Eddie pressed his forehead to Steve’s. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Staring into Eddie’s eyes, Steve couldn’t help but smile. “I’m not going anywhere either.”

Eddie’s heart felt full. Brimming with everything because he never in a million years would have guessed. Never would have thought that he would be kissing Steve Harrington. 

They stayed there for a moment before Eddie pulled back, finally allowing reality to fully return. 

“As much as I would love to stay in this bathroom and keep making out with you Harrington. We should probably get back and see how the lovebirds are doing.”

“You’re right.” Steve nodded and then turned to the mirror. He was pulling at his shirt and fluffing his messed-up hair. Eddie could even spy a hickey on the base of Steve’s neck. And something in him stirred because Steve was his. 

“You look great,” Eddie said as Steve shot him a look.

“I look like I was making out.”

“Well you were,” Eddie said with a smirk. 

Steve rolled his eyes, taking another few seconds to attempt to look decent before giving up. 

They’d just leave early, Eddie decided. They would go poke their heads to the lovebirds and get the hell out of here because Eddie wanted more of Steve. Steve pushed open the door to reveal Nancy and Robin, who were very clearly doing their own making out back in the theater. 

Eddie felt Steve freeze like a deer caught in headlights and he couldn’t help but grin because he 1000% made out with Steve Harrington and there were 0 regrets. 

The girls were in shock because they also thought Steve was straight. Everyone in the world thought Steve was straight and he wasn’t. He was completely into Eddie Munson and it was absolutely amazing.

They parted soon after because, though they cared about each other, they had other shit they wanted to be doing. Nancy declared that she would be taking Robin home so they could keep “sucking face” as Steve so eloquently put it. Steve, on the other hand, was driving Eddie back to his place to keep it going. And for the entire drive, Steve had hand in Eddie’s. 

It was perfect.