Chapter Text
Steve Harrington thought they were kidding. A week ago, Robin and Eddie had been excitedly talking about this thing called a “Renaissance Faire” coming to Indianapolis the following weekend. The way they were talking about it with the costumes and the lore, Steve presumed it was another Dungeons and Dragons thing that he did not understand so he tuned them out.
“Dingus is coming, right?” Robin asked, a certain twinkle in her eye.
“Oh, he has to,” Eddie said. “No questions asked.”
Steve looked up from the VHS tapes he was stocking and raised an eyebrow. “Where exactly am I going?”
“Why to Ren Faire, your highness!” Eddie said theatrically.
“You act like I know what that is,” Steve said with a bored expression.
Robin and Eddie laughed and continued talking about what outfits, really outfits, they were going to wear. Robin mentioned getting ready at her house and having the rugrats and Nancy join them there. Nance. Steve gave Robin a look and a smirk. She noticed him and flipped him off. Robin has been crushing on Nancy since they escaped Vecna back over spring break. Vickie be damned, apparently. Robin was so scared to tell Steve that she developed this crush that she got into one of her rambling bits when he asked about their sleepover and nearly passed out from how out of breath she was. Steve assured her (and REassured her) time and time again that it was fine. Nancy and Steve got a little caught up with each other while in the Upside Down, that was true, but when Steve got out of there, he knew he had his sights set elsewhere. A little freak known as Eddie Munson.
It was the first time in his life that he had no clue what to do about this attraction to someone. Eddie was so different from the girls he chased in the past. For starters, he wasn’t a girl. Steve already had this crisis years ago but kept a majority of it to himself. Robin knew because obviously but Steve just presumed he would always date girls and it wouldn’t matter anyway. Then a pair of ringed hands started appearing in his daydreams along with curly brown hair, a goofy smile, big brown saucers for eyes, and tattoos up his arms and chest. He knew Eddie was gay too so that should have made things easier but it actually made Steve even more nervous. Because he had no idea what he was doing and it was entirely possible that Eddie did.
So a lot of their summer has been Robin and Steve groaning and carrying on to each other about something Eddie or Nancy did that day. The way they sat on the couch next to them. Who they looked to when they spoke. Facial expressions. It was maddening for both of them. But at least they were pining together.
Yes, Steve Harrington thought they were joking about dragging him to something called a Renaissance Faire but here he is, standing in Robin’s basement as everyone got into costume, with wide, confused eyes and his arms crossed against his chest. Max stands next to him with the same expression on her face.
“Do you understand what’s happening here, Red?” Steve asks.
“Some nerd shit,” She responds.
“Are we going to do some nerd shit today?”
“I don’t want to answer that,” Max shakes her head, pinching the bridge of her nose.
Eddie has been in the bathroom for quite some time, presumably getting ready, while Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Eleven are adjusting each other’s costumes. Nancy and Robin appear from upstairs in white flowy shirts, some kind of corset vest (Nancy’s burnt orange and Robin’s dark green), and Nancy in a flowery skirt while Robin wears tan pants. Nancy’s hair is up in a braided bun with a simple flower crown. Robin’s hair is curlier than usual, the sides pinned back. They had a bag of makeup with them and got situated on the couch.
“I told you before Nance, I’m not good at getting done up like this,” Robin admits sheepishly as Nancy lays out her brushes and palettes. Nancy pats Robin’s knee and smiles kindly.
“Don’t worry about it! I’ll make you look even more beautiful than you already are,” Nancy says. She musses through her makeup collection while Robin looks back at Steve with red cheeks and exasperated eyes. Steve gives her a thumbs up while Max smiles knowingly. Robin flinches when she notices Max’s expression. Nothing gets past that kid.
While Robin tries fighting off a panic attack with Nancy holding her chin, Eleven tugs Max away.
“Joyce found some outfits for us at the thrift store. Do you want to get changed?” Eleven asks.
Max sighs. “I don’t do skirts.”
Will interjects. “Oh no, she found you some really cool leather pants and a pirate hat. There’s also a fake sword in there.” He points to the box that everyone was getting their pieces out of.
“I can have a weapon?” Max’s tone totally changes and Steve knows at that moment that he’s lost her. All alone and in blue jeans, Steve feels perfectly fine. He observes everyone’s costumes. Eleven matches the style of Nancy’s but she adds fairy wings to her costume, Will is in his wizard costume that Steve has seen before, Dustin is in an elf costume (and currently struggling with putting his ears on), Mike is in a costume that resembles a knight, and Lucas is dressed as a musketeer. With Max as their pirate addition, the gang looks pretty damn cute, if a little nerdy.
Dustin huffs in frustration and stalks over to Steve. “Can you help me attach these? The glue is too slippery.”
Steve opens his mouth to speak when Eddie appears behind him, “You have to blow on the glue and make sure it’s tacky when you apply it. Not wet.”
Steve blinks and he feels his chest get tighter. He takes in Eddie’s appearance. Big, black boots that went up to his knees, black leather pants, and a white long sleeve shirt that went up to his neck and had a puff of fabric in front. The shirt is fastened at his throat with a large shiny broach. Attached to his upper thigh is a sword holster with a sword inside. Across his chest is a maroon leather vest with strings holding it together. There’s black eyeliner on his bottom waterline. He has a broadly brimmed black hat on his head, looking vaguely pirate-y. His rings still cover his knuckles as places the elf ears on Dustin’s ears and gives them a gentle tug.
“See?” Eddie says. “Be sure to bring that glue with you in case you sweat it off.”
Dustin jumps and races over to the mirror to look at himself. “You’re the best, Eddie!” He yells.
“Today I’m Eddie the Banished,” Eddie corrects, gesturing to the room. The boys cheer while Nancy and Robin giggle to themselves. Eddie looks back at Steve and frowns. “What the hell, dude?”
“What?” Steve asks.
“Where is your costume?”
“I don’t…have one? Why would I” Steve gestures to himself. “Own a costume?”
Eddie scoffs and looks at the room mouthing “This guy!” Steve playfully shoves him. Eddie turns back around and looks Steve up and down. “What are we going to do with you?”
Steve’s cheeks grow a little hot under all this attention. “Look, it’s fine, man. I’ll just chaperone.”
An hour later, Steve is dressed in a light blue and tan prince outfit with a white flowy shirt underneath and big tan boots. Eddie wraps his arms around Steve’s waist from behind and Steve tenses up. Eddie buckles Steve’s belt and attaches the sword holster. Though there are layers of fabric between Eddie’s hands and Steve’s hips, he still feels like they are burning holes into his skin. Steve looks at himself in Robin’s body mirror and tilts his head.
“See?” Eddie says. “What I tell ya? Prince suits you.”
“Yeah,” Steve says quietly. “I guess it does.”
Eddie shakes Steve’s shoulders a bit. “Loosen up, princess! We’re going to have fun today!”
“Are you going to call me princess all day?” Steve asks, swallowing down the way it makes his stomach flutter a little bit.
“Oh absolutely. But I’ll buy you a turkey leg and some beer to make up for it.” Eddie smiles and he pats Steve’s sword holster. “Don’t worry, we’ll also make sure to get you a sword.”
“I don’t need a‒”
“How will you fight the dragons? With your hands?” Eddie exclaims.
Steve rolls his eyes and crosses his arms over his chest. “Fine. Beer, turkey leg, sword. You owe me, Munson.”
Eddie’s hands squeeze his shoulders before dropping. “I’m glad you’re coming, Harrington,” He says genuinely. Steve bites the inside of his cheek.
“Me too,” Steve mutters.
They take Eddie’s van and Nancy’s car, splitting up boys and girls. Dustin whines for shotgun but Steve nearly pushes him over to get it. “Nuh-uh pipsqueak. If I gotta dress up to hang out with you all today, I’m getting shotgun.”
They pull into a large open field and park the cars. The kids make a beeline for the entrance while the adults stagger behind. Steve takes it all in. There are booths, tournament rings, entertainment, and food out the wazoo. It seems like the field goes on for miles. Robin and Nancy point at a huge mural that is supposed to be a photo opportunity.
“C’mon! I brought my film camera!” Nancy exclaims.
They find a nice woman dressed as a fairy to take their photo. Eddie and Robin pose ridiculously while Steve and Nancy stand there smiling. “Okay, now gentlemen, kiss your lady’s hand!” The fairy shouts.
Everyone giggles to themselves and stands around a little awkwardly. Eddie clears his throat, kneels on one knee, and takes Steve’s hand. Steve’s breath hitches as he feels the smallest press of Eddie’s lips on his knuckles. His eyes register in his peripheral that Robin matches Eddie and she’s currently kissing Nancy’s hand. The fairy woman laughs, thankfully, and hands a very flustered Nancy her camera back. Robin stands quickly and laughs.
“Food?” Nancy breaks the tension.
“Food.” Robin answers.
Eddie rubs a ringed thumb over Steve’s knuckles as he pulls his hand away from his lips. Eddie stands and searches Steve’s eyes. He has to look like a deer in headlights right now because Eddie giggles and pinches his cheek. Steve breaks a smile.
“C’mon, princess. It’s time for your gentleman to get you ye olde beer.” Eddie drops his hand and gives a dramatic bow.
Steve doesn’t trust himself to speak so he just nods and follows alongside Eddie. He makes a mental note to get that picture from Nancy when it gets developed. Your gentleman. Your gentleman. Your gentleman.
They meet up with Nancy and Robin right outside of the food court. Steve looks around and his mouth instantly waters. Not only were there turkey legs, but steak, chili, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, caramel apples, and so much more. Booths for mead and beer and even frozen cocktails.
“I think we lost him,” Robin teases.
“I predict this is where Steve spends the rest of the day,” Nancy comments.
Steve comes to and sees everyone staring at him with amused expressions. “What did I miss?” Steve mutters in a daze. The group laughs.
“Hey, dingus, do you want to come stand with me in the turkey leg line and you two” Robin gestures to Nancy and Eddie, “can stand in line for mead or beer?” They nod, though Steve creases his eyebrow as Robin tugs his hand away. Once they’re in line and out of earshot, Robin starts breathing heavily.
“I kissed her HAND! Her HAND, Steve!” Robin exclaims.
“Yeah, I saw. Good for you, Buckley,” Steve pats her shoulder encouragingly.
“I think I just saw Eddie kneel and knew it would be weird if I didn’t or if I made her kneel because she’s in a skirt and I just did it. I didn’t even think!” Robin's eyes are wide and she's panting like a dog.
“Buckley. Look at me,” Steve shakes her a little bit. “Breathe.” Robin nods and starts taking slow breaths. “Did she look disgusted that you did that? No. Honestly, she looked a little flustered which I think is a good sign.”
Robin exhales heavily and bites her lip. “Flustered?”
Steve gives her a big smile. “Flustered. C’mon womanizer! I think I wore off on you.”
Robin’s face scrunches up. “Ew. That’s not the goal.”
Steve drops his arm and gives her a look. “Whatever, Buckley. You’re on your way to Wheeler’s pants and that’s just like senior year Steve.”
Robin groans and pushes him, turning her back dramatically. “I can’t even look at you right now.” Steve scoffs and tries to look over the menu but his eyes keep drifting to the other side of the court where Eddie and Nancy are. Eddie is telling her something with a lot of enthusiasm and Nancy is nodding along with a friendly smile but looks a little lost. Steve’s lips quirk up at the sight. Robin very narrowly glances over her shoulder and smirks.
“Are we going to talk about your fellow or?”
“My fellow? ” Steve repeats.
“Your Romeo, your knight in shining armor, your‒”
“Okay!” Steve stops her. “We get it! What about him?”
“He knelt in front of all these strangers and kissed your hand, dingus. How are you not melting into the dirt right now?” Robin asks with raised eyebrows.
“I‒” Steve starts, then blushes. “It was really cute of him. I think my heart stopped beating there for a second.”
Robin turns back around and smiles with her whole mouth. “It was SO cute of him! I told you I think he has a thing for you!”
Steve sighs and stares at his boots. “I don’t know about that but‒”
“Steve. Womanizer, casanova, king of Hawkins. Why is it so impossible that someone like Eddie wouldn’t be into you?” Robin says.
“I don’t know. I don’t know!” Steve states.
“You’re really dense sometimes, Popeye,” Robin says.
“Hey! Why do you get to get all freaked out about your crush but I can’t get freaked out about mine?!” Steve elbows her.
Robin throws her hands up defensively. “Alright, alright. We’ll just mark down the photo mural as a win for the gays.”
Steve exhales and moves forward with the line. Robin and him order everyone a turkey leg, some corn and potatoes, and a bowl of gravy for dipping. They balance everything as carefully as they can to an empty picnic table as Eddie and Nancy appear with two beer mugs and two chalices of mead. They assemble their plates and dig in.
Nancy struggles to tear off meat from her turkey leg and everyone giggles at her. “This is harder than it looks!” She explains. “I’m going to get grease all over me!”
“I think that’s the point,” Robin smiles.
“I like this corset though,” Nancy whines.
Robin glances down briefly at Nancy’s chest and stifles a cough. “Do you want me to grab some more napkins?” She suggests.
“Please,” Nancy bats her eyelashes. Steve stops himself from dropping his jaw. It’s the same moves she would pull on Steve back in the day. Oh, he and Robin are going to have a long talk after they drop everyone off tonight.
Eddie glances between Nancy and Steve with a puzzled look. “Is there something I’m missing?” He asks.
Nancy goes back into her food with a shake of her head and Steve clicks his tongue. “No. Just enjoy your turkey leg, my lord.” Steve says, his eyes going wide and his face flushing. That did not mean to slip out. Eddie beams at him.
“My lord ,” He repeats. “Damn you buy a guy one beer.”
“Don’t cream your pants. Just trying to get into character,” Steve says, ripping off turkey meat for emphasis. By the look on Eddie’s face, he is not going to let this go for a long while . Robin returns with more napkins and Eddie raises his glass to the group.
“I’d like to make a toast,” He announces. “To this fearless group at our first ren faire!”
Everyone raises their glasses and cheers with wide grins. Steve takes a sip of his beer and audibly moans. “God damn, that hits the spot!”
Robin makes a disgusted noise. “You’re such a dad, Popeye.”
“Actually, we mostly call him ‘Mom’ now,” Max interrupts from behind them, and they all jump.
“Jesus, rugrats. I grow gray hair every time I’m near one of you,” Steve scoffs. Then after a minute, “Wait, mom?” The group laughs. “Who does that make ‘Dad’?”
“Eddie. Duh.” Dustin responds, squeezing onto the bench next to said Dad.
“What!” Steve exclaims. The kids gather around with their sweet treats and no real meal in sight. “Hey, hey. You can’t have caramel apples and fudge for lunch!” Steve nags.
“And that’s why you’re the mom,” Nancy laughs.
“Nance. Not you, Nance. Don’t turn to the dark side,” Steve covers his heart with his hands.
“Sorry, the kids make it look so easy,” Nancy shrugs and Max laughs as she sits next to her. Everyone starts talking about what they want to do for the next few hours. Eddie pulls a map out of his back pocket and spreads it on the table.
“There’s a jousting tournament at 1” Eddie suggests.
“Wait, but there’s a magic show at 1 too!” Will speaks up.
“Yeah I think I’d rather see magic,” Mike says quickly. Steve glances at him.
“You’re dressed as a knight and you don’t want to see the jousting tournament?” Steve asks and Robin elbows him in the ribs. “OW! What was that for?” Everyone ignores him.
“Okay, okay well, whoever wants to see the magic can go with me and Robin?” Nancy says, looking at Robin pointedly. Robin nods with a dopey smile on her face. “Everyone else can go with Mom and Dad to the jousting tournament.”
“I don’t agree with these new nicknames,” Steve says. Everyone continues to ignore him.
Mike, Will, and Eleven go with Nancy and Robin while Dustin, Lucas, and Max follow Steve and Eddie to the arena. They place themselves in a row: Max, Lucas, Dustin, Eddie, then Steve, and watch as they trot the horses around the stage. Lucas throws an arm around Max and she leans her head on his shoulder. Steve sees this and smiles to himself. Good , he thinks. She deserves some happiness.
“What’s got you so smiley, princess?” Eddie tilts his head.
“Young love,” Steve answers honestly. He tilts his head down the row and Eddie lowers his shoulders and pouts his lip. “How sweet,” Eddie coos.
They sit in the “Red” section so they cheer for the red knight. The knights come out of a tunnel and get on top of their horses, their jousting sticks in their steady grips. The “court jester” gets over a microphone and announces “Citizens of Indianapolis, I give you your king and queen.”
A couple dressed to the nines in renaissance garb take seats at two large thrones placed in a special guarded spot in the stadium. The crowd cheers and Steve looks around surprised. His parents definitely did not take him to things like this as a kid. They weren’t keen on Halloween or the circus or even the state fair. It was mostly sports games and country clubs. Steve thinks he would have enjoyed something like this a lot more.
The court jester announces each knight: Blue, Yellow, Red, Green. Red takes off his helmet and shakes out his long, beautiful hair, waving to their section. He is incredibly handsome, chiseled jaw and shining smile, like something straight out of a storybook. Steve lets out a low whistle under his breath.
Eddie clears his throat and leans back over to whisper, “I was thinking the same thing.”
Dustin leans over to them and whispers loudly, “What are we whispering about?”
“Don’t worry your Shirley Temple head about it,” Eddie responds. Dustin huffs and pouts to himself.
Eddie and Steve make brief eye contact before looking back at the stage. Steve suppresses a smile. Did he just accidentally come out to Eddie Munson over an actor at a themed fair? This day cannot be real.
The tournament starts and Red proves to be quite superior. He takes down his opponents left and right with ease. Steve really got into the spectacle of it all and started cheering as loud as everyone else in the group was. The court jester would periodically involve the crowd in silly games and Max got chosen for one of them. She refuses and hides her face but Lucas somehow manages to get her down there. She’s embarrassed and snapping at Lucas but eventually, the silly actor makes her crack a smile. Max wins her game and gets a big bucket of popcorn. She sits down and everyone expects her to share.
“Oh fuck no. You traitors can sit there and starve,” Max says, shoving her face with popcorn. Steve and Eddie laugh while Lucas and Dustin argue.
“I see what you mean about the gray hair,” Eddie says to him.
“It’s always a circus with them,” Steve exhales.
“You love them,” Eddie mocks, making a heart with his hands.
“Unfortunately, I do.”
“You all are a lovable group I must say,” Eddie declares.
Steve’s heart thuds against his chest. “Yeah, well, you’re a good addition. Lord knows we need more adults around to wrangle these teenagers.”
“Did you just compliment me AND call me an adult in the same sentence?” Eddie gasps.
“Don’t make me take it back,” Steve warns.
Eddie pulls his fingers across his lips to “zip them” and Steve rolls his eyes.
It is the final round with Red and Yellow and everyone is on the edge of their seats. When Red ultimately wins, everyone stands and hollers. Eddie starts a chant with the crowd of “Red! Red! Red!” and the knight points to him and winks. Steve’s jaw drops as Eddie is momentarily thrown but ultimately gets back to being theatrical and goofy.
They meet back up with Nancy and Robin and the teenagers ramble on about their respective shows. Steve notices that Nancy is holding a rose that was dipped in colorful wax and glitter.
“That’s pretty,” Steve says.
Nancy looks bashful as she says, “Isn’t it? Robin got it for me.”
“Did she?” Steve tries to act surprised. Robin flashes her teeth at him before smiling at Nancy.
Eddie observes everyone with a confused expression but ultimately says, “Shall we get you that sword, princess?”
“Princess?” Robin repeats with a teasing grin.
“Don’t you start, Buckley,” Steve snaps. “Yeah, Munson, let’s go.”
“Damn I went from my lord back down to Munson? How can I woo thee so?” Eddie acts like he’s been stabbed in the heart and Steve bumps him with his hip. The girls exchange looks and snicker as they walk away.
“So…what’s with all the secret glances about Nancy and Robin?” Eddie asks casually.
“I don’t know if I’m at liberty to say. Best friend code and all that.”
Eddie stops them and his face looks shocked. “Don’t tell me…is Buckley crushing on Wheeler?”
Steve gives a dramatic shrug of his shoulders and says, “I can neither confirm nor deny.”
Eddie is ecstatic to be let in on the secret. He wraps an arm around Steve’s shoulders as they walk so he can talk more quietly to him. At least, that’s what Steve tells himself.
“But wait…wasn’t Nancy your girl at one point?” Eddie whispers.
Steve nods. Eddie looks at him funny. “Is that weird for you?”
“Not really. Nancy and I… just didn’t work.”
“What about all that stuff down in the place that shall not be named?”
Steve sighs and in a moment of bravery, wraps his arm back around Eddie. Eddie’s lips quirk up but he doesn’t let himself fully smile. Steve catalogs this, of course, for his nightly crush gush session with Robin. “I think we just got caught up in the ‘Hey we might die’ thing and her and Jonathan were having problems so it was just…familiar comfort I guess.”
“I presume they are no more since Buckley is out waxing flowers for Nancy?”
“Ew. Don’t say it like that,” Steve scolds. Eddie snickers. “But yes. Jonathan and Nancy broke up shortly after we got back.”
“Got it. Got it. Glad we could have this gossip session,” Eddie responds.
“Yeah, yeah. Just don’t start spreading it. The kids are nosy enough as it is.”
They arrive at a booth selling both genuine, metal swords and plastic swords that look very realistic. Eddie drops his arm off his shoulder and Steve swallows his disappointment. The overenthusiastic Blacksmith stands in between them and claps a hand on both of their shoulders.
“Welcome nobleman to my shop!” He bellows in a Scottish accent. “What are ye in for today?”
“Something to slay dragons with, my good sir,” Eddie says, puckering his lips and lifting his chin like he is a nobleman. Steve can’t believe he’s here.
“Ah, fighting dragons, are ye? Is there a damsel in distress somewhere?” The blacksmith whips his head around and seeks the crowd with a hand in a salute.
“We tend to fight dragons just for fun,” Eddie says, tilting his head toward Steve.
The blacksmith raises his eyebrows and makes an “Oh” face while looking back and forth between them. Steve tenses for a second but the man starts shouting again. “Then let me show you what’s in stock today, lads!”
Eddie and Steve, mainly Eddie, entertain this man through his spiel even though neither of them could afford the actual metal swords. Steve even holds one and even though he’s in very good shape, he actually staggers a bit under the weight. The blacksmith laughs and says, “Oh, yes, let’s take a look at the prince section, hm?”
Steve frowns and Eddie giggles but they follow him anyway. The man does a once-over of Steve’s outfit and grabs a plastic sword with a tan leather handle and matching strings hanging off. He hands it to Steve (and Steve would deny this if Eddie ever told anyone) he practices a few swishing and stabbing motions with a childish grin on his face.
“I believe we’ve found the one then, lad?” The blacksmith says.
Steve lowers his arm with a sheepish grin. “Uh, yeah, we’ll take this one.”
Eddie takes it from his hands and walks up to the counter with the blacksmith. He pays for it and the man bids them a farewell with a knowing smile on his face. Steve expects Eddie to hand him the sword but instead, Eddie grabs his hand and yanks him toward a set of trees in the middle of the fairgrounds. Steve jogs to keep up and laughs at Eddie’s sudden eagerness.
When they get to the trees, Eddie clears his throat and shouts, “Mighty, mighty Prince Steve. You have defeated the monster of the backwards world,” The Upside Down, Steve’s brain supplies. He lets out a snort. “And therefore, the citizens would like to bestow upon you,” Eddie kneels in front of him and holds the sword out in front of him, “the highest honor sword.”
Random strangers woo, thinking this is a performance of some kind, and Steve decides to lean into it despite the blush on his face. He fans a hand over his forehead and gasps, “Noble Edward, thank you for this wondrous gift! I will continue protecting the kingdom of Indiana until my dying breath!”
The small crowd they gathered start applauding when Steve takes the sword and puts it in his holster. Steve hears a familiar voice amongst the crowd and groans. Eddie looks at him and Steve points to Robin and Nancy who are eating this up like Sunday supper. Eddie gives them a dramatic bow and they courtesy in response. They begin wandering the faire, checking out different vendors and trying homemade honey sticks, smelling apothecary mixes, and watching actors juggle flaming sticks. They see a live band playing and a crowd in front of them dancing. Robin and Eddie dart over there, leaving Nancy and Steve in their dust. Nancy shakes her head and starts walking beside Steve.
“Can I ask you something?” Nancy says. “And you’ll promise not to be upset?”
Steve blinks at her. “Yeah. Sure.”
“I just…and tell me if I’m wrong but…I see how you talk to Eddie. I know you haven’t had many male friends since Tommy graduated but is it possible that maybe you like Eddie?”
Steve lets out a long exhale. “I never really told you about it while we were dating but I’ve always had a bit of a thing for guys. And girls, alike. Girls were just easier. Sorry, not easier, just‒”
“More natural,” Nancy finishes kindly as Steve nods. “I’ve been having some thoughts lately too.”
Steve stops them and pulls them off to the side, away from eavesdroppers. “Thoughts?”
Nancy looks nervous and starts playing with the strings on her corset. “That maybe I don’t just like guys,” She says quietly.
Steve smiles and pulls her in for a hug. Nancy laughs, feeling a little coddled, but hugs him back anyway. Steve pulls away, holding his hands on Nancy’s shoulders, and looking at her seriously. “This wouldn’t have to do with a certain band nerd, would it?”
Nancy’s cheeks are red when she gives a small nod. “Big talk coming from you who is going after a Dungeon Master. ”
Steve pretends to gag. “Don’t remind me of what the rugrats call him.”
Nancy giggles and hits his chest. Steve feels his heart fill up with an utter fondness for the woman in front of him. “I’m glad I know you, Wheeler.”
Nancy nods in agreement. “You’re a good man, Steve. Should we go find them?”
“I would love to escort you, my lady” Steve says but breaks character when Nancy stares at him. He holds his elbow out for her to take and Nancy rolls her eyes but takes it anyway. They find Robin and Eddie in the middle of the dance floor with the rugrats around them. Mike and Lucas are sword-fighting against Eddie while Max, Eleven, Dustin, Robin, and Will are dancing a dosey doe, trading off partners as they swing around. Robin motions for Nancy to join them and she gets roped into the dance. Steve pulls his sword out of his holster and points it directly at Mike.
“Unhand him, you foul knight!” Steve shouts and Mike laughs as they hit swords.
Eddie looks over at them with his big doe eyes and that causes Lucas to poke him in the stomach with his sword. Eddie groans theatrically.
“Down with you, Eddie the Banished!” Lucas shouts. The group gasps as Eddie holds his “wound” and falls to his knees. Steve falls beside him and hugs his chest from behind.
“Noooo! Oh, noble Edward. You were too good for this world,” Steve cries out. Eddie lays all his weight onto Steve while Steve grunts. Eddie does a terrible job of hiding his smile as he says, “Remember me, Prince Steve, as I was.”
Eddie puts his hand on Steve’s cheek and Steve knows this is a game but his heart beats loudly against his chest. Eddie glances at his lips and Steve begins to panic. Is Eddie really going to kiss him, right here, in front of all these people?
Then Eddie knocks his head back and hangs his tongue out of his mouth. Mike and Lucas cheer, high-five, and put their swords away to join the others. Steve laughs beneath Eddie, still holding onto him, and grabbing his hat when it falls off. Eddie leans his head back up and coughs. Steve jumps into action, helping them off the ground by pushing Eddie up. Steve places the hat back on Eddie’s head and gets flustered again at the sight of him. Eddie smirks and brushes some dust off of Steve’s shoulder. The band plays a slower tune and the crowd slows with it.
“Care to dance, princess?” Eddie holds out his hand in a bow. Steve looks around at the crowd and decides that the people seem too invested in the spectacle of the world around them to get worked up over the sight of two men dancing together.
“Do you even know how to dance, my lord?” Steve asks and Eddie’s eyes light up.
“I sure as hell don’t but I think I can learn,” Eddie says.
“Fine,” Steve sighs, gently taking his hand. Eddie clasps their palms together and places his other hand on Steve’s hip while Steve hesitantly places his other hand on Eddie’s shoulder. They take some practice steps, clumsily, laughing at each other’s attempts.
“Here, here. I’ll step forward with the right while you step back with the left,” Eddie instructs.
Steve follows and eventually, they get into a little box of rhythmic steps. Steve holds Eddie’s shoulder a little tighter to keep his balance as they move. Eddie adjusts his grip on Steve’s hip and moves his head until they’re making eye contact. “I’ve got you, princess, don’t worry,” He says softly.
Steve’s breath hitches but he nods. They don’t break eye contact as they move in the dirt. Eddie’s eyeliner is still going strong, making his eyes seem bigger than before, and his lashes stand out. Eddie is studying his eyes just as intently.
“Those are some pretty hazel eyes you got there,” Eddie whispers, shy.
“I was just thinking the same about you. I’m digging the eyeliner,” Steve whispers.
“Yeah?” Eddie smiles. “I wear it to Corroded Coffin shows but not much otherwise.”
“I still want to go to one of those,” Steve says.
“I’ll let you know if we end up doing shows at The Hideout again,” Eddie states.
“You better,” Steve flirts.
Eddie takes in a deep breath and wraps his arm around the small of Steve’s back, pulling him closer. Steve tries to steady his nerves as their faces are closer now. Steve’s hand travels to Eddie’s neck and Eddie shivers a little bit. Steve smiles wide with his tongue between his teeth, teasingly, but gets a mirrored smile in response. The wackiness of today is something that the whole group needed. Just something light-hearted and fun to get their mind to stop thinking for a few hours. Steve finally breaks eye contact to look around at his friends. Robin is twirling Nancy around, their slow dance a little more spaced out than his and Eddie’s but still very sweet. The kids are holding hands in a circle and bouncing around, occasionally knocking into each other when someone abruptly changes direction.
The song ends and Eddie acts like he’s going to dip Steve which Steve immediately refuses and they go back to laughing and shoving each other. Steve’s stomach stirs. He doesn’t want to stop touching Eddie so he wraps himself around Eddie’s arm as they walk off with everyone else. Eddie glances at him and doesn’t say anything but definitely looks happy. With their bags of treats and goodies, the gang makes their way to the parking lot for their couple hours drive home.
Predictable but the kids pass out in the back of Eddie’s van almost immediately. Steve bumps Eddie’s elbow and tilts his head back. Eddie looks in the rearview mirror and chuckles.
“How much do you want to bet we have to carry one of them inside?” Eddie asks softly.
“My money’s on Dustin. That kid turns into a toddler when he’s tired.”
“Damn, my money was also on Dustin.” Eddie sighs. Eddie looks back at them again and gasps. Steve looks at him curiously.
“Hands. Look at their hands,” Eddie says so quietly that Steve barely heard him.
“Hands?” Steve questions before turning his head. Will and Mike’s hands are intertwined between them. Steve feels like crying but in a good way.
“Is that why Robin elbowed me when I made that comment about Mike being a knight?” Steve whispers.
“Yes, you dork. We’ve all noticed but nothing has been confirmed .”
“You all noticed?” Steve is starting to think he really is that dense.
“Well you noticed Robin liking Nancy before me so don’t worry, your gaydar isn’t completely off.”
“I didn’t even notice! Robin had to spell it out for me!” Steve laughs, groaning into his hands. Eddie chuckles beside him and rests his right arm on the center console. He pats Steve’s knee and whispers, “Don’t sweat it, Harrington. Sometimes it’s hard to tell.”
Eddie is about to remove his hand from Steve’s knee when Steve acts on impulse and intertwines their fingers, resting their hands on his thigh. Eddie’s lip part in surprise but he turns his eyes back to the road with a soft smile on his face.
“It doesn’t always have to be so hard,” Steve mutters. Eddie squeezes his hand and they sit in comfortable silence for the rest of the car ride.
They drop everyone off one by one and do, in fact, have to carry Dustin inside. Steve made Eddie do it because “you should be a present father figure” which made Eddie cackle and Dustin grumble sleepily. As they say goodnight to Mrs. Henderson and pile into Eddie’s van again, Steve’s heart drops a little. He is having so much fun with Eddie, definitely got farther with his flirting tactics than he has before, and he didn’t want this night to end. They drive to Robin’s house, where Steve’s car is, and Steve notices that Nancy’s car is still there. He hits Eddie’s arm with the back of his hand and points excitedly.
Eddie squeals and hits him back. “Do you think she’s spending the night?”
“I hope so,” Steve responds. “I’ll learn all about it during our crush gush‒”
“Crush gush?” Eddie laughs. “Will you please explain to me what that is?” He parks the car and turns his body to face Steve.
Steve looks away and crosses his arms over his chest. “I absolutely will not.”
Eddie hits his arm again and pokes him a bunch. “Do you and Robin gossip about your crushes? How can I join these?”
“You can’t, Munson. This is strictly a Harrington and Buckley thing.”
Eddie lowers his arms with a pout. “Could you and I have one?”
Steve’s face falls. Slowly, he turns his head to Eddie who is looking at him pleadingly. “What? Do you have a crush you need to gush about?”
“I do, actually. Badly,” Eddie says with a long sigh and serious eyes.
Steve’s stomach tightens. He doesn’t want to hear about it. God, he doesn’t. But Eddie is his friend first. “Well…go on then. Just don’t tell Robin or she’ll maim me.”
Eddie has a knowing smile on his face. “Well. It’s a newer crush. Only been a few months. This man, he’s…so suave on the outside. Charismatic, everyone loves him, and he is definitely the person to bring home to your parents. But on the inside? He’s a total idiot.”
Steve lets out a shocked laugh. “You’re not supposed to say that about people you crush on!”
“No, no. You misheard me. He’s an idiot in the absolute best way. He’s a little dumb, sometimes sure, but he’s really just goofy and sensitive. It takes a while to get to see him. And once you do see him, well, it feels really special.”
Steve wants to get out of the car and run. He wants to scream into his pillow. He wants to punch something. All those months of pining were just thrown out the window in this one moment. It stung for a second when Robin rejected him (for good reasons) but this is something totally different. Steve can feel that this is going to sting for a long time.
“Steve?” Eddie asks, snapping his fingers. “Are ya still with me?”
“What?” Steve blinks. “Yeah. Special, goofy. Got it.”
“Steve,” Eddie says seriously.
“Yeah?”
“Do you want to hear more? I feel like I haven’t gushed enough.”
Steve inhales as he says, “Eddie I should really get‒”
“This guy,” Eddie interrupts. “He’s caring in the most incredible ways. Always prepared to help his friends, always dives first into danger, always there to lend an ear or a hug. Makes sure you eat properly. He doesn’t understand his friends all the time but he does what he can to get into their interests. Even if it involves dressing up in a silly costume for an entire day,” Eddie whispers the last part so low but Steve can hear the tremble in his voice.
The cogs turn in Steve’s brain as he lifts his eyes back up to Eddie. “Wait, are you saying‒” He doesn’t finish the sentence because his hand is back in Eddie’s.
“Yes, princess.” Eddie laughs through his nervous exhale.
Steve looks back down at their hands. His rings feel cold against his sweaty skin. It’s centering, almost, as Steve’s head spins. Steve carefully brings his other hand up and takes off Eddie’s huge hat, throwing it in the backseat. He ruffles Eddie’s sweaty curls before drifting his hand back to Eddie’s cheek. Eddie is breathing so quietly through parted lips.
Steve leans forward and presses the softest kiss on Eddie’s lips. Eddie’s other hand lands on Steve’s hips and pulls him over the center console. They both sigh into the kiss, pushing their lips together more. Their hands still intertwined between them. Steve knew he was good at kissing but Eddie is good competition. Steve is not prepared to feel the little bit of stubble on Eddie’s jaw and upper lip but he likes it. It makes everything a little rough and exciting. Steve feels Eddie’s hand shaking on his hip so he pulls away.
“You alright?” Steve asks.
Eddie takes a quick breath. “Yeah just…a little nervous.”
Steve smiles and rubs his nose against Eddie’s. “I’m nervous too. I’ve been wanting to kiss you for a while now.”
Eddie presses a quick kiss. “I was hoping but I didn’t know for sure. Didn’t know you swung this way.”
Steve shrugs. “Pretty underground information. You’re the first man I’ve kissed.”
Eddie can’t help but give a prideful smile. “Yeah? Whatcha think?”
“I think I’d like to keep doing it,” Steve breathes, diving back in. The kiss is more passionate this time, long and languid, mouths opening more with each press. Steve slyly drags his tongue across Eddie’s bottom lip. Eddie lets out a small gasp but welcomes the invitation. Steve’s tongue gently enters. It’s slow but Steve wraps his tongue around Eddie’s and strokes. Eddie’s throat makes a soft noise and he holds tighter onto Steve’s hip. Steve is very awkwardly draped across the center console and his sword holster is digging into his skin but it doesn’t matter. Eddie’s lips are so soft and warm that Steve wants to drown in the feeling.
Eddie’s teeth drag across Steve’s bottom lip and Steve moans, his hand moving from Eddie’s cheek to wrap in his curls. Eddie pulls Steve’s torso closer to him and Steve nearly falls into his lap. They pull away, laughing and smiling. Steve adjusts himself back into his seat, still keeping Eddie’s face close. They pant through their grins and stare at each other. Eddie glances towards his window and gives Steve a smirk.
Steve looks at him confused and Eddie pushes a lever so his seat pushes back. Steve’s face lights up when Eddie beckons him over. Steve unbuckles his sword holster and throws it in the backseat with Eddie’s hat. He ungracefully crawls over the console and sits in Eddie’s lap. They disconnect their hands so Eddie can place them on Steve’s hips and Steve can wrap them in Eddie’s hair.
Eddie pulls Steve back in. Everything feels more heated, more sexual, more real. Steve tries to relax into Eddie’s lap and let the man hold him tightly. Steve’s been here before with plenty of women but he was never the one in the lap. He always led the kiss and set the tempo for the night. It feels so good to let someone else take control for a little. To allow himself to succumb to the feeling of Eddie’s mouth on his. Eddie’s lips kiss the line down Steve’s jaw and down his throat. Steve leans his head over and sighs contently. Eddie finds a spot right below Steve’s ear and sucks the skin behind his teeth. Steve lets out a small moan but accidentally leans back. His body leans right up against the van’s steering wheel and a loud, blaring horn is heard.
Steve and Eddie jump. Steve’s head hits the top of the car while Eddie’s nose hits Steve’s shoulders. Steve clutches his head and Eddie holds his nose and they lean as far away from the steering wheel as they possibly can. Steve opens his eyes when Eddie does and they burst into a fit of giggles.
Steve lightly pulls Eddie’s hand away from his face as Eddie scrunches his nose and winces at the pain. “Nope. No blood.” Steve reports.
“Damn. Would be pretty badass to break my nose kissing Steve Harrington,” Eddie sighs with a grimace.
Steve hits Eddie’s chest and rubs the bump on his head. “Do you think Robin and Nancy heard?” Steve asks.
Eddie tilts his head to look and sees the house’s lights are still out. “If they did, they certainly don’t care.”
Steve giggles again and Eddie wraps his arms around Steve’s waist. Steve absentmindedly plays with Eddie’s curls and reminisces on the day they had. You could not have asked Steve a few months ago to dress up as a prince and go run around at a themed fair for hours with Eddie Munson. He’s glad those days are over. This reality is much better.
“I’d really like to take you on a date sometime, princess,” Eddie mutters, leaning down to kiss Steve’s wrist. Steve bites his lip as a stupid grin stretches across his face.
“I’d like that,” Steve responds.
Eddie leans forward to press a soft kiss to Steve’s lips but immediately groans when his nose gets smushed. “Yeah, okay, no more kissing tonight. Got it,” Eddie says to the universe.
Steve chuckles and opens Eddie’s car door, climbing out of his lap. He reaches for Eddie’s hand, lifts it to his mouth, and presses a kiss on the middle ring. Eddie stares at him lovingly. “Thanks for being such a gentleman today,” Steve whispers. He walks slowly to his car and turns around to see Eddie still gazing after him. Steve smiles and gives a small wave.
A few days later, Eddie knocks on Steve’s door and in his hand is Steve’s sword from the faire. He’s not in his costume anymore, just plain Munson in leather and denim. Steve leans against the door frame and raises his eyes expectedly at Eddie.
“Mighty, mighty Prince Steve. Shall you do me the honors of going to Bowl-A-Rama with me this afternoon?” Eddie says with a regal voice and holds out his sword.
Steve pretends to think about it while Eddie huffs before accepting the sword and kissing Eddie on the cheek. “I would be honored to make your acquaintance, noble Edward.”