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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.”

Chapter Text

“I didn’t even know those existed! That sounds like so much fun!” Nancy Wheeler says when Robin Buckley called her on the phone to invite her to the Renaissance Faire. 

“It should be! I mean, the whole gang is going and we’re all getting ready at my house,” Robin replies. 

“What do I even wear to something like this?” Nancy asks. 

“Actually, I was going to go shopping on Friday after work for my outfit. I was thinking of thrifting at Bargain Barn if you want to join me?” Robin’s leg is bouncing as she sits on the edge of her bed. 

“I’d love to! I’ll pick you up at Family Video say 5:15?” 

“Great, I will see you then! Bye Nance.”

“Bye Robbie!”

Robin lets out a huge sigh of relief and plops backward onto her bed. Ever since they escaped Vecna, Robin’s crush on Nancy only grew. It felt so big and overflowing that Robin is fully aware that she has no control over it anymore. 

Nancy doesn’t even like girls , Robin would tell herself over and over again. Robin confessed her crush to Steve because he asked her precisely one time how a sleepover went. She was so nervous that Steve would be upset with her but he was kind and talked her down from her ramblings. Steve admitted to Robin that he had feelings for Eddie. Robin knew Steve had some ounce of liking men but never saw it confirmed until now. 

They now spent the summer pining after their friends and riding in Steve’s car gushing about their crushes. “Crush Gush” as Robin coined it. Steve hated it at first but he had to admit, it was a catchy name. 

Nancy was definitely annoyed by Robin at first as she tends to come off really strong and skittish. But getting to know her over the last few months has made them really great friends. Robin was there when Nancy broke up with Jonathan. They ate ice cream until their stomachs hurt in Robin’s basement. Robin made her laugh and comforted her when she cried. Robin spent a lot of time with Nancy after that (when they weren’t also hanging out with Eddie and Steve). 

Nancy liked their little group, as strange as it was. None of their paths probably would have crossed without the world falling apart but she still feels grateful for them. 

Sometimes, Nancy would stare at Robin and she’d feel this stir in the pit of her stomach. She’s just pretty , Nancy would tell herself over and over again. Still, she got nervous any time Robin would roll closer to her in her sleep or would change in front of her. Any time their hands brushed or she would catch a whiff of Robin’s perfume.

Nancy always went after men because she was attracted to them and it felt natural. Whatever this feeling was, it did not feel natural and it was overwhelming, to say the least. 

Robin hops into the passenger seat of Nancy’s car and they make their way to Bargain Barn. Robin tells her about skirts, corsets, puffy shirts, and flower crowns while Nancy just listens quietly. 

“I have no idea what will be at this store but there’s also a costume shop in the town over if we need to find more things!” Robin pants, out of breath from her own rambling. Nancy laughs under her breath. 

“That sounds good to me,” Nancy says. “The flower crown sounds pretty, I haven’t had one of those since I was a kid.” 

Robin stops herself from saying “You would look pretty in one” and instead nods her head in agreement. 

They go perusing through the Bargain Barn and actually find some good pieces. Nancy finds a burnt orange corset vest and a flowery skirt. Robin finds a dark green corset vest and tan pants. Once they find flowy white shirts, their outfits are complete. Nancy drops Robin off with a simple, “See you tomorrow!” and Robin enters her house, closes her front door, and collapses against it with a groan. 

Nancy shows up the next day earlier than everyone else with her outfit already on. Robin changes into hers and looks at her hair in the mirror, clearly frustrated. Nancy tilts her head and digs in her bag. She pulls out a curling iron and waves it in Robin’s direction. 

Robin gives a defeated laugh and shakes her head. “I don’t know how to use those!”

“Well, good thing your friend Nancy does. Just take a seat, I’ll take care of it.” 

Robin can’t hold Nancy’s eye contact in her vanity mirror so she stares at her hands while Nancy gently moves around her head. She wraps each strand around the hot barrel and Robin gasps after the first one. 

“Holy shit, those are magical!” Robin exclaims.

“Aren’t they? A total lifesaver some mornings.” 

“I feel like I can’t get my hair to look right anymore. That and my body loves to roll out of bed ten minutes before I need to leave,” Robin laughs. 

“I get it. I can show you some tips my mom taught me about curling your hair the night before if you want,” Nancy suggests with a soft smile. 

“Yeah, I would like that,” Robin mutters nervously. 

They spend the rest of the time in comfortable silence as Nancy finishes her curls. She runs her nails through some curls to fluff them out and Robin’s heart twists at the feeling of her hands on her scalp. 

“There. See! Not too bad, right?” Nancy places her hands on Robin’s shoulders and crouches her head to the right side of Robin’s. Robin finally looks up in the mirror and admires herself for a moment. 

“Not too bad, Wheeler. Thank you.”

“What are friends for?” Nancy squeezes Robin’s shoulders and walks away to get her bag. Nancy does a quick braided updo to her own hair and adjusts the flower crown she found on top. Robin watches her from her bed and her heart pounds at how cute she looks. The doorbell rings and everyone piles into Robin’s basement with a tub of clothes and accessories. Eddie asks to use the bathroom to change so Robin points him upstairs. 

They emerge downstairs and Eleven looks up at them with a wide smile on her face. Her outfit looks a lot like Nancy’s which makes Nancy’s heart swell. She motions for El to do a 360 spin and she does, showcasing her little fairy wings. 

“Absolutely adorable, El,” Nancy says. She leads Robin to the couch with her bag of makeup in her hand. 

“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 and reverts her eyes back down to the makeup so she can hide the way her cheeks blush. Calling Robin beautiful is nothing to get worked up about but the intent feels different now. Robin whips her head back around from talking to Steve and Nancy gently holds her chin. 

“Close your eyes for me,” Nancy instructs. Robin exhales and closes her eyes. Nancy can smell the mint from her toothpaste and she has to shake her head to focus again. Nancy does a simple look on Robin’s eyes: nudes and browns to match her outfit. She swipes light blush on her cheeks. She tilts Robin’s head up and has her blink onto the mascara wand. Robin breathes shallowly the entire time so she doesn’t breathe all over Nancy’s face but she starts to feel a little light-headed after a few minutes. It’s definitely the lack of air and definitely not because Nancy’s face is so close to hers. 

The trance is broken when Steve and Eddie get into an argument about why Steve wasn’t in a costume and Eddie takes Steve away to go find him something to wear. Robin smiles as she watches them walk off. Only someone like Eddie could get Steve to dress up for a themed faire. 

Nancy offers to drive the girls and Robin settles into the passenger seat. The faire is a couple of hours away in Indianapolis. Eleven and Max gab in the backseat while Nancy talks to Robin about Emerson College.

Robin graduated that spring as well. She got accepted into Berklee College of Music which is also in Boston. When she told Nancy this, Nancy’s face lit up.  

“Oh thank GOD I’ll have a friend in the city! I’m so nervous to move away from here,” She said. 

“Yeah,” Robin agreed. “You’ll have to invite me to your fancy Emerson parties.”

Nancy smiled. “Of course. How else am I going to see you become ‘Rebecca’?”

Robin groaned and turned her face away in embarrassment. “Rebecca” was the name that Steve coined for her messy, drunk persona. Ever since Nancy started joining their kickbacks, she’s been pretty tame about her drinking even though Steve has already told everyone the stories. Nancy laughed and poked Robin’s cheek. 

“I’m just nervous about freshman orientation. I mean, what if I don’t like my roommate? What if people at school are weird?” Nancy sighs. 

“They can’t be any weirder than us. I simply won’t allow it,” Robin declares with a soft smile and a raised chin.

“Okay, okay. I’ll make sure my new friends are less weird than you, Eddie, and Steve.” Nancy stuck her tongue out at Robin. 

“I Love Rock ‘n Roll” by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts comes on the radio and Max yells from the backseat to turn it up. Robin cranks the volume and the girls burst into singing. Robin pretends to hold a microphone and holds it to Max, Eleven, then Nancy for each verse. Eleven looks nervous during her verse and jumbles the words a little bit but the car encourages her by hollering anyway. Nancy pushes Robin's hand away after her verse and motions for Robin to sing the chorus. 

“SINGIN’ I LOVE ROCK ‘N ROLL SO PUT ANOTHER DIME IN THE JUKEBOX BABY. I LOVE ROCK ‘N ROLL SO COME AND TAKE YOUR TIME AND DANCE WITH ME!” Robin screeches more than sings but the car cheers for her. She headbangs through the guitar riff, making Nancy laugh.

The girls sing the rest of the song before relaxing back into their seats with heavy breaths and big smiles. 

Robin turns down the music and the backseat girls go back into their conversation. Nancy nudges Robin’s shoulder. 

“Did you hear what they say about Joan Jett?” Nancy asks. 

“That she’s probably gay?” Robin clarifies. 

“Yeah,” Nancy says, then closes her mouth. She thinks she had more to her statement but she really doesn’t. 

“She hasn’t confirmed anything but that cover of Crimson and Clover was a little too believable for me,” Robin says with a nervous laugh. “I mean us lesbians would welcome her with open arms if she is.”

Nancy nods slowly and quietly says, “Maybe she likes both.”

“She could. Either way, the label doesn’t matter. She’s still a badass babe,” Robin says with a shrug. 

Nancy doesn’t respond to this but Robin watches her for a few seconds. The internal monologue she’s having is clear on her face but Robin doesn’t press. She just looks out the window at the Indiana highways and tries to not get her hopes up. 

When they arrive at the fairgrounds, the kids dart inside while the four of them stroll lazily behind. Nancy points out a mural that’s meant for people to take photos in front of and tells everyone she has her film camera with her. They ask a nice girl in a fairy costume to take some pictures of them. 

“Okay, now gentlemen, kiss your lady’s hand!” The fairy shouts. 

Robin’s heart stops. Obviously, the woman thought that Eddie and Steve were Robin and Nancy’s boyfriends. Robin presumes Steve would go kiss Nancy’s hand but then Eddie kneels beside her and grabs Steve’s hand. Robin observes Nancy’s skirt, internalizes it, and immediately kneels to the ground. She takes Nancy’s hand and lightly brushes her lips on her knuckles. Nancy lets out a small gasp that probably only Robin heard. 

Nancy observes the scene in front of her: Robin, looking pretty as ever, kneeling and kissing her hand. Her curls frame her face and her pretty bluish green eyes are looking at Nancy through dark eyelashes. Nancy feels her chest tighten. It’s over all too quickly and Robin is standing up, brushing the dirt off her knees. 

“Food?” Nancy blurts out, hoping to break the tension.

“Food,” Robin agrees. 

They start walking, leaving Eddie and Steve behind them, and Nancy can’t help but steal glances at Robin. Her cheeks are red and her hands are clasped behind her back. Nancy smiles to herself.

Nancy knows this feeling now. It’s different from the butterflies she got from Steve or Jonathan, but not bad. Just different . Their wings flutter lighter in her stomach but her skin still covers itself in goosebumps, begging for Robin’s attention. She feels as though she doesn’t have to look more attractive for Robin which is a novel idea. It should relax her but instead, Nancy’s brain is scrambling for other ways to get Robin to look at her. 

Nancy’s only a little disappointed when Robin suggests that she go with Eddie to get beer and mead. Eddie is always great company, even if Nancy can’t keep up with his energy. Eddie rambles off about how the boys are going to have a fantastic day because they’re basically dressed up as their DnD characters and he just hopes that Max and Eleven have fun too and the four of them, of course, and wondering how much a sword costs because apparently, he owes one to Steve. Nancy nods along, slowly processing everything he says with a friendly smile on her face. 

They dig into their food and Nancy can’t possibly find a way to eat this turkey leg without making a huge mess of herself. Everyone is staring at her struggling to rip the meat off and she’s a little embarrassed. 

“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 at her. 

“I like this corset though,” Nancy whines, despite smiling back.

Robin glances down briefly at Nancy’s chest and stifles a cough. Nancy notices and has to stop herself from biting her lip. So it works for men and women, good to know. 

 “Do you want me to grab some more napkins?” Robin suggests. 

“Please,” Nancy bats her eyelashes. As Robin wanders off, Nancy looks over at Steve who is staring at her with bewilderment. Surely, he’s not catching on, is he? She doesn’t love the idea of flirting with Robin in front of her ex-boyfriend but there’s a small part of her that finds it all a little humorous. 

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. 

Nancy’s eyes nearly pop out of her head. My lord ??? It’s her turn to look at Steve with bewilderment. Steve looks embarrassed as Eddie teases him for the pet name. Nancy pushes around her potatoes in thought. Wouldn’t it just be bizarre if Steve is doing exactly what Nancy is starting to do? 

Robin returns to the table and they all toast to being at the faire together. The kids pop up out of nowhere, making room for themselves at the picnic bench with their sweet treats. They go over what they want to do today and Nancy makes sure that she doesn’t get separated from Robin again. 

“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 and it makes Nancy a little giddy. “Everyone else can go with Mom and Dad to the jousting tournament.” 

Mike, Will, and Eleven join them for the magic show. Despite them being broken up now, Mike and El seem to get along quite well. They walk in a line with Will in the middle, their arms wrapped around each other’s backs. They’re all laughing and excitedly taking in their surroundings. Robin and Nancy watch quietly from behind. Robin and her have talked about how Will and Mike are getting closer at their sleepovers. 

“I guess I wouldn’t rule out Mike being gay but I just never saw it coming. He was so into El, you know?” Nancy explains. 

“He’s young. He’s still figuring himself out,” Robin reasons. “Still, if he is gay, he and Will would be so cute together.”

Nancy tilts her head side-to-side, picturing it. “Yeah. Yeah, they would be cute. At least I’d get one Byers to be a part of this family,” She jokes and Robin snorts. 

The magic show is pretty standard. Lots of audience participation, card tricks, creating fire from nowhere, levitating a woman in the air, and running a hula hoop over her body. Robin’s not watching the magic show. She’s watching Nancy take in the show and the magician's corny jokes with that calm happiness that seems to come so naturally to her. Robin wishes she could be that calm…ever. It’s one of the many qualities Nancy has that makes Robin feel safe around her. Similar to Steve, she’s so protective of the people she loves and Robin feels lucky to be under that umbrella. 

Robin looks down at their hands and how closely they sit on the wooden bench. It takes every ounce of courage but she slowly stretches her pinky out to cover Nancy’s. She sees Nancy look down and one side of her mouth perk up. Nancy wraps her pinky around Robin’s and it stays like that for the rest of the show. Robin miraculously keeps her leg from bouncing. 

The show ends and they begin walking back to the central meeting point of the fairgrounds. Nancy stops for a moment and watches a maiden dressed similarly to her dip a rose in all these different-colored waxes. The end result is beautiful, a simple rose turned into a rainbow masterpiece. The maiden shakes glitter over the top and hands it to the little girl who is next to her parents. The little girl squeals with joy at her present. 

“Do you want one?” Robin asks and Nancy jumps a little. She hadn’t realized that Robin was so close to her. 

“What?” Nancy asks. 

“Do you want a waxed rose?” Robin asks again, a little trembling in her voice. 

“Yeah, I do,” Nancy decides with a smile and begins walking over. 

Robin steps in front of her at the booth and says, “Hi. We’d like one rose, please.” Nancy blinks at her, not connecting the dots yet, and getting a little annoyed that Robin cut in front of her. 

“Wonderful!” The maiden replies. “What colors would you like, miss?”

“Actually, it’s for her,” Robin gestures to Nancy. She tilts her head toward the wax pots, silently telling Nancy to go ahead. Nancy’s features relax. Robin’s going to buy her a rose. Her heart beats against her chest as she contemplates the colors. Robin just quietly watches, her hands clasped behind her back again, and a little bounce in her step. An anxious tick. 

Nancy chooses a variety of pinks, purples, and blues. They both watch with fascination as the maiden carefully dips the rose into each pot. She puts the rose in a plastic box and hands it to Nancy. Robin pulls out her wallet to purchase it as Nancy holds it in front of her face, admiring it with a big smile.

They walk away from the booth and head back to their original destination to meet the others. “Um. Thank you. For the rose. That was very sweet of you,” Nancy stutters, kicking herself internally for being so jittery.

“Of course,” Robin kicks the dirt as they walk. “A pretty flower for a pretty lady,” She mutters, still looking at the ground. 

Nancy blushes and thinks, “ Yes, Robin! More of that. Please, guide me here.”

Steve compliments Nancy on her rose so Nancy tells him that Robin bought it for her. Steve’s eyebrows raise in mock surprise and he has a teasing grin on his face when he says, “Did she?”

Robin stares daggers at Steve and even flashes her teeth for emphasis. A look that says, “Shut the fuck up, Harrington.” She looks back at Nancy and can’t help but smile. 

Eddie observes everyone with a confused expression but ultimately says, “Shall we get you that sword, princess?”

“Princess?” Robin repeats with a matching teasing grin. 

“Don’t you start, Buckley,” Steve snaps. “Yeah, Munson, let’s go.”

Robin and Nancy laugh to themselves and walk off to go observe the rest of the faire. “They’re such dweebs,” Robin says. 

“And unfortunately, they’re our dweebs,” Nancy replies with a dramatic sigh. 

The dweebs buy the sword and Eddie does this whole bit in front of an unexpected audience about giving Steve the sword for saving the world from the Upside Down. Nancy’s jaw drops when Steve plays along and Robin shakes her head with a low whistle. 

“Oh, I’m going to bring this up forever and ever,” Robin mutters with a devious grin. 

The crowd cheers, so they cheer, and Steve spots them immediately. Eddie bows to them so they both courtesy back. The four walk around the faire checking out various booths. Eddie and Robin notice a live band playing with a crowd dancing in front of it and immediately run off. Nancy looks at Steve and decides this is her chance to talk to him privately. 

“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,” Nancy contorts her face as she tries to find the right words. “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. Well, that answers that question. Nancy feels warm inside as she witnesses a real example of the conflicted feelings she’s been having in someone she knows and cares about. “I’ve been having some thoughts lately too,” Nancy says. 

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. A pang of nerves hit her as she answers, unsure of how Steve will take it now that it’s confirmed. 

Steve smiles and pulls her in for a hug. Nancy laughs, feeling a little coddled, but hugs him back anyway. It feels good to hug Steve as a friend now. He always gave the best hugs. 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?” 

Now, they’re cooking. Nancy’s cheeks are red when she gives a small nod. But after a moment, she argues, “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. Nancy Wheeler and Steve Harrington pining after some goofy nerds. Who would have seen it coming? 

“I’m glad I know you, Wheeler,” Steve says fondly. 

Nancy nods in agreement. “You’re a good man, Steve. Should we go find them?” 

Steve makes a spectacle of offering his elbow and calls her “My lady” which Nancy rolls her eyes at but ultimately allows herself to be led over to the others. 

Robin’s face lights up when she notices Nancy come over. She motions for her to join their improv dosey doe dance. Nancy bounces over and Robin immediately wraps her elbow around Nancy’s and twirls her around. Nancy laughs as she’s passed from person to person. Her heart feels light which is a rarity nowadays. She notices everyone having harmless, adolescent fun, and she just wants to burst. 

The song turns into a slower tune. The kids hang onto each other and make a little circle dance in. Robin looks over at Nancy and takes a deep breath. Nancy holds out her hand first and Robin slowly takes it. Both of their hands join and they take a step into each other and then back out again, changing the direction of their heads each time and bending their arms. Robin might actually melt into this dirt but she’d welcome it at this point. She can’t remember the last time she felt this genuinely happy. 

Robin twirls Nancy under her arm and Nancy’s skirt flows in the wind. The way Nancy looks at her when she returns is nothing less than adoring. Robin has to keep moving with her because otherwise, she might cry. Robin’s brain tries again to tell her not to get her hopes up but she tunes it out for now. For now, she just hears the music from the band and Nancy’s occasional laughter. 

They drive Max and Eleven home and make their way back to Robin’s house. Robin’s leg starts to bounce again because she wants to ask Nancy to stay over but doesn’t know where Nancy’s head is at. They just had the best day and Robin doesn’t want it to end.

She’s scared shitless. 

Nancy bobs her head to the music on the radio and occasionally stares at Robin in her peripheral. Nancy decides that she’ll walk Robin to her door and make a move there. Some kind of move to tell Robin that it’s mutual. She can do whatever a man can do.

She’s scared shitless. 

Nancy parks in Robin’s driveway and goes to unbuckle her seatbelt with Robin. Robin glances at her, confused, and Nancy says, “I’ll walk you to the door.”

Robin nods and ducks out of Nancy’s car. They walk so slowly to the door that it’s comical. Robin gnaws on her bottom lip and Nancy can’t stop running through all the possible scenarios in her head. 

They reach the door and Robin steadily turns to face Nancy. They both open their mouths to speak and laugh at each other’s attempts. 

“What were you going to say?” Nancy asks. 

“Go ahead,” Robin encourages.

They laugh again. 

“Um. I had a really fun day with you, Robbie. Thank you for inviting me,” Nancy whispers. 

“I had literally the best time, like, ever. Thank you for coming and for driving us! I’m so sorry I still don't have my license! I promise I’ll bake you cookies or something as a token of my gratitude. Hey, do you maybe want to, well I know you have been driving all day, so if you want to come in, if you want to crash here, you absolutely can‒”

“Robbie,” Nancy interrupts. 

“Shit. Sorry. Rambling again,” Robin closes her eyes and minutely curls her body in shame. 

“Hey,” Nancy says, softly taking Robin’s hand in hers. Robin gasps as she opens her eyes again and looks down. Yes, Nancy Wheeler is most definitely holding her hand. No, she is not imagining it. 

Robin’s not imagining it when Nancy’s other hand gently cups her jaw. Robin’s not imagining it when Nancy glances at her lips. Robin’s not imagining it when Nancy squeezes her hand a little tighter. Robin’s not imagining it when Nancy takes a deep breath and steps forward. Robin’s not imagining it when Nancy’s lips press against hers. 

Robin’s not imagining it when she has her first kiss with Nancy Wheeler on her front porch on this random Indiana summer day. 

It takes a few kisses for Robin to clue in and kiss her back. Her lips are overeager and clumsy but Nancy still smiles against them. Nancy holds her jaw a little tighter and gently guides their kiss into a longer, more passionate one. When they pull away, they don’t go very far. Nancy still holds Robin’s face and their hands stay intertwined. 

“Do you want to sleep over tonight?” Robin whispers. 

Nancy bites her lip and nods. Robin’s smile is giddy as she unlocks the front door and leads Nancy through the house.

They steal kisses as they change into pajamas. Nancy borrows a pair from Robin and they feel so comforting against her skin that the butterflies are flapping their wings again.

They undo their hair and take off their makeup. They brush their teeth next to each other and smile in the mirror with foamy spit in their mouths.

They crawl into bed, as they’ve done all summer, but this time Robin can act on her impulse to kiss Nancy.

And she does. 

They both lay on their side and their arms intersect as they hold the other’s cheek. Robin is catching a bit of a rhythm by kissing Nancy. She’s a good teacher, it turns out. Nancy’s lips are soft, her skin is so smooth under Robin’s hand, and Robin just prays that she is providing a good experience here too. 

Nancy pulls her even closer and subtly opens her mouth wider with each kiss. Robin’s stomach twists as she mimics Nancy’s movements and Nancy’s tongue lightly traces her bottom lip. The kissing grows more heated after that. Robin wants to memorize the way Nancy’s hand traces the skin on her back and the feeling of Nancy’s leg between her thighs. The way Nancy’s lips feel down her throat and the gentle bite she gives her collarbone. 

They hear a loud car horn outside and both of them jump in each other’s arms. Robin pops her head up and tries to look outside her window. She thinks she sees Eddie’s van in the driveway and is confused as to why Steve’s car is still there. 

“Any danger out there?” Nancy whispers. 

“Not that I can see,” Robin whispers. She lays her head back down as Nancy moves her body up to lay on top of Robin’s.

Nancy brushes her fingers through Robin’s curls and smiles down at her. 

Robin’s finally witnessing the affection that she saw in every love story she read or watched growing up.  The affection she thought she wouldn’t get for a long time, if ever. Especially from someone as kind and beautiful as Nancy Wheeler. It’s enough to make her believe in fantasy. 

“Good. We’ve done enough protecting for one lifetime,” Nancy jokes quietly, leaning down to kiss Robin again. And again. And again.