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He was fine.
Oh no, yes. Definitely. Absolutely.
Very fine.
"Steve?"
He placed a hand on his head and closed his eyes for a moment. There was a splitting headache right on the side of his forehead, as he leaned against the nearest thing he could lean on. Which turned out to be the floor. He groaned out in pain as he landed flat on his side.
" Robin! What's going on with Steve?"
"I don't know! He just collapsed, he was fine a second ago! I don't know what to do–"
"Alright sit him down. I'll stay with him while you get some water and help!"
He was fine, honestly! They shouldn't be making a fuss. Steve tried to open his eyes, and he managed ever so slightly to see that he was in the stronghold of Eddie Munson. The one who he saved in the Upside Down, by a pure miracle more than anything else.
"Hey, hey, Stevie. Back with us?"
He grimaced, his forehead shooting daggers in his skull, as the room started to spin. The Family Video store going in and out of his vision. He shook his head as he unconsciously hid his face on Eddie's shoulder.
"I– I'm fine," Steve tried to say, his voice just above a whisper as he struggled to get his words out, leaning his head back to focus on something. Anything.
Which happened to be Eddie. It wasn't a bad thing, no. Not at all.
Or maybe it was, as Steve only just registered the concern written all over Eddie's face.
"No, you're not, stop being stubborn!"
Steve needed to close his eyes. He needed the room to stop spinning. He needed everything to stop. He glanced into Eddie's beautiful brown eyes, as he tried his best to stay awake.
"Only if you stop being so pretty," Steve murmured, not registering anything that was going on right now. If he had been fully conscious, he would have seen the blush on Eddie's cheeks. He also would have been very embarrassed. But as it was, he didn't. He didn't care about anything other than stopping the incredible pain he was in. Why was his headache so bad? He just needed to…
"No, Stevie. Stay awake for me," Eddie said, his voice hoarse, and full of worry as he cupped Steve's chin.
"I can't… it hurts, my head," Steve muttered in reply.
His eyes were struggling to stay open, and he knew any minute he'd close them, and go to sleep just like his body wanted him to. It would stop the pain for a while, right?
"C'mon, baby. Just hold on till Robin gets here, okay?" Eddie spoke, shaking a little at the end, not knowing what he could do to help.
"I like it…" Steve tried to say, but speaking was getting more difficult, he was too tired for this. "When y-you…"
"When I what, eh? Pretty boy, stay awake and tell me," Eddie said, willing to listen to all the insults in the world while he waited for help. Not that Steve had insulted him, not even in friendly banter. It was kind of the opposite, now he thought about it. He didn't know when that had changed.
"Y-y-you call me…" Steve couldn't hold on much longer, the banging in his head was getting too much. Everything was too much. "Baby."
Before Eddie could even think of a reply, his eyes widened in panic as Steve closed his eyes. He couldn't even think about what Steve meant by that, as Robin came rushing in with Hopper in tow.
"You got the police?" Eddie asked, not able to hide the frantic tone. His name had been cleared, the town was pretty much back to normal. Apart from the odd glares and cold feet. That was to be expected. But he didn't trust the police, not one bit. He was still learning to trust Hopper. He didn't let go of Steve as Robin joined him, sitting down next to her best friend.
"He was the closest. It might not be normal injuries," Robin replied, anxiously. "How long has it been since he shut his eyes?"
Eddie blushed as he remembered their conversation, "Two minutes if that. He was strong."
"Alright, Eddie, Robin, take him to the truck. He needs to go to the hospital."
"What if they ask questions?"
"Alright, when did you kids become smarter than me? Okay, I know a guy."
Eddie's stomach twisted, feeling very uneasy about the way Hopper had said that, but he didn't want to ask any more questions when all he was concerned about was making sure Steve got better.
OoO
Steve groaned, water splashing on his face woke him up, wiping the water off with his sleeves. What happened? He didn't want to open his eyes but when he did he had to shut them again. The walls surrounding him were bright, green and sort of blue. His eyes widened, as he tried to sit up, his eyes adjusting to the light once again as he looked around the room.
He was –
He had no idea where he was.
Memories came flooding back to him as he remembered passing out at work, with Robin and Eddie by his side, he flushed with embarrassment. Why did they have to see him collapse? And it had to be when Eddie was with him in the store, too. He had been doing so well in hiding his pain. Perhaps too well.
"King Steve is finally awake, the water did the trick, then! God, you gave us a right scare!"
Steve relaxed slightly as he recognised Eddie's voice, and he smiled at the hand on his shoulder. He was about to say something when he groaned again, bringing his hand to his head, pulling a face.
"What happened? Where am I?" Steve asked. Before blinking, looking into Eddie's eyes, "Us?"
Oh, he enjoyed watching Eddie's cheeks turn a light shade of crimson. He was not taking his eyes off him. No Sir.
"You're in my home, Steven. I am not a doctor, but I'm pretty sure the reason you're in pain is that you have overworked your body and your old injuries have finally decided to have none of it. I recommend bed rest for a few days, at least."
He reluctantly tore his gaze away from Eddie as Steve frowned, but nodded in partial understanding. Was that it? Nothing to do with the Upside Down? Just that he… Well. It did make sense. He didn't give himself any time to just relax. He dived straight back into things, looking after the kids, back to work. Perhaps he still hadn't processed everything.
"Wait, who are you again? You know my name isn't Steven…" Steve asked while trailing off in thought as his mind drew a blank. "I thought Robs was going to take me to the hospital?"
Thank God she didn't. He thought.
"Nah, dingus. If your injuries were to do with the Upside Down how were we going to explain that? We're lucky it's just you being your stupid self!" Robin said, as she entered the room with a drink of water in her hand, sitting down next to where he and Eddie were.
"Here, you need to drink more."
"I recommended Vodka, but she was having none of it," Murray said. "Murray. My name is Murray. I'm the one who helped you save the world. I got the numbers wrong. You can blame me for the Never Ending Story. We met in the Mall if I remember correctly."
It was coming back to him now.
The mall, the car, the plan.
Eddie.
If Steve hadn't checked Eddie's pulse, if Steve hadn't heard Dustin's screams and pulled a miracle just to get back and help, well, he would have thought the worst had happened. He was glad he went through the trauma, to find Eddie, to get him to the hospital and to be able to clear his name. All of it, and the fact that Max was up from her coma, well (her eyes, broken bones and cuts had recovered through the time spent asleep) and much better than she had been before, everything was fine. It turned out okay. He just couldn't help but think if things had gone differently, it would have been a very different story to tell.
Steve grinned at Murray, his pain forgotten briefly, amusement in his eyes, "Thanks for getting the numbers wrong. We've all been teasing Dustin relentlessly on that!"
"That's a big word for you, dingus," Robin said, patting him on his shoulder with a smile. "Trust it to be Dustin who gets a smile out of you even when he isn't here."
"Shut up, Robs. Don't you have someone else to annoy? Isn't it date time at the school fundraiser?" Steve asked, raising his eyebrows, winking at her, "I'm sure Vickie will love your company."
He loved those kids. He couldn't bear it if he had to go through losing any of them, again. He just couldn't. But if it being the end of the world brought Robin and her everlastingly long crush on Vickie closer, he was happy for her. And that it did. Robin teasing him about babysitting duties meant that he could tease her in return about her crushes. That also meant that she could tease him about his failing love life.
He didn't like that bit.
He wasn't about to tell her that he was having some sort of crisis in that area.
One she hopefully wouldn't spot coming. That no one would spot.
"Go chat to the next woman who comes by and then I can tease you about her, because God, you're infuriating when you have no one–"
"Robin, seriously, shut it," Steve said, blushing from embarrassment as he moved his hair to the side, trying not to look at anyone else. He didn't want to look at Eddie at the moment. Hopper would have a knowing look on his face and Murray… Actually. Steve glanced at Murray, who had a strangely bored expression on his face as he watched the interaction. Perhaps bored wasn't the right word. More like, observant?
"Aw, you're cute when you're shy," Robin teased him even more, scuffing up his hair as she grinned, placing her hands on her knees in an attempt to get up. "Right, I'll leave you in Eddie's capable hands."
Steve's eyes widened at that, and she simply smirked at him. Did she know something? Was he more obvious than he thought or was that just a comment that meant little to Robin and more to himself? "Hopper and Murray are here too," he blurted out before he could stop himself, "It's not just Eddie's hands I'm in!"
He visibly cringed at his sentence and covered his mouth with the palm of his hand as he heard Robin's laughter as she left. So much for not being obvious. He just hoped no one else picked up on that. There was a very interesting spot on the carpet on which he had his eyes fixed.
"Sure dingus, whatever you say, dingus!"
"I don't know where she thinks she's going, but she can't drive yet so I'll be taking her home. Will you be alright, Steve?" Hopper asked, concern still evident.
Apart from dying of embarrassment?
"The pains subsided, for now. I think I'll be alright. Sorry for the false alarm, Hopper," Steve apologised, giving him a sheepish smile.
"Hopper? I can't drive!" Robin shouted through the house.
"See you, gentlemen."
Steve couldn't help but laugh as Hopper left, only regretting it a moment later as he clutched his sides. Which was weird, why would they be hurting unless…
He lifted his polo shirt and groaned, blood dripping freshly from one of his scars which he had received from the Upside Down. He cursed under his breath.
"Steve?" Eddie whispered, speaking for the first time in a while.
Steve looked up, not doing a very good job at hiding his pain as Eddie got his full attention. There was something different, likeable, about Eddie calling him by his name. It was unlike anyone else. There was worry in the other man's eyes, but also a soft look in them. He didn't understand why Eddie was hesitant to speak, or why he had somehow got closer so Eddie's hand was now resting on Steve's arm causing electricity to spike through his veins.
"You okay, Eddie?" Steve asked, his voice just above a whisper.
"I –"
"Alright, now! Who's up for some shots?" Murray asked, not very tactfully given the situation, holding some glasses and a bottle of vodka.
Eddie didn't move from his position, "He's hurt, Murray."
Steve sighed heavily, he hated that he was useless, and he didn't like how much fuss they were making over him. Like his Father would say, he'd be fine. "It's just a scratch, I'll be fine in the morning –"
"Where's your first aid kit?" Eddie asked, ignoring Steve as he got up, taking his time before removing his hand.
Steve tried not to let the disappointment show. He missed the warmth already.
"By the vodka, in the cupboard above the sink, in the kitchen," Murray replied, watching with fascination as Eddie left.
"He's interesting, isn't he?" Murray commented, thinking out loud.
Steve hummed, "He's more than that. He's so much more."
At some point, Murray had left Steve and Eddie, claiming that he had forgotten to get something from the shops which would take him half an hour or an hour to get there and back without being spotted by the Russian government. Steve had honestly lost interest halfway through Murray's endless rambling about spies, the only part the man seemed to emphasize was that he would be out for an hour at least.
A few moments later after Murray had gone and Eddie came back into the room, he placed the box of band-aids down on the table next to the sofa, and he opened the cleaning wipes.
Comfortable silence had lapsed between them as Eddie carefully wiped away the blood, Steve didn't look anywhere else but at his friend.
It had been two months since Vecna, and of those two months the group were rarely seen apart. They would have organised nights, whether it be D&D, movie nights or just being with each other. None of them wanted to be by themselves. With everything seemingly back to normal… It just didn't seem right to be apart from each other.
On those nights and others, Steve and Eddie would be drawn together, sitting next to each other, whispering, getting close, staying at each other's places after everyone had gone. They were very good friends, but even Steve, who was oblivious at first, would notice when Eddie flirts. When the man stares for a second too long or that feeling of electricity spiking that never goes away when Eddie touches him.
But the thing was, Steve, didn't know what to do. Yeah, he flirted with women all the time, and Robin used to tease him for it day in and day out. But he didn't flirt with anyone for a month or perhaps two, after coming back from the Upside Down with Eddie cradled in his arms. Which was why Robin kept teasing him about being off his game once again when she just wasn't looking hard enough.
So, as he watched Eddie gently place a medium-sized band-aid on his scar, wrapping it with a bandage to make the bleeding stop, Steve smiled, staring at the other man's hair, which was covering his eyes. He couldn't help it, as he reached out, he tucked Eddie's hair behind his ear, his thumb stroking his cheek while he did so.
"There," Eddie whispered, gazing into Steve's eyes "All done."
"Thank you," Steve replied. "Eddie…"
"Steve?"
"What were you going to say? Before Murray interrupted?" Steve asked, not letting go of Eddie's hair, he liked the embrace that they were in perhaps a little too much.
"Just that I was glad you were okay. As much as you're annoying, Steve "the hair" Harrington," Eddie joked his smile widening, before bringing his hand to cup Steve's chin. "I couldn't deal with losing you."
"I like you too, nerd," Steve replied, grinning brightly before wincing, his muscles tightening.
"Technically, Stevie. You're a nerd, too," Eddie retorted, amusement in his face that didn't quite hide the concern of seeing Steve in this much pain.
He blinked, doing his best to look offended, "How am I a nerd, Eddie? I –"
"You've seen Star Wars." Eddie deadpanned. "You listen to music once and recognise who made it and what the album is the second time. Back to the Future is your favourite movie, you're definitely–"
Steve covered Eddie's mouth with the palm of his hand, not doing a very good job to hide his flushed red cheeks.
"Shut up," Steve mumbled, licking his lips as he realised just how close they were now. He didn't move away. He didn't want to. No one knew more about him than Eddie did and it was scary. But scary in a good way.
He looked at Eddie's soft, but rough hands which covered his own as he moved the hand away from his mouth, intertwining their fingers as he did.
"Make me, pretty boy," Eddie responded, a daring glint in his eyes.
His heart started beating heavily, and his eyes flickered to Eddie's lips, what was stopping him from… Then he remembered. There was no one here. Nobody would barge in unannounced, interrupting them. Murray was gone, and the kids were all at school. He was feeling particularly daring at his point in time, and he was very comfortable with what Eddie was suggesting.
He grinned softly, leaning in, closing his eyes, as he moved his hand from Eddie's hair to the back of his neck to bring him closer. Steve closed the gap as they kissed passionately, moving in perfect sync with each other. He didn't mind the roughness, he didn't care that Eddie tasted like mint, he honestly rather liked it.
Steve grinned through the kiss as he heard Eddie moan, and he brought the man closer to him, so close Eddie was practically sitting on him as Steve deepened the kiss.
He didn't ever want to stop.
Why hadn't he done this sooner?
The electricity that he thought only happened in stories was stronger than anything he'd ever felt, his stomach doing turns and backflips as Eddie softened the kiss slightly, deciding to take his time instead, which was even more infuriating for Steve.
It made him feel frustrated, as he tugged on Eddie's hair, moaning.
And then reality came back to them as Steve groaned out in pain, clutching onto the side of his chest, unfortunately breaking their kiss.
"Sorry, sorry," Steve muttered, guilt and pain written all over his face.
"Hey, it's okay. Should have thought about your injuries before we, uh, well," Eddie trailed off, smiling shyly. "Do you need anything?"
"You," Steve replied, his blush creeping up from his neck as he turned red, but he didn't regret what he said if it meant seeing Eddie blush deeply too.
"Apart from me?" Eddie whispered, smirking.
"I'm alright, I think. Sorry, I ruined our kiss, can we–"
"I think what you need is rest, Steve," Eddie said, squeezing his hand tightly, stroking his thumb over Steve's.
"But–"
"Go to sleep, I'll be here when you wake up."
Reluctantly, Steve nodded and settled down on the sofa. He squeezed Eddie's hand one more time before finally letting sleep take over.
OoO
When he woke there was a gorgeous smell that filled his nostrils, making his stomach gurgle as he looked around, massaging his head. He sat up from the sofa just in time to see Eddie put a record on, and he grinned when he recognised the first note of the song. I want to break free by Queen started to play and that was enough for Steve to try and stand up.
“Good choice, I love this song,” Steve spoke, his throat dry from not talking so much as he coughed a little, alerting Eddie to his presence.
“Steve! Why are you standing? You need to rest!” Eddie practically ordered concern written all over his face as he walked over, ushering him back to the sofa.
As Eddie’s hands touched Steve’s wrists, he smirked, taking the moment to grab his hands and twirling him around the living room, dancing along to the tune. He was in a silly mood, he had no idea how long he had been asleep on the sofa but they could relax for a few moments before the pain started again. Besides he enjoyed seeing Eddie blush crimson as they swayed to the music.
“Just relax, Eds,” Steve whispered into his ear.
He then decided to be silly and took Eddie’s hand, spinning him about as he sang along to the song, looking straight into his eyes as he sang along to “I’ve fallen in love for the first time, this time I know it for real.”
“You can sing?” Eddie asked, shocked, as Steve took a breather.
He shrugged, blushing lightly, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. “I, well. Yes and no. I’m not a singer, like you. But I guess I can hold a tune.”
Before Eddie could reply, a voice interrupted them from the kitchen.
“Hey, fellas! Your risotto is ready!”
They broke apart from their embrace and Steve blinked back his surprise.
“I’ve been asleep all afternoon?” He asked, as he sat down at the already set table, inwardly humming along to the next song being played, which was ‘Under pressure’. He briefly remembered that it had been around lunchtime when he had collapsed.
“Yes, we tried contacting your parents but no one was home,” Eddie replied, softly.
Steve scoffed, “Surprised if they even remember I exist,” he muttered under his breath, but loud enough for Eddie to hear as Murray came in with their plates. “They’re on a business trip, won’t be back for another month at least.”
“Haven’t they already been away a month?” Eddie questioned, worried for Steve. Was this what it was like for Steve growing up? Constantly being alone? Is that why he wanted to be popular and was called King Steve in high school? It did make sense but that’s awful to go through… He wanted to hold his hand under the table but doing that would be a big step, they’ve only just kissed. What if Steve decides he wants nothing to do with him?
“Don’t know. Lost track of how long it’s been, they sent me a check for the end of the month for food so who knows when they’ll be back. Um, anyway,” Steve needed to change the subject, he didn’t mind opening himself in front of Eddie, that was easy, but having judgemental eyes on him from Murray was less than ideal. “Sorry for staying here, Murray, I can leave if you would prefer?”
“You know, Steve. You’re the only one who’s ever said sorry for barging in on my home. So for the sake of your politeness and wellbeing, you can stay until you recover. It’s a one-time offer so make the most of it,” Murray replied, nodding his head over to Eddie with a suggestive look.
That made both Steve and Eddie blush deeply.
“Alright, thank you. What–”
“Steve the Ewok, Eddie the Rockstar, and Bald Eagle, do you copy ?”
Dustin.
Murray looked around, confused as to where the sound was coming from, but also annoyed. Steve mock glared at Eddie, who was grinning sheepishly.
“You didn’t?” Steve asked in disbelief.
“Oh I did and it was so worth it. Steve the Ewok, seriously?” Eddie questioned in return, now smirking at Steve who was blushing at the code name. He didn’t have a chance to defend himself as Eddie retrieved the walkie-talkie from his rucksack.
“Eddie the rockstar, I copy. Steve the Ewok is awake, I repeat, Steve the Ewok is awake, over!” Eddie answered, having way too much fun as he winked at Steve.
Steve snatched the walkie-talkie away from him, their hands touching for longer than necessary as he did so. “You’ve just single handledly ruined my reputation, Dusty-bun!” he complained, hoping that using Suzie’s nickname would embarrass the kid too. “Over.”
“Your reputation was already ruined, Steve the Ewok. Now, Eddie says you’re stuck in Illinois for a few days, right? Over,” Dustin spoke, sounding like he was up to no good.
“Right. What are you planning? Over,” Steve asked, glancing at Eddie who didn’t give anything away, though he did have an amused glint in his eyes.
“We will be coming over at the weekend. Eddie and Will are going to be doing a D&D session that you’re taking part in because Lucas has to go to Erica’s thing. Eddie will help you make a character since he’s there already, it just makes sense. Be ready! This is Dusty-bun, over and out!”
“No, no, no! Henderson! You little shit, Dustin! Oh come on,” Steve groaned, chucking the walkie-talkie back to Eddie who had just burst out with laughter.
“I don’t know what you’re laughing at, Eds. You’re so going to regret plotting against me,” he said, his eyes narrowing, threatening Eddie with his fork.
Eddie put his hands up in mock surrender, still laughing, “Oh, no. I’m being threatened with a fork, whatever will I do, your majesty?”
Steve raised his eyebrows and leaned across the table to whisper in Eddie’s ear suggestively, “Oh, you won’t be forked at this rate, Eds, if you know what I mean.”
He very much enjoyed Eddie’s eyes widen, and the blush was something that he would never, ever get tired of seeing. It was a very bad pun, but he didn’t care. He was so confident with Eddie that he was beginning to worry that he might be too confident. Like, he didn’t have a crisis and run to his best friend, he worked it out himself and it turned out alright? He liked girls and Eddie. Boys. Girls and boys. It didn’t matter what he was, he didn’t want to think too much or figure it out straight away. He will talk to Robin once he is back in Hawkins, but for now, he was enjoying their private, secretive moments.
“I so don’t want to know,” Murray brought them back to reality.
“Is it alright if Eddie and I,” I like saying that, he thought, “Babysit at the weekend? I’ve been forced into–”
“I was there for the conversation, Steve. Yes, as long as they don’t touch anything, and as long as I’m not disturbed, they can come. Whatever makes you lovebirds happy,” Murray said, eating his risotto like he hadn't said anything at all.
Like it was nothing.
It was not nothing to Steve.
He didn't deny it, instead, he blushed and stayed silent, choosing to enjoy the meal that had been made for them. He was also interested in the fact that Eddie didn't deny it either.
"So, Eddie. Hopper tells me that you moved to Hawkins when you were a kid. What was that like?" Murray questioned, his voice soft, curious.
"Oh. It was fine. I lived with my Father at first, it was awkward being the new kid. Then shit happened, and I lived with Uncle Wayne in the trailer and people called me the Freak. It was pretty much the worst decision my Mother made," Eddie said, his voice low, and sounding like he didn't want to talk about it.
But Steve listened, quietly, not wanting to be rude. He drank his beer and glanced at Eddie, who was playing with the food on his plate, not eating much at all.
"Why stay?"
He blinked at Murray, who was focused on Eddie. It was a simple question, but one that made Steve's heart beat heavily. He didn't know what he'd do if he never met Eddie, and what if Murray convinced him to leave before they even had a chance to…
His throat turned dry as he waited to hear Eddie's answer. He didn't have to wait long.
"It was my Mother's dying wish for me to leave the shithole she grew up in. Yeah, I could have left when Uncle Wayne asked me to live with him. I could have gone anywhere. I didn't want to because I didn't want to let my Mum down. Then '86 was going to be the year I graduated, and more importantly, leaving Hawkins. But this whole Vecna thing happened and I realised I have people I care about that I would never leave behind," Eddie said, his voice quivering towards the end, "Can we talk about something else?"
Steve wanted to go over to Eddie and tell him that everything was alright, that he could talk to him about anything. To hold him right and never let go.
He didn't care about anything else.
Just about Eddie.
"So, Steven. Why did Dustin call you Ewok?" Murray asked, seemingly on a roll with asking all these questions.
Steve groaned though he smiled brightly when Eddie laughed. He laughed so hard.
"This will be good!" Eddie exclaimed, clasping his hands together, giving Steve his full attention.
And with that how could he not change the subject?
"One time Dustin, Will, Mike, Max, El and Lucas forced me to watch Star Wars. It was like a whole marathon thing. I fell asleep at some point through the second movie because fighting demodogs really tire you out. Anyway, I woke up an hour later with teddy bears fighting in battle. I kind of demanded them to rewind the third film just so I could understand where the Ewoks came into it. Only I kept calling them teddy bears until I was whacked on the head by Dustin, who gave me the whole name and history of the teddy bears so I would stop calling them that," Steve said, a grin on his face at the memory.
"Let me guess, you didn't stop calling them that?" Eddie asked, sporting a matching grin.
"Nah, if it annoys the little shit then I'll keep doing it," Steve said simply, chuckling.
"This just proves even more to me how much of a nerd you actually are," Eddie said, smirking.
Steve rolled his eyes. "Yeah. Yeah. But that's the story, and Dustin hasn't let it go since. Hence the name," he explained shortly to Murray, who nodded in understanding.
"So, let me get this right. You," Murray pointed at Eddie, "Are the deeply misunderstood kid who just wanted somewhere to belong, hides under his hair and tattoos, but really is just in love with the least likely person you'd ever think to love. You, Steve, are the kid that was unnoticed by his parents and wanted love and affection, by making himself the most popular kid in high school who now has realised that he didn't need that title to be loved. You know what I think?"
Steve opened his mouth only to close it again. He shrugged helplessly, looking at Eddie who looked just as speechless as he felt.
"I think that you're both idiots who are clearly in love with each other but are too afraid to do anything about it because of what other people might think. Do you know what I say to that? Fuck them!" Murray exclaimed passionately, placing his fork on his empty plate and standing up, "And most importantly, fuck each other. The sexual tension in here is getting unbearable."
With that, Murray left the room.
For once, Steve had no idea what to do or say, as he stared at Eddie, who was looking at him with the softest expression that he had ever seen on him.
"He's right, isn't he?" Eddie asked, his voice just above a whisper.
His heart skipped a beat, and he nodded, meeting Eddie's beautiful brown eyes. "He is. Eddie, you know you can talk to me about anything, right? I'm sorry I haven't made that clearer and you've been there for me more than I have for you…" he was babbling but he just couldn't stop. "I just want you to know I'm right here and –"
At some point, Eddie had left where he was sitting and had walked over to Steve halfway through his rambling and he managed to stop him from talking by closing the gap between them, sharing the second kiss that day.
It was just as amazing as the first.
He moaned, holding Eddie's hair as Eddie deepened the kiss, it was filled with so much love and emotion, and he couldn't help but smile through it.
Today felt like it was a dream. A dream that he didn't want to end. Everything was falling into place. He wanted to talk to his best friend about it all! But right now he just wanted to melt into Eddie's hold.
He was sure Robin would want to catch up with him about the fundraiser with Vickie anyway, so she would call or pop round tomorrow most likely.
He whined as Eddie broke their kiss, opening his eyes in time to see him placing soft, chaste kisses on his neck. Eddie whispered in his ear, "Do you remember what you called me just before you passed out?"
Steve furrowed his eyebrows together in confusion, shaking his head, "No, what–"
"So you don't remember saying that I should stop being so pretty?" Eddie asked smirk widening, a glint of amusement in his eyes.
He blushed deeply, his heart beating fast. He had said that? He shrugged sheepishly, "I don't remember…" Then his eyes widened, the whole conversation suddenly coming back to him and he wanted to hide forever.
"Oh, so you do remember?" Eddie taunted, with newfound confidence, chuckling lightly. "You liked it when I called you baby."
Steve bit his lips, staring into Eddie's eyes as he nodded once. "I remember," he whispered, his heart skipping a few beats. "And I do."
"What was that? I can't hear you," Eddie said, grinning cheekily.
"I like it when you call me baby," Steve replied, louder this time. He was honestly surprised that Eddie couldn't hear his heart beating because it was quite literally thumping out of his chest.
"Good boy," Eddie said, "Come on, let's get you to bed, you need to rest."
He tried to ignore the funny feeling he got when Eddie praised him, as he tried not to show the disappointment on his face.
"But I've been asleep all afternoon I don't need…" he trailed off at the wink from Eddie, who held his hand, smirking as he led them to the room Steve would be sleeping in.
He had butterflies in his stomach as they said night to Murray.
OoO
It was Saturday, and Steve had spent the last two days flirting with Eddie at every opportunity he could get, and Eddie did the same with him. After that night, Eddie had left hickeys on his neck and shoulder blade for everyone to see. So Steve, naturally, got revenge for this and gave Eddie hickeys on his neck and chest.
Their dynamic had gone from best friends to romantic flirting and Steve couldn't be happier. He had told Robin all about it over the phone and she had said that she had a feeling something was happening between them but she was surprised it happened so quickly and that she was also very happy for Steve. She updated him on Vickie, who was very reluctant in telling him that she did indeed like boobies, and he had been right the whole time.
She also said that he would be covering her shifts and driving her everywhere to get back at him for missing out on work. They both knew it was because she missed spending time with her best friend and Steve agreed without complaint because he missed her too.
Now more than ever because, as he decided what to wear, he was going to be having a very first D&D session. If anyone asked, he would say Dustin and Eddie were evil and forced him into it, but being honest, he was happy to show. Will would be taking over soon, according to Eddie, and it was a practice run for him. Steve was proud of Will. So if he had to sit through hours of playing a game he only slightly understood (from the kids trying to explain it to him every other week), and if he got to look at Eddie while he was there, he'd happily join them. Not that he would ever tell anyone that.
He then found what to wear, as he looked at the top of his wardrobe, he found a parcel that had been opened but clearly whatever was in it hadn't been worn.
Steve grinned, "You brought the t-shirt for me, Steve. I thought I'd get you one as well. Look at how amazing it is!" Dustin's voice rang through his head as he stared at the D&D shirt that Eddie had made himself.
He put dark blue jeans, and the shirt on and smiled in the mirror. It would be fine. He and Eddie could act normal in front of the kids, right? He then looked at his hair, it was the messiest he had seen it in years. The side parting was practically in the middle, with his hair not sitting in the right place and to be honest, he couldn't be bothered to deal with it. He didn't have any hair gel with him anyway, so what difference did it make? Everyone that was coming over had seen him with worse.
He jumped when the doorbell rang and he gave himself one more once over before heading to the door.
Why was he nervous?
"Steve! You're okay!"
Dustin was the first one through the door and Steve grinned as they did their secret handshake that wasn't very secret anymore. As they finished he hugged Dustin.
"Yeah, I'm okay," he then scruffed up Dustin's hair and held him in a headlock. "Henderson! You little shit!"
"Now before you say anything it was Eddie's idea–"
"Are you going to throw me under the bus like that, dude?"
Steve's breath hitched at the sound of Eddie's voice coming through the door, and he looked to see him with Max, Will and Mike. El couldn't make it either, something to do with a family dinner with Hopper that she couldn't miss out on.
Eddie was wearing black jeans, his hellfire t-shirt and a vest. But that wasn't what Steve's throat caught. Eddie had cropped the shirt. So his hickeys and chest were on display. How was he going to concentrate when Eddie looked that good?
"You're who I have to blame for this?" Steve asked, slowly, finally managing to speak, giving him a half-hearted glare.
He watched as Eddie gulped, taking a step back, putting his hands up in mock surrender. "It's all in the name of good fun, Steve! I am not postponing Will's training just for Lucas to go to Erica's debate club!"
Steve's eyes softened at the mention of Will's training, and he glanced over at the teenager in question who smiled shyly at him.
"I hope you know I'm only doing this because you forced me, right?" Steve said, letting go of Dustin, and giving him a good-natured shove.
"We know!" Both Dustin and Eddie replied, walking past him, with Max and Mike in tow.
Steve stayed behind for Will, placing his arms around his shoulders. "Now, my young padawan–"
"You know what a padawan is?" Will asked, smiling for the first time.
Steve hushed him, "Maybe. That's not the point. I want you to know a secret, alright?"
"Okay," Will replied, curiosity in his voice.
"I'm here for you, not just because Henderson and Munson forced me. Don't let the others know that. You're going to do great. You're an excellent Dungeons Master already, I think you need to teach Eddie a few things," Steve said, wanting to put some confidence in Will before the game started.
"You think so?" Will questioned, his eyes lightening up with happiness.
It made Steve's heart swell, trying not to show his pride too much. "Yeah, kiddo. I do, now go in and smash it, deal?"
"Deal. Steve?" Will said, holding him back just before they got to where the others were setting up.
"Yeah?"
"Thank you."
Steve sat down next to Eddie on the sofa, with Max sitting by Steve's side. The boys were sitting around the table, with Will who had the board and many pieces of paper by him so the others wouldn't see.
He was still kind of nervous. Not that he would admit that outloud.
"Alright, so. We have a new player joining us. Starting at Level 8, he is a Paladin, Half-Elf named Stefan the Protector," Will introduced him, somewhat excitedly, and somewhat dramatically. "He is a wanderer, a traveller, and a knight. He heard of our unlikely group wanting to journey to slay the Golden Dragon of the Mystery Cave and made his way to join the party. You accept his help, but it comes with a price!"
Steve listened and looked around as he glanced to see what the reactions were to his character. Dustin couldn't stop smiling, Mike seemed more interested to know where Will was going with the price part but he could see the excitement was there. And Max nodded at him with a small smile, giving him some reassurance.
His breath hitched when Eddie placed a hand on his thigh, and Steve fought a blush as Will continued with the introductions, and where they left from the last time the group played.
After a while, Steve got the hang of what he was supposed to be doing, and more importantly, how to play. It helped that he had Eddie whispering in his ear to explain what Will was planning or meaning for them to do. He also explained that one could never trust the DM, and Steve quickly caught onto that.
“You want us to go to the town, which somehow has sewers or like hidden paths to the cave which is the furthest point of the country, right?” Steve asked, in a weird Australian accent, speaking as though he was Stefan.
“Well yeah, it makes the most sense–” Dustin started, but was interrupted.
“Does it? Because there's land here,” Steve pointed to the unmarked territory next to the town, on the map. “It would be much simpler to go through this than the town. It sounds like trouble will be just around the corner if we do that,” he explained like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“He does have a point,” Max said, breaking the silence that had lapsed over them.
“We don’t know what will be in the land though, there could be dangerous animals or something,” Mike replied, unsure, glancing at Will, who just smiled in response, not giving anything away.
“I just think it’ll be a hell of a lot easier to go round than through,” Steve said, trying to get his point across.
“But it’ll take longer!” Dustin exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air, pouting.
Steve rolled his eyes at Dustin’s dramatics, “I’ll take longer and safer over shorter and being more at risk in one of us getting injured, or worse!”
“DM, can we have some unofficial advice? Stefan is making us question everything!” Mike asked, fluttering his eyes in a pleading way.
“Well, I’d listen to his warning, my friend. But whichever path you choose, the danger will be ahead,” Will said, mysteriously, grinning as arguments broke out all at once, with Steve in the middle of it thinking he was right.
Eddie grinned, nudging Will, who blinked out of his daze.
“It doesn’t matter, right? The path. There’s no danger, is there?” Eddie asked, in a whisper, smirking knowingly.
Will chuckled, shaking his head, “Nope, only when they get to the cave.”
“I have taught you well, young padawan…” Eddie trailed off, smiling.
“You know, Steve called me that earlier,” Will said, as he let the group argue until they chose what to do. They had plenty of time.
“Called you what?” Eddie asked, confusion evident in his voice.
“Padawan. I’m surprised he even knew what it was,” Will said, thoughtfully.
“Yeah,” Eddie breathed out, smiling as Steve and Dustin were in a heated debate. “Me too. There’s more to Harrington that meets the eye.”
Will grinned, clasping his hands together, ending their whispered conversation to get the party’s attention. “Right! Have we come to a decision?”
“We’re going round,” Steve said, having won a vote. Two against one. Dustin groaned.
“This is a bad idea. Very bad idea. You’re supposed to be the protector, not lead us into death!” Dustin said, dramatically.
Steve scoffed, “You’ll thank me later.”
Four hours later, it was gone midnight, yet the party did not realise the time. Well, Steve was vaguely aware, as Eddie had rested his head on Steve’s lap, clearly tired from the day. He was surprised when Dustin mouthed that he was asleep. Steve had been carefully running a hand through Eddie’s hair, massaging his head as he did, for a while. It was unusual for Eddie to be exhausted, and Steve couldn’t help but feel worried and also warm. That Eddie felt self enough around him to fall asleep on him. It made him feel butterflies in his stomach at the thought.
“You have successfully slayed the dragon, but wait. The cave looks different. You creep further into it and you realise you’re climbing uphill, towards a light that shouldn’t be there. The cave is getting smaller and smaller until you have to crawl out of a hole in the wall, and then, you notice something. As your eyes adjust, you realise you’re not in Old Briar anymore. The sky is orange, and there’s a field, a forest and a red river that goes on for miles. You have entered Crimson Glen.” Will said, getting more dramatic as he ended his sentence, enjoying the way everyone was captivated. “The End, that’s it.”
“Oh come on! You can’t leave it there!” Steve was the first one to complain, while the others groaned. He was careful not to wake Eddie up, though.
“You like it then?” Will asked, anxiously, wanting to know what Steve thought of their campaign.
“Hey, how could I not?” Steve questioned in response, speaking softly, “You did really well, Byers.”
“Yeah, Will, that was amazing! Like it was so cool, I didn’t want to stop!” Mike said, encouragingly.
“Really? Thanks,” Will replied, suddenly a little shy as he ran a hand through his hair, and covered up a yawn.
Steve noticed that and blinked, looking at Eddie’s watch, “Right, bed! Go on, chop-chop. There are enough sofas for everyone, and Mayfield, you get one of the spare rooms. No arguments!"
"Wait, where's Eddie going to sleep?" Will asked as the rest of the teenagers packed their things away, getting their blankets and pillows ready to settle for the night.
"With me," Steve replied, simply. He was fighting to keep his blush down as he took Eddie's arm, wrapping the arm around his shoulders. He was trying to be careful not to wake Eddie but it exactly didn't work.
"I'm going to sleep with you, baby girl? That's a bit forward of you. We haven't even had a date yet," Eddie muttered, though unfortunately, it was loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.
Steve coughed, laughing awkwardly. He loved the way Eddie called him baby girl and he would be teasing Eddie about that later. Right now he was way too embarrassed to be saying anything apart from trying to avoid his kids from finding out about them. He just wasn't sure what to expect from their flirting and if they knew he felt like they might put pressure on them or something without meaning to. And he didn't want anything ruining their chances of working out. He thought the best thing to do would be to pretend Eddie didn't say anything at all. He could deal with the repercussions of that tomorrow.
"Alright, Eds. Come on, let's go. Say goodnight to your children!" Steve joked lightly, smiling warmly as Eddie rested his head on his shoulder.
"Oi! We're not kids anymore!" Dustin called out to them as they left the room.
"Night kiddos, don't stay up too late!" Eddie said, tiredly, yawning halfway through.
"Yes, Dad!" Max got the last shout, making everyone laugh.
Once Steve got to his room, he closed the door behind them and raised his eyebrows in a concerned expression at Eddie, who was still pretty much half asleep.
"You good, Eds?"
"Yeah, no, not really," Eddie replied, looking up to Steve with a smile. "No funny business tonight, eh?"
"We couldn't get away with it, anyway," Steve responded, trying to hide his disappointment. He didn't do very well with that as Eddie winked at him, tiredly.
“Another night, Harrington, another night,” Eddie said, with a wide grin as he crashed onto the bed.
Meanwhile, Dustin, Max, Will and Mike were still in the sitting room, having a very important discussion about the recent events.
“Look, I told you all that Steve would be great at D&D” Dustin boasted, proud of himself.
Max rolled her eyes, ignoring him, waving her hands around frustratedly, trying to get her point across. “You saw them together, right? How did Steve get those hickeys when the only person he’s seen for days is Eddie?”
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously when Will bit his bottom lip, glancing to the floor instead of looking at them. “Will?” she asked, expectantly, making Dustin and Mike turn to focus on him as well, “Do you know something we don’t?”
“No,” Will said, way too fast. He smiled sheepishly and added, “I don’t know any more than you do.”
“Yes but you’ve spotted something, right?” Max pushed, “What’s going on?”
“I think… No. Sorry, I can’t do that to Steve, he was so good to me today. You’ll just have to figure it out yourselves,” Will replied, his heart beating fast as he refused to say anything else. He took one of the sofas, settling for the night. He was too tired, if they asked him more questions he wasn’t sure how much he’d say accidentally. “Goodnight.”
“Suspicious,” Max said, with a pout, giving up in the end. “Night losers.”
“Night!”
OoO
Eddie woke up early the next morning, and it took him a moment to figure out where he was. The past few days had been a whirlwind, but it was the good kind. If that was possible. Never in his life would he have thought that he’d be best friends with King Steve. More than best friends, as he remembered the Night that Murray spoke to them, doing things with Steve that made him blush to even think about. From that point on their friendship had shifted, and he was more than happy about it.
Murray was right though, he was worried. Heck, he was scared. When word got out that he and Harrington were a… a couple? A thing? What would happen? He didn’t want Steve to go through what he went through, he wouldn’t wish that upon anyone. So how could they even be together, in a closeted place like Hawkins?
He didn’t want to talk to Steve about that though. He was fine with it being a secret, having their moments without anyone knowing. It was fun and dangerous – and that was what he lived for.
Eddie adjusted to his surroundings and smiled. He had woken up to him cuddling Steve, his arms wrapped tightly around him while their legs were sitting comfortably between each other. He couldn’t concentrate with the electricity of Steve’s touch going through his skin. So he did the only thing he could think of and closed his eyes once again. Going to sleep seemed like a very good plan, and besides, he couldn’t wake up Steve. Not when he looked so, so adorable when he was asleep.
He was in so much pain, that he didn’t know how much longer he could hold on.
Oh was he trying to.
“Munson, Munson you idiot. I told you not to be a cute hero!”
Eddie frowned, was that who he thought it was? But he couldn’t check to see. His eyelids were heavy, and he was struggling to breathe. He laughed, though. Or tried to, given the situation. He’d always fall back to humour as a coping mechanism.
“You calling me cute, Harrington?”
“Don’t talk, save your breath. We need to get you out of here. There’s no way we’re leaving you here, of all places!” Steve spoke, determinedly.
“Don’t waste…” Eddie said, before coughing up some blood, he groaned. “Time, go.”
“No, no. Stop it, Eddie. Now, this will hurt, but–”
“Steve! Look out for the vines!”
There was a shout and a scream. Such a painful scream and Eddie hated that he didn’t know what was going on. He couldn’t see. He couldn’t do anything to help his friends. He was useless.
“Guys?” he called out, but no one heard.
Suddenly, the screaming stopped.
He felt something crawl against his ankles and wrists, and all he could do was watch as the vines stood him up, and he screamed in agony. He couldn’t handle the pain. It was too much.
“Now, Eddie, you weren’t on my list. But, I’ve killed your friends, so I thought, let's kill you. There's no one here to come and save you. No one wants you, and no one loves you–”
“Eds! Eddie, come on. It’s just a nightmare, wake up for me babe.”
He let his tears fall down his face, but that was all he needed to hear, as he smirked at Vecna. Steve. Steve was alive. It was a dream. It had to be.
“Fuck you, Vecna, you’re not real. You’re dead!”
“Am I?”
He sat up, waking up, out of breath, his heart beating out of his chest. What the hell was that?
“Baby, you didn’t tell me you had nightmares,” Steve spoke softly, and worriedly as he ran his hand through Eddie’s hair.
“I haven’t had any in months,” Eddie muttered, trying to get his heart beating back to normal, as he realised that they were still in the same cuddling position that they had been in earlier. His cheeks heated warmly, staring into Steve’s eyes.
“Can I do anything to make you feel better?” Steve asked, his voice just above a whisper, concern clear in his voice.
He couldn’t help but smirk at that, leaning in so that his lips were practically touching Steve’s, who rolled his eyes fondly at his dramatics. “I can think of a few things,” Eddie spoke, closing the gap between them, doing his best to forget about the nightmare as he melted into Steve.
About midmorning, Eddie followed Steve down to the kitchen so he could watch Steve make breakfast for everyone. He sat in one of the chairs by the table, purposefully facing so he could see Steve from the table. Apart from the nightmare he had, he was feeling a lot more refreshed than he had done in a while, he wasn’t sure why.
He didn’t think too much about it as Will was the first one to join him, sitting next to him with a tired smile.
“Morning, my young apprentice,” Eddie greeted Will, “How was your night? How did it end? I remember the part when Stefan was trying to jump into the dragon to distract it so Max could get to it instead. I’m so sorry I fell asleep, it’s been–”
“You’re rambling, Eds,” Steve interrupted him, scruffing up Eddie’s hair as he joined them at the table for a couple of moments.
Eddie smiled sheepishly, “Sorry.”
He was surprised when Steve took his hand underneath the table, and he glanced at Steve when he was focused on Will. Eddie decided not to question it and bit back a smile as he intertwined their fingers, squeezing his hand.
“I think it was okay, I tried to keep it mysterious and interesting. Steve said he enjoyed it, but he has to say that. And Mike said he didn’t want to stop but he also has to say that as he's my best friend, so. I don't know how if the others liked it,” Will explained, “But they reached the cave–”
“And it was so cool!”
It wasn’t Steve or himself who spoke, but Dustin.
“Like where are we now? Why is the sky orange? What will happen next? I can’t wait for the next session! Will you be joining us, Steve?”
“Woah, breathe, Henderson!” Steve replied, chuckling as he run his thumb over Eddie’s, not wanting to let go of his hand just yet. He just hoped no one had spotted them doing it. Or perhaps, he wanted someone to see? He didn’t know, what he did know was that his heart was beating heavily and that it wasn’t normal for it to be that fast. “I’m making no promises.”
“I liked the part where I killed the dragon.”
“Morning, Red!” Eddie said, cheerfully.
“No, that was definitely me!” Mike entered the room, taking a seat next to Will, slightly closer than he should be sitting with a friend. Eddie made a mental note to talk to Will about that later.
“You’re just upset because a girl was smarter than you,” Max defended herself, walking past Eddie and Steve before sitting down.
Eddie had honestly lost where this conversation had gone, but he didn’t mind. He was too busy concentrating on Steve’s hand, and how Steve was playing with his rings. It was… Calming. It felt nice, and it made his stomach do a few back flips.
Before any of them could reply to Max, he jumped at a new voice entering the room in a panic.
“Yohoo! Yohoo,” Murray shouted, ignoring them as he went for the kitchen, towels in his hands. “Children! I smell burning!”
“Ah, shit! Fuck, oh fuck! The pancakes!” Steve bolted to save the food before it was too late.
He grinned at Max, Mike, Will and Dustin as Steve called out to let them know that he had rescued the food, and in silent agreement, they collectively burst out with laughter.
“It’s you we have to blame for that, Eddie,” Max commented, casually, as Steve returned with breakfast made for them all a few minutes later.
“Why am I to blame? I didn’t do anything!”
“He was holding your hand!” Max said, pointing at them accusingly.
He was honestly surprised that no one could hear his heart beating heavily, because he didn't want them to know so soon. If they did, how were they going to react? What if they didn't talk to them anymore and Steve loses his children? It would all be his fault!
His breath hitched as silence lapsed over the table for a few seconds.
"Someone passes me the golden syrup?" Dustin asked, interrupting.
"Did you not hear me, Dustin? Steve was–" she didn't care that Steve and Eddie were together, or flirting, a "thing" what she cared about was valuable gossip and no one seemed to be making any comments about Steve and Eddie's new relationship, so if they weren't going to joke and tease them about it, she would take one for the team.
"He deserves to be with someone who loves him and if that's Eddie, well that's even better than okay and if Eddie loves Steve it's perfect because he can force Steve to be with us for all the D&D games and it will be amazing. So, I did hear you, Max. But to be honest, I only care about the pancakes that are right in front of me," Dustin said, nodding at Max before demolishing his breakfast.
Eddie let out a breath he didn't even realise he was holding, and he grinned widely. He didn't care about anyone else's opinion. Henderson was fine with it, and that was all that mattered.
In a wild spur of the moment, Eddie stood up and walked over with two long strides to where Steve was. He sat on his lap, his legs hanging over the edge of the chair as he wrapped his arms around Steve and leaned his forehead against his, both staring into each other's eyes like they were each other's world. Eddie gave Steve a chaste but passionate kiss on the lips.
He ignored the sick noises and dramatic ews, he didn't have to look to know they were joking. Nothing was going to bring his gaze away from Steve's gorgeous eyes as he broke the kiss.
"You love me, don't ya, princess?" Eddie said, confidently, grinning from ear to ear. He was teasing, but in a way, he wasn't at the same time. He ignored his heart beating heavily, anxiously waiting for Steve's answer.
"I love you."
Perhaps it was too soon for this, or maybe it wasn't. He didn't care. They had strong feelings from the very start, and if this is what true love felt like he didn't want to let go.
He chuckled, relief flooding through him as he closed the gap once more, "I know."
"I knew it! You're both nerds! That's such a Star Wars refer–"
"Shut up, Dustin!"