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Steve didn’t know what it was, but he was completely infatuated with Eddie Munson. He’d never even talked to him before, only managed to catch his blurry silhouette float around the video store with Henderson.
He wasn’t into men, by any means. Just because he caught himself staring at his 8th grade gym teacher's ass once didn’t mean anything. The shorts were way too tight on the guy, so everyone couldn’t help but stare when he bent down to pick up his pen. And sure, maybe he did have a wet dream once about his favorite superhero, Superman, but that happened to lots of guys. No guy he knew, but he was sure it happened. It’s just that ever since Steve had first laid eyes on Eddie, no woman could hold his attention for very long. He’d had various conversations with Robin about the town’s most eligible women, but they only served as conversation pieces; Steve would never have made a move. The only person he wanted to make a move on was Eddie freaking Munson.
And it drove him crazy, the way Steve wanted to flirt with him just to see that lopsided smile. He wanted to run his fingers through his stupid curly hair, just to see how soft it was. And those rings, God, all the rings Eddie wore. Steve didn’t even know where to begin, but he knew he had to do something about the pounding in his chest.
Eddie Munson was turning into the very thing that would finally kill Steve Harrington, that is, until Eddie opened his goddamn mouth.
~
He remembered the day clearly, almost too clearly it scared him. Henderson ran into the video store, crashing into the front desk. Steve was flipping through a magazine that was way too inappropriate for Dustin’s eyes, and Robin was walking around the store somewhere doing customer service with a pretty brown haired girl Steve decided to call Birdie, because her voice was really high pitched. When she walked into the store, Robin practically jumped at the chance to be her movie sherpa. They walked further and further into “romance” and Steve opened up a magazine from their “18+” section.
That’s when the bell above the door jingled and Henderson flopped onto the counter, effectively startling Steve, causing him to curse under his breath.
“Jesus Christ kid, have you ever heard of manners,” Steve scolded, closing the magazine. Dustin righted himself, panting heavily from his run.
“Steve. Steve, buddy. Stevie, my old pal,” Dustin said, punching Steve’s shoulder lightheartedly.
“My God, spit it out Henderson.”
“Well, as you know, I-“ Dustin started, but something caught his eye; Steve’s spicy little magazine.
“Steve, are you… reading a porno?!?!” Dustin shouted, his mouth breaking out into a huge smile as he started laughing. Steve could feel himself turning beet red and pulled the magazine off the counter and threw it on the floor.
“What even was that cover picture?” Dustin asked through his bouts of laughter.
Steve shriveled back, not wanting to explain to Dustin the man splayed out on a velvet couch in only leather pants, and a woman in a thong with her bare chest pressed to the man’s equally bare chest. He didn’t want to explain to Dustin how it was the man who first caught his attention, dark eyes filled with lust, and how Steve had wished the model’s hair was just a little bit longer, a little bit curlier.
“Are you done Henderson?” Steve asked once he was finally able to put himself back together, “some of us have things to do.” Dustin rolled his eyes.
“As if you have anything better to do. You’re sitting here reading a porno for god’s sake.” It was at this moment that Robin decided to emerge from whatever gay daydream she was having with Birdie in the back corner.
“Who’s reading a porno?” Birdie asked; well, sang. Steve inwardly cringed at her similarities to Snow White. He didn’t know when he had begun to find faults in every woman he met, faults which would stop him from pursuing anything with them. Of course, he could relate it to a certain black haired rock punk, but he chose not to. He didn’t need to go looking for something within himself, something that wasn’t there… hopefully.
“Steve here was reading a very interesting magazine about-“
“Okay Henderson! Thanks for stopping by,” Steve said, walking out from behind the counter to usher Dustin out the door.
“Wait wait wait! Please Steve. I have a favor to ask you,” Dustin pleaded, brown eyes staring up at Steve. Steve could hear Robin’s voice faintly in the background, telling Birdie “have a good day!” then Birdie singing back “you too!” She walked out the door and Steve sighed, thankful that the headache of her voice left with her.
“What do you want, kid?” Steve asked, arms crossed.
“I don’t know if I told you, but tonight is the big night for the D&D campaign that I made.”
“Your little Dragons and Thunder thing? You may have mentioned it a million times.”
“I know I had to have mentioned it before because I distinctly remember correcting you on the abysmal name you called it. It’s Dungeons and Dragons you pleeb!” Dustin scolded, rolling his eyes. “God, Eddie would have a field day with you.” Steve’s ears perked up a little at the mention of Eddie.
“So what is it you want Henderson? You want me to go to your little campaign?”
“Well not when you say it like that. It sounds like you don’t even want to go.”
“That’s because I don’t want to go. Am I a D&D nerd? I think not.”
“It’s D&D geek you dipshit. And I don’t care if you don’t want to go, because I want you to go, therefore, you’re going,” Dustin finished, staring Steve down. Steve gave him a blank look, and Dustin rolled his eyes again.
“Come on Steve, please? You can even bring Robin with you.” At the mention of her name, Robin’s head popped up from whatever crossword puzzle she was doing.
“Bring Robin where?” she asked, completely lost in the conversation. Steve sighed, not having the energy to explain everything to her. Dustin raised an eyebrow, awaiting Steve’s answer. Steve dropped his crossed arms, sighing exasperatedly.
“Fine. But don’t think for a second that I'm making friends with any of your geeks, Henderson!” Dustin gave Steve a big, gummy smile.
~
Steve pulled up to the trailer, parking his car on the lawn amongst the other cars. Dustin gave Steve the directions to Eddie Munson’s trailer, where the campaign was being held. The entire drive there, Robin had been fussing with her outfit, asking Steve if it was appropriate attire for a game night where she would be meeting people she didn’t know. Steve gave her one word answers, all his thoughts occupied by the fact that he was going to Eddie Munson’s trailer. He parked on Eddie Munson’s lawn, then walked up Eddie Munson’s trailer steps, then through Eddie Munson’s trailer door, and there he was, Eddie freaking Munson. He was standing against the wall opposite the front door, talking to Dustin. Steve saw Max in the corner of the room, and he was sure she was only there because she lived right across from Eddie. Max was talking to El, who was probably only there to support Mike. Mike, Will, and Lucas were in a different corner of the room, probably talking strategy in their geeky outfits, and Jonathan and Nancy were sitting on the couch in the center of the trailer, beers in hand. The rest of the room was filled with people Steve had never met before, each person wearing a Hellfire Club t-shirt. Steve and Robin stood there for seconds, but it felt like minutes. Dustin noticed them from across the room and waved.
“Steve! Thank fuck you’re here. You’re late.” Dustin walked across the room towards them, drawing Eddie’s attention to where Steve was standing. That’s when Steve’s breath caught in his throat and he was sure he was going to die. Eddie’s big doe eyes were staring directly into his, and his curly hair was messy, but framed his face perfectly. He pushed himself off the wall and started making his way toward Steve. He walked with an uncaring confidence, and Steve couldn’t help but look him over, eyes gazing at his broad shoulders, veiny arms, and hands covered in thick, silver rings. Dustin stared at him, head tilted in confusion, and looked to Robin for clarification.
“Uhh, heat stroke, I think. He’d been gardening earlier,” Robin stuttered, laughing nervously as Dustin stared at the two of them like they just shit on his cat. Eddie reached them, standing behind Dustin waiting for his introduction.
“You are the famous Steve ‘the hair’ Harrington. And I am but a humble servant my lord,” Eddie said mockingly, bowing in front of Steve. Steve flushed red, shaking his head.
“Please don’t do that. And apparently I’m not ‘the hair’ anymore. Now I’m ‘the babysitter,’” Steve said, laughing nervously. Eddie gave him a smirk, and Steve was sure he’d melted. He was a puddle on the floor and he wanted nothing more than for Eddie to step on him. Where the fuck did that come from? Steve thought to himself. He blinked away the thought, coming back to the present. Eddie was bowing in front of Robin, taking her hand in his as he kissed the back of it. Steve churned on the inside, though he knew, logically, he had no reason to. Robin was very much into women, and Steve wasn’t even into Eddie. Still, the feeling wouldn’t go away, even after Eddie dropped her hand. Robin started giggling like a 12 year old, obviously unaware of how she should handle the attention.
“I’ve heard only good things about you Robin. Dustin tells me you’re the best at picking out movies for every occasion.” Robin blushes, actually BLUSHES, and sputters out incoherent mumbling. Eddie turns back towards Steve.
“And you Steve, well, your previous reputation precedes you. I know you only as the asshole, but Dustin tells me you’re quite the reformed asshole. I look forward to getting to know you,” Eddie finishes, then walks away to gather everyone. Dustin follows after him like some enamored puppy dog, and even Robin starts to mold into the crowd. Steve frowns and grabs onto Robin’s hand, holding her back.
“Did he just call me an asshole?” Steve asked.
“Reformed, I’m pretty sure he said,” Robin answered, trying to wriggle out of his grip, “what was that back there? It’s like you forgot how to talk. Like you turned into me.” Steve looked around to make sure no one was looking at them, then pulled Robin into the corner.
“You remember how I told you about that ‘tall, dark, and handsome?’” Steve asked, staring down at the floor.
“Yea, that woman who has you completely smitten, you refuse to look at another person,” Robin says, laughing to herself. Steve looks up at her, trying to get her to understand. He looks back towards Eddie, who now has a crowd of geeks around him. Steve looks back to Robin, trying to get her to connect the dots. When she does, Steve could see the exact moment the light bulb went off.
“Eddie ‘the freak’ Munson? Really?!?” she says a little too loudly. Steve quickly puts his hand over her mouth as she starts going on a long tangent, the words incoherent because his hand was muffling it. When she finally stopped, he dropped his hand.
“Finished?” She nodded.
“How long has this been going on for?” she asked. She looked towards Eddie.
“Since the first time Henderson brought him into the video store,” he answered, rubbing his hand against the back of his neck.
“Uh huh. And how long has this been going on for?” she asked, eyes soft as she looked at him. He knew what she was asking, he just didn’t want to answer it.
“Officially? 8th grade,” he said.
“And unofficially?” Steve tried to think back to every moment he’s had without realizing what it meant.
“I don’t know,” he finally answered. Robin looked at him softly, rubbing her hand on his shoulder.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Steve opened his mouth, but a voice stopped him.
“Steve! Come sit down! We’re gonna start soon!” Dustin yelled, and Steve sighed.
“Maybe later. We’re here for Henderson.” Robin nodded, and they moved towards the group, taking seats next to Max and El. Nancy and Jonathan were standing against the wall now, watching over the group like parents. Steve noticed how Eddie talked with his hands, the glimmering of his rings effectively hold Steve’s attention.
“And, without further ado, I present you with our Dungeon Master, making his first debut with his first campaign, Dustin Henderson!” Eddie finished, and the entire room descended into applause. Dustin made his way to the seat at the head of the table, which Steve presumed was the Dungeon Master’s seat. Eddie made his way through the crowd to an open seat, which conveniently, was right next to Robin. Eddie wasn’t even sitting directly next to Steve, but the proximity was making him dizzy. He prayed to whatever was out there that this campaign went by quickly.
~
About 2 hours later, the campaign had come to an end, and people were just hanging out. Steve managed to get his hands on a beer, but only one because he still had to drive himself and Robin home.
Dustin had led a successful campaign and everyone started congratulating him. Steve knew he would be insufferable for the next week or so. Dustin, Lucas, Mike, and Will were all huddled in the corner with some other D&D geeks discussing the campaign and some other things Steve had no idea about. Nancy and Jonathan had decided to take a walk because the trailer was too stuffy, and Robin was having girl talk with Max and El. Steve was content just hanging back and watching everything, feeling happy from seeing everyone else happy.
A few minutes later, Eddie had sidled up next to Steve, grabbing the beer from Steve’s hand and taking a swig. Steve was temporarily disoriented, his eyes drawn to the way Eddie’s lips hugged the bottle. Eddie looked at him inquisitively, and Steve ducked away.
“How did you enjoy tonight? I know this isn’t really your scene, but Dustin told me he begged you to be here.” Eddie handed the bottle back to Steve, and Steve took it, unsure if he should continue drinking from it.
“I don’t have cooties dude, calm down,” Eddie said when Steve didn’t drink from it. Steve brought the bottle to his lips and took a swig, a slow blush creeping up his neck. He cleared his throat and tried to have a conversation like a normal person.
“I actually had a good time. I don’t know shit about D&D, but Henderson was pretty adamant on me being here.” Eddie nodded.
“Well, it was nice of you to put on your big boy pants and show up for him.” Steve stopped, trying to figure out what kind of underhand comment Eddie had just made.
“I’m sorry, what?” Steve asked. Eddie turned towards him, unaware of how what he just said made Steve boil on the inside.
“Oh no, I didn’t mean anything by it. It’s just that, everyone here knows this isn’t your kind of scene. I just wasn’t sure you’d show up for Dustin is all,” Eddie tried to explain. Steve turned away from him, head tilted.
“Why wouldn’t I show up for Dustin? I love that little derp.” Eddie was really trying Steve’s patience. He liked the guy, he knew that, no matter how much he wanted to deny it. He was having the same feelings towards Eddie as he’d had with Nancy, but everytime the guy opened his mouth, it was like a slap in the face.
“No no no! You misunderstand-”
“Then help me understand!” Steve was starting to raise his voice now. The group of girls turned their heads toward him, and Robin started to get up out of her seat.
“What makes you think you can comment on mine and Henderson’s relationship? You don’t know the first thing about me,” Steve rushed out. Eddie was getting visibly uncomfortable, rubbing his hand against the back of his neck. Robin was at Steve’s side now, trying to insert herself in what was happening so that Steve wouldn’t do something he’d regret.
“Steve, I’m sure you know that you’re behaving completely inappropriately. Eddie was gracious enough to invite us to his trailer, and you’re acting like a real dingus,” Robin said, getting in Steve’s face so he would take his eyes off Eddie. Dustin was now aware of the commotion and was making his way over.
“What’s going on here?” Dustin asked. He looked between Steve and Eddie, searching for an answer.
“Nothing,” Steve finally responded. He turned away from everyone and walked out the trailer door. The cool air hit his cheeks, effectively calming his racing heart and making him unclench his fists. He sat down on the grass and closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath and listening to the sound of crickets. A couple of minutes later, Dustin appeared on the grass beside him. He didn’t say anything, but Steve knew that Dustin was brimming with questions.
“I’m sorry man,” Steve said, finally looking at Dustin.
“What happened in there?” Dustin asked, trying to understand. Steve shook his head.
“Honestly, I don’t know. Eddie still saw me as the asshole playboy who didn’t care about anyone, and it really bothered me.” Dustin shook his head.
“To be fair, Eddie never met you. He’d only heard rumors about the asshole playboy who didn’t care about anyone. Tonight was a chance for you guys to get to know each other, as yourselves,” Dustin said softly. Steve chuckled, suddenly completely aware of how much of a dick he’d been.
“God, I was a real asshole in there, wasn’t I?”
“A little bit, but it was warranted. Eddie told me about how he said you didn’t care about anyone, including me.” Steve looked at Dustin, reaching a hand out to place on his shoulder.
“You know I care about you, right Henderson? I know I don’t always show it, but I do care.” Dustin laughed.
“Of course I know you care. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been here tonight.” Steve smiled, and Dustin gave him one back. Steve pulled Dustin into a side hug, then rubbed his knuckles into Dustin’s curls.
“Steve, seriously! Knock it off!” Once Steve finally let go, the two of them got up and dusted themselves off. They went back inside, and Steve knew he had a lot of explaining to do. Once he walked in through the doors, Eddie was saying his goodbyes to his D&D friends. Max, Lucas, Will, Mike, and El were the next ones to say their goodbyes. Right outside, Nancy and Jonathan had just made it back to the trailer, ready to take the kids home. Robin walked up to Steve.
“I’ll wait for you in the car,” she said, patting his shoulder then walking away. Now it was just Steve, Eddie, and Dustin. Dustin looked between the two, obviously wary.
“Don’t kill each other, okay?” Dustin said his goodbye to Eddie and Steve, then walked out to join everyone else. Steve suddenly became very aware of the fact that it was just them two inside the trailer, and he wanted nothing more than to just crawl in a hole and die.
“So…” Eddie said, hands in his pockets. Hands Steve knew were covered in rings.
“I owe you an apology. The way I reacted came way out of left field, and I don’t even know why I got so heated in the first place,” Steve said, looking everywhere but Eddie’s face.
“Hey, I get it. Dustin’s your kid. I probably would’ve reacted the same way. I’m sorry for what I said, and how I said it. After you walked out, I realized how shitty I was being, inserting my opinions on yours and Dustin's friendship like that. You’re a good guy Harrington, I just didn’t try to see it.” Steve was grateful how Eddie had readily accepted his apology, and it was like every reason he’d found to dislike him before had disappeared. Eddie had recognized that what he said was hurtful and apologized. No matter how much Steve liked him before, he liked him a lot more now. It scared him.
“It’s not even that! I mean, it’s partially that, but I just couldn’t deal with the fact that this guy who seemed perfect and cool on the outside was saying shit to me? I mean, imagine that. The guy who you’ve never talked to and imagined only perfect things about was being an ass to you. I didn’t know how to handle it. I’ve thought about you plenty of times that never, would I have imagined that you were-“ Steve cut himself off. He slowly looked up to see Eddie Munson, in all his punk glory, giving him a goofy smile. Eddie quirked his brow, silently egging him to go on. Steve cleared his throat, growing wildly uncomfortable.
“Go on Harrington. Tell me about the times you’ve thought about me,” Eddie said, crossing his arms. Steve stared at the way his arms flexed, veiny hands covered in shiny rings that Steve could stare at all day. Eddie seemed to pick up on the way Steve stared slack jawed at Eddie’s rings, and he started walking closer to Steve.
“Do you like my rings, Harrington? Or is it my hands you like?” Eddie was standing in front of Steve now, and the proximity made Steve dizzy, his mind growing cloudy. What was Eddie doing to him? He was obviously doing this to Steve on purpose because he saw the effect he had on Steve, but what was unknown was whether or not Eddie was pranking Steve. All Eddie was doing was getting a rise out of Steve. He wasn’t doing it for any other reason other than the fact that it was funny. Steve was purely a source of entertainment, and he needed to get out of there as quickly as possible before he made a fool of himself.
“I’m sorry, I think I've extended my stay. I’ll just see my way out,” Steve rushed, turning away to head out the door. Before he could make it out, Eddie latched a hand onto Steve’s shoulder.
“Hold on there princess. Where do you think you’re going? You have a secret Harrington, and I want to know what it is.” Steve turned towards Eddie, descending into full panic mode. His breathing started growing heavy, and his hands began to shake. Eddie’s eyes grew wide. He immediately took his hand off Steve’s shoulder.
“Holy shit Harrington. I’m sorry. Jesus Christ. Did I rattle you that bad?” Eddie took a step back from Steve, who was thankful he had enough room to breathe. He closed his eyes and started taking controlled breaths, his hands growing still by his side. He looked up at Eddie, at how unnerved and rattled he was. He kind of felt bad that he scared him so much.
“Harrington, if you want to punch me, I will fully accept it. I just thought. Fuck, I really thought that maybe you had a thing because I also had a thing and we’re too chicken shit to say it, but obviously I was wrong, and I really need to shut up now, so maybe just punch me to shut me up-“ Then Steve shut him up. With a kiss. Which was very effective.
Steve stepped forward during Eddie’s little tangent, and once he had the opportunity, he closed the space between them. He kissed Eddie’s pretty pink lips, melting at the warmth and the sheer comfort he felt. Eddie felt so good. He felt so right. But Steve didn’t know if Eddie felt the same. He didn’t kiss Steve back. He just stood there, arms dangling in the air. Steve stepped back, his heart dropping to his ass.
“Holy shit,” Steve muttered. Eddie blinked once, twice.
“Holy shit,” Eddie said, then stepped forward and closed the distance Steve had created. And then the bastard kissed him.
Eddie was warm as he pressed against Steve’s body, and his lips were soft and inviting. With Eddie being an active participant in their make out, Steve enjoyed it that much more. These were definitely not female lips, but he enjoyed it in a way that was different from anyone else he’d ever kissed. It was more unwavering, more finite. There was no uncertainty behind his kiss, only longing.
Steve finally ran his fingers through Eddie’s curls, and damn, it was softer than his own hair. He smiled against Eddie’s lips, and Eddie took the moment to walk him backwards into the wall, successfully trapping him. Steve placed his hands on Eddie’s chest, pushing away reluctantly.
“Don’t tell me you’re not into men, Harrington. That would be a real turn-off for me,” Eddie said, doing that little smile where only one side of his lips tilts up. Steve stared at those perfect lips and idiot smile, and knew he wasn’t going to mess this up.
“If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it right. I want to do this right.”
“What are you saying Harrington?” Steve drew in a breath.
“Eddie Munson, will you go on a date with me?” Steve stared into Eddie’s big doe eyes, searching for anything that meant he would back out. But there was nothing there. Eddie smiled, big and dumb and goofy, and pecked Steve on the lips.
“Of course I'll go on a date with you, you big romantic idiot.”