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Steve is kind of used to it by now. The parallel dimensions, monsters, him getting beat up - or treated as a snack by demobats in this case - and 4th time's the charm or whatever. There's something or rather someone new to factor in this time though; Eddie. Eddie who held a bottle against his neck in panic and he refuses to think about the blazing hot flush that had tried to unfurl across his chest. Eddie who had given him his vest, even though Steve doesn't really understand how this little piece of fabric could protect his modesty and a look down his chest confirms his suspicions, yeah.. everything is still on show. Eddie who had fallen into step beside him and who he was currently walking through the Upside Down woods with.
They're brushing shoulders every few steps and Eddie talks animatedly about a guy named Ozzy while Steve tries his best to illuminate the path in front of them with his flashlight when it happens. Eddie trips over a vine. Ok so maybe he didn't do a good enough job, but also, Eddie hasn't spared one glance at the ground before them - always in his space, always catching his eyes, always so close - it's only half his fault he figures. Steve's body reacts before his brain can catch on. One hand grips Eddie's shoulder, and the other arm curls safely around Eddie's middle, careful to not poke the flashlight into Eddie's side. When he turns his head, he's looking directly into Eddie's eyes. He seems a little bit spooked, eyes big like a deer caught in the headlights and rapid breath that Steve can feel against his skin. They're close, Steve focusing on the warmth of Eddie's hand that's pressing to his bare chest, steadying himself and Steve decides to break the tension before he does something very very stupid.
"Getting weak in the knees for me Munson?"
Steve teases with a half smile, turning on the Harrington charm because no one said he couldn't have at least a little bit of fun while they're stuck down here. Or maybe he wants to be the irritating one for once, expecting Eddie to laugh and push him away. Eddie doesn't, he just stares, seemingly speechless for a moment - Steve absolutely counts this as a win - and contemplating him with a calculating look as he slowly sways into his orbit. From this up close, Steve can see the blush sprinkling Eddie's cheeks. So much for dissolving the tension, because Steve's suddenly aware of every hair on his body as Eddie's lips stop close to his ear.
"Oh, you have no idea Harrington."
The thing is, he doesn't. Steve doesn't know about the stolen glances in the hallways or how sometimes Eddie stayed longer on school grounds because Steve had basketball training and he liked how he looked when he left the gym, hair down after showering and so soft . That he always carried extra pencils in class, in case Steve would turn around and ask for one. Steve should probably remember the one time they smoked in the corner of the parking lot at 15, both waiting for someone to pick them up after classes and chatting enthusiastically about finally getting a driver's license next year, the air crackling like it could hold the promise of a newly formed friendship. That didn't happen, but Steve's not the same as he was back in school and he tries his best to show it in his actions every day. He's about to ask Eddie what he means when the spell between them is broken as his best friend's voice carries over to them.
"Hey Dingus, if you could stop flirting for two seconds we might actually have a chance to escape this hell hole!"
Robin shouts and Steve winces because shit, he's actually forgotten about the two girls walking a few feet in front of them for a second. Eddie's already brought some distance between them, having the nerve to look sheepish and oh , that's cute. Steve stores the mental image away for later and rubs a hand over his face.
"We were talking Robs."
Steve answers without bite and when he looks at her they share a private conversation with their eyes. He can't fool her and it's not like she doesn't know about him liking guys too. They had that talk a while ago and when she mentioned the word bisexuality he felt like a calmness had settled inside his chest, a kind of belonging. He won't ever take Robin for granted. Nancy hasn't said anything this whole time, just watching him in quiet contemplation and Steve knows she's smart enough to figure it out if she wants. He's not too nervous about it.
"Suuuure, whatever. Get your ass moving."
Steve rolls his eyes in fond exasperation at Robin and starts walking again, finally daring his eyes to the left. Eddie's biting his lips, apparently trying to stifle the grin that is overtaking his face. He catches Steve looking and winks and maybe he should be embarrassed, but he can't find it in himself to do so.
"So Stevie.." Eddie starts, sliding up beside him again. "..do you think my little stunt woke up Vecna?"
Steve's only confused for a second before the dots connect and he starts giggling. An actual giggle, that Robin will give him so much shit about later and he himself can't believe just came out of his mouth. Steve Harrington you absolute fool he thinks to himself, always finding attraction for people in near-death situations. Oh, he's so fucked. Eddie though seems absolutely elated, like he's just won the fucking lottery. He's a sight to behold, eyes crinkling, laughing along with his head thrown back and Steve really wants to reach out and poke his finger into the right dimple. That guy's definitely gonna be the death of him.
"Shut up Munson."
he cackles, nudging his shoulder, as they both continue to follow Robin and Nancy along the way. Steve doesn't exactly know how the next hours and days will play out. He's going to do everything in his power to protect his friends and he's confident in them to find a solution for the shit show they're currently in. Being pessimistic wouldn't do him any good and they've never really done the whole we might gonna die spiel. It has to work out. It will work out. He's gonna ask Eddie to hang out when all of it is over, maybe they can watch a movie or just get into his car and see wherever it takes them. Steve's pinkie brushes against the back of Eddie's hand; it's not an accident.
He's got hope.