Work Text:
After everything that had happened with Vecna, Steve found himself developing pain issues. Some days, he would wake up and it would feel like every muscle in his body was being burned. Other days, it would randomly attack him in the middle of the day, or as he was going to bed.
However, he was far too worried to tell anyone. Not because he necessarily thought people (or at least his friends) would judge him- After all, everyone in his little found family had something- But he was afraid of adding more stress to them.
After all, they had enough to worry about anyways. Eddie was still in hiding from the public. Max was braindead in the hospital. Dustin had broken his foot and needed to walk with a crutch. Will was having visions again. Eleven was dealing with the fallout of her newfound trauma from her stay with Dr. Brenner.
They didn't need to worry about him.
So, he found himself in a routine of popping ibuprofen as often as he could without giving himself an ulcer and pushing through the pain no matter how bad it was. It wasn't until he collapsed on the ground after walking into Eddie's newest hideout for a visit that anyone even suspected there was an issue.
He'd gone there by himself, thankfully. He didn't know what he would do if he'd collapsed like that in front of everyone. After all, just Eddie seeing was overwhelming enough.
"Harrington, holy fuck" Eddie muttered in surprise, barely catching the other man before he landed on the ground and hurt himself further. See, Steve had run out of ibuprofen and hadn't had the time to go to the local drug store and buy another bottle, so he had been going through this day with no relief. He had been determined to not let his pain stop him from his regularly scheduled visit with Eddie, though.
Steve couldn't articulate anything more than a low whine as tears of pain and embarrassment began to streak down his face as he panted. He was sweating profusely despite the chill outside, his body working overtime to try and function correctly. Eddie held him close and whispered small, worried reassurances until the taller man eventually blacked out.
When Steve came to, he was bundled up in a few blankets on the ground of the hideout, lying on his side. He tried to force himself up into a sitting position, but his muscles protested, and he lied back down in defeat.
"You wanna explain what happened there, big boy?" Eddie asked, and Steve wanted to cry again but he didn't.
"Sorry" he started. Eddie rolled his eyes. "I um... I've been having these, like, burning pains after everything with Vecna, but I've had it mostly under control" he explained, voice crackling slightly as he tried not to cry. "But, this morning, I ran out of ibuprofen and I... Fuck"
"Take your time"
"I thought I could make the walk" Steve muttered out quietly, feeling another wave of embarrassment washing over him. "Clearly, I'm an idiot"
"Yeah" Eddie agreed. "But you're my idiot, and I'm gonna take care of you until you recover" he said with a small, affectionate smile. Steve couldn't help but let out a small sob at that. Eddie frowned and scooted over by him, gently pulling his head up onto his lap. Steve felt his neck and back burn at the motion but relaxed again once he settled. The slight elevation even helped to take some of the pressure off his shoulders.
"You shouldn't have to do that"
"I don't" Eddie replied instantly. "I could have just as easily dragged you outside and left you out there. I didn't because I love you and I want to take care of you if you're hurting"
"I love you too"
"Then you won't be mad that I called Robin on the little radio and told her to come here"
"Eddie"
"She is your friend, Steve" he dismissed. "I know you probably didn't want her knowing, but I panicked. I'm sorry"
"No, it's okay" Steve muttered after a moment. "I'm... Glad she knows, I just don't wanna burden her like I'm burdening you right now"
"Okay, well, get over it cause she's on her way with another pack of beers and some soup cause I ran out and I think it would help if you ate and got a little buzzed"
"Thank you, Munson"
"Don't mention it, Harrington"