Archive of Our Own

Valentine's day, 1987

The skyline was a jagged silhouette against a blood red atmosphere, clouded fog bleeding out from cracks in the ground. The world was shaking, crying out. Metal screeched against itself shrilly, rocks crumbled down, houses were being razed to the ground by the sheer power of what the open gates wrought. Steve and Eddie had been separated from the rest of the group and were leaning against a tall piece of concrete that was leaning at an awkward angle against some other wreckage. Vecna was laying his final attack, trying to bring the dimensions into one terrible hellscape that he could rule. When the gates had split open further, many surprises had spilled out of the menacing glow. One of them was a very alive Eddie Munson. In an attempt at creating more soldiers for his war, Vecna had saved his body and attempted to ensnare his soul but he wasn't prepared for the loyalty Eddie had to his friends, his uncle, and most of all, his passion for music. The spell had been easily broken with a tape deck and Dustin's pleas for him to come back. Now he and Steve sat, their work in the plan to end this disastrous apocalypse finished. As the world shattered down around them all Eddie and Steve had left to do was wait. They heaved, shoulders pressed against each other as they rested against the solid wall of cement. Steve had his eyes closed and head tilted back, gripping his bat tightly. 

"You know, it's Valentine's day." He said lightly as if chaos wasn't striking down pieces of the landscape all around them. Eddie snorted.

"No shit? Huh." He thought briefly, looking over at Steve. "I never had like, an actual 'Valentine' before." He sighed. Steve huffed. 

"Not even one of those freaky goth chicks?" He asked and Eddie laughed. 

"Uh… no. Not even them. Guess I missed out. Now we're gonna die. Didn't ever really think I'd care about it but… here I am, sad and lonely at the end of the world." Eddie lamented with a little forlorn smile. Steve rolled his head to look at him. 

"Hey, no. Supergirl's gonna make this happen. We're gonna get out of all this." Eddie pursed his lips and his cheeks hollowed slightly as he nodded. Steve adjusted himself, wincing at the way the concrete rubbed at his bruised flesh. "Tell you what. Next year, when we're safe and happy… When this is all behind us, I'll show you a real fun Valentine's day." Steve smiled at the other man fondly. Eddie stared back at him, an odd look on his face. 

"You and… me?" He asked softly. Steve nodded. 

"Sure, why not? We'll go out, have dinner, and you can see what it's like to have a real valentine." Steve spoke pleasantly, trying to pretend that the world wasn't about to fall away from under their very feet. He meant it, he could take Eddie out, maybe show him a few tricks. He could bag a lady of his own. Another wild shake of the Earth made that harder than it looked. Eddie bit his lip, almost smiling but trying to hold it back. 

"Steve Harrington wants to be my valentine…" Eddie muttered, laughing softly before sighing and finally letting the smile spread across his chapped lips. "Alright, you got it. Next year." Steve hummed and braced himself back on the concrete as another explosion sounded in the distance. A year was a long way away. A year looked like an eternity at this moment. A day later, when Jane saved the world and Steve reunited with all the people he loved, a year wasn't even on his mind. He survived. Eddie survived. They had saved the world, and the rest was dust in the air. 

One Year Later - Valentine's Day, 1988

It had taken a lot. Community effort, government support, many public outcries for the love and prayers of outlying communities. But it had been done. Hawkins was returning to some semblance of normalcy. Buildings were being constructed, houses rebuilt. There was still so much to be done, obviously. Rome wasn’t built in a day, or a year. But there was a comfort returning to the small town. Currently, Robin and Steve were lounging in the corner booth at the diner, brand new vinyl seats squeaking under their every move. Steve adjusted uncomfortably, gritting his teeth at the sound of the plastic fabric under the rubber sole of his sneaker. Robin looked at the menu lazily, turning it over to look at the beverage options. 

“Hey, they have Mountain Dew here now. That’s kinda cool.” She said absently. Steve grunted, moving again to try to find a more comfortable position. Robin looked up from the laminated paper to stare at him. “Dude, relax. You got ants in your pants today.” Steve rolled his eyes and gave her a look of frustration. 

“Am I the only one annoyed by this? It sounds like an army of ducks attacking every time I fucking move.” He said irately, lifting his foot off the seat and trying to turn the other way. Robin tsked. 

“You’re just pissed off that you couldn’t get a date for tonight. Admit it.” She smirked at Steve and he snorted a little too loudly. 

“Hey, if I wanted a date, I could have gotten a date. I have a whole line up of ladies waiting for me to call, alright?” Steve spoke with forced exuberance, chest puffed out and prideful. Robin sighed. 

“Gotcha. You chose to be alone on Valentine’s Day.” She muttered and waved at the server who smiled and put up a finger to signify she’d be over in a moment. Robin looked back at Steve and passed him the menu. “Pick something.” 

“Grilled cheese.” He said automatically, throwing the menu back. Robin shook her head and smiled as the waitress approached them, ordering quickly for them both before handing the menu over. She turned her attention back to Steve who was sitting with his arms crossed, watching people enter through the front door. Robin bit her lip. 

“You know, it’s not so bad. I was alone like… Every Valentine’s day. Ever.” She tried to console her friend who was now tapping quickly on the table. Steve turned back to her. 

“So let's hang out tonight! We’ll rent some shitty movies, get some snacks, it’ll be like old times.” He said eagerly but Robin sucked the air through her teeth and shook her head. 

“Oooooh… Sorry. Can’t. Got plans.” 

“But you just said-”

“I said, was . Was alone. Tonight, I have a date.” She leaned back, too proud of herself to be able to hold in the excitement of her tone. “Sorry, buddy. You’re gonna have to stick it out by yourself.” Steve looked shocked, eyes bulging out of his head. 

“What?! You have a date ?!” He spluttered and Robin nodded. He waved his arms around. “What the hell, Buckley! I thought it didn’t work out with Vickie!” Robin leaned over the table abruptly, shushing him. 

“ Shut up! ” She hissed and looked around, checking that no one was listening. “It’s… someone else.” She started to blush and Steve was able to put aside his embarrassment of not being able to pull a date for the night to lay into his friend. He opened his mouth to start the interrogation, but was rudely interrupted by someone knocking on the table, metal rings clicking against the formica. 

“Hey, Harrington. Birdie.” Eddie Munson stood at the edge of the booth and Steve jumped slightly. Robin turned to him with a breath or relief, happy for the distraction. 

“Hey, Eddie! Good to see you!” She grinned and Eddie smiled and nodded at her. Steve frowned. The two of them had gotten closer over the past year. Eddie joined them from time to time for community work and Steve would watch them chat amicably. Sometimes he felt as though they were sharing some sort of inside joke, they would smile and Robin would cast odd glances in Steve’s direction. He wasn’t exactly close with Eddie, but it wasn’t that he disliked him. It was very much the opposite. He wanted to be friendlier with him. After he got over the freak persona, Eddie was a decent guy. He was good to the kids, and to be honest he was probably the only guy around Steve’s age that he even wanted to be friends with. They had worked together to defeat the evils that threatened the world, but after that Eddie seemed to put a wall down. He hadn’t made any substantial effort to be Steve’s pal, in fact he seemed to get more distant when the man was around. Their conversation had been limited to whatever snarky comments Eddie could make and the sarcastic replies that followed. Steve often felt like it would just be easier if Eddie would give him a chance, then the three of them could get through those days smoothly. He tried to make peace with it. Maybe they just weren’t compatible. But every time that Steve made the decision to let it go he found himself trying his hardest to get Eddie to like him and more often than not he ended up sticking his foot directly into his mouth. Steve cleared his throat, pausing his own thoughts and forcing a smile at Eddie. 

“What’s up? You meeting someone?” Steve tried to make light conversation. Eddie cocked his head at him. His cheeks flushed slightly and he looked between the two at the table. 

“Well… I mean, yeah. I was looking for you.” Eddie lifted a hand to scratch at his cheek awkwardly. “Called your house, no one answered. So I asked Dustin, he said to try here.” Steve stared at him with confusion. He glanced quickly at Robin who shrugged almost imperceptibly. Steve adjusted in the seat again and he and Eddie both grimaced as it squeaked. 

“You found me I guess. Why, what’s going on?” Steve asked and Eddie seemed to get more uncomfortable. He looked at Robin before turning his body a little more toward Steve and bending down to try and make their conversation a tiny bit more private. 

“It’s Valentine’s day…” He nearly whispered and Steve nodded slowly, not understanding. 

“... Yes.” Steve deadpanned. Eddie licked his lips and stuffed his hands in his pockets. 

“And we're going out. Remember?” Eddie said through his teeth.  Steve looked away momentarily. A flood of images came back to him. Sitting with Eddie at the end of the world. Waiting for what seemed like forever to see what would happen. Their small, tiny, miniscule conversation about… 

“Oh shit.” Steve murmured. Robin choked on her breath, rasping out in surprise. 

"Wha- wait. You're going out together?" She managed and Eddie turned to her, a hand on his hip. 

"Yeah, Harrington promised me he would take me out, show me a good time." He looked back to Steve with eyes of fire, daring the man to back down. Steve set his jaw. "Unless… you were screwing with me. Which wouldn't be surprising, I guess coming from King Ste-" 

"No! I wasn't… I mean-" Steve panicked. He hated the nickname he had earned when he was living a different life. Eddie raised an eyebrow at him. 

"So… we're on for tonight then?" He asked and Robin turned to Steve, eyes filled with starry wonder and mischievous expectation. 

"I am so invested in this right now." She whispered and Steve groaned. It wasn't like he could back down now, not with the added pressure from his friend and the added challenge that Eddie seemed to be putting on the table. He was still staring at Steve, waiting for him to answer. It's not like Steve had any other plans anyway. What was the harm? A little fun between almost friends, it could close the distance between them that had been building with snide comments and unvoiced competition. Steve put on a gentle smile, the kind he liked to use on girls he had forgotten to call the next day and was looking for a second chance with. 

"Yeah, let's do it. Go get ready, I'll pick you up in an hour." He purred, half expecting Eddie to back down. Robin made some sort of excitable noise beside him and Steve tried to ignore it. Eddie made a face and stepped back, opening his arms to show his outfit. He was wearing his typical get up, Hellfire shirt with some ripped jeans, leather slung around him and handkerchief dangling from his pocket.  

"What do you mean, get ready? What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Steve looked him up and down before shaking his head. 

"No. No dork shirt."

"Hey, watch it." 

"Whatever. Go home and put on something nice. If we're doing this, we're doing it right." Steve shooed the man. “Go, go! You have an hour, I won’t wait if you’re not ready.” Eddie stared at him before grunting and swirling around, shoving his hands in his pockets and walking quickly out of the diner, grumbling about how he was dressed just fine already. Steve watched him leave as the waitress came by and dropped off his and Robin’s plates, looking between the two oddly before stepping away silently and leaving them to their moment. Robin was staring at Steve, slack jawed. 

“You asked Eddie out on a date.” She said slowly. Steve sighed, finally looking away from the door and scrubbing at his face furiously. 

“I guess I did.” He mumbled through his hands and Robin slammed her open palms on the table making her plate of french fries jump. 

“Why didn’t you tell me! I mean, I’m happy for you but-”

“Woah, woah, woah, calm down, Cupid.” Steve waved his hands around. “It’s not like that. I just kinda said last year that I would show him how to take someone out on Valentine’s day. It’s not that deep.” He looked at his sandwich and pushed the plate toward the girl. She blinked at him. 

“You asked Eddie out on a… fake date ?” She said even slower than the first time she had asked him. Steve pulled his wallet out of his pocket and picked out a few bills, throwing them on the table. 

“Hey, at least now I have something to do tonight.” He stood up from the booth with one last loud complaint from the vinyl. “Besides, you know how I wanted to get on his good side. This could be a great opportunity! Show him a few moves, give him a couple tips? We’ll be as thick as thieves.” Robin watched him carefully, biting her lip. 

“... Good luck I guess. Try not to burn all your bridges in one night, hey?” She said with thinly veiled passive aggression. Steve looked back at her. 

“What do you mean?” She shrugged, picking up the grilled cheese that Steve was leaving behind and taking a bite. She waved it around a bit, talking around the food in her mouth. 

“I just mean, you should probably make sure that everyone knows it’s a ‘fake’ date.” She scrunched her fingers in air quotations before taking another bite. Steve snorted. 

“No one's gonna think I’m out on a real date with Eddie Munson.” He laughed and turned around, nearly missing her eye roll as he walked away from the table. 

“Alright, Dingus. Think about it a little more. You’ll figure it out.” She called out. Steve swirled on his heels, walking away from her backwards. 

“No time to think, gotta get myself ready. Have fun with your mystery date!” He called back and she waved him off, leaning back in the seat while shaking her head. Steve backed into a pair of teenage girls, stumbling and apologising before walking out the door of the diner, an extra skip in his step. It may have been fake, but a date was a date. He smiled to himself as he jumped into his car, rolling out into the road and speeding off to get himself ready. He was going to leave Eddie speechless. 

__

An hour later, Steve was parking in front of Eddie’s new trailer. He was still living with his uncle and as Hawkins rebuilt itself, the government had provided Wayne with a new double-wide mobile home. Eddie had gone on about how there were two bedrooms and even a real kitchen. Steve had smiled and nodded at him, having a hard time relating when he had his big old house to himself most of the time. He had congratulated Eddie anyway, and gone about his business. Now he was waiting out front, checking his hair one last time in the rearview mirror. 

“Nice… A little piece right here and…" He pulled a strand or two down over his forehead, placing them just so. “Perfect.” He grinned at his reflection and winked before shaking his head at his own antics. Something about the way Eddie had set the challenge, like he hadn’t changed since high school made him want to really show him exactly how different he was. Checking himself out in the mirror wasn’t really going to help his cause. He readjusted the rearview before opening the car door and stepping out onto the gravel driveway. He had changed into some dress pants and a button down shirt, trying to look a little bit more formal. Steve had told Eddie to dress up, so he may as well put in a little effort. He smoothed the wrinkles from the drive out of his shirt and walked up to the door, knocking a few times before stepping back. There were a few thumps and a muffled call of something Steve didn’t quite catch before the door swung open, revealing Eddie whose face was beet red and slightly sweaty. Steve looked him up and down before laughter bubbled up out of him. Eddie immediately slammed the door in his face. Steve collapsed against it, giggling and pleading. 

“Ohhh, come on. It’s not that bad! Open the door, Munson!”  Steve closed his eyes and grinned as he rested his forehead against the door, pounding on it with his fist. He heard Eddie’s muffled reply. 

“Say sorry.” It sounded so pitiful that Steve had to cover his mouth to hold back another wave of giggles, only just managing to silence himself. He took a deep calming breath. 

“I’m sorry. Open the door.” He waited. “Please?” Steve stumbled forward as the door opened again. Eddie crossed his arms, looking embarrassed. 

“You said to wear something nice…” He muttered and Steve bit the inside of his cheek in order to try to hold onto his composure. Eddie was standing there with his arms crossed in a very outdated three piece suit. It was clearly too big on him and looked like it had been hanging in a closet for years. The waist of the pants were pulled up nearly to his chest. Eddie started to wriggle under Steve’s gaze and tugged uncomfortably at the bowtie that he had attempted to knot around his collar. Steve swallowed and nodded, forcing his voice to stay level. 

“Yeah, I said nice. Not… Is this your uncle’s suit?” Steve asked and Eddie cleared his throat. 

“He wouldn’t care if I was wearing it, he hasn’t put it on in years.” He answered as if that was the problem that Steve had with it. 

“Yeah, clearly…” Steve murmured and Eddie rolled his eyes, cheeks starting to flare once again. 

“Is this how you start all your dates? By laughing at them?” Eddie growled. His tone wiped the growing smirk off of Steve’s face. Steve coughed and put his hands on his hips. 

“No, you’re right. My bad. Let me in, I’ll help.” 

“Help how?” 

“I’ll help you choose an outfit, come on.” Steve pushed past Eddie into the trailer, ignoring his stuttered complaints. Steve looked around, taking in the atmosphere. “You were right, it’s nice in here. Way better than the last one- Woah!” Steve yelped as Eddie grabbed his arm, dragging him down the hallway. 

“I’m letting you do this one. time. ” Eddie said in a low growl, pulling Steve into his room and over to his closet. “Here. Find what you think is suitable, Your Highness.” Eddie enunciated theatrically and Steve pressed his lips together. 

“I’m going to, but stop it with that shit would you?” He turned to the closet, rifling through what Eddie had. Black band shirt. Black band shirt. Another black band shirt. “Jesus, the variety is astounding…” Sarcasm dripped from his voice before he turned to look at Eddie again, pausing and breath hitching. Eddie had now relieved himself from the confines of the suit jacket and bowtie and was standing there with the white dress shirt unbuttoned, his chest bared and scars out in the open. He was starting to pull the pants down over his waist, the top of his boxers peeking out when he caught Steve’s eye. 

“Do you mind?” He said quickly, motioning for him to turn around. He didn’t have to, Steve was already spinning and staring back into the sea of black fabrics. He felt the blood filling his cheeks as he fumbled around the clothes for a second time. 

“It’s not a big deal… Haven’t you ever changed in a locker room?” Steve tried to cover, grabbing a pair of jeans that seemed like they were mostly intact and holding them out behind him, waiting for Eddie to grab them. Eddie’s laughter rang out behind him.

“Did you ever see me in the locker room, Harrington?” Eddie’s voice was low and amused. Something about it made Steve want to sneak a look at the expression on his face. He turned his head just so and glanced in the mirror that was resting on a dresser to the left to see Eddie’s reflection. The man was pulling on the jeans he had been given, adjusting them around his hips and stretching them. They were a little tight, he was just able to button them around his waist. Steve watched him give a tiny smile of success, and his heart fluttered. Eddie dragged his hands up over the scars and hair absently, fingertips languidly skimming and assessing. Steve’s eyes widened slightly. To be honest, Eddie wasn’t unattractive. In fact, if more people were to see him the way that Steve was now as he was touching himself in the dusty mirror of his room he could probably get a date without a problem. He continued to watch him, eyes tracing Eddie’s hands as they settled on his hip bones. Actually, it was downright sinful, the way his rings pressed into the skin; weighing his frame down to earth. Steve’s mouth started to go dry as Eddie started to sway back and forth, shifting his weight and causing those bones to shift under his flesh like a dance. Steve dragged his vision up Eddie’s chest and over the puckered skin and healed bites until he made eye contact. Eddie cocked an eyebrow at him, the smile on his face widening. 

“You watch like this in the locker room too?” He said, his voice layered with gentle teasing. Steve turned back to the closet with burning embarrassment. 

“I wasn’t-... Here. Put this on.” Steve ripped a black henley shirt off of a hanger and tossed it behind him before stomping off to the front door. “I’ll meet you at the car.” He called behind him, walking down the hallway and out of the trailer quickly. Once he got outside Steve finally felt as if he was able to breathe again. He felt like he had just escaped a dangerous situation, his skin tingling with something akin to an adrenaline rush while stumbling over to the car and leaning on the hood. 

“What the fuck…” Steve whispered to himself. He heard the screen door slam behind him and straightened up, turning around and catching Eddie walking toward him as he tucked his shirt into his pants. He was wearing the henley with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, black boots on his feet. Eddie sauntered toward him and gave a little spin. 

“Well, are you happy?” He asked and Steve crossed his arms. 

“Elated. Come on, get in." Steve deadpanned. Eddie rolled his eyes, scowling and walking over to the passenger side of the car as Steve pushed himself off the hood to get into the vehicle as well. 

"Man, you're bossy. Do your dates usually like that?" Eddie grumbled as he slumped down in the passenger seat. Steve readjusted the rearview mirror. 

"You're a special case." Steve said before pulling away from the trailer and heading down the road toward town. Eddie tilted his head, pressing it against the window. Steve snuck little glances of him out of the corner of his eye. He really had chosen a nice outfit. There could be hope for Eddie after all. He cleared his throat, making turns through Hawkins. “You look good. Better than usual I mean.” Eddie turned his head a little more toward the window, staring out but Steve could see the tinge of red that came up his neck and to his ear. 

“... Thanks. You too.” He said quietly and Steve didn’t know what to do with the tiny compliment. He looked back to the road and pushed it down inside of him, right with the rest of the things about Eddie that made him feel out of his comfort zone in an exciting way. Eddie sighed beside him, hand rustling around to adjust something that he had in his pocket and Steve frowned. 

“What?” He asked sharply and the lull of sweet innocence was broken. Eddie turned his head back to Steve and raised his eyebrows. 

“What? Nothing.” He responded, but Steve could hear the apprehension in his voice. 

“No, you’re all huffy and breathy. What?” Maybe Steve wasn’t very attuned to the subtle art of reading the room but he definitely knew what it looked like when his date was annoyed. Eddie shrugged. 

“Dunno, you just kind of built this up to be a time of your life kinda thing.” Eddie opened his palms to the air, gesturing around. “You didn’t even bring me flowers or chocolates. Thought this was supposed to be the whole experience. Seems like you don't even care.” Steve gawked at him. 

“Okay, first off.” Steve put a finger in the air to count. “We’re just getting started, okay?” 

“Good start, you laughed at me.” 

“Second thing.” Steve said firmly, pointedly ignoring the comment and sticking another finger up. “I had very little time to get ready for this. When would I have gone to get you flowers?”

“Very little time? You had a whole year!” Eddie said with a smile and a laugh. Steve frowned. 

“Would you even want flowers?” Steve asked, the volume of his voice rising. This was how it had become between the two of them. Eddie always making little comments that for some reason caught Steve just the wrong way. Steve would find himself getting riled up without being able to explain it while Eddie would sit there with that cheshire cat grin. The one that said Steve would never win. The one he was wearing now. Eddie flashed his teeth at Steve and smoothed his hands down his own thighs, adjusting the pants. 

“I might. You never asked.” Eddie said lightly and Steve snorted, pulling over to the side of the road and parking. 

“Well maybe I would have if this was actually serious.” Steve muttered. Eddie’s face fell. 

“Wow. Real nice.” Eddie looked around and his eyes landed on the building outside causing his eyes to widen slightly and a smirk fell across his lips.  “Enzo’s? Really? This is your choice?” He mocked. Steve took his hands off the wheel and shot a look at Eddie. 

“Excuse me? This is a nice place!”

“Yeah. If you’re in your forties… Even I know that.” Steve groaned. Eddie shrugged and opened his car door. “Well we’re here now. Come on, Harrington. You got the rest of dinner to up your game a little here because so far? I prefer last Valentine’s day.” He stepped out onto the sidewalk and slammed the door shut with more force than necessary, causing Steve to wince. He jumped out of the car, trying to catch up with the other man as he headed toward the door. 

“You know, you didn’t have to come find me today if you were going to be such a dick. I was perfectly happy on my own.” Steve called out, rushing up to open the door of the restaurant for Eddie. Eddie paused, surprised by the gesture for a moment before walking through. 

“You’re the one who promised a good time.” He said with a sly smile and Steve rolled his eyes. 

“I wasn’t-”

“Hello, gentlemen! Welcome to Enzo’s.” The host interrupted the argument in time to stop it from becoming more heated. Steve took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. 

“Hi. Can we get a table?” He asked, trying to sound pleasant. The host was shorter than the both of them, nearing middle age and had brushed his hair in a way that Steve could only assume was hiding the beginnings of hair loss. He gave them a kind smile and looked around the restaurant. 

“Of course, for four?” He asked and Eddie cocked his eyebrow. He looked between himself and Steve, pretending to count before looking up at the host. 

“Do you need glasses?” He said and leaned in, holding up his hand in the host’s vision. “How many fingers am I holding up right now?” Eddie asked while peering into the man’s face. Steve cleared his throat, grabbing Eddie’s wrist quickly and dragging it down. 

“Ah, no. He means it’s just the two of us.” The host flushed, stammering and backtracking. 

“My apologies! I just assumed you were waiting for dates to join you. It’s that kind of day.” He tried to cover with a small laugh and Eddie glared at him again. 

“Dude, this is my date.” Eddie said pointedly and Steve slammed a hand over his mouth. The host went pale, clearly embarrassed after sticking his foot in his mouth for a second time and was attempting to cover again but Steve interrupted him. 

“I am so sorry, sir. Can we just get a table please?” He pleaded. Eddie huffed into his palm and reached up to pull Steve’s hand away but the man held strong. The host quickly grabbed some menus and led the two near the back of the restaurant. Steve released his hold and looked at Eddie sharply. Eddie smiled brightly and shrugged causing Steve to sigh and follow the worker to the table. He set the menus on the table quickly and scurried away before they could say anything else. Eddie fell into his chair casually, opening the menu as if Steve wasn’t looking at him like an annoyed mother. 

“Just sit down, Harrington.” He said coolly, flipping through the pages. He frowned. “The fuck is escargot, isn’t that French?” Steve watched him for a moment before taking his seat next to him. It was beyond him how one person could be so contrary. He knew Eddie could be kind and loyal. Friendly and sweet. But it seemed that he tended to choose to be sarcastic and biting at first notion. Steve tapped on the menu while Eddie looked through his own. 

“Why do you do that?” Steve finally asked. Eddie looked up from the menu, confused. 

“What?” 

“Get all aggressive. I know you’re not. So why do you do that?” Steve asked again and Eddie stared at him. He licked his lips before breaking eye contact and closing the menu. 

“I don’t know.” Eddie admitted softly. “It just comes out that way.” Steve watched as he looked around the restaurant and followed his eyes. There were couples that filled the tables, young and old. They all had something in common though. All of them were casting glances their way. Old men looked at them with hints of disgust. Young pairs were whispering evils to each other and laughing. Steve sank into his seat with embarrassment, his shoulders rising. He assumed most of them had been listening to the commotion at the front door when Eddie had announced that they were on a date. He wanted to stand up and make clear to the restaurant that no, this wasn't a real date and no, he wasn't actually seeing Eddie Munson. Just to stop the stares. Just to end the judgement. He looked back to Eddie who was resting his chin in his hands now, looking up at Steve knowingly. 

“People aren’t as nice to the freaks. Maybe that’s why I’m like this.” He looked Steve up and down making him feel as if he was getting stripped down bare. “Gotta put up a wall before they come knocking at your door.” Eddie explained cryptically. Steve rolled his neck and picked up the menu with a deep breath. 

“Maybe you need to consider leaving room for the right people to come knocking.” Steve said thoughtfully. Eddie tilted his head at him. 

“... Yeah. Maybe.” He nearly whispered before looking at his own menu again. “This is your treat, right? I mean, you wouldn’t make your date pay for themselves?” He grinned without looking at Steve who smiled and shook his head. 

“Sure. Get whatever you want.” Steve looked down at his own menu as the server approached them and set down a couple glasses of water. She cordially announced their specials which Steve barely registered while he looked at the menu, already knowing what he wanted. He heard Eddie asking questions and started to focus back in on the conversation. 

"Yes, what's escargot?" The man questioned and the server smiled. 

"Oh, that's snails roasted in a garlic butter." Steve snapped his head up, making eye contact with the server who smiled, not having to guess what he was thinking.  

"Great, we'll take one of those. Do you guys do plain noodles? With butter?" Steve looked over at Eddie. The server cleared her throat.  

"Well yes, that's usually an option for… children." 

"But you make it?" Eddie pressed and the server choked out a giggle. 

"Of course." She said politely. Eddie grinned. 

"Load it up with black olives. Thanks." He snapped the menu shut and handed it to her. Steve stared at him in abject horror. Eddie caught his eye and gave him a curious look. "What?" 

"I-..." Steve was ready to lay into the man about his incredibly odd order but stopped himself. This was supposed to be an example of a great date and as Eddie had already reminded him, Steve hadn’t been doing his best. He bit his tongue and shook his head, turning to the server. "I'll just get the penne bolognese. Thanks." The woman took his menu as well before scurrying off to put in the order. The two were left to sit awkwardly at the table. Eddie gave Steve a tight lipped smile and raised his eyebrows slightly. 

“So… Robin’s pretty cool.” Steve snorted at his attempt at small talk but accepted it gladly. The two of them fell into a smooth conversation about their mutual friend which led into more and more comfort, more conversations about the people they knew and the things they had done. Steve moved his chair closer to hear Eddie better over the din of the other patrons' conversations and pretended not to notice when Eddie did the same, the two of them ending up sitting pressed near each other like the other couples in the restaurant. Steve didn’t hate it, he was pleased that things were going well finally. His self consciousness had waned and if a few people had some thoughts about him hanging out with the town freak, well. That was their issue. They laughed over something that Dustin had said about his radio date with Susie and Steve shoved Eddie lightly with his elbow. 

“Why can’t it always be like this, huh?” He asked, smiling and wiping a tear from his eye that was leftover from their laughing fit. Eddie furrowed his brow. 

“What do you mean?” He said, confusion lacing his voice. Steve looked down at Eddie’s sleeve and noticed a piece of lint sitting on the fabric. He reached forward to pick it off, gently grazing the man’s arm. 

“Easy.” Steve said simply before looking up to see that Eddie’s expression had softened, gazing at where Steve had touched him. He smiled gently and something stirred up in Steve’s chest. In that moment he felt that maybe it had been a wonderful thing that Eddie had remembered his off hand remark at the end of the world and had taken it so seriously. The next moment however was a different story. 

“Alright, gentlemen. We have your penne bolognese here.” The waitress was back and setting food down on the table and Steve was brought back to the reality of the abomination of Eddie’s dinner order. She set the plate down in front of him and Eddie grinned. “And we have your… noodles.” She smiled and stepped back. 

“Perfect! Thanks.” Eddie grabbed his utensils right away and Steve shared a look with the server. 

“Of course. Is there anything else I can grab for you two for now?” Steve leaned over to her. 

“A bucket to be sick in?” He whispered and she gave a gentle snort before walking away. Eddie pretended not to hear and they both looked at the plate of escargot that she had also set down between them. Eddie snickered. 

“I thought you would say something about that.” 

“Trust me, I wanted to.” Steve said with disgust. “You’re actually going to eat it?” He asked. Eddie gave Steve a devilish look before reaching over and grabbing one of the snails and popping it into his mouth with zero hesitation. Steve groaned with disgust. 

“You are such a weirdo.” He lamented and Eddie moved the food around his mouth, considering the taste and texture before swallowing. 

“Not bad. You try.” He picked one up, bringing it toward Steve who leaned away quickly, covering his mouth. 

“No, absolutely not.” 

“Try it!” 

“Get away from me!” Eddie was laughing, trying to sneak the little morsel into his mouth while Steve giggled, leaning his chin up high in the air to avoid him. Eventually Eddie gave up and popped it into his own mouth with a wink. 

“You’re missing out, big boy.” He lilted and Steve shook his head. 

“Can’t believe I’m paying for you to eat bugs.” He laughed and dug into his pasta. He ignored the extra glances and murmurs of the people around them, and the two ate comfortably, the time passing easily. By the time their plates were cleared, Steve had forgotten that they had ever been awkward at all. He looked at the clock, trying to time out in his head how long they had until they would have to leave and go to where he had planned next, when the server returned to the table with a piece of chocolate cake that was adorned with a little plastic heart. Steve gave her a look. 

“Sorry, we didn’t order-”

“Oh! No, it’s on the house. Valentine's special for couples.” She said quickly with a gentle smile and looked between the two. It was almost too much for Steve and he opened his mouth to protest that they weren’t a couple, but before he could Eddie placed his hand over his on the table. Steve’s lips snapped shut and he shot a look down to where their skin was connected, heat running through him from the contact. 

“Thank you, yes. We will take the free food.” Eddie said quickly, giving Steve’s hand a quick squeeze before letting go. Steve swallowed thickly and nodded. The server smiled, placing the bill on the table and walking away. Steve took a deep breath and looked at Eddie. 

“You’re gonna get us in trouble.” He muttered and Eddie glanced at him oddly. 

“What? This is a date and there’s no way I’m turning down free shit.” Eddie said matter of factly and Steve sighed, picking up his fork and taking a generous piece of the cake and bringing it to his mouth. Once it hit his lips, all the apprehension he had was gone and he moaned softly, closing his eyes. 

“Oh, wow…” He gasped. It was fucking delicious. “Oh, Jesus. Eddie, this is incredible.” He took another bite and continued making little appreciative noises. The dessert was truly amazing. After a moment he realised that Eddie hadn’t said anything and Steve opened his eyes to see the man staring at him with wide eyes, flushing a deep crimson. Steve felt embarrassed suddenly. He swallowed the cake and took another fork full, offering it to Eddie. 

“Sorry… You want to try it?” He held the utensil out to Eddie, expecting him to grab it from his hand. Instead, he gently reached out to wrap his fingers around Steve’s wrist and pulled his whole hand toward him with his thumb resting on his pulse point. Eddie held eye contact with Steve as he brought his arm forward and opened his mouth, taking the bite. Steve let him guide him freely, his heart racing. He was mesmerised by the moment, the way that Eddie was suddenly so confident, so intense. It caught him off guard, easily putting him under a spell. He felt himself leaning in, watching as Eddie licked the last of the frosting off of the fork, turning Steve’s wrist to move it around and catch every bit. Eddie’s eyes lowered and he whispered. 

“I can feel your heartbeat.” He grinned slightly, letting his other hand drop from the table, landing on Steve’s thigh. The extra point of contact was enough to shake Steve out of the moment, and he reacted wildly, yelping and jumping up so quickly that he knocked the table off kilter. It slammed and the plates made a crashing noise causing the other patrons of the restaurant to all turn and stare at the commotion. Eddie sat there blinking, an innocent look on his face. 

“You alright?” He asked lightly and Steve brought a hand up to cover his mouth, smoothing back and forth as he looked around the room. What the fuck was that. He had been entirely taken in just by the way the other man was eating a piece of cake? Steve shook his head, pulling his wallet out and putting a few bills on the table. 

“Fine. Good. Let’s go.” Eddie cocked his head and pointed down to the cake. 

“I’m not done!” He went in for another bite which definitely didn’t have the same effect on Steve as it had when he had been feeding it to him, their eyes locked in- 

“ Whatever. I’ll wait outside.” Steve interrupted his own train of thought. Eddie rolled his eyes, dropping the fork on the plate with a clatter. He picked up the rest of the cake with his hand, shoving a massive amount in his mouth. Steve grimaced. Eddie shrugged, chocolate gathered in the corners of his lips. 

“It was free .” He said through the food, crumbs falling. Steve turned on his heel, shaking his head and walking to the exit. How in the world did this guy have him questioning his sanity one moment and act like a complete pig the next? He didn’t wait to see if Eddie was following and sped up. The sooner this was all over, the better. 

__

Steve ran up to the ticket booth at the theatre, Eddie lagging behind him. Steve decided that the best place to go after their dinner would be a movie. It made sense as that was what he usually would do with his dates. He would bring them to some sappy romantic comedy, casually putting his arm across their shoulders and playing with their hair and making just the moves and comments to make them melt away under his charm. If he was going to try and show Eddie the ropes, this would be the place to do it.  

“Hurry up, we’re late!” He called behind him at the other man who was fussing with whatever he had been hiding in his pocket. He looked up at Steve, unconcerned. 

“Not my fault you can’t plan worth shit.” He said casually, making his way up beside Steve and standing with him as Steve got the tickets. 

“Hi, two tickets for… What’s even playing?” He asked the teenager working the counter. The kid looked down at the sheets in front of him. 

“The only ones available are for ‘She’s Having a Baby.’ and it started three minutes ago.” 

“Smooth, Harrington.” Eddie droned and Steve huffed, slamming cash down on the counter. 

“It’s fine. I’m sure it’s a great movie.” He said forcefully and the teenager made a face. 

“Not what I’ve heard so far but… here you go. If you skip the concession you probably won’t miss much.” He handed the tickets over to Steve who swiped them up quickly, reaching to grab the sleeve of Eddie’s shirt, dragging him into the darkened theatre room. He squinted his eyes looking for empty seats and Eddie whispered into his ear. 

“What, no popcorn?” 

“You just ate!” 

“Seems cheap to me.” Steve turned on him grumpily and saw Eddie’s grinning face in the shadows. He softened. He was starting to get used to Eddie’s teasing, once he saw the expression on his face. It made him think that maybe he had been misreading him all year. Eddie looked over his shoulder and pointed. “There’s two over there, come on.” He grabbed Steve’s hand and pulled him down the aisle, reversing their roles from earlier. Steve looked down to see Eddie’s ringed fingers wrapped around his own for what felt like the hundredth time already that evening. He hadn’t realised that the man was so touchy feely either. They slipped in front of the other movie goers, whispering apologies and settling into their seats just as the previews finished. Steve sat back, unsure what to do with himself. He watched the movie awkwardly for a while, vividly aware of Eddie’s presence beside him. He tried to focus on the couple, their wedding, their struggles, but his mind kept slipping back to Eddie at the restaurant. How he had held onto his wrist, how he had covered his hand with his own. How he had touched his thigh. Steve closed his eyes and held onto the bridge of his nose, trying to push the thoughts out of his brain. Before he was successful, he felt Eddie’s nose bump against his ear softly. 

“This movie sucks.” Eddie whispered. His breath was warm and it tickled Steve’s skin in the best way. Steve froze, staring at the screen. Eddie’s legs widened slightly and his knee knocked into Steve’s, leaning into it and relaxing there. Steve finally nodded, not trusting himself to speak at a normal tone. Eddie’s breath huffed out in a soft chuckle and he turned back to the screen. He stretched his arms in the air, settling back in his chair. His arm came back down and Steve’s eyes widened as he felt it settle across the back of his shoulders. Eddie leaned over again. 

“This guy is a terrible husband.” He muttered and with that his fingers started tracing small designs on Steve’s shoulder. They travelled up and down softly as if they had done it a million times. Delicate and smooth. Steve shivered unintentionally. He had been here before, although usually the roles were reversed. Being in this position now… It was doing something to him. Was this how his dates felt? The excitement? The promise of more but the anticipation of when it will come and how much more . What can you get away with in a public space in the dark? Eddie’s hands drifted up his arm and shoulder before Steve could feel him playing with his hair now. Tugging on it and smoothing out the locks that gathered near his collar bone. Skin grazing his neck. Steve’s eyes closed and he tried to stop it but before he knew it was happening, an incredibly tiny noise of happiness jumped out of him. Eddie paused. Steve knew he was done for. He felt the man lean in again. 

“Are you even watching the movie, sweetheart?” His voice rasped in Steve’s ear once again. Steve swallowed. 

“YES I AM.” Steve retorted way too loudly. The people sitting around them shushed loudly and Steve shrank away. Eddie turned angrily and shushed the other patrons back with annoyance. He still had his arm around Steve and when he moved, he pulled him closer, bringing him into Eddie’s own space. The curly haired man turned back with a huff and drew close to whisper again. 

“Calm down, I was just wondering.” Eddie whispered cheekily and went back to playing with Steve’s hair as if he had no idea what it was doing to him. Steve tried adjusting in his seat, but only succeeded in getting closer to Eddie and Steve wasn't even sure it was an accident. He gave up and tried to focus on the screen again. There was some sort of commotion between the main character and his now pregnant wife going on. Steve was too far behind to really understand the meaning beneath it all. He took a deep breath, trying to calm down. It was just Eddie. Just weird, nerdy Eddie. Eddie who played stupid games with kids and liked strange music, who ate like a crazy person. Eddie, who had a surprisingly lithe body, littered with scars that matched Steve’s own and tattoo’s that marred pale skin. Steve’s mind wandered to the image in the mirror, Eddie’s fingers gliding up his abdomen. 

“Fuck…” Steve cursed to himself, wriggling in his seat at the feeling that was bubbling up inside of him. Eddie looked over again, making things exponentially worse when he pressed his splayed palm against the side of Steve’s head, tilting it toward him and resting his forehead on the other side, talking quietly into his ear, closer than before. 

"You okay? You're being weird." Eddie said lowly and Steve squeaked. 

"I'm fine. Great." He gritted out. He could just have said that it was too much, that he wanted Eddie to stop. But then, that would mean that Eddie would stop . A small, very confused, very unsure voice in his head told Steve that he definitely did not want that. 

"Good. Cause I'm starting to enjoy this." He smoothed his fingers along the tendons of Steve’s neck and Steve could hear the smile in his voice. The insinuation that lay behind his words overtook the part of Steve that wanted to be touched, causing him to jump up and away from Eddie’s callused fingertips. Eddie started, springing back out of surprise. The girls sitting on the other side of him yelped, causing more collective shushing. Steve's breaths came quickly as if he had just finished a sprint. Eddie stared at him. 

"Jesus, man. What is going on with you?" He whispered and Steve flailed his arms in front of him, unsure how to form the words he needed to get out of this. 

"You- I just-" He let his arms fall and froze when they landed. He slowly looked down to where they sat. He and Eddie had ended up moving so close to each other that Steve’s hand had settled on Eddie's thigh, barely two inches from his groin. He stared at it in horror for what he knew was two seconds too long before he gradually let his gaze rise up to look at Eddie's face. He was staring at Steve’s hand, a clear grin on his face before he looked up through his lashes at Steve. He didn't have to say a single word. Steve panicked before he even could. 

"That was an accident!!" He nearly yelled, swinging his hand back in the air and the people around them burst into loud complaints, fed up with the antics of the two. 

“Sit the fuck down!”

“We’re trying to watch the movie!”

“Shut up!” 

Steve looked around to all the different voices and noticed Eddie looking behind him to the aisle with amusement. Steve turned around to see the teenage worker from before standing there with his hands on his hips.

“Sorry guys, you gotta leave.” He said sheepishly. Steve started to protest, but Eddie grabbed his hand, dragging him through the row and purposely knocking into people along the way. 

“Fuck it, it was a shitty movie anyway.” He replied. The two of them walked up the aisle and out of the theatre, people cheering at their departure. They walked out into the night air and Steve gasped as if it was the first breath he had taken in hours. Eddie walked past him, stretching his arms in the air. 

“Didn’t think you were such a prude.” Eddie said playfully and something inside of Steve snapped. 

“I am NOT a prude! You just… it took me off guard! I didn’t think you were gonna be groping me in the dark, what kind of joke is that??” Steve complained in frustration, stomping toward the car. Eddie stood and watched him, tilting his head. 

“A joke? It’s not a joke…” He murmured before following. Steve shook his head, throwing his hands in the air. 

“Whatever. Just… get in. We’ll go somewhere else.” Steve unlocked the passenger side door before storming over to the other side to get in himself. Eddie scratched the back of his head as he opened the door. 

“Why would it be a joke…?” He muttered and Steve looked over the car at him, inspecting his confused expression. As if it wasn’t just to rile Steve up. As if he really wanted to get up close and personal with him. Eddie caught his eye and Steve could see the moment a mask slipped over his features. He gave Steve a lopsided smile. “So do all your dates turn out so disastrously?” Steve bit the inside of his cheek. 

“No, actually, they’re usually great.” He griped and slid into his seat. “Come on.” He called out and Eddie finally opened the car door, joining him. 

“Alright. Where to next then? You gonna wow me with a big finale or something?” Eddie said lightly, checking out his nails nonchalantly. Steve gave him a look of disdain while he started the car. 

“Yes.” Steve had no clue where he was going to take him. “You’re going to be swept off your nerdy feet.” Oh dear god, he had absolutely no fucking idea where to go.

“Big promises.” Eddie sighed. Steve gripped the steering wheel tightly. He was fucked. 

__

“Well… Are we going to go inside?” Eddie asked softly. Steve had parked in front of a bar, frantically pulling over when he had seen the lights. People were gathered out front, smoking cigarettes and laughing. The door would open and the sound of music and catcalls would spill out. The two of them had been sitting in the car in silence for nearly five minutes now while Steve tried to figure out if they should go inside. He wasn’t really sure that drinking was really going to solve his issues with Eddie right now. Any other date he would have loved to bring inside, buy a couple cocktails and see what the music cooked up between them. Now that he was watching the drunk couples walking out, girls decked out in pink for the holiday, it wasn’t lining up with what he really knew what to do. Eddie had been flipping the script. Even though Steve was supposed to be in control, showing him the ropes, Eddie seemed to have his own ideas. Steve rubbed his eyes, sucking in the air through his teeth. 

“I’m thinking about it, okay? You’ve kind of messed up whatever plans I’ve had so far.” He grumbled and Eddie made a face. 

“Excuse me? How was any of that my fault .” His voice was high and incredulous. Steve dropped his hand. 

“You made fun of the restaurant.” He said. Eddie tsked. 

“Playing around.” 

“You ordered the weirdest shit that wasn’t even on the menu.”

“I have an adventurous palette!”

“You got us kicked out of the movie theatre!” 

“Okay, that was your fault.” Eddie finished and Steve growled in frustration. 

“Why did you even want to do this if you didn’t want to learn how to go on a good date?” He muttered, leaning his head back on the headrest. Eddie laughed. 

“I know how to go on a fucking date, Harrington. Do you? Cause you haven’t even asked me what I wanted to do yet.” Steve rolled his head and gave Eddie a look. He was right. He hadn’t thought about what Eddie might want to do at all. He just assumed he would just go along with whatever he told him. Take notes. Eddie raised his eyebrows. “Well?” 

“Fine. You’re right. Do you want to go inside?” 

“Absolutely fucking not. Move, I’m going to drive.” It wasn’t a request and Eddie started unbuckling his seatbelt. Steve gripped the wheel. 

“What? No! I can drive, just tell me where to- AH!” Eddie was already crawling over the center console and reached down to undo Steve’s seatbelt. He started to hover over Steve, slowly lowering himself. 

“If you don’t move I’ll just sit on your lap.” He wiggled his ass in the air, starting to sit down. Steve yelped, rolling out from under him and scrambling into the passenger seat. Eddie dropped down and adjusted the chair and Steve rolled his eyes. Eddie turned the ignition and pulled out into the street, weaving around a drunken couple that was crossing. Steve winced and looked behind them as they sped off. 

“You’re gonna kill us.” He said flatly and Eddie shrugged. 

“You act like I don’t drive. Just relax, enjoy the sights.” He reached forward, flicking the radio on. “Listen to the soothing tones of whatever the fuck it is you listen to. We’ll be there soon.” Steve huffed, smiling despite himself. He had to admit. It was kind of nice not having to be in charge. He buckled himself in and leaned back, watching the buildings go by outside the window and before long they started to become few and far between. Eddie took a turn near the edge of town leading them onto the highway. Steve looked around. 

“Where are we going anyway?” He asked and Eddie sniffed, holding onto the wheel with one hand and running the other through his hair. The moonlight was shining through the windows and highlighting his features in soft blue light. His hair fell back into place gently as his hand left the locks and Steve smiled. He looked more like some sort of ethereal creature than a man in this light, taking him off to the middle of nowhere. 

“You’ll see. It’s not too special but… it is to me.” Eddie finished lamely, grinning sheepishly. Steve hummed and looked back out the front window, acres upon acres of farmland filling his view. Finally Eddie pulled off to the edge, leading them down a gravel road. After a moment or two, he pulled over and turned the engine off, leaving them in silence.

“It’s a little out of season to be picking strawberries.” Steve teased, voice playful. Eddie grinned. 

“There’s the Steve I like. You’ve been trying too hard all night.” He opened the car door and got out before leaning back in to look at the other man. “Come on. Come look.” Steve smiled and got out of the car, walking around to the other side to stand next to Eddie. 

“Alright, maybe I’ve been kind of uptight.” Steve admitted. He couldn’t help that there was some sort of crisis happening within his core every time that Eddie touched him. That was something different to deal with. On top of that, he was trying to show him a good time which really wasn’t working out so far. But now that was melting away, being out in the crisp air of the night. The skies were unusually clear for the time of year, and it made Steve feel free and open. “So, what are we here for?” Eddie didn’t answer but tucked a finger under Steve’s chin, guiding his gaze up to the sky. It took a moment for his eyes to really adjust but as the billions of stars came into view, Steve’s mouth opened slightly and he inhaled deeply. 

“I like to come here sometimes to think.” Eddie said softly. “When everything starts to build up… it’s just nice to see the stars.” The light of the universe shimmered down over them and Steve pointed up at a particularly bright star. 

"That one's you." He said and Eddie snorted. 

"What? Why?" 

"Cause. It's different from all the others." Steve said simply and Eddie hummed with amusement. 

"I'm pretty sure that one is Mars." He looked back up into the sky, and the world was perfect for a while. They sat in a comfortable silence, the soothing sounds of bits of nature surrounding them and filling the void. Steve drifted, thinking about the events of the night. This was reminiscent of when he had let himself relax and just enjoy the conversation earlier in the restaurant. Before everything had gone to shit. He sighed and adjusted his stance, moving minutely closer to Eddie who gave him a quick look out of the corner of his eye. Steve caught movement up in the sky and spoke quickly. 

"Hey! A shooting star! Make a wish!" He gleefully turned to Eddie who was already scrunching his eyes closed and deep in thought. He had his hand in his pocket again and Steve could hear the crumple of paper moving against the fabric. He frowned, wondering what he had been holding in there all night. He looked back up to Eddie’s face when he started to speak softly. 

"You know… I was thinking about this all year." His voice was gentle and laced with something that made Steve feel guilty for some reason that he couldn't place. He continued. "When we got out of that place I was sure you were gonna come up to me and say it had been some sort of joke but… you never did. But now… I don't really know what to think." He finished quietly and Steve looked at him, trying to read his expression. He felt as if he was missing out on something, some important piece of information that was very integral to this moment. Robin's voice rang in his head, her warnings from back in the diner. Eddie looked back at him and Steve couldn't take the feelings anymore, the energy coming out of him in movement. He opened the car door suddenly, reaching inside and turning the key so that the radio blared. 

"I think we're alone now. There doesn't seem to be anyone around!" 

Steve grinned and grabbed Eddie by the wrist, pulling him into the field. Eddie spluttered confusedly. 

"What the fuck are you doing??" He laughed and Steve spun him around. Eddie was getting under his skin all night, forcing up feelings he wasn't sure he knew existed. He got him flustered more quickly than anyone else could. It was only fair that Steve returned the favour. 

"Come on, don't you know this song?" He twirled under Eddie’s arm and swung his hips awkwardly. Eddie was giggling, letting Steve lead him around. 

"Do I look like I know this song?" Eddie said, his tone filled with delight now, all thoughtful sadness forgotten. Steve wrapped an arm around Eddie’s waist and brought him close, pleased in the way he heard the other man's breath quicken. Steve sang off key. 

" I think we're alone now, the beating of our hearts is the only sound!" He dipped Eddie back suddenly and the man squawked loudly, kicking his leg in the air before sweet breathless laughter bubbled up out of him into the night air. Steve pulled him back up using more strength than he had intended and Eddie flew back at him. Before they could prevent it, Eddie’s forehead slammed into Steve’s chin painfully. 

“Ow, fuck!” Eddie hissed and Steve made a noise that was somewhere between pain and glee, giggling through a little chant of curses. He let go of where he was holding Eddie’s hand and waist, reaching instead to hold the man’s cheeks and assess the damage. Eddie slipped his hand up as well, letting it glide up his neck and behind his ear to tilt his head. They were both grinning and laughing softly. 

“God, I’m sorry-”

“No, it was my fault-”

“I didn’t mean to-”

“I’m such a clutz sometimes…” Steve finished and the two of them stood there smiling at each other like idiots, Tiffany still singing in the background. Steve felt a shiver run through him. Eddie’s dark eyes were focused on Steve’s mouth, his thumb smoothing down his throat. Steve cradled Eddie’s face in his hands, breathing softly. The world around them grew silent to the point that all Steve could hear was his own blood rushing in his ears. For the first time that night, his body didn’t jump away and his mind didn’t fill with all the reasons he shouldn’t be here doing this with Eddie. All he could think about was how soft Eddie’s lips looked, how good his rough fingers and chunky rings felt against his skin. He licked his lips and thought that maybe if he just leaned in, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. His eyes slid shut and he took a deep breath. 

“It’s getting cold. We should go.” Eddie said suddenly and Steve was left cold, Eddie’s body slipping away and leaving him hanging in the frigid air. Steve’s eyes snapped open. 

“What?” He rasped and looked over to where Eddie was walking around to the passenger side of the car. He felt a cold dread of rejection wash over him like a bucket of ice water. What the fuck had he been doing? He stepped away shakily, regaining his senses. Maybe it really was time to head home. Take a cold shower. Lay up all night and think about why he thought Eddie looked so fucking gorgeous for that moment they were holding each other in the moonlight. Eddie had already slipped into the car, waiting for him and Steve slowly made his way over to the driver's side. He couldn't even speak as he dropped into the seat, glancing at Eddie who avoided meeting his eye. Steve cleared his throat, pulled back onto the gravel road, the song on the radio having changed to something neither of them recognised as Steve drove into the darkness of the highway home. 

__

As Eddie’s trailer came into view, Steve’s stomach dropped. The night had ended with not a bang but a cold shoulder. Eddie hadn’t said anything to him the entire ride back from the field. He had stared out the window, occasionally making a small grunt of disdain for the song that came on the radio next. Steve didn’t know what to say. Did he know that Steve was going to kiss him? Maybe he was upset by that, maybe it disgusted him. A part of Steve’s mind told him that he had gone too far, the other part told him that he didn’t go far enough and he tried to silence that with focusing on the lyrics being spat out by his care speakers. He came to a stop in front of Eddie’s place, putting the car into park. He turned it off and looked to the side. Eddie straightened up, unbuckling his seatbelt. 

“Alright, right on. Thanks for the food!” Eddie’s voice was falsely upbeat. Steve stared at him. 

“You’re… welcome? I guess?” Steve said slowly and Eddie moved to open the door. Steve’s hand shot out to grab Eddie’s arm, stopping him from going any further. “Wait!” He nearly yelled and Eddie jumped, turning back to him with a furrowed brow.

“What?” Eddie muttered, his cheeks flushing. “Date’s over. I’m outta here.” All the feigned cheer that had filled his tone before was gone, replaced with anxious concern. As if he thought Steve was going to say something he didn’t want to hear. Steve tugged on his arm a little more, urging him to relax back into his seat. 

“I mean… Well, what did you think?” Steve asked tentatively. Eddie licked his lips, looking around. 

“Think of what?” He returned and Steve groaned. 

“The date! Valentine’s Day? What did you think?!” Steve had let go of Eddie and threw his hands up. Eddie blinked at him a few times before looking out the front window and scratching his cheek. 

“Oh.” He put his hand flat out in front of him and wiggled it side to side. A universal sign for mediocre. “Eh.” Steve’s face dropped. 

“... Eh?” He repeated back to Eddie and the man gave him a look before shrugging and nodding. Steve felt embarrassed anger brewing in his stomach. 

“Are you… Are you serious?? I paid for everything! Just, ‘eh’??!” He spluttered and Eddie’s face contorted into something frustrated and scornful. 

“Yeah! EH!” He turned on Steve, holding his hand out and counting off points on his fingers. “You need a report card? Here! You forgot we had a date, you were embarrassed of me at the restaurant, you kept denying I was your date, you made fun of what I ate,” Steve shrank back, Eddie gaining volume and confidence as he went on, “You took me to a shitty movie and then got us kicked out, you didn’t care what I wanted to do, and you didn’t even try to kiss me goodbye! So yeah! Fuckin’ EH.”  He sat there and stared at Steve, an expectant look on his face. 

"Wait…" Steve started and images flashed across his mind in a rapid fire. Eddie flushing in the Upside Down a year before. Robin telling Steve to make sure everyone knew it was a fake date. The way Eddie had grabbed his hand at the restaurant, how he had put his arm around him at the theatre. His forlorn face out in the field. Steve looked at Eddie with wide eyes. "Is this… an actual date?" Eddie paused for a moment before he pressed his palm to his forehead and moaned. 

"Holy shit. I mean, I thought it was! You asked me on a fucking date, we've been flirting all fucking year!" He spoke frantically. Steve waved his arms around. 

"Flirting??? Is that what all the sarcasm was!? I thought you hated me! I spent all year trying to get you to like me!" 

"That’s called banter , Harrington! Are you serious right now?!" Eddie crossed his arms, falling back into his seat and closing his eyes. "Shit, I really am an idiot, aren't I?" He sighed and brought a hand up to cover his eyes. Steve's heart was pounding. This was true insanity. This whole time, was it real? No wonder Eddie had been acting the way he had. So then… What was Steve’s excuse? Why had he been touching him, getting closer, dancing, nearly kissing Eddie? This whole year, why had he been focusing so much on how Eddie seemed further away than ever? He wriggled uncomfortably with everything that was aligning in his head and Eddie watched him, his face nervous and full of fear. Steve could feel it coming off of him in waves. He didn’t want him to leave this way, torn into pieces because he thought that Steve was some sort of asshole that had led him on all year, because here and now, maybe he had meant it all along. 

"Eddie… I…” Steve wrung his hands in front of him, trying to sort the plethora of thoughts and feelings into neat little stacks in his mind but they kept toppling over, surrounding him and he could barely keep his head above it all. “Eddie… did you still want a kiss?” Eddie looked at him incredulously. 

“What?” He said quietly and Steve cleared his throat. 

“I have been… not great. But I can still make it a good date. Give me a chance.” Steve focused on the smallest thing to try to fix what had happened. He couldn’t put into words what he was only realising in this moment, but maybe he could show him. It was clear that Eddie was torn between taking offence and taking the opportunity. He fidgeted, one hand dragging a lock of hair across his face, the other playing with the door handle. 

“Harrington-” He started but Steve had already committed. He was leaning over the center console and taking a fistful of Eddie’s shirt

“Steve. Call me Steve when I kiss you.” He said quietly and Eddie only had time to give a small nod before Steve pressed his lips against his. All the tension that had been building between them all night ignited in an unexpected flame. Steve had meant to kiss him once, pull back, say his apologies. No harm in a peck. But now, with their lips touching, Eddie’s eyes closed and nose brushing against his own he could only push into it harder. The sensation of how his warm dry skin felt against his own was intoxicating. He tightened his grip on Eddie’s shirt, pulling him into it more, sighing and tilting his head. He wanted to be closer. He was chasing the feeling. As he tilted, Eddie made a small pitiful noise and opened his mouth against Steve’s. It was ever so slightly but just enough to cause an eruption of desire inside of Steve that blacked out his mind. He took his other hand and slid it up to the back of Eddie’s head, deepening the kiss and trying to slip into his space, to go further, but something stopped him. The fucking seatbelt. Eddie gripped his shirt now, falling into the passion of the moment and trying to bring him in and press their bodies together, Steve let go of Eddie with one hand, fumbling with the buckle, trying to hit the release. He almost had it when Eddie swiped his tongue across Steve’s, causing him to shudder and moan into the kiss. Eddie took control, grabbing Steve’s hair and tugging lightly, tasting him and guiding his movements. All Steve could manage to do was hold on for dear life, letting Eddie explore him. It was intense and all that fire was moving steadily down his body and into his abdomen. Eddie broke away, panting and Steve tried to follow, whining. 

“No, I want more…” He sounded broken and Eddie smiled, tugging on him. 

“Come closer then.” Eddie whispered and Steve struggled against the seatbelt again. 

“M’stuck..” Steve was slurring, drunk on the taste of the other man. “You c’mere.” Eddie laughed as Steve yanked on his shirt, clumsily climbing over the middle of the seat and settling on Steve’s lap, straddling him. Every point of contact was now a new site of ignition, tiny wildfires and universes forming. Eddie cupped Steve’s cheeks and forced his face up to continue their kiss, any form of hesitation gone entirely. Steve gripped Eddie’s hips, pulling him in and bucking his hips up slightly to try and find friction. Eddie gasped into the kiss, and immediately dove back in, their movements becoming more wet, more frantic. A passing thought about how Eddie maybe didn’t need any guidance from Steve all along flashed across Steve’s mind but was quickly gone with the way that Eddie started to kiss down along his chin and onto his neck, licking, biting, and sucking. Steve was making divine noises of appreciation, moving his hips up again with a little too much excitement. Eddie lost his balance slightly and shot a hand behind him to find purchase on, something to steady himself. The car horn blared out into the night abruptly, causing them to spring apart and look around wildly. The car windows had fogged to the point that they were unable to see outside, but the blurry world around them lit up as the front light came on outside Eddie’s trailer. Steve gulped as he heard the screen door swing open and a voice call out into the night. 

“Eddie? That you?” The voice was muffled but Steve could make out the words and it was clear by the tone that the person was worried. Eddie looked down at Steve frantically. 

“Ah, fuck! It’s Wayne, I gotta-” He leaned into Steve to fumble at the door handle, opening it suddenly. He fell forward a bit and Steve held onto his thighs to keep him in place. 

“Uh, yeah it’s me!” Eddie’s voice was husky and made Steve inhale sharply, gripping the muscles in Eddie’s legs more tightly. The other man sucked in a breath through his teeth and shot a look at Steve who smiled lopsidedly. Eddie pressed his lips together, holding back a smirk. 

“You alright out there?” Wayne’s voice sounded a bit nervous. Eddie cleared his throat. 

“Yep, yes, I’ll be in in a minute.” Eddie called out and there was a silence before Wayne muttered something in response before Steve heard the screen door hit the frame again, signifying that he had gone back inside. Eddie let out a deep breath and leaned forward, resting his forehead on Steve’s shoulder. His shoulders started to shake and little giggles tickled Steve’s collarbone. The mood had shifted, all the fire and fervent energy gone and replaced with bubbly disbelief. Steve started to laugh too, wrapping his arms around Eddie and embracing him as he tried to muffle the sound in the crook of the man’s neck. They let the moment take them, sizzling aftermath and happiness filling the void left behind from the sudden interruption. Eddie finally sat up and rubbed his eyes. 

“I gotta go, Steve.” 

“Yeah… yeah okay.” Steve responded dumbly. He didn’t know what to say, his brain was mush. That had been the best fucking kiss he had in years. Maybe ever. There was so much passion, it had left him blank and wanting more. Eddie opened the car door wide and awkwardly stepped out onto the gravel of the driveway. He turned and smoothed his shirt before bending over and looking in at Steve one last time. 

“I’ll… I’ll see you around I guess.” He said clumsily and gave Steve a tight lipped smile. Steve nodded. He wanted to tell him to stay. 

“Sure. See you around.” Eddie waited a second before nodding curtly and standing up straight, slamming the door. Steve jolted. He cursed and ran a hand through his hair, looking around the car. Something sitting on the passenger seat caught his eye, a glittery piece of red paper that had been cut into a heart. It must have fallen out of Eddie’s pocket as he had been climbing over the console. Steve furrowed his brow and grabbed it, reading the words that adorned the back. 

Thanks for being my Valentine, Harrington. Love, Eddie.

“Fuck…” Steve hissed to himself. “Fuck!” He couldn’t let Eddie go. Not yet. He ripped at the seatbelt, finally managing to hit the button right and freed himself, swinging the door open and falling out of the car, uncoordinated and floundering. “Eddie! Eddie!” He stood up straight, looking over the roof of the car. Eddie had turned to look at him, bewildered. 

“What?” He asked and Steve held up the Valentine. Eddie blanched and reached down to feel in his pocket even though he knew he wouldn’t find it there. Steve cleared his throat. 

“I… Eddie, I had a really good time tonight. I’m really sorry that it wasn’t what you expected…” He started and Eddie put a hand up to stop him.

“No, Steve, I should have said something soon-” 

“Listen, Let me try again. Same time tomorrow. I’ll pick you up, you can wear whatever you want, the nerd shirt, the suit, I don’t care. We’ll do whatever you want. I just… I want a second chance to be your Valentine. For real this time.” He pouted, putting his hands together in a prayer, holding the card between them. “Please?” Eddie watched him, snorting and pinching the bridge of his nose, groaning. 

“God, don’t look at me like that…” Steve tilted his head in what he had hoped was giving the best sad puppy that he possibly could. Eddie sighed. “Okay. Tomorrow.” Steve grinned. 

“Same time?” 

“Same place, Harrington.” Eddie turned to go inside and Steve called out one more time. 

“Hey, I told you to call me Steve.” Eddie halted and brought a hand up to scratch the back of his head. He turned back and Steve was thrilled to see his reddened cheeks in the trailer light. He smiled. 

“You have a hickey, Steve. Goodnight.” Eddie said lightly and Steve flushed, bringing a hand up to cover his neck. Eddie laughed and walked inside the trailer, letting the screen slam behind him. Steve stood there watching the door, playing with the homemade card and rubbing his fingers along his neck softly before getting back into the car and turning the ignition. 

“Tomorrow…” He said to himself quietly, smiling and pulling out of the driveway. The smile remained all the way to his house, and when he walked in the door, his mom was standing in the kitchen. She glanced at him quickly as he walked by, card still clutched in his hand. She put a hand on her hip, a glass of wine half drunk in the other. 

“At least one of us had a good Valentine’s Day.” She said cheekily and Steve shrugged, his goofy grin belying his nonchalance.

“Uh… yeah, actually. I think it was the best one so far.” He said before heading up the stairs to his room. He was telling the truth. Despite everything, it was fun and exciting. He fell back onto his bed, holding the card to his heart. All he could think about was Eddie. He sighed.

“Tomorrow.” 

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