Chapter Text
The thing is, Eddie pays attention.
He looks for the little details in things; Patterns in songs, how many cracks on the ceiling of Clickity Clack's classroom, interesting colours on random doorways.
It's only natural for him to notice things about people too.
Long before he was fully integrated into The Party, he started gathering info. Just small details he noticed while scanning the cafeteria - like how Nancy doesn't like apples, or when Robin gets excited she wiggles her fingers like she's playing an instrument. Strange things to pick up on before he was their friend he supposes, but that's just the kind of guy he is. People are fascinating, and he likes to know what makes them tick.
And then there's Steve.
Steve Harrington is an enigma.
You'd think, with him thrust into the spotlight in his King Steve days, that Eddie would have known the most about him.
You'd be wrong.
Because King Steve was a facade.
Maybe at first there'd been some truth to the act, ignorance paired with privilege that swirled together into the perfect recipe for an uncaring jock. But somewhere along the line that changed. To the public, Steve was aloof, untouchable, every bit the rich asshole stereotype. Look a little closer and you began to see the cracks. How he frowned far too much when no one was looking. Minor flinches at unexpected loud noises (many made by Eddie himself during his inspired cafeteria monologues). When he always split his lunch with his then-friends, no matter what the meal was.
When King Steve fell from grace, Eddie stopped looking.
Then the world ended.
Well, not exactly.
The almost-apocalypse came and went, and Hawkins remained miraculously oblivious (a common occurrence apparently). Eddie became so familiar with hospital walls he feared he'd never leave! But he healed. And when he made his way to a new government appointed apartment, he had more than just Wayne to welcome him home.
The Party was just as much family as his Uncle after all they'd been through, and Eddie used their time together to map them all out fully. Favourite colours, meals, songs (though maybe that one had a little more anxiety tied to it, despite El's assurance that the gates were gone for good).
And the more he watched, the more Eddie came to realise the true depth to the fissures in Steve's persona he'd known all those years ago.
The man is such a mother hen - coddling the little sheepies and even the older teens as if second nature. Making snacks for DnD, hosting movie nights, driving anyone anywhere at any time, contrary to his grumbling.
Despite this, Eddie can see there's still a mask. Sometimes, Steve gets this look in his eyes. Like he's lost. Floating through muscle memory while his brain all but checks out. He follows his instinct to care for others but Eddie wonders if anyone has ever shown him the same curtesy.
There are triggers, he thinks. Quiet Days are more likely when Steve is visibly tired, most likely suffering from the nightmares they’ve all been blessed with. Sometimes his eyes glaze over when the kids are being particularly rowdy, or the weather is unpleasant. And those are only the ones Eddie's seen. He's sure there'll be more.
No one else seems to have noticed but Robin. Which makes sense when Eddie thinks about it, he's not sure those two know how to keep something a secret from the other. They're like freaky twins sometimes, a fact Eddie can't help but grin at. Who would've thought, King Steve's other half is the quirky lesbian from band. Stranger things have happened he supposes.
Robin distracts the others on Steve's Quiet Days. Throws herself into some passionate rant Eddie-style, pulling all available eyes to her and away from Steve.
All eyes but Eddie's that is.
***
They're at Family Video the day he broaches the subject. Steve had a rare day off so he'd been roped into chauffeuring the gremlins to some hilltop or other for a Dustin-mandated experiment. Eddie had been invited, but he'd declined on the grounds of keeping Robin company at work (and had to do his best to appear unaffected by Steve's sad eyes before he’d masked his expression).
So that's where he finds himself - draped across the counter as Robin rewinds tapes.
"Not that I don't appreciate the company Munson, but I would've thought you'd be jumping at the bit to join whatever hair-brained scheme Dingus Jr came up with." She raises a brow and he shrugs, caught out.
"I guess I did have something I wanted to ask you..." He starts, hopping onto the counter to Robin's chagrin and swivelling to face her properly. "It's about Steve."
Sensing the serious nature of this conversation, Robin sighs and places the latest tape to the side.
"Yeah, I figured. Ask away Doofus."
And so he does. He questions the Quiet Days, asks if Steve is even aware of them happening, if Robin does enough to divert people's attention or if it's just an unspoken thing the others go along with.
Robin thinks hard before she answers.
"Listen. You're somewhat new to our little ragtag bunch of weirdos, but you fit right in." Is her opener, and Eddie prepares himself to be told not to stick his nose in other people's business. It wouldn't be the first time.
"We all care about you, and we're glad to have you here... if a little sorry about how that came to be." She takes a deep breath before continuing. "And Steve cares about you. I know you think coming to me is the 'safe option' or whatever but if you wanna know something about Steve, my advice would be to go to him."
Eddie blinks in confusion. That wasn't what he was expecting. Robin doesn't give him a chance to respond.
"With anyone else I'd probably give them some bullshit answer about Steve getting too many knocks to the head, but honestly? I think he'd trust you with this. Just ask him Eddie, okay?"
He can only nod.
"Okay."
Robin moves the conversation on then, and they spend the rest of her shift joking around and seeing how many of the snacks they can eat before Keith notices any stock missing. But all the while, their conversation plays on loop at the back of his mind.
How is he going to bring this up to Steve? He doesn't want to spook him by just springing it on him out of nowhere...
***
Luckily, or not so luckily depending on how you look at it, he isn't given much time to think about it.
A few days later, the opportunity presents itself.
Steve's parents are home.
Which apparently means he can't make it to any hangouts and the kids bike everywhere again. Or nag Eddie for rides instead as if this is routine. No one laments Steve's lack of presence but it’s clear he's missed. They're just...used to it.
Local Steve expert Robin comes to his rescue again to shed some light on the situation.
"His parents are assholes." She says through a mouth full of popcorn. Stopping to throw some at Mike when he tries to shush her but bringing her volume down anyway. "They like to ignore him for months on end, then once in a blue moon they remember they have a son and come home to pick apart everything he says and does before shooting off on the next 'work trip'." She's practically hissing the words by the end, pure hatred on her face.
Eddie feels the ghosts of fists on his face, work boots digging into his sides, and can't help but curl into himself a little.
"Do they-" He clears his throat and tries again, only loud enough for Robin to hear. "Do they hurt him? Physically I mean."
She looks between his eyes, clearly searching for something, and leans into his side when she finds it.
"I don't know. I've never seen evidence of it but well... Steve's good at putting on a brave face when he needs to. I mean unless-" she stops. Eddie sighs.
"Quiet Days?" He asks.
"Quiet Days." She nods.
As soon as Mr and Mrs Harrington are gone, he's getting to the bottom of this.
***
As it so happens, he doesn't need to wait that long.
He's getting ready for bed that night, having opted out of sleeping over Mike's with the others in fear of either of his parents noticing the metalhead was there. Despite him being cleared of all charges, many parents of Hawkins remained cautious at best when they caught sight of him. It was better for everyone that he lessened the risk of being spotted. Plus Wayne was working a night shift and it was better to have at least one of them home.
That does mean however that the sudden, frantic knocking at the door has him jumping almost a foot in the air before scrambling to look through the peephole. He is not taking any risks tonight thank you very much.
Only it's Steve.
A very sad, hollowed out looking Steve.
Eddie throws the door open and ushers him in. Despite his enthusiasm, he makes sure to treat the other boy gently. He can't see any visible cuts or bruises but Eddie doesn't think he's seen Steve look so spaced out even on a bad day. Better safe than sorry.
He leads the jock over to the couch and sets about making tea, a habit he's borrowed from Wayne somewhere down the line. All the while, he fills the silence with what he hopes is comforting chatter.
"It's good to see you Stevie. We've all missed you, you know? Max was bitching all night about how stupid the movie was so you know she was wishing you were there too." He chuckles a little, turning to face his friend as the drinks steep.
Steve seems to come back to himself as their eyes meet, and any tension that had left his shoulders while Eddie rambled on comes back full force. He stands on shaking legs and almost stumbles on his way back to the door. Eddie pitches forward and places a gentle hand on his arm.
"Woah there Bambi, easy. It's okay, you're okay."
Steve stares, and Eddie can feel his heart break in two as he watches tears well up in those brown eyes.
"M'okay?"
And oh.
Steve's voice is so small. He sounds quiet and unsure of himself in a way Eddie could never picture before. He nods emphatically, placing a little pressure on the arm he has a hold of, urging Steve back to the couch. This time, Eddie sits with him.
"Of course you are Stevie. It's okay to be upset. Or scared, or whatever you're feeling right now." Unable to help himself, he pulls the boy into his arms. Steve goes willingly. "You're safe here. I've got you."
And Steve simply melts into his hold. He can hear little sniffles and feel tears seeping into the shoulder of his shirt but he can't bring himself to care. This beautiful boy, who makes it his job to take care of everyone around him is finally allowing someone else to take the reins. And he chose Eddie. Him!
He rocks in place a little, knowing the movement is soothing for him, so hopes the same can be said of Steve. They lose track of time like that, and Eddie muses that the tea is probably way too strong to be comforting by now, not to mention cold but he downright refuses to move until Steve is ready.
As the tears die down, Eddie feels Steve shuffle in his arms and the brush of fingers through his curls. He chuckles.
"Well hi there." He pulls back, not enough to dislodge the hand, just enough to meet Steve's eyes. "You feeling a little better big guy?"
To his surprise Steve frowns, nay pouts at that.
"Not big." He says, simple as that.
Oookay, thinks Eddie. Sure, why not. He can't say he has a clue what's going on here but he's loath to upset his friend when he seemed to be calming down.
"Okay." He raises his hands in surrender (and absolutely does not mourn the loss of Steve's warmth in his arms). "Not big. Got it."
Steve grins, clearly happy he got his point across without having to fuss much, and Eddie feels his own mouth curl up automatically.
"So... little guy," Eddie tries, patting himself on the back internally when Steve's grin only brightens. "I was making us some tea but I'm pretty sure that's all but useless to us now so how's about we get you another drink huh?"
The metalhead can't help but raise a hand to gently brush the remaining tears from Steve's face as he speaks, the boy seeming content to stay in Eddie's orbit, hand unmoving in his hair. Steve leans into the touch.
Adding that to his growing list of 'what to do when Steve is in need of comfort' Eddie offers his friend a hand and pulls them both off the couch and over to the kitchen space. The apartment isn't all that different from the trailer really, with the added benefit of a room for Wayne and more chairs in the "living space", so they only have to walk a few steps. Steve's hand has drifted from his hair to clutch onto his shirt like a toddler might.
And isn't that a thought.
Eddie takes a moment to assess him, taking in the unsteady legs, hand anchored to his source of comfort, and yep - thumb of his unoccupied hand creeping higher towards his mouth as if still conscious enough of his actions he's afraid Eddie might judge him for giving in. Now Eddie might not understand exactly what's going on here, or why it's happening, but he's a known freak. If there was ever going to be anyone to judge Steve's child-like behaviour here it certainly wasn't going to be him. Still, he didn't want to push too far.
Compromise it is.
"You know I think we might have some popsicles in the freezer. You want one?" He asks, tone aiming for casual as he turns to the freezer but glances over his shoulder just in time to catch the sparkling eyes and excited expression his words induce.
Steve nods his head rapidly, fingers tightening in Eddie's shirt.
"Yes please!"
Eddie is prepared to give him the world Jesus H. Christ.
"Well I definitely can't say no to such good manners." He indulges, happy to chat to Steve like he would a child when it's visibly putting the guy in a much healthier mindset.
He pulls three popsicles out the freezer and offers them to Steve.
"We have cherry, strawberry, aaand green." He says, pulling Steve from his serious task of choosing a flavour.
"Green is a color" Steve giggles, his 'r's coming out a little like 'w's, adding to the sweetness. "Not a taste."
Eddie dramatically flings himself back as if shot, careful not to lean back too far or drop the sweet treats. Steve's giggling continues.
"Well thank you for clearing that up little Prince!" He exclaims, much to Steve's delight. "I'll be sure to remember that in future. Now, cherry, strawberry or apple, honey?" He asks and seriously who has taken over control of his mouth because he doesn't remember choosing to use every sappy nickname in the book. Luckily for him Steve appears more than happy with this turn of events.
"Mmm apple p'ease" He decides, sending Eddie's heart spiralling again with the new speech quirk.
"Apple it is." He nods seriously, handing over the popsicle. Steve takes it reverently in both hands.
Eddie turns away again, feeling mighty pleased with himself as he places the other treats back and pulls a water bottle from the fridge. He's assuming this will be a safer decision than giving Steve a glass.
When he turns back though, he's met with a frown. Oh dear.
Steve is sad again, his bottom lip a clear pout and his feet shuffling as if he's too shy to say something.
"What's wrong Stevie?" He asks, voice soft.
Steve just holds out the popsicle and pleads with his eyes.
"Help?" His tone sweet as sugar. Eddie gives in immediately.
"Oh of course honey, here." He tears the plastic and Steve immediately brightens. Crisis averted.
The flavoured ice clearly works for soothing Steve in the way he needed, and Eddie watches his shoulders droop as he sucks. Leading the boy back to the couch, Eddie flicks the tv on, loath to see that it's cued to some sports station Wayne likes. Before he can change it though, Steve makes a noise, and Eddie is faced with the same pleading expression as before. He rolls his eyes but smiles so Steve knows he isn't really mad.
"Okay bud, we'll keep this on." He acquiesces and Steve does a little bounce/wiggle thing that Eddie simply has to see again soon how is he so cute? "But we can't stay up all night okay? Kiddos need their sleep."
Steve whines around his snack but Eddie stays firm. He has a feeling Steve needs this.
"Nuah uh Stevie, this is non-negotiable kay? I'll be right there if you need me but sleep is important. Even I'm tired bud, you must be exhausted."
Steve slumps a little, but gives a tiny nod before leaning into Eddie's side. He wastes no time in wrapping the boy under his arm, rubbing small circles into his shoulder as Steve focuses his attention on the screen.
When the popsicle is all gone, and Steve has drunk what Eddie deems a good amount of water (though he'll be bringing the bottle to his bedside just in case), he stands and holds a hand out for Steve to take. Steve who is currently staring at Eddie like a lost puppy. He wiggles his fingers to non-verbally encourage the boy but that does absolutely nothing. Steve just blinks slowly and sleepily up at him, then, without a second thought, holds his own arms up and makes grabby hands.
Jesus.
H.
Christ.
A critical hit.
Steve is so lucky Eddie's physical therapy paid off, and that shows with the band have picked up enough that he spends a good portion of his time lugging around amps. He reaches down and hefts up the sleepy boy into his arms. Steve snuggles into his shoulder and sighs.
Eddie is going to combust.
He quickly snatches up the water, careful not to jostle Steve too much in the process, and waddles down the hall to his room the best he can.
It's a little cluttered, but nowhere near as bad as it could've been so Eddie pats past-him on the back for cleaning recently, and places Steve onto his bed. He whines at being let go but Eddie hushes him with gentle fingers through his hair.
“I'll be right there, honey don't worry.”
He puts down the water, briefly remembering neither of them have brushed their teeth but shelving that thought as he doesn't particularly want to drag Steve up again or go searching for a spare toothbrush. That can be tomorrow's problem.
Steve is curled on his side, watching Eddie with wide eyes that he seems to be struggling to keep open.
"You okay in those clothes Stevie?" He asks. Steve is in sweats and a comfy tee, having lost his shoes and socks somewhere along the way so Eddie isn't surprised when he nods. It's a little chilly.
"Okay. I'm going to go change but I'll be right back-" Steve sits up like a shot, shaking his head wildly. Eddie rushes to his side to sooth him. "Hey hey no it's okay I'm here. Stevie, easy, breathe baby."
Steve breathes.
"Here how about this." Eddie takes his hand. "I'm going to grab my stuff, and as soon as I'm out the door I want you to count to twenty okay? I'll leave the door open, and I promise you I'll be back before you're done. Think you can do that for me?" He asks, really hoping the answer is yes. He’s not willing to cross any boundaries with Steve in such a vulnerable state, and he’s sure his friend will agree when he can think clearly.
Steve considers Eddie's deal, and though he doesn't look happy about it, he nods. Eddie grins.
"Thank you angel. Twenty okay? I'll be right back."
Steve barely reaches fifteen, and the grin on his face when Eddie returns is absolutely worth the bruised knee Eddie got rushing to change out of his jeans too close to the bathroom sink. He mirrors Steve in sweats and a band tee, and takes a detour to his closet to grab an extra blanket on his way to the bed. He and Wayne cut down on heating costs as much as they can, both of them preferring to bundle up so he knows he and Steve won't overheat.
Steve is delighted when Eddie cocoons him in the blanket like E.T, snuggling into it before reaching to pull Eddie in.
"Woahh okay okay I'm comin'" Eddie laughs bringing the duvet up as he encourages Steve to lie down. Steve, it seems, would much rather use him as a climbing frame.
"Stevie" He says, eyebrow raised. "We're sleeping now, remember?"
Lit by the soft glow of his bedside lamp, Steve's pout is even more sombre. Eddie brushes a hand to his cheek.
"Don't wanna s'eep" Steve says quietly. "Mons'ers."
"There are monsters?" Eddie frowns, heart breaking when Steve nods. He wraps an arm around him, both of them half propped up on his pillows. "Then I'll fight them off." He promises, and Steve looks up at him with an expression so open and trusting Eddie almost has to look away.
"Promise?" Steve asks. Eddie holds out a pinkie.
"Promise." He says, and Steve wraps his own pinkie around the offered finger, sealing the deal.
"Now," Eddie says, trying a different angle. "How's about I read you a bedtime story? Might help you close those sleepy eyes."
He gets another excited wiggle for his troubles and can't help but nuzzle into Steve's hair in response.
"Yes p'ease" Steve mumbles around the thumb that made its way into his mouth without Eddie noticing. He decides not to draw attention to it, though if this is going to be a more frequent thing maybe they should invest in...
Eddie's getting off track.
He shakes himself out of his thought spiral and shifts to grab the well-worn copy of The Hobbit from his bedside. Snuggling back in, he opens the book for Steve to see from his place on Eddie's shoulder.
"Chapter one: An Unexpected Party" He reads, voice soft. "In a hole in the ground, there lived a Hobbit..."