Chapter Text
Steve vaguely recalls a heated debate, a held-hostage remote knocked, and an open window.
One minute: channel surfing. The next: wrestling in the mud behind the Munson trailer.
Neither are winning the tussle. Steve has years of jock tendencies but Eddie’s surprisingly wriggly, his fashion hiding what muscle he maintains. And Steve’s certainly paid attention to Eddie’s… maintenance.
The two have been circling awhile now, mutual interest in pursuing more, obvious. But their competitive natures won out; who would cave first?
Well, Steve doesn’t mind upping the ante.
It’s a move that’s worked with previous partners; precise placement of the hands, plant yourself atop, apply body weight, hold their attention…
Wiping his lips clean, Steve eases in for the kill, slow.
Glance at Eddie's lips.
Back to his eyes.
Lean those final centimeters.
And plant a hard kiss to his nose.
(Snag the remote from Eddie’s loosened grip, mission complete!)
Steve smirks, leaning back, expecting Eddie's reaction. When he only remains frozen, Steve can’t help but pause.
Thankfully, the metalhead comes back into himself, lurching upwards with a mud glob to Steve’s face.
Blinded, all Steve can taste is grime and clay. Defenseless to the sudden, confident press of lips to his own. A kiss of grit, certainty, and relief from month-long tensions.
Steve thinks he's willing to concede this one, the remote snatched and Eddie leaving with a chortle of victory.
He touches his mud and kiss slicked lips. Yeah, he doesn’t mind losing the battle if he wins the war and all that comes after.
———
When Wayne finally returns from his 10-minute lunch fetching, he’s greeted by the boys caked in mud, unable to make eye contact without breaking into giggles.
He’ll be gruff about the mess, but he’s all too happy to send them to clean up if it means Eddie gets more days like this.