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Steve and Eddie are best friends, much to their own surprise. They had a rocky start since Eddie wasn’t quick to believe King Steve had truly changed so much after his fall from grace, but they found they had more in common than different. Then came the late nights, summer days by the pool, getting high in the trailer. The two of them fell together so easily. The problem? Eddie had fallen in a different way. He tried to push the feeling down, smother it in a sea of rational and logic, but it came bubbling back up. He was in love with Steve. His floppy hair. His smile as bright as the sun. It was hopeless. Eddie knew it could never be more than a crush, but the word had never felt so literal. Those moments together, everything that once had felt so right, suddenly made him feel as if he was suffocating in them. He pulled away. Made some distance for himself. He called it boundaries, tried to make it feel like the healthy option. He could see that Steve noticed, felt him get colder. Eddie saw the hurt looks, the disappointed way he deflated when Eddie would leave early or avoid plans entirely. It made Eddie feel sick, but he knew it was for the best. If he was going to maintain the friendship at all, he had to build walls.
It went on for months, but things changed when Steve met someone. Suddenly he had his sunshine back. It was like a dagger to the heart for Eddie, but he tried to be happy for his friend. Jordan was all Steve could talk about some days. Eddie got very good at tuning it all out. It went on for a couple months. With this new person in Steve’s life, it was easier for Eddie to stick to the limited amount of time he spent with Steve. He tried to see this as a good thing. Of course he wanted Steve all to himself, but this was how it had to be.
One day he goes to Family Video and finds Robin working the counter alone, but he can hear muffled shouting from the back. He gives Robin a curious look.
“Steve and Jordan are on the phone,” Robin huffed.
Eddie tries to squash the satisfaction that blooms in his chest at the thought of them being on the rocks. He didn’t want Steve to be miserable, but his crush was like the devil on his shoulder.
“Jordan missed their date yesterday. Totally stood Steve up.” Robin looks pissed just giving the cliff notes version. Eddie doesn’t blame her, he’s pissed too. Doesn’t this girl know what she has?
Steve comes out from the back and slumps down on the counter. Robin’s already at his side, wrapping a comforting arm around his shoulders.
Steve groans, “I think that’s that for Jordan.” He looks up and seems to register Eddie’s presence for the first time. “Oh, hi.” He looks embarrassed, which Eddie is confused by. Breakups suck, but they’re nothing to be embarrassed about.
“Hey, Stevie. Sorry to hear it. What can we do? Movie night? I can pick up the ice cream,” Eddie offers, trying to push past the unease of comforting the guy he’s in love with over someone else, but Steve’s still his best friend. Two months with someone is just enough for the heartbreak to hurt, especially with how hard Steve falls. Eddie admires how easily he wears his heart of his sleeve.
Steve’s expression twists for a moment before he’s shaking his head. “No, screw that. I want to go have some fun. Oh, Robs, we were just talking about how long it’s been since we drove up to Indy. What if we did? We could head out after we get off and stay the night?” He looks at her with hopeful eyes. Eddie can see he’s got the pout in his back pocket if she hesitates at all.
Robin grins, “Absolutely. Screw wallowing, I’m all for it.”
Steve beams at that, he turns to Eddie expectantly, “Are you in?”
Eddie wants to agree, but he bites his tongue. Steve’s getting over this girl, and he’s looking to go have fun, probably hookup. He can’t imagine a worse time than watching Steve hit on random girls and leave with somebody. “Eh, I’ve got band practice with the guys. Next time for sure.” It’s lame, he knows it, but it’s for the best.
Steve looks disappointed but nods, “Yeah, no worries. Next time.”
Eddie takes off, heading back to the trailer for a boring night in. He’s trying to keep his mind on anything else, pouring all his attention into campaign planning. His phone is humming beside him, and he’s so wrapped up in his own head, he nearly misses the call. He fumbles with it for a second before answering. He can’t even get a simple hello out before Robin is chewing him out.
“What the fuck is your problem Munson? You act like a dick for months, completely turn Steve on his head, and you can’t even bother to be there for him when he needs his friends? And that lame ass lie, are you serious? How do you get off saying you’re busy right after offering plans?”
Eddie cringes. He didn’t realize his mistake. He feels like such an ass. He’s also stuck on the fact that apparently his avoidance had hurt Steve more than he let on. “Im sorry. I suck. What can I do?”
“You can show up. Be at Steve’s in twenty, ready for a fun weekend, or you’re dead to me,” Robin hangs up at that.
Eddie blinks. Shit, he really fucked up, didn’t he? He scrambles to his feet, shoving his things into a backpack and racing out the door. He can fix this.
He pulls up to the Harrington house as Steve and Robin are packing up the car. She looks at him and gives a small nod of approval. Steve is surprised and the smile that breaks around his face when he sees Eddie’s bag is an arrow to the heart. This guy will be the death of him.
“You’re coming with?” Steve sounds hopeful, but there’s an edge of nerves, like he’s not quite sure.
“Of course, couldn’t leave you two to have all the fun without me.” Eddie avoids Robin’s eyes, but he can feel her eye roll. It’s fine, Steve’s excitement is enough to confirm this is a good plan. Eddie can handle a trip with his friends.
They pile in to Steve’s car. Eddie takes the backseat, but he doesn’t mind. He spreads out, reclining across the seats, using his bag like a pillow. “So, what’s the plan?” His eyes are closed, and he’s decided to enjoy the flow of it all.
“We wanted to try out a new bar we heard of, can’t find places like that in Hawkins,” Steve’s got the radio playing softly.
Robin laughs, “Yeah, I think Hawkins would riot if they tried.”
Eddie’s brows furrow. “Huh? What kinda place is it?”
“Oh, come on, you know,” Steve starts.
“A gay bar, idiot,” Robin finishes.
Eddie’s face screws up. He sits up and leans between the seats. “Why the hell do you wanna go there?”
They share a puzzled look. “Why wouldn’t we?”
Eddie sputters, “Well, Buckley might find someone, but you’re not exactly going to have options for a post breakup screw.”
Steve and Robin look confused. More than confused, they look completely perplexed. “Why not?” Steve tries.
Eddie falls back against the seats with a huff. “Seriously? I mean, Steve I know you’re used to having your pick of the crowd, but any chicks there will be playing for Robin’s team. I know she’d kick your ass if you actually thought you could turn one of them, so what am I missing? Are you not looking to hookup? I guess I can understand that so soon after, but you gotta be aware that guys are gonna hit on you all night.”
Silence. Eddie waits for either of them to speak up, but it’s like someone hit the mute button.
“Hellooo?” Eddie prompts.
“He can’t not know, right?” Steve asks Robin, completely ignoring Eddie’s presence.
“I mean, how is that even possible? You just dated Jordan,” Robin is looking directly at Steve now.
“They never met?” Steve offers.
“But you talked about him! All the time!” Robin’s got her hands in her hair like she’s losing her mind.
Eddie claps his hands together, loud. “Ok, someone explain what’s happening.”
“Eddie… you know I’m bi, right?” Steve asks hesitantly, like it should be obvious.
Silence. Eddie feels like his brain is rebooting.
“Oh you’ve got to be kidding me! He literally had a boyfriend for two months! How could you possibly-”
“WHAT?” Eddie can’t help the tone that comes out. The guy he’s in love with, that he had no possible chance with, is into guys. He thinks he might actually bite the fucking leather seats.
Steve is wheezing laughing instantly. “Eddie are you fucking serious? How could you possibly not know?”
Robin’s got her head in her hands. “This explains so much. I’m going to be sick. Eddie you’re so stupid.”
Eddie can hear his heart beat in his ears. His head is reeling. He’s trying to go back and hear everything Steve ever said about Jordan. Was he really so sure about his assumption that he completely missed every pronoun ever used?
The wonder twins are cracking up in the front seat. Eddie thinks Steve might actually have to pull over the car, but they pull it together enough to continue on. It takes about two hours to drive into the city. It’s getting late when they check their things into the hotel and freshen up before heading out. Eddie’s in his room. He feels like he’s sleepwalking. Steve Harrington is bi. His entire world shifted, and he has no idea how to process this information.
Suddenly, he’s hit with the realization that Steve’s random hookup with probably be a guy if they’re going to a gay bar. A guy. Eddie thinks he might actually pass out.
There’s knocking at his door, and when he pulls it open, he feels all the air leave his lungs. Steve looks good. Better than anyone should ever look in a silly blue polo. All the feelings Eddie worked hard to push so far down he could ignore them for a lifetime were humming just under his skin.
“Eddie? Are you ok?” Steve looks concerned.
Eddie gets the impression that wasn’t the first thing Steve had said to him. “Huh? Oh yeah, I’m great. You look uh. Good.” Eddie breathes and joins them in the hall. He feels like he maybe got away with that interaction until catches Robin’s eye roll. When he looks back at Steve, because how could he do anything but admire this man, he sees the soft pink spread across his cheeks and ears. Eddie feels a satisfied warmth in his chest.
The bar isn’t far, Steve and Robin planned well with this hotel. It’s a better trip than Eddie’s usual plan. He’s used to crashing in his van for the night.
The place is alive. The music is loud. People are dancing. Eddie loves these kind of places. They’re at the bar, and Eddie’s got a beer. He’s watching Steve drink something bright with fruit that matches with Robin.
Eddie’s on his second beer by the time the other two are on the dance floor. He’s got his back to the bar, perched on a stool. Robin’s got a girl crowding into her, not that she’s not willingly inviting her in. Steve is enjoying himself, moving along with the music. Eddie sees the eyes that linger on Steve. He doesn’t blame them, but he hates them all the same. When his attention slides back to Steve, he meets his gaze. Steve is smiling at him. He looks relaxed. Eddie grips the beer bottle tighter.
Steve approaches, leaning in close to talk over the music, “Gonna stay on your throne all night?” He grins at Eddie, teasing.
Eddie nearly forgets to respond, captivated by the way Steve’s still huddled so close, looking up at him with hooded eyes. He’s got a red tinge to his skin from the drinks. Eddie wants to lean in the rest of the way and close the distance. “Why? Looking for company?”
Steve looks down, eyes avoiding him now. “Yeah, maybe.” Eddie searches for a reason for the sudden bashfulness. It’s tugging at his heart strings, and he’s already burning with jealousy for anyone Steve chooses in this crowd.
Eddie slides off the stool, and follows Steve, who looks like he just won. He’s so gone on this man, and he’s remembering why he put so much space between them for months. Steve’s got his hand, and he’d follow him anywhere.
It’s hot, and everyone is so close. Steve’s dancing, and he keeps bumping into Eddie’s who is certain he’s going to lose his mind. He doesn’t know where to put his hands. They’ve had a few more drinks. He’s drowning in it all, and this time he’s not sure he wants to come up for air.
By the time Steve’s pulling him out of the masses, Eddie feels delirious. He’s smiling and laughing. Steve’s talking to someone, but then he’s turning back to Eddie, who’s melting under those eyes, and he’s putting a hand on his hip. Steve leans in close, and he can feel his hot breath on his neck and the warm of his hand on the skin above his belt. “Robs is taking that girl back to the room, so I suppose I’m with you tonight.”
Eddie was sure he was going to die right there in the bar. He catches a glimpse of Buckley leaving. She’s looking back at Steve, and Eddie swears he sees her wink. He looks back at Steve and meets his intense gaze.
“What, done looking for a hookup?” Eddie’s praying he is. He knows it’s ridiculous, but he wants Steve to come back with him, even if it’s just to get a sleepless night laying beside him. He thought he’d had enough of those, nights where they got high or it was too late to drive home. Eddie would spend the entire night staring at the ceiling, listening to Steve breathe beside him, and forcing himself to stay completely still. Never looking over.
Steve’s looking at him now, like he’s studying him. He laughs at some joke unknown to Eddie. “Yeah, I’m done looking. Let’s go back.”
Eddie let’s put a sigh of relief. He follows Steve out, and the cool night air is sharp in his throat. He feels like he’s vibrating. He’s not drunk, maybe slightly buzzed, but he’s completely intoxicated by Steve. Every time his eyes find Eddie, he feels high. It’s a dangerous game he’s playing. He’s getting too close again, but he can’t stop himself. He’s fallen helplessly for this man, and he’s not sure what else is to be done on the matter. When they get home from Indy, Eddie has to cut it loose. He can’t be friends with the man he loves. So close, yet not enough.
But tonight, he can pretend. Pretend Steve is his.
They get back to the hotel and Eddie sees the do not disturb sign on Robin’s room. He’d be congratulating her if he didn’t think it was a little rude to abandon Steve in his time of need. The guy didn’t even want to find a hookup. He’s clearly still dealing.
He follows Steve into his room and he’s shedding off his jacket onto the floor. He’s too hot. His hair is sticking to the back of his neck.
“Damn, if I had cash I’d throw you some ones,” Steve grins at him from where he’s sitting on the edge of the bed.
Eddie laughs. If only Steve knew the show he’d put on if he had the chance. “Just getting comfortable, Stevie. Don’t cream your pants.”
Blush spreads across Steve’s face before he tucks his chin down to hide it. Eddie is satisfied with that. He falls back against the other side of the bed with a sigh.
“How are you feeling?” Eddie asks. He hopes Steve isn’t hurting too badly.
Steve glances back, then lays back so they’re side by side. “Better, I guess. Jordan was kinda a jerk. I think I was just looking for a distraction honestly.”
“Well, I think tonight was very distracting. Can’t ask for better.” Eddie smiles at the ceiling. At least he can say he went out with a bang. Feeling Steve dance all night was a highlight of his life.
“Not tonight, I meant before,” Steve clarifies.
Eddie’s brows knit together. “Before? Before what? Like, Jordan was a distraction? From what?”
Steve groans, “From this guy would clearly has no idea that I’ve been in love with him for the past year, and I’m starting to realize he might feel the same way. Unfortunately, he’s being an idiot, who can’t take a hint to save his life.”
Eddie freezes. He’s holding his breath as he slowly turns towards Steve, who’s looking right at him with those big beautiful eyes. “You don’t mean…”
Steve rolls his eyes and grabs Eddie’s face, pulling him into a crushing kiss. Eddie melts into it quickly, he pulls Steve impossibly closer, wrapping his arms around him and into his hair. They kiss like it’s their only lifeline, until they’re pulling away to gasp in breath.
“I’m an idiot,” Eddie says in disbelief. “I can’t believe I didn’t know.”
“I never thought it was a possibility. I thought there was no way you couldn’t know how I felt. Then you got distant and I thought that was your way of letting me know it wasn’t going to happen.” Steve tucks his head down and laughs into the curve of Eddie’s neck.
Eddie is pressing soft kissing to his head. “I was so gone on you. I couldn’t deal with it. Every minute with you felt like I was fighting the urge to kiss you.”
“God, that’s all I wanted.” Steve is kissing his neck, and Eddie can’t think straight.
“I’ve got a lot of lost time to make up for, and I’m not waiting another second.” Eddie pushes him back against the bed and grins down at him.
Steve smiles up at him. “Fucking finally.”