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Steve had been driving for almost two hours—aimlessly circling Hawkins as he tried to burn through his anger and hurt. His nights weren’t normally like this, and that was probably why it stung the most.
Normally, if he and Eddie had arranged to hang out, they spent the whole night together. They didn’t even want to part in the morning. Sometimes, Steve spent all day just waiting until his shift was over and he could see the other boy.
Steve never would have imagined they’d end up here five months ago. Hell, that long ago, he would have still been shaking his head at how good they were at being friends.
Because the Steve Harrington of High School would have been offended and baffled to be hanging out regularly in Eddie Munson’s trailer, especially after he’d found out Eddie was gay. But the Steve who survived the Upside Down—who helped hold Eddie’s fucking insides in place after facing those bats? He was just happy the guy was still around to poke out his tongue or laugh uproariously and shove down Dustin’s hat while winking at him over the kid’s head.
The fact Eddie was a little weird and happened to be queer? Absolutely didn’t matter, not when he was so much more—so much better a friend than anyone Steve had known apart from Robin.
But, as of three months ago, that unusual, solid, awesome friendship had turned into something else.
Because Eddie Munson had kissed him.
The two of them had been sitting in Eddie’s van outside his house, having spent the night at the movies followed by the diner. They’d been chatting, laughing, having fun—when Eddie had cupped his cheeks, holding him like he was the most precious thing in the world and slotting their mouths together.
He’d instinctively kissed back, and even when he’d remembered it was a guy, he hadn’t pulled away or demanded they stop. When they had broken apart, he’d stared at Eddie, going through a sudden sexuality tailspin as Eddie nervously fidgeted in his seat.
‘Doesn’t have to mean anything,’ Eddie had eventually blurted, getting increasingly pale. ‘Christ, happy to pretend it never happened. Whatever you want, Steve. Stupid of me. Like, really fucking dumb.’
But Steve had just sat there, like a big dumb rock as Eddie had gotten more and more jittery—looking actually scared as he’d whispered, ‘Please... please say something, man.’
But instead of answering verbally, Steve had leant forward and kissed Eddie again. Eddie had kissed back instantly, fisting fingers in his polo and groaning lowly against his mouth. Steve had really fucking liked that sound.
And then, well, making out had turned into more.
It had turned into him falling head over ass into a relationship—head over heels into love with a dorky, cute metalhead guy. And as out of left field as that had been, as much as his past self would have been horrified, Steve could only say it was one of the best decisions of his life—for three months his relationship with Eddie had felt damn near perfect.
But, tonight, they’d had their first big fight.
He’d just… fuck. He’d wanted to go out with Eddie—have an actual date night, rather than sitting close but not close enough in the cinema, or going to the diner but being unable to holds hands and having to pretend to show interest in the girl waitress. He’d known that was impossible in Hawkins—that it was impossible in most places—so he’d casually hinted at Eddie taking him to Indy.
Before they’d gotten together, Eddie had excitedly and hopefully tried to convince Robin to come with him to one of his favourite gay clubs. He’d spoken about them at length—how he hooked up there, could be himself there and hang with people like him. She’d refused, not ready for that kind of experience yet. While Steve hadn’t been part of the invitation at the time, he’d heard about it after.
Since they were dating now, he’d thought they could go together. As a couple.
He hadn’t expected Eddie to get defensive the moment he’d brought it up, to get tense and uncomfortable and try to avoid the subject. And when he’d actively pushed, to give a snapped, agitated outright no.
And, well, he’d been hurt.
He’d maybe lashed out a little that his boyfriend didn’t want to be seen in public with him—that he would invite Robin to his favourite club but not him. It had descended too fast into an argument, both of them snapping things until he’d left in a huff, slamming the trailer door and spitting, “Well, fuck being your boyfriend then, I guess.”
He hadn’t meant it, of course. He’d spent the last two hours working through his emotions until he ended up feeling guilty and regretful. They were supposed to be having a nice date night with a movie and cuddling—maybe sex, but definitely him spending the night.
Instead, they’d ended up on opposite sides of town, all because of some stupid suggestion. And yeah, it did still hurt, but he knew Eddie cared about him. He knew Eddie wasn’t ashamed of being his boyfriend. Whenever they were around the people who knew, he was openly affectionate and sweet.
So, clearly, something about Indy got his back up. Steve would have to work out what it was, and hopefully, put it behind them.
But, to do that, he had to head back to the trailer.
He turned the car around with a sigh, making his way back to Forest Hills. It only took about ten minutes, and when he arrived, he was grateful to see Eddie’s van still there and the trailer lights on.
Parking his car, Steve climbed out, locking it behind him and going up to the trailer door. He knocked, already planning his apology, hoping Eddie would have cooled off enough to let him in so they could talk.
Eddie didn’t answer.
“Eds?” he called.
Still nothing.
And that wasn’t right, if Eddie was mad, he’d expect a shouted ‘fuck off’ or something equally bitchy. If he was as keen as him to make up, the door would have already been thrown open.
Feeling worried, Steve tried the handle, alarm growing when it was unlocked. He pushed it open, planning to call for Eddie again, only to stare in shock. A chair was up ended, there were four empty beer cans on the floor, the phone was off the hook, Eddie had a finished blunt in the ashtray—and, curled up in the corner of the couch was his sniffling boyfriend.
Steve leapt inside and shut the door, rushing up to the metalhead and crouching down in front of him.
“Eddie? Eds, baby, what happened?”
He ran through all the possibilities, feeling a sinking dread that something might have happened to Wayne. His boyfriend would be crushed. Hell, Steve would be upset—but he could be strong for Eddie, he would be strong for him.
“Eddie—”
“It’s over,” Eddie said, his voice choked with emotion.
Steve shuffled even closer, placing one hand on his boyfriend’s knee, rubbing his thumb against his ripped jeans. His other hand cupped Eddie’s cheek, tilting up his head. His eyes were glassy with alcohol and bloodshot from weed, but two big tears slipped down his cheeks, following drying trails.
“Baby,” he said, his heart feeling like it was breaking. “What happened? What’s over?”
Eddie’s eyes welled again. “Us.”
Steve froze, shocked before: “What?”
Eddie’s face collapsed with devastation. “You broke up with me.”
Steve blinked. “What?” And then. “No, no, Eddie, I didn’t!”
“You did,” Eddie was almost sobbing. “You left and you broke up with me and you wouldn’t pick up the phone, wouldn’t talk to me. You hate me now.” Steve sat crouched and dumbfounded by what was happening, he didn’t even move when Eddie covered his face, words hitching against his hands. “Y-You’re not m-my sweetheart a-anymore.”
It finally made Steve react. He sprung up, taking his boyfriend’s hands and tugging them away from his face.
“No, no, Eddie. We’re not broken up.”
“We are,” Eddie said, tears falling freely. “Couldn’t, couldn’t even say sorry. Wouldn’t, wouldn’t even talk to me—”
“I wasn’t home dipshit!” Steve snapped, only to immediately regret it.
Only, Eddie didn’t even seem to take any notice. “I gotta… gotta win you back.”
He yanked out of Steve’s hold, surprising him. Eddie tried to leap off the couch, almost face-planting and cracking his head open. Steve squawked, trying to go after his suddenly energetic boyfriend. Eddie managed to cover some good distance and stumbled toward his room.
“Eddie! Eddie, what are you doing?” He almost got hit by the door, catching it in time. “Jesus, man—”
“WHAM!” Eddie shouted, stumbling over some clothes but going for his guitar. “Gotta, gotta win you back. Wham can… can do it. Gotta do it.”
Steve lurched forward, grabbing his drunken boyfriend around the waist. There was absolutely no way he was letting Eddie near his guitar in this state—he was sure Eddie would never actually damage it, but he wasn’t taking the risk.
“Christ, man. You don’t have to win me back, we’re good. We’re not broken up.”
“We are. You broke up with me!”
“I didn’t!”
“You d-did,” his voice cracked on the word, sounding so heartbroken and raw. “Don’t wanna be without my Stevie.”
Steve’s exasperation melted for the same love that always overwhelmed him anytime he looked at his boyfriend. He squeezed Eddie gently.
“You won’t be without me, Eds.” He tugged gently, trying to get him toward the bed. “Lay down with me, okay, baby?”
Eddie, for all his earlier burst of energy, was easy to get down on the bed. He also melted into Steve’s arms, curling into his chest and clinging like an octopus. He still sniffled against Steve’s shirt, dampening it with the proof of his tears. Eddie hiccupped, long fingers curling clumsily in his shirt.
“Never… never gonna cuddle me again.”
Steve tried very hard not to roll his eyes. “Eddie, we’re cuddling right now.”
“Never… never gonna be my Stevie. My… my p-perfect boyfriend.”
A fresh wave of tears welled and Steve rubbed his back, kissing the top of his head and murmuring soft nonsense in his boyfriend’s ear. Eddie still didn’t seem to really believe him, but after a while, he managed to doze off. Steve kept stroking Eddie’s back and hair even after he started to drool.
“You complete idiot,” Steve muttered, shaking his head with fond exasperation. He kissed Eddie’s temple, softening his words by adding, “But, I still love you. I always will, Eddie.”
Shuffling a little further down the bed, he settled in for an uncomfortable night of sleeping in jeans and a polo. It wasn’t the ideal, and he’d have to get up and find some water and pain meds for Eddie’s hangover tomorrow morning, but for now, he wanted to stay right here, cuddling his boyfriend and assuring him, even in sleep, that he hadn’t gone anywhere.
Steve woke in the morning to soft groaning. He blinked open his eyes, a little confused at first, until the memories of last night came back to him. It quickly became obvious that Eddie wasn’t far behind.
“Oh God,” Eddie groaned. “Oh, fuck.”
He clutched his head and shuffled away, curling into a smaller ball. Steve shook his head and rolled over, grabbing the water and meds he’d collected late last night. He’d also shut the curtain and put the phone back on the hook.
He held them out to his boyfriend.
“Eddie. Come on, have these, you’re going to need them.”
Eddie whimpered some more. “No,” he croaked out, “Let me die in peace. My humiliation is all encompassing.”
Steve snorted. “Sorry, man. I don’t plan on losing my boyfriend that easily.”
That had an immediate effect. Eddie jerked up into a sitting position. His face went a little green, and Steve worried he was going to have to dive for the bin, but he quickly returned to a more normal colour. He also darted out, fisting his hands in Steve’s polo.
“Boyfriend?” He swallowed hard. “I… I didn’t imagine that? We’re… we’re still—”
“Together?” Steve finished, taking one hand and squeezing gently. “Of course we are, Eds.” Yet, Steve winced immediately after. He’d run the night over a lot while lying in bed, especially his parting comment. “I was angry, Eddie. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that we’d broken up.”
Eddie’s gaze dropped to the mattress. He didn’t let Steve’s shirt go, but his voice dropped to a near whisper, “S-not your fault. I just… I’m sorry I made you mad.”
Steve sighed softly. He also pressed the drink to Eddie’s hand. “Come on, have these first, then we’ll talk about it. But, I promise, I’m not breaking up with you, okay? We had a fight; we’ll sort it out.”
Eddie still wouldn’t look at him, but he nodded. He let Steve go, but shifted a little closer. Steve wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling Eddie into him.
The metalhead relaxed into his embrace even as he had the medicine and finished the entire glass. When he was done, Steve took the glass back and put it beside the bed. He then pulled Eddie down until they were lying together, looking up at the poster-covered roof.
“Okay,” Steve said. “I’ll go first—”
“No,” Eddie blurted. His hand darted out, fingertips digging into Steve’s arm. “No. I fucked this up, Steve.”
“Eddie—”
“I didn’t want to take you to Indy,” Eddie blurted. Steve tried not to let the confirmation sting, but Eddie was already continuing, “You don’t know what it’s like there, Steve. What I used to do there.” Eddie exhaled shakily. “And… and you don’t know how hot you are.”
Steve blinked, not expecting that. He turned to look at Eddie. “Huh?”
The metalhead wasn’t looking at him, he was still staring fixedly at the roof, a grimace twisting his mouth.
“You are so fucking hot, Steve. Like, insanely out of my league.” He shut his eyes. “Indy’s not like here. The clubs are full of people and so many of them are going to want you. They’re not some deadbeat trailer trash, Freak—”
Steve rolled on his side, cupping Eddie’s cheek and forcing the metalhead to face him. Eddie’s beautiful doe eyes were sad and hurt and Steve leant in and kissed him, soft, sweet and loving. He pulled back and brushed a thumb over his boyfriend’s cheek.
“Eddie, baby, you’re worth so much more than anyone in Indy could dream of being.”
“But—”
“Nu uh,” Steve said, shaking his head. “Don’t get a say. I’ve got awesome taste, and I’m head over heels in love with you, so I’m not letting you insult my boyfriend, all right?”
Eddie’s eyes widened to saucers. “You love me?”
Steve had a moment of panic that he’d said it aloud—that it was going to be thrown in his face again—but he swiftly shoved that panic down. He knew this was different. He also knew, this wasn’t about him.
“I love you,” he said firmly. “The only reason I wanted to go to Indy was so I could have a proper date with you: hold hands in public, kiss you no matter who sees, that kinda stuff. Thought your clubs would work for that.”
Eddie’s whole face cracked open—his joy as bright as the sun.
“Fuck. You… you do?”
“Baby, of course I do.”
Eddie kissed him, arms encircling his neck and holding him like he had in the van—like he was absolutely precious.
Yet, before Steve could really fall into the kiss, Eddie pulled back. He barely got his eyes open before Eddie blurted, “I love you too, Steve. So fucking much, man. Like, embarrassingly so, since I was a complete drunken moron about it last night.”
Steve laughed even as his heart overflowed with warmth. “I don’t know, it was kind of cute.” He grinned, leaning a little closer and teasing, “You can still play me Wham, if you want.”
Eddie blushed prettily. “Jesus.” He dropped his gaze, yet still mumbled, “Would, you know. If you wanted.”
Steve’s smile softened and he shook his head—because as much as it had been cute and he always enjoyed watching Eddie play… well, he didn’t need to be won, did he? He was already well and truly ensnared.
“Nah, man,” he said. “Can’t go offending your guitar by making it play pop.”
Eddie huffed a laugh, he also tugged Steve until they were even closer, curled together with arms wrapped around one another and Eddie’s head tucked under his chin.
“Steve?” he murmured.
“Yeah?”
“I… I’d like to go to Indy with you too. Um, some day.”
Steve squeezed Eddie gently and promised, “Whenever you want, Eds. I’m not going anywhere.”
Eddie sighed softly, he also curled his fingers in Steve’s shirt, somehow managing to burrow even closer. It was a mirror of last night and yet, so much better now that the air had been cleared, not only about the reason for their fight, but about their feelings for each other.
Stroking Eddie’s back, Steve couldn’t help but smile. He was grateful he’d come back to the trailer last night rather than going home—that they were unequivocally still together... but he was also glad he'd been here to look after Eddie.
Because, being in a relationship meant being there for the good and the bad—but also for the dramatic, drunken ridiculousness that came with his sweet and perfect boyfriend, who only needed himself, not Wham, to keep Steve forever by his side.