Work Text:
One evening, Eddie tells Steve he has the perfect way to freak the kids out: Next time they call them Mom and Dad, they should kiss.
At first, Steve’s reluctant, but then Eddie convinces him that the look on Dustin’s face will make it worth it. Steve thinks about it and agrees.
The next day, the kids all suddenly need a ride home from the arcade. Eddie’s already with Steve, so he joins him.
As soon as they get in the car, Steve lectures them about putting on their seatbelts, and Eddie adds on that, after everything they’ve been through, that would be the lamest way to die.
Max doesn’t hesitate to say, “Okay, Mom and Dad.”
Steve remembers the conversation from the day before, slams on his brakes, and kisses Eddie. He looks in the review mirror for the reaction, but the only thing that happens is that everyone starts digging through their pockets. Then they start pulling out quarters and dollars and handing them to Max.
“What the hell?” Steve questions.
Dustin dumps a bunch of quarters into Max’s hands and grumbles out, “Max bet all of us five dollars that you guys had feelings for each other.”
“Huh?” Steve splutters out. “We don’t! That was just… a joke.”
Mike yells at Max, “I knew it! Give us back our money.”
But then Eddie says, “She gets to keep at least half.”
The rest of the car ride to each home is relatively quiet. Besides Mike trying to whisper fight with Max that he wants half his money back.
One by one, the car gets more and more empty until Steve arrives outside Eddie’s and Max’s homes. Eddie gets out before Steve can say anything, and Max lingers next to him as Steve takes off.
As soon as he’s out of sight, Max gives Eddie half the money. Eddie sighs, “I’m never going to help you with a bet again.”
Max smirks. “I bet you your half that Steve will come back tonight and kiss you for real.”
“You’re on,” Eddie says and shakes her hand. He notices too late that she’s been staring over his shoulder. He turns around and sees Steve’s car coming back down the road.
Max giggles and runs off. She wins the bet before she even gets to her front door.