Archive of Our Own

Dustin challenged the looming figure in front of them. The girls had made their way upstairs, but they remained to distract Vecna's guard dog. The kid tossed lore from their DnD sessions, quotes from table-top speeches, and lyrics of metal songs at unflinching black eyes and sharp teeth. Dustin wanted to reach Eddie and remind him who he really was, but he took a step forward. He shouldn't have done that.

Steve quickly shoved him out of the way as Eddie lunged at them. He put himself between Dustin and Eddie, Kas as the kids were calling him, and took the brunt of his attack. Steve held him back, not letting him get free and hurt the others. He bared it, each attack ripping through clothes and flesh. Claws and teeth that looked so wrong on Eddie tore into him. It was agonizing. He tried not to listen as Dustin screamed for the others. He wished Dustin didn't have to see this. Didn't have to watch him die.

Upstairs, Nancy was able to deliver the final shot to Vecna, ending his control over the creatures of the upside down and severing his connection to Eddie.

Eddie woke up and everything felt wet. His mouth tasted like copper. He was sore. All his limbs were too tight, like all his muscles had been pulled taut for days. His vision blurred into focus. It was all so dark. He squinted to see his own hands covered in blood, below him Steve was a mess. His arms were reaching up towards Eddie, still holding him as his grip was weakening. Eddie looked down at him, confused and horrified, but Steve was mumbling something.

"...he wouldn't hurt Dustin... Ed wouldn't ever hurt hm... you're not him...you can't use him like that..." His eyes were screwed shut, determination mixed with pain across his face.

"Steve?" Eddie could barely form the words. His brain was cathing up, connecting the blood soaked friend in front of him to his own clawed hands.

Steve cracked his eyes open, finding Eddie's big brown eyes, no longer glaring pits of inky black.

Eddie sobbed, shaking his head and holding Steve up. "I- I wouldn't. You're right. I'd never hurt him. I'd never hurt you. Oh god Steve. What did I do? What did I do to you?"

Steve blinked at him slow. "Eddie?"

He nodded frantically, "Yes, yeah it's me. Fuck, Steve can you hear me? I'm so sorry. I-"

Steve was smiling. He had blood on his teeth and lips, but he beamed at Eddie. "You came back."

"I'm too late. I don't think- oh god Steve, I don't think I can save you." Eddie tried to press his hands against his wounds, but there were just too many.

"It's okay. Everything's okay. Dustin's safe?" Steve's eyes are focused on nothing.

Eddie wasn't even sure where Dustin was right now. "Yeah, he's safe. You did real good. Everyone's safe." Eddie's throat is tight.

Steve smiled. "Good. Take care of 'em," his words slurred together a bit.

"Please stay with me, Steve," Eddie begged.

"Get away from him!" There was a scream behind him, but Eddie was too busy holding Steve's face, trying to will him to live despite it all.

Hands were on him, dragging Eddie away from Steve. He was sobbing and he couldn't find it in himself to resist.

"Oh god," Robin was pressing her jacket against Steve's torso. "What did you do? Steve, can you hear me? Wake up! Wake up right now- I swear to god." Robin was frantic.

Dustin was in front of Eddie, refusing to look directly at Steve. "You're you?" His voice was tight with as much strength as the kid can muster.

Eddie stared back at Dustin. "I killed him."

He felt sick. He couldn't be here. He didn't belong with them. These people who loved him. The people Steve loved. He shouldn't be here.

"It wasn't you," Dustin tried to reason, but there was something cold in his eyes.

"Somebody do something!" Robin begged.

Nancy was beside her, pulling her away from Steve - from his body. "Robin, he's gone."

"No! No, he can't be," Robin shoved Nancy away from her, looking between all of them. Her attention landed on Eddie, specifically his hands. Her expression twisted to rage. "You- you did this! You hurt him. How could you? How could you do this to him?" She was screaming at him.

Eddie could feel the tears streaking down his face, but they didn't change what he did. They didn't absolve his guilt.

Robin's anger was choked off by a sob as she crumpled beside her best friend, taking his hand in hers. "Steve... please, I need you. Come on, we need to go home. We're gonna get the apartment. You gotta come to graduation." She smoothed his hair, hands shaking.

Eddie could hear Dustin's shaking breath as the tears forced their way out.

"We need to leave," Nancy said softly. "We can't stay here."

"We can't leave him. He needs to come home," Robin's voice wavered, attention never leaving Steve. She tried hooking her arms under his, but the weight of him didn't budge. She let out a frustrated sob.

Eddie was on his feet. Dustin eyed him warily.

"I'll carry him," Eddie said with steady determination.

"Don't touch him," Robin snapped back.

"Robin, I think you should let Eddie help. It's a long walk back to the door," Nancy tried to reason.

Robin shielded Steve protectively. "You did this. He trusted you and you just... you took him away," she refused to say the words.

Eddie stared down at Steve. He could feel the blood becoming tacky on his hands and arms. He was covered in it, matching Steve. "I can carry him. Robin, please. Let me do this for him. He deserves to make it out of here."

He kneeled beside her. She was tense, and he could feel her hatred rolling off her in waves. Her jacket still covered his chest. Blood was soaking through, but it was covering the worst of his injuries.

"He wanted to carry you out. Last time, Steve didn't want to leave you behind," Robin said quietly. "He was hurt though, and we couldn't finish Vecna off. Stuff was waking up, and it wasn't safe. You saved us that time. Gave us enough of a window to make it out alive. He was so upset about leaving you." She got to her feet, taking a step back. "Carry him. Let's go home."

Eddie nodded, he hooked his arms under Steve, lifting him up and holding him close to his chest. He was stronger now as... whatever he was. Steve was cold in his arms. They were all freezing down here, but this was different.

He couldn't help but glance down at his face. The rest of the group seemed to be avoiding the sight of him now, but Eddie was memorizing his features. He was beautiful, even now.

Eddie tried to swallow the bitter truth that he'd never get to see all the ways he could fluster him. It all went by so fast. He never had a moment to truly appreciate him. All they'd ever be was two almost-friends. Steve would just be some guy Eddie jokingly flirted with a couple times during the apocalypse before dying dramatically to save their friends, then coming back from the dead only to kill him.

Okay, maybe that's not insignificant, but it still was not what Eddie would have chosen for them. If what he really wanted was even an option. Eddie stared down at Steve and saw a future of never ending what-ifs.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart," Eddie whispered to him.

Eddie carried Steve out of the upside down, and left a lifetime of possibilities behind.

——-

There was a moment, a shift between one second and the next, that made all the difference.

Vecna loomed over the trio, and Steve was beginning to consider just how outmatched they were. Then it happened. The moment. Venca's attention slipped away from them, and they took every advantage they had to turn that into the upper hand. By the time Nancy was delivering finishing blows to Vecna's head and heart, Steve was letting out a nearly delirious laugh.

They did it. They won. It was over.

They made the long walk back to the gate, an anxious pep in their steps to reunite and celebrate the end of the horrors with their friends. There was a particular new face Steve was eager to see again; though, he pushed his confusing anticipation down.

It was quiet. Exhaustion weighed on all of them. The crunch of dead leaves filled the air.

When they reached the edge of the trailer park, they heard it. Screaming.

Steve broke into a sprint. No. No. No. 

On the hill, Dustin was kneeling over a dark form.

"Steve! Steve, please help. He's losing so much blood. I can't- I can't make it stop," Dustin was panicking.

Maybe he was panicking too. He pressed bandannas and Eddie's jacket into the mess at the man's sides. His neck- oh god. 

Eddie garbled, "Did we get em?"

Steve nodded. "Yeah man, we got him. You hold on, ok? We'll get you out of here." But how, he thought.

Eddie smiled up at the dark sky. "I didn't run this time."

"I told you not to be a hero," Steve lamented, blood soaking between his fingers.

"Eddie, come on man. Stay with us," Dustin grabbed the man's shoulders.

"I think it's my year, Henderson." Eddie grinned. "I think it's finally my year."

Steve's gut twisted. He saw the distant look in Eddie's eyes.

Dustin sobbed, trying to pull Eddie up. Steve braced him, gathering him in his arms carefully.

"I love you, man," Eddie slurred.

Steve's throat was tight, but he lifted Eddie up, ignoring the way his eyes softened and lost focus.

Steve headed for the gate. He caught Robin's expression, tears streaming down her face, hand over her mouth. He looked away quickly. He needed to hold it together.

There was a dragging and uncoordinated stumble behind him. Steve glanced back and saw Dustin limping, his face tear stained and red.

"Are you hurt?" Steve searched for injuries, but Eddie's blood obscured his ability to determine what may belong to Dustin.

"My ankle. Eddie cut the rope to keep me safe, but I..." he trailed off, his breath catching in his throat.

Robin rushed to his side, supporting the younger teen and helping him keep pace.

Steve returned his focus to carrying Eddie's limp form. He felt distant from it all, like his mind had left his body behind to deal with this alone. Everything was crashing down around him, and he had no idea what tomorrow was meant to look like.

The gateway was a messy struggle, but they managed to get everyone through without additional injuries. Dustin was yelling about the hospital, and Steve nodded along, following their lead like a zombie. The weight of Eddie in his arms was all he knew to be true.

By the time they were standing in the fluorescent white hospital hallway, he knew one thing. Eddie was gone.

There was a flood of hospital staff, then government agents, local cops, and finally the rest of the party all coming and going at an alarming rate. Steve sat in the waiting room, blood and dirt caked into his clothes. Robin came and sat beside him, taking his hand gently in hers. She told him it was time to go home. He followed behind her, everything around him was muffled.

When they finally reached his dark, empty house, they sat inside, not worrying about whatever furniture they were currently ruining.

"Steve... are you ok?" She asked carefully im the darkness.

The sob that broke from him came as a shock to both of them. Robin wrapped her arms around him as he shook and struggled to catch his breath.

"What do I do? What am I supposed to do? Robs, please tell me what to do. I can't do this. I can't do this anymore," Steve sobbed. The years of pain and loss came out as his walls crumbled in on themselves.

-

It's been a year. The kids are sophomores. Robin graduated, and she's off at college. Nancy went off to New York for school, and Jonathan went with her. The rest of the Byers moved back to Hawkins. Steve is still working at Family Video. He feels stuck in time. Everyone is moving on and forward, but he can't seem to find his way.

Robin calls every week. It used to be everyday when she first started and was too afraid to leave her dorm. Steve is happy for her. College is going well. Her and Vicky even worked things out, eventually. They've been dating for over a month now. Robin still tries to convince him to move there. They could get an apartment. Steve says he’ll think about it, but he knows he’ll feel just as out of place there as he does in Hawkins.

Steve finds himself visiting Wayne a lot. The man always welcomes him into his new trailer. Steve mostly brings food. They sit and make simple conversation. It's not much, but Steve feels like he owes it to Eddie. Also, Wayne is pretty much the only person who's just as stuck as Steve. 

Dustin has been doing better recently. It was bad at the beginning, but he had the party to lean on. He was bouncing back, sharp wit returning in full force. 

Steve doesn't think he deserves to hurt this much. He'd barely known Eddie. They went to school together. He knew him from the halls, the lunchroom speeches, and the rumors. He'd only just gotten to break the surface of the real Eddie.

He has nightmares of bats and shields lined with nails, of rings on long fingers with chipped black polish, and dark curls matted with blood.

Though, the dreams are worse. The images of moments that never happened, of futures that will never be. Steve hates them because then waking up feels like the real nightmare.

The upside down has been officially closed for business for a year now. So it was a horrifying shock when El felt something change.

The party gathers, at least all local members. Steve feels out of place, and maybe that was his own fault. Dustin had tried reaching out, but Steve had been neglecting their friendship this year. He wanted Dustin to heal and move forward, and he just felt like an anchor.

El looks serious, which makes him uneasy. The girl had dealt with so much, and if she is worried, he knows things must be bad.

"I've been hearing things. Like, thumping on the walls. Something is just beyond," El tries to explain.

"Is it the upside down?" Mike asks the question on everyone's mind.

El pauses. She closes her eyes before shaking her head. 

"It doesn't feel like the upside down. It felt...familiar," she clarifies, brows pinched together. “It’s still just out of reach, but…”

“But?” Max frowns.

"It feels like the walls are thinning, and I don't want to create a hole by trying to peek through,” El finishes.

Good to know our dimension was a cheap apartment, and our neighbors are knocking on the drywall. Steve fidgets nervously.

“Is it getting closer?” Lucas asks, hand finding Max’s beside him.

“Yes.” El’s jaw clenches.

Steve can feel his heart beat in his ears, his finger tips tingling and twitching. He turns the corner, slipping out of the room as the kids discuss. He takes a few shaky, deep breaths as he makes his way outside into the cool night air. 

He kneels down on the porch and squeezes his eyes shut, focusing on catching his breath as the panic slowly subsides.

It's a nice evening. The sun is just below the horizon, but the sky is still washed in color. He thinks about the colorful figurines in Eddie's room. He'd helped Wayne clean it a couple months back. They boxed up some of his things, but his uncle couldn't bear undecorating completely. Band posters still cover the walls. His clothes still hang in the closet. They just collected the smaller trinkets that had been left haphazardly thrown on every surface. Steve had pocketed one of his tapes, a Metallica album he hated the sound of, but he played it often, filling the silence of his house.

"Steve?" Dustin is settling beside him on the porch. He hadn't noticed the door open.

"Hey, what's up? You guys figure out what's going all weird with the world yet?" He came across casual, maybe even bored, careful not to let him in on how weak he truly was to it all.

Dustin nods. "Yeah, we're gonna follow El to where the sounds comin' through loudest, and we'll make sure nothin' crawling through." He sounds so confident.

Steve's lungs tighten at the thought. "Oh yeah? And what if something is? You're all gonna fight it?" 

Dustin rolls his eyes. "We'll have El."

He's shaking his head before he can force the words out. "I'm coming."

-

They're over Lover's Lake, just like before, but this time Steve stares down at the black water with crippling dread.

"It's here. It's so loud," El presses over her ears, curling in on herself. 

"What's down there?" Dustin asks, peering over the edge of the boat.

El reaches out carefully, palm just barely making contact with the water's surface. "It goes too far. The water... it just keeps going, but it changes. It's loud, and it's echoing back at us. It's not the upside down. It's just... more."

"Are we going down there?" Dustin takes off his hat, getting ready to make the dive. 

When did he get so brave? Steve looks over at the rest of the kids on the shore, fighting over the binoculars. Nothing ever changes.

El winces, recoiling from the water. "It's so loud! It's wrong- it's not supposed to be there." She whines, "There's so much. It hurts. It's in pain."

Steve shakes his head. "Dustin, take El back. Get her away from here. I'll look and see what's down there, and I'll report back."

Dustin looks at him, and there's a panic in his eyes. "No. You can't go alone. We don't go alone."

"This time we do. Get her to safety," Steve left no room for argument. He slips off his jacket and curses under his breath. Here we go again.

The water is freezing. It chills him straight to the bone. He feels the squeeze in his lungs as he pulls himself further down into the darkness.

Then the world shifts. Steve feels the sickeningly familiar sensation of the world spinning around him. That gravitational shift marks his crossing into the unknown. Suddenly he's dragging himself to the surface. By the time he's gasping for air, he feels like he's been underwater for an eternity.

The air is cold, but he's surprised to find the world he's just left behind. He glances between the trees at the shore and the dark lake around him. The sky is dark, but it's filled with stars. He makes his way to the shore, searching for the kids. Steve thinks he must have gotten turned around underwater.

But he's alone.

Steve walks along the shore, and finds his car is also missing. The cold water drips from his hair and down his chilled skin. His clothes cling to him uncomfortably. The road stretches out into the night, familiar, yet he feels misplaced.

The walk into town is long and slow. He's not sure what he's looking for, but he's shocked when cars drive by. People. This definitely isn't the upside down.

His house is dark. The grass is too long. Steve's brows knit together. The front door is locked, not surprising, but Steve knows better. He's locked himself out enough times to know the latch on the kitchen window's been broken since he was a kid. He laughs to himself when it opens easily. Maybe this place isn't too different.

He climbs through and lands on his feet with minimal grace. The house is mostly the same, but everything is dusty and untouched. It's the first thing that really does look like the upside down. Steve frowns. He walks from room to room, leaving muddy footprints across the floors.

Steve switches on the light and squints when it works and illuminates the living room. So, there's power, he thinks to himself. He's digging through the cabinet for a blanket to warm up when footsteps grab his attention. The familiar creak of the final stair.

"Who the fuck are you? How did you get in here?"

Steve freezes. The voice. There's no way.

He turns, afraid to even breathe.

Dark curls. Pale skin. Big brown eyes - glaring daggers at him. Black Iron Maiden T-shirt over gray sweatpants.

"Eddie?" Steve's afraid to hope. Is this real? It can't be.

Those brown eyes grow wide, mouth gaping. Eddie stares back at him in disbelief. "No... you... it can't be you."

Steve doesn't understand what that means. He doesn't understand any of what is happening, but his feet are moving anyway.

He reaches Eddie and grabs his shoulders. He's solid. He's real.

"Oh my god. It's you. You're here- wherever here is. Honestly, I don't care right now." He lets out a wet laugh, feeling the tears streaking down his face. 

Eddie is frozen. "Steve?" He sounds unsure.

Steve realizes that if this world is truly this different, he has no idea if they know each other here. "Oh, uh, yeah. It's Steve. You know me? Right? I mean, you're in my house. If this is my house here..." He reluctantly loosens his grip, but leaves his hands on Eddie's shoulders, unable to break contact.

Eddie's eyes search his face. "How... is this real?"

Steve nods quickly. "Yeah, I mean, it's a whole complicated story, and we should probably compare notes at some point. But, fuck Eddie. I'm so happy to see you. You have no idea." He beams at the man.

The metal head lets out a surprised laugh, an awkward huff, as if Steve's words are baffling to him. Eddie carefully touches Steve's face, like he's something fragile. "Oh my god. It's really you." His eyes well up, and he pulls Steve into a crushing hug, leaning his full weight into the man.

Steve pulls him close happily.

"I'm so sorry. Oh god, Steve. I'm so sorry," Eddie sobs into his neck.

His brows furrow. "For what?"

Eddie pulls back just far enough to see him. Tears streak down his face, and his lip trembles. "I never wanted to hurt you. I've missed you so much. I'm so sorry."

Steve is trying to comprehend Eddie's words, but he notices something else. Sharp teeth peaking out as Eddie talks.

"Eddie... what happened here?" Steve looks around at the empty house.

"Steve, I," Eddie's voice shakes. "I killed you."

Steve bristles. Where the fuck did he end up.

“What?” It’s all he can manage, staring at the face that’s been haunting him for a year.

Eddie, because Steve’s still certain this is some version of him, sees the shift in him. He lets Steve go and backs away from him. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

Steve misses the contact immediately. He’s so confused. “Eddie, what happened to you here?”

Eddie’s eyes narrow as he tries to understand the question. “Here? What do you mean by here?”

“I went through a gate. El had been tracking it with her uh, mind powers? Anyway, I wasn’t gonna let the kids check it out on their own, and she needed to get back to shore. I went through and now I’m here, wherever here is. All I know is, the town looks more or less the same, but you’re here. You’re alive, and I guess… I’m dead?” Steve hates being the one to explain because he’s always about a step behind on the information at hand. “Please just believe me because I genuinely have no idea how to prove or explain any of that better.”

Eddie blinks at him.

“You went in a gate, that you had no idea where it went, alone?”

Steve shrugs. “Seemed like the play.”

Eddie laughs. “Stevie, you’re the same everywhere, aren’t you?” He looks at him with a sad fondness.

Steve’s heart feels like it skips over the nickname.

“Oh yeah? Your guy rushed into danger a lot?” Steve teases.

Eddie’s smile fades a bit. “Remember, I killed you. So yeah, he loved to put himself right in the middle of things, especially for those kids.”

Steve shifts a bit on his feet. “So, why’d you kill me?” Direct.

He isn’t scared. It’s Eddie. Steve can’t imagine any version of him hurting anyone on purpose.

“Vecna used me. He got in my head and, well, everywhere. I don’t even remember what happened. Just what I woke up to.” Eddie gets a distant look in his eyes, like he’s remembering that moment.

“So, you didn’t kill me. You’re just as dramatic as ever. Vecna killed me,” Steve clarifies.

Eddie stares at him. “Steve, I tore you apart.”

Steve cringes at the mental image. “Fuck, Eddie. I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”

The metalhead gapes at him. “You’re sorry? Are you even hearing me? I killed you!” He grabs at his own hair like Steve is driving him insane.

“What? Do you want me to be mad? That you were used like a fuckin tool against your own friends? It wasn’t you. Listen, do you want to hurt me?” Steve raises a brow.

Eddie shakes his head quickly. “No! I never wanted to hurt you.”

“Well, there you go. It wasn’t you. The upside down has taken so much from all of us. I’m not going to go around blaming my friends for it. I wouldn’t- wait, was I mad? Like, the other me. Was he mad?” Steve can’t imagine being angry at Eddie. If he had come back to him, he’d have done anything to keep him.

“No. He wasn’t.” Eddie looks at him with those big, brown eyes, slightly glossy as he speaks. “He just wanted everyone to be safe. You said it was okay.” 

That sounds right. “Good. Then, trust me. I’m not mad. I’m just glad you’re back.”

Eddie lets out a wet laugh. “Glad I’m back? You have no idea.” He crowds Steve once again, pulling him into a tight hug.

Steve relaxes into him. None of this felt real. Steve half expects to wake up any minute now and crawl into a dark hole for the rest of the day to mentally recover. Because this? This isn’t fair. Getting to see him- hold him? Steve never wants to leave this moment.

“I lost you too,” Steve mumbles into his dark curls.

“Oh yeah?” Eddie sounds more curious than anything. “Did ya murder me?” Eddie teases.

“Oh wow, so we’re joking about that immediately?” Steve tries to sound offended but he laughs through his own words.

“I’m sorry. This is so weird. I have no idea how to act. Also, I think it should be noted this is my first conversation in like a week? My social skills are rusty lately.” Eddie hides his face in the curve of  Steve’s shoulder. “And I’m not completely convinced you’re not my mind playing tricks on me. I could finally just be going insane.”

“I’ve been thinking the same thing. Wait, why haven’t you talked to anyone in a week?” Steve’s gut twists thinking about the fate of the rest of the party.

“Steve… come on. I’m glad you can be so blasé about your own death, but they fucking loved you.” Eddie fiddles with the collar of Steve’s shirt nervously.

“What? Is everyone still in mourning or something? I guess I should feel flattered, but I don’t understand.” Why is everyone not speaking? He’s not exactly the glue of the group. Most of them were friends long before he ever came into the picture.

“I attacked all of them. Dustin watched me kill you. Robin and Nancy were there to see your body, while I was still covered in your blood.” Eddie reluctantly pulls away. He stands in front of Steve, still close enough to touch. “I’m a monster to them. Honestly, they’re right. I mean, look at me. Steve, I know you’ve noticed them. The teeth. The fucking claws. I’m still the creature he made me into. I’m still the thing that killed you.” He bares his teeth as if to prove it.

Steve looks back at him, unflinching. “Quit that. You’re not a fucking monster, Eddie. You got some weird upside down after effects, sure, but you’re still you.”

Eddie blinks at him.

“I can’t believe those little brats are racking you over the coals for this. I’m gonna kick their asses.” Steve shakes his head, huffing in annoyance.

“You continue to surprise me, Harrington,” Eddie breathes.

They look at each other in silence for a moment. Steve wants to reach out and-

Eddie shakes his head, looking down and running his fingers through his hair. “So uh, what happened to me? Over in Oz?”

Steve swallows. Right.

He takes a breath.

“You died. The bats… you sacrificed yourself to save us all. You were a hero.” Steve tries to focus on the man in front of him. Eddie, alive and well.

He nods along. “Yeah, the bats on the hill. I died there too. Before, I came back.”

“You… came back? Why? How?” Steve’s mind races. Did they do something wrong? Could they have saved Eddie? 

“That’s how he got me. Vecna resuscitated my body.” Eddie looks down at his clawed hands. “Made me this, and then you know how the story goes from there.”

Steve takes Eddie’s hands in his, but he flinches at Steve’s touch. His brown eyes stare at him in wonder.

“It’s ok. It wasn’t you.” Steve repeats again, hoping Eddie will eventually accept it.

Eddie nods. “So, uh, I stayed dead over there?”

Steve tenses a bit. “Vecna died in that battle. You distracted him long enough for us to finish things. We found you, but it was too late. I… I carried you out.”

“Hm. So this world is what happens when Vecna survives a month and a half longer. Seems… so minor.” Eddie chuckles bitterly. “We don’t have much luck, you and I. I carried you out too. I guess we’re destined for it.”

It was such a small shift. Steve crowds into Eddie’s space.

“But we’re here,” he mumbles. “We found each other.”

Eddie’s breath caught. He hesitates before gently touching Steve’s cheek, pulling him impossibly closer. “I don’t deserve this. I don’t deserve you. It doesn’t change what I did. He’s still gone here because of me.”

“I don’t care. I missed you so much. Just- just let this be good. Can we just let this be good?” Steve can feel the tears running down his cheeks.

There’s silence for a while. Eddie doesn’t let him go, but he also doesn’t answer Steve’s hope that they can ignore the circumstances.

Steve thinks, fuck it, and closes the distance, pressing their lips together in a devastating kiss.

Eddie whines low in his throat. Grabbing hands search for purchase in Steve’s hair and shirt.

He smiles against Eddie’s lips, giving his lips another peck with a grin.

Eddie is looking at him like Steve hung the moon, but he’s searching his eyes for answers.

“Were we… over there were we-“

“No. We weren’t,” Steve admits. “Our paths didn’t really cross until the world was ending, again. Knew of each other, from school, but I had a lot to make up for. We… I don’t know. There was something, but we just didn’t have time. We didn’t get time.”

Eddie nods. “Yeah. We uh… we were the same.” He’s quiet for a moment. “Is this completely fucked? I mean, we lost them. Never had anything before. Are we being completely batshit? I’m kissing the guy I killed, like I have any right to-“

Steve kisses him again, quick but hard. “Shut up.”

“Okay,” Eddie sighs, pressing their foreheads together.

“This is all insane, but the last few years have done nothing but drive me crazy, beat the fuck outta me, give me like a dozen concussions, and basically cemented that I’ll never sleep through the night ever again. I got cheated on and somehow that led to me getting tortured by Russians like 3 years later. So, excuse me, if I don’t give a single fuck about the moral implications of kissing the guy I’ve been thinking about nonstop for over a year, who is by the grace of god somehow standing in front of me,” Steve doesn’t realize how loud he’s gotten until he finishes and stares back at the wide-eyed Eddie. He clenches his teeth and levels his breathing. “What do you want? And don’t tell me what you think you do or don’t deserve. Tell me what you want.”

Eddie tugs a piece of hair in front of his face. “You’re hot when you get mad.”

It takes a moment to register Eddie’s words. Steve shoves him away but not before Eddie catches the way his cheeks tint. “You’re such a fuckin dork.”

“Yeah, but you like me. You came to a whole different world to find me,” Eddie teases.

“I didn’t come here for you. I didn’t even know where here was, nor that you were here.” Steve’s hands were on his hips, and he wore his signature bitchy expression.

Eddie is enamored.

“Sureeee,” Eddie draws out. He follows Steve to the kitchen. “You’re totally obsessed with me.” He sounds entirely too smug.

Steve knows he’s messing with him. He knows Eddie is still trying to rationalize all of this in his head. Damn if the man couldn’t get under his skin though.

He’s going through the fridge, thankful to find a beer. Steve turns back to him, ready to say something defensive and dismissive despite having just laid his feels out pretty clearly only a minute ago, but is surprised when Eddie crows him against the counter.

“I am,” Eddie says, like he’s answering a question Steve didn’t ask.

“You are what?”

“Completely obsessed with you- if that wasn’t obvious. Because I do want you, Stevie. I’ve wanted you for a long time. Before the world was ending. Before you even had your transcendence into nice-guy-hood. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you back when I was the weird new kid with buzzed hair and you were barely prince Steve. So, yeah. Fuck all of it. Let’s just figure it out as we go cause I might be the jester of Hawkins on my best day, but I’d truly be a fool if I let you go when we’ve been given the holy grail of second chances.” Eddie’s eyes are fixed on him, and he looks more serious than Steve’s ever seen.

“Yeah?” Steve feels like he’s holding his breath.

“Absolutely, sweetheart.” Eddie grabs Steve’s face and kisses him.

-

The two of them ran through an overview of their lives up to a year ago, comparing their worlds, and came to the conclusion that their realities were exactly the same up until the first battle against Vecna.

“Well, if we’re accepting the idea that there are an infinite number of alternate realities, it would make sense that the ones closest together are the most similar. Maybe the walls between them got fucked up from the upside down being torn open and closed so many times.” Eddie was sitting upside down on the couch, legs draping over the back cushions.

Steve hates himself a little for the way his eyes linger on the stripe of skin from where Eddie’s shirt was falling with gravity. He can see the edges of scars that he recognizes from the bloody wounds he tried so hard to apply pressure to, but he also saw the edge of a tattoo and wondered how many Eddie had scattered all over his body. To say he was conflicted would be the understatement of the century.

“How do you even understand all this stuff? I feel like I’ve been dealing with this stuff for years and I still have no idea what’s actually happening,” Steve grumbles, slumping into the couch and fiddling with the chain on Eddie’s jeans that’s dangling beside him.

Eddie shrugs, making him slip a bit further down the couch. “I guess it’s all like science fiction? I’m more of a fantasy guy myself, but I’ve dabbled.”

“You’re really smart. Like, smarter than you give yourself credit.” Steve watches Eddie’s expression shift, but isn’t sure how at this angle.

“Not smart enough to graduate,” he huffs.

“You skipped like, all the time, and I don’t think I ever saw you turn an assignment in on time,” Steve reasons.

Eddie sits up and pouts at him. “Don’t give me logic. Just commiserate with me.”

“I’m not gonna let you whine that you’re too dumb, when it’s just not true. I’ll agree that school fucking sucks, but you’re a secret genious and you know it.” Steve watches Eddie’s pout twist into a grin.

“You’re sweet on me.” Eddie falls back against the couch with a satisfied smile.

“This has been proven,” Steve confirms, smiling when Eddie laughs.

Eddie shifts and clumsily rights himself beside Steve. “So, what’s the move?”

Steve presses his lips together. He’s been trying to figure that out for a while now.

“You could see them? The party here. Or- would that be cruel?” Eddie’s brows knit together. “I guess if you’re staying it would be right to-“

“Oh fuck.”

“What?” Eddie immediately looks a little panicked.

“I need to go back.” Steve could feel his own anxiety rising. “I can’t just leave all of them. How do we choose? I mean, shit we’re both walking away from everything if we choose to go and-“

“I’ll go with you,” Eddie interjects. “It makes sense. Either way, people are mourning and recovering. We can’t change that there was loss on both sides, but if I leave, no one’s gonna miss me here.”

“What about Wayne?” Steve doesn’t want to be selfish. He wants Eddie more than anything, but there’s other factors.

Eddie freezes. “What do you mean?”

Steve looks at him incredulously. “What do I mean? How can you say that? What about Wayne, you uncle that loves you and would be devastated to lose you. Trust me, I’ve spent enough time with the man to know how much he misses you.”

“Steve, is…” Eddie sounds nervous. “Is Wayne alive there?”

Oh.

“Fuck, I’m so sorry. I had no idea. Yeah, Eds. Wayne’s alive.” Steve hadn’t even considered that could have changed.

Eddie looks like he’s been punched in the gut. “Oh my god. Yeah, ok. I’m going with you. We’re going there.”

Steve nods, taking Eddie’s hand in his. “Okay. So, we’ve got a plan.”

Nodding emphatically, Eddie stands up, pulling Steve with him. “So let’s get going.”

-

It’s late, and the moon was the only light guiding their way to the lake. Everything feels so surreal as he walks hand in hand with Eddie. A few hours had passed, and now everything was different. Steve wonders how the party will react to seeing Eddie. He hopes they don’t interrogate him too much. Robin is gonna be so pissed he went in by himself, but he knows she’ll be happy for him too. Even if she’ll probably also have a million questions.

They’re standing on the edge of the dock, and Steve turns to Eddie.

“It should be out in the middle, like last time, when you-“

“Gave you my vest,” Eddie chuckles. “For your modesty. More like, for my own sanity. You were unbearably hot, and it was sooo not the time.”

Steve smiles. He could see Eddie clearly in the moonlight and felt that familiar rush of emotion. He felt like the luckiest man alive, no offense to his other half.

Eddie catches his attention, ducking his chin as he grins. “You gotta stop.”

“Stop what?” Steve tilts his head.

“Looking at me like that. You’re too pretty for your own good.” Eddie says, narrowing his eyes playfully.

Steve rolls his eyes, shoving Eddie gently. “Shut up.” He shakes his head. “Come on, let’s go. It’s a bit of a swim to the center.”

Eddie nods, but his attention snaps behind them. “Fuck.”

“What?” He glances back and sees wobbling lights beaming through the trees. Flashlights?

“This is gonna be bad.” Eddie grimaces, chewing his lip.

“Can you hear them? Who is it? Hey, don’t do that. Your teeth are too sharp and-“

“What are you doing here?”

Steve freezes. He knows that voice. He knows it too well. He’s facing Eddie, whose expression is tight with apprehension.

“You know anything about what’s going on out here? Who’s that with you? Hey, turn around!” Dustin shouts.

Steve slowly turns, shielding his eyes from the flashlight. He can’t see them well beyond the beam.

“Oh god…” Dustin’s voice is small, and he sounds terrified. “No… how… we brought you with us. We didn’t leave you there. Vecna’s dead. How- how are you?”

“Henderson, it’s not what you think!” Eddie cuts in. “He’s not like me. He’s- it’s really him.”

Steve’s heart sinks. Dustin thinks he’s a monster.

“Dustin, it’s me. It’s all kinda complicated, but I- oof!” Steve topples backwards, smacking against the dock as he receives the full force of Dustin rushing into him unexpectedly.

He’s got his arms wrapped around Steve’s shoulders tight enough to hurt. Steve lets out a relieved sigh and hugs him back.

“Oh my god it’s really him.” Steve hears Mike mutter a few feet away.

“How? How are you alive?” El questions, standing above him now.

Steve wants to answer, explain everything to the kids, but Dustin is sobbing into his chest. Answers can wait.

“Hey, it’s ok. You’re okay.” He rubs Dustin’s back. They’ve been through so much, and the party handles it all so well. Sometimes he forgets they’re all just kids. The realization that they’re all now the age Steve was when he first faced the upside down hits him. Maybe he should cut himself some slack.

“I’m so sorry,” Dustin sobs.

“Hey, hey. None of that. Everyone’s so sorry. You all seem to forget we were fighting an interdimensional super villain that was hivemind connected to an entire hellscape.” Steve sighs. “And my most remarkable skill at the time was being able to do a movie return in under twenty seconds. So, can we all please stop with the guilt and self-blame?”

Dustin releases him, rubbing his eyes. “How are you alive? I saw you die, and we buried you, man.”

“Well… that’s the complicated thing. Are you guys here checking out the weird sound?” Steve looks and sees Lucas, Will, and Mike near his feet. He wonders where Max is but remembers her injuries were worse here. She might not be well enough still to be out investigating in the middle of the night.

“How’d you know?” Mike is staring at him, still apprehensive.

“It’s why I’m here. It’s where I’m from.”

“Another world,” El says in awe.

“Parallel dimensions?” Will echoes her interest.

Steve nods. “Yeah, we were checking out the same thing on our side, and I swam through the gate.”

Dustin frowns. “So you’re… not him. Not our Steve.”

Steve gives him a sad smile. “Sorry, no. He’s still…”

“Dead,” Dustin finishes bitterly. He stands and returns to the party’s side. “Right. Why the fuck not.”

His heart hurts for Dustin. Steve goes to stand back up, taking Eddie’s hand to help him up. He sees Dustin’s eyes narrow at the contact. The teen gives Eddie a cold look.

“And what did you tell him?” His tone is accusatory, and there is a cruel edge Steve had never heard from Dustin before.

Eddie looks small, even dropping Steve’s hand and putting a bit more distance between them.

“I uh… I told him everything. He knows,” Eddie mutters, eyes dropping to his shoes.

“Oh, I’m sure,” Dustin bites back, disbelief evident.

“Wow, hey, there’s no need for that. Shit kid, tone,” Steve looks at him incredulously.

Dustin’s expression twists. “Do you know what he did? What he is?”

Steve nods carefully. “Hey. I get it. You’re hurt. I appreciate the sentiment, but jeez give him a break. Vecna used him.” He sees the kids flinch at the name. “Put yourself in his shoes for a minute. He had no control over what happened- what Vecna did to me.” Maybe they need the reminder.

Mike and Lucas share a look. Will shifts uncomfortably. El frowns.

Dustin stares daggers at the two of them. “You’re not him. Don’t speak for him. You don’t know anything.”

“They killed Vecna the first time. In his world- everything was the same till that fight. It’s not him, but he’s-” Eddie tries to explain.

Dustin cuts him off. “Shut up! I don’t care.This is all so fucked. Both of you, going around looking like them. It’s like you’re haunting us.”

“Dustin, that’s bullshit,” Steve snaps, surprising the group.

Even Dustin gaps at him.

“Steve…” Eddie tries. “It’s okay, you don’t need to.”

“No, it’s not okay. We’re a fucking family. Eddie’s alive, and you say that shit to him? You ungrateful little shit.” It’s harsh, harsher than he should be, but it’s been the worst year of his life.

“Is he… not, where you’re from?” Lucas speaks up.

“No. He died saving all of us- giving us the time we needed to finish things. So, it’s driving me insane to hear how you treat him here. Dustin, dude, you should know I’d- he’d- fuck it I know what I’m about no matter where we are. I’d never blame Eddie for what happened. Don’t use me as an excuse.” Steve feels gross. He needs to calm down. This isn’t helping anyone.

“I think you’re leaving out the part where we lost Eddie too. He died in the first battle, by my side! You- Steve had to carry me out because of my ankle and the fact that I refused to leave Eddie’s body behind. Eddie was dead. That was real. That happened here too. Then a monster wore his face, and when I was dumb enough to try to reason with it, Steve saved my life. It tore him to shreds. Excuse me if I’m not thrilled to hang out with him now. Act like nothing ever happened. Act like I’m not terrified every time I see him because what if. What if that’s still under the surface? What if that monster kills more of my friends, my family?” Dustin shouts at him. Lucas tries to reach out, but he pulls away. “Great to know how disappointed in me Steve would be. That’s awesome. You guys can figure this out on your own.” He turns and follows the dock back the way they came.

Lucas shoots Mike a silent exchange before jogging to catch up with Dustin.

“Really fucked that one up,” Mike mumbles, rolling his eyes.

Will elbows him. Mike groans and makes a confused sound.

Steve groans. When Mike is right, he knows he really messed up. He glances over at Eddie, who looks pensive.

“I’m sorry.” Steve grimaces.

“Why are you apologizing to me?” Eddie asks, confused.

“I handled that really shitty, and I made it worse. I just… I’ve been a wreck after everything, and they had you and still… Anyway, I’m sorry. I made that about me.”

Eddie smiles a little, like he’s trying to stop himself. “To be fair, it’s all about you, but I get what you mean. Don’t worry about it. I uh… appreciate that you care.”

Steve flashes a sheepish smile.

“Ooh that makes more sense,” Mike declares.

Steve looks back at him, raising a brow. “What does?”

“You’re gay,” he answers simply, shrugging.

Will’s eyes widen.

“Mike,” El snaps.

Mike raises his hands in defense. “What? I was wondering why Steve was so defensive over Eddie. So, this makes more sense! They’re gay.”

Eddie gaps at him.

“I mean, that’s not really why, and I wouldn’t say I’m gay. Robs called it something else. Both-sexual?”

“Bisexual,” Eddie corrects, still processing the conversation.

“Ah, right. Like a bicycle.” Steve nods.

“Wait, actually?” Will says quietly.

“So, is that just a you thing, or was here-Steve also whatever that is?” Mike asks.

El glares at him.

“Pretty sure it’s a universal trait.” Steve shrugs.

Mike nods. “Cool. Good to see you again.”

Steve can’t help but laugh. He looks over at the dumbfounded Eddie. “Cool,” he repeats.

Eddie huffs, “Cool.”

El comes up to Steve and pauses for a moment before hugging him tightly. “You might not be our Steve, but I’ve missed you. I wish everyone wasn’t being to stupid.”

Steve smiles, hugging her back. “It’s a difficult situation,” he reasons. “Just means everyone cares a lot.”

El nods. “So, are you going back?”

“I don’t belong here,” Steve answers sadly.

El sighs. “I understand. The gate is loud. I’ll need to close it. It could get worse if it’s left open.”

Steve knew that was how it had to end. He looks out at the dark forest.

“You should talk to him,” Eddie interrupts his thoughts. “You’ll regret it forever if you don’t.”

He’s right. Of course he’s right.

“He’s not far. Him and Lucas are back by the road.” El’s eyes are closed, but she’s quickly blinking back at him. “We can wait here for you.” She smiles over at Eddie.

“Thank you,” Steve smiles. He turns to Eddie. “I’ll be back soon.”

“No rush. We have time.” Eddie grins, a knowing look.

It fills Steve’s chest. We have time.

He jogs back through the trees. In the dark, he stumbles over roots and rocks. It reminds him of their trek through the upside down. He shakes the thought from his head. It’s not long before he sees the sway of flashlights just past the tree line. Lucas is sitting in the grass, poking a stick into the dirt. Dustin is pacing along the side of the road.

“Hey,” Steve catches his attention. “I wanted to apologize.”

Dustin stops in his tracks, staring back at him.

Lucas groans, getting to his feet. “The others still back at the dock?”

Steve nods, and Lucas pats him on the shoulder as he walks past him in their direction. “Nice seeing you, Steve. Don’t kill each other.”

Steve chuckles. He turns back to Dustin and offers a smile with a bit of a wince.

“So, I’m an ass,” Steve declares.

Dustin frowns, arms crossed. “If you’re waiting for me to disagree, we’re gonna be out here forever.”

“Come on, man. I’m sorry. I was out of line. This is your world, and I can’t act like I know how it felt going through what happened here. Back home, we dealt with our own shit, and I shouldn’t have put that on you.”

The teen huffs. “No, you shouldn’t have.”

“I’m not him, but I lived his life. We’ve been friends for years, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that he would be proud of you. You’re the smartest person I know. You’re gonna be amazing, man.” Steve shoves his hands in his pockets. Maybe he’s making this worse. He has no idea what you’re supposed to say in this situation. This situation just- isn’t a thing. 

Dustin presses his lips together in a thin line, brows drawing together. “Oh fuck you.”

Steve’s eyes widen at his response. “Shit- I’m sorry. I thought-“

His words are cut short by Dustin walking straight up to him and hugging him again. This one is less rushed. He squeezes Steve tight.

“I’m just so mad at you,” Dustin confesses with a somber laugh. “It’s ridiculous. I’m so mad at you for dying. Am I just completely insane at this point?”

Steve wraps his arms around Dustin. “I actually understand completely. I was so mad at Eddie for so long. Going up on that fucking hill alone… but I think that’s just the grief. That’s what Robin told me. There’s like, steps? But I guess being pissed off is one of them.”

“Yeah… the stages of grief. She told me about those too. I think it just makes me more mad that there’s apparently this road map that I’m following. You deserve like- special grief.”

Steve laughs. “Special grief? Wow. I’m honored.”

Dustin grins, shaking his head. “You know what I mean.”

“That’s just such high praise. Special grief. Do I get an extra stage? Is it this? Am I the 8th stage of special grief?” Steve teases.

Dustin laughs, shoving Steve away. “Worst ghost ever.”

Steve wiggles his finger at him. “Oooo~ I’m here to haunt you in very confusing and emotionally complicated ways~”

Dustin doubles over laughing. “Oh I hate you!”

Steve grins wide. “Glad to see you’re working through that anger stage.”

He rolls his eyes. “Yep. Robin will be so proud.”

Steve chews his lip. “How is Robin?” He doesn’t know why he’s torturing himself.

Dustin sighs. “She’s doing better. It was bad for a while, but she got into college. I think getting out of town helped a lot. She’s got this friend there she’s super close with. Nicki? Something like that. Honestly, it’s good she’s not here. I think seeing you would be bad for her. She’d never let you go.”

“Yeah, that would be…” Steve pushes away the lump in his throat. “I’m glad she’s doing better.”

“You gotta go back?” It’s a question, but Dustin says it like a fact.

“I’m sorry.” Steve wishes he could make it work for everyone.

Dustin nods. “Yeah, I know. But… I’m glad we got this. It all happened so fast. I didn’t really get to say goodbye.”

“You know I love you, right?” Steve offers a crooked smile.

Dustin’s expression twists with emotion, but he holds back. “Mhm. I uh- I love you too.” His voice is tight. He looks at the ground for a minute. “I don’t think I can be around Eddie though. He just… seeing him is like being right back there. I’m sorry.”

“Well… I don’t think that’ll be a problem anymore.”

His eyes snap up to Steve, narrowing for a moment as he works it out in his head. “Oh. Shit. You’re gonna take him with you.”

Steve nods sheepishly. “Incredibly insane and selfish- I know.”

Dustin crinkles his nose. “Nah. You deserve to be happy, and it’s probably better for him. I don’t… I don’t hate Eddie. I just, can’t.”

Steve nods. “I get it. And thank you.”

-

When they finally get back to the dock, Eddie jumps up from where he sat on the edge, watching them approach nervously. The teens are all sitting around. They offer Dustin comforting smiles when he joins them.

Steve’s attention is set on Eddie. He gives Steve a sympathetic look, and his fingers fidget with his belt chain. Steve takes his hand gently.

“You ready?” Steve says quietly to him at the end of the dock.

Eddie smiles, ducking his chin. “Yeah.”

Steve looks back at the party. “No more of this sneaking out in the middle of the night to check out freaky sounds. Your ridiculous plans exist in all realities, I swear.” More sincerely he adds, “You guys stay safe, okay?”

The teens smile at him. Dustin’s eyes are wet.

“You too. Both of you,” Dustin calls back.

Eddie's eyes light up. He smiles back at the boy. He was glowing at the small acceptance.

Steve gives Dustin a small nod of appreciation.

He turns to Eddie. “Now for the shitty part.” He jumps into the cold water without another word.

Eddie whines before joining him.

The swim is cold and miserable. It takes a few minutes to get out to the middle of the lake. Steve knows they’re in the right spot when he sees the soft red glow deep below them.

“Are you sure this is what you want?” Steve treads water, looking back at Eddie.

His curls are plastered against this face. He smiles back at Steve.

“More sure than anything I’ve ever done. We’ve gotta make up for lost time. And now that I’ve got you, you’re not getting rid of me.” Eddie flashes a sharp grin. He pulls Steve close and presses a quick kiss to his lips. “Let’s go home.”

In the icy water, Steve feels warmth from his core to his finger tips. There is a buzzing just under his skin. Anticipation. Excitement. The sudden awareness that he’s falling hard and fast for Eddie Munson.

He turns to the dock one last time, raising a hand above the water for one last goodbye. They’ll be okay. Steve has watched them recover and grow into incredible people. He has full faith that they’ll have that same strength here.

With a final deep breath, he and Eddie dive deep below the surface. The gate’s glowing red light stretches unnaturally across the lakebed like a poorly sewn tear. Steve takes Eddie's hand in his before they cross through, refusing any possibility of them being separated. Gravity shifts and turns with a familiar vertigo. Soon he’s dragging Eddie up with him, a similar view greeting them despite the impossible journey. Steve can feel the difference this time. There’s a feeling, deep in his core. Distinct. Right.

“STEVE!” A distant scream pulls his attention. He squints and sees the party on the shore.

“Oh god. Why am I just now realizing how insane this is all going to be?” Eddie chews his lip. “What if they hate me?”

“Hey, careful. Sharp teeth. And don’t worry. They’ll be fucking thrilled. After maybe some initial shock and confusion.”

Eddie glances between Steve and the shore, letting out a nervous sigh. “Okay. Let’s face the music.”

The two of them make the frigid swim back to the grassy coastline. It’s dark, and flashlights are abandoned as the party makes grabby hands at Steve, pulling him out of the water.

He’s shocked by Robin’s crushing hug.

“Dingus! Where the fuck have you been? It’s been hours! You didn’t come back, and the kids called me freaking out. I told them not to follow you in because shit- they’re kids! I came straight here and I’ve only been here a few minutes. I was getting ready to go in after you, which was hard to explain to Vickie! Who I’ve looped in on the basics.” Robins words are coming faster than Steve can fully comprehend.

He turns to see Vickie behind Robin. “Oh, hi Vickie.”

She gives a small wave, smiling. “Hi, Steve. Glad you’re okay.”

Steve turns back to Robin’s face, a mix of a dozen emotions at once. He puts up a finger. “One moment.”

“What-“

Steve reaches back down to the water and helps pull Eddie up. He gives him a reassuring smile.

“Everyone- Eddie,” Steve presents him.

The party gaps at them.

Vickie waves, unaware of the situation. “Hi, Eddie.”

Eddie waves back awkwardly.

“How…” Dustin breaks the silence.

“So, the gate went to another world. Like, an actual one. Pretty similar to ours, but the final battle went down a little different, and…” Steve gestures back to Eddie.

“And you just… brought him?” Max chimes in, eyeing Eddie skeptically.

Steve nods. “Yup. There were other factors, but for now, what’s important is that Eddie is here. Oh and El- other El, is working on closing the gate. You might wanna help her?” He looks at El, who drags her attention away from Eddie and nods. She goes to the edge of the dock and reaches out towards the water.

“So you’re like. Actually here.” Robin stares.

“In the flesh, Buckley.” Eddie offers a tentative smile.

There’s a lingering shock as the party stays frozen in an imaginary standoff of reality versus all logic and reason.

“Look- I know this is so insane, but I just hope you guys might allow me to get to know all of you again as you knew me before. I actually have all the same memories as your Eddie here, including the untimely death, which is… complicated. But I understand that I’m not him and that is a lot to process so-“ Eddie’s rambling cuts short when the entire party crowds him in a collective hug.

“Oh my god Eddie, you saved all of us.” “We’ve missed you so much, man.” “I can’t believe you’re here.” “This is amazing.” “It’s really you- this is insane.”

The group is all talking over each other with excitement and giddy laughter.

Steve catches Eddie’s face amid the excitement, completely taken aback with wet eyes looking between them all.

Robin breaks from the group, joining Steve a few feet away. She leans into him, bumping shoulders. “How are you doing?”

“Probably better than anyone’s ever been or ever will be.” He beams, still watching Eddie soak up all the love from the party. 

“Yeah? That’s pretty damn good. This isn’t weird at all?” She’s probing, looking for any hidden bravado.

“We decided to just embrace this for the insane opportunity that it is,” he assures her. “What’s that saying? Don’t punch a gift horse in the mouth?” He waves his hand dismissively.

Robin’s brow furrows. “It’s don’t look. Why would you punch a horse?”

“Why can’t you look at its mouth? Whatever- the point is, we’re both choosing to not ruin a good thing. This is basically best care scenario for both of us.”

“Hm. I’m guessing there’s some key context you’ll be catching me up on later?”

Steve groans. “Absolutely. It’s been the most insane few hours of my life, and I doubt anything will ever top it. Actually, I pray nothing ever tops it. This is peak crazy.”

“Right.”

“So, you brought Vickie?” Steve shoots her a glance, grinning.

Her eyebrows shoot up. “She has a car and that was the fastest way here. But also- are you really in a position to be questioning who I brought with me?”

Steve shrugs. “So true. You got me on that one.”

“Okay, I have one question I need answered, then I’ll wait for after the debriefing for the rest,” Robin quickly promises.

“Shoot.”

“Are those claws?” Robin asks, eyes narrowing.

“Listen-“

-

It’s been a month since Steve brought Eddie back with him. He alternates between staying at Steve’s and the trailer. Though, Steve ends up staying at the trailer with him those days. Robin called them codependent, but Steve thinks he’s just making up for lost time.

Steve thought it’d be harder, explaining Eddie’s return to Wayne, but the joy between them smoothed over the details. Eddie still thanks Steve, for taking care of him, giving him someone to lean on in the hard months. Steve thinks Wayne saved him just as much during that time.

With Hopper’s help, they were able to get Eddie’s records switched back from deceased. Eddie’s name was cleared a long time ago, but when people question his disappearance, they just say he was in witness protection. With all the weirdness in Hawkins over the last few years, most people just nod and accept that reasoning.

Eddie’s adjusting to the differences, and he’s decided to work on getting his GED. He’s also hard at work on a new DnD campaign. He’s explained the plot to Steve about a dozen times, and Steve does his best to ask questions and remember the details.

Steve’s still working at family video, but Robin’s been pestering him to reapply to college. She thinks he’d make a great teacher. Steve admits, the idea isn’t half bad. He talks to Eddie, wondering how he’d feel about Steve going to Indianapolis for college. And would he maybe consider moving there with him. Eddie says that he followed him to another dimension, of course he’d come with him to Indy.

He’s sitting on the couch. It’s late and a movie is playing, long forgotten. Steve plays with Eddie’s messy curls as he starts to doze off.

“I love you,” Eddie says suddenly, voice thick from prolonged silence.

Steve’s hands go still in Eddie’s hair. “Yeah?” He asks softly.

Eddie turns to face him. “Yeah, and I don’t know if it's too early or too late to say that, but I do. I’ve been thinking about Indy, and how I’d follow you anywhere, Stevie. As long as it’s us, I’m happy. You and me.” Ringed fingers gently cup Steve’s face. “Sweetheart, I adore you.”

Steve melts into the touch. He leans close into Eddie’s space.

“I love you too. I fell for you so hard, and I thought I’d just have to exist wondering what could have been. But you… this is more than I could have ever dreamed of. You exist to break every rule. You’re so loud. The way to live and exist just demands to be noticed in the best possible way. I love it. I love you. I thought love was difficult, but the only difficult part is being away from you and acting like there’s anything I want to do more than spend time with you. You amaze me.” Steve feels like he needs to catch his breath after all the thoughts that had been swimming around in his head spilled out.

He would normally be self conscious, sharing so many feelings at once, giving someone such insight into his head, but Eddie’s looking at him like he never has to question if they’re on the same page.

Steve tugs him forward by the collar of his shirt, slotting their lips together in a kiss . He snakes his arms around Eddie’s waist.

Eddie smiles against his lips, pressing their foreheads together.

Steve knows this is exactly where they belong.