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“Roads are too slick to drive to the woods,” Murray explains as he shoves another crate in Jonathan’s arms. “One of you, children, will need to use the tunnels to get these to Hop.”
“I’ll go,” Steve volunteers. Four pairs of eyes narrow at him. “What? Someone’s gotta bring El her battery.”
“But you hate the tunnels,” Nancy says, matter-of-fact.
“Who doesn’t?” Steve throws back. He doesn’t like the look she’s giving him, like she’s trying to figure him out.
Then there’s Robin, who’s had him figured out for months, and Jonathan, who couldn’t be more clueless. He still thinks Steve’s trying to impress Nancy for Christ’s sake! If riling him up wasn’t so fun, Steve would’ve already confessed he’s interested in someone else now.
When that’s settled, they bring everything inside, Steve and Jonathan pack up stuff while Nancy and Robin send a message to Hopper. Thirty minutes later, Steve is making his way through the tunnels.
It’s hardly his first time– after everything happened, they were too nervous to use the truck and give away Hopper’s safe house so they’d take the tunnels. Now, eight months into their new reality, they rarely need to use them.
It’s why Steve jumped at the opportunity. It’s the only way he gets to see–
“Harrington!” Eddie cheers when Steve comes into view. Grinning, he offers him a dramatic curtsy. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, especially down here.”
Steve scoffs. “That’s hardly a compliment, man. It’s either me, the army or a Demogorgon.”
“You forget Murray. I much prefer your pretty face over his ugly mug,” Eddie says, pinching Steve’s cheek, making his stomach flip. “I was delighted to hear you’d be doing the delivery.”
“Why? You missed me, Munson?” Steve asks smugly but the thought thrills him.
Eddie grins. “‘Course I did, sweetheart. Hiding with Hop and Supergirl gets really boring. And Joyce is cool, but she doesn’t like me much.”
“Must be all the murder charges.”
“False accusations! All of ‘em!” Eddie loudly protests. “Besides, who in our little rag tag group isn’t a criminal?”
“I’m not.”
“Stevie,” Eddie deadpans, “you’re literally smuggling supplies right now.”
Steve raises an eyebrow. “Oh so you want me to take the Boppers back?”
The threat makes Eddie’s eyes widen. “No!” He drops to his knees, clutching Steve’s hand. “Forgive me, sir! You’re a model citizen!”
He presses kisses all over Steve’s hand, making blood rush to his face and butterflies to erupt in his stomach. “You’re so annoying,” he says unconvincingly.
Jumping to his feet, Eddie gets all up in Steve’s space. “But you keep coming back so I must be doing something right, big boy.”
Steve’s response is to shove him away. It’s either that or kissing him. “Whatever. Help me bring this up or I’ll send Jonathan next time.”
“As His Majesty commands!” Eddie salutes, grabbing a bag.
He throws a wink over his shoulder and starts walking. Steve follows closely, thinking that maybe the tunnels aren’t so bad after all.