Chapter Text
“What do you even bring to a Christmas party?” Robin was on the phone as Steve mixed up some punch for the party. Joyce and Hopper were hosting a small get together at the cabin, Steve and Robin were surprised to have been invited but still glad. These days the two of them really hadn't had anyone to be with since with the military quarantine and the fact that their parents had up and left.
Robin's mom tried to convince her to go with her and leave Hawkins but she couldn't just leave the group behind so she promised her mom she'd stay back and keep an eye on the house. Steve did the same though it took little to no convincing of his parents who only shrugged when Steve asked to stay behind.
“I don't know, Rob” Steve hummed, “Stop by the store and get some cookies or something” He replied, unsure why she was asking him.
He hadn't been to a party since high-school. And the last party he went to didn't end well at all, having to watch his girlfriend get driven home by another guy.
“You mean *we'll* stop by the store?” Robin laughed, he rolled her eyes and shifted his grip on the phone. “Okay- fine” he huffed. “I'm leaving the house in 10 minutes you better be ready” he said before hanging up the phone and placing it down.
He had one of those fancy hand held phones that had come out recently, his mother was always ahead of the trends and had switched out the old phone for a new one.
After finishing his punch and separation it into an alcohol free portion and an alcohol portion he packing it up to place it in the car. After picking Robin up they made their way to Hopper's cabin. “Listen to me, dingus! It's here!” Robin insisted that she knew the right way to go. “Why is it so damn hidden!?” Steve protested as he did a quick turn off the road onto the grass side, he finally began to believe Robin when he saw the cars parked nearby in a small clearing.
“See? I knew where I was going” Robin boasted as she climbed out of the car, holding her store bought Christmas cookies.
“When have you ever been here?” Steve scoffed as he followed, stopping to grab his punch from the back and holding it carefully in order to shut the car door with his hips.
“Last week with Will” Robin hummed as if that was a totally normal thing to say. Still Steve was utterly confused by it.
“Since when are you friends with Will?” He scoffed, following her toward the cabin, the soft light from the windows illuminating their way.
Robin shrugged again, shifting the weight of the cookie box in her hands. “Well it makes sense- the kids totally-” Robin paused realizing Steve hadn't caught on. “Oh you're so dense” She laughed, shaking her head and walking ahead of him to knock on the door without explaining further.
He couldn't question her since the door swung open and Joyce was standing there. “Come on in!” She hummed happily, the cabin was crowded with everyone but it was full of warmth, laughter and love.
These were the people that had gone through so much with them and despite all the messed up events that happened in the last, there was still space for fun to be had.
Steve placed the punch down, he offered Nancy a small smile and a nod to Jonathan. He might have crossed a line back in the Upside down with Nancy but seeing them together reminded him that he had lost her. It was too late to go back and he was coming to terms with it.
“Henderson” Steve greeted with a hug, patting him on the back. “Merry Christmas” He laughed as he pulled back, Dustin offered him a big grin.
“Merry Christmas, you're late ya know?” Dustin replied, “We've been waiting on you to so that we can start eating” he huffed.
“Yeah well we're here now” Steve laughed, rolling his eyes in playful annoyance.
His gaze flickered toward the kitchen where surprisingly Eddie was standing talking to Mike in a rather secretive way.
“They've been like that since he got here” Dustin said, ever the theorist. “I wonder what they're planning” he whispered with a mischievous grin. Steve rolled his eyes affectionately.
“Who invited Munson?” He asked Dustin, finding it odd. He didn't mind the guy but he wasn't sure if Joyce or the chief would invite him.
“I did- and so did Mike” Dustin hummed, he then gave Steve a look which made Steve explain himself. “Not that I mind ya know? He fought Vecna with us too so- anyways…” Steve glanced away, not wanting to linger on the topic any longer.
He didn't mind Eddie, he didn't want Dustin thinking he did. After the battle in the Upside Down he had gotten to know a different side of Eddie and he was okay with him now.
Steve had changed a lot, everyday he was reminded of how his old self would've treated Eddie, how his old self would've treated everyone in the cabin.
A hand touched his shoulder startling him out of his overthinking. “Hey big guy, Merry Christmas” Eddie greeted with his same careless grin.
Ever since the battle Eddie had been hiding out since he was still wanted for murder. Though most people in town were worried about what the military was doing and had somewhat forgotten about Eddie, it was still safer to stay hidden.
“Hey” Steve didn't realize it but he was smiling wider than before. “Merry Christmas? That's in two days” he teased despite having said Merry Christmas himself when talking to everyone else.
Eddie raised his hands in a dramatic defense, “Oh sorry- Merry Christmas eve eve” he joked, shaking his head in amusement.
Steve couldn't hold back a laugh at that, then he looked over toward the Chief who was standing with Joyce and Eddie's uncle.
“Oh your uncles here?” Steve asked with a small smile, he was glad that the two had reunited.
Eddie was surprised that Steve even knew who his uncle was, Dustin must have told him about it. “Yeah- he won't let me out of his sight since everything that happened” Eddie said, gesturing toward his uncle.
“Honestly I'm surprised he even believed me” Eddie added with a small sigh, it was the sort of sigh someone let out when they were relieved.
“He's always believed in you- Nancy told me he never gave up insisting that you were innocent” Steve offered, he was glad that everything was looking a whole lot better for Eddie.
“I know- I'm glad to have him,” Eddie said with a cheeky grin. He then nudged Steve on the arm. “Can I talk to you outside?” Eddie asked, his voice hushed now.
Outside Hopper's cabin it's cold, lightly dusted with snow as they stand on the small porch, Steve leaned against the railing looking at Eddie expectantly.
“Look man, I just wanna say” Eddie looked nervous, a different kind of nervous than Steve had ever seen on the guy.
Eddie's soft curls were shorter now, he had cut them up to his chin in hopes of feeling a little lighter. Steve liked the new look, he had even advised him on what products to use though he was sure Eddie didn't quite listen to his advice given the slight frizz radiating off his curls.
“Thanks- you know? For everything” Eddie said softly, Steve had donated a lot to Eddie and his uncle, a lot of new clothes and furniture.
Eddie had been staying with Dustin along with Wayne Munson, Dustin's mom had been kind enough to let them stay with them, setting up a place for the two to stay in the shed in the backyard. Steve had helped out quite a bit with sprucing the place up for them.
“It's nothing, Munson. Just helping out” Steve shrugged, it was the least he could do. He knew it wasn't his fault but he was bitter about how everything went down, if only he had done something differently, if only he had stopped Max from volunteering herself, then maybe none of this would've happened.
Sensing the guilt weighing on Steve, Eddie inched closer. “Really, I'm grateful” He said, fidgeting with his hands for some reason. “You do a lot, dude,” he said. “Once again I'm faced with the fact that you're a good dude,” he added, laughing.
A smile tugged at Steve's mouth, he shook his head. “You've been doing good too,” he offered. “You're handling this all better than I was when I was first thrown into this world” he added. It had been a total shift for Steve to find out that there was another dimension with creepy monsters that looked just like their town, he had pushed all his feelings down to the point where he was forcing himself far too much to be normal.
Eddie chuckled weakly, feeling the weight of those words. He was in fact not dealing with it well at all, but he wasn't sure if he wanted Steve to know that.
“How'd you handle it?” He asked, leaning against the railing next to Steve, their arms brushing against each other.
Steve sucked in a deep breath which was much colder than he expected, causing him to let out a soft cough. “Damn” he huffed.
“I was an idiot- I pushed it down and tried to pretend everything was fine- that life was normal” Steve said, “Tried to forget what I saw, move on” he continued to explain.
“Didn't help at all,” he added with a laugh. It was funny to him now, at least a little bit.
“But now I talk things out more- with Robin especially” Steve explained, shrugging to try and keep it cool. His hands were starting to get cold in the frosty atmosphere outside of the cabin, he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets.
“It helps” Steve added.
Eddie nodded, he had been listening intently the whole time, learning and really taking in the advice.
Steve liked to give out free advice almost daily, no one really took it, Dustin had stopped listening to him too so he appreciated the fact that Eddie seemed to truly consider his advice.
“Well- will Robin go crazy if I start dumping my thoughts on her as well?” Eddie joked.
Steve laughed, she might. But Robin was a good friend and she wouldn't mind listening, as long as Eddie listened to her as well.
But Steve didn't say that.
Instead, “You could always talk to me you know?” Steve offered, shrugging casually to make his offer seem less like a big deal.
Eddie didn't mean to be silent, his mind was literally screaming at him to say something but he couldn't think of anything.
A bike approaching startled them, it was Lucas.
Steve stepped forward just as Lucas reached the porch, placing his bike next to the others.
“Is Max doing alright?” Steve asked, Lucas nodded. “Yeah- I read her a story and talked to her for a bit, she's stable” Lucas explained. Not everyone was happy, despite the warmth inside the cabin there were still problems at hand.
“She's gonna be alright” Steve reassured even though he was sure Lucas was sick of hearing the same thing from everyone but there was nothing else to say, nothing Steve could think of that would actually make the situation better.
“I know” Lucas said with a soft, hopeful sigh. He then looked toward Eddie, “Oh hey” he added, smiling. Lucas was a good kid Steve couldn't help but feel horrible for the circumstances Lucas had been dealt.
“Come on- let's head inside” Steve encouraged, Eddie opened the door for them and the warmth of the cabin engulfed them once again in a welcome embrace.
Lucas was greeted by his friends who all jumped up to hug him soon the kiddos sat on the couch talking and catching up.
Eddie nudged Steve, eyes glancing toward Will and Mike but Steve wasn't sure why he had pointed them out. What was so odd about the two sitting together? Weren't they best friends?
Eddie noticed Steve's confused look and gave him a look that meant ‘you don't know?’ This further confused Steve but instead of explaining Eddie just laughed.
Confused, Steve sat down on the other couch next to Robin who was nervously rambling about how she usually spends Christmas alone since her mom works a lot.
Steve smiled at her and for a second failed to notice the weight of Eddie perched on the sofa arm rest right next to him, his arm brushed against Eddie's thigh which caused him to finally notice the guy sitting so close.
Looking up Steve watched Eddie munch on one of the Christmas cookies Robin had picked out at the store, a smile crept up the corner of his mouth.
Eddie made a noise similar to “what?” When he noticed Steve staring. “Close your mouth, man” Steve replied, laughing at the crumbs that flew out of Eddie's mouth when the guy tried to talk.
Steve then looked toward Robin feeling her gaze on him. She had witnessed the interaction, giving him a look that he didn't quite understand, like she knew something he didn't.
But before he could linger on that thought any longer, Eddie leaned in to whisper, “looks like they're back together” he said gesturing toward Nancy and Jonathan kissing under the mistletoe.
A few months ago the sight would've stung but Steve found himself feeling happy for them, at least they had each other, in the mess of things the two were still together able to rely on each other for support both physical and emotional. Steve wished he had someone like that, someone who understood and offered unconditional love.
“They never broke up you know” Steve replied, looking up to meet his gaze. Since Eddie had leaned in they were now almost nose to nose but Steve was casual about the proximity, it felt natural.
“I'm happy for them” Steve added, for once he didn't sound defensive, he meant it.
“Wow- so you're over it?” Eddie questioned as he leaned back, maybe the proximity had affected him.
“Yeah he hasn't brought her up in months” Robin chimed in, leaning against Steve in a casual way.
Steve could only roll his eyes at them, “Yes I'm over it- let's throw a damn party” Steve muttered sarcastically though he wasn't bitter anymore, he was pleased with himself.
Towards the end of the night there was a small gift exchange, Steve felt bad for not having anything to gift anyone so he ended up gifting his jacket to Lucas.
He also watched as both Eddie and Robin gave Will a gift. From Eddie, Will received a mix tape full of music that Eddie figured Will would ‘relate’ to. Steve wasn't sure what that meant.
And from Robin he was given a book, either a title Steve did recognize. “You'll find it very moving,” Robin said with a grin.
It led Steve to wonder just when the two had become friends with little Will who honestly wasn't all that little anymore.
Mike also got some old DND books from Eddie followed by a confusing wink, which led Steve to believe that Eddie was up to no good.
Other gifts were exchanged but Steve didn't pay attention, well until Eddie pulled him aside.
“So I really don't have much to give lately” Eddie chuckled, running a hand through his messy curls. “But- I figured I'd give you this” he held out a sloppily wrapped gift.
It was the same wrapping Dustin's mom always used so he must have borrowed it from her. Steve knew because he had recently started getting Christmas gifts from Dustin's mom after she found out about their friendship.
“Oh- thanks man” Steve said, “I feel bad for not getting you anything” he added. He was considering giving away everything in his pockets just to give something.
Upon unwrapping the messy gift Steve was faced with a familiar sight, the denim vest Eddie had lent him back in the Upside down. Steve had given it back a few months ago not expecting to ever see it again.
It wasn't covered in blood anymore or dirt and grime, it still had some of the patches it used to but now it had been painted on.
“Is this supposed to be me?” Steve asked, he was depicted on the back of the vest where there was more space, shirtless and holding a bat from the Upside Down by the tail slamming it on the ground.
His eyes widened, it was so good. He had no idea Eddie was proficient at painting.
“Uh yeah” Eddie replied, eyes glued to Steve's face to try and gauge his reaction.
“This is…” Steve's voice trailed off. “Wow it's really good” he added quickly, shaking his head.
He couldn't even imagine just how long it had taken Eddie to paint it, especially on denim fabric.
“So you like it?” Eddie asked, laughing to hide his nervousness. He inched closer to look down at his own art work.
“Like it? It's amazing, thank you” Steve replied. “I'm not sure when I'd wear it though…” he added with a sheepish grin. He couldn't see himself wearing it ever, not out in public. It seemed self centered too, wearing a vest with his face on it. And it was too different, too alternative.
“It's more of an art piece- I don't think it would survive being worn” Eddie said as he stepped forward, his hands moving to gently shift the vest in Steve's hands.
“I mean- I knew it wasn't really your style- but I figured maybe you'd want to try something new” he added.
Steve felt an odd pang due to that comment, “Well maybe I will wear it” he replied, shaking his head.
“Thanks” he added more earnestly, he truly appreciated it. He was also still amazed by how good the painting was, Steve found himself a little jealous of his skill.
Eddie nodded, a sharp quick nod before turning away to join the others in saying goodbye since it was getting late.
Steve stayed put for a second, looking down at the vest in his hands. He didn't understand what he had done to deserve such a well thought out gift.
Outside Steve stood next to Robin as she said goodbye to Eddie, hugging him tight. He didn't know how to feel about the two of them being friends. Seeing them together made Steve feel like he was being left out of a secret only the two of them knew.
“See you on Christmas” Robin hummed and it made Steve wonder what kind of plans they had and why Steve hadn't been told about them.
“See you” Eddie grinned, giving her a squeeze before pulling away. He met Steve's gaze and offered him a nod before turning to climb into his uncle's truck along with Dustin since they were heading to the same place. The goodbye felt oddly lacking, but what was Steve expecting? A hug from Eddie Munson?
In the car Steve turned it on, glancing at Robin who was giving him a weird look. He then reversed out of the woods and back onto the road, driving back toward Robin's house.
“Hey- actually can I stay with you tonight?” Robin asked, she often did since her house got lonely and quiet which wasn't the best for someone who liked to overthink. Every little noise sounded like Vecna to her.
“Huh? Oh yeah that's fine” Steve replied, he was a little distracted by the fact that Eddie and Robin had plans without him.
Robin smiled at that, being surprisingly quiet for the rest of the car ride until she finally spoke. “Did he give you the gift?” She asked.
And it took him a second to register her question. “Huh? Oh yeah- it was cool” He replied, shrugging as if it was just another thing.
“Cool? Just cool?” Robin looked confused, almost disappointed. For a second she just stared at Steve, gears turning before she gasped.
“Dammit- he didn't tell you” She muttered, looking out the window.
“Huh?” Steve questioned, not really listening. Why was Robin hanging out with Eddie on Christmas? Why hadn't they invited him?
“You're dense- really really dense” Was all Robin could say, her arms crossed in frustration.
This snapped Steve out of his thoughts now confused by her statement. “Huh?” He questioned, wanting to know more.
“Nothing- I just forget how dense you are” Robin laughed, it was all she could do now. She gave him a look that Steve didn't understand, “What did Eddie say about the gift?” She asked.
Steve shrugged, “He said that he thought I'd like to try something new out with my style- plus it's probably relevant cause he gave it to me in the Upside Down? Also the painting was pretty damn good” he hummed, happy to have it.
It didn't fit with everything else in his room but maybe he'd display it on the wall, that'd be nice well until someone came over and saw him display a painting of himself like some narcissistic jerk.
“You both are idiots” Robin sighed, shaking her head. It became clear that she wasn't just frustrated at Steve but also at Eddie.
“Don't be jealous of my gift” he joked which made her give him an unamused look.
“Don't be so dense” Robin replied, rolling her eyes affectionately.
She knew something he didn't and it was eating away at him. Why couldn't she just be specific?
When they got to Steve's house finally Robin said she was so tired that she'd go to sleep immediately.
“Oh okay- the guest room is-” He was cut off, “upstairs on the right I know” Robin hummed as she made her way up the stairs.
He couldn't stop himself from sighing, first she was making secret plans with Eddie and now she didn't even want to stick around long enough to talk to him more.
With nothing else to do Steve got ready for bed, he placed the denim vest on his desk chair neatly.
It's strange but he feels connected to Eddie in a way he hadn't before, the painting on the vest stared back at him, it spoke a million words and yet Steve couldn't decipher it.
After admiring it for a minute he turned away to continue getting ready for bed, shaking away his thoughts since he didn't understand them quite yet.