Chapter Text
“Sweet dreams are made of this..”
Steve blinked his eyes open, roughly. He could see the sun peeking in through the blinds. Looking around the room, he felt rather groggy. Everything still felt a little out of focus.
“What time did I pass out last night?” Steve whispered to himself as he finally sat up. He felt awful, insomnia was gonna be the end of him.
The music was still going off on his side table, when he went to turn off the radio, he realized it was his phone. Steve then grabbed it and struggled for a second before finally answering.
“Dingus, where are you? We're gonna be late for school.” Robin complained. “Don’t tell me you slept in…again.”
Steve looked at the time on his phone and cursed. “Shit, sorry Rob. I'll be there as soon as I can.”
He heard her sigh over the phone. “Is your insomnia still that bad? I thought they gave you something for it.”
“Yeah, I think I took it last night and that's why I feel so groggy. I'll probably just take it earlier tonight.” Steve explained to reassure her and himself slightly.
“Just get here when you can, ok?” Robin said a worried tone in her voice.
Steve shook his head before responding. “Will do, I just gotta throw my clothes on. I'll just skip out on my hair routine today.”
“Hair routine? How long can it possibly take to just comb your hair back and to the side?” Robin joked.
Steve blinked a few times before he realized she was right. “Oh yeah. Sorry, I'm still a little groggy.”
“Whatever you say, Dingus.” Robin laughed before she hung up the phone.
Steve shook his head at her antics. He quickly jumped up and threw on some jeans and ran into the bathroom. He quickly washed his face before grabbing a glob of gel and throwing his hair back. Feeling the back of his hair he felt it was maybe a little too short after his last haircut. He shrugged and would ask Robin her opinion later.
Stepping out of the bathroom he quickly threw on a button down shirt before grabbing his backpack and phone and running downstairs. He was half way to the door when he heard some clinking going on in the kitchen. Peeking his head in he saw his mom, Laura.
“Mom?” Steve asked questioningly.
Laura looked over at him and smiled. “Hey sweetie, ignore me. I just dropped some pans.”
Steve just kept looking at her confused. “Why are you here?”
“Thought I try making some eggs? Am I not allowed to do that in my own kitchen?” Laura laughed. She finally stood up, placing the frying pan on the counter.
“No, I mean, what are you doing at home?” Steve asked curiously, he thought she was out of town.
Laura looked at him concerned. “Steve honey, it's only seven. Where on earth would I be at seven in the morning other than home.”
Steve shrugged. “With Dad?”
“Your father is currently in San Francisco on business. Did you forget sweetie? You seem a little groggy. Are the pills not helping?” Laura asked, stepping closer, feeling Steve's forehead.
Steve shook his head. He can't believe he forgot. Dad was going to San Francisco for a few weeks while his mom stayed back to attend to business here. “Sorry mom, I forgot. Also, those pills are working. I think a little too well. I had the weirdest dream.”
Laura bit her lip. “Are you sure you're good to go to school? If you want, you can just stay home an-”
“I'm fine, Mom. Like I said, still just a little groggy. I'm sure I'll be fine in a few minutes.” Steve said before she could say anything else.
“Ok, just remember I'm probably gonna be home late tonight. I have a few meetings with some potential clients. I'll leave some money on the counter for you to get pizza or something.” Laura smiled before turning back to the stove.
Steve just nodded at her before grabbing his keys and going out to his car. He can’t believe he slept in so late. Looking at the time on his car he’s happy today wasn't a day that Dustin needed a ride. He just hopes he doesn't get any red lights after he picks up Robin.
As he drives down her street, he tries to recall some of that dream he had. However the more he tries the less he actually starts to remember. He thinks I had something to do with back to the future potentially? Maybe this was his sign to stop watching movies before bed.
Robin is waiting outside when he pulls up. She quickly climbs into his car before turning to him annoyed. “You know for being a rich boy you would think you can afford a better car. The doors always stick when it's cold.”
Steve snorted. “I mean it is a BMW.”
“Yeah, from 1983! It's 2016.” Robin exclaimed. “I’ll never understand the obsession with old cars. New cars have heaters in the seats! Wouldn't that be nice?”
Rolling his eyes, Steve started driving again. “Listen, I'm not having this argument with you again. You could always start walking, you don't have to be getting rides from me.”
Robin snorted. “Yeah right, besides bantering about your shitty car is kind of our thing. Anyway, did you finish that essay for Mrs. Perkins' class?”
“Fuck, I knew I was forgetting something.” Steve groaned. “I was so focused on the fucking calculus homework.”
“I still don't know why you took that? I still think the statistics class was more up your alley.” Robin tutted as she frowned at her phone.
“Dad, you know how he is.” Steve said as he eyed Robin's frown. “Has she still not texted you yet?”
Robin tilted her head back dramatically. “No, and it's driving me crazy. This is the last time I ever listened to you about anything.”
“She totally likes boobies Rob, I’m sure of it.” Steve explained again.
Robin's nose scrunched up. “Please stop calling them boobies.”
“Never, listen what time did you text her?” Steve asked curiously.
“6.” Robin mumbled.
Steve turned his face, so Robin couldn't see him wince. “I mean she could have just been busy last night, Rob.”
Robin, then started laughing nervously. “No, not six pm. I meant six this morning.”
Steve froze for a second and then had to stop himself from facepalming. “Robin…”
“I was nervous. I'm not good with this kind of stuff you Dingus.” Robin said, covering her face.
“Well, I know but..” Steve went to say before robin's text tone, distracted both of them.
Robin quickly checked her phone before squealing loudly. “Oh my god, she responded.”
“See I told you, everything's gonna work out fine.” Steve smiled as he went to park in his spot.
“Don't think I didn't see you wincing. However, I'm in a pretty forgiving mood.” Robin snarked as she got out of the car.
Grabbing his bag he slammed the door and started rushing into school with her. “So? What did she say?”
“Hi.” Robin sighed dreamily.
Steve held in a snort. “Well, that's a start.” Heading to his locker he froze. Down the hallway he saw Nancy Wheeler walking with her friend Barb. She had been staring at him before Barb started pulling her away.
Robin looked over at him from hers, concerned. “Steve?”
“Yeah?” Steve said and he slowly reached to open it.
Robin squeezed his shoulder. “You ok?”
Shaking his head he threw his backpack in and grabbed his books. “Yeah, sorry I just felt some déjà vu. I think? Like I said, it's been a weird morning.”
“That must've been some dreaming you did?” Robin questioned curiously. She shut her locker and picked her trumpet back up.
“Yeah, what's crazy is I can't even remember most of it now. I probably didn't eat enough before I took that medication.” Steve said, trying to laugh it off.
“Probably, well, I'll see you at lunch.” Robin smiled before turning to walk away.
Steve waved her off. He then started speed walking to his home room. He was hoping today was gonna be a movie day so he can maybe work on his essay. It was half done ready anyway. As he started thinking about how he could write the conclusion. He slammed right into somebody.
“Dude, watch where you're fucking- Harrington?” Eddie *the freak* Munson yelled awkwardly.
Steve immediately bent down and grabbed one of the books that Eddie had dropped. “Sorry, I really wasn't watching where I was going dude my bad.”
Eddie looked at him oddly as Steve went to hand him his books. “No problem? I’m just surprised that your highness is humble enough to offer his apologies.”
Steve snorted. “Well, someone decided to knock him off his throne. Give him a good dose of reality.”
Munson barked a laugh. “Ah, I'd love to meet the person who did such a traitorous act.”
“Her words were like ice and cut straight through my bullshit. Anyway I really need to get to class.” Steve smiled sadly. He really didn't like thinking about that whole situation.
Munson frowned slightly before nodding.“Yeah, me too. See you around Harrington. It’s been a pleasure.” Munson then winked at him and walked away.
As Steve walked into homeroom, he kept playing the whole interaction with Munson in his head. Something about it and him were making him feel off. Why did he wink at him? Munson hated his guts, why did it almost seem like he was flirting? He was probably reading too much into this.
Looking around he noticed that Hargrove was late again. Honestly he didn't know how that guy hadn't been expelled yet. He was always starting fights and shit. Steve is just happy he left the popular crowd before that guy even showed up. He was nothing but trouble.
The bell rang as Mr. Greve turned on the TV for the daily announcements. Seeing that it was Nancy and Fred on, Steve decided to tune it out. While he and Nancy were technically on good terms right now it sometimes still hurt to see her. Feeling eyes on him he turned around to see that Chrissy Cunningham was staring at him. She quickly turned away and he shrugged it off. She was probably staring into space
“Now a reminder from the mayor's office. The old Hawkins Lab building is condemned. No student should attempt to break in. Anyone caught doing so will have immense consequences.” Fred explained seriously.
“Anyone wanting to go there has a death wish.” Steve mumbled to himself absentmindedly. He then started working on finishing his essay. His phone then vibrated. Sneakily getting it out he once again struggled with it before finally seeing that both Dustin and Robin texted him.
Dustybunns: Hey, can you get me after school? Mom has to stay late at work.
Steve: Yeah, directly home alone, no pitstops.
Dustybunns: No McDonald's? 🥺
Steve: You little shit. Fine.
Dustybunns: 🙏 Thanks.
Steve sighed. He was such a pushover when it came to this kid. A vanilla milkshake sounded pretty good though. Looking back down, he checked Robin's messages.
Robs🤖: Omg she sat next to me.
Robs🤖: She said my fannel was cute.
Robs🤖: I think I managed to actually flirt? She blushed Steve holy shit.
Steve: I’m so proud of you 😭
Robs🤖: Right?!? Anyway I might invite her to sit with us at lunch?
Steve: So I'll be third wheeling?
Robs🤖: Maybe?
Steve: You’re lucky I love you
Robs🤖: You’re the best platonic soulmate, a girl can ask for.
Steve: I know, also gotta give Dustin a ride home.
Robs🤖: So McDonald's?
Steve: I’m such a fucking pushover
Robs🤖: You are. Lol. See you at lunch.
Steve: See ya then.
Later that day as Steve headed for lunch. He noticed Munson walking ahead of him practically yelling at his friend next to him.
“I’m telling you, it was one of the worst roles I've ever seen.” Munson dramatically yelled.
“I can't believe they rolled a nat one trying to hit a demogorgan.” Munson's friend laughed.
Munson tipped back his head and laughed again. “Yeah it was pretty bad.”
“Demogrogon?” Steve couldn't help but ask. That name seemed really familiar.
Munson turned around and raised his eyebrow. “Wow, you may not be King Steve anymore, but you sure are the king of eavesdropping.”
Steve blushed. “Sorry, it's just I was trying to think of where I've heard that before.”
Munson's eyes widened in surprise. “You've heard of a demogorgon? Color me surprised.”
“Yeah? I've heard the name somewhere. I just can't remember where.” Steve admitted. It was almost as if it was nagging in the back of his mind, but he just couldn't remember.
Munson sighed and decided to take it easy on Steve. He guessed. “It’s a monster from Dungeons & Dragons.”
“Ohhh, I probably heard it from Dustin then.” Steve realized.
“Dustin?” Munson asked curiously. He slowed down so now he was walking right next to Steve.
“He’s kinda like my kid brother. He is obsessed with that game. Him and his friends play every Saturday.” Steve went on to explain.
Munson smiled slightly at that. “Ah, so at least you're friends with one person who has taste. You're just full of surprises Harrington.”
Steve rolled his eyes as he entered the cafeteria. “What can I say, I like to keep people on their toes. Now you excuse me. I have an impatient best friend waiting for me.”
Munson looked at him confused before he looked over and noticed Robin staring Steve down. “Ah, have fun with that.”
Steve just shook his head as he went to join Robin. Robin frowned at him as he sat down. “Where’s your lunch?”
“I still feel too tired to eat.” Steve admitted.
Robin shook her head before handing him an apple. “Here eat this, it's better than nothing.”
Steve laughed and took a small bite. “Now who's a mother hen?”
“Shut up, now tell me why did I saw you walking in here talking to Eddie Munson?” Robin asked curiously.
“Oh yeah, he just said something and I had a question about it.” Steve said quickly. “It’s not a big deal.”
“Then why are you blushing?” Robin asked knowingly.
Steve sputtered. “I am not blushing, especially over Eddie Munson.”
Robin just started giggling. “Awh you know I'm just teasing you. I think it's good that you're trying to make other friends.”
“I'm not trying to become friends with him. I just had a question.” Steve scoffed.
“About?”
“It was silly. He was talking with his friend about a dungeons & dragon thing, and I recognized the name because of Dustin. I just couldn't remember where I heard it before.” Steve explained. He didn't see why Robin cared so much.
“Ah, I guess that makes sense.” Robin said, shrugging. Honestly, she was probably spending too much time around Steve's children as well, considering even she felt some recognition at that silly creature's name
“Yeah, I was just curious. Can't believe you thought I was trying to make friends with Eddie Munson.” Steve laughed dryly.
“Hey, I just think it would be nice for you to have more friends.” Robin said as she picked at a button on her flannel.
“Robin?” Steve questioned with his arms crossed.
“Ok, I asked Vicki on a date and she said yes.” Robin blurted out.
Steve smiled at that. “That's amazing Robin. Why isn't she sitting with us then?”
Robin shrugged. “She has to finish a project in the library, she'll sit with us tomorrow.”
Nodding his head Steve took another bite of his apple. “Make sense, I have to ask what does going on a date with Vicky have to do with me needing friends?”
“Well it's just if it goes well, we might be in a honeymoon phase for a while. You know me I get really excited and I just don't want you to feel left out or alone.” Robin started rambling. “Like i'll still be around obviously it's just I might be a little wrapped up in her.”
Steve understood what Robin was saying. “I get it. I mean I guess it wouldn't kill me to try to make other friends. I just don't know about Munson though.”
“I mean, are you sure? You've kind of been staring at him.” Robin pointed out, as she turned to see where Steve was staring.
“I wasn't staring at him, he just happens to be sitting in the general direction of my gaze.” Steve tried to defend. He knows it's bullshit though. There's just something about Munson today. He's almost like a puzzle that Steve wants to figure out.
Robin laughs and throws a chip at Steve. “Sitting in the general direction of your gaze? Whatever you say, Shakespeare.”
Catching the chip in his mouth. “Whatever, fine I was looking. There's just something about him. That's getting to me.”
“Like?”
“I think he was flirting with me earlier?” Steve admitted. “It was weird.”
Robin rolled her eyes. “Because he’s gay?”
“No, you know I don't care about that, it’s just weird because I thought he hated me.” Steve tried to explain. He was not homophobic whatsoever.
“Ahh. I see. Well obviously not if he was flirting with you. However maybe you shouldn't try befriending him then. Wouldn't want you to accidentally lead him on.” Robin said pointedly.
“For the last time, I didn't realize that the waiter was flirting with me. I thought he was just being nice.” Steve whined. “ At least I let him down gently.”
“I know, you can't help your Harrington charm.” Robin said mockingly.
“Yeah, I think you might be right though. I do need some more friends and maybe I can convince him to explain to me more about dungeons and dragons so these kids stop roasting me.” Steve remarked. The more he thought about it, the more appealing befriending Eddie Munson became. It just felt like the right thing to do.
“Why do I have a feeling this is gonna end up being a bad idea?” Robin winced.
Steve pouted at her. “You were literally pushing this 5 seconds ago.”
“I was speaking without really thinking about it, Dingus. Befriending a guy who is potentially into you isn’t a great idea Steve.” Robin explained again.
Steve rolled his eyes and he threw his apple core at the trash in the corner. “He’s probably not though, there is no way he was actually flirting with me. You’ve said it yourself, I'm the straightest straight person you know.”
Robin bit her lip. “I guess, just be careful about it ok?”
“I promise, now less about me trying to make friends and more about your date with Vicki.” Steve said with a smirk.
Robin just rolled her eyes before she started rambling about band practice.
Unknown to both of them a pair of brown eyes watched Steve curiously.
Later that day Steve was grabbing stuff from his locker when he noticed Munson quietly fumbling with his. Thinking this could be his chance, Steve hesitantly walked over to the other side of the empty hall.
Munson looked up briefly before rolling his eyes. “What do you want Harrington, kinda busy if you can’t tell?” He pulled at his locker as if to demonstrate the problem.
Steve snorted before banging a few times on the locker and opening it without an issue.
Munson’s mouth dropped open before he started snickering. “Of fucking course, figures even lockers aren’t immune from your kingly charms.”
“Or maybe, just maybe I have the same issue, dipshit.” Steve laughed as he leaned against the lockers with his arms crossed.
Shrugging Munson threw his books in his lockers haphazardly, before raising a brow at Steve. “So what is it I can do for you, mileage?”
Steve groaned. “Ok, can we stop with all the King Steve stuff? I just had a question dude.”
“Ha, no. Anyway I might have an answer.” Munson smirked. His eyes waggled a bit.
Steve pinched his brows before sighing. Maybe Robin is right and this was a terrible idea. “Remember how I was talking about that kid?”
“The dungeons and dragons kid?” Munson asked, looking a bit more curious.
“Yeah. Well, like I said he’s basically like my brother and I want to do something nice. I was just curious how to go about buying him some of those books? I've seen them at some bookshops when Robin drags me in, but I have no idea what exactly to choose.” Steve went on to explain. Looking over at Munson he couldn’t really read the expression he was giving him.
Finally Munson laughs. “So what? You need help picking out stuff for your little brother.” Munson leans a bit closer into Steve's space. “What's in it for me?”
Steve narrowed his eyes for a brief second. He didn't know what game Munson was playing, but he wasn’t about to let him win. Leaning a bit closer he smirked. “I don’t know, what do you want?”
“Hmm, this is an interesting situation I’ve seemed to have stumbled into. Almost like I was handed a genie lamp.” Munson just stared at him mischievously for a few seconds before he clapped his hands together. “How about you just owe me a favor?”
“I’m going to regret saying yes, aren't I?” Steve sighed, taking in Munson's expression.
Stepping back Munson slams his locker, before turning back to Steve. “Eh that's my offer, take it or leave it. I mean you’re the one who needs my help Princess.”
“Princess?”
Barking a laugh Munson nodded. “Hey, you're the one who didn't wanna be called the king. Besides with your hair, you're far more princess-like anyway.”
Steve touched his short hair confused before shrugging. “Whatever, I'll take your offer. Now when can you help me?”
“Mmm here’s my number we can text about it later, Princess.” Munson shrugged as he rattled off the number to Steve.
Nodding Steve turned around to head to the parking lot. “Thanks Munson.”
“You can call me by my peasant name if you want, your Highness.” Muns-Eddie yelled back at him.
Steve laughed before turning the corner to leave the building. He couldn't believe that worked, Robin would eat her words. He could totally make friends with Eddie Munson. Plus he's gonna get help finding a gift for Dustin's birthday. It's a win-win scenario.
Lost in thought Steve was caught off guard when somebody slammed him against the wall.
Groaning Steve looked up at his attacker before cursing. “What the fuck Hargrove?!?”
Billy Hargrove just glared at him. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
Pushing back at him, Steve manages to get him off. “I have no idea what you fucking mean asshole.”
Billy snarls at him. “Shouldn't you be with your kids? Why are you hanging around flirting with Munson?”
Steve looked at him confused for a second before glaring. “Fuck you asshole. It’s none of your fucking business what I do in my spare time dickhead.”
“It is when you’re running late to pick up my sister asshole.” Billy snarked.
“Step-sister.”
Billy rolled his eyes. “Same fucking difference.”
Steve crossed his arms. “Max didn't ask me to pick her up today. Pretty sure she has a date with Lucas. Not that it's any of your fucking business.”
Grinding his teeth Billy looked like he was gonna punch him. “That’s not what-”
“Hargrove? What the fuck are you doing? You're gonna be late for fucking practice. You can fuck with Harrington later.” Jason Carver said as he grabbed Billy's shoulder from behind
Billy turned to glare at him. “You think I give a fuck.”
“I don't care if you give a fuck I give a fuck. I wanna win the championship this season.” Jason snarked as he started, dragging Hargrove in the direction of the gym. “You can finish your fight with him later, Harrington.”
Steve couldn't believe that just happened. He thinks Hargrove has lost his goddamn mind. Hearing footsteps, he turned around to make sure the dumbass wasn't coming back. Instead, all he saw was a wisp of blonde hair down the hallway around the corner before it disappeared.
Shaking his head Steve headed towards the parking lot to meet Robin by his car. “You will not believe the shit that just happened.”
Robin quirked a brow as she got into the car. “What? Get laid in the closet or something.”
“What? No. You know for somebody who hates hearing about my random hookups you sure you ask about it a lot.” Steve snorted as he started backing up.
“You said to guess something I wouldn't believe. I truly believe that you have higher standards than banging some chick in a closet.” Robin defended as she fiddled with the radio station.
Winced Steve turned his head. Best not to correct her on that he thought. “Hargrove bashed me against the wall. Because apparently he thought I was late picking up Max?.”
“What the hell? Since when does he give a shit about Max?” Robin questioned.
Steve gestures with his hands. “Exactly, it was fucking weird. Also I'm not even picking up Max today. Her and Lucas are heading to the movies or something.”
Robin shrugged. “He’s an idiot. He was probably just taking his daddy issues out on you again.”
“Probably, anyway I got Munson's phone number.” Steve said cockily.
“How did you manage that? Also, why did you get Munson's phone number?” Robin questioned. She was looking at him confused.
“I just told him I needed help finding a gift for Dustin. Also did you remember at lunch? I said I was gonna try to befriend him.” Steve explained slowly.
Robin facepalmed. “I didn’t think that you would actually follow through with it.”
“Well I did. You told me to try to make new friends and this is me trying.” Steve shrugged as he pulled into the middle school parking lot.
“You’re funeral if this blows up in your face.” Robin said, resigned.
Steve bumped her shoulder. “Eh, it would be your fault because you suggested it.”
Robin just shoved him back. “I did not. In fact, I'm telling you it's a bad idea. I was just feeling a little jumpy after everything with Vicky. I should not be held accountable for anything I’ve said within a 24 hour span.”
“Robin I'm asking you just to trust me, I have a gut feeling that everything is gonna work out.” Steve smiled as he waved Dustin over.
“That is exactly why I'm worried.” Robin mutters to herself as Dustin gets into the car chanting McDonald's.