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“I'm tickled pink. The moon is yellow. And I'm your fellow tonight”
The Munson residence was a place found himself staying in longer than his own house.
Since the government gave and paid for the Munsons to have a brand new home, it’s been a regular hub to stay. Even when Eddie was busy Steve found himself instinctively going toward his neighborhood as if he were being called.
And since they started to get closer Steve could stop by any time he wanted to.
Even on days like this where Eddie had been studying and explicitly told everyone he was busy and couldn’t hang out Steve would find himself parked behind Eddie’s van and knocking on his door. Steve was an exception. Always an exception.
It had been something he had gotten used to by now, though he didn’t know how else to take it. Eddie never explained why and Steve never asked. Like a law, you knew of without having to be told, common sense if you put it simply. It was just known that where there was no space for anyone and the world felt too large and too harsh against their shoulders they had space for one another.
The door whined out a creak and Steve could hear the door unlocking and pulling open to reveal Eddie’s shrunken form, he was slouching against its frame.
The face that met him at the door made Steve smile ear to ear, the messy curls and the big brown doe eyes that met his own even the large worn-out shirt Eddie wore. He looked comfy and cuddly, and Steve felt an itch in his chest to pull him into an embrace.
This was also something only certain people were allowed to see. When others were forced to hear Eddie spiel something akin to give me a moment while he dressed Steve was allowed to see without warning. It came with them almost dying together and the fact that they both shared scars of the same kind. Eddie only let Steve see them so openly because he never made wide eye gazes at the tough taut skin.
“Harrington. Thank god a pretty face to distract me” Eddie raised his arms and placed his hands onto Steve’s shoulder and shook him around, “Calculus has been beating my ass”
“Aw” Steve pouted, “poor ass” he didn’t sound convincing.
That was clear with the scowl he was given, “I know! Now get in here before the study air leaves the room”
Following him, Steve shed his jacket and tossed it onto the couch once they made it to the living room. There, papers were strewn about with textbooks opened to different pages and a blanket was put on the carpet where Eddie was sitting.
Eddie would call it his organized mess and Steve would never complain or judge. Eddie always said he appreciated that.
“Sit anywhere. I don’t care just don’t bother me, please” he gave a dismissive flap of his hand.
Eddie crouched on the floor until he took a proper seat in front of his study set-up.
Steve fake gasped, "a bother? When have I ever bothered you?"
Eddie looked at him with a playful glare that only made the grin on Steve's face wider.
"You bother me on the daily. Like right now," Eddie huffed and focused on his book. His cheek in the palm of his hand.
"You didn't complain," Steve argued.
"Of course not. I sadly enjoy your presence, Harrington, no matter how annoying you are,” Eddie reasoned. He shook his head in disbelief before writing something down in the margins of a page, “now zip it "
Steve could only smile and hum in response.
He laid on his back, arms folded behind his head as he stared at the ceiling. He’s had his plenty of naps and night sleeps on the couch to the point his body had made its own Steve-shaped hole into the cushions. Though he’s sure by this point even Eddie’s pillows on the left side of his bed had been permanently turned into Steve’s personal sleep companions.
Eddie had a presence that could lull you into a state of security. He felt safe and warm and more often than not whenever they were together they didn't talk or do anything special.
Even without the weed or getting drunk together were they able to enjoy one another's presence. Eddie didn't pressure him to talk and Steve enjoyed just being near him so they found equal ground together.
It was the first time he could relax with someone without expectations or fear. In his own home alone he had this anxious bounce in his legs and stuttered breaths as he heard the creaks of the house or the chirps of life outside the walls. He was scared his parents would roll into the driveway and expect tens of thousands of things of him.
Eddie didn’t expect anything from Steve. It was the most selfless friendship he had that wasn’t him looking after the kids he loved so dearly. He was appreciated just for existing, and Eddie’s space hugged him like an old friend.
Eddie was just… breathtaking.
Steve appreciated that they didn't have to talk to hang out. Because then he wouldn't have to explain why his eyes were glued to Eddie's face. To the rosy cheeks whenever he got frustrated down to the slope of his nose and his pink lips.
Eddie would let him too. Because sometimes they'd catch each other's gaze and would just… stare at one another.
Steve's cheeks would flush all the way up to his ears and Eddie would be the one who would break the tension. He'd make a funny face and stick his tongue out, or scrunch his nose real cute-like. And all that embarrassment from being caught would disappear.
"Steve," Eddie spoke up quietly like he didn’t know what volume was okay.
Steve looked away in a panic of being caught, "What?"
"Can you get me a drink?"
Steve slowly turned his gaze to the other and gave himself a fist pump when he noticed Eddie wasn't looking his way.
His pencil was put at his bottom lip in thought. His Head tilted in curiosity like he didn't know the answer to something. Steve felt the urge to brush his fingers through his hair, and Eddie would let him.
"Of course," Steve said as he sat up, "what drink do you want?"
He cringed at the warmth and comfy daze he was pulled out of.
"Anything," Eddie said absentmindedly. But Steve knew that was code for him to get his favorite drink that he didn’t know he was even craving. But Steve always knew what his little tells were saying even if Eddie didn’t himself.
Steve wanted to hug him, just to wrap his arms around Eddie's middle and rest his head on his shoulder. But right now wasn't the time, Eddie would kill him if he distracted him again. Plus it would be highly inappropriate to grope at the man and try to hold him close.
It was a quick run to the kitchen to grab a bottle of apple juice. But the face Eddie gave him was worth it.
Eddie's eyes widened and stars seemed to be hung in his eyes, "Fuck yeah! Love me some apple juice"
He smiled, "I know"
Steve ruffled Eddie's fringe before he took a seat back on the couch.
But it only took a few seconds for Eddie to whine. Which is usually how these studying sessions went. Eddie would sit still but would complain or huff in annoyance when things weren’t clicking when he was getting overwhelmed and wanted to quit. But Steve knew if Eddie quit too early it would be harder to get him back in the zone.
"Steve," Eddie whined.
"Yes?"
Eddie groaned, "I hate Calculus"
"Oh I know, but you're only studying for that right?" Steve remembered it was retake final season but quickly laughed it off knowing he was finished with it. Which Eddie muttered a fuck you to him after he voiced his glee.
"Yeah,” he snapped his pencil at the paper in annoyance, “for now"
"So I believe in you, you can do this Munson!"
Eddie smiled at the encouragement but soon enough he was whining again,
"Stevie"
"Eddie"
"I need more encouragement," He huffed and leaned his body against the couch by Steve's feet, "can you give me a little Harrington kiss?"
Eddie's bottom lip jutted out and he made his eyes shake and batted his eyelashes. The little shit behavior Steve understood was a package deal when he became Eddie’s friend.
Steve rolled his eyes and shook his head, even though the thought of kissing Eddie sounded promising. He was joking around and Steve wasn't going to lose everything for a little joke.
Instead, he patted Eddie's head, leaning down so they could get closer.
"You're doing great"
And he pulled back as if his nerves weren't shot.
But he didn't notice the flush across Eddie's cheeks.
The cold night air bit and nipped at the tips of Steve's fingers.
He tried to rub his hands together and shove them in his pocket each second to give them time to warm up. But no matter what it wouldn't work, so he sucked it up and waited for Eddie to open the door.
Steve had waited in the cold for merely ten minutes or less yet it felt like forever. He could feel his nose burning red from the chilly air.
"Hello, Harrington," Eddie was groggy, eyes and face full of sleep and he tried to rub it out with the palm of his hand but it didn't work.
Eddie had just woken up from a nap. On the left side of his head, his hair was all matted yet stuck up in places. He had a line of drool coming down from one corner of his lips and he stood shirtless.
Steve found him utterly adorable.
Eddie looked like sleep had slapped him in the face. His foot was tucked behind his leg and scratched at the back of his ankle lazily.
"Good nap?" Steve asked, taking a step forward to wipe the drool off with his thumb and wiping it off on his sweater.
"I forgot you were coming over," Eddie answered sheepishly with a nervous scratch on his neck.
Steve brushed it off with a hand, saying it was fine, and followed Eddie into the home. Even if he didn’t know he was coming Steve wouldn’t have minded if Eddie had fallen asleep or looked a mess. Not when he constantly looked like the softest thing he wanted to hold onto.
He made the mental note to get a copy of Eddie's home keys just in case. They had talked about it before but never went through with it.
"I brought you food," Steve raised the bag and shook it for emphasis. When he made sure Eddie had seen it he set the plastic bag on the kitchen counter.
Eddie hopped up and sat on the counter with a smile plastered on his face, "You're such a good mom"
"Yeah yeah, how's studying going?"
Steve was good at ignoring Eddie's shenanigans. A lot of them were joking flirtations, ones he laughed at and joined in on occasion, but otherwise ignored and brushed off. Eddie was never serious.
He heard the crack and snap of a can opening and turned to see Eddie downing a beer. Some dribbled past his lips and rolled down the expanse of his neck.
Steve shared a quizzical look to see where Eddie had gotten it. Sensing the curiosity Eddie pointed with his head towards the cabinet beside him. Odd place to put beer , he commented and Eddie only chuckled at it.
"It's going. Thankfully it's English so I'll be fine," Eddie wiped off the beer with a napkin, "I'm trying to dedicate like a week to a single topic so my brain doesn't melt"
Thank god, Steve thought. He couldn't help but watch it glisten and roll further down. It would've driven him mad if Eddie hadn't cleaned it up.
"That's good. You're great at storytelling and you love writing for your campaigns," Steve started to get animatic with his cheeks flushing with pride. Turning to see Eddie giving him a blank look with a curious raised brow had him deflate a little, "I've… I've heard. From Dustin. He talks about you a lot, you know"
Steve tried to brush off his interest in Eddie's interests. He also tried to make it seem like Dustin spilled all information about Eddie Munson to him unprovoked.
He'd never honestly admit that he was the one who asked questions about Eddie. Dustin found it weird, giving him an odd look and telling him to get a girlfriend or something.
A girlfriend would not be helpful at all. But he wouldn't tell Dustin that he very much liked men. A very specific man. Not yet at least.
Eddie put his can on the counter, "I thought you didn't like D&D?"
"Who said that?” Steve asked incredulously, “I've never said that. I just don't know how to play. I'd play with you"
Steve felt kind of stupid for being so passionate about protecting his honor. But this was Eddie, king of hellfire, he didn't want him to think he disliked any aspect of his life (only his music sometimes!).
He also didn't want to admit he'd wanted to play since he heard of the club. He was just intimidated.
"You'd play?"
Eddie's eyes were like saucers. Like when a cat's pupils expanded so large and lights twinkled inside of them. But he was testing out Steve's honesty.
"Yea, I'll just need your help is all"
"Dude I'm about to cream my pants," Eddie hopped off the counter, " The Steve Harrington is going to play fucking D&D"
Steve smiled sheepishly at Eddie's fist pumping the air, "does this mean I get a shirt?"
"You get a shirt!" Eddie's hands grabbed Steve's shoulders and shook him around excitedly.
Eddie was close.
So close Steve could count his eyelashes if he wanted. He could see the texture of Eddie's face just like he had long before where they shared a heart-to-heart in the woods. But he was too scared to get this close last time.
Now, not so much. He instinctively got closer every time Eddie pushed the boundary of personal space.
"Okay okay, not to burst your bubble but you still have to study," Steve's hands went to his hips. His signature mom scolding poses the kids loved making fun of.
Eddie's smile dropped instantly and was replaced with a serious face, "I was just starting to like you again Harrington"
Steve's heart fluttered, not like that idiot.
"Oh? There was a time when you didn't like me?" Steve's brows furrowed in confusion. But more so curiously.
Eddie let his shoulders go, crossing them over his chest with an unimpressed expression,
"Yeah, every time you boss me around. You're really cramping my style, Stevie."
The nickname always had shivers running down Steve's neck. It was stupid, it was meant to annoy him. But it made him happy and his ears turn red.
"I'm just being a good friend concerned about your future," Steve reasoned.
Whatever he was waved off, you're lucky you're cute.
Eddie stomped his feet against the tile until it quieted down to a soft thump when he made it to the carpeted living room. He was always about the theatrics. Of course the second he plopped himself onto the couch he seemed unbothered and unlike the dramatic outburst, he had seconds prior.
He was just like that all the time. Joking around and playing dramatic acts just because he felt like it, but always Eddie would simmer down into a calm like this.
Steve followed after opening the food and drinks that he bought, grabbing them and bringing them into the living room. He came in and placed them onto the coffee table, pushing Eddie’s drink to his side.
He knew Eddie forgot to eat during these study sessions. Especially if he took a long nap, food was something he forgot about often.
Steve obviously wouldn't let that happen. Sometimes he'd cook while Eddie worked on homework or make sure to buy quick meals for him to eat.
“Please eat in between. It’ll help you get the energy to study,” Steve looked Eddie’s way to gauge his reaction.
Eddie hummed in response before he snapped out of focus and looked up at Steve, “You know…”
The look on his face told Steve he was up to no good. His eyes turned dark almost and shaped from his normal round doe eyes to an almost glare, “A kiss would be a big help. Wanna try, Harrington?”
Steve didn’t know where it came from or if this was a new saying was something he picked up on recently. Usually, Eddie would joke around with Steve about sex and many innuendos but nothing like this. It still felt normal like Eddie’s normal antics but it made Steve anxious. Like he was being caught and seen through his hidden feelings.
But when Eddie noticed steve had froze at the question he giggled into his papers and shook his head, "You're so cute, Harrington"
Eddie ruffled his hair softly, just letting his fingers card through the locks before he spoke up, “c’mon, let’s eat, hmm?"
Steve appreciated him moving on from the topic. He knew Eddie saw his flushed face, he didn't know Eddie reveled in the effect he had on Steve.
It was on his mind for weeks until his shift with Robin at Family Video where he just exploded.
Every day now it was a new funny thing Eddie would say. He’d pucker his lips and ask for a kiss or wrap his arms around Steve’s middle. His head would lay in the juncture of Steve’s neck and he’d blow air on Steve’s neck and relish in his reaction.
Wherever Eddie touched Steve seemed to burn like markings or carvings in a tree. He felt like an ancient statue that over time turned bronze where people touched them the most.
He seemed to be emitting bronze across his shoulders, cheeks, and arms. Sun-kissed by the attention and affection of Eddie Munson.
“Wow, Harrington. You’re so sensitive,” his voice would rumble through Steve’s chest and every time he felt like crossing that line. Of taking what he wanted so badly.
"Yeah, I'm ticklish," was the best response Steve could think of. It seemed to be the right one at the time since Eddie had thrown his head back and laughed so loud.
Steve hung on to everything Eddie said and instinctually leaned into his touches. But suddenly he’d pull away and laugh it off and continue doing whatever he was doing. Steve felt played with and that Eddie was somehow aware of Steve’s feelings.
The way he looked haunted Steve for days. Which is why he was in Family Video dying .
Steve paced back and forth through the horror aisle, making sure all the films were in their correct order and no teenagers shoved garbage under the rack like always.
They know he knows but he legally can't scream at them with Keith in the back. The boss who hates Steve Harrington's guts and only puts up with him because they find Robin the cutest.
She is. But she's also a menace to society and will bite you.
It was the only thing that gave him time to think and talk but also be productive. Keith would be very glad that Steve was ecstatic to do his job.
He was half happy about it.
"Robin, you don't understand. He wants me to kiss him,” Steve exclaimed with his arms outstretched dramatically.
He pointed out with the corner of the VHS tapes. Muttering the names of films under his breath. Oh, the strangers is missing again.
Robin leaned against the counter rewinding their pile of return tapes, sighing and rolling her eyes per usual,
"Then kiss him?" She was used to Steve's gay panic antics.
It seemed to overtime become an issue that started with small words and touches Steve held onto. And now, Eddie being a little shit.
"Wow, you've solved everything. Thanks, Robin,” Steve shook his head. Nothing about this situation was simple, Eddie was anything but simple.
He spoke in tongues and metaphors constantly and half the time Steve had to ask if he was being serious or not. The simplest jokes had Steve’s head tilted in questioning if Eddie was being sarcastic or not. Steve didn’t want this to be a situation where he took Eddie’s jokes too seriously and permanently damaged their friendship.
It's gotten to the point where Eddie would cup his shoulder and tell him he wasn't serious.
Robin furrowed her brows, "You're welcome?"
Steve wanted to yank his hair out, instead chucking an empty VHS box at her head, "I’M GOING TO MURDER YOU IN YOUR SLEEP"
I was there for you when you were questioning if you and Nancy were dating–"
"– valid worry"
"You guys made out, like, five times already," and he was there the whole time through Robin’s panic.
When they kissed for the first time Robin came to Steve’s home crying in his arms about how she betrayed him and she didn’t know what to do. Terrified that she ruined a good thing.
He was there for the second and third when they hid their feelings and coined it as just friends having fun. And ultimately was there for the other couple of times they tried to act like they weren’t in love but came to the conclusion they were.
It was pathetic. Steve was just glad the two girls he loved were happy. He’s also happy that Jonathan and Argyle were happy as well. Though they weren’t the closest, Steve could call them his friends.
"Girls just do that," Robin defended, picking up the box and placing it on the counter, deathship really? She huffed under her breath.
"You make me want to peel my skin off and eat it," Honestly he could feel his skin falling off and his hair greying at the moment.
"Steve, look. I'm sorry I'm not the best at advice but if Eddie is asking, even if it's a joke, would it be all that bad if you kissed him?"
Robin may have not been good at advice but she was good at calling Steve out on his bullshit. It was a talent of hers to be able to ignore her own problems and instead want to fix everyone else's. It came from that self-hatred Steve and her knew too well.
But she wasn't getting it.
"Yes???? He'd know I like him,” Steve sighed and tucked his chin over the shelf.
Robin paused, "And that's bad because…?"
"Because he'd know! And it would ruin things and I don't want to let go of our cuddle sessions and late-night talks. I swear other men need to cuddle their friends it makes you feel like you're floating on a cloud,” Steve pointed at Robin who only continued to rewind tapes and put them on the return side of the counter for Steve to eventually put away. When he wasn’t sulking of course, “I just don’t want to make things awkward”
Robin nodded along before she backtracked to what Steve said, "Wait, you guys cuddle and have late-night talks?"
Robin’s facial expressions lit up, very different from her scrunched-up and frustrated face. The one she had when she didn’t understand anything.
"Yeah, Eddie has this ability to make you want to spill your all to him," Steve lamented.
Eddie had the ability to make all your problems seem like they were solvable even if you felt like nothing was going right. He had a kind heart and all the right words to say and never any judgment at all.
Steve had never had a friend like that before Robin. But even then this was different. It felt more set in stone and Steve felt like he was baring his all to Eddie with just a few moments together. It took Steve a couple of months with Robin to talk about his parents while it took Steve one late night with Eddie to spill.
He was kind and soft and he made Steve feel listened to and cared for. Eddie was also the first person Steve felt like he related to the most. It was why things were so hard now.
"Oh my God please kiss him or I'll tell him of that photo you have of him under your pillow"
It only took a little bribing on Steve's part to get a photo of Eddie from the school's paper club. Aka Nancy-fucking-Wheeler who still hasn't given Steve something to make up for it.
Steve tried to forget that he owed her a favor (he knew she wouldn’t).
“Honestly, if you kissed Eddie would he stop talking to you? The ‘freak’ who always got picked on and ditched for being himself? I know I like to joke around Steve but,” Robin sighed and walked over to Steve with a new pile of tapes to put away. It was her way of saying things will continue and he’ll be fine. It was her way of caring when she couldn't formulate her words.
“I just don’t think Eddie would ruin your friendship if you decided to kiss him,” she shrugged.
Talking to Robin was very helpful.
The bell of the door rang which brought both of them into a panic to actually do their jobs. Steve instantly started to put films away and Robin spoke up about return policies in meaningless gibberish.
"Relax," a familiar soft warm voice spoke up, "it's just me you cuties"
Robin sighed and smiled instantly, opening her arms to give Eddie a large welcome hug.
She disappeared in his layers and Steve couldn’t help but smile his way. Hiding behind the rack when he kneeled down to put a tape on the right shelf.
"I just needed to return a few tapes," he smiled at Robin as if she was his little sister. The same fond way he looked at Will.
Passing them over to Robin she went back to behind the counter, "They're–"
Eddie beat her to the punch with a pointer finger, "–they're all rewound. You know I follow the rules of the sacred tape. Plus you would chew my ass off if I didn’t"
Thank you. Robin sighed out in exhaustion. She still had eight tapes more to rewind and it would be longer once more customers came in, you're a lifesaver.
Steve tried to ignore Eddie's existence by putting away the tapes Robin had given him. Tucked under his arm were at least five different tapes.
"Hello there, ignoring your best friend. Harrington?" He waltzed his way to the aisle Steve was in.
Fuck, he noticed.
"As if I could ignore you, Munson," Steve finally gained the guts to look at him.
Eddie smiled and punched him in the arm, "after work, movies, me, my house. Got it?"
Steve loved how forward he was, "and if I don't?" He teased.
"I'll be heartbroken," he fake pouted, "but seriously I'll drag your hot ass to my place. I got the best movies to show you!"
Robin butted in, "what movies are you guys going to watch?"
"That ruins the fun, Buckley! Got to keep them intrigued so they want more," and Steve definitely wanted more. Especially when Eddie winked his way, “Dating advice one-o-one”
Even if he was joking Steve would enjoy the moment while it lasted.
"Alright I'm out, I got to take the kids to the arcade," Eddie saluted with two fingers to his head.
"Harrington," he called out and turned to make eye contact with him, "see you"
It was embarrassing how Steve clung to every word Eddie spoke. He physically could not keep away from him.
"Steve," Robin called with a serious tone and furrowed brows the second Eddie had pulled out of Family Videos parking lot.
"Yeah, Rob?"
"Kiss him, please. God, he's so into you it's disgusting and I don't think I can't survive your pining anymore," she closed her eyes for emphasis.
"What if he's not into guys?" Steve questioned with a nervous bite to his nail.
Robin scoffed and rolled her eyes, Steve I’m gonna – The usual disbelief of Steve’s stupidity had Robin throwing herself over any surface and acting like she was dying.
"Oh he's definitely into you ," she exclaimed. Pointing at Steve so fiercely he was scared if she was closer she would’ve clocked him. She's done it before.
Steve's heart constricted in his chest and he felt like he was going to burst.
Not now.
Not until he got to see Eddie, at least give him that.
Steve was on edge.
His body was stiff from top to bottom as if he didn’t know how to control his own body. It felt foreign to him in every way.
Once again Steve found himself settled next to Eddie on his couch. Instead of books sprawled about it was just a couple of notebooks and a packet on Eddie’s lap. Eddie answered a multiple choice study sheet, flipping back and forth through the pages. Retake finals were this week, and everything Eddie had been studying for would be tested.
Steve knew he’d pass with flying colors. He’s been working so hard for graduation and Steve’s been so proud of him and he’d always be there when he needed a break or someone to talk to about it.
Steve wasn’t even sure how he made it this far either. In his finals, he passed as close as he could, but he knew his grades weren’t the best. That’s why Eddie and him got along and why Eddie only let Steve be around him during these times.
Steve wasn’t all that open about his own reading difficulties and it wasn't a secret either. His dyslexia was something he tried to cover up and act silly and outrageous as a kid. Maybe being funny could be taken better than being stupid.
Eddie understood what it felt like to be treated like he was stupid and less-than. Eddie knew what it felt like to be rejected by his parents. And through that, they had more depth than anyone could ever comprehend.
“What does this mean?” Eddie turned his body to lean his paper towards Steve’s eye line.
He grabbed the corner of the paper, leaning in then away to try to focus on the words. The letters jumbled as he tried to sound it out, “ab- abna”
“Abnegation,” Eddie butted in.
Thank you, steve said softly.
“It means the denial and rejection of a doctrine or belief,” Steve chuckled at the lost look on Eddie’s face before adding, “Like rejection or um, denial”
Eddie nodded along, brushing stray hairs back behind his ear, and Steve couldn’t help but stare at him longingly. He reached out to push a stray hair that had fallen across his cheeks back again. He couldn’t help himself.
“You’re going to pass,” Steve wrapped an arm around Eddie's shoulders.
“I have to pass, dude,” he sighed, “These are the retake tests”
“You know you’re still smart even if you don’t, right? School isn’t everything when you have so much going for you”
Out of everyone Steve knew, Eddie had everything going for him. Even if the world was against him Steve believed Eddie had talent in so many things. He’d succeed in any area when he put his passion into it.
Eddie’s shoulders deflated and he let out a sigh. As if his shoulders were being held so tight and full of tension until Steve had been the one to pop it, “I just want to do this for me. Prove that I’m not just… stupid like all these teachers have been calling me”
Steve could only nod. When Eddie got in moods like this it was best to just be there for him and let him get the steam out. Eventually, he’d come to and Steve could tell him all the great things he loved about him– minus the love part– and bring back that smile he melted over.
“You’ll still be my friend even when I’m twenty-eight in high school, right?” Eddie was dramatic and it made Steve want to laugh but he nodded anyways.
“Of course, I will. And all of us, the kids, Robin, we’ll all visit you every day. You just have to stay motivated and positive,” he rubbed his hand on Eddie’s shoulder, rubbing soothing patterns with his thumb.
It was as if Steve had said the big money word. The way Eddie’s expression lit up and all traces of upset were gone. It was just like when Dustin was getting ready to say the corniest joke or Mike having the urge to say your mom to literally everything. He was dangling meat right in front of a lion. He should have expected this.
“You can motivate me, it’s my finals I gotta pass them this time,” he batted his lashes and leaned in. Since Steve’s arm was around him it only made Eddie come in even closer until their noses almost touched, “Gimme a good luck kiss, Harrington”
He thought he was so funny, his smile lines and dimples showing through. And Steve was ready to be fucking hilarious .
Kissing Eddie was something Steve never thought he would ever get the chance to do. So he never prepared his body for what that would feel like. He didn’t even know what Eddie’s lips felt like and now they were on his.
Eddie’s lips were soft and Steve could feel the stubble of his upper lip itching at his own.
Steve’s fingers threaded through the hair at the nape of Eddie’s neck and Eddie just… Fell. Just like when they went through the gate together, the weight of the world left and their stomach dropped. Just like now.
Steve could feel his stomach flip and his chest fill with warmth.
Eddie didn’t push back instead wrapping his arms around Steve’s waist and gripping his waist. He felt his lips press harder against Steve’s own like a reminder that he was there, present, that he enjoyed this.
Pulling back was the worst decision of his life but it was worth it when Eddie seemed to be taken aback and in shock. Steve licked his lips and savored the moment.
“I’m feeling really motivated right now,” Eddie’s eyes were fuzzy and out of focus. He nodded with a thin-lipped smile. He was in a different plane of existence.
“Oh really?” Steve raised a brow in inquiry.
“I think I need another one just to double check,” Eddie cupped Steve’s face and pulled him in for a quick peck, “I’ve been waiting for that, didn’t expect you to finally do it though”
Eddie’s eyes looked up at Steve’s own, panning down to his lips from time to time. He couldn’t help but chortle, “My eyes are up here”
“Sorry, sorry,” Eddie sighed breathlessly.
Steve put up a hand in dismissal, “It’s okay”
“I really thought you weren’t picking up on my flirtations. I mean, they were out there and kind of obvious. But I wasn’t sure if you were comfortable in your sexuality to be intimate with me or…” Eddie’s words trailed off. He knew what he was going to say but expecting Steve to finish his thoughts.
“I like men. I like you, maybe too much,” They both shared a chuckle, “It’s true! My brain melts whenever you’re around”
“Mine too!” Eddie exclaimed with his hands, “I was throwing myself at you and laughing it off as if I wasn’t igniting my own shire, you know?”
I can’t think straight around you,” Steve scoffed and Eddie gave him a look, “shut up”
“So what does this mean for us?” Steve tried to not act like he was on edge.
But honestly, he felt like he was at the edge of the world and anything Eddie said would push him off and he’d plummet. He didn’t know if he was ready to fall.
Eddie’s head tilted cutely, his hair getting in his eyes. He pulled it back and tied it into a weak ponytail. This didn’t help Steve dying, if anything it made things harder.
“I want to be with you,” Eddie spoke up and leaned his head against Steve’s shoulder.
Me too , Steve muttered into his hair and wrapped his arms around Eddie’s waist. But this time it meant something more.
Steve’s heart felt heavy and it was as if a rock was on his chest, crushing his ribcage, “Let me fall in love with you, please ”
Steve had been vulnerable before with Eddie. But this time it was more. It was deeper.
“Can I get another?” their eyes found one another.
Steve scoffed and shook his head as Eddie raised his head from his shoulder. Looking up at him, his cheeks were tickled pink and his eyes seemed to hold the stars the way they glistened.
“Always,” Steve cupped his face, rubbing his thumb across his cheek.
After the single soft peck Eddie went in for another one just for fun, “As long as I can fall in love with you…” he almost whispered, “If that’s okay”
“Of course”
Steve felt silly. Like he could’ve done this a while ago if he had just followed his instincts and the call of his heart. But he didn’t always trust himself or his heart that swelled too large with love from time to time. It was as if he was a sponge, just dripping his love everywhere and everyone can see it.
“We’re boyfriends, right? Like I can rub this all in everyone's face?” Eddie smiled from ear to ear.
“Yeah,” Steve nodded, “Just ready yourself for Robin’s reaction”
They both knew she’d never shut up about this once the truth was out.
So Steve made sure to relish in Eddie’s company for now. Pulling him into an embrace and knocking them over to lay on the couch. Chests pressed together where Steve could feel the way Eddie’s heart banged against his chest.
Yeah , Steve thought with a smile on his face as he kissed Eddie’s cheeks who giggled under the touch, he could get used to this.