Chapter 1: The Price of Love
Chapter Text
Steve hadn’t been alright since the whole Vecna thing. Truthfully, he hadn’t been alright since his first run in with the Demogorgon in the Byer’s living room. After that, he thought it was the end to all the weird shit in Hawkins. He was, however, proven deadly wrong when he went to apologize to Nancy and was dragged back into the paranormal bullshit. It started when Dustin Fucking Henderson tried to adopt a fucking Demodog. But seriously, what the fuck was this kid thinking? Oh, I just found this slug looking thing in the trash. Let me take it home and raise it! It was obvious that these kids needed someone to act as a voice of reason, and somehow, that person ended up being Steve. And yeah, he would continuously bitch about always being the goddamn babysitter, but he couldn’t really complain. Dustin Henderson, Mike Wheeler, Will Byers, Eleven (although now she is going by Jane Hopper,) Lucas Sinclair, Erica Sinclair, and Max Mayfield; Steve loved them all, and would protect his kids no matter the cost.
He wasn’t alone in making sure the little shits didn’t get themselves killed. Sometimes, he had Nancy and Jonathan, although it was a little awkward hanging out with his ex and the guy he used to bully. It’s not like he minded them together, he was genuinely happy they found each other, but he often felt like the third wheel, and they often found themselves off on their own investigative tracks. Sometimes Jim Hopper and Joyce Byers would try to look out for the kids, but even they couldn’t keep track of them. Also, it didn’t help that Steve was the only one they even remotely listened to, and even then, it was only on the rare occasion. Maybe it was because he was closer in age, or maybe it was because he was the only one willing to drive them where they wanted to go.
After Steve graduated high school, he started working at Scoops Ahoy where he met his Platonic soulmate, with a capital P, Robin Buckley. When he imagined the future, he could always see the two of them taking on the world together for the rest of their lives. Robin was the only woman who could see through his crap, and bring him back to the real world when his ego got the better of him. Together they faced Russian spies, and so they had that going for them as well. They were a packaged deal, and whoever tried to come between them would face a hell no one could ever imagine.
The last one to join their totally fucked up party, was none other than Eddie “The Freak” Munson. When Chrissy Cunningham died, rumors started to spread that the metalhead was a cult leader and a Satanist who made deals with the devil. And while Steve almost felt compelled to believe the town when they called him a murderer, Max knew better and recuited the party to clear Eddie’s name. Much to Steve’s chagrin, Dustin was the first to join the search to prove Eddie’s innocence. Using the computers at Family Video, they were able to locate Reefer Rick’s hideout, who was a known dealer in the area, and often supplied Eddie with his stash and get the story straight from the scared man on what happened to the former cheerleader. The truth of Hawkin’s curse was shared with Eddie, who took it fairly well, and together, the Party was able to formulate a plan to potentially Vecna’s curse.
Of course, this plan included Eddie playing the absolute “most metal concert” ever, but what they didn’t count on was Eddie trying to sacrifice himself in order to give Steve, Robin, and Nancy more time to flambé the superpowered man once and for all. Steve was running back to Eddie’s trailer, his stomach dropping as he watched hundreds of demobats flying in the opposite direction. His feet suddenly feeling lighter as he sprinted and came upon Dustin cradling Eddie in his arms as Eddie was rambling to him. “I think it’s my year Henderson. I think it’s finally my year.” He took a shuddering breath and looked past Dustin and into Steve’s tear filled eyes. “I love you man.”
Eddie’s head drooped to the side and Dustin looked up at the stunned man. “Do something Steve!” The broken boy pleaded.
Steve swallowed his own sadness and picked up the man who was knocking on death’s door. “If you die on me Eds, I will never forgive you.” Steve had mumbled as he ran towards the nearly destroyed trailer. Steve’s senses had dulled, his sole focus was making sure he saved the guitarist in his arms. He couldn’t hear anything, not even his own voice as he shouted at the others. Later, when he noticed how sore his throat was, he wouldn’t know if it was from the bat’s tails, Vecna’s vines, or from his own screaming, but he would remain hoarse for the remainder of the week. Steve sped through Hawkins to the nearest hospital, and barely made it according to the hospital staff. For Eddie, things were going to be touch and go. The nurses who prepped Eddie removed his jewelry and Steve made sure to keep it safe.
Eddie had made it through, but was kept in a medically induced coma for two weeks. With Hopper’s help, who magically came back from the dead himself, they were able to convince the hospital staff that the broken man would not be a danger to anyone, thus allowing him to have visitors. Although Steve was admitted to the hospital in order to look after his own injuries, he was out within two days, and refused to leave, choosing to spend all of his time with the metalhead. He spent time ensuring Eddie’s jewelry was back in its proper place. Holding his hand, Steve constantly pleaded to the sleeping man, falling asleep with his head on the bed. Eventually, the nursing staff moved Eddie to a shared room and allowed the former King to sleep in the second bed. Joyce would send the kids with homemade meals, and Dustin had brought a duffle bag with a collection of Steve’s clothes, including his stinky boxers.
When the doctors had decided Eddie was stable enough, they brought him out of the coma. It took two days for him to wake up, but when he did, Steve was there holding his ringed hand. Steve hadn’t realized he was crying until he felt a movement under him, and the hand he wasn’t holding wiped his face to move the hair away, thumb swiping at the tears. Steve snapped his head and was met with deep chocolate brown eyes looking into his own. “Hey there big guy.” Eddie whispered hoarsely, a small smile gracing his beautiful face.
Over the course of the next six weeks, visits were made by everyone. Dustin would complain about his cast and how itchy it was, and how he had to rummage through Steve’s underwear drawer because the poor sap refused to leave. Eddie eventually met Will and El, as they brought over a casserole made by Joyce, and Mike showed up with his campaign notes as he tried to figure out when they would be able to play again. Mike and Will would argue over what campaign to play, but what interested Eddie, were the looks the bowl-cut wearing boy would flash to his best friend. Eddie yelped in surprise as El demonstrated her telekinesis by bringing the boys water to the table. Lucas would visit after seeing Max and would update him on her recovery. She would remain in a coma for 3 more weeks after Eddie woke up. It was later revealed that the red head would remain permanently blind, but may receive partial use of her hands and arms. There was no hope for her legs though. She would be stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
Steve and Eddie had grown closer throughout their stay. There wasn’t a moment that Eddie was awake that he didn’t see the blonde man, his hair unnaturally without product during that time. During one particular night, as the boys sat together playing monopoly, Eddie started babbling nearly incoherently to Steve without taking a breath. “Listen man, there’s something I need to tell you. And after I tell you, you might run and I will never see you again, so I don’t know if I should tell you. But I really feel like I should tell you. The truth is I like guys, and I would totally understand if…”
Eddie didn’t get a chance to finish his stream of thought because he felt Steve’s lips on his own, and a hand on his chest. When Steve broke the kiss, he stared at Eddie, smiling warmly. “Shut up Eds.” He whispered hoarsely as he placed his forehead on Eddie’s. Wayne had entered the hospital room at that moment, noticed the boy’s closeness, and closed the door with a smile to allow them their privacy.
It was revealed to Eddie that the trailer he shared with his uncle had been nearly obliterated during the quakes that destroyed half of Hawkins, but the government had issued a check and deed to Wayne at Dr. Owens’ insistence, which had surprised everyone involved. Wayne had assured everyone that no matter what happens, he will be there for the two boys and protect them however he could. And because he had received such a large house, a mansion by his standards, he extended an invitation to the kids to come over anytime. The sad part was, an invitation to move in was extended to Max, after her mom dropped all of her belongings off only saying that she couldn’t take care of a cripple for the rest of her life. Max shrugged her shoulders when Steve checked on her saying it was bound to happen. Wayne, on the other hand, wasted no time in welcoming the orphaned girl into his home. When Eddie was asked, the broken man grinned widely, “Fuck yeah! I get a sister!”
After being in the hospital for nearly two months, Eddie was deemed stable enough for discharge. Steve spent that night, and half the next day with Eddie until the police arrived to take him away, both of them deciding to put their relationship on pause until Eddie was released. The doctor, who had gotten close to the metalhead, expressed his sympathies, but he had no choice. He had to release him into police custody. Eddie simply shrugged his shoulders. “Hey, they think I killed the homecoming queen. I don’t blame you doc.” The kids, on the other hand, were all quick to voice their objections. The voices of the officers couldn’t be heard over the sounds of six kids yelling that he was innocent. That there was no way he could have killed Chrissy if he himself was a victim. But the warrant had already been issued. He had to face a jury for the crimes he had been accused of by the basketball player who mysteriously disappeared the day of the earthquakes.
Six months. Eddie was in jail for six months. In those six months, Steve’s parents had decided to move out of Hawkins for good, without so much as a look back to the son they abandoned. Wayne took the heartbroken man in without any questions asked. “You love my boy. You took care of him. Let me look after you, son.” Together the two men worked on making the large house feel like a home, including making sure it was accessible for Max when she got out of the hospital. Eddie wrote to Wayne, while leaving notes for Steve under the guise of him being his girlfriend, Stephanie (this earning an unwanted nickname amongst the party.) In those letters, Eddie revealed that he was able to get his G.E.D. while locked up. It wasn’t a diploma, but it was still something.
It took six months for the trial to come to a close. It took six months to convince the jury that Eddie was a victim of circumstance and ran because he was afraid he would meet the same gruesome fate as the cheerleader. Steve and Dustin, who brought the broken man to the hospital, were able to act as witnesses in Eddie’s defense, detailing, without giving away the true facts, how Eddie received the wounds and how he almost died. They claimed it was a bear attack, and the jury believed them. The testimony that would prove to be the most helpful in Eddie’s defense, was Max’s, as she was a victim herself, and the only survivor of the serial killer. Due to the lack of evidence, the jury had no choice but to acquit Eddie of the murders. It was revealed that Jason Carver was the next person of interest for the murders and attacks, but it was determined that Jason either died in the earthquake, or left town since they couldn’t find his body. The Creel Copycat murders turned into a cold case that would never be solved. Instead, Eddie was charged with fleeing the scene of a crime, and grand theft auto. His sentence for those charges though, was time served. Finally, Eddie was free to go home exactly one week before Thanksgiving in 1986.
The day Eddie was released, Steve was the first one to greet him. Robin held Steve’s hand in hers as he moved heel to heel eager to see the man he had fallen for. When the gate opened, and Eddie stepped out, Robin leaned into Steve squeezing his hand one last time. “Go,” she whispered into her best friend’s ear, and he was running as hard as he could straight into Eddie and almost successfully knocking him over. Nancy and Jonathan smiled while standing back with Jim and Joyce as the kids started surrounding the pair. Lucas had pushed Max towards the celebration lovingly giving her a play-by-play on the events in front of them. Eddie kept one arm firmly wrapped around Steve’s waist as he answered the barrage of questions that were being asked of him. The pair would occasionally glance at each other, the love they had never dying in those six months. Eddie placed a chaste kiss on Steve’s lips, looked at the gaggle around him and smiled lovingly at his new family. “Let's go home.”
Living in the same house was easier than either man thought it would be. The four of them had found a harmonious way to live together, and things were peaceful for a time. The older group had all received sizable checks in the mail with letters from Dr. Owens, thanking them for their part in saving the world. Owens also explained that the other kids; Dustin, Mike, Will, Max, Jane, Lucas, and even Erica, would receive their coverment money the day they turned 18. It was also revealed that Max and El were to receive special education due to their extenuating circumstances. Of course Steve stayed throughout all of this, but he started to feel a nagging in the back of his mind. A voice saying that he was taking advantage of the man he thought of as a proper fatherly figure. After talking to Wayne and Eddie, and a lot of back and forth between the three of them, Steve decided it was time to find a new place.
Eddie helped him in his search, but after looking at the first house, an argument developed the moment Steve brought up the lease terms and even asked about roommate allotments. “What the hell Harrington?”
“What was what?” Steve looked at Eddie like he had grown two heads.
“You just asked about longer term rentals.”
“And? I don’t like moving a lot. I figured we’ll probably be good here for a while.”
“We?” Steve saw the look Eddie flashed. “Why am I even here while you look for apartments?”
Steve ran his hand through his hair subconsciously. “Cause we’ve been living together for two years now and I thought you wouldn’t mind.” Eddie couldn’t argue with that point, but Steve could tell he was still holding something back.
The argument fizzled out shortly after that but the tension was still there. The tension would always be there. Steve wanted commitment and that fairy tale ending he told Nancy about on that RV just two years earlier. Eddie, however, was scared to death of how the world would treat them if anybody found out about their relationship. But Steve didn’t care. So on Valentine’s Day in 1989, despite everything Eddie was worried about, Steve decided to risk everything.
“Why are you so upset? They’re just rings! You wear rings all the time!”
“Yeah, ones that I bought for myself! This is different and you know it is.”
Steve rubbed his face in exhaustion. He had hoped that this gesture would show Eddie just how serious he was about them.
“You keep doing shit like this. Why can’t you just let things be? All we have is now, and it’s not gonna last forever.”
“What if I want it to last forever?” Steve shot back. He was suddenly scared of what could happen. “For fuck’s sake Eddie, I love you. I’m in love with you! And I thought you loved me!”
“I do love you!” Eddie yelled back. Steve watched as Eddie waved his hands around in exasperation. “But it doesn’t matter what either of us want. It’s never going to be more than we have right now. Hell, for all I know there might not even be any growing old! There is no picturesque wedding, no house in the suburbs with kids and PTA meetings and all that bullshit. That’s not possible!”
“I don’t care! I just want to be with you!” And Steve meant it. His RV dream meant nothing if he didn’t have the man he loved to share it with.
“Do you? For Christ’s sake, a few years ago you didn’t even know you were into guys, now you’re talking about spending the rest of our lives together? Do you even hear how absurd that sounds?”
Steve’s heart fell into his stomach at that moment. But he still continued to plead. “I know! I was a fucking idiot, but I just needed some time to figure things out, ok?”
“That’s not the point.” Steve watched as Eddie paced back and forth in their living room.
“Then what is your point, Eddie? That you’re scared to admit our relationship is more serious than it was? We’ve already gone through hell together. Literal hell.” Steve crossed his arms in front of his chest.
“The point is you keep pushing us. Pushing me.” Eddie paused, facing Steve. “I get that you probably had this whole future planned out for yourself, and that’s what you want. You know what I want? I want to walk down the street and hold your damn hand without being afraid that someone will beat the shit out of us for it. Fuck, you just don’t see how different that is, do you?”
Steve stood there stunned. His heart breaking as he watched the love of his life pace the floor. Steve knew he had to be cautious with his words, but at that moment he struggled to catch his breath, the panic in his chest growing at what could possibly come from this fight. “I think I’m starting to,” Steve replied after a minute, his voice quieter. “I think you don’t want to try. I think you can’t stop being paranoid. I think I keep trying to put myself out there, and you won’t even try to meet me halfway. We could do more, we could be more, but you won’t try. You won’t stop being… being..”
“Being me?” Eddie barked
“That’s not what I meant, and you know it.” Steve shot back
“You know what? Maybe you’re right. And maybe I’m just not what you’re looking for.”
“What do you mean?” The bile started rising in Steve’s throat.
“I mean,” Eddie paused, taking a deep breath. “I mean, maybe you’re just better off finding someone else. You think I’m not trying? I’m trying the hardest I can, and it’s not enough for you. Nothing I can offer will ever be enough.” Tears blurred Steve’s vision but he was just barely able to make out Eddie reaching for the leather jacket Steve had bought for him as he stormed towards the door.
“Eds.” Steve took a couple steps after him, pleading. “Eddie, wait. Look, we can talk about this.”
“We’ve been having this same conversation for months, Harrington. It’s not getting us anywhere.” Eddie placed his ringed hand on the doorknob barely looking back at Steve. “There’s nothing more to talk about.”
“Eddie…” Steve crumbled to the ground as he sobbed. Eddie, ignoring Steve’s final plea, walked out the door. He would only return later to collect his things without so much as a word to Steve.
After that, Steve avoided Eddie at all costs. He had Robin’s help of course, and the only time it was an impossibility was when Will, Mike, Dustin, and Lucas had graduated on June 6, 1989. Will went on to move back to California, this time attending the Academy of Art in San Francisco. Mike joined the Army much to the dismay of pretty much everyone around him. Lucas was awarded a basketball scholarship at the Howard School of Technology. Dustin, on the other hand, was going to travel with Eddie before going to school. He apologized to Steve, telling him that he wasn’t choosing sides.
“Dude, I know you’re not. Just,” Steve paused for a beat and then sighing, “call me sometime.” Dustin smiled up at Steve nodding in agreement. Steve looked at the rest of his kids. “This goes for the rest of you. I raised you brats, I protected you, and I tried to keep you all out of harm’s way. If I’m going to be completely honest, I’m gonna miss being your babysitter.” The tears started to pour freely as he was surrounded on all sides. Their warm hugs encapsulating him. “I’m going to miss you little shits.”
They let him go in search of their individual families. Robin stood by his side before grabbing his hand and placing a peck on his cheek. “Soooo, what now?” She asked.
Steve ran a hand through his hair and wiped the tears and snot from his face. When he opened his eyes, he found himself staring at Eddie, who was smiling warmly at Dusty. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.” He grumbled as he pulled Robin to his car. As Steve sped out of the parking lot, Robin could be heard screaming and laughing.
The two of them helped to rebuild Hawkins over the coming years, and all the while continued working at Family Video which had miraculously survived the Quakes of ‘86. Honestly, it kept them busy as there was a need from the remaining residents to escape from their current nightmare. Keith ended up moving out of Hawkins shortly after the earthquakes and the owners had decided to make Robin the General Manager and Steve the Assistant Manager as an ass backwards way of rewarding them for not leaving.
Meanwhile, Robin was able to win Vicki’s heart, and eventually broke the N.D.A. by telling her everything. When you’re waking up screaming nearly every night from nightmares next to your girlfriend, there has to be some sort of explanation. Vicki listened intently as Robin recounted all of the events that occurred in Hawkins only interrupting to ask a question here and there for clarification, and looking to Steve to fill in any missing details Robin wasn’t there for.
Trauma is a very tricky thing and everyone deals with their trauma differently. After his break up with Eddie, Steve had taken to flirting with everyone who had a pair of legs. Which led to many one night stands, much to Robin’s chagrin. “If you don’t stop, you’re going to end up making a mistake that will change your life.” Steve had assured Robin that he was being safe, but it didn’t lessen Robin’s worry any. She had also noticed that Steve’s behavior was becoming more erratic and unpredictable. He was also having a hard time focusing on anything. He had lost a lot of weight over the span of a few months and there were growing bags under his eyes from the many sleepless nights. Robin tried to get Steve to open up, but he just shrugged his shoulders and assured her everything was okay, but this did nothing to assuage Robin’s worry. There were times when it seemed Steve was getting better, but then he would start doing so much worse. Robin was so scared he was on drugs that she tried getting Hopper or Joyce to keep a close eye on him.
In 1997, Robin had faced her worst fear when she checked in on her best friend, and found him unconscious face down on the floor with vomit spread next to him. Robin immediately ran to his side, checked to make sure Steve still had a pulse (it was weak, but still there,) and ran to the phone to dial the emergency line. They asked her a hundred questions, most of which she didn’t know the answer to. They asked what he had taken, if he had a history of drug use, if this was a potential suicidal attempt, if he had expressed wishes to hurt himself or others, and other questions Robin had no clue how to answer. When the paramedics arrived, Steve was taken away on a stretcher and Robin wasn’t allowed to go with them. She called everyday for news, but they wouldn’t tell her anything. Something about a hippo and how they could only reveal protected health information to immediate family. Which made no sense to Robin since she was the closest family Steve had. Vicki stood by her side throughout everything and it was at her suggestion that Robin call Dr. Owens, who had repurposed the Hawkins lab into a special medical facility for the party should anything happen.
Dr. Owens had agreed that Steve needed some kind of therapy and rehabilitation, and it couldn’t be done in a regular setting because of how unique his trauma was. And to avoid breaking the NDA, the good doctor had Steve transferred to his facility where he could work closely with the now 30 year-old man. Due to this unique situation Robin was finally able to receive information on Steve’s recovery since Dr. Owens knew the relationship between the two.
As it turns out, it was discovered that Steve had turned to drugs right after his break up with Eddie. And with everything that happened to him in the 80’s, Steve never developed a healthy coping mechanism because he was too busy taking care of others around him and not himself. So one day, one of the girls he was sleeping with at the time had introduced him to coke. From there, he spiraled and found other drugs to numb the pain of everything he’d been through. Eventually, everything came to a head and he overdosed the day Robin found him. Honestly, this provided Steve with the wake up call he desperately needed.
Vicki understood the bond that Robin and Steve had, but jealousy started rearing its ugly head leading to many fights between the couple. The continuous nightmares didn’t help as Robin fought through her own PTSD. Eventually, Vicki couldn’t take it anymore. “I’ll always love you Rob, but you still have shit you need to figure out. I promise to keep your secret, but I just can’t do this anymore.” Robin immediately went to the lab and spent the night crying in Steve’s arms. Dr. Owens allowed this visit and even set up a bed for the broken-hearted girl to sleep on. Robin instead spent the night in Steve’s arms.
Steve was released from the hospital 3 months later, when he was no longer going through withdrawal and Steve had been introduced to many coping strategies. Steve would continue to see Dr. Owens for regular therapy, but he was able to return to his job at Family Video, and his life returned to normal for the next 3 years. That is until he received a call from none other than Dustin Henderson.
Chapter 2: Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen From Mars
Summary:
If there was ever a moment that made Steve miss his nail bat, Knight Light, it was now. In this moment he could murder the kid. “You brought me out here, to talk to me about my ex’s boyfriend? Are you out of your fucking mind, Henderson?”
Dustin flinched. “Would it help if I told you that he’s trying to make Eddie a vegetarian?”
Notes:
We’re working on catching up with Graveyardlillie’s work, An Image Caught in Time, but we all know how slow Steve is.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Steve’s phone rang early in the morning on March 27th, 2000. Steve wasn’t a morning person. “Harrington,” he answered gruffly.
“Long time no hear, buddy.” A much too familiar voice came.
Steve stopped for a moment and took a deep breath, his mood already improving. “Henderson?”
He heard the all too familiar giggle. Seriously, Dustin is, what, 29 now? And he’s still giggling like a teenager! “The one and only. How you been, man?”
“Honestly, life has had its ups and downs. But now that Hawkins is doing a lot better… Oh wait, have you heard?” He shoved his hand through his hair.
“Heard what?” Dustin asked curiously. Steve could hear papers ruffling in the background.
Steve sat on the kitchen counter unceremoniously. No matter how many times Robin threatened to chop off his balls, he refused to stop. He would just stick his tongue out at her and laugh. “Turns out Hawkins is a bit of a tourist spot now. The quakes of ‘86 have made their mark. Even though we were able to build around the cracks, there’s nothing the city council can do to actually repair them. Jane couldn’t even close them. And she’s basically Supergirl.”
“No shit dude! Like, they don’t have the manpower to smooth the cracks, or is it more like you-know-what is preventing it?” Dustin’s interest peaked fully.
“Jane thinks that because the damage was caused by Vecna in the Upside Down, that it’s just a permanent scar in our once sleepy hometown.”
“DUDE!” Dustin screamed into his phone, Steve had to hold his cell away from his ear. “You do realize THEY could be listening.”
Steve held his phone in the crook of his shoulder. “One, yelling like that, totally unnecessary. And two, they know we know. The NDA was just against us telling other people.” Steve stopped to take a breath. “Anyway, the town is safe, and because of the crowd moving into Hawkins, there’s a Blockbuster opening here. Like what kind of shit is that? So the Reeses are closing Family Video.”
Dustin paused for a moment. “You can always move to Indianapolis,” he suggested. “It’d be nice to have you around again.”
“Wait,” Steve had to take a deep breath to control his oncoming anger. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but Indianapolis is what, like, 50 miles away?”
Dustin’s voice started taking on a slightly nervous tone as he knew what Steve was getting at. “Actually, it’s more like 80 miles. And I know what you’re going to say.” He started talking faster. “Truth is, I’ve been helping with this project, and I’ve had literally no personal life for the past couple years. I even got a degree in business to help.”
Steve didn’t know what hurt more, the fact that his only other best friend was so close, or that he graduated from college and Steve wasn’t even invited to be there for him? Dustin seemed to know what Steve was thinking. “I wanted to invite you, but I didn’t even go to the graduation ceremony. I got my degree and got out of there. Promise, you didn’t miss anything.”
“Still, Henderson, a call now and then would have been nice.” Steve sighed out. “But the thought of moving to Indianapolis kinda sounds appealing.” He considered the option. He heard good things about the city, and now that he thought about it, he thinks the city was definitely in Robin’s top ten list of places to live. “Let me talk to Robin and I’ll get back to you. What’s your number?” Steve quickly jotted it down.
“You and Robin are still joined at the hip then?”
Steve chuckled. “What can I say? She’s my soulmate.”
“Yeah it’d be nice to see her again. Let me know what Buckley says.”
“Will do.” Steve finished as he hung up the phone.
Robin came home from her shift and seemed to overflow with delight when Steve presented the idea. She was soon planning a small road trip to drive out there to check out the real estate, as they both had a relatively small fortune saved between the two of them. Steve knew better than to get in her way when she was on a tangent like this.
Steve had called Dustin to find out where to meet him when they got there, but all the 29-year-old would tell him was to look in the phone book and he would know exactly where to find him. Steve sighed, always tired of Dustin’s cryptic ways. But when they arrived in the city, Harrington opened the phone book anyway and attempted to look up the boy’s name. He couldn’t find him until Robin suggested looking in the businesses. “He did say he got a business degree.” Steve knocked his forehead with the palm of his hand and looked at the business listings. Sure enough, he found what he’d been looking for and laughed. His finger had stopped on an ad for a store called “Hellfire Records” and in that same ad was a shop called “Upside Down Comics.”
The pair drove to the store noticing the two store fronts were side-by-side. Surprisingly, they were able to find a parking spot that was relatively close. Steve went to open his door, but noticed that Robin hadn’t budged. She was wearing a frown when just minutes ago she was jabbering away at seeing the brat again. “You mind if I stay in the car? It’s just that you should see Dusty Buns first. Maybe, we could catch up over dinner, or even get drinks at the hotel? Well, I know you don’t drink, but even if it’s just sodas and talking, it’d be nice, and I think we have our Magic cards, so maybe we can play a couple rounds of that. Or, you know what? You don’t even have to go in to begin with. Yeah, that’s a better idea. We just got to town, let's just go and look at some apartments together. We can just come back tomorrow. Or maybe…” Robin wasn’t able to finish her tangent cause Steve had placed his hand over her mouth.
Steve flashed Robin a curious look, one eyebrow raised inquisitively. “I am going to remove my hand, and you are going to very calmly tell me what’s gotten into you.”
True to his word, he lifted his hand and Robin took a breath to ground herself. “If I go in there, I cannot make any guarantees that I will not murder someone.”
“And why would you wanna murder someone? Did the name of the store get to you?”
Robin shook her head. “No. It’s more like who I saw in there.” She whispered.
It finally hit Steve what Robin was getting at. He had forgiven Eddie long ago, but his best friend hadn’t. And although the news didn’t really surprise him, the pain he felt was still there.
“Alright,” Steve breathed out, “why don’t you go back to the hotel, and I’ll call when I get done?”
Robin sighed in relief. “Thanks Stevie. I really appreciate it.” She hugged him tightly in the small compact car.
Steve entered the door to find the two men behind the counter jumping and giggling like two school girls.
“You two sound like a couple of preteen girls,” Steve joked. He placed a hand on his hip and smirked.
A voice he hadn’t heard in 10 years responded. “Oooh, what a scathing insult, how will I recover.” Steve watched as the man with long curly hair turned around. Steve gave a half-smile and small wave at the only man he had ever truly loved.
“Steve! Steve, dude, did you see this? The first trailer for Fellowship of The Ring was just on!” Dustin said excitedly as he motioned towards the TV that sat behind the counter.
Steve smiled at the two men. He ignored the way his heart ticked up a few beats at Eddie’s voice. “Steve Harrington.” He watched as his ex placed his hands into his pockets, his expression impossible to read.
“Munson, Henderson. Didn’t expect to see both of you here.” Steve nodded in acknowledgement and flashed Dustin a look. “And no Henderson, if it was on TV I wouldn't have seen it.” Steve didn’t get many opportunities for entertainment.
Steve saw the concern in Dustin’s eyes as he looked back and forth. He watched as he quickly put on a smile and approached Steve for a hug. Steve wrapped his arms around the boy warmly.
Yup, you’ll always be my kid.
“It’s been years, man. I guess you found the ad in the phone book? We’ve got both sides, the music and the comics. I can show you around, or we can just catch up.”
Steve flashed Eddie a small shy smile before turning back to Dustin patting him on the back gently. “Well, I’ve never been here before, so yeah you can show me around if you want.”
They made their way over to the comic book section first, Steve tried to ignore the sound of a door slamming on the other side. “So how have things been ‘ Dusty-Buns ?’” Steve teased.
Dustin grimaced at the nickname as he looked up at Steve. “It’s ‘Dusty-Bun’ Steve, not ‘Dusty-Buns.’ Are you insinuating I’ve got a dusty ass?” Dustin shook his head in disgust. “And to answer your question, life has been good. Suzie is graduating soon and should be back home by the end of the year.” He said hopefully.
“You two still going strong?” Steve pried.
Dustin blushed a deep shade of pink, making Steve look at him questioningly. “Actually, I’m going to propose when she gets back. I got a ring and everything.”
Steve was impressed. “Wow!” He exclaimed, running his hand through his hair.
“Yeah. That’s actually one of the reasons I asked you to visit. But,” Dustin looked thoughtful for a moment. “Okay, look. There’s another reason I asked you to come. It’s Eddie.”
Steve’s face fell. “What’s wrong with Eddie? Is he okay?”
“Yes… no… I don’t know. It’s his new boyfriend. He’s a total jackass who gives me the creeps.”
If there was ever a moment that made Steve miss his nail bat, Knight Light, it was now. In this moment he could murder the kid. “You brought me out here, to talk to me about my ex’s boyfriend? Are you out of your fucking mind, Henderson?”
Dustin flinched. “Would it help if I told you that he’s trying to make Eddie a vegetarian?”
A barking laugh escaped Steve’s mouth. “You’re kidding me! That man loves his steak. The bloodier, the better, if I remember correctly.”
“Yeah. But here’s the thing,” Dustin gave Steve a cautious look, “He keeps trying to feed him chickpeas.”
Steve frowned. “Yeah, but the guy has to know Eddie is allergic, right?”
Dustin nodded. “But he thinks Eddie just needs to build up a tolerance. It’s like he doesn’t care that his throat will close up if he so much as gets a lick.”
Steve sighed into his hand as he rubbed his face. “You win, Harrington.” He said defeatedly. “Tell me more about this boyfriend that’s trying to kill Eddie.”
Dustin’s grin spread over his face in victory. “His name is Eric, and he’s this pretentious emo little shit”
Over the course of the next few weeks, Robin and Steve had focused on doing what they could to sell their own house, all the while, hunting for a new home in Indianapolis.
“So, what you’re telling me, is that Dustin wants his dads back together?” Robin asked incredulously.
Steve threw a paper ball at her before wrapping the next plate. “Don’t say it like that. He just doesn’t like the dude Eddie is dating. And from what I hear, he’s a dick.” He put the plate in the box before grabbing another. “Eddie deserves better.” He mumbled.
Robin slammed the bowl she was working on into the box and picked up a boxcutter. “What you mean to say, is that he deserves you.” She said pointing the boxcutter at him.
Steve’s eyes grew wide at that. “No…” His voice lilting up. “No.” He said more firmly. “Eddie broke up with me. He couldn’t handle the kind of commitment I wanted from him. Do I want him back?” Steve got up and started pacing the floor, his hand on his hip, his hand waving emphatically. “Yeah, I do. But, it’s not gonna happen Robs.”
Robin grinned like the cat that ate the canary. “And why not?” She started. And Steve knew she was gonna start, so he sat in his recliner and made himself comfortable. “You say he wasn’t ready for commitment. But that was ten years ago. Also, I saw how you were acting when you came back to the hotel. You are still as in love with him, as you were back then. And Dustin is trying to set you two up, so it stands to reason, as the man who basically spends all day with Eddie-Poo, that he knows Ed still has feelings for you. So tell me again, what’s really stopping you?”
“I’m scared Robs!” He screamed. “I’m terrified of letting him have control of my heart again, because last time nearly destroyed me.” He looked at Robin pointedly. “Or did you forget?” He asked, ice lacing his voice.
She cringed at the memory. “Don’t remind me. But that’s the thing, Stevie, you’ve grown. He’s grown. You won’t let him hurt you again. And trust me, I am not in the Eddie Munson fanclub.” She knelt on the ground in front of him, taking his hand. “Just think about it okay? Cause there’s a chance that this time, it’ll work in your favor.”
Steve sighed and pulled Robin into his arms. “I love you, you know that right?” He said into her hair.
“Duh. Now get your ass up, we got work to do.” She pulled Steve up roughly and dragged him back into the kitchen.
Notes:
I was totally inspired by Gaten’s interview regarding the “Dusty Bun” nickname. He HATES being called “Dusty Buns.” Lol. Also, I totally named Steve’s bat after the condom brand Knight Light, because, yeah, that is totally a thing Steve would do.
Chapter 3: Just Older
Summary:
Next thing he knew, a CD case was being shoved into his chest.
“Crush.”
Steve looked at him in confusion. “What?”
“Crush.” Eddie repeated, almost as if it made perfect sense.
Notes:
I’m sorry ahead of time. I truly am… 🫣
Chapter Text
Just Older
Over the course of the next few weeks, Steve and Robin had worked on packing up their lives in Hawkins, and moving it all into the three bedroom, two and a half bathroom house they had purchased. They were lucky to have put in the bid when they did, and even luckier to have it accepted almost immediately. With each trip to Indy, to drop off their latest load, they would make a stop at Hellfire Records to see Dustin.
Eddie had always made himself sparse, hiding away in his office, or helping a customer with some music choice or whatever. Steve refused to admit to himself that Eddie was avoiding him, but he was always caught by Robin or Dustin when he would gaze longingly at the metal head.
“Dude, you’re going to have to talk to him eventually.” Henderson was putting away the latest supply of vinyls they received. It was humorous to watch him struggle trying to keep the records somewhat organized. Eventually he gave up and just stuffed them in the box.
Steve pretended to make himself busy by flipping through them noncommitedly. “If he wanted to have a talk with me, he would.” He spared a look towards the closed office door. “Obviously, he’s happier doing whatever the hell he’s doing in his office.”
Robin threw her arm over Steve’s shoulder. “Probably himself.” She suggested. Steve could tell she regretted the words as soon as they came out, because she was making a disgusted face and gagging over her words.
“Anyway, how many more loads do you have?” Dustin asked.
The jock shrugged his shoulders. “Only one, maybe two,” he guessed.
“Yeah,” Robin grabbed Steve’s hand. “It’s too late to bring the rest up tonight. But tomorrow, we’ll finally be Indy residents officially.”
“Cool! Maybe we should throw a housewarming party or something.” Dustin suggested, but Steve held his hand up. “I don’t think so, Henderson. We’re a little old for parties. Plus, I don’t do the partying thing anymore.”
Dustin frowned at him. “Fine. At least let me get you something.”
Steve figured that would be okay and pulled Robin out of the store with him after saying his goodbyes to Dustin. He glanced at Eddie’s office door one last time before stepping outside and into his car.
The next time Steve made his way to the store, he was alone. It didn’t pass his notice that Eddie was crouched over a box, in jeans that were a tad too tight. He saw Dustin at the front counter and made his way to the man to chat it up with him and give him the latest when he was stopped by a leg in his way. Next thing he knew, a CD case was being shoved into his chest.
“Crush.”
Steve looked at him in confusion. “What?”
“Crush.” Eddie repeated, almost as if it made perfect sense. "Bon Jovi’s latest album. I just got my shipment in.” He went on to explain.
Steve’s heart warmed as he stared at the CD in his hand fondly. Then an idea came to him as he coyly looked back at Eddie. “And what if I’m not into Bon Jovi anymore?”
A sound that sounded like a strained laugh escaped Eddie’s lips. “Please. You nearly broke your ‘Slippery When Wet’ cassette from listening to it too much.
“Didn’t think you’d remember something like that,” Steve chuckled.
Steve kept his eyes trained on Eddie as he leaned back against the CD bin. “Look, I was a douchebag. Probably not anything an apology can fix. But, if you’re gonna be a regular here, I don’t want shit awkward between us, or make the kid play referee.”
“The kid? You mean the 29-year-old, very much not-a-kid anymore kid? That kid?” He looked up at Dustin who rolled his eyes playfully.
“Yeah, that kid.” Eddie said as if it was obvious.
“Yeah, you were a douchebag. Sounds like things never change.”
Eddie shrugged his shoulders, and Steve extended his hand. “Truce?”
A grin appeared on Eddie’s lips as he took Steve’s hand. Steve tried to ignore how his heart leapt at the touch. “Truce,” Eddie nodded, giving the other man’s hand a hearty shake.
Steve pulled his hand out quickly, and marveled at how it still tingled as he stuck it back in his pocket. “Shit might still be awkward between us for a while though.”
Eddie stood a little straighter. “Well, we’re sure as fuck not jumping into shit again. But it wouldn’t hurt to get to know each other again. Exes can be friends, I mean your current whoever has a problem with it?” He prodded.
It was Steve’s turn to shrug his shoulders. “Yeah, we can get to know each other again. But truthfully, there’s nobody to be jealous about it.”
Eddie put his hand to his chest in shock. “You don’t mean the great Steve Harrington, the most eligible bachelor in all of Hawkins, is actually single?” He said theatrically , sarcasm dripping off his tongue. The thing is, Steve knew that Eddie didn’t say it to be an asshole . He meant it fondly, and that’s why the truth hurt so much more.
“Maybe, not so eligible.” Steve mumbled, doing everything he could to not let his feelings get the better of him.
“Well, I should probably finish putting this shit away.” Eddie said quickly. “Think there might be some fucking Madonna in this shipment, too.”
“Yeah, I’ll let you get back to work.” Steve fiddled with the disk in his hand looking at it front and back. “Hey, you don’t have any price stickers on these yet. How much is it?
Eddie waved his hand dismissively. “Oh, it’s on the house. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. Just don’t expect it everytime, I’ve got a business to run.”
“Well, thank you, Munson. Maybe you don’t have a pure black soul after all.” Steve shoved Eddie’s shoulder playfully.
“Yeah, yeah. Just don’t tell anyone, they’d never believe you.”
The broad smile on Eddie’s lips was contagious, and Steve was smiling right back, ignoring the feeling in his gut. “Hey Henderson! Your boss is an asshole.” He shouted.
“Why don’t you tell me something I don’t know?”
Steve and Robin had just loaded the final box into the car. “All we gotta do is clean and make some repairs, and then we’re done.” Steve mused.
Robin groaned at this. “Why though? Can’t the new owners do it?”
Steve shoved her playfully. “No. That would be bad manners. ‘Sides, we kept up with it. There’s not much to do.”
“Can we do it tomorrow then?” Robin whined. “I’m hungry and want to sleep in my bed tonight, instead of some funky ass hotel room.”
“Tell you what, we can come back this weekend to do the cleaning and maintenance work.”
Robin punched the air in victory. “Yes! Totally! That is a compromise I’m willing to make.”
The two of them drove back to Indianapolis, making it there by noon. They stopped at Hellfire, out of habit, and found the usual suspects inside. There was a full staff today. Robin made her way towards a gothic chick who was looking at the cassettes in the back of the store. Steve laughs softly to himself at the sight. Maybe his best friend wouldn’t be so hopeless after all.
He makes his way towards the comic books, fingering through the collection, when he sees a man with black hair with red streaks make his way to the office. That must be Eric. He eyed the man scrupulously. He was scrawny. Honestly, he couldn’t think of what his ex saw in the man. The first word that popped into Steve’s mind was, poser. He was about to turn his attention back to the comics, when the scrawny kid turned around and noticed Steve. Eric’s eyes went wide when he noticed him, almost as if he knew him from somewhere. Steve waved at him, and Eric glared and flipped Steve off in return.
Steve shook his head at the young man and returned to the comics when he saw Eddie stepping outside for a smoke. Steve put the issue of Batman down and followed the man out.
“Hey you.” Steve said nervously.
Eddie choked on the smoke he just inhaled. “Fuck, Steve. Give a guy a warning!” He wheezed.
Steve laughed, patting the man on the back soothingly. "Sorry. Saw you sneak out here, and wanted to make sure you were ok. Also, I was hoping to get in on that smoke.”
“Meh, help yourself.” Eddie offered the pack of Camels to Steve.
Steve lit the cigarette, cherishing how the smoke burned the back of his throat, and the nicotine working through his system. “So,” he started, “you opened a music store?”
Eddie tilted his head just the slightest in Steve’s direction. “Surprised?”
“Maybe a little.” Steve said thoughtfully. “Though, in hindsight, you always were a bit of an entrepreneur.”
“Oh c’mon,” Eddie scoffed. “A little pot here, a little K there; it was all harmless.” He protested.
“Uh huh, sure.”
“But, seriously, it’s a lot of work, but I kinda enjoy it.” Eddie smiled thoughtfully. “Accounting math is different from the bullshit they force fed, and the rest is finding and maintaining stock. Buy used shit by browsing yard and estate sales, and order new when necessary. Try not to go insane at how a lot of what’s popular now makes my ears bleed. Get to know who your customers are, and try to stock shit for them so they’ll keep coming back and bring their friends- that’s especially handy with any DJ’s I can catch.” Eddie grinned wide at his next sentence. “Manage some dumbass kids and keep them on task. That part’s nothing new at all.”
The confidence that Eddie exuded floored Steve. It honestly blew Steve away, to see the man that Eddie had grown into. “It looks good on you, at least.” Steve blurted.
Eddie looked at Steve confused as to what he was talking about. “What does?”
Steve stuttered. He hadn’t meant to blurt it aloud. “The um… you just…” Steve had to take a moment to collect his thoughts. He felt Eddie’s questioning glance on him the whole time. Steve eventually found his words. “Sorry. I was thinking about how confident you’ve become.” He started sheepishly. “ You weren’t like this back in Hawkins.”
Eddie shrugged his shoulders. “I guess it was time for me to find myself.” He paused to take a puff of his cigarette. “And I mean really find myself. I was stuck hiding behind all of these walls that I built, and I ended up burning some bridges along the way.” Eddie looked at Steve pointedly, indicating he was talking about that bridge specifically.
Steve nodded, choosing to keep his thoughts to himself. “So,” Eddie started shyly, “you said you’re single?”
Steve met Eddie’s eyes, one of his eyebrows raised. “That’s a loaded question if I ever heard one.”
“No, not really. I’m just surprised, is all. I’d think the ‘great Steve Harrington’ wouldn’t have trouble finding any dates. Not with the doubled dating pool, at least.”
“Nothing’s really worked out so far. How about you? Anyone gonna get mad at you for talking to me?”
“Eh, maybe, but he can deal with it. I’m allowed to have friends.”
Steve picked up the sour tone in Eddie’s voice. “Oh. You, uh, have you been together long?” Steve asked, cautiously .
Eddie pulled the collar of his jacket over his neck. And it hadn’t escaped Steve’s notice, that it was the same jacket he had gifted him all those years ago. Steve could tell that Eddie put a lot of care into the genuine leather.
“Not really. Just a few months, really. Turns out, we have a surprising amount of things in common. Namely, the whole, ‘suspected satanic murderer’ thing.”
Steve laughed.. “So, you’re finally getting that cult together, huh?”
Eddie joined in the humor. “Why, wanna join? There’s no D&D this time.”
“See, I might have joined for the D&D, but now, now it just sounds boring.”
Both of the men were rolled into themselves with laughter, Steve trying hard to ignore the dull ache in his side. Years after Vecna, and the scars still ached.
Eddie rose, placing his hand on Steve’s shoulder in a friendly gesture. “I should get back in. Gotta make sure Henderson isn’t fucking up my organization techniques in there.”
Steve looked directly into Eddie’s eyes, the humor still in them. “Oh, you finally found some?” He teased.
“Didn’t need to. My method is the best one there is.” He joked in return.
Eddie started to make his way inside, opening the door. But before he stepped through, he paused, looking back at Steve, a certain glint in his eyes. “Um, if there’s ever anything you want, and we don’t have it, just tell me, and I just might try to order it.”
Steve smiled. “Yeah, I might take you up on that.”
Steve watched as Eddie shut the door behind him. As soon as he heard the click, he pulled out his phone and pressed one on his speed dial. He listened with a hand on his hip as the line rang.
“What’s up, Chickenbutt?” Came Robin’s chipper answer.
“I think I’m in serious trouble, Robs.” His breath came out shakily. “I’m still in love with him.” He started sobbing. “I still love him, and there’s nothing I can do.”
“I’ll be there in five.” she hung up the phone, leaving Steve a mess on the gravel below him, hugging himself, his hands gripping his sides. The pain from 12 years ago, hitting just as fresh today.
Chapter 4: Hearts Breaking Even
Summary:
Steve eventually lowered his guitar beside his chair, and Robin took this as her cue to rise from her chair, not so gracefully. Honestly, there was no way to get up from those things without looking like a fool. She laughed it off and sat in Steve’s lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and he placed his around her waist. They fell asleep like that, and woke up early the next morning, both of their bodies aching.
Notes:
Ok, so I dabbled in something here... fair warning, there is some light smut.... I'm just gonna hide over here underneath my blanket and die of embarrassment byeeeee
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Steve was in no shape to drive himself home, this Robin knew. Instead, she led the broken man to his car, making sure not to take him in front of the storefront window. “Hey, babe. It’s okay. Focus on your breathing, just like you were taught. We’ll have you home soon.”
Steve tapped his fingers to a beat in his head. Tap, breathe in through his nose deeply. Tap, breathe out of his mouth. He didn’t tell Robin that it was Eddie who taught him that technique; how his ex-boyfriend had admitted to Steve that he had used this method to calm an extremely stressed Chrissy down almost two weeks before her death. Steve tried not to think about that.
He leaned his head against his window as he tapped his fingers on the door methodically. Robin had kept a hand on his knee in support, trying to send calming thoughts his way breathing with him to the beat of his fingers. Robin pulled up outside of their new house, and helped Steve inside, who had stopped crying and just stared blankly ahead of him.
Robin was familiar with this routine. It’s the reason they had insisted on a three bedroom house. They needed a room to calm down and collect their thoughts. And while it wasn’t set up yet, it had the basic essentials for now. There was a chair in the corner that Robin practically dumped Steve on. She rummaged through the boxes, looking through each one, giving a small cheer of success when she found what she was looking for. She carefully grabbed the hard case, carefully unzipped it, and pulled out Steve’s Ibanez’s Super Strat.
Robin had used painting as a means of coping, and offered to customize Steve’s guitar for him. She included a nail bat, the Scoop’s Ahoy logo, the thinking cap logo, a wizard’s hat, a skateboard, a basketball, a D20, Eggos, a sawed off shotgun, a marijuana leaf, and a pineapple and ham pizza. She had included nearly everybody on the body. And while to some, it looked like a random mess of things, to them, it was their family.
She placed the guitar, and the tuner that had come with it in Steve’s hands. Robotically, Steve started to make sure it was in tune. Robin sat in the bean bag chair she had thrown in the center of the room, leaned her head back, and listened intently as Steve started to strum the first notes.
Robin frowned at his song choice but listened anyway. He got to choose the song, that was the rule. The therapist had told them that music was the best way to release the emotions one was feeling. By exposing those emotions into the world, it could be cathartic. But Robin felt like this song was just too on the nose.
It’s a cold, cold, cold, cold, cold night tonight.
I can’t get you off of my mind,
God knows I’ve tried.
Did I throw away the best part of my life?
When I cut you off, I cut myself
With the same damn knife.
Hide my tears in the pouring rain
Had my share of hurt and pain
Steve started playing the guitar a little harder, the tears pouring out of his eyes as he sang his emotions out. It made perfect sense though. The lyrics fit the situation perfectly. Including the part about almost dying, because everybody in their private circle, had come close to dying on way too many occasions. Robin waited until he finished the song like she always had. If there was one thing neither of them did, it was interrupt the other when they were working on something. Especially in situations like this.
Steve eventually lowered his guitar beside his chair, and Robin took this as her cue to rise from her chair, not so gracefully. Honestly, there was no way to get up from those things without looking like a fool. She laughed it off and sat in Steve’s lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and he placed his around her waist. They fell asleep like that, and woke up early the next morning, both of their bodies aching.
Steve was the first to get in the shower, and Robin went out to grab breakfast and a paper, the hot water still running when she opened the bathroom door, steam pouring out. “Save some for me, Dingus. As much as girls love your lap, it is not a bed, dude.”
“But Robs, I hurt.” He complained. The sadness that was in his voice the day before was nonexistent. That didn’t mean they wouldn’t talk about it. “Besides, you have a bony ass!”
Robin scoffed at him. “I do not!” She exclaimed. Steve heard Robin run out of the bathroom, and knew what was about to happen next. Quickly he shut off the water, jumped out of the tub, and wrapped his waist with a towel just in time to see Robin running up the stairs with a pitcher filled with ice and water.
“Uh huh. Thought so. I got donuts downstairs, coffee is brewing, and a paper with the ‘Help Wanted’ ads is sitting on the counter.” Steve nodded as he pushed his way around Robin and headed towards his room. “And don’t think we’re not gonna talk about yesterday!” She called.
Steve groaned outwardly as he slammed the door to his room. He should have known she wasn’t going to leave this alone. He thought about his conversation with Eddie yesterday. Ultimately, what had hit him the most, was the warmth that had grown in his chest as he got to know his ex once again. It was like they were meeting and falling in love for the first time, and it shocked Steve when he started feeling like his 19-year-old self again.
Steve lay on his mattress, the towel still wrapped around his waist. He replayed every moment that happened the day before. Including seeing the man Steve presumed was Eddie’s current boyfriend. The Emo, vegetarian, poser, asshole that Dustin had told him about. Yeah, immediately, Steve wasn’t a fan. But Steve didn’t know if it was because he just hated the guy in general, or if he was jealous of him, or even a combination of both.
Steve pushed thoughts of Eric aside, but the only thing remained was Eddie. He focused on how it used to be between the two of them. He could just barely remember specific details. Those fantastic nights spent tangled in each other’s arms. The way Eddie’s fingers felt as they caressed Steve’s skin, grazing over healed scars and old wounds. It was almost as if that gentle touch was enough to heal the internal pain of all they had to endure. He remembered the moments when their passion would get the better of them. How they would leave bruises on each other’s skin with vice like grips, as they both reached that point of pure ecstasy. The way they would cry out the other’s name.
He didn’t know when it happened, but Steve’s hand was on his own cock, rubbing it gently. He moaned quietly as his fingers swiped over the precum that had built at the tip of his hard member. He paused his ministrations to listen outside his closed door. Good, the shower was still running. Steve could hear the husky voice of his best friend as she sang Santana’s ‘Maria, Maria’.
Steve allowed himself to relax in his bed as he allowed his mind to go back in time. He did his best to remember the last time he and Eddie fucked, but even then, it was hard. He didn’t know at the time that it would be their last. What Steve did remember, it was Christmas. They had decided on a theme. It was more funny than sexy. But that’s what Steve loved about it. There were no expectations to try to seduce the other. They were head over heels. Steve lay on the bed, a hollowed out “gift" on his lap, He remembered the way Eddie’s eyes darkened at the appearance in front of him, his mouth practically watering.
“Is this present just for me?” He asked, crawling on the bed to where Steve lay.
A whine escaped Steve’s lips as Eddie positioned himself between Steve’s spread legs. He kept the box steady where he had it placed. “Wanna open it?” He asked, breathily. A smile appeared on Eddie’s face as he shook his head.
“You know the fun of Christmas is the anticipation.” He said, as he ran his fingers up and down Steve’s legs. His nails were just long enough to leave red marks on his fair skin.
“Eddie…” Steve whined. This was his favorite part. The soft touches were also almost rough. He loved it when Eddie marked his body. It reminded him that Steve was Eddie’s and Eddie was Steve’s. He loved feeling Eddie’s mouth all over him, and if it wasn’t for the fact that it was his hands holding the flimsy box in place, he would be wrapping his arms around his beautiful boyfriend, pulling him closer as his body was ravaged.
Steve could feel his cock twitching with need as Eddie took his time. He had molded Steve into a blubbering mess. “Please, Eddie. I… oh… I need… TOUCH ME!”
The loud demand was enough to have Eddie raise his head from the crook of Steve’s neck, where a dark bruise started forming. “Oh… is this little elf getting all impatient?” Steve was having a hard time finding his voice and all he could manage to do was nod. “Oh, sweetheart, you’re gonna have to use your voice.” He whispered into his lover’s ear.
Steve moaned out a protest, but eventually found his voice within his moans. “Gift, Eddie… Please, would you open your gift? I wrapped it specially for you.”
Eddie disappeared from Steve’s view, and took his place between Steve’s legs again. He pulled at the bow on top of the box, lifted the lid, and faked a gasp. “Oh, sweetheart! Would you look at that? It’s the perfect gift, from the perfect man.” He pulled the box off Steve’s lap, which allowed Steve to run his fingers through Eddie’s curls. Steve gasped as Eddie swallowed his length. With all of the teasing that he had to endure, he was already so close. So close. So close…
He was right on the edge when the world melted around Steve as his bedroom door burst open. “Hey, which shirt should I, WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING? MY EYES! LOCKED DOORS DUDE! WE LOCK THE GODDAMN DOORS!”
Steve quickly sat up, pulling the towel over himself, but it did nothing to hide how hard he was at that moment. Steve was breathing hard, and his voice held a tone of annoyance. “We don’t have locks yet.” He grabbed the pillow that was bunched up behind him to set it on his lap. Okay, that hid Steve’s arousal better. “Why didn’t you knock?”
“We don’t knock in this house. Or any house. We’ve always had an open door policy, unless the door is locked!” Robin countered. Her hand over her eyes as she fumbled into the room.
“Robin, I’m covered.”
Robin opened her fingers to peek, and was satisfied with the result. “Great!” She bounded to Steve’s bed, and sat on the edge like a puppy. “Ok, so what I actually wanted to talk about was that whole fuckshow yesterday.” Robin’s voice went soft. “What the hell happened yesterday?”
Steve sighed, rubbing his hand nervously through his hair. “Nothing.” He tried, but Robin flashed him a look, and Steve tried again. “Nothing out of the ordinary. We mostly talked about what he’d been up to recently.” His voice grew quiet, tears burning his eyes, not yet falling. “I don’t know.” He sighed. “I guess, seeing him so confident, in his element, it reminded me of when I first met him.” He smiled at Robin. “And I don’t mean that time he had me shoved up against the wall.” He rubbed at his neck, the ghost of the broken bottle still being held there. Steve chuckled. “I mean, I guess I didn’t know him in school, but I always noticed him.” Steve’s hands started moving animatedly. “He had so much charisma. The way he literally didn’t give a shit what anyone else thought. How he was unapologetically himself. The way he would stand up to Tommy, whenever he tried to verbally murder him. Eds actually…” Steve stopped in his tracks at the use of the nickname.
Robin noticed the shift in Steve’s mood and scooted over to pull him into a hug. “Yeah,” she whispered, “I know. You never got over him.” She moved to grab Steve’s hands with her own, and rested them on the pillow on his lap. “The way I see it, and from the way Dustin puts it, Eddie and Eric aren’t gonna last long. That guy is way too selfish too selfish, and way too full of himself.” She offered Steve a smile of reassurance. “Maybe, if you play your cards right, you can work on getting your man back. Maybe even get you to memorize that kickass poem that Julia Stiles recited in ‘10 Things I Hate About You.’”
Steve shook his head. “As tempting as that is, I can’t. Eddie broke up with me. And now he’s got this whole ‘nother life, and there’s no place for me in it.” It didn’t hit him as hard as it had the day before, but the tears still came, only slower.
Robin gave his hand a squeeze and wiped her own tears that started to fall. She shook the sadness away, smiled at Steve before pulling the two shirts from behind her. “Anyway, which one?”
Steve laughed, hitting Robin with the pillow, but picked both of them. “The plaid would look good over that white tank. Make sure you pair it with your black overalls.”
Robin considered this thoughtfully. “You really think that's good job hunting attire?”
“Did you just say attire?” A look of disbelief on his face.
“Hey, I need to learn how to speak professionally. While we don’t need the money, I would lose my mind if I just sat around the house.”
“Alright, Robs, go.” Steve made his way off the bed, making sure to keep the towel held firmly in front. Robin took the hint, gave Steve a pat on the shoulder, and quickly left the room, slamming the door behind her.
Robin
Robin wandered around Mile Square marveling at the art and music surrounding her. Her feet were growing tired, and she was in desperate need of caffeination. She came across one shop called “Zombie Cafe,” and stepped through the doors. Although it was April, it looked like every Halloween lover’s dream! There were skeletons scattered around, the fake webbing hanging in the corners, manikins that looked as if they were truly zombified; Robin was in heaven.
“Welcome to Zombie Cafe. Where we will raise you from the dead.” A voice deadpanned from behind the counter. It was a voice that Robin recognized.
She turned around and was so happy that she was right. “Hey Ivy. Didn’t know you worked here too.”
A smile of recognition graced the goth’s face. “Robin, right?”
“You remember my name? Well, I should feel honored.” Robin was kicking herself for flirting so shamelessly.
“Why, of course I do. You made quite the impression.” Ivy laughed with Robin. “Anyway, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
Robin pointed at the menu behind Ivy. “Actually, maybe you could offer up a recommendation on which coffee is the strongest? I’m job hunting, and I am worn out.”
Ivy laughed and placed a hand reassuringly on Robin’s hand. The poor girl froze in her spot at the touch, the back of her hand burning under Ivy’s. “I got just the thing, give me five, and I’ll have it out for you.”
“Oh.” Robin’s brain stopped working. “Um… How, how much?” She stuttered.
Ivy shook her head at the mention. “On the house. Especially for a prospective employee.”
Robin just nodded her head, not comprehending what Ivy just said. She was officially on autopilot. She moved to sit down at the coffee bar, when she noticed a man filling the coffee grinder. “Hi.” She said nervously.
The man stood and looked at her. He had a mop of curly brown hair with gray peppered in. He looked at her with hazel eyes, and a quirky smile gracing his lips. “Well hello.” He purred out. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Knock it off Kent. You are totally not her type. Plus, you’re old enough to be her father.” Ivy interjected.
Robin looked towards the back of Ivy’s head questioningly. “Not her type.” That’s what Ivy said. But how would she know what Robin’s type was. She was starting to question as to whether or not Ivy might know that Robin was gay, when Ivy turned around and flashed Robin a breathtakingly beautiful smile.
“Here you go. We have here something called, ‘Back From the Dead.’ It’s guaranteed to wake your ass up.” Ivy placed the drink on the counter, reached down, and pulled out a pad with paper on it. She tore a sheet and placed it in front of Robin. “And this,” she tapped on the sheet, “is an application. Fill it out and hand it to Kent there.” She pointed to the man working on the beans. He flashed Robin a wink earning him a slap on the arm from Ivy. “Trust me, he’s not as bad as he seems.”
Robin smiled at both of them, pulling a pen out of her messenger bag. She filled out the application in record time, sticking her tongue out as she wrote down all of the information required. She took a sip of her coffee when she was done, and found that it was extremely sweet to cover the bitterness of the dark coffee. She flashed Ivy a thumbs up. “Hey Kent!” She called.
The man approached her, extending his hand expectantly. She smiled at him, handing her application over. And to her shock, the man didn’t even look it over. “This is just formalities. You can start next Monday at seven in the morning.” He said to her, the warmth in his voice evident. “If Ivy vouches for you, then you’re good in my books.” He grabbed Robin’s hand and kissed the back of it in a gentlemanly way.
Robin blushed at the unexpected gesture. He seemed familiar, but she couldn’t figure out how. “Thanks Kent.” She said, sliding her hand away from his, making a show to wipe it on her pants. He laughed at the gesture in good humor.
At that moment, Robin received a text from Dustin.
*hey need ur help 4 sumting*
*wuts up*
*want to join op get stedie bck 2gether*
*lik u wuldnt blieve*
*met me @ helfire*
She turned to the pair behind the counter. “Alright. I start Monday at seven, but you guys will be seeing me again between now and then.” She informed them. “The coffee was badass. Can’t wait to see what else we got. But I have to go. Family emergency.”
Kent and Ivy waved Robin off as she left the most amazing coffee shop she’d ever stepped foot in. Her heart beating 100 miles per hour as she recalled the feeling of Ivy’s hand in hers. “I am never washing this hand again.” She said to herself as she turned the corner towards Hellfire Records.
Notes:
The next chapter may be a little late. I have to work on my Whumptober fic. So wish me luck there...
Chapter 5: Two Story Town
Summary:
Steve stopped in his tracks when he saw the man standing at the podium. If Eddie had aged by 20 years, and cut his hair, he would have been that man. No, it was just a coincidence. Steve had to convince himself of that. But he couldn’t move, he couldn’t breathe. Not until the man spoke, his voice carrying out a southern accent he’d grown accustomed to.
Chapter Text
Steve sat on the couch ignoring the way his chest felt. When Dustin called to say that Eddie was having a bad day, Steve knew the exact reason why. It had always been a hard time for Eddie on his mother’s birthday. But here Steve was with Robin at his side, watching Eddie step out of his room shirtless. The air was knocked out of his lungs as he saw the softness in Eddie’s features. The scars had faded somewhat, not as profound as the last time Steve had seen them. It took everything in him not to chase after the man who turned tail to return to his bedroom.
Robin smacked Dustin’s arm. "What the fuck was that?"
Dustin couldn’t help but giggle a little. "What was what?"
"You know exactly what!" Robin was practically whisper-shouting.
"Will you two knock it off?" Steve put his mug down and rubbed his burning face. "Maybe I'll just leave."
"Steve, no." Dustin frowned.
"Steve, yes." Steve gave Dustin a look. "I'm seconding Robin's 'what the fuck was that' sentiment. You knew damn well he'd walk out here like that."
Dustin couldn’t help but grin. "Maybe."
"No ‘maybe’ to it." Robin hit Dustin’s arm again, harder. "You need to stop pushing them together. And Steve, you know what we talked about."
"Yeah, yeah I know!" Steve rubbed his face again. “So, wanna tell us why Eric isn’t here?”
Dustin frowned. “Eric totally blew up at him yesterday cause Eddie blew him off.”
“So what, Eric doesn’t get what today means to Eddie?” Steve whispered.
“More like Eddie didn’t tell him. He doesn’t really open up to any of… you know what? Forget I said anything. Can you just go in there and–” Dustin was cut short when Eddie came out of the room with coffee in hand. “I’ll be sociable in a minute. Just gonna go outside.” He set the coffee cup down and made a beeline for the sliding glass door, pulling his pack out of his pocket, leading out to the balcony.
Robin nudged Steve in the stomach, gesturing to the door causing Steve to throw his hands up in defeat. “Seriously, fuck both of you.” He said as he made his way to the door.
He saw Eddie sitting on the railing that was meant to prevent falls, but he didn’t seem to care. The only thing preventing his fall was the table Eddie had propped his foot under. Steve opened the door giving Eddie a look. “Dude, you realize you’re two stories up?”
Steve watched as Eddie shrugged his shoulders carelessly.
“Don’t have my full weight on the railing. Even if I did, it’s only two stories. I’d live.”
Steve continued watching Eddie, almost daring him to test him. The old trick worked and Steve watched as Eddie leaned forward cementing his feet on the concrete.
“There. Happy?”
Steve fought the smirk that threatened to grace his face. “That’s better at least.” He stepped across the porch leaning against the railing himself, but facing front ways.
“So, to what do we owe the pleasure?” He heard Eddie ask.
“Dustin invited us over.”
“And Buckley told you about yesterday.”
It wasn’t a question. Eddie knew the Scoops Troop enough to know that the two of them never kept secrets. They were a packaged deal. That didn’t stop Steve from trying to play coy. “Robin may have mentioned something.”
Steve sat up and crossed the patio, unable to sit still for long. He noticed Eddie looking everywhere but at him. “Of course she did."
Steve felt himself get defensive and shoved his hands in his pockets. “They mean well, you know.” He tilted his head to stick the point. “Both of them. Robs said she was really worried about you yesterday.”
Eddie shrugged his shoulders, humming as if it wasn’t a big deal. “Just a shit day. It happens. Hasn’t been this bad in months, but it happens.”
Steve thought for a moment, hesitating a moment before looking back up at Eddie. “Did you tell Eric?”
He noticed how Eddie’s demeanor changed at the mention of his boyfriend. Steve felt the hairs on his neck prickle in anger, but he pushed the feeling down taking a deep breath to center himself. He was shaken from his thoughts when Eddie spoke.
“Told him I’m not going to see him for a couple of days, canceled a date. Didn’t tell him why. He’s pissed at me now.”
“Why not?” Steve asked as Eddie took another puff of his cigarette.
Steve could see Eddie prickling. “Because you and Wayne are the only people who I’ve told? Because Eric is practically just a fuckbuddy with a few attempts at romance thrown in? Because the asshole actually got pissed when I canceled? Take your pick there Stevie-Boy.” Eddie spat the words out at him.
Steve flinched at the old nickname and felt guilty even mentioning it. On one hand, he hated how much he liked hearing there was trouble in paradise. On the other hand, he hated seeing Eddie hurting the way he was. “Sounds like you're pissed at him, too. Sorry I brought it up. But maybe, it might help to talk to him?”
Eddie sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “No, you’re right. I’m sorry. Wasn’t trying to snap at you. It’s just…” Eddie paused to rub his hand down his face. “Almost can’t believe I didn’t notice what today was until this morning.”
Steve nodded in understanding, placing his hand on Eddie’s shoulder. “Hey, it happens. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything.” Steve watched as a small sad smile graced his lips. He could practically hear the gears whirring in his head. Eddie offered Steve his cigarette, and Steve took it. A peace offering.
Steve took a drag, the tip wet. “Want me and Rob to leave?” Steve asked, handing the cigarette back to Eddie.
“Nah,” Eddie shook his head, “you can stay. If nothing else, Henderson missed the fuck out of you. And it’s his apartment as much as it is mine.”
Steve crossed the distance, leaning against the railing right next to Eddie. “So, you and Henderson rooming together? I kind of didn’t expect that.” He admitted.
“Makes things easier when we work together anyway. And he’s only mildly annoying, mostly when he’s calling Suzie.” He looked at Steve, the old mischievous grin that he loved so much being flashed at him. “Then it’s time for payback for all the times he said you and I were disgusting.
Steve had to remember how to breathe, and chose to stare at the wall. This was delving into territory Steve wasn’t sure he wanted to enter. So he chose to change the subject. “Yeah, he mentioned that he was planning to propose to her soon.”
Eddie put the cigarette out on the metal and huffed a small laugh. “Kind of surprised he didn’t sooner, but I guess she’s still in college, so he wanted to wait. Or maybe she did? I honestly don’t know.”
Steve tried to keep the hurt from creeping into his voice. “He mentioned that he finished college already.”
“Yeah, unfortunately.” He moved to sit on the edge of the table, facing Steve. He must have seen the pain displayed there. “For the record,” he started crossing his arms, “I tried to discourage him.” Eddie shook his head at the memory. “Just cause I got a crazy as fuck idea didn’t mean shit, he could’ve gone to college anywhere. Maybe get a job in tech or some shit like that. But he wouldn’t listen to me. Kept telling me that opening a comic store sounded a lot more fun, and the space right next door to Hellfire Records had gone unsold for over a year.”
Steve remembered the conversation he had a few months back. “He called it a ‘project.’ He also told me that he didn’t even go to his own graduation.”
Eddie rolled his eyes, the humor evident there. “Cryptic little shit. But, yeah, I don’t think he even told me he was done with his degree until the damn certificate came in the mail."
Steve nodded. How many of Dustin’s milestones did he have to miss? Eddie must’ve been reading his mind.
“Sorry you missed so much with your kid.”
Steve couldn’t do anything but shrug his shoulders. What more was there to talk about? The past was past. No point in dwelling on it. Any of it. He smiled at Eddie. “Ready to head back in?”
“Might as well.” Eddie said as he stood up, dusting the imaginary dirt off his pants. “Who knows what would happen if we leave the terrible twosome alone for too much longer.”
Steve chuckled. “Probably nothing good. I love Robin, but put her and Dusty in a room together and I start looking over my shoulder for Russian spies.” He joked.
Steve returned the smile Eddie flashed at him as they stepped inside to a pair of raised voices. The scene before him as Eddie flopped down on the couch, made his heart ache. Steve sat down on the end of the couch watching as three of the most important people in his life wrestled and laughed.
Steve had been playing his guitar everyday for the past week. His latest obsession, “Every Rose Has its Thorns.” He was struggling big time with his sobriety and Robin was worried about him.
“Have you considered trying to find AA meetings here?” She suggested.
Steve sighed. “Honestly, yeah. I was actually going to one today before we head to the store.”
“Oh.” Robin’s face grew red. “Sorry, didn’t realize…”
Steve gave Robin a hug. “Nothing to be sorry about. You’re just anticipating my needs.” He looked up at her. “That’s what I love about you.”
Robin checked her watch and muttered under her breath. “Shit! I’m gonna be late. Give me a ride on your way to your meeting?”
Steve grabbed the keys and tossed them to Robin. “Take care of her. Think I’m gonna walk. Or maybe take the bus.”
Robin jumped up and down and was out the door. But not before placing a kiss on Steve’s cheek. “Thanks. I will, love you, bye!”
The door slammed shut and Steve was left alone to his thoughts. He started moving in slow motion and almost grabbed his guitar but changed his mind as soon as his fingers touched the leather strap. No, it’d be too much of a hassle. He grabbed his keys and made sure his wallet was tucked safely in his pocket. He had a little slip a few years ago, so he hadn’t earned his bronze coin. But he was bound and determined to stay sober.
He decided to take the bus when he was pelted by rain upon exiting his building. At least he was smart enough to bring an umbrella.
The trip there didn’t take too long, 30 minutes at most, but he was already 5 minutes late by the time he stepped through the doors of the church.
Steve stopped in his tracks when he saw the man standing at the podium. If Eddie had aged by 20 years, and cut his hair, he would have been that man. No, it was just a coincidence. Steve had to convince himself of that. But he couldn’t move, he couldn’t breathe. Not until the man spoke, his voice carrying out a southern accent he’d grown accustomed to.
“Well, hi there newcomer. Please have a seat. No need to be shy. I was just about to share my story.”
Steve moved slowly, his feet feeling like lead. He sat down in one of the chairs and flashed everyone an apologetic smile.
The man at the podium smiled warmly. “Hey there everyone. My name is Kent, and I am twelve years sober.” A round of greetings and light applause went around the circle. “I am from a small town, and I made plenty of mistakes when I was younger.” He took a deep breath and steadied himself.
“See, I used to do drugs, and take to the drink like it was water. I did not have a sober day until the day my wife overdosed on the drugs I bought and died. I left behind my son that day. And my son means the world to me. I was grateful that my brother took him in after that. I’m surprised my son even came to see me. But then I went and fucked it up the day he visited me and came out.” Kent took a deep breath. “See, I was raised to believe certain things were wrong. But I know now that my son could love whoever he wants. I will always love him regardless. I was a shit father then, but I would do anything if it meant having my son back again.”
Kent had finished his speech, but Steve was left there stunned. It was a story he’d heard before. Many times. The universe couldn’t be this cruel, could it?
Steve was given the option to share, but he declined, still staring at Kent. The hour passed relatively quickly, and Steve decided to stand at the back, perched by the coffee contemplating what he could possibly say.
The opportunity presented itself when Steve felt an arm wrap around his shoulder. He flinched and jumped back with a yelp. “What the hell, dude?”
“Aw, sorry. I have a bad habit of getting close to people.” Even up close, the man with curly brown and gray hair looked like a copy and paste version of his ex. Except for a few features in his face. But Steve could see it there.
He smiled at the old man. “It’s no problem. My ex is just like that. No respect for personal space.”
Kent nodded. “Yeah, my own brother had a problem with it. Well that and…” he gestured to himself up and down. Steve had to fight back a laugh. “Well, kid, why don’t you tell me where you're from? What’s your name? How long you been in the area? How long you been sober? Need a sponsor?”
Steve smiled. The barrage of questions reminded him of Robin so he expertly answered back. “Grew up a few hours from here, name’s Steve, I’ve only lived here for a few weeks, I’ve been sober roughly 4 years, and yeah, I need a sponsor. I don’t know anybody in this town.”
Kent smiled at him. “I can be your sponsor kid. But got a quick question. Ever been to Hawkins?”
And that did it. That sealed the deal for Steve. He knew exactly who this was. “Actually, yeah. That’s my home town.”
Kent seemed excited at first, but something in Steve’s eyes made his face go white. “Then you know… you have to know…”
Steve shoved his hand through his hair. “Yeah. I know Eddie.”
“Were you two…? Did you guys…? Are you his…?”
“Yeah, Kent. Got a problem?”
Kent held up his hands defensively. “No, no, I put all those prejudices aside. I know my son is a fa… I know he’s gay. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I just want him happy.” Kent had tears in his eyes. “Can you tell me this? Is he happy?”
Steve smiled earnestly. “He’s got his ups and downs, but, yeah, Ed is happy.”
Kent pulled Steve into a bone crushing hug. “Oh, thank you. Thank you so much. That’s actually the step I’m missing. I need to make amends with him.”
He took Steve by his shoulders. “Can you help me get in touch with him?”
sam_writes_fics on Chapter 1 Tue 13 Sep 2022 12:52PM UTC
Comment Actions
amor_tencia on Chapter 2 Mon 26 Sep 2022 09:03PM UTC
Comment Actions
Km_forever on Chapter 2 Mon 26 Sep 2022 09:15PM UTC
Comment Actions
amor_tencia on Chapter 2 Wed 28 Sep 2022 04:51PM UTC
Comment Actions
KeroCin on Chapter 3 Wed 28 Sep 2022 05:09AM UTC
Comment Actions
Km_forever on Chapter 3 Wed 28 Sep 2022 11:06AM UTC
Comment Actions