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Steve has felt worse.
He’s sitting next to Robin, watching the kids splash in the pool. Robin’s gazing longingly at Nancy. The two have gotten closer since Nancy and Jonathan's mutual breakup. Nancy wants to be a professional, while Jonathan wants to… well Jonathan doesn’t really know what he wants to be, but Steve thinks he should be a photographer.
Jonathan and Argyle are supposed to be on lifeguard duty, but from what Steve can tell, they’re more cuddling/groping each other. They're cute together, Steve’s seen how they look at each other like they both saved the world – technically speaking, they played a small role in doing so, but still.
Robin asked him about them the other day, “Steve just make sure you don’t say anything homophobic or something like that, mkay?”
Steve sighed. “I’m not that much of an asshole, Robin.”
On the edge of the pool, throwing in pool toys and laughing at the kids is Eddie. When the two of them – El and Will – defeated Vecna, they rushed back to the hospital to find Max awake and Eddie barely hanging onto an inch of his life.
He somehow made it back to the surface alive. Dustin sniffled into his side while they waited on an update. He didn’t have the heart to tell Dustin how much pain every movement caused him.
When Hopper and Joyce showed up with an unconscious Will and Eleven, Steve continued to ignore the pain. He wasn’t as important as the kids, who had quite literally just saved the world.
It wasn’t until they received news that Eddie was stable, did Steve finally allow himself to breathe. He saw the kids rush to Max’s room, who was shouting for an explanation. Robin sighed as she sat down next to him. Her arm was wrapped up, and he asked weakly if she was alright, and she nodded. He leaned his head back against the wall, the need to sleep overtaking, but the way Robin was staring at him made him think better of it. Dustin sat next to him after talking to Eddie, who was so tired and ragged looking that Dustin described him as a zombie.
“You look awful,” Dustin says, poking him in the side. He was barely able to suppress a wince and Dustin's smile and hands dropped. “Steve, you need to get looked at.”
Steve huffs, “Yeah, alright.”
Robin nods, grabbing his forearm. Steve shot her an anxious smile. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees almost all of the group huddled together, silently laughing at a joke Mike made. Hopper and him make eye contact, and God, he must look terrible if Hopper looks that concerned. So with a sigh, he stands up . . .
. . . And collapses. Steve can hear Robin’s shout, and he feels the vibrations of Hopper’s feet pounding against the floor as he approaches. Dustin is shaking his shoulder, his voice full of fear, and Steve wants to reach out to him, comfort him, but he’s lost all feeling in his arms. His legs feel like pudding and the wetness soaking through his shirt reminds him of how dry his mouth is. He can still feel the tears Dustin left on his shoulder as he’s hauled onto a stretcher and rolled down the hallway.
Steve wakes up twelve hours later to the news that half of his stomach was ripped out and he has internal bleeding. His leg is disfigured, a horrible purple and blue lump he wouldn’t dare to call flesh. He’s barely given a moment to process this before Dustin and Robin slam the door open, pushing the doctor out of their way, and shouting at him for being so stupid. The doctor explains to them his condition, and that he’s lucky to be alive seeing how much blood he lost.
Robin’s mouth hangs open, fingers balled into fists at her side in a desperate attempt to hide her fear and the shaking that rattles her whole figure. Dustin silently nods, unable to take his eyes off of Steve’s body. Everyone takes time to visit him, and by the end of it he’s so exhausted that the doctor only allows for one person to stay.
He picks Robin and ignores the hurt on Dustin’s face.
She’d pulled up a chair to his bed, her eyes never leaving his face.
They sit in silence, and Steve remembers the two of them, sitting on the bathroom floor in Starcourt, almost smiling at how he always seems to end up beaten and bloodied. Steve reaches for the paper cup full of water, and Robin picks it up and saves him the stretch. Their fingertips brush and Steve’s cheeks suddenly feel hot, guilt clawing at his throat.
“Are you mad at me?” He asks, taking a sip to let her process.
She doesn’t say anything, but the glassy look in her eyes threatens for tears to spill over.
“Wha-” Robin murmurs, mouth agape. “Are you kidding me? Why would I be mad at you for almost dying?”
“I–” He wants to suck the words back in. He doesn’t want her to be mad at him, she’s the only real friend he’s got, who doesn’t happen to be under seventeen.
“I’m sorry.”
“Why the hell are you apologizing? Steve, I’m not–” Her mouth gaps like a fish would. “Don’t you realize you almost died?”
Ugh. He hates it when his name and the d word are in the same sentence. “I understand”
“Do you?” The tears finally spilled, sliding down her cheeks, “Do you realize what your death would’ve done to me?”
All he can do is look at her blankly.
“It would’ve destroyed me.” Robin stands, arms waving wildly. “Having a dead friend would really mess my life up!” She screams. Her tears bled into her T-shirt.
“Steve, please, I love you so much, if you died–”
“Robin, please stop saying that.”
“Stop saying what?” Robin shoots him a perplexed look.
“The–” he’s going to sound childish, but he doesn’t care. “The d word.”
Steve looks out the window. Darkness covers the sky like a blanket, the clouds grey and angry looking. It will storm soon.
Robin must pick up what he means, because she stops talking and stands there, arms now by her side. Steve looks at her, neck aching as it turns, and watches as the tears continue to streak down her face. Her fingers fiddling with the bandage wrapped around her arm. He scoots over in the bed, making room for her.
A peace offering. Robin takes it and slides in next to him.
They wrap their arms around each other, intertwined, and Robin rests her cheek on his pectoral. Her tears soak his hospital, but he doesn’t care. They make a silent promise, that night, a promise to never leave each other ever again.
Promise’s are exactly what’s led him here. It’s Erica’s birthday, and hell if he could refuse those puppy dog eyes. Unfortunately, Eddie and he aren’t allowed to get in the pool, on a count of their stitches, which Steve is more than happy to comply with. Eddie gets to have his own way of fun by throwing the kids pool toys in, till they sink to the bottom when the kids fetch them, and they’re thrown back up to him, and the process repeats.
With Argyle and Jonathan on lifeguard duty, that leaves Nancy, Robin and him to lounge around. Maybe he should take a nap with his new found freedom–
“Steve. Steve? Steve!”
“What Robin?” He shouts back, turning his head to find Nancy and Robin looking at him funny.
“We’re ordering pizza, any requests?” Robin's tone is carefree, teasing even.
“Nah, get whatever.” He attempts to mimic her, but it comes out more exhausted.
Robin’s eyebrows crinkle worriedly.
“You good, Steve?” Nancy asks, finally looking up from the paper menu she’s holding.
“Mhm. Yeah I’m good,” He hums, trying to play off exhaustion as boredness, hoping the two of them will take his lie and leave him be. He’s not trying to be a dick, but it’s just too damn hot out here and the wet sounds coming from the pool are freaking him out for some reason.
“Ok,” Robin nods, before whispering a fond, “Geek,” under her breath. “Hey Eddie! C’mere for a sec would ya? Give the kids a break!”
Eddie looks up from across the pool and smiles, throwing the last of the pool toys in and walking over to them. “What’s up, gal pals.” He looks over at Steve, “And Harrington.”
“Ordering pizza, want any toppings?” Robin asks, eyes lingering between the two of them for a second longer than they should be. She shoots Steve a look, and he rolls his eyes and huffs, cheeks tinting red a bit.
“Meat lovers man, I love me some meat.” Eddie smiles, moving his bangs away and wipes off the sweat laying underneath. He had put on a thick layer of sunscreen this morning, practically using the whole bottle, saying how his ‘delicate’ skin burns easily. Robin nods and Nancy leaves to place the order, and the three of them stand there awkwardly. “Your staring, Harrington.”
“Uh, sorry.” Steve scratches the back of his neck, “I was just wondering why you don’t put your hair up in a bun or something, it’s sweating balls, and you’ve been standing in the sun all day.”
“Hmph, I usually do if it’s too hot, but I didn’t bring any hair ties with me,” Eddie answers with a smile, placing his hand on his hip.
“Oh,” Steve says. He looks at his decorated wrists, different colored friendship bracelets from Robin, Dustin and Erica are placed along with several hair ties, mainly for Erica, but he’s carried them around more often because of Dustin’s decision to grow his hair out, and for himself. His hair bundles up if there's too much sweat involved so he puts it up and out of the way sometimes. “If you want I can . . ?”
“Sure man.” Eddie turns around, and Steve ties his curls into a semi-neat bun using a hot pink scrunchie. Eddie reaches up to feel it, and laughs, “Awesome.”
“No problem,“ Except it kinda is a big problem, massive really, considering how hot his cheeks are getting. Thankfully, Eddie either hasn’t noticed or hasn’t said anything about it. “I’m gonna grab a drink, do you want anything?”
“Depends on whatcha got,” Eddie follows Steve into the kitchen, tiptoeing behind him.
“Lemonade, water, root beer and regular beer,” Steve lists off the drinks as his eyes scan the fridge. “Pretty much anything.”
“I’ll take a cold one,” he says in an old-timey sounding voice, and Steve hands him one. Eddie opens it with a satisfying pop. Steve gulps his down without a second thought, the cool liquid rushing down his throat, leaving a bitter taste in his throat.
“Ahh,” Eddie sighs happily, “That’s some good beer.”
“It’s from my dad’s stash, he keeps all the good stuff hidden.” A flash of worry crosses Eddie’s face. “Don’t worry, he won’t care.”
“Oh.” Eddie pauses before taking another swing of beer. “Is your dad always gone, like all the time or…?”
“They usually…”
The last time he saw both of his parents was almost a year ago. It was Thanksgiving, and the whole family came over to celebrate. The night ended with his aunt Megan calling his dad a ‘dick with no balls’ and his cousins sleeping on the couch. It was rough to say the least.
He remembers getting up to go to the bathroom and seeing his mom in the kitchen with a glass full of red wine and a cigarette. She was leaning on the counter, eye makeup running down her face, eyes red and puffy. Once she saw him lingering outside the kitchen's entryway, she beckoned him over and let him take a puff. He didn’t refuse, and she didn’t comment on how easy he took it. They stood in silence, passing it back and forth until she took a deep breath, put it out on the marble counter and grabbed his face.
Her hands were elegant, skin gracefully stretched over long bones. She was beautiful, it’s no wonder his dad married her. Steve wishes he had met her before they got married. She rubbed his cheek, thumbs rubbing reassurance before whispering, “You are my good boy, Steven.”
She kissed his forehead and wandered off before he could mutter a response. Red lipstick faintly stained his tanned skin just above his eyebrows, and he hated the thought of rubbing it off. It was the last kiss she ever gave him.
He blinks, looking up at Eddie, who has a confused look on his face. “They don’t visit a lot.”
“So this house is basically yours?” Eddie raises an eyebrow.
“If I’m in the will then, yeah. I take care of it so why not?” Steve drinks some beer to stop his throat from closing up around itself.
“Sweet.” Eddie gives a toothy grin and sips.
“What are you two doing in here?” Robin peeks her head out from the doorway, Nancy’s following, hovering just above Robins.
“Nothing,” Eddie fakes innocence, and winks at Steve before elbowing him. “I think I hear Dustin calling my name, better get going.”
Eddie leaves and Steve is left with Robin giving him a knowing look.
Her lips curl upward, a giggle escaping. “You like him.”
“I do not.” He scoffs, but even Nancy is shooting him a disbelieving look. “It’s strictly admiration.”
“Admiration my ass. Stevie, c’mon, it’s nothing to be ashamed of!” Robin wraps an arm around his shoulders. “We all have feelings. Some of us just feel differently than others.”
“Robin.” He can feel the blush invading his cheeks, painting them pink. “Stop.”
“Fine,” she shrugs, “but Steve, he totally likes you.”
“Yeah right Robs,” He rolls his eyes and opens the fridge again, looking for something, anything, in the bitter chill. “I listen to Queen and he listens to Metallica, I doubt we got much in common.”
“You’ve both been through incredibly freaky shit, you’ve both fought off monsters, and you both hang around kids way younger than you,” Robin says with a smirk, counting off on her fingers. “Sounds to me like you have lots in common.”
Steve takes another gulp, cold beer helping calm his nerves. “I don’t even know if he’s–”
“Trust me, he definitely is.” Nancy says, reaching into the fridge to grab a water bottle. “Jonathan and I have a bet going on.”
“How do y– Wait, what?” Steve whips his head around to stare and can’t help his mouth gaping like a fish.
“Over who’ll make the first move.”
“I’ll play,” Robin reaches into her pocket and takes out a crinked twenty. “That's for Steve making the first move.”
“Smart girl.” Nancy must not notice the red tint to Robin’s cheeks, “Johnathan is gonna owe us.”
“You two– three are betting on me and Eddie hooking up?” Steve gasps.
“That's it?” Robin almost looks offended, “That's all you want with him? One and done?”
“Of course not, I’m just not expecting-”
“Aha! So you do want more?” Robin wiggles a finger in his direction. Nancy stiffles a giggle.
“Just–” Steve slams the bottle down on the counter and runs a hand through his hair. “I’ve never liked a guy before, ok? With girls it’s easy, I’ve done it a hundred times before. But he’s a–”
“A he?” Robin smiles sadly, eyebrows knitting together, “It’s alright, Steve. How do you think I felt when I found out about me liking you know who?”
Nancy makes a small noise in the back of her throat, interest suddenly piqued. “Who?”
“Fill ya in later.” Robin waves her off. “Anyways, if Stevie here needs a little help with his flirting skills,” she jabs her thumb at herself, “Y’know who to call.”
“Yea right.” Steve rolls his eyes and finishes off the beer. “Like you know anything about flirting. I’m gonna tell the kids to wrap it up.”
Nancy frowns and checks her watch, “Steve, it’s barely six thirty, it’s not even dark yet.”
“Still, I would hate for some poor kiddie to die of heatstroke.” Steve walks to the sliding door, and pauses. “Plus, I don’t think it would be very good if they witnessed Jonathan and Argyle groping each other.”
Robin and Nancy make a noise of disgust and nod.
Steve walks outside, sliding the glass door and yells for them to dry off and come inside, many groans and complaints yelling back. They all settle down in the basement after the pizza arrives and Steve pops in The Lost Boys.
“Woah! Steve, how'd you get this? This only came out like three weeks ago!” Dustin’s face fills with glee as he looks at the VHS cover, Mike and Lucas leaning over his shoulders.
“I know a guy who knows a guy who works at a theater,” Steve smirks just as the boys ooooh, and he faintly hears Erica mumble something sounding like nerds under her breath.
Steve walks upstairs and spots the two lovebirds snuggling on the couch, with Nancy and Robin being forced to the La-Z-Boy, nursing beers. Steve raises an eyebrow as he shuts the basement door.
“Anyone know where Eddie is?”
“Uh,” Robins fakes thinking deeply, “Upstairs, said something about feeling sick.”
Steve runs a hand over his face and walks upstairs. The main bathroom is right across from his mom and dad’s room. He knocks on the door and waits. No sounds – retching or otherwise – and knocks again. This time something moves, but still no voice. He sighs and says as softly as he can, “Eddie, I’m coming in.”
Eddie says something that sounds vaguely like a muffled, “Don’t,” but Steve already has the door open and there Eddie is with his back bloody, several scars looking irritated and ready to crack and burst.
Eddie looks a bit like a startled cat, with his eyes wide and hair disheveled, Steve almost thinks he looks ready to jump out of the bathroom window. Steve doesn’t move, his jaw locked in place. Even if he did know what to say, would the words be of any use? How do you comfort someone who’s heart literally stopped, someone who went to hell and made it out the other side?
He should probably say something though, because Eddie looks like he’s two seconds away from a panic attack. So he shuts the door behind him and motions for Eddie to sit on the toilet. The fear gets smaller in Eddie’s eyes, but only slightly, and he takes in a breath before sitting down.
Steve opens the mirror and scans the shelves inside for a first aid kit. He spots it and grabs, frowning at how empty it sounds. He shuts the mirror, and almost jumps at his reflection. Wow, he looks beat. Taking a deep breath, he turns around to find Eddie fiddling with the shag carpet covering on the toilet.
Eddie looks up almost immediately and bites his lip, looking a bit guilty. Steve ignores it and sits on the side of the tub to get a better look at the cuts on the other boys' backs. It takes everything in him to not gasp in horror at the sight.
Long, thin cuts trail down Eddies back, starting at his shoulders and ending at his lower back. Some of them are as big as the size of Steve’s palm, and empathy hits him hard. He peeks over to see that the back of Eddie’s hands also have several, albeit smaller, thin-like paper cut slices littering down his forearm.
He imagines Eddie, cold and alone on top of that bus in the Upside Down, swarmed by bats, trying to shield his face and stomach from their sharp and unrelenting talons. Steve wonders how he went so long without noticing.
He blinks, remembering the task at hand, and pops open the kit to find a measly amount of tools in it. Some bandages, medical wrap, painkillers, cotton swabs, alcohol pads, and a pair of scissors. He makes a mental note to restock it later.
He places the box next to him on the tub ledge, and pulls out the alcohol pads and painkillers. He looks up at the back of Eddie’s head, and worry hits him.
“Do you want some painkillers before I start patching you up?” He shakes the bottle softly.
Eddie doesn’t respond, only lifts up his hand in compliance. Steve unscrews the lid and shakes out two, three painkillers in the other’s hand. Eddie swallows them dry and sits up slightly, even though the motion clearly causes him pain.
“I’m gonna rub down the cuts with alcohol wipes, and then bandage them.” Steve removes the wrapping and spreads the wipe out to its full size. “Just tell me if you need a minute. Ok?”
Steve only receives a nod, so he gets to work. Slowly, he rubs the cuts down, one at a time, careful to not put too much pressure on them. None of them bubble with infection, and Eddie doesn’t so much as squeak, so he throws the wipes away and takes out the wrap, beginning to unwrap it.
He stands, glancing at Eddie, who still remains motionless on the toilet seat. Steve wouldn’t even be sure he was breathing unless for the slow rise and full of Eddie’s chest.
“I’m gonna need you to stand up so I can wrap your chest. Then we can clean your hands.” Steve keeps his voice light, trying not to spook Eddie out of whatever daze he’s in. “Eddie?”
Eddie rises and stands, back still facing Steve, and lifts his arms with slight resistance. Steve begins wrapping it around Eddie’s chest, using the scissors when necessary, and securing it in place. Eddie barely moves through the whole ordeal, and the worry in Steve’s chest only grows. When Steve finishes, he packs the items away, leaving the bandages out. He stuffs the kit back in the mirror, and grabs a bottle of antiseptic.
He finally gets a clear view of Eddie’s face. Eddie still looks scared, and the fists near his side look ready to start dripping blood. He steps into Eddie’s space, and Eddie finally looks up at him.
His eyes looked red and puffy, and his cheeks were tinted pink, like he was embarrassed. Steve’s lips turn upwards in an attempt of a smile, and he grabs Eddie’s hands.
“None of that,” Steve says, slowly rubbing Eddie’s fingers soothly. Slowly, Eddie wrenches his hands, red and irritated looking, open. Steve steers Eddies hands over to the sink, and turns the tap towards cold. Eddie loudly winced, but didn’t pull his hands away. Steve grabs a dark colored towel and dries the other boy's hands methodically.
He ignores Eddie staring at his face.
He ignores the heat crawling up his neck as Eddie’s dark eyes burrow away into his memory.
He ignores how close they are, that if either really wanted to, they could lean into a kiss.
Steve layers the final bandage onto Eddie’s hands and disposes of the empty wrappings. He throws the towel onto the toilet and turns. Eddie doesn’t say anything, just traces the outline of the bandages. Most of them are the standard tan color, but a couple are designed for kids. One is pink with unicorns, another is yellow with small red hearts.
Eddie murmurs something, and Steve blinks back up to his face.
“Thank you.” Eddie smiles shyly and his cheeks are so bright Steve can practically feel the heat radiating off of them.
“No problem,” Steve smiles back. “As much as I would love to stay in this cramped bathroom with you, we should probably get back to the others. Robin must be wondering where we are.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” Eddie’s hand hovers over the doorknob before he turns.
“Actually would you mind if I borrow a shirt? Mine’s kinda ruined.” He points to the pile on the floor. It was a black tank top with an Iron Maiden logo on it.
“Yeah of course.” Steve walks towards the door, almost tripping on the carpet. He smiles, cheeks tinted red, “Be right back.”
Eddie nods, and Steve closes the door behind him.
That went surprisingly well, he thinks as he walks towards his room. It’s a bit of a mess, but there’s no clutter littering the floor, so he easily makes his way to the closet. Steve scans his options, and for some reason, is worried that Eddie will judge him for whatever choice he makes. He should probably pick something darker, short sleeved, loose around his skin. Steve is a bit taller than him, but Eddie’s build is lankier, and his shoulders are broad.
Steve finally lands on a black, oversized MTV tee that Tommy had got him for his fiftieth birthday. He never even wore it, on account that it didn’t fit. The image of Eddie in it flashes in his mind, and he almost trips on the carpet on his way out.
He returns to the bathroom and finds Eddie in the tub, holding a bottle of his mother’s floral scented shampoos. Eddie jumps and almost drops the shampoo, but manages to catch it before it clatters on the ground. He steps out of the tub and stands in front of Steve, scratching the back of his neck.
“That for me?” Eddie points to the tee Steve is holding and almost chokes on his spit.
“Uh–” He’s just now taking in Eddie's body. His stomach is flat, and it makes his pecs stand out a little. He’s slender, and although Eddie isn’t very muscular, he’s lean, with wide shoulders and a narrow waist. His eyes wander further down, to the little black curls leading down to Eddie’s pelvis. Steve imagines grabbing Eddie by the waist and pulling him, taking in his scent – cigarettes and engine exhaust – and leaving little marks on down his torso.
“Harrington?”
Steve’s eyes snap back up to meet Eddie’s, who’s wearing a smirk. “You see something you like?”
Steve just lets the blush overtake his face, before shoving the shirt up and into Eddie’s chest. Eddie makes a little ‘oof’ sound, and Steve almost feels sorry if it weren’t for the grin that just won’t leave Eddie’s face. He looks away and into the mirror.
At least he looks a little bit better.
He sighs, ready to face the music that is Robin’s teasing. “You ready?”
Eddie, now fully clothed, smiles and nods. Steve opens the door and allows Eddie to go down stairs first.
“What a gentleman,” Eddie shoots him a playful look as they descend the stairs, and the two of them share a quiet giggle as they reach the last step.
Fortunately for him, Robin and Nancy are fast asleep, a handknit blanket draped over them. Jonathan and Argyle are putting on their shoes, chatting until they notice Eddie and Steve standing at the foot of the stairs.
“Hey, we were just heading back to my house,” Jonathan says, lightly shoving Argyle when he goes to grab his waist. “You need a ride, Eddie?”
Steve almost whines in protest. He doesn’t want Eddie to leave, doesn’t want for this special moment between them to end.
He feels a hand slide onto his shoulder, “Nah, Steve here is gonna drop me off. Thanks though, Johnny.”
“Er–” Jonathan just must now notice that Eddie is wearing a different shirt, and gives Steve a quick glance, and smiles. “Not my name, but whatever. See you guys, I’ll come tomorrow to get Will and El.”
Argyle and Jonathan leave, laughing about something.
“So, when were you gonna tell me that I’m taking you home?” Steve shoots him a look, still feeling the heat of Eddie’s hand on his shoulder.
“Well, I needed someone to, and I’d rather not watch those two get all lovey dovey while I’m in the back seat.” Eddie lets out a light laugh, and pats Steve’s shoulder again.
Steve nods, understanding, and casts a quick glance back at Nancy and Robin. Please don’t wake up, he begs to whatever God there is.
Eddie removes his hand, and Steve almost whimpers at the loss of touch. Eddie walks into the kitchen to grab something, and Steve walks down to the basement to see if any of the kids are still up. All of them except Max and El are asleep, and he smiles, glad that they’re actually getting some rest. Max and El talk in hushed voices until he catches their eyes, and the two sit up a little.
“I have to run Eddie home, but just make sure that the two of you get to sleep, okay? I’ll be back in a little bit.” Steve smirks, “Don’t tell Dustin or Erica, but in the back of the freezer there's neapolitan ice cream if either of you want some, and there’s whip cream and cherries in the fridge.”
The two girls smile and nod, both whispering thanks and going back to their conversation from earlier.
The steps creak as he climbs them back up, and he finds Eddie slipping on his rundown Converse.
“You need new shoes, man,” Steve says, grabbing the keys from their place on the coat hanger.
“Hey!” Eddie shoves him slightly, laughing. “My motto is, if they still cover your feet, then they’re still neat.”
Steve laughs, hard, as he steps outside, cold air hitting his face relentlessly “That– That has to be the corniest thing I’ve ever heard anyone say!”
“Shut up,” Eddie snaps back, but there’s no real venom behind it. Steve doesn’t miss the smile that lights up Eddie’s face.
They both hop into Steve’s car, and as he pulls out of the driveway, Eddie twists the radio dial until he finds a station playing ‘1960s Best Hits!’. Ads start playing for a while, and Eddie looks out the window at the street lights they pass. The moon is especially bright looking tonight, it glows following Steve’s BMW as they drive.
Just as they reach the trailer park Eddie lives in, Ben L. King’s Stand By Me starts playing. Steve slows down as they search for Eddie’s house. He’s been there before to pick up Max, but he’s never seen Eddie’s trailer before. Eddie points to what must be his house, and Steve parks a little ways away from it. But Eddie doesn’t get out, he just closes his eyes as King’s voice drowns out every other sound, and hums along.
Steve vaguely remembers a night where he sneaked down after his bedtime, drawn in by the violin blaring from their record player, and watching his parent’s dance and laugh to the vocals. They pulled each other in close and shared a kiss as the song ended. Steve, watching from the stair railway, smiled curiously. His parent’s rarely showed each other affection, especially in front of him. He snuck back to his room that night and hummed the words until he drifted back to sleep. It was the first, and last time he ever saw his parents love each other, loud and uncaring.
He wonders if before they had him, they genuinely spent time together, full of fresh love and hope.
Steve knows that if they ever did, he must’ve ruined it.
“That’s one of my uncle Wayne’s favorite songs. He told me that it was on a mix tape one of his old girlfriends gave him, and he fell in love with it,” Eddie chuckles, the sound light and airy. Steve’s heart leaps as he turns and looks over at Eddie. “Said it’s been on his top ten ever since.”
Steve smiles, and feels the urge to lean over and kiss Eddie, to tease his bottom lip with his teeth and slip his tongue into his mouth. He wants to hear Eddie tell him he’s good, and wonders if Eddie would kiss him back. But he doesn’t lean forward, or kiss Eddie, he just drums his fingers on the steering wheel and smiles brighter.
“I better get going. Thanks for the ride, Harrington.” Eddie opens the door and unbuckles himself, but doesn’t step out. “And the shirt, and…”
Eddie glances at Steve’s lips, licking his own. “And for patching me up.”
“Anytime,” He pauses, smiling, “Eddie.”
Eddie steps out and closes the door gently, waving back at Eddie.
Steve’s eyes watch Eddie’s ass as he walks, and doesn’t look away until the trailer door shuts close.
Steve takes a deep breath. He should’ve taken the risk and kis–
He doesn’t dwell on it, and drives back to his house in silence.
Max and El have fallen asleep on the couch watching He-Man, bowls that were once full of ice cream, now empty. He smiles and brings the dishes to the kitchen sink, throwing away the container. He sighs, and presses his palms into his eyes, vision going black. He turns off the TV and climbs the steps, and realizes he left the bathroom light on.
He wanders in and picks up the shirt Eddie had left. It’s got a little bit of blood on it from Eddie’s back, but other than that, it’s pretty clean. He lifts it up and inhales his scent, not caring that this is probably creepy and weird. He looks up from the tank top and into the mirror at himself once more.
His hair is slightly disheveled, and his eyes have dark bags underneath them. His cheek bones slightly pop out and he looks paler than he should. How could anyone think he’s attractive right now, especially Eddie.
Eddie, who’s jagged on the outside, but smooth on the inside. Eddie, who loves to make up campaigns and entertain the kids in any and every way possible. Eddie, who doesn’t care what people think of his clothes or looks.
Eddie, who, somehow, likes Steve.
Steve shuts the light off and goes to his room, stripping down to just his boxers. If he tucks himself under his sheets, and hugs the tank top tight to his chest, then that’s nobody's business but his.