Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hands on his hips, Steve surveys the empty living room. It looks bigger without all the furniture, cleaned within an inch of Steve’s life, and with a fresh coat of paint. If he looks hard enough, he can see pieces of himself in every corner. Like the times his father would watch the game with him when he was just a kid, teaching Steve about each sport and answering all of his questions when seven-year-old Steve would get confused on the rules. Or when his mother would sit him on the couch to patch up a skinned knee when he was four after a frustrating lesson in riding a bike. If he closes his eyes, he can still feel the crunch of the ornaments under his feet from last Christmas and see the disaster he left the room in. Now, it and every other room in the house are bare, stripped of what little personality they had. Not a single trace that the Harrington’s have occupied this house for the last twenty-one years could be found. 

Robin hooks her chin over his shoulder. “You okay?” she asks as she wraps her arms around his waist. 

He nods. “I think so,” he says. It’s weird seeing the house like this. Steve thinks he should be feeling grief or some other sad emotion, like he’s losing a piece of himself by selling his childhood home. He doesn’t though. There’s nothing but excitement for the new home he’ll share with Max and, one day, Eddie. It pumps through his chest so loud he’s sure Robin can hear it, at least feel it, from where she’s plastered to his back. 

“You can feel sad, you know,” she says kindly. He loves that she knows he’d need permission to feel what should be normal in his situation, but he finds he doesn’t need it. This house hasn’t felt like home since he was a kid, when reality came crashing down on his younger self as his parents became less and less parental and more distant, demanding versions of themselves. Any semblance of what could have been a home was drowned alongside Barb back in ‘83. These walls have been nothing but harsh, broken reminders of what could have been Steve’s life had someone just given a shit about him. 

He doesn’t let himself feel guilty for the relief coursing through him as his eyes scan the room, peeking into the kitchen and dining room from his place. 

“I know,” he says softly to Robin as he moves his hands to cover hers on his stomach. “It’s… It’s okay if I don’t though, right?” 

Robin nods. “Absolutely.” 

Steve smiles and leans his head to rest on hers. They need to get going, to head over to the new house and help Wayne, Eddie, and Hopper with the rest of the boxes. He has no doubt that Max is making sure they stay on task, manning the stereo and directing them on where the boxes should go since only he and Max knew what symbols meant what. She had helped him create a symbol for each room that Steve carefully made out of puffy paint on each of the boxes. Most of them were just letters like ‘S’ for Steve’s room, ‘K’ for the kitchen, but Max insisted on a star for her room and a heart for Robin’s. Who was Steve to deny her such a simple request? This way, the guys had to ask her for help and she was more than just a bystander in this new journey they were on. 

“We should probably go,” Steve says with a sigh. He wants to leave, wants to lock up this house for the last time and hand the keys over to his real estate agent to take care of. He’ll never have to set foot on this property again. At the same time, he can’t seem to leave Robin’s embrace to actually do that.

She squeezes tighter. “Probably.” 

Steve rubs his hands over her arms, comforting them both. It’s the first of July. Just a year ago, Steve and Dustin accidentally dragged Robin and Erica into their monster fighting squad. He’s never done well with upside down anniversaries, but this one in particular seems like it’s only getting worse. This time last year, they were still figuring out the code. Tomorrow will be the anniversary of getting trapped in that elevator. On the Fourth of July, it’ll be one year since Steve and Robin were held hostage. 

Needless to say, Robin and Steve have been a little clingy this week. It’s been getting worse, as the days get closer to the holiday, to the point they can’t be without each other for more than a few minutes without going into a panic attack. It’s a good thing Eddie’s understanding, or else he’s sure he’d be single over his codependency on Robin. 

Robin slowly slips her hands away and moves to grab his hand. “Let’s get out of here. I need to make sure Eddie isn’t snooping through my stuff.” 

Steve laughs as he lets her drag him out of the house. “I think it’s too late for that.” 

“Then I’ll go through his shit for revenge,” Robin says, chin held high as she dramatically stomps toward the door. 

“Pretty sure you already have–” 

She shushes him, eyes widening to exaggerate her point. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

Steve snorts as he holds up his free hand. “Of course, what do I know, right?” 

They lock up the house and Steve slips the key under the mat like he was instructed to. His car is filled to the brim with boxes, unlocked and ready to go as soon as they climb in. Robin doesn’t hesitate to replace the tape Max had left in the player with their mixtape, but Steve doesn’t pull out of the driveway. 

Instead, he flips down his visor, where some of his favorite pictures sit. He has a whole box stashed of other pictures he was never allowed to hang in his room, but these select few were squirreled away to live in his car so he could see them everyday. Steve’s not sure why he never took the time to hang them up after his parents passed, or why he even bothered sticking to their unspoken rules when they never came home in the first place, but they felt too sacred to take that risk. Now there’s no need for them to stay in his car or the photobox that lived in his closet. 

Carefully, Steve peels off each picture and sets them in his lap. He takes a second to smile at the one of Robin hanging off his bed and the newest addition of Eddie playing his guitar in his living room. What did he do to deserve these two in his life? 

Robin pauses beside him. “Steve?” She waits until he meets her eyes. “Why are you taking them down?” 

Steve gives her a soft smile. “I don’t have to hide them anymore,” he says simply. 

“You know what could be cool? We can get a couple of frames, maybe a corkboard, so you can hang them up. There’s a bunch of old frames at the thrift store down the road, too,” Robin says as she takes the pictures from his lap to gently shuffle through. 

“Mind if we make a stop before we head home?” 

She beams at him. It’s the only answer he needs. 

They scream along to the music as they drive and when they get to the thrift store, it ends up taking longer than either anticipated. Steve buys just about every frame, from the shiny new ones to the ‘ugly’ ones that need a little TLC. There are gold ones with floral details, sleek silver ones with thin black lines, chunky rainbow ones meant for a kid’s room, and a few with sayings that are a little cliche but Robin says will be ironic. “Come on, Steve, there would be nothing funnier than that picture of us in those sweaters Mrs. Henderson made us last year in this frame,” she says as she shows him the ‘World’s Best Grandparents!’ frame she found. 

When they pull up to the house, giggling to themselves, it feels a little like magic. “What took you two so long?” Eddie asks as he jogs down the steps to meet them at the trunk. 

Robin holds up the bags of frames. “We had a very important mission, Munson.” 

Eddie rolls his eyes as he bumps shoulders with Steve. “That so?” 

Steve feels his face grow warm as he takes the first box from the trunk, shrugging as much as he can with the heavy box in his arms. “I think so.” 

“Stevie has a plan,” Robin says, as if it wasn’t her idea to hang as many frames as possible throughout the house. She winks at him before she slinks away, staying only a few feet ahead of them, with only the bag in her hands. 

Eddie raises his eyebrows, taking the next box.

As they start to walk, Steve keeps his eyes trained ahead. “It’s not a big deal. I’m just going to hang up some pictures.” 

“Am I in these pictures?” Eddie all but sings as he leans closer to Steve. 

“Maybe a few.” 

Eddie laughs and lets Steve cross over the threshold first. “I’ll take what I can get.” 

Steve plants a kiss on his cheek the second they’re both inside, awkwardly holding the boxes still. “Missed you,” he whispers. 

“You’re such a sap,” Eddie says as he kisses him properly. “But I missed you, too.” 

Max groans as she stomps toward them. “He’s been insufferable, Steve. Never leave me alone with him again ,” she says, but he can hear the teasing lilt in her voice. She touches the top of the boxes before Steve can respond. “Both are for Steve’s room.” 

“I was not insufferable,” Eddie says as they walk toward the master bedroom. 

“He’s very whiny without you around,” Max says as she follows them. 

“Was not!” 

“I have to agree with the little lady,” Wayne says with a grunt as he and Hopper set down Steve’s new dresser in its rightful place. “You keep him in line, Harrington.” 

Hopper wipes his hands off on his jeans. “And he actually helps out with you here–” 

“Hey!” Eddie says as he sets the box down with the others, just as Steve does. “I helped out while they were gone!” 

Wayne and Hopper share a look before slowly nodding their heads. “Sure you did,” Hopper says. 

Steve can’t help but laugh as he squeezes Eddie’s shoulder. “Thank you all for helping,” he says instead. 

“Happy to help, kid,” Wayne says as he starts to head out the door. They gravitate out toward the Beemer to grab the rest of the boxes, leaving Steve and Eddie in the bedroom. 

The master bedroom is bigger than his old bedroom, but smaller than his parents’ was. Steve bought a nice king size bed, with a navy wood bed frame and a headboard that took up a good portion of the wall above it. It was big, sturdy, and the mattress he bought was like a cloud that both he and Eddie were a little obsessed with. (Or maybe they’re obsessed with being in bed with one another. Steve’s not sure. Either way, it’s a big hit.) It’s in the center of the room, facing the door and window so Steve can be ready at a moment’s notice if he needs to. There’s two simple navy nightstands that he wants to put lamps on once he and Robin find ones that feel right. He wants them to be mismatched but still work together. For once in his life, Steve wants his house to have personality. 

They have a lot to unpack, but already having the furniture in and the walls painted is a big help. He can actually visualize the space now. Steve can imagine in a few weeks time the tasteful clutter on his dresser of his and Eddie’s things, the overflowing hamper in the corner of the small walk-in closet with their clothes, their hygiene products lined up neatly along the sink in the en suite. There will be a few shelves with Eddie’s favorite books and a few of Steve’s trophies from over the years. He’ll put even more frames around the room, maybe even a few paintings and a mirror. 

It’ll feel like his. 

Steve drags Eddie down the hall, passing the two other bedrooms and the other bathroom to enter the living room. It’s nowhere near as big, but there’s a fireplace and the comfiest couch Steve could find is sitting at a slant in front of it, facing both the fireplace and the tv set. There’s room for another chair, maybe a loveseat, but he hasn’t found the perfect piece yet. Two bookshelves line the archway to the kitchen and small dining area that Steve hopes will be filled with movies and books for all the party. 

Robin’s sitting on the floor in front of the coffee table with the frames and pieces of paper. She glances up at them, scissors paused mid-cut. “What?” 

“What are you doing?” Steve asks as he peers over her shoulder. 

“You get to decide which pictures go in the frames,” she says, “but I want us to have a way to put our vision on the wall without winging it. Hopper said it was a good idea. They’re going to hang them up for us.” She smiles warmly at him. “Apparently he doesn’t trust me with a hammer or you to level the frames enough to leave us to our own devices.” 

Steve snorts. He can’t blame him. He pats her head a few times. “Smart, Robbie,” he coos. 

They work diligently to bring the last few boxes and Wayne and Hopper help Max move her furniture around to her liking while Steve and Robin design their collage wall. It’s going to take up both walls of the hallway eventually and spill out into the living room among the framed Family Video posters he stole. For now, it’ll stay in the hall until they can get more frames. It’s something he can slowly build as he settles into his new house and they gather more pictures over the years. It makes him damn near giddy. 

By the end of the night, Eddie has the kitchen unpacked, Max’s room is basically complete, and Wayne was able to hang all the frames up while Hopper installed the washer and dryer. Steve and Robin made sure each of Steve’s favorite pictures were neatly tucked into the perfect frame, leaving the photo box under the TV for easy access once they were complete, so anyone could pull it out and peer into Steve’s treasures. 

Steve bought everyone Chinese food, after Max’s insistence that they not order pizza since the kids had it three times this week Steve . They sit around the coffee table, boxes in their laps. Max is complaining to Hopper about Mike trying to hog Jane’s time even though they broke up and Wayne and Robin are talking about music, something about the merits of having an expansive library of tastes. Steve’s content to just listen, leaning into Eddie as he soaks in their conversations, but Eddie has other plans. 

“What’s with the smile?” Eddie whispers, tapping Steve’s carton with his chopsticks. 

“It’s nice,” Steve mumbles, laying his head on Eddie’s shoulder. It’s an awkward angle and if he stays like this for too long, he’ll feel it for a week, but it’s worth it for now. 

Eddie’s lips press against Steve’s temple and that’s when Steve realizes he gets it. Steve doesn’t have to explain that he’s content for once, truly and fully happy. He has the love of his life by his side, his soulmate is sitting at his feet happily, one of his kids is being loud and commanding attention in a way she hasn’t in a year, and he has not one but two male father-like figures eager to support him in anyway possible, even if it means spending almost a week working on this house. What more could he ask for? And Eddie understands it, he sees right through Steve enough that he gets it . No need to explain some tragic backstory or mention how uncomfortable that old house made him feel. He can just bask in this newfound peace. 

He loves him all the more for it. 

Steve lifts his head up and sets his food down on the coffee table. He shifts a little to look at Eddie better, to stay in their little bubble. 

Eddie gives him his full attention without Steve even saying anything. 

It feels right. Everything about this feels right. 

“Hi,” Steve whispers as he reaches out to push Eddie’s hair out of his face. He wants to see him fully when he says these next few words. 

“Hi,” Eddie whispers back, lowering his own food and laying his hand on Steve’s knee. It’s warm, comforting, and everything. 

“Thank you,” Steve starts softly, “for being here.” 

Eddie’s forehead creases a little as he gives a confused smile. “Of course, baby. I wouldn’t have missed it. None of us would.” 

“You know what I meant,” Steve says. “Thank you for being here .” Here, as in Steve’s life. With Steve. “I don’t know what I did to be this lucky,” he barely whispers, the syllables breathy on his tongue. 

A soft blush dusts Eddie’s cheeks as he squeezes Steve’s knee. “Baby,” he says. 

“I just want to tell you that I…” Steve swallows the lump in his throat, blinks away the tears forming in the corner of his eyes. He can feel Eddie holding his breath beside him, the tension growing thick in their little bubble as the rest of their family talks amongst themselves. Steve tries not to let it distract him. “I am so in–” 

“Steve!” Max says from across the table. 

Steve clears his throat as he tries to casually wipe his eyes. “Yeah?” 

“I think we should hold the Fourth of July party here,” she says, each word purposeful and disarmingly light considering how difficult this holiday will be for them all. 

Hopper shares a loaded look and a soft nod with him. So he agrees. 

Robin’s hand is on his ankle now, squeezing tight enough it should hurt. It doesn’t, not when she grounds him better than anyone across any dimension. 

“That’ll be fun,” Eddie says as he puts his own carton back on the coffee table. “Have the whole gang over for a housewarming Fourth of July party.” 

“Yeah, okay,” Steve says. “We’ll make a big deal about it.” 

“I can get a good deal on fireworks–” 

“No!” Steve, Robin, and Max say quickly, eyes wide.

Hopper pats Max’s back as he shakes his head. “No fireworks. We’ll keep it simple. I’ll bring over the grill and we’ll just enjoy each other’s company. Right? It’ll be a completely normal holiday,” he says with such a conviction Steve almost believes him. 

Almost. 

That night, and every night leading up to the holiday, Steve finds himself wrapped tightly in Eddie’s arms as he holds Robin just as close, his face buried in her hair as she tucks herself under his chin. If they wake Eddie up with their screams, he doesn’t let on how tired he is. He’s almost more vigilant, barely letting himself sleep to make sure Steve, Robin, and Max are okay at any given hour of the night. 

When the holiday comes and goes, as everyone pours into his house and pretends to be okay, Steve makes sure Eddie knows just how much he loves him. Even if he can’t say a word. 

Two weeks into living in the new house, Eddie presents Steve with a small box. It’s wrapped in a piece of newspaper and fits neatly in the palm of his hand. “What’s this?” Steve asks, running his thumb along the crease of the paper. 

“It’s a little something I thought you might need for this weekend,” Eddie says, hiding his smile behind a strand of hair. 

Steve looks up, brows furrowed. “What’s this weekend?” All he remembered was Max going with Jonathan, Nancy, and the kids to the waterpark a few towns over. Steve would be going with if he didn’t have a morning shift on Saturday. 

“Open it, Steve,” Eddie says, nudging the box. 

Carefully, Steve peels back the newspaper to reveal a clear acrylic box with– “Earplugs?” 

Eddie nods, smiling. “I’m not letting you go to the concert without them, so you better get used to it.” 

He looks down at the bright orange rubber pieces. “Why do I need–” Steve’s head whips toward Eddie. “Concert?” 

“Corroded has a pretty big gig Saturday and since Max is already going to be out of the house, I figured I could convince you and Robin to–” 

“Yes!” Steve practically tackles Eddie into a hug, both of them falling into the couch cushions as Steve plants a sloppy kiss on Eddie’s cheek. “We’ll be there.” 

Eddie ducks his head to hide behind his hair and in Steve’s neck, which is totally Steve’s move but he’ll allow it. “You don’t have to–” 

“Eds, baby, I have been dying to see you perform,” Steve says as he kisses Eddie’s forehead. “I want to go, please?” 

“Only if you’re sure,” Eddie mumbles. 

Steve squeezes Eddie a little tighter. “So sure. I’ll even wear the earplugs.” 

“There’s no way in hell you would go without them,” Eddie says as he lifts his head, scowling. He looks like an angry cat, adorable yet ruffled. 

He just has to kiss the tip of his nose. “I’ll do it. Whatever you need to feel comfortable with me going.” 

Eddie pulls Steve in for a kiss, a tender, light press of their lips that says so much more than any filthy kiss they’ve shared before. “God, I love you.” 

Steve almost slips and says it back. It’s been happening more and more each day, but Steve is adamant he doesn’t want to say it in response to Eddie saying it. Not for the first time. It’s one of the strict rules he’s set for himself now that he thinks he’s ready to say it. 

Rule number one: he can’t say it after sex or any intense emotion. He doesn’t think Eddie would interpret the ‘I love you’ as disingenuous if he were to say it in the middle of or after sex, but it’s about the principle. There shouldn’t be any doubt in Eddie’s mind that Steve loves him with all his heart outside of whatever emotional state they’re in. Plus it’s a cliche and a little too cheesy, even for Steve. 

Rule number two: He can’t just say it after Eddie says it. With how much pressure he’s put on saying it, how long Eddie has waited, Steve needs to say it on his own time without anyone else coaxing him. Even if it takes everything in him to not let the words slip just because Eddie says them. 

Rule number three: It has to be special and they have to be alone. For the past few weeks, every time Steve has felt that urge to say it, when rules number one and two are being followed and it feels like the perfect time, someone interrupts him. It’s becoming a cruel joke and maybe one day Steve will snap and just say it. But that’s not romantic so he’s really hoping it doesn’t come to that. 

So he keeps his mouth shut long enough to swallow the words. 

Steve knows that Eddie can see them in his eyes though, the way he softens and melts in Steve’s arm like he’s already hearing them. Maybe he is. He leans down and kisses Eddie again, losing himself in the sensations of Eddie’s lips against his. 

“Can I take you out tonight?” Steve asks against Eddie’s lips. 

“Tonight?” Eddie pulls back. “I thought tonight was girl’s night?” 

Steve shrugs. “I can miss it.” 

“I thought you weren’t allowed to cancel on Buckley?” 

“That’s on our solo dates. Canceling on girl’s night is going to put me in troubled waters with Erica, but I’ll manage.” 

Eddie gasps dramatically, pressing a hand to his chest. “You would face the wrath of Lady Applejack for little ol’ me?” 

Steve rolls his eyes but smiles nonetheless. “I’d do anything for you.” 

“Fuck,” Eddie groans as he covers his eyes. “How are you this perfect?” 

He can’t help but fucking giggle as he tucks his head into his rightful place at the crook of Eddie’s neck. Steve wiggles a little to get comfortable, resting his entire body on Eddie’s and shoving his arms between Eddie’s back and the cushions to hold him close. If only he’d put a blanket around them, then he’d feel so snug and secure. 

He’ll never leave. 

Eddie hums as they sink further into one another. “We don’t have to go anywhere soon, though, right?” 

Steve shakes his head, nose running along Eddie’s unscarred neck. “Nope.” 

“Good.” 

They laid like that for at least two hours, with Steve in and out of sleep and Eddie tracing patterns onto Steve’s back, dipping his hand beneath the loose fabric of Steve’s tank top. If nights alone weren’t so hard to come by, Steve might have suggested never getting up. Instead, they ventured into Steve’s bedroom and parted ways to a familiar song and dance of getting ready with one another. It never gets old seeing how well they know each other now, anticipating each other’s needs and moves as they share the same spaces. 

In no time, Steve’s dressed in a nice polo with the tightest pair of jeans that he can get away with and Eddie’s in an all black ensemble, leaving the graphic tees at home for a simple black one to go under his denim jacket. It’s July so Steve knows he’s going to hear Eddie whine and complain about the heat by the end of the night because he thought the hoodie was too casual for their very casual date night. Steve won’t say a word, won’t try to persuade him into changing. Not when he knows how insecure Eddie can be about the scarring that litters his body, that catches peoples attention faster than the chains and tattoos ever could. 

They climb into Eddie’s van. It’s a rare treat nowadays that Eddie will drive, since Steve has a hard time hearing him when he’s on Eddie’s right, but they both know that Steve will end up draped over his shoulder within seconds of getting on the road anyway. He finds his spot easy, hugging Eddie’s bicep to his chest and laying his head on his shoulder, careful to not mess up his hair. Eddie lets him, a hand on his thigh, and keeps the Dio tape playing softly in the background. And Eddie never misses a beat, using his left hand to mess with any dials he needs at stop signs and redlights rather than take his arm away from Steve. He’s finally learned. 

Steve kisses his knuckles every time he starts driving again, just so he knows he noticed. 

They just go to a burger place a few towns over, quaint and a little greasy. It’s fun and a normalcy they’re still getting used to. They hunker into a table in the back, ankles hooked under around one another. 

“So,” Eddie says as he dramatically opens his menu, “how’s the new place?” 

Steve smiles behind his menu. Eddie knows how great the new place is. He’s slept over every night so far, which will never cease to amaze him considering how often Robin’s been sleeping over in their bed, too. It doesn’t stop him, doesn’t make him jealous, and that in and of itself is a marvel. It’s adorable that Eddie’s still trying to ask him the basic questions, to check in with him. Maybe he shouldn’t find it as sweet as he does, but screw it, he’s allowed to swoon over his boyfriend caring. “I don’t think I’ve ever been happier,” he says. 

Eddie hums, nodding along. He glances up with a sparkle of mischief in his eye. Oh no. “How’s the basement coming along?” 

The urge to facepalm is so real. Steve pinches the bridge of his nose instead, biting back the smile twitching at his lips. “Is that all you care about?” 

“I can’t handle the secrets!” Eddie all but yells as he slams down his menu. He looks a little crazed, hair frizzing around his wide-eyed expression. “You’ve been down there every chance you get and whispering with Baby Byers and Hopper about whatever you’ve got going on. Why can’t I know things? What are you doing down there that’s so top secret?” 

He squints his eyes and leans in, easily slipping into his dungeon master persona. Steve can kind of see how the kids could find it intimidating, but all he feels is flustered by how determined and powerful he seems. Fuck. He may actually be able to get this secret out of him. As if it hasn’t been hard enough not to ask him questions about his plans. Eddie drops his voice as he says, “We know top secret, exclusive government secrets and you won’t share what you’re doing in the basement? Sounds suspicious, Mr. Harrington.”

“Well, Mr. Munson,” Steve says as casually as he can. He sets down his menu and leans back in his chair, arms crossed. “I don’t believe you have the clearance for this intel so you’ll just have to wait like the rest of them.” 

Eddie groans and drops his head onto the table with a thunk so loud a few patrons glare at them. “That’s so mean, Stevie,” he whines into the table. 

Steve shrugs. “I’m the worst, I know.” 

“Never,” Eddie hisses as his head snaps up to glare at him. “You could never be the worst.” He sits up with a dramatic sigh, propping his head up on his fist, elbow crinkling the menu beneath him. “I guess I can be a little more patient.” 

“I think it’ll be worth it,” Steve says softly. He has to tuck his hands under his arms to keep himself from reaching out and taking Eddie’s hand. Maybe they should have stayed in after all? 

“Do I get a hint at least?”

“It has nothing to do with your birthday,” Steve says, smirking. No, Steve has plans for Eddie’s birthday but it has nothing to do with the basement. He’s not even sure those plans are going to work. 

Eddie raises an eyebrow. “So there are two secrets you’re keeping from me? I thought we were working on being more open, Stevington?” 

Steve rolls his eyes. “Good secrets only.” 

They talk about nothing and everything until the waitress brings over their meals. It’s not until most of their food is gone and Steve’s reaching over to steal a fry that he decides to ask, “Have you considered what your next step is going to be?” 

Eddie freezes, straw sticking to his bottom lip. “Like for the future?” 

“Yeah.” 

“I mean,” Eddie sets down his drink and spins his vampire ring around his finger. He shrugs. 

“This isn’t like a job interview or anything,” Steve says as he leans forward. “I’m just curious. We don’t talk about this stuff a lot and… And I want to know these things.”

Eddie raises an eyebrow, tilts his head up. 

Steve feels himself flush as he swirls his straw around the ice in his cup. “I… I want to build a life with you.” It’s basically an ‘I love you’ right? “But to do that, I kind of have to know where you see yourself, ya know? And I want to help you meet whatever goal you have for yourself.” 

“Curse you,” Eddie grumbles as he crosses his arms. 

A laugh bubbles from Steve’s chest. “What?” 

“I really want to kiss you right now and I can’t so fuck you.” 

With a wink, Steve says, “Later.” 

Eddie’s ears go pink first, then the apples of his cheeks. He hides behind his hair for a moment, mumbling into his hand. Steve lets him compose himself, gives him the space. When he reemerges, he seems more somber and grown up than his usual hyperactive self. “I have a bunch of big dreams and none of them seem realistic.” 

“You do realize we’ve crossed dimensions? What’s more unrealistic than that ?” 

“Marrying you, apparently,” Eddie whispers. 

He’s pretty sure his heart just burst from his chest and is dancing on the table. “What?”

Eddie shakes his head, not meeting his eye. “It’ll never happen,” he mumbles. 

Steve sucks in a shaky breath before carefully saying, “Why not?” Or maybe his heart is running away, cowering from the inevitable heartbreak of however Eddie responds.

“We live in a world filled with homophobic pricks, baby,” Eddie whispers, leaning forward with soft, sad eyes and fingers twitching around his rings. “They’re never going to accept us.” 

“You don’t know that,” Steve whispers, but even he can hear how pathetic he sounds. 

Eddie reaches for him, but stops. His hand drops down to the table with a sharp smack. “Out of everything I’ve been dreaming of this past year, marrying you is my favorite dream–” 

“Eds,” Steve breathes out, eyes prickling with tears. 

“But even if I can’t marry you,” Eddie says, “I still want to build that life you’re talking about so I guess I’ll start seriously considering what’s next for me. Can’t sell drugs forever, right?” 

“Guess not,” Steve chokes out. 

Eddie smirks and pats at the table. “In all seriousness, I have considered that tattoo idea a little. It’ll be hard to get an apprenticeship if Ray says no, but we’ll see.” 

Steve nods. “I like that idea,” he says softly, thankful his voice no longer sounds all weak and watery with tears.

“What about you, hot shot?” Eddie leans back, hands behind his head. 

“I don’t know,” Steve says honestly. “I haven’t thought past getting the house much in a realistic way and… I think I want to go to school eventually, but not until I know what I want to do.” 

Eddie’s smile shoves Steve’s heart back into his chest. “There’s no rush. I’m content with being a couple of high school grads with no prospects with you for a while.” 

Steve bites his lip. “Eddie?”

“Yes, baby?” 

“I know it’s a, um, big step,” Steve says as he shifts in his seat, “but, uh, would you consider moving in with me and Max?” 

Eddie doesn’t hesitate. “No.” 

“Oh?” 

And we’re back to his heart plummeting. 

Eddie shakes his head and sits back up with a great sigh. “I want to, but it has to be after we tell the people closest to us. Wayne knows, Max, Dustin, Will, and Robin know. Even Hopper knows. But the rest of your kiddos don’t and I need to tell my friends, and our friends for that matter, before I just move in. I just… I don’t see how we’ll explain me moving in otherwise.” 

“Oh.” That actually makes a lot of sense. “But after we tell everyone…” 

“In a heartbeat,” Eddie says. 

Steve nods. “Okay, yeah. I can work with that.” 

“Good. I’d hope so.” 

“You do already stay over all the time, though, so I don’t really see a difference–” 

“It’s the principle of the matter,” Eddie says, waving off Steve’s statement. 

“We should probably tell people soon, then,” Steve says. 

Eddie smirks. “Why? Eager to get me in your bed, Harrington?” 

“As if it isn’t already yours too.” 

“Touche.” Eddie drums his fingers on the table for a minute. “I love you, you know that?” 

Steve does. He knows it so well his body aches for Eddie’s love. Steve bumps his shoe against Eddie’s. Close enough. 

By the time the weekend comes around, Steve feels like he may go insane if he doesn’t shout from the rooftops how much he loves Eddie Munson. After Eddie’s marriage confession, Steve’s gotten serious about finding the right moment to tell Eddie. It’s only been three days, but the two moments he was able to get Eddie alone that didn’t involve sex, Steve’s mind was preoccupied with the basement remodel or getting tickets to the Metallica and Ozzy Osborne show in Cincinnati in a few weeks for Eddie’s birthday. (Which, by the way, he secured two floor tickets. Had to pay a hefty fee for them being so last minute, but hey, Eddie nearly died and saved the world with a Metallica song. The man deserves to see his icons play.) So he blew it. 

He tugs on the hem of his Corroded Coffin shirt and looks in the mirror. Robin's laying on his bed, tossing up a pillow. "Are you sure I shouldn't wear something with more, uh, coverage?" The shirt hangs even higher on his torso now, fully revealing his scars and abdomen to the world. He's pretty sure Max shrunk it when she tried to prove she could still help around the house. At least it's still white. 

Robin laughs, bright and colorful like it always should be. "He's going to choke seeing you wear that in public," she says. 

"I don't want him to choke!" 

"I meant it in a good way!" 

Steve groans and runs a hand through his hair. It's not cooperating with him either, won't stick up in all the right places and he's pretty sure his cowlick is too obvious to do anything but cut it off. Not that he would. He's going to have to live with it and face the fact he's a total poser and--

"Steve!" Robin yells as she rolls off his bed and stomps over to him. "You have got to stop before your brain explodes." 

He pouts. "I don't know what you mean." 

"You're not a poser, bubs. A dingus, yes, but not a poser," Robin says as she tucks herself under his arm. "You look hot." 

Steve wrinkles his nose. He's only wearing the Corroded Coffin shirt and a pair of jeans with a few accidental rips in the knee that Robin just had to make worse when she saw them. It doesn't exactly scream hot. "If you say so." 

"Where'd all your confidence go? You're so out of Eddie's league--" 

"Am not!" Steve glares at her through the mirror. "If anything, he's too good for me--" 

She rolls her eyes and holds up a hand. "We are not getting into that right now. You're hot, Steve. You make this," she plucks the shoulder of his shirt, "look like it belongs on Vogue. Besides, I'm pretty sure Eddie is going to go feral no matter what you show up in. He's just excited to have you there." 

Steve sighs. "I guess." 

Robin pauses and pulls away enough to look up at him. "Do you not want to go?" 

"No, I do," he says. "I'm just..." Steve huffs and turns away from the mirror finally. "I've been wanting to go to a show for almost a year at this point and it's finally happening. I just... What if I can't handle it? What if the crowd is too much and it's too loud? What if I end up with a migraine so bad I can't--"

"Steve!" Robin squishes his cheeks between her palms. "Breathe." 

He does so, deep and holding it in for almost too long.

She nods, but doesn't say anything until he takes two more breaths, nice and even. "Good. Now listen to me." 

Robin lets go of his face but drops her hands to his shoulders, determination etched onto her features. "I have seen you fail miserably at flirting with just about a third of Hawkins' population. You never let that stop you from trying again. And when you did actually score and the date was a bust, you still kept going. But guess what? The scary part is done! You already have boyfriend status!" 

She shakes him a little. "You're already his boyfriend," she says again. "Now all you have to do is go in your super hot outfit and pretend you like his music--" 

"I do like it," he says. "He's good!" 

"I have no doubt that he's talented," Robin says, very matter-of-fact. "But we'll see if he can somehow channel his awkward dork energy into something entertaining. Nonetheless, there is nothing for you to be worried about." 

Steve crosses his arms. "Literally everything I said has nothing to do with the speech you just gave me." 

Robin opens her mouth, closes it, then deflates a little as she goes red. "Right. I was half listening," she admits. "Tell me again?" 

He rolls his eyes as he pushes her lightly. "Wow, what a great best friend you are." 

"You love me for it. Now talk." 

"What if I can't handle the actual concert?" 

"Didn't you go to Aerosmith? That was a way bigger venue than this one and you were fine--" 

"I've lost part of my hearing and gained another concussion since then, Rob," Steve says softly. 

She sighs. "Right. That." 

Steve lets out a deep breath and resists the urge to mess with his hair again. "I just don't want to embarrass him with my... Steve-ness." 

"He's in love with you and your Steve-ness, ya dork. Nothing you could do would embarrass him. Not when he would quite literally do anything for attention. I've seen him stand on tables and shove food up his nose on more than one occasion, Steve. The boy is begging for anyone to notice him, but most importantly you." 

"When the hell did he put food up his nose?" 

"Not important," Robin says as she waves her hand. "How can I make this easier on you? What do you need to have the confidence to be the lead singer's boyfriend?" 

Steve blushes. His boyfriend's in a band. He'll be with the band. If Eddie ever makes it big, Steve will practically be a groupie. Holy shit. 

He tries to figure out a way to ease the butterflies in his stomach. What would make him feel better? How can he take this drab outfit and feel like he's actually putting an effort into Eddie's show? 

Oh. 

Steve grins as he looks down at Robin. "You wouldn't happen to have any eyeliner would you?" 

Robin gasps, slack jaw quickly turning into a beaming grin. "Who the hell are you? Steve Harrington asking to wear makeup in public?" 

"I'm a changed man, Buckley." Steve smooths out the front of his shirt as he slips out of her hold toward his bathroom where her makeup is cluttering the counter from where she got ready a few minutes prior. "Are you helping or not?" 

"Duh. I can't have you losing an eye in there," Robin says, failing to keep her cool. 

Once they're both decked out in heavy eyeliner and Robin's wearing one of Eddie's tees under a flannel, Steve deems them okay enough to go. 

They meet Nancy, Jonathan, and Argyle at the venue. Eddie and the band should already be inside, working on setting up. It's a lot bigger than the Hideout and there's even people lining up outside. Apparently, Corroded Coffin's opening for a bigger local band.

"Is that eyeliner?" Nancy asks the second she lays eyes on him. 

Steve shrugs. "Maybe." 

"And here I thought you had strict rules on not wearing any kind of make up outside of your living room," Nancy says with a smirk. "Looks good on you." 

"Thank you," Steve says, but his eyes move past her toward the empty stage. The gear is already set up and Steve can see Eddie's guitar sitting on a stand, front and center. It's the one he bought him a few weeks ago and that just about melts Steve's insides. He knew Eddie liked playing it, would catch him apologizing to Sweetheart for cheating on her, but he never would have guessed Eddie would play it at a gig. It seems silly thinking about it like that, but it still means the world to him. 

Jonathan ends up getting them all a round as they hunker down at a table just off to the side. The crowd is already loud, thundering with conversation as they wait for the music to start or bobbing around to the stereo playing in the background. Steve adjusts his earplugs and makes sure he stands to the left of the group. They're dulling everything around him to the point he's tempted to take the right earplug out so he can hear Eddie in all his glory, but Eddie placed Robin in charge of making sure the plugs stayed in at all times and he'd rather not get on Eddie's bad side tonight of all nights.  

Argyle seems to be the most at home, despite his brightly colored outfit and out there dance moves. He keeps complimenting people as they pass, especially a few people with colored hair, and swaying to the heavy music as if it were easy listening. It lightens something in Steve's chest, easing a little of his anxiety. At least Steve looks like he fits in a little, with the band's name plastered on his chest and Eddie's battle vest snug around his shoulders. If Argyle can be this comfortable sticking out like a sore thumb, then Steve can let go and allow himself to have a little fun too. 

"Are you excited?" Robin asks, bumping their shoulders together. 

"Nervous," Steve corrects her. "I just want this to be good for him." 

"He's going to kill it," Nancy says. "You heard him play in the upside down. He's going to do amazing with a full band accompanying him.' 

Steve beams. She's right and he knows it.

Robin nods, looking a little lost in thought as she stares at Nancy. "Yeah, what she said." 

They don't have much time to talk amongst themselves before Gareth is climbing on stage to settle behind the drums and Jeff is grabbing his bass. But when Eddie walks on stage? 

The world stops. 

There's something magnetic about his appearance. It's not that much different than normal. He's wearing his ripped jeans, heavy boots, and so many chains around his hips that Steve's kind of amazed he didn't get caught up in them. The shirt he's wearing is a generic looking black tee, torn to hell and back, with a few bats in the center. Steve's pretty sure he made that one. His hair is everywhere, wild and framing his beautiful face. And even from back here, Steve has no doubt that Eddie's wearing a thin line of eyeliner to tie it all together. In a way, it's an ordinary look for Eddie, but Steve's hooked all the same. He's pretty sure he's drooling a little. 

He's so lost in watching Eddie, he doesn't even hear Gareth introduce the band as Eddie grabs the guitar and slings it over his shoulder, strap a bright red against his all black ensemble. 

Beside him, he can hear Robin and Nancy cheering while Argyle whistles. All he can do is watch. 

When the music kicks into gear, it only gets worse. He's mesmerized by Eddie's sheer power. He commands the stage, the audience, and the music with a grace and ease he's never seen before. This is his element. 

It all clicks into place for Steve. 

When he used to play ball in school, there were a lot of days where Steve didn't feel like himself unless he was on the court. He's grown out of it a little now that he only plays with Lucas, but some days he still feels that tightness in his chest. Same thing happened with swimming, but he's less inclined to deal with the water these days. But there's a moment when he's playing that everything feels right, when he's dribbling the ball down the court and Steve truly feels like he could do anything. There's no hesitation or doubt. Nothing could stop him. 

Seeing Eddie like this, as he headbangs during a solo or sings into the mic, Steve sees it all fall into place for Eddie. There's no worry on his face, no nerves in his veins. None that matter anyway. Only good things could happen when he's on that stage, finally allowed to unlock everything in his soul and share it with the world without judgment. 

And boy does it make Steve weak. 

He doesn't know if Eddie is amazing or not on a technical level, but Steve really couldn't care less. The passion alone makes up for any errors he may be making and Steve's not a professional, so why should he care if Eddie gets a note sort of wrong? All Steve knows is that Eddie may as well be a god up on that stage as he smiles out to the crowd while Jeff introduces the next song.

He thinks their eyes meet briefly. Steve can feel the electricity pumping through them both as he looks up at Eddie. It's everything and not enough all at once. And he thinks Eddie feels too if the slight shudder he has means anything. 

The set is over all too soon. Eddie mentioned it'd be shorter than their usual gigs since they're only opening. Steve had said he didn't mind at the time, but now he never wants to leave this moment. 

Eddie snatches the mic close to him as he practically growls out, "Thank you so much for being a great crowd! We are Corroded Coffin and you better believe you're going to see us again!" He punctuates it with a quick riff as Gareth drums along like they're punching their message in. 

As his friends start to talk over themselves, Steve can't help but watch Eddie and the band pack their things up. They're moving quickly, in practice motions that kind of remind Steve of his closing duties with Robin, where they don't have to say a word because they're so in sync with one another. 

"Holy shit," Steve says the second Eddie dips behind the curtain. He's still staring at the stage, stuck in place as his brain tries to catch up to the real world. "Holy shit." 

Distantly, he hears Robin scream something akin to "I know!" as she grabs his arms, shaking him a little. 

"Holy shit," Steve says again. 

He's so overwhelmed, consumed by the adrenaline of the performance and the thrill of seeing Eddie truly be himself for all to see, for all to love. 

But no one on this goddamn planet loves Eddie Munson more than Steve does. 

"I have to tell him I love him," Steve says, kind of to himself, kind of to Robin. 

He pulls his eyes away from the stage and sees her pale expression, the guarded, haunted look in her eye. She says his name, but he doesn't care. 

Tears are building up in his own eyes and Steve can't bear to wait a second longer. At this moment, there's no greater need than telling Eddie just how much he loves him. "I can't take it anymore," he says, shaking so hard he's not even sure he's in his own body anymore. "I have to tell him." 

It's Nancy that brings him back to Earth of all people. 

"You love Eddie?" Her voice is so quiet among the dull roar of the crowd it barely pierces the barrier of his ear plugs. 

Steve snaps back into himself as he stares at her in horror. He knows his face must mirror Robin's as he takes in Jonathan and Argyle's surprised expressions and Nancy's very careful one. 

A part of Steve tells him to deny it. To say she misheard him and run away. But a bigger part makes him feel brave. He never, ever wants to deny his feelings for Eddie, not when they feel so profound that he's not sure anyone has ever felt a love this intense. 

He crosses his arms, puffs out his chest, and musters up all the courage he can as he matches her gaze. "I do." 

"That's..." Nancy takes a deep breath and offers him a coy smile. "That's really great, Steve." 

Steve narrows his eyes as he carefully tucks Robin behind his shoulder. "You don't have a problem with that?" 

"Yeah," Jonathan says, setting down his beer. "You don't have a problem with Steve being gay?" 

He has to stomp the urge to correct him down as he waits for Nancy's response. Robin's grip on his belt loop is enough to ground him, keep him focused. 

Nancy shakes her head, her teased bob bouncing with the motion. "Not at all. I think... I think it's really sweet. And really brave." 

"Oh." 

Jonathan nods before he reaches over the table to clap a hand on Steve's shoulder. "It's really brave, man. Good for you." 

"You should tell him," Argyle agrees. "It'll cleanse the soul if you tell him how you really feel." 

"He knows," Steve says, dropping his arms so he can take Robin's hand in his. "We've, uh, been together for a few months now." 

"Wait what?" Nancy gasps, leaning forward. "Since when?" 

"Before or after their breakup?" Robin asks as she leans against Steve's arm. 

"I'm going to need the whole story," Nancy says, crossing her arms. 

"All you need to know," Steve says, "is we were together for a few months before my folks died and got back together over spring break--" 

"Wait, wait, wait," Jonathan says with a laugh. "While you guys were saving the world and traveling through the upside down, you were rekindling your romance with Eddie fucking Munson?" 

Steve knows his face must be bright red and his smile may be too cocky for this conversation, but he can't help it. "Basically." 

Argyle nods along as Jonathan laughs, head thrown back like it's the funniest thing in the world. "Right on, man!" he says. 

"Is... Is that why he was so upset with me?" Nancy asks. 

"Partially," Robin says. 

Nancy nods, like she's finally putting the pieces of a puzzle together she didn't even know existed until three minutes ago.

They don't get to say anything else before Eddie and his friends are jogging down the steps from backstage and into the crowd. Eddie makes a beeline for their table, practically beaming brighter than one of the stage lights. He's dripping in sweat and vibrating with adrenaline, but he hasn't looked this peaceful without a joint or an orgasm to ease his body. It suits him. "What's the verdict?" Eddie asks, clapping his hands together. His eyes never leave Steve's. 

"You absolutely killed it," Steve says, biting at his smile. He hates how public this place is, otherwise he'd take advantage of their dark corner and kiss him with all his might. 

He can't though, not with Eddie's friends joining theirs. "You guys did a great," Steve says. 

Eddie winks at him, causing Steve's hearing to go to static as his brain goes offline for a moment. It's enough that he misses a few pieces of the conversation. "So," Eddie says when he weasels his way between Robin and Nancy to get closer to Steve. He wouldn't dare trying to get between Robin and Steve; smart man. "Will you come again?" 

"Try and stop me," Steve says. 

"Now why would I do that?" 

"Oh my god, it was so obvious," Nancy whispers once Jonathan and Argyle have successfully gathered the Corroded Coffin boys into a conversation about their setlist. 

Eddie steps back, eyes narrowed. "What now?" 

Steve clears his throat and rubs at his neck. "I, uh, may have spilled our secret," he mumbles. 

"To be fair, I think he was in a trance when he blurted it out," Robin says as she pokes Eddie's side. "You really did a number on him." 

Eddie's grin is damn near predatory as he looks over at him. "Yeah?" 

"Oh yeah," Steve says. He leans over so he can whisper in Eddie's ear. "I want an encore when we get home. Then I can show you just what you do to me."  

"Fuck," Eddie curses in his ear, pushing him away. "You're a threat to society, Stevie." 

Steve laughs as he lets himself fall back into his place. 

Robin relinquishes her place so she can be beside Nancy and Eddie can be by Steve. She thinks she's slick, but Steve knows she has ulterior motives. You won't see him complaining though. 

Eddie takes a sip of Steve's forgotten beer. "It went well, I'm assuming?" 

"Better than I thought," Steve says, leaning in closer to hear Eddie as the music starts up again. "I thought Jonathan was going to go into attack mode when Nancy started questioning it." 

"What'd you even say?" 

Steve shakes his head. "That's not important." 

Eddie raises an eyebrow. "It's not? But it was important enough to say and tell our close friends we're together without discussing it?" 

Fuck. He's messing this up isn't he? 

"That's not," Steve stops with a sigh. "Can we talk about it later?" 

"No need," Eddie says, teeth digging into his bottom lip. He's looking anywhere but at Steve. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea--" 

"Hey, whoa," Steve says, grabbing Eddie's arm before he can pull away. "What's that supposed to mean?" 

Eddie crosses his arms. "I don't want to deal with this right now. I have to get my shit and I want to watch the show."

"Eddie," Steve tries but the band really kicks it into gear and now Steve can't even hear himself over the music. How the hell did things take a turn that quickly? 

The rest of their friends are having the time of their lives as they jump to the music. Even Eddie gets into it, but Steve can't look away from the table. He replays the conversation over and over again, starting from when he said those words to the group to the second Eddie pulled away from him. 

When the main band ends their set and the bar turns into a club, the Corroded boys head backstage and the rest of Steve's friends find their way outside, tugging Steve along. The fresh air is a shock to his system, but Steve's just glad to pluck the earplugs out. It's alarming how quick the change is, but it only lasts a second before Jonathan's offering him a cigarette. "We've got something stronger, too. If you want." 

Steve shakes his head. "I'm driving," he says but he takes the cigarette anyway. "Gotta light?" He pats his pockets, but he only finds his keys. In fact, just grazing that little D20 in his pocket is enough for Steve's eyes to start watering. Holy shit he's about to cry. 

Jonathan hands him a lighter even as his easy going smile shifts into concern. "Are you okay?" They're not close. Never have been, probably never will be. But they're connected by something bigger, scarier, and that trumps any petty feelings they may have against one another. Still, seeing Jonathan worry about him, openly caring, will never not be weird. He doesn't deserve it normally, but especially right now when all he can think of is how he just told some of his closest friends he and Eddie are queers. How could he do this to Eddie? When he was so adamant that he'd never share that secret without Eddie's explicit permission? Or anyone's for that matter. It's not fair and here he is ruining their night out, dampening the experience of seeing Eddie truly leave his heart on the stage. 

Oh god, he doesn't deserve to love Eddie. Eddie deserves better. How could he be so careless? 

Steve nods tightly as he takes a long drag, trapping the welcomed smoke in his lungs. He knows his hands are shaking, that the cigarette between his lips and fingers is only making it more obvious as it bounces with his motions. It's not believable, even to himself, but he can't tell them the truth. That while he and Eddie have mentioned telling everyone, it wasn't supposed to happen yet. They weren't on the same page. That Steve's a fucking monster--

Robin's hand is on his back, rubbing wide circles between his shoulder blades. "Hey, you with me?" 

"Yeah," Steve says, voice wobbling, as the smoke pours from his lips. He must really be freaking Robin out if she's not going to scold him for smoking. She's been demanding he quit since Scoops and here she is tolerating being within a foot of him as he actively smokes. He doesn't deserve her either. 

How could he be so stupid? 

Steve takes another drag before the smoke fully leaves his lips. He keeps the cigarette there but lowers his hands to shove them in his pockets. Anything to hide how freaked he really is, even if it's a lost cause. 

Time is measured by how many cigarettes Steve can chainsmoke before Eddie walks back out. It's three. The band head straight for the van, lugging their equipment as they talk amongst themselves. Jonathan and Argyle jump in to help them and Steve knows he should too, at least offer to take Eddie's guitar case, but he's frozen beside Robin. 

She isn't paying him any mind. She must realize he can't handle being perceived by her right now, for her to see into his soul and see the horrid person inside, because she keeps a hand on his waist but continues talking to Nancy about something. He doesn't know. For once, he welcomes how easy it is to give into the uneven silence. 

Eddie eventually makes his way back over to them, with Jonathan and Argyle trailing after him after they've said goodbye to the band. Steve should say goodbye. He should compliment them on an amazing performance. And yet. 

"Stevie?" Eddie asks as he steps into his space. 

Steve feels the cigarette stick to his lip at his eyes snap up to Eddie's. His chest is too tight to speak. 

Apparently he doesn't have to, not with Eddie taking his hand and guiding him away from their friends. "Are you okay?" he whispers once they're tucked away in the dark behind the bar. 

Steve shrugs. He wishes it was their bar. Then he'd be more comfortable kissing Eddie, ignoring his feelings and leaning into the physical. It's what he should do, but he doesn't. "I'm sorry," he whispers, finally pulling the cigarette from between his lips. "I fucked up tonight and that's not fair to you. I didn't mean to say anything, it just--" He shakes his head. "There's no excuse and I'm really sorry, Eddie." 

There’s a long pause where all Eddie does is look at Steve like he’s some kind of bug under a magnifying glass. Then something passes over Eddie’s face, from closed off to almost fond. That can’t be right. Nimble fingers brush the fringe off Steve's forehead. He hums. "You sure do look good tonight," Eddie murmurs, letting his fingers sink into Steve's hair. 

"What?" 

"Oh, you think I wouldn't notice?" Eddie chuckles darkly as he leans in to nose along Steve's jaw until his lips brush against his right ear. "Baby, I haven't been able to notice anything but you since I saw you from that stage. Standing there looking like sin while I acted a fool on stage--" 

"No, not a fool," Steve says as he drops the cigarette down to the rocky ground. "You were so fucking hot, Eds," he whispers, wrapping his arms around Eddie's neck. "So hot that I couldn't think straight. Got so lost in you that I blurted it out, couldn't help myself." 

Before Eddie can say anything else, Steve glances around at the empty parking lot, makes sure they're well hidden, before he lets his lips enclose on Eddie's. God, he missed this. It's only been a few hours and Steve can't help but crave more. He fucking whimpers as he pulls Eddie closer, lets their instincts take the lead and quickly rides the rush of passion between them. 

Eddie's hands on Steve's hips tighten when he pulls away. "Why won't you tell me what you said?" he gasps, voice so deep it rumbles through Steve's chest where they're pressed against one another. 

Steve pulls away so he can look at Eddie. He doesn't have to say anything. Eddie just knows. Steve watches as the realization hits, as his eyes soften and tear up. There's a window between Eddie closing up, distancing himself from Steve and being completely honest with him and Steve doesn't have a lot of time to react before that window closes. "Eddie, I want to tell you," he says, "but I don't want to be coerced or-- or--" Steve shakes his head. 

"So everyone else can hear it and you can only tell me when you don't even know you're conscious, but I don't get to hear it?" Eddie's voice is all broken and sad, but the window is wide open so Steve takes that as a win. 

Steve presses his forehead against Eddie's. "I'm so sorry, Eddie. I'm trying. I really am." 

Eddie sighs, but leans into the touch. It should hurt, but Steve will accept anything from Eddie at this point, as dangerous as that may be. "I know," he breathes out. "It hurts, baby. Hurts so goddamn much that you can't say it back even though I know you feel it too." 

"I'm trying," Steve repeats, his voice cracking. "You know I am." 

"I know, baby, I know," Eddie whispers. His lips brush along Steve's cheeks. "We're in this position because of me and... And I accept that. I just... I just wish it was different." 

Steve clings to him a little tighter. "I don't want different," he mumbles. "If things went differently, you... What if I said it when I first realized it and you ran? What if I said it when you were dying and that was- that was goodbye?" Steve sniffles as he squeezes his eyes shut. The taste of iron contradicts with how warm and wonderful Eddie feels against him. He's not sure if he's biting his lip hard enough to bleed or if it's just a phantom sensation from the worst night in Steve's life. Either way, he presses his nose against the side of Eddie's head and takes a deep, shuddering breath to inhale Eddie's aftershave, sweat, and the lingering cigarette smoke that clings to them both. It stabilizes something in his chest, especially when Eddie holds him just as tight. 

"I know you've waited a long time, Eds," Steve whispers in Eddie's ear. "That's why I want to do this right. I'm not just going to say it after you say it. I'm making a conscious effort to pick the right moment to say it to you. It's the least that you deserve to hear those words in a moment that means something--" 

"I don't need it to be in some big, grand moment, Steve," Eddie whimpers. "I just want you to say it back." 

"And I will," Steve says. "I'm going to say it. I promise you that I am going to say it sooner than later. I just... I need to do this for both of us in a way that feels right to me. Okay?" 

Eddie sighs but nods. "You're right," he whispers as he presses a gentle kiss to Steve's cheek. "Take your time. I think I'm just..." 

"Yeah," Steve says. "Me too." The urge to wrap his limbs around Eddie and disappear into his embrace is a little too strong for their current surroundings, so Steve takes the initiative to pull away. "You really were amazing Eddie. Better than I ever could have imagined," Steve says as he lets his hands glide down Eddie's chest, the fabric of his shirt damp with sweat and the skin that peeks out from the holes clammy and warm to the touch. He wants to lick it. "I think Robin thought I was two seconds from throwing myself on stage." 

That gets a real laugh out of Eddie. "Yeah?" 

Steve nods, biting his lip. "That or I was going to whore myself out as your first groupie." 

"Is that still on the table?" 

"You better believe it is," Steve tugs at the chains a little. "You got me all worked up, Eds. Unlike you, I haven't had an outlet today to release some of this pent up tension. Think I gotta take it out on you." 

Eddie bites back a moan as he nods. "Yeah, yeah, okay. I like the sound of that." 

"We have to go home to make it happen, though," Steve says.  He glances over to the others, who are all lost in conversation still. Robin meets his eye for a second, blushing as she turns away. Yeah. They need to leave sooner than later before they get arrested for indecent exposure. Steve pushes Eddie away and takes a step back so they can start the slow walk back over to their friends. "Are you mad at me?" 

Eddie shakes his head as he fishes a cigarette out of his pockets. "I think it was everything happening all at once. Just easier to take it out on you. I'm sorry," he says. 

Steve bumps his shoulder. "Like I don't bite your head off the second I get home from a bad shift. It happens." He waits until Eddie's lit the cigarette and taken a long drag before he asks his next question. "Will you tell me what you were feeling? So I can know for next time?" 

"It happens after every performance," Eddie says as he passes the cigarette over. He takes it gratefully, if only to wrap his lips the same way Eddie's were seconds ago. "I'm all nerves before we go on, it's like I'm high while we're up there and everything is intense, and then it all comes crashing down the second I get off stage. I think you being here and then finding out everyone knows--" 

"It was too much," Steve says around the cigarette. 

Eddie nods and takes the cigarette back, fingers brushing against Steve's lips as he plucks it out of Steve's mouth. "Yeah. Guess so." 

Steve can understand that. "It's like when the sounds are too much and the lights are too bright on migraine days. Hard to process everything." 

"Sort of, yeah."

"Okay," Steve says, a little pep in his step as he all but skips ahead a little. "I can work with that." 

Eddie raises an eyebrow as he lets the smoke out through his nose. 

Steve just grins. "Next time, I'll be prepared for your post show blues and we'll have a better time. Promise." 

"Next time?" 

"What? Did you think you could just show me one performance and I wasn't going to bully my way into every show?" Steve laughs as he takes the cigarette back. He winks at him as he sucks in the smoke, then offers it again. "You're stuck with me, Munson," he says. 

Eddie's smile turns from confused, but happy to mischievous and a little lovesick. "I think I can live with that, Harrington." 

"You guys okay?" Nancy asks, arms wrapped tight around herself. 

"Better than ever," Steve says, moving to drape his arm around Eddie's shoulder.

Eddie blushes a little as he puts out the cigarette and blows the last of his smoke away from the group, over his shoulder. "Thank you guys for coming," he says shyly. 

"Thank you for inviting us, man," Argyle says. "When's your next one?" 

Eddie scratches his head and leans into Steve. "Think next week? Not sure." 

Argyle nods along as Nancy all but cheers, "We'll be there!" 

"You will?" 

Robin cuffs his shoulder as she laughs. "You think you can get rid of us now? You're fucking my soulmate, Munson. We're practically sister wives now. Of course we want to go to your next one." 

Steve wrinkles his nose. "Please never call you and Eddie sister wives ever again." 

Eddie scoffs. "Agreed. If anything, you'd make a better husband than I would. I've got trophy wife written all over me," he says with a wink. 

“Oh my god,” Steve laughs, dropping his head to rest on Eddie’s shoulder. “I hate you so much.” 

“Fuck off, you love me,” Eddie says, shaking with laughter. 

Yeah. He really does. 

Steve paces the living room, one hand wrapped around his middle and the other covering his mouth. Eddie and the rest of the Hellfire group will be here any minute. It’s the first official meeting of the new Hellfire, with Will as the Dungeon Master and Erica as their president, and Steve’s hosting. He’s gone all out, making sure there was plenty of pizza, that all the drinks were cool, and everyone had something they liked to snack on, including the other members of Corroded Coffin. 

And, of course, there’s the brand new basement that Steve, Will, and Hopper had spent hours working on. It was finally finished, much to Will’s delight. Steve wasn’t sure he was ready to be done with the project, but it’d been weeks and soon school would start back up. It was now or never, in a way. 

“You’re making me anxious, kid,” Hopper says from his seat on the recliner. A recliner they’d bought specifically for Hopper or Wayne. It felt right, the missing piece to the growing living room. 

“What if I overstepped?” Steve asks, turning on his heel to face the man. 

Hopper shakes his head. “He loves you,” he says softly. “You already basically live together and this is for the kids as much as it is for him.” He stands up with a soft grunt and claps both hands on Steve’s shoulders. “He’s going to love it. Just breathe before you pass out on me.” 

Steve nods, but he’s not convinced. This is a big deal. He’s inviting Eddie’s friends over to their house. Or at least, what will be their house once they officially come out to the rest of their friends. They just need to get passed this, for Steve to hold out the olive branch and build that relationship with them so Eddie feels comfortable to tell them. Either way, he tries to even his breathing. The last thing he needs is Eddie to usher everyone in to find Steve knocked out on the floor. 

Will hugs his notes to his chest from where he’s hovering near the basement door. There’s a sheet over it, hiding Hopper’s work that led to Will’s masterpiece. He looks like he’s about to vibrate out of existence with his excitement, only getting worse as his face lights up. “Is that Eddie’s van?” 

Steve turns to peek out the window as the rumblings of the van hit his good ear and, sure enough, Eddie’s pulling up to the house. All of the kids are tumbling out, including his own, while Gareth and company pull up behind Hopper’s truck on the street. 

Fuck. Here goes nothing. 

“It’s too late to cancel, right?” Steve asks, glancing over at Hopper. 

He gives a tight nod, but his eyes are bright like he’s trying really hard not to laugh at Steve. Fair enough. Steve supposes he’d be laughing too. 

Dustin all but slams the front door open, letting it bounce against the door stopper as he strides in. He at least pauses to take his shoes off before stomping all over Steve’s carpet before he tackles Steve in a bear hug. “Do we get to know the surprise now?” 

Steve plants a hand on Dustin’s hat and shakes a little as if he were ruffling his hair. “Soon. Let everyone else come in first.” 

The rest of the kids walk in, talking amongst themselves and barely acknowledging Steve and Hopper as they head for the snacks, sans shoes. The Corroded Coffin guys look a little nervous to be standing in Steve Harrington’s entryway, but Steve hopes today will be the peace offering they need to finally leave the past behind them.

Eddie throws an arm over his shoulders, eyebrow raised as he nonchalantly leans into Steve. “Everything okay, big boy?” he whisper sings in Steve’s right ear.  

“Yeah,” Steve squeaks, shoving his hands into his pockets to keep from wringing them. Last thing he needed was to rub his skin raw. “It’s a big day.” 

“Is it?” Eddie asks, brow furrowing. “What’s happening today?” 

Steve doesn’t get a chance to answer before Mike all but slams his books onto the small kitchen table. “Where are we playing at?” he calls to Steve, face in a somewhat sneer. It’s Mike, that’s just his default. 

Will’s basically jumping in place as he looks between Steve and Hopper. “Is it time?” 

Hopper crosses his arms and looks to Steve and Eddie. “Well, son? Is it?” 

Steve’s frozen for a good minute as the word ‘son’ punches him in the gut. He takes a deep breath, blinks the tears out of his eyes that he didn’t give permission to gather, and nods. Steve clears his throat as he shrugs Eddie’s arm off so he can face him. “Eds, you know how I said I had plans for the basement?” 

Eddie’s eyes narrow. “Yeah. I remember.” It ended up in a minor fight. Eddie had been persistent, saying Steve was icing him out when he was under the impression that they’d be moving in together eventually when the day came that they were finally ready to come out. Which was now up to Eddie. It was a sore subject these past few weeks while Steve did his best to keep the secret and remind Eddie they were on his timeline and Eddie made it clear that secrets weren’t great for a relationship. Steve’s trying to not take it personally. 

“Right,” Steve says, “well, it’s done.” 

His eyebrows disappear beneath his bangs. “Oh.” 

“I, um,” Steve rubs at his neck, “it’s kind of for you.” 

Eddie’s face softens, cheeks tinging pink. “What?” 

“I wanted there to be a space for you here,” Steve says. “Max has her room and I pretty much decorated the rest of the house, not that it’s got much of a personality, but–” 

“Steve,” Eddie warns. He doesn’t even have to finish his thought, he knows it so well. Eddie continues anyway. “The house has a personality, Steve. You’ve made it a very warm and welcoming place without making anyone feel alienated. I love seeing pieces of you everywhere I look,” he says quietly. 

Steve wrinkles his nose, torn between breaking out the biggest lovesick grin and letting the anxiety of the moment take over. Fuck. He really loves this man. “That’s… Fuck, Eddie,” Steve softly curses as he glances around the room. Only Hopper and Will were paying them any attention at this point. Even Mike, who was supposed to be waiting for an answer, was too busy piling food onto a paper plate to watch Steve talk to Eddie. 

He clears his throat again and stands up straighter. “I wanted you to have your space, right? So I thought the basement would be a good place. If you don’t like it, then we’ll fix it and, like, adjustments can still be made if I got something wrong but Will made sure I didn’t do anything inaccurate.” 

Eddie’s eyes dart over to Will as he hovers near the sheet covered door. “Okay?” 

“So…” Steve lets out a breath. “I guess, I can show you now?” 

“After you, princess,” Eddie says gently, but Steve can see he’s a bit guarded all of a sudden. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea to show him with everyone else. Maybe they should have done it privately. 

Fuck. Steve feels his stomach drop. Way to go, Harrington. You’re going to make a fool of yourself and Eddie in front of everyone. So smooth. 

“You got this kid,” Hopper whispers as he pats him on the shoulder when he passes. 

Steve gives him a tight smile and a little nod as he joins Will by the basement door. “Would you like to do the honors?” he asks Will. 

“Yes!” Will squeals. He clears his throat and takes a step forward. “Friends,” he says dramatically in a way that’s all his own, unlike the dramatics the others have adopted from Eddie, “gather ‘round. As the newly appointed dungeon master of the Hellfire Club, I would like to show you our new meeting space.” 

Erica crosses her arms and cocks her hip to the side. “I didn’t approve of this.” 

Will blushes. “As long as our president approves, of course,” he amends. 

She nods, then motions for Will to continue. 

He looks up at Steve, beaming. “Can you hold this?” 

Steve takes his books and steps aside, glancing at Eddie. He’s leaning against Gareth, a crease in his brow still. Steve just wants to smooth it down, take him upstairs and pretend like he never had this idea in the first place. 

Will gives Lucas, Dustin, and Mike a look who automatically starts doing a drumroll on the counters. As it comes to a peak, Will snatches the sheet off the door for all to see. 

Before, the door was a simple white that matched the rest of the house, but Hopper had replaced it. Now, it was a distressed wooden door, with iron looking plates and bolts to give it a medieval feel. There was a plaque in the center of the top of the door with the club’s name painted by Will. There’s even a metal knocker in the very center, just above the door handle. 

“Holy shit,” Dustin gasps. 

Steve can’t take his eyes off Eddie, though. His expression doesn’t change, which only makes Steve’s heart race. He feels lightheaded. This was a horrible idea. Fuck. He holds the books a little tighter to his chest. 

That’s of course when Will takes the books back and Steve’s left without something to hold onto. He wants to put his hands back in his pockets, but he can’t. “Right, um, follow me?” he says, looking at Eddie as if no one else existed. At this moment, they may as well have been alone. 

Eddie pushes his way to the front just as Steve opens the door. “How did you do you…?” 

“Hopper,” Steve says. He wants to take Eddie’s hand, to drag him down and show him the rest, but he resists. Instead, he reaches in and hits the light. With that, Steve guides everyone into the basement. 

The walls are painted to look like stone. It’s the first thing any of them notice as they walk down the creaking stairs. That’s the only thing they didn’t fix down here, since Will thought it fit the mood of the room. They’d attached little lights that go down the stairs as well, disguising them to look like torches as you walk down the steps. 

Steve moves quickly into the room so he can watch everyone come down. The kids are practically cheering with excitement as they pour into the room and Eddie’s friends look just as thrilled, only they’re trying to play it cool. Max is leaning against Jane and Hopper, arms crossed as Jane whispers to her, no doubt explaining what the room looks like with Hopper’s help. 

He only cares about Eddie. 

Eddie is frozen at the base of the stairs, eyes wide as they take it all in. There’s a lot, so Steve tries not to take it personally that he doesn’t instantly know what Eddie thinks. He looks around, trying to see it all for the first time like Eddie is. 

With the fake stone walls that took forever to paint, and the torches throughout the room, it’s the other details that really add to everything. There’s a big, heavy, round table with matching chairs that Hopper and Steve had made together. At the head of the table is a throne that Steve painted silver and upholstered with this red fabric Joyce helped him find. It’s all a little unpolished, obviously handmade, but Will says that adds to the charm of the theme so Steve trusted his instinct. And it was fun to make, to spend that time with Hopper and really learn something that could be useful later on.

Will really went above and beyond, though. On one wall there’s a portrait of each of the Hellfire Club’s Dungeons & Dragons characters in similar, but not matching silver, ornate frames. They’re hung on the wall in a collage, with room to add more. The wall opposite, there are a few even bigger frames with scenes Will had painted of the party from their more memorable campaigns. Steve’s favorite is the one of everyone at a pub, with Eddie’s character standing on a table as he tells them all a story to raised pints and smiling faces. There are a few bookcases in between each painting, too, to display all their figurines and books. It’s mostly empty for now, but Steve doesn’t think it’ll take too long for the club to fill the spaces. 

“Steve,” Eddie says, voice tight. He’s still looking around, barely really entering the room. 

“It’s too much, isn’t it?” Steve says. He starts walking around too, as Will starts setting up the little stereo system they have hidden beneath the stairs. It crackles to life with the mixtape Dustin had made for D&D a few weeks ago. 

“There’s, uh, more,” Steve says as he heads to the wall perpendicular to the stairs. It’s not a wall, per say, just floor length red curtains. He draws them back, revealing another space with a new amp and plenty of floor space. Eddie’s coffin guitar case was leaning against the corner, his Sweetheart hanging on the wall already, with its own spotlight highlighting it. “I, uh, figured this could be a good place to practice?” 

Steve runs a hand through his hair. “And this is just the laundry room and a bit of storage,” he says as he motions to the other side of the curtained area. He shifts from side to side. “What do you think?” 

He hears Dustin and Lucas singing their praises, pointing out all the cool details they added. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Jeff whispering to Eric. Even Erica seems impressed with the room if her wide-eyed, slack jawed expression is anything to go by. 

It doesn’t matter. Not when Eddie looks like he’s about to be sick. 

“I can, um, undo it?” Steve offers when Eddie just stares at him. 

“No!” Dustin cries. “You can’t do that!” 

Eddie shakes his head, blinking hard. He takes a small step forward so Steve does the same. “You, uh, did this all for…” 

Steve nods, finally putting his hands back in his pockets. He knows he’s blushing, knows everyone is probably watching. When Eddie finally meets his eyes, it doesn’t matter. All Steve can say is, “Of course.” 

It’s like those two words unlocked something in Eddie, for them.

Eddie does one more slow spin, taking the room in. Then, he looks at Steve, teary eyed and a face set in determination. When he walks forward, it’s with a purpose and Steve’s heart swells when he sees that familiar glimmer in Eddie’s eyes. 

He’s going to kiss him. In a room filled with his friends, their friends, Eddie is going to kiss him. 

There’s barely time to process before Eddie’s grabbing his face with both hands and bringing him in for a surprisingly gentle kiss. He can hear Mike’s indignant scream and Dustin fake gagging in the background. It doesn’t fucking matter. Not when Eddie’s lips are so soft and he can feel his chest ease a little as the nerves melt away. 

Hopper clears his throat. “There are kids present, Munson.” 

Eddie takes one hand off Steve’s face. His eyes may be closed, but Steve just knows Eddie’s flipping him off. It makes him giggle, enough so that he has to pull away to try and catch his breath. 

That doesn’t stop Eddie from kissing all over his face dramatically, sweetly even. “I fucking love you, Steve Harrington,” he whispers before pressing another kiss to his lips. “How are you even real?” Eddie pauses then, as if he’s realizing what he just did. “Oh shit,” he whispers.

“It was your call,” Steve whispers. “I’m good.” And he’s surprised to realize he means it. Sure, Eddie’s friends knowing is a little concerning, but it’s about time the other kids knew. “Do you… Do you like it?” 

“I love it, baby,” Eddie says as he brushes Steve’s hair back. “I can’t believe you would do this for me.” 

Steve’s grip tightens on Eddie’s waist. “I told you. I want this place to feel like it’s yours, too. We tried to leave it a little unfinished so you can add more to it, make it really yours. And I thought, maybe we could add another chair or couch to make it more comfortable to just hang out down here. I just couldn’t find a couch that was Will-approved and I couldn’t make you wait any longer.”

Eddie’s hands fall from Steve’s face to his shoulders, then slide down to his hands. He squeezes them, then drops his left one to hold his right firmly in his. Eddie turns to face their audience, that guarded expression back on his face. “What?”

Gareth crosses his arms, narrowing his eyes at them. 

Steve shifts a little in front of Eddie. Maybe it’s his protective instinct, maybe he’s trying to put on some kind of front. It doesn’t matter because he doesn’t get the chance to say anything. 

Hopper takes a step forward and puts a hand on both Gareth and Jeff’s shoulders. “We don’t have a problem, right, boys?” 

“No,” Jeff says, shaking his head. He looks back at Hopper, then at Eddie. “We’re good.” 

Gareth nods, shoulders loosening. “This makes so much more sense. I should have known something was up when you just stopped talking about Steve suddenly.” 

Steve raises an eyebrow. “What?” 

Eric snorts. “Eddie used to go on and on about you–” 

“Okay!” Eddie says, stepping in front of Steve. “What happened to the golden rule?” 

“The golden rule applies to what’s said, not the things we do–” Jeff starts. 

Eddie does some motion Steve can’t see, but his focus is pulled away as Lucas wraps his arms around Steve’s torso. 

“I’m happy for you,” Lucas says. 

Steve lets go of Eddie’s hand to return the hug, blinking back tears of his own. “Uh, thanks man.” 

“I should have known,” Erica says as she takes a seat at the table. She leans back with an air of authority, like she owns the place and knows all of their secrets. Which… He wouldn’t be surprised by the latter, honestly. 

Mike looks like he’s going to be sick as he starts setting up their game. “Congrats, I guess,” he says, though. 

Steve rolls his eyes, but loosens his grip on Eddie’s hand. “Thanks.” 

Eddie wraps his arms around Steve’s waist and tucks his chin on his right shoulder. “Where’d you even think to do this?” 

“Dungeons are like basements right?” He carefully shrugs so he doesn’t jostle Eddie. “Wasn’t exactly difficult to make the connection.” 

“You’re a dork,” Eddie laughs, kissing Steve’s shoulder. “I love you, though. You sentimental, beautiful man.” 

Steve knows his face is as red as the curtains. “I’m just glad you like it.” 

“So am I,” Hopper says as he starts for the stairs. “Now Steve can stop stress calling me at work–” 

“I called once–”  

“A day!”

Steve huffs as he crosses his arms, avoiding any eyes as the kids start to laugh at him. 

Will takes the helm at the throne and starts getting his set up ready. “Are we playing or what?” 

Eddie squeezes Steve once before he peels himself off. “I’ll give you a proper thank you later,” he whispers in Steve’s ear as he moves to take a seat at the table. 

“Oh, I’m looking forward to it,” Steve says. 

With that, he wishes Hellfire good luck on his quest and heads up to watch a baseball game they taped the other day with Hopper. 

Later on, when they take a break and Hopper pauses the game so Jane can try to explain their quest, Steve finds himself making sure everyone has plenty of snacks. He’s pulling out can after can of various drinks when Gareth walks in, face shadowed by his furrowed brows and determined scowl. “Harrington,” he says, stopping directly in front of Steve. 

Steve sets down the drinks on the counter and wipes off his hands on a nearby towel. “Gareth,” he says. He’s not doing the last name thing with him. It’s too hostile, there’s no camaraderie or friendliness if they say it to one another, not like Eddie and he had built over the months. 

“I’ve been trying to figure out where Eddie’s been sneaking off to all the time for a while now,” he says in an even, hushed tone. “Somehow he seems happier than ever, even if there’s something going on. And I know whatever the fuck happened on spring break has fucked him up in ways I will never know, but you must have been whatever kept him going.” 

“He does the same for me,” Steve says. 

Gareth nods as he absorbs that information. “Right. Well. I was going to come in here and threaten you if you ever made him feel anything other than pure bliss, but… If you put even a portion of the effort you used to make that room for him into how you treat him, then I think he’s in good hands,” Gareth says, giving Steve the first true warm smile he’s ever seen grace the guy’s face. 

“I’m not perfect, but I can’t live without him and I’ll do whatever is necessary to make sure he knows how much I care about him,” Steve says. “You have my word that if that ever changes, you can totally kick my ass.” He offers his hand. 

“And we won’t hesitate,” Gareth says with a laugh, but he takes Steve’s hand. “Look, we’re getting together on the 24th to celebrate Eddie’s birthday. We’d get together on Friday, but I may have another gig lined up so we’re thinking of doing it that Thursday instead.” 

Steve winces. “Right, um, can we do Saturday instead? I kind of have something planned for Thursday.” 

Gareth raises an eyebrow.

“You can’t tell him,” Steve says as he takes a step closer so he can whisper, “but there’s a Metallica and Ozzy Osborne concert in Cincinnati that I scored tickets to–” 

“Oh, dude, you just made his life,” Gareth gasps. “I’m a little jealous I didn’t think of that. Holy shit!” 

Steve beams. “Otherwise I’d say yes,” he says sheepishly. 

“Yeah, no kidding,” Gareth says, a little awestruck.

“If anyone deserves it, it’s him,” Steve says earnestly. 

Gareth’s smile brightens. “Hell yeah he does. You know, you just might be alright, King Steve.” 

Steve winces, rubbing at his neck as he turns back to the sodas. He picks them up and cradles them in his arms before he looks back at Gareth. “I’m not him anymore, but I am sorry for anything that I may have done, directly or indirectly to you and your friends. And I’ll say as much to them, too. I… There’s no excuse for that kind of behavior and I was a real dick back then. But I promise you I’m not him.” 

“I don’t think I would have believed you before today,” Gareth says honestly. He reaches out and takes a few of the cans from Steve’s arms so he can carry them more comfortably. “We’re good though. You’re one of us whether you like it or not.” 

He feels like his heart may actually combust. “I’d really like that.” 

Eddie's birthday blew by. It was nothing but partying and fun the entire week. It started Tuesday, on Eddie’s actual birthday, with a lovely dinner with Wayne and Max as Steve hosted the first of many dinners in the new house. They gave Eddie his presents and Max had helped Steve make and decorate a cake. It was leaning over, with sloppy icing falling off from where the cake hadn't cooled before they got started, but Eddie adored it nonetheless. Took a picture of it and everything. Steve wouldn't give him the tickets yet, but he did give him a few new records and a new mixtape. "I figured you needed a new one," Steve says when Eddie gives him the cheesiest smile. 

"I can't wait to blare this in the van and gross out all the kids with our love," Eddie says dramatically as he all but swoons out of his chair. 

Wayne only shook his head before he passed along his present: a new set of Scooby Doo mugs. "'Bout time you started your own collection, right?" 

Eddie nodded as he held the Shaggy mug close to his chest. "Thank you." 

"Love you, son," Wayne said as he reached over to pat Eddie's arm. 

Max, ever the angsty teenager, made a big deal about how she didn't have him anything, until she finally relented and pulled out a small gift. "It's not much," she said. 

Eddie scoffed as he ripped into the newspaper she'd wrapped it in. Inside was a new copy of some book Steve didn't recognize. "Max," he whispered. 

She shrugged, looking past them all. "Lucas said you dropped your other copy in a puddle." 

"Thank you," Eddie said before he stood and scooped her up into his arms. He sways a little, squeezing her tight, before plopping a kiss to her temple. "Really, thank you." 

On Wednesday, Will prepared a special birthday one-shot for Eddie during their Hellfire meeting. All the kids brought their own presents and Joyce dropped off a cake so they could all celebrate again, which Eddie didn't really know how to accept. "One birthday dinner, sure, but two?" Eddie had whispered when Joyce started cutting the cake and serving everyone after a very loud, off-key rendition of the Happy Birthday song. 

Steve just kissed his cheek. "Get used to it, baby. We have to show you how much we love you, yeah?" 

That night ended with Hopper taking them both out to a bar. Steve wasn't allowed to drink, but Hopper bought Eddie's first legal drink and toasted him to new beginnings. "If you're going to be with one of my kids," Hopper said after the first two drinks, ignoring the way Steve spluttered on Eddie's other side, "then we have to put the past behind us. You're a good man, Munson. Cheers." 

Eddie just about broke his bottle with how loud he clinked their beers together. "Thank you, sir." 

Hopper just smiled into his drink as he took a long sip. If Steve had any doubts about being accepted as Hopper's or for his relationship with Eddie, this moment alone would blow them all out of the water. 

It felt right. 

Thursday was the real winner. Steve woke up early to take Max over to Hopper's with the promise that when he returned, he'd take her to the music store and she could get as many tapes as she could hold in one hand for keeping this secret from Eddie for so long. Of course, Max agreed easily. She probably would have done it without the bribe, but she deserves a reward just for being her every now and then. Even if he knew she'd figure out a way to spend all his money and cheat him into buying the whole store.  

When he came home, Steve woke up Eddie as sweetly as he could before giving him the best head he's ever given. Then he grabbed the bags he already had packed and shuffled Eddie out the door. They made a quick stop for breakfast before they traveled state lines to head toward the concert venue. 

Eddie was completely clueless as they explored the city, staying far enough away from the concert that Eddie wasn't given any clues. If Steve had to guess, he probably thought Steve had no idea Metallica was even touring, much less playing in this very city tonight of all nights. It just made the reveal all the more sweeter. 

After they explored and Steve bought Eddie all sorts of little trinkets, from a new dice set to a couple of nice handbound sketchbooks they found in a local art store, Steve finally took Eddie back to the hotel room and handed over the tickets. 

Now, Eddie is known for his big reactions and over the top displays of theatrics, but nothing could have prepared Steve for the freakout he witnessed when he handed over those tickets with a soft, "I think it's about time you introduce me to Ozzy, don't you think?" 

Eddie's scream of joy was so shrill and high-pitched Steve's pretty sure only dogs could hear it as he jumped up and down, holding the tickets close to him. He couldn't stop the slew of profanities spilling from his lips as he danced around. It all culminated in Eddie tackling Steve to the bed for a repeat of this morning's fun. 

Steve even bought an Ozzy shirt to wear that he cropped to surprise Eddie, who went quiet enough that Steve was worried he'd done something wrong. Only to get the biggest hickey on his best Eddie could make in a matter of minutes. Eddie, of course, wore a Metallica shirt and ditched the jeans for a pair of cutoff jean shorts. He kept the chains and a flannel around his waist though. 

The concert itself felt like the culmination of everything they've been through together coming to a head. It made it all worth it to see Eddie enjoying himself, a completely different man to the person who rocked out to Aerosmith for Steve a few weeks back. Now, he was truly in his element and Steve was just happy to witness it all. 

Steve went a bit overboard buying all the merch for Eddie, but they needed a poster to go with the Aerosmith one over their bed and really start their concert collection. Steve was going to have the tickets tucked into the frame, too. And Eddie was usually so reluctant to let Steve spoil him, so Steve ran with what he was allowed to. 

Friday, Eddie channeled his inner rockstar, using whatever magic he sucked out of the concert the night before from just being in the same room as his idols, to give the show of a lifetime. He was a changed man, never missing a beat, and hypnotizing everyone in the venue. Steve couldn't be prouder. 

And then on Saturday, Steve tagged along with Eddie and his friends as they hung out at Jeff's, drinking beers and listening to music as if it were just another night with the guys. They treated him as equals, only teasing him a little bit for his pedestrian, mainstream pop preference, but Steve could live with that. If only they could see Eddie perform his heart out to some Madonna. The memory alone made up for any ill-timed quips the guys made. 

Sunday was much quieter, with the promised trip to the music store for Max while Eddie went out and a nice dinner just the three of them at this new Italian place that opened up. Eddie met them there, but he sat very stiffly through dinner and kept touching his neck, where a bandage of some sorts was wrapped on the unscarred side. Steve’s side. Steve didn’t question it, not aloud at least. That could wait. When they got home, Eddie and Max laid on the floor in their living room and listened to one of Max's new tapes all the way through twice. Steve was more than happy to give them their space, watching from the kitchen as they spoke to one another about real music. 

When Max called her goodnights and slunk off to her room for the night, Steve truly felt at peace. 

"I don't think I want this week to end," Eddie whispers as he lays beside Steve in their bed. Their bed. It was official. Eddie had moved in the day after the basement reveal, not that he had too much to bring over considering half of it was already at Steve's. It was a tough day, with him saying goodbye to Wayne, but he'd already moved out after spring break anyway. Now it was just official. It did make the nights when Wayne would come over for dinner or host them at the trailer all the more special.

Steve hums as he rolls over to stare at Eddie. He's staring up at the ceiling, arms out and hair fanned around him. How he could look so effortlessly beautiful was beyond Steve, but he wasn't complaining. "Was it what you expected?" 

"No!" Eddie laughs, loud and abrupt into the quiet room. "I would never have expected any of this. Last year, I was lucky if the guys could get together to smoke a few joints and rent a movie. Or if Wayne was around to have a beer with and split a pizza. You... You've made it special, Stevie," he says as he rolls over to. His hair falls behind him and Steve gets a better look at the bandage on his neck. 

He reaches out to touch the edge. "What'd you get?" Steve recognizes the same bandage and taping Eddie used on Jane's tattoo a while back. He should have known Eddie would come home sooner or later with something new. 

Home. Wasn't that a word? 

Eddie grins. "Hey Steve," he almost whispers, "have you ever stargazed?"  

Steve feels his eyebrows raise as he thinks about it. "I used to," he says as he rolls onto his back again, head still facing Eddie. "I'd sneak onto the roof sometimes and look up at the stars. Always wanted to go camping and really see them. Why?" 

He doesn't get a verbal response before Eddie's climbing out of the bed and heading toward the door. He snags a blanket on his way out and disappears into the hall. 

All Steve can do is follow. 

They make their way out to the backyard, plain and bare compared to the nice patio and pool his parents' had; Steve adores it. Eddie slings the blanket over his shoulder and grabs the ladder they left near the fence. "Come on," he says as he props it against the roof. 

"Eds," Steve says with a laugh. "What are you doing?" 

"Stargazing, duh," Eddie says as he starts to climb. 

"Right now?" 

"I'm not ready for the night to end," Eddie says once he's sitting on the edge of the roof. Steve can tell from here his grip is impossibly tight. "So let's just bask in it for a little while longer before we call it. Okay?" 

Who is Steve to say no to that? 

By the time he climbs up onto the roof, Eddie has the blanket spread out on the flattest part of the roof he could get to and is already getting ready to lay out on it. He pats the space beside him on his left. "Need a hand?" 

Steve shakes his head and makes his way over, carefully laying beside him. 

It's a beautiful night, barely a cloud in the dark sky. There are less trees around this house blocking the sky than at Steve's. Eddie's quick to point out constellations, taking his finger to show his favorite ones and tell Steve the stories behind them in hushed whispers. 

He finds himself half laying on Eddie, with his head on his chest and kind of tucked into the crook of Eddie's arm as they look up. It's incredibly comfortable considering they're laying on a roof, but Steve's pretty sure that's all Eddie. 

“That’s Ursa Major,” Eddie says softly, lips brushing Steve’s ear. His hand moves a little to the side. “And that’s Ursa Minor.” 

Steve doesn’t really see the constellations. Not the way he thinks he’s supposed to at least. He tries to follow Eddie’s finger and see the pictures Eddie swears are in the sky, but it isn’t clicking the way it’s supposed to. In the past, he’d probably shut down or pout, deflect until they could go back inside and screw the night into the morning. But now, Eddie just tells him the story like it was his own. 

By the time Eddie finishes his tale of Callisto and Zeus, Steve’s rolled over to look at Eddie, resting his arms on Eddie’s chest and his chin on his hand. “You know a lot about this stuff,” Steve whispers as he reaches up to trace the lines of Eddie’s face. 

Eddie lets him, used to Steve’s fingers running along his nose and cheeks at any point in the day when it’s just them. “My mom really liked constellations. She used to say the sky was a library of stories free to us all if we just had the alphabet to read them.” 

“That’s,” Steve lets out a breath. What is he supposed to say to something as profound as that? “She sounds like a smart lady.” 

“She was. Is.” 

Steve kisses the closest spot on Eddie’s chest he can reach without straining. It just so happens to be above his heart. “Which one is your favorite?” 

“Constellation?” Eddie smirks, looking down at Steve with a glimmer in his eye. 

He nods. “Yeah. Which is your favorite?” 

“You can’t see it right now,” he says. “But I can show you the next best thing.” Eddie reaches up and carefully peels off the bandage on his neck. It’s dark, but there’s enough light from the moon that Steve can see a few stars tattooed on his neck. 

Steve reaches up to touch them without thinking, barely touching the skin and careful not to actually graze over the no doubt tender tattoos. “Why your neck?” 

“This way I can see them whenever I look in the mirror,” Eddie says as he lets his hand glide through Steve’s hair. He caresses Steve’s cheek, all loving and gooey-eyed. He’s pretty sure Steve looks the same. “No matter where I go, no matter who I’m with, or what time of the day it is, I can look in a mirror and see it. What do you think? Is it… Is it okay?” 

“I hate that I can’t lay in my favorite spot until they heal–” 

“No one said that,” Eddie says quickly. 

Steve huffs out a laugh. “But I think it’s really pretty. What’s it called?” 

“It doesn’t have a name,” Eddie says. 

“Then what’s the story?” 

“It’s about a brave warrior who saves the day time and time again until he’s able to settle down with his family. They put him in the stars because he was too special to live among us mortals,” Eddie says, voice reverent and warm as his thumb runs along Steve’s cheek. “And this way he could look down on all of his people and keep them as safe as possible.” 

Steve hums, leaning into the touch. “That sounds nice.” 

Eddie giggles a little. “It does, doesn’t it?” 

They stare at one another for a moment, while Steve takes in every detail possible of Eddie. Like the way a piece of hair curls in the opposite direction near his ear and the little scar under his eyebrow that’s so faded he probably didn’t notice it until the third time he stared at him like this. Now, he could probably paint Eddie’s face blindfolded and with one hand if he really had to. 

“Baby?” Eddie whispers, childlike and a little scared. 

He presses his body against Eddie’s, inching his way closer by just a hair on instinct. “Yeah, Eds?” 

“Would you, uh, be mad if I told you that I picked this spot because of you?” 

Steve sits up a little, basically hovering over Eddie at this point. “Because of me?” 

Eddie nods, lips pressed together. 

“Why would you do that?” 

“You know why,” Eddie whispers. He clears his throat and looks away from him, looking back to the stars. “And it, uh, may not be actual stars.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“You asked me about my favorite constellation,” Eddie says, eyes flickering between Steve and the stars above, “but you didn’t say stars. There’s a few moles on your shoulder…” Eddie’s hand drops down to the place on his shoulder where he starts tracing a familiar pattern. 

Steve can’t breathe. 

He feels the lump in his throat form as he looks between Eddie’s big brown eyes and the little stars on his neck. A constellation made from Steve’s moles and forever inked into Eddie’s neck, right where Steve belongs. 

“Eddie,” he whispers. He can hear how thick his voice is, the sound more like a choked gasp as he holds back the emotion brewing within him. 

Eddie gives him a boyish little smile, like it’s second nature when he looks at Steve. “I know it’s early on to get a tattoo in your honor, but we already have matching scars and life is too short. Just be glad I didn’t get your name tattooed on my forehead like my brain told me to. But I, uh, got the idea a while back and couldn’t let it go and after everything you’ve done for me this past month, I couldn’t hold back anymore.” 

When Steve originally thought of this moment, when the dust of spring break settled and Steve thought they were back on track to have a smooth, wonderful relationship, Steve had practiced the speech he’d give. He was going to tell Eddie about how their hearts were one now, that Steve had given him his breath to keep moving and now they were entangled for eternity. He would tell Eddie about how much he’s changed him for the better without actively trying to, how he wants to be a better man just because he’s lucky enough to know someone as kind and loving as Eddie. He would go on to share his favorite moments of their relationship, like riding in his van and listening to music or their first official date at the drive in, or more recently when Eddie tagged along to his pick up game with Lucas, dragging the other boys along so they could all play. He’d tell him how much it meant to him to see the time and effort Eddie puts into building relationships with the people Steve cares the most about, how understanding he is of the special relationship he shares with Robin that’s too precious for words. 

He would go on and on and attempt to wax poetic like Eddie would in his shoes, but none of that feels right anymore. 

Throwing all the rules out the window, Steve sits up and puts both of his hands on Eddie’s face, holding his world between his palms. “Eddie,” he says again. 

None of that matters anymore. Not when he can feel the love pulsing through him and threatening to burst at the seams. Who cares if emotions are high or if Eddie all but said it first? Why does any of that matter when Steve just wants to share his love with Eddie, to let him know how much he means to him? 

So he soldiers on. 

Eddie’s sheepish smile makes Steve’s heart hammer in his chest like a war drum, urging him to continue, to break through this barrier and let his true desires be known. He knows once he says it, there’s no going back. There won’t be anything stopping him from saying it all the time. And he wants to, more than anything in this world, he wants to serenade Eddie with his love like it was the world’s greatest love song. 

Steve takes a deep breath and lets a thick tear spill over his cheek. It doesn’t deter him. 

It’s now or never. 

“Eddie Munson,” he says, “I am so in love with you.” 

Eddie’s face falls into a space between awe and inspiration. “Yeah?” he whispers. 

Steve nods, laughing. 

“Say it again.” 

“I love you,” Steve says through his laugh. “I love you. I love you. I love you.” 

Eddie surges forward and smacks their lips together, kissing him with an urgency despite the giggles that simmer through them both. “I love you, too, baby. So goddamn much. Say it again?” 

Steve smiles against Eddie’s lips. He’ll say it as often as Eddie needs. 

“I love you, Eddie Munson.”