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Do you look at me and only think of him
When you're touching me, do you feel his skin
Now when we say those words, we don't hear a sound
Now we both prefer to keep em in our mouth
—----------- Steve folds his hands over one another, sitting uncomfortably next to Nancy Wheeler as their parents discuss their impending nuptials. Though Steve and Nancy had history, Steve had never told her that he was gay. It was fine for a while, not having to worry about girls as he helped save the world four times, but now his parents were back with the intent to stay and they had a plan for him. A business deal, his dad had explained. Something to fortify the merger of Ted Wheeler’s company with his own. They didn’t care when Steve protested, didn’t even bat an eye when Steve said he was twenty one, that he didn’t have to follow through with their plan. That is until they threatened to kick him out and here’s the thing, Steve had been saving up to move out, but he wasn’t quite there yet, so he figured he’d bide his time before backing out gracefully. It’s been a few weeks of wedding planning. Nancy doesn’t seem to be into the idea either, when both their parents leave to let the two ‘bond’ Nancy says as much, “Look, I’m only doing this because I can’t afford college on my own.” Steve shrugs, “Fair enough. I’m only doing this because I don’t have enough saved for my own place yet.” “Did they tell you about the-” “Yup.” Steve nods, “Not sure I want to do that.” Nancy nods, “You’d be a good dad though.” Steve snorts, “I always thought it’d be on my own terms though.” “I never wanted them.” Nancy murmurs, glancing at Steve before turning back to the table, “Kids?” “I know.” Steve clears his throat, “It’s one of the reasons we broke up the first time.” He chuckles. Nancy snorts a laugh, “Might as well have fun with it, right?” Steve rolls his eyes, “Oh, yeah!” He answers sarcastically, “Super fun being forced to marry an ex, to have babies she doesn’t want.” He snorts, “No offense, Nance, but babies mean sex and I don’t think either of us want that.” “The sex doesn’t have to mean anything.” Nancy shrugs, “We could just get drunk and get it over with.” “That doesn’t bother you?” Steve stands, grabbing a bottle of whiskey for the two of them to share. Nancy shrugs, “You know what you’re doing. It’ll at least be fun for a few minutes.” “A few minutes? Ouch, Nance.” Steve laughs, “Are you really sure you even want a kid like this?” Nancy shrugs again, “This isn’t gonna be fun either way.” The two get drunk, having sex for the first time since they broke up the first time, drunken hands ghosting over pale skin, kisses that only taste of whiskey and beer, the most uncomfortable orgasm either of them have ever had. Neither of them really remember it the next morning, both waking up in pajamas, Steve curled up on the floor with a sheet and an extra pillow. Nancy snorts, “You could’ve stayed up here.” Steve shrugs, “Didn’t feel right.” Nancy chuckles, “You do realize we had sex last night, right?” “Yeah, but neither of us really wanted to.” Steve sits up, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Nancy doesn’t respond at first, the silence is long enough that Steve thinks she might’ve fallen asleep, “Can I tell you something?” Nancy murmurs, more unsure than Steve has ever heard her. He turns to face her, “What’s up?” She clears her throat, “I uh-” She rolls her neck, “I’m in love with someone else.” “Me too.” He nods reassuringly. “You don’t get it.” Nancy is clearly getting frustrated, “It’s not-” She sighs, “Do you remember Barb?” Steve nods, “Kind of hard to forget, Nance.” “I was kind of in love with her.” Nancy clears her throat, “And I’ve only ever loved women like that.” She swallows. Steve stares for a minute, “Really?” She nods, “I-” He can’t help but laugh awkwardly, “I’m gay, Nance.” “Really?” Nancy slumps in relief. He nods, “I’ve had a massive crush on-” “Eddie! Oh my god.” She laughs, “How did I not notice?!” Steve nods, “How long?” “Since we saved him from the upside down.” Steve runs his fingers through his hair, “We actually-” He laughs, “We got drunk after he recovered and slept together.” He shrugs, “Haven’t talked about it since.” “You should ask him about it.” Steve snorts, “Absolutely not. So who’s the lucky lady?” Nancy snorts, “Surprised she hasn’t told you.” Steve’s jaw drops, “Robs?” Nancy nods, “I was wondering why she stopped telling me about her hopeless crushes.” —----------- It’s been a few months, Nancy still hasn’t gotten pregnant, much to Steve’s father’s dismay. The two had become closer friends, selling their ‘love’ in public with hand holds, hugging and cheek kisses. Only Robin knew they weren’t actually together, so the trio spent a lot of time together. Robin was upset at first but it didn’t take long for that to become something else they bonded over. Today the party is hanging out at the mall, the kids doing Christmas shopping, each separating the second they get there. Robin and Eddie split to get gifts for Nancy and Steve, leaving the two on their own. They’re both numb to the PDA now, holding hands like it’s nothing, Nancy clears her throat, “Why don’t you tell him?” “What?” Steve turns his head to look at her. “Eddie.” Nancy says simply. Steve shrugs, “He thinks we’re together.” Nancy snorts, “He knows about me and Robbie, Steve.” “He does?” Steve smiles. She nods, “I tell him everything, Steve.” “Huh.” She snorts, “He tells me everything too. Full transparency, he told me you two slept together shortly after you did.” “You asshole.” He laughs. They both laugh for a minute before Nancy clears her throat, “Do you check out the way I do?” He cocks a brow in confusion, “During sex?” He shrugs, “I imagine you’re Robin.” She admits. Steve nods, “I’m not really all there, that’s for sure.” “When you’re touching me do you feel his skin?” Steve stops, pulling his hand away, “Why would you-” He’s stopped by an arm wrapping around his shoulder, “Why would Wheeler what, Stevie?” Eddie grins widely. Steve shakes free of both Eddie and Nancy, “I’m gonna go find Robs.” Ignoring the murmured ‘who pissed in his cheerios?’ from Eddie. Steve finds Robin in the little antique shop in the back of the mall sorting through little trinkets, “Hey Steve, what do you think of this for Nance?” She holds up a little antique locket, “I thought we could put little photos of us in the slots.” She stares at it for a second, “Do you think it’s stupid? I’ll find something-” “It’s nice.” Steve smiles. Robin can tell it’s fake, “What now?” She drops her hands down to her sides, exploring the store as Steve trails behind her. “I just thought I’d have enough saved for a place by now.” Steve fiddles with the stupid engagement ring his parents insist he wear, “I like Nance, don’t get me wrong-” “But you’re in love with Eddie.” Robin grabs a little trinket box, “Look, I’m only telling you this because you’re both miserable, but Nance thinks she can get a scholarship and you know my parents love you, like seriously, they think you’re the coolest dude-” “Robin, get to the point.” Steve pinches between his brows, causing his glasses to slide down his nose. She glares at him, “You can stay with my family if you need. Or we can move in together, the three of us?” Steve snorts, “Cause being your third wheel sounds fun .” Robin glares at him again, “That would be nice, actually.” “Does this mean you’ll talk to Eddie?” She smiles warmly. “What is with you and your girlfriend?” He shakes his shoulders out, feeling more at ease than he has for the last month, “Maybe.” “I’m just saying-” Robin shrugs, “He’s been very touchy with you.” Steve rolls his eyes, “I like it.” He clears his throat, “I like him .” She laughs, “I know, dingus.” —----------- “Can we talk?” Steve stands on the steps of Eddie Munson’s new trailer. Eddie nods, stepping out of the way to let him in, “You look rough, Harrington. You good?” Steve shrugs, shouldering past Eddie to get into the trailer. He sits on the couch, “I know you know this whole marriage thing is a sham, Eds.” Eddie slumps, “Oh thank fuck. It was getting awkward pretending I didn’t know.” Steve snorts, “You could’ve just told me.” “What, like you told Nance about us?” Eddie narrows his eyes. Steve straightens, “So we’re talking about it now?” “Steve, I’ve wanted to talk about it since it happened.” He crosses his arms, “It’s been so long, I didn’t know how to bring it up and then I find out you’re engaged?” He furrows his brows. “It wasn’t really something I planned for myself.” Steve glares, “Eddie, I actually came here with a plan.” “Oh well-” Eddie flings his hands up wildly, “I’ll just drop a year's worth of anger to hear you out .” “Eddie-” Eddie cuts him off, “I get exploring your sexuality but God- Steve-” He holds his forehead with his hand, “Did you have to pull me around like that?” Steve stands, “Eddie-” “I don’t want to hear it, Steve.” Eddie turns away, “I thought I could be okay pretending, but you’re just-” He opens his door, “You’re too good .” “Eddie, y’know how Nance and Robin are-” He gestures with his hand, mindful that the door is wide open. Eddie closes the door, “I’m-” He closes the distance, grabbing Eddie’s hand, “I’m gay, Eddie.” Eddie pulls his hand away, “Steve-” “And I love you.” He spits it out before he can hold it back, “I can’t stop thinking about you, Eddie.” “Steve-” Eddie sighs, “You’re marrying Nance, sure it’s fake, but-” “I’m not.” Steve shakes his head, “We called it off.” Eddie raises his brows, “But Wheeler’s college-” “She’s getting a scholarship.” Steve pleads with his eyes, “I’m in love with you, please believe-” He’s cut off with a kiss, Eddie’s hands cup his face and Steve melts. He pulls back just barely, his lips still brush against Steve’s as he whispers, “I believe you.” He’s kissing Steve again before the younger man can respond, shoving him into the door before slotting a knee between his legs. It’s the best Steve has felt in ages.