Work Text
It’s exasperating. Frustrating. Fucking irritating, honestly. Steve has tried damn near everything in his arsenal of charm to disarm Eddie Munson. But maybe.. maybe he’s just losing his touch.
Or maybe Eddie doesn’t really appreciate Steve’s interest, or his compliments. Or the way he invites the metalhead over to his house time and time again. There’s always an excuse ready on the tip of Eddie’s tongue “sorry I can’t, band practice tonight”, or “sorry man, Wayne needs me home”, or the one that really stung, “sorry man, I’m uh.. washing my hair?” At least Munson had the decency to look a little embarrassed by that one.One of these days, Steve is going to stop trying. One of these days he is going to give up his pursuit to make Eddie his friend.
Ok. So, that’s a lie. He won’t give up, because Steve is persistent. Even if Munson seemingly has his lingering doubts about Steve’s metamorphosis from douchy jock to heroic nice guy; because apparently saving someone’s life doesn’t necessarily fast-track you into their inner circle. Still, Steve is no quitter.The truth is, Eddie’s really fucking cool. Quirky, loud, introverted, extroverted, funny. Steve genuinely wants to be his friend, if Eddie would just give Steve a chance to.. prove himself? He doesn’t know how exactly.. but he can make a mean lasagna— if he can convince Eddie to come for dinner, maybe he can woo him in a decidedly… platonic way. It’s weird because right before Eddie very nearly died, Steve could swear they were vibing. Eddie gave his little speech in the upside down about Nancy and true love blah blah blah, and in the end, it never really was true love with Nance, it was circumstantial and familiar. But Steve felt something in that moment with Eddie, some kind of.. connection to the older man. Things quickly went to shit after that, what with the earth ripping apart and Eddie’s almost untimely demise; so they didn’t really get a chance to talk again until the older man regained consciousness two weeks later.Ever since Eddie got out of the hospital though, he’s been.. well, kinda cold with Steve. Distant, even. Steve has wracked his brains trying to pinpoint where it all went wrong. He doesn’t think he said anything, or did anything to cause offence. He visited Eddie in hospital, he helped Hopper clear his name, helped Wayne move into their new two bed trailer, he even took Eddie some of his old clothes and new toiletries when the older man went to his new home with practically nothing. He’s invited Eddie to every get together, every movie night, every trip out, but it’s rare that he agrees. And if it’s just a one-on-one invite, just the two of them? Forget about it, Eddie practically flees at the mere suggestion. So there’s no way Steve can get him to agree to dinner, just the two of them. Buy hey, what’s a little white lie between prospective friends? If it’s for the greater good, then no harm done, right?
Before Steve can get his plan underway, his frustration spills out on a mundane chauffeuring trip with Henderson. “Why doesn’t Eddie like me?” It slips out without his permission, and in a far more whiney tone than he’ll ever admit to. But once it’s out there, he’s kinda glad to have said it. Even if the response he receives is less than helpful.
“What the hell are you talking about Steve? He does like you.” Steve scoffs, shakes his head. He pulls into the Hawkins High parking lot, fiddles with his hair in the rearview, “dude, I know when someone doesn’t like me ok? You don’t need to protect me Henderson, I can take it.”— he pushes his Ray-Bans into his hair, undoing all of his previous fiddling. —“So spill, what is it? Is it because of high school? Or did I.. like, say something inappropriate or something?” Steve tips his head back against the headrest with a sigh, he turns took look over at Dustin.Henderson’s eyes are a little wide, he’s not blinking, he’s kinda staring off into space.. he looks nervous, maybe? Steve clicks his fingers in front of his face “dude?” He says impatiently.Dustin startles a little, “sorry. I uh— you just need to talk to Eddie man, ok?” Steve blows out a frustrated breath “I would talk to him, but he totally shuts down when I mention us hanging out.” Dustin nods thoughtfully. “Maybe, you go to him then?” Steve shakes his head “nah, you can’t just show up on someone’s doorstep. Especially when they don’t like you.” “But he does like you Steve!” Dustin screeches emphatically. His eyes grow wide again, he drops Steve’s confused gaze. “Sorry.” He mutters, looking a little sheepish. “Henderson, what the hell is going on?” Steve questions, beginning to feel like he’s missing something, something big that he should not be missing. “Just.”— Dustin blows out a noisy breath —“ok, what about I bring him over, then I make an excuse and leave?” “You don’t drive, butt-head.” Dustin rolls his eyes with his whole body “alright asshole, you got any better ideas?” Steve huffs, he drums his fingers on the steering wheel absentmindedly “you bring him over. But you have your bike in his van so you can make your excuses and leave.” He’s thinking aloud, and honestly, it’s pretty pathetic. But he’s all out of ideas. Dustin wiggles his head from side to side contemplating “yeah, that.. that might work.” He nods assuredly, pats Steve on the shoulder “don’t make any plans for Friday night, yeah?” He says, before turning to open the door. “I’ll make lasagna” Steve says mostly to himself, already planning the evenings itinerary in his head.Dustin pokes his head back into the Beemer, “can I stay for dinner?” “No!” Steve barks. Dustin scowls, Steve rolls his eyes, and softens like he always does when it comes to the kids. “I’ll make sure there’s a portion for you to take home with you, alright?”Dustin grins, and Steve can’t help but smile back. “Get out of here, scram, get.” Steve says, nodding his head towards the high school entrance.“Yes Mom.” Dustin jibes, before slamming Steve’s car door with far more gusto than necessary. “Jesus Christ, that kids an ass.” Steve mutters, fond smile quirking his lips.
Steve makes his lasagna, the recipe was handed down from his Sicilian grandmother, and he knows it’s a real crowd pleaser.He goes through the motions of tidying his house, silently thanking a god he doubts the existence of that his parents are at their Chicago residence for the foreseeable future.By the time he hears the faint rumble of Eddie’s van pulling into his street, he’s styling his hair in the mirror in his ensuite. He looks down his body at the only black shirt he owns, he never wears black, but it seemed appropriate tonight, though it is still a polo, he can’t completely forget who he is. He tucks the hem into his light wash Levi’s, sprays on some cologne; he shakes his head at his reflection, this routine almost entirely mimics the prep he carries out before a date. For some reason, that thought makes him blush. Make his stomach feel all hot and twisty. It’s not entirely unpleasant.Nerves. That’s what it is, he decides. He’s just nervous.The knock at the door tugs Steve back into the moment, he stares himself down in the mirror “showtime” he murmurs.“Henderson, Munson.” He greets graciously as he ushers his guests into the house. Dustin is a whirlwind hurricane of a human being, pushing his way past Steve and barrelling straight towards kitchen, presumably in search of food. So it takes Steve a second to notice. He turns to roll his eyes at Eddie, in a gesture of “this kid, am I right?” But instead, his jaw drops.“Whoah man, your hair!” He says intelligently, internally face palming. Eddie chuckles, scratches his fingers through his new haircut “yeah, I— uh, I couldn’t really get the upside down smell out of it, no matter how many times I tried.” He explains, not really meeting Steve’s interested gaze. “Yeah I hear that, I think I showered three times a day for about a month after my first venture into our not-so-friendly little underworld.” Steve offers empathetically. Eddie nods, his body language screaming “I don’t want to be here”, Steve ignores it, continues with his mission to woo “it really suits you man, makes you look…"— he trails off, not really able to retrieve the word he’s looking for. He studies Eddie for a second, traces the softness of his features, his big beautiful eyes, the sweet slope of his lips. His new hair cut just accentuates all of his attributes, makes everything clearer, somehow. So Steve settles on —“handsome.” Eddie scratches the back of his neck, ducks his head with a coy smile, it’s extremely endearing; Steve feels a little flicker of hope somewhere in his chest, maybe he can win this guy over. “It still like, suits your look, y’know, but it’s yeah— looks really great man.” And Steve knows this would be the natural place to stop talking about Eddie’s hair and looking at Eddie’s hair.But it’s just.. look. Eddie has a nice face okay? Like, objectively.
And now, with his hair trimmed short, not so short you can’t see the curl, but shorter than Steve’s. It’s like, it’s opened up his face or something. And it’s like, yeah.. really nice, actually. Especially when he smiles, like he is right now.. “sorry, uh— you want a drink man?” Steve shakes himself out of his stupid inner monologue and heads towards the kitchen, hoping he’s being followed.“Uh— I just, I think I need to get going pretty soon actually man”, the older man says, apprehension apparent in his tone. They round the corner just as Eddie is attempting to make his excuses; so Steve locks eyes with Dustin, silently communicating his need for help. The kid quickly chews and swallows his mouthful of lasagna. “Eddie, you gotta try Steve’s lasagna man, it’s the best!” He says animatedly, if a little over the top, in Steve’s opinion. Eddie wanders over to Dustin, then turns to Steve “you cook Harrington?” He asks, stealing Dustin’s fork with minimal protest from the teenager.Steve shrugs, “a little, just Italian food mostly.” The metalhead rolls his eyes “don’t you ever get bored of being so fucking perfect man?!”
That earns Eddie an elbow to the ribs from Dustin and a frowny face from Steve “what?” Steve huffs out, hands finding their way to his hips. Henderson claps his hands together, loudly. “Oh! I just remembered, I gotta go.. I’m just gonna grab my bike outta your van Eddie and I’ll be out of your hair.. or, lack thereof.” He says grinning up at Eddie like he just delivered a killer punchline. Eddie all but drops the plate of lasagna onto the counter. “I’ll drive you, Henderson.” He says evenly, narrowing his eyes at Dustin. Henderson claps him on the shoulder “that won’t be necessary, I’m meeting Mike and Will, it’s like a five minute ride, tops. You should stay… eat Steve’s food”— he’s already backing out of the kitchen, gesticulating wildly with his arms —“drink his booze”— he’s almost at the front door when he yells —“compare hair care routines.” Then the front door slams shut and Steve and Eddie are plunged into silence.
“Little shit.” Eddie hisses under his breath, eyes still narrowed in the direction of the door Dustin just escaped through. “So.. do you want some food man, or are you gonna run away from me again?” Steve bristles at his own choice of words, but it’s out there now, no take backs. But the deflated, irritated look on Eddie’s face sorta makes Steve wish he could undo what he just did. “Excuse me?” Eddie says, folding his arms over his chest, his leather jacket squeaking in protest. Steve rolls his eyes unintentionally (he can’t help it okay, it’s reflex at this point) “come on Munson, I know you don’t like me, alright? I get it— I used to be an asshole”— this earns him a scoff from Eddie, which he chooses to ignore —“but I’m not that guy anymore, you must know that, right? After.. everything.” Eddie runs his fingers up through the sides of his hair where it’s trimmed shortest. He turns away from Steve “it’s not that man— it’s uh.. look, you’re a good guy Steve ok?” Eddie offers, arms back to being folded, hip leaning on the kitchen counter. And that response, well that doesn’t help Steve whatsoever. What also doesn’t help Steve, is the fact that Eddie is refusing to make eye contact. “You won’t even look at me Munson. Whatever it is, it must be pretty fucking bad if you can’t even bare to look at me.” Eddie’s head tips back with a long sigh “Steve”— he says lowly, seriously, eyes trained on the ceiling —“I’m begging you man, just drop it, yeah?” Unfortunately for Eddie, Steve is like a dog with a bone. He cannot, will not let this thing go until he gets an answer that satisfies him. He stalks closer to the older man until he’s stood a few feet in front of him. Eddie’s head drops down, his jaw set, his gaze hard. “I’m not gonna drop it until you tell me why”— and ok, so maybe.. maybe a smidgen of King Steve still lurks somewhere below the surface, because the ex-Kings next move is definitely asshole adjacent. He prods Eddie’s shoulder once, twice, —“you don’t like me.” He prods him once more, then folds his arms loosely across his chest. Head tilted, chin tucked, as he watches Eddie expectancy. The older man turns his gaze to his own recently jabbed shoulder “did you just poke me Harrington?” He asks incredulously. Steve clicks his tongue “I’d say it was more of a.. prod, actually.” Abruptly, Eddie pushes Steve until he’s stumbling backwards, then he’s hastily marching out of the room muttering and grumbling under his breath. And Steve is absolutely not having any of that shit; he’s hot on Eddie’s tail “stop fucking running away from me Eddie!” He chides, hand reaching out reflexively to grip the back of the older man’s leather clad bicep. Eddie wriggles from his grasp, makes a beeline for the front door. “Harrington, trust me. You don’t want to know.” Eddie rips open the front door, but Steve’s like a fucking ninja, he darts into the narrow gap between Eddie and the door, leans back against it, slamming it shut. “Stop being such a fucking brat Munson, what the hell?!” Steve chastises, hands braced on the door behind him. He stares the older man down, watches the anger tinge his cheeks red.“Move, Steve.” Eddie demands, reaching past the younger man’s wrist to grip the handle. He tries to yank it, but Steve’s leaning the full weight of his body back against it, it doesn’t budge. “Harrington, I’m warning you.” Eddie admonishes, eyes dark and riddled with fury. Steve knows it’s the wrong move, but the unplanned smirk that tugs at his lips is just automatic. “No can do, amigo.” He breathes, pretty confident that if this turns sour, he can probably take Eddie— or at least pin him down with his thighs until he surrenders. The sudden intrusive image of having Eddie pinned underneath him causes a surge of something fiery to twist in Steve’s stomach. Not the time, Steve thinks, not the time to examine that. Eddie huffs a humourless laugh, he plants his hand in the dead centre of Steve’s chest, ringed fingers splaying over the rumpled fabric of his black polo. His touch feels weighted, comforting, electric. Steve feels his knees start to give.“Steve, please don’t make me say something I’m going to regret.” Eddie murmurs, eyes trained on his own hand where it rests atop of Steve’s thundering heart.Steve covers Eddie’s hand with his own, suddenly overcome with emotion, overwhelmed with the need to make this right. To fix this. To explore this, whatever this is. “Eddie, please?” He whispers, seeking eye contact from the older man.Eddie pulls his hand away, scrubs both hands over his face, exasperated. “Fine.”— he huffs out a humourless laugh —“fuck.. ok, you really wanna know what I think of you Steve?” He challenges, arms dropping to his sides, fists squeezing tight against his thighs.Steve nods, swallows the lump in his throat. He automatically braces himself for impact; Eddie takes a step back, and with a long drawn out resigned sigh, he lifts his Sabbath t-shirt until his entire torso is on display.
Scars, tattoos, shiny silver bar threaded through his soft pink nipple — Steve lets out an unintentional but revealing gasp. Eddie’s body is making him feel things, making him want things. Bad things.
He stairs, slack jawed, eyes running all over the soft planes, pink scars and black ink spanning Eddie’s upper body.Then he sees it. “What— uh— what’s that?” He murmurs, barely able to get the words out of his mouth, eyes transfixed by the discovery. Because right there, tattooed into the smooth pale skin that covers Eddie’s heart, is a small, but unmistakable, letter ‘S’. “It’s an S, Steve.” Eddie drawls, the flush on his cheeks spreading down across the rest of his exposed skin. “Wh..”— Steve clears his throat, eyes unblinking as he traces the precise curves of the fine black italicised letter permanently etched into Eddie’s skin —“what does it.. I- uh.. I mean, what does it stand for?” Eddie sighs, hangs his head “Steve.” He breathes. “Huh?” Steve says dumbly.
“It stands for Steve.” Eddie clarifies, a hint of mortification and irritation in his tone. Steve’s eyes triple in size. His dumbstruck gaze flits between Eddie’s grimace and the small black initial permanently carved into his chest. “Bu-but.. but you.. you..”— he stutters out, breath now coming out in shallow bursts —“why?” He finally urges, his fingers itching to reach out and touch the ink, to check if it’s real, to see if it will stay put under the weight of his touch. Eddie drops his shirt. Folds his arms, his gaze turned down to the parquet flooring beneath his feet, his short soft curls catching the light. He shrugs, Steve can see the slight tremble in his movements. “You saved my life”— he says mildly, scratching at his jaw.
Steve stays silent, sensing there may be more to come if he keeps his mouth shut. Eddie scrubs a frustrated hand through his hair, looks up at the younger man.“No?! Not enough for you to connect the dots man?”— he asks incredulously. He groans, mutters something under his breath —“I’m gay, Steve”— he confesses, but it’s barely audible to Steve over the rhythmical pounding in his own chest. And that’s.. thats a little unexpected. Although, honestly? Steve had his suspicions; once you’ve seen it scrawled on countless school stalls or bathroom walls, it’s hard not to presume that there’s an element of truth behind the rumour. But that still doesn’t really explain why..“I’m really sorry man; but I don’t get what you being gay has to do with you having my initial tattooed on your—oh.” The realisation hits Steve like a weighty punch straight to the gut. It hurts. It hurts real fucking good. “Yeah, oh.” Eddie huffs self deprecatingly. Steve stands frozen to the spot, gaping at Eddie’s covered chest. The older man clears his throat “told ya man. Bet you wish you’d never asked now huh?” He says, undoubtedly aiming for levity but missing by a country mile. Steve has.. nothing. He can’t grasp a single coherent thought. The part of his psyche invested in self-preservation is yelling abort. Deny. Wrong. Bad. Immoral.But the part of him that, in the end, always makes his decisions; his heart. Is pleading yes. Fuck yes. A million times yes. It’s scary, unprecedented, and it’s definitely gayer than he ever expected to get.. but it’s Eddie. And Eddie is.. he’s fucking beautiful, honestly. Steve’s always known that. Always found him captivating, always wondered what it might feel like if he were allowed to touch him, to hold him, to kiss him. Those were just thoughts, absentminded and unsubstantiated. But this? This is fucking real. It’s raw, and it’s terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure. Eventually, after a painfully long stretch of silence where Steve’s poor historically abused brain is working overtime, he opens his mouth to offer something of an olive branch, but Eddie beats him to the punch “can I go now man?” That startles Steve a little, his wide eyes rolling up to Eddie’s. He nods, steps aside, still trying to digest everything that has just unfolded right here in his hallway. Eddie’s half way out the door but he turns back briefly. “Look, if it’s any consolation, I am trying to get over you Steve. And maybe when I do, we can try the friend thing again.. yeah?” Steve nods wordlessly, feeling so many things that he cannot quantify. He’s desperately summoning the courage to stop Eddie from leaving, to say something, anything that might make him stay. But he’s too late.
“Sorry man.” Eddie whispers, and then he’s closing the door behind him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Hello, Claudia speaking?” “Hi Mrs H, is Dustin home yet? It’s Steve.” “Oh, Steve! Yes, he’s just walking through the door right now, just a sec.” After Eddie left, Steve spent approximately 47 minutes freaking the fuck out. Then he called Robin, only remembering after two rings that she’s out of town until Friday at some band thing.He didn’t necessarily want to talk to Henderson about it; but Dustin was acting weird before, so Steve figured that the kid probably had an insight into the situation anyway. “Hey man.” Dustin greets, sounding uncharacteristically solemn.”Did you know, Henderson?”Theres a hefty sigh on the end of the phone line.”Yeah Steve, I knew.” Dustin admits quietly. “When did he get the tattoo?” Of all the questions flitting around Steve’s brain, he’s not sure why this is the one he landed on. Good a place to start as any he supposes. “Uhh.. he did it like, maybe a week after he got out of hospital?” “W-wait. He, like, to himself?” Steve stutters out. For some reason, the thought of Eddie tattooing himself makes the tips of his ears burn. “I mean.. yeah. He’s done a few of his own, and he said he didn’t trust anyone else with it so..”—Steve falls silent as he considers that. —“Steve?”“Sorry man, yeah?” “Did you… let him down gently?” Dustin asks, it’s the quietest Steve’s ever known him, aside from the time Eddie nearly bit the dust. “Huh?” Steve replies dumbly. Another sigh from the teenager, this one exasperated “were you tactful when you let him down, Harrington?” He reiterates.“Oh… uh.. I don't— I didn’t exactly uh..” Steve trails off, not really sure how to explain what transpired just an hour ago.”You did let him down through.. right?” Dustin asks, voice tightening in a way Steve immediately recognises as indigence. Steve blows out a wavering breath “not exactly.. I didn’t really like, get a chance to say anything.” “Steve?” Dustin’s voice is calm, measured, it makes Steve more nervous than it probably should considering he’s talking to a fifteen year old.“Yeah?””You are going to let him down though.. right?” Steves silence clearly speaks volumes, that, and Dustin Henderson is an intuitive little shit. “Holy.. shit.” Dustin whispers.Steve pinches the bridge of his nose, clonks himself on the head with the receiver for good measure “please tell me your mom isn’t listening right now man?” “Jesus dude, what do you take me for?! Shes in the other room watching her show.” “Ok, good. Sorry.” Steve breathes.“So.. do you.. do you like him, in that way? Dustin asks with a hint of hesitation, but just as Steve predicted, there’s no judgement in the younger man’s question, only curiosity.He takes a moment to deliberate over his response. “I— yeah. I do. A lot honestly.” It feels fucking weird admitting it out loud. “Huh. I gotta say.. I knew you guys had like, chemistry or whatever. But I didn’t see it playing out like this.” Dustin comments, sounding thoughtful. “Me either man. I uh..”— Steve scrubs a hand through his hair —“I don’t really know what to do next though?”Dustin hums “well, how did you guys leave it?” Steve huffs out a frustrated breath “he showed me the tattoo, said he way gay, it kinda broke my brain.. then he said he was sorry, and he left.” Steve can hear Dustin’s grimace through the phone “ouch”— he hisses —“sounds like you need to decide what you want, then talk to him about it? You know how he feels, so I guess you.. you just gotta figure your shit out?” “Yeah.. shit. This is heavy man.” Steve replies, feeling the significance of it all like a tangible weight on his chest. “Steve.. just, whatever happens.. promise me you won’t hurt him, ok? He’s.. Eddie’s not as bulletproof as he makes out to be.” “I know Henderson. I have no intention of hurting him.”— he squeezes his eyes shut —“thanks for.. thanks, man.” “Of course Steve, always.” It takes another 72 hours of self-reflection, boundless anxiety and self-counselling before Steve musters the courage to talk to Eddie. During those hours, he spends a lot of his time procrastinating. Pushing his metaphorical deadline back, his mind too chaotic to attempt a conversation of this magnitude. But in the end, Steve decides the only question that really counts, is whether he can live without ever knowing. And the answer is a resounding no. He’s in too deep to turn back now. He feels too much to push it away. If Eddie cares enough to get Steve’s initial permanently inked into his skin, the least Steve can do is step up. Nobody has ever made such a grand gesture, such an unambiguous declaration of affection in Steve’s honour before. It fills his soul with such warmth, makes his bones ache with sentiment. All he’s ever really wanted is to be wanted. The fact that it’s Eddie offering that.. well, it’s.. unexpected, but fucking wonderful, honestly.Eddie is the antithesis of the girls Steve typically dates (with the exception of Nancy). For one, he’s a guy. And while that should probably send Steve running for the hills, for whatever reason, it doesn’t phase him as much as it maybe should. Because, ultimately, he’s attracted to Eddie. Not just a little bit either, like, a stupid amount honestly. Of course, he rejected those feelings as soon as they fluttered around his chest all those months ago. Too scary. Too big. Too scandalous.But now.. now he’s indulging in those feelings. He’s allowed himself to imagine Eddies naked skin against his own, Eddie’s warm lips brushing against his. And it’s that, in the end, that finally forces him out of his front door. Forest Hills was a little bleak even before Vecna; now, it’s positively eerie. It’s fine during daylight hours, when there are kids playing out and moms hanging laundry. But at night? Well, Steve clearly hasn’t overcome his demons yet, because he feels a full body shudder as he drives through the park at dusk. That being said, he doesn’t really enjoy nighttime regardless of location anymore. Too many shadows, too many places for faceless monsters to hide.As he pulls up to the Munsons new trailer, he feels a sinking wave of disappointment. All the lights are out and no vehicles are parked out front. Steve had gotten himself so amped up, he feels like a balloon that’s just been jabbed with a pin. He turns the car around, not really certain where he’s going until he spots Max and Eleven playing cards on the Mayfields front porch. He pulls up alongside them, rolls down his window. “Hey, you guys seen Eddie?” He asks hurriedly. Max rolls her eyes “hello to you too Steve.” She drawls. “Sorry, hi. I’m just— it’s kinda important.” Max sighs, “he’s staying with some friend of his in Indianapolis. I don’t know the details, you’re better off asking the guys.”—Steve nods with a frown —“he showed you the tattoo then?” Max adds conversationally, not looking up from her hand. “Wh—” Steve chokes a little —“you knew?!” Max shrugs “told him not to do it.” She comments evenly, placing two cards onto the little makeshift table. “I think it’s romantic”, Eleven remarks, smiling wistfully.Steve blows out a heavy breath “Jesus Christ. And you’re all just.. what? Totally cool about the fact Eddie’s like.. attracted to me or whatever?” He knows he shouldn’t be surprised, these kids aren’t your average group of teenagers. Brighter, more intuitive. Outsiders, each and every one of them, it’s not like looking at himself five years ago. Thank fuck.Max lifts her gaze to his, “it’s not my business who Munson crushes on. I just hope you don’t hurt him Steve.” “Why does everyone keep saying that?!”— he whines, throwing his hands up in exasperation “—It’s not like I’m some..”— Max shoots him a pointed look, shutting him down mid-sentence. —“Ok.. fine. But I’m not gonna hurt him okay? I just need to find him so I can.. so we, can figure this out.”“Blood and Honey Ink.” Eleven announces spontaneously. Max and Steve both gawp at her. She meets Steve’s gaze, corner of her lip quirking into a smile, the smallest trickle of blood seeping from her nose. Her powers are indeed stronger than ever. “That’s where you’ll find him. Blood and Honey Ink.” Max frowns at El, then shrugs as she turns to Steve, “you heard her Harrington. Shake a leg.” He plans to arrive in Indy late afternoon. He leafs through the yellow pages until he finds the address of the tattoo shop El mentioned. He rips out the page, stuffs it into his back pocket, grabs his bag and heads out in the midday sun. Indianapolis is big. He passes at least three tattoo parlours before he finds Blood & Honey Ink. A wave of adrenaline rolls through his body when he spots Eddie’s van parked up outside. He pulls up in a space adjacent to Eddie’s van, turns off the engine and just sits. He looks up at the sky, dark clouds are gathering overhead, it smells like rain. The sidewalks are busy with people going about their daily lives, but for Steve, it feels like time is standing still. There’s a red pickup parked directly outside the tattoo parlour, obscuring the glass front from Steve’s view. As if on queue, the owner of the truck comes back, and pulls out of the space.And then Steve sees him. And it’s like he’s seeing Eddie in full technicolour for the first time.There’s something about watching somebody when they don’t know you’re watching. You get the chance to observe them without worrying about the implications. Without worrying if anyone can see the yearning written all over your face. Steve knows the expression he’s wearing is revealing. Fondness and affection dappled with pinches of longing and desire. Eddie isn’t doing anything particularly fascinating, just moving around the shop, spraying surfaces and wiping them over. Still, Steve is captivated. An obnoxious car alarm wails nearby, causing Steve to jump, his heart clattering in his chest. He blows out a shaky breath, drums his fingers on the steering wheel, squeezes his eyes shut as he tries to escape the anxiety threatening to take over. He feels eyes on him. He knows he’s being watched. He knows who’s watching. He cautiously turns his head to the right, his breath hiccuping in his throat when he locks eyes with Eddie. Eddie is stood outside the shop, head tilted in curiosity, hands on his hips, frown creasing his beautiful face. Somehow Steve had forgotten how hot he was, mind too preoccupied with other matters.Steve wiggles his fingers in lame greeting. He takes a deep stuttering breath, and finally pushes open his car door. He waits for a cab to pass, then crosses the street, stopping just short of the sidewalk, “hey” he says, looking up at the older man who’s still eyeing him curiously.”Uh.. hi?”— Eddie says dubiously —“what uh.. why are you here Steve?” He asks, folding his arms loosely across his Metallica shirt. Steve scratches the back of his neck, shifts from foot to foot “I wanted to get a tattoo.” He says with a nonchalant shrug, though he’s feeling anything but casual. Eddie frowns, “you, Steve Harrington, want to get a tattoo?” He asks incredulously.Steve nods, crosses his arms over his chest “yeah. I do, actually. And I uh”— he clears his throat, eyes darting around, struggling to meet Eddie’s inscrutable gaze —“I wanted you to do it.” Eddie takes a literal step back, he huffs out a disbelieving laugh “why?!” “Because.. because it’ll mean more to me if you do it.” He explains evenly, the first droplets of rain starting to speckle the sidewalk. Eddie’s chest expands with a deep breath “better come inside then.” He says mildly, before twirling on the spot and stepping back inside the parlour, holding the door for Steve to follow.“This place is cool”, Steve comments, taking in the surroundings. It’s just like any other tattoo parlour, not that Steve frequents these kinds of establishments. The walls are painted black and adorned with flash art, Cuban flags and framed posters of bands that Steve’s never heard of; he definitely feels out of his element. “Yeah, it’s uh— I’m just helping out while Jamie’s usual apprentice is out sick. He offered me 150 bucks for a week’s work and free accommodation, couldn’t say no.” Eddie explains, casually moving around the shop to gather up tattoo-related paraphernalia. The metalhead abruptly stops and turns to face Steve. “You know there are tattoo places a lot nearer to Hawkins right? You didn’t need to drive for over an hour.”Steve shrugs, eyes still occupied by the colorful artefacts dotted around the room. “Like I said man, I wanted you to do it.” Eddie flips the sign on the door over to ‘closed’, “take a seat”, he says, still side eyeing Steve suspiciously as he gestures to the black leather recliner at the back of the store. Steve hates the uncertainty, he wants to rip off the metaphorical band aid and clue Eddie in on his feelings. But, instead, he makes his way over to the chair, takes a seat and keeps his expression neutral. He figures in order to reciprocate Eddie’s grand gesture, he needs to be bold. Thunder rumbles somewhere in the distance, the rain starts to pour, pattering against the shop window. The natural light starts to wane, Eddie flicks on a curved lamp just behind Steve’s chair. The metalhead sits on a wheelie stool, he pulls himself closer to Steve. He fiddles around with some shiny gun looking thing, then pulls on some black latex gloves. Steve watches every action with rapt attention, studying the way Eddie’s lithe body moves, the way his dexterous fingers slip into the latex with practiced ease. He’s transfixed by every motion, specifically when the metalheads tongue pokes out between his pursed lips in concentration, and that’s the moment Eddie looks up. The eye contact feels significant, it’s all encompassing. Eddie’s eyes are by far the most beautiful Steve’s ever seen, deep brown and twinkling in the lamp light. The older man smiles, but it’s a little uncertain, a little hesitant, Steve returns a smile, knowing his expression betrays any hopes he has to appear unaffected.”What’ll it be then Harrington? A dagger? Maybe a skull? Or.. ohhh, maybe your infamous nail bat?!” Eddie says playfully, but the tension in his shoulders and tightness in his tone exposes his unease. He drops Steve’s gaze, busies himself setting up the pots of ink.“An E.” Steve says.The tattoo gun slips from Eddie’s hand and clatters onto the metal tray. “Sorry?” The metalhead croaks, voice strained, hands paused mid action. “I want a letter E, Eddie.” Steve repeats, confidence finally, fucking finally, creeping in. He sits forward in his chair, legs dropping either side, red and white Nikes planted on the checkerboard linoleum. Eddie is sat to his left, so he turns his upper body, reaches out a hand and places it on the older man’s forearm covering the fucking bats. “S’that.. ok?” He breathes, seeking eye contact.Eddie blinks slowly, his gaze fixed where Steve’s hand grips his arm “I— uh.. I mean, yeah? But— but.. what’s.. why?” He stutters out quietly.Steve squeezes the arm in his hold once “because I need you to understand how I feel.” Eddie blows out a surprised breath, he shakes his head, pats Steve hand where it still holds his arm “Steve, you don’t need to do this man. I mean, I’m flattered, don’t get me wrong”— Steve frowns at Eddie’s appreciative smile —“the fact that you’d do this”— Eddie says, gesturing to the tattoo gun —“just to make me feel better? I mean.. that’s wow. You really are a relentlessly good guy ain’t ya huh?”And ok. He’s not getting it, Steve realises. Eddie seems to think this is Steve’s way of smoothing out any kinks in their friendship. That Steve’s just trying to make him feel better. It’s becoming clear that transparency is key when trying to woo Eddie Munson.There’s nothing else for it, Steve decides. He swings his legs over the side of the chair until his knees bump against Eddie’s. He releases the older man’s forearm and moves both hands to grasp Eddie’s thighs “you’re not getting it Ed’s”— he murmurs, finally gaining the eye contact he’s been searching for. Steve nods his head back “c’mere” he whispers. Eddie frowns but shuffles himself closer, his right knee slotting in between Steve’s open thighs. Steve’s fingers trail higher up his jean clad thighs, Eddie tucks his chin, eyes growing wide. Steve sighs through his nose, lips quirking with an endeared smile. With his heart jumping in his chest, he leans in, nuzzles his face into the warm crease below Eddie’s jaw “I want you” he breathes, brushing his lips across Eddie’s skin. He feels Eddie’s entire body tense at both his statement and his touch. Steve moves a hand up, cups the back of the older man’s neck, “I want this.” He adds, leaving no room for misinterpretation.He feels Eddie swallow, “Steve”— he hisses under his breath —“what the fuck is happening right now?” He asks in a hushed tone. But he doesn’t move, doesn’t try to wriggle away, just lets Steve lean into him, lets himself be held. Steve can’t recall a time he’s ever felt like this. It’s as if his body is swaying on the edge of euphoria. The air feels charged, weighted, alive with possibility. He can feel Eddie’s pulse racing beneath his lips.“Put your mark on me Eddie.” He murmurs, “make me yours.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
AN— If anyone’s having a hard time picturing Eddie with short hair, my inspiration was taken from this tremendous piece of fan art:-
https://ibb.co/dMybVMb
Lets do
What lovers do Eddie takes a shaky inhale through his nose, breathes it out, his pulse point hammering beneath Steve’s lips. “Jesus Christ Steve, you can’t just-just say shit like that and expect me not to like, catch on fire or something.” Steve huffs a laugh through his nose, tightens his grip around the nape of Eddie’s neck, scratches at the base of his scalp with blunt fingernails. “I wanna say I’m sorry, but I’m really not”, he murmurs, pressing the words into Eddie’s skin. Steve feels a swell of anticipation as Eddie’s latex covered fingers cautiously press against his lower back, brush up along his spine, rest between his shoulder blades, Steve hums approvingly, “feels good, right?” And he’s not exaggerating, it really does feel fucking amazing.Eddie hums in response, “unreal honestly. I’m pretty sure I’m unconscious right now, so better make the most of this before I wake up.”Steve rolls his eyes fondly “I’m not going anywhere Ed’s.”— He drags his closed mouth up to the older man’s ear, whispers “come on, m’ready.”Eddie’s responding groan comes out breathy and a little desperate “shhhit, ok, ok— just gimme a sec, I just need to like, calm down, or you’ll have a seriously shitty tattoo man.” He says, but still doesn’t move away from Steve’s embrace, doesn’t drop his hand from Steve’s back. “Ed’s?” Steve murmurs against the shell of the older man’s ear.“Hmmm?” “Are you— are you uh, hard right now?” Eddie huffs a laugh “what do you think?!”— he inches back, tentatively rests his forehead against Steve’s, his pupils eclipsing his usual deep brown eyes —“you’ve got no idea what you do to me Steve Harrington.” His lustful gaze sways back and forth between Steve’s mouth and eyes, the younger man feels his entire body thrum with desire. He’s never, to his knowledge, made a guys dick hard before, aside from his own obviously. It’s an intensely gratifying experience; although if it were any other guy it probably wouldn’t be sending Steve’s ego to the fucking moon. His eyes flutter closed with a shivering exhale, his own cock is chubbing up at record speed; if there were any lingering doubts about his sexuality, this moment right now is pretty damn conclusive.”Fuck”— he mutters under his breath. His eyes blink open owlishly, Eddie is inches away, studying him like he still can’t quite believe this is happening —“I want.. I—” Steve trails off, feeling breathtakingly overwhelmed. He wants so many things that he can’t focus. Eddie’s head tilts gently, endeared smile quirking his lips “let’s start with some ink, yeah?” He offers, pressing two latex covered fingers to Steve’s heaving chest. He pushes the younger man back a little way, Steve instantly misses the close proximity, tries not to pout about it, he’s clearly unsuccessful, “you’re cute” Eddie huffs, smile growling wider.”I’m a fucking mess, is what I am.” Steve retorts, shaking his head at himself.“Hey”— Eddie says sympathetically —“it’s a lot, alright? This must be pretty fucking weird for you man.” Steve shakes his head “no, not weird. Just— I can’t remember ever wanting anyone this much.” Eddie eyebrows creep up his forehead “well fuck, Steve”— he breathes, voice a little strained —“the feelings more than fucking mutual, obviously.” He says gesturing vaguely towards his own tented jeans.Steve’s face splits into a wonky grin “good to know Munson.” They smile at one another for a long moment like lovesick fools, Eddie shakes his head with a huff of slightly delirious laughter “this is fuckin’ wild.” He swivels around on his stool, “I’m just gonna shut the blinds, give us some privacy”, he explains, throwing a wink over his shoulder. Steve feels his cheeks flush, can’t recall a time he’s ever felt this turned on, this amped up. The rain continues to pelt against the windows as day gives way to night. The parlour shifts into an ambient space as Eddie blocks out the rest of the world with heavy black Venetian blinds. Steve finds himself hypnotised watching Eddie’s every move, he notices the sweet curve of his ass in those inexplicably tight jeans, the way his shirt rides up when he’s reaching for the cord to tug down the blinds, the pale slither of skin the motion unveils, the way his muscles flex in his biceps. His mouth feels dry, his cock feels so hard and so fucking good, it almost knocks him off his seat when he realizes that Eddie might actually touch his dick.. might even suck it.. if Steve doesn’t bust a nut as soon as Eddie looks at it. “You ok over there man, you look a little spaced out?” Eddie asks gently as he bolts the door, saunters back over to his stool. Steve can’t take his eyes off him. The way his chain jangles with each step, the way the lamp light catches on his short dark curls. “Uh huh.. just uh, I like watching you—wait, that s-sounds weird.. not like a stalker or whatever, I just mean like, you’re really.. hot.” Steve feels himself flush an even brighter shade of pink, he scrubs a hand over his warm face, at least Eddie seems to find him endearing. The metalhead slides his stool closer to Steve, “well it just so happens, I like you watching me Steve” he murmurs, lips quirking into a smirk. He removes his latex gloves and replaces them with a clean pair. His dark eyes flick back up to the younger man’s “are you— like, totally sure about this?” And Steve isn’t so obtuse that he misses the underlying significance of Eddie’s question. He nods, “trust me, I’m sure” he replies earnestly, feeling the heat from his face creep down his neck. “Shit ok, where am I putting my mark then big boy?” Eddie asks, head tilted, eyes sparkling with a devilish glint. Steve chokes on his own tongue, his earlier brief flash of cockiness now repeatedly faltering in the face of Eddie’s effortless flirting. “I uh— you choose? Wherever you want it, Ed’s.” “Shirt off then Harrington.” The metalhead commands, eyes growing impossibly darker.Steve huffs out a shaky laugh, he hastily pulls his shirt off and tosses to the ground. He sits back in the leather recliner, legs open, feet planted on the floor either side. He visibly shudders under the weight of Eddie’s gaze as it drags across his chest, he feels his nipples stiffen, feels his dick twitch in his jeans. He rests his forearms on the armrests, rest his head back against the cushioned pad. “Ok”— he breathes, heartbeat pounding in his ears —“let’s do it.” The metalhead rises from his stool, pivots to straddle the recliner, he slides closer until the insides of their knees touch, Steve can feel the heat between their bodies, he gulps audibly. Eddie reaches up, smooths two gloved fingers across Steve’s chest, splays his hand so that his fingertips are buried in his chest hair “i’m loathed to shave this beautiful chest”— he utters, scratching at Steve’s chest, eyes greedily raking in every inch of skin on display, Steve swallows, desperately trying to hold back the pathetic whine that wants to slip out. Eddies eyes roll back up to Steve’s unblinking gaze, lips quirking into a half grin, his cheeks dusted pink. Steve’s silently relived that he’s not the only one blushing like a fucking virgin. The metalhead trails his pointer finger across to Steve’s stiff nipple, circles the areola, Steve’s breath hitches, fingers gripping the leather armrests. Eddie exhales an approving hum, moves two fingers up across the curve of Steve’s pec until he reaches his collar bone. —“Maybe I could put it”— he hums thoughtfully as his fingers drag across to Steve’s shoulder, down over the swell of his bicep, Steve’s aware that he’s trembling lightly, that his breaths are gathering speed the longer the contact draws on. He’s starting to worry that his dick might just burst straight through his zipper if this delicious torture goes on too much longer.Finally, Eddie reaches the inside of Steve’s elbow, circles the skin with his fingertips —“here?” He asks, eyes flicking up to the younger man’s, eyebrows raised. Steve nods silently, exhales a shaky breath. “I’ll put it just below the crease so that when you bend it doesn’t interfere with it.” Eddie explains, fingers still softly dancing across Steve’s buzzing skin. “S-sounds good man.” Steve responds, hating how small his voice sounds. “Ready?” “Ready.” The tattoo gun comes to life with a droning buzz, Eddie wipes his skin with something that smells like neat alcohol, dips the tip into the ink, “can’t believe you’re letting me do this Steve.” He says with a bewildered shake of his head, Steve’s thankful to observe that Eddie’s hands aren’t shaking like his own are where they grip the armrests for dear life. “I’d let you do anything.” Steve replies impulsively, feeling a flare of heat in his gut at his own provocative words. “Jesus Christ Harrington”— Eddie hisses, eyes snapping shut. He takes a deep breath —“you’re gonna make me come in my pants if you keep saying shit like that!” That surprises a laugh out of Steve, although he can’t deny the imagery causes his cock to throb inside his underwear. “Okay, time for you to pipe down pretty boy, I need to focus. I do not wanna fuck this up.” Steve nods his assent, still grinning. The first prick to his skin makes Steve’s eyes roll back in his head.. and okay, he wasn’t expecting that. “Okay?” Eddie asks, seemingly unaware that he nearly just made Steve shoot his fucking load. “Feels good.” Steve murmurs, eyes closed. Eddie is leaning in, the scent of his minty shampoo infiltrating Steve’s senses. The needle drags through his skin in one brief but electrifying motion “fuck” Steve curses under his breath. “You doin’ ok sweetheart? Need me to stop?” The needle is withdrawn, and Steve actually whimpers. His face is on fire with a heady mixture of embarrassment and arousal, he blinks his eyes open to find Eddie watching him intently, and apparently everything he’s feeling is clearly discernible in his expression, because Eddie breathes out a little “oh fuck, ok.” “Keep going.” Steve croaks, eyes fluttering shut, chest heaving with a cacophony of emotions. The needle sinks back into his skin, carves another line. Steve can’t be held responsible for the literal moan that escapes his mouth. “Feels good baby huh?” Eddie murmurs, buzzing needle still dragging through flesh. His encouragement goes straight to Steve’s already mushy brain, makes his cock drip inside his underwear. “Uh huh” he manages, voice pinched with unrelenting desire.All too soon it’s over. Eddie is wiping his arm with something damp, muttering praise under his breath, it seems like Steve’s brain no longer connects to his ears, because he doesn’t catch a word, not until..“You’re all set sweetheart, you can open your eyes now.” Steve manages to pry his bleary eyes open, edges of his world still fuzzy. He sees Eddie’s soft but heated gaze, follows with his own eyes as the metalhead gestures down to his fresh ink. He brings his arm up into view, feels another flash of heat zip through his body as he focuses in on the letter now permanently engraved into his skin.”I love it.” He says earnestly, voice faltering, mouth dry. Suddenly Eddie’s hand is on his chest, “does this mean you’re mine now?” He asks, fingers trailing up and cupping the nape of Steve’s neck. “I already was.. but this”— he nods down to the perfectly etched E on his arm —“this is just to prove that I mean it.” “Steve”— Eddie says on a wavering exhale, gaze unyielding —“I need to take you to bed now.” Steve’s eyes are like saucers, he stops breathing for five seconds as a surge of urgency crashes through his body. “Ye—yeah, we should uh— you should d-do.. that.” He can’t help but absentmindedly wonder at what point he went from cocky ladies man to this, pathetic horny mess. He guesses right around the time Eddie Munson became an option. Eddie wraps a clear bandage over his tattoo, tapes it into place. Then he’s pulling Steve up on shaky legs, leading him to a door, that leads to another door, up a flight of steps. Steve is moving on autopilot, brain far too preoccupied with imagining what comes next. He’s lead through yet another door, which Eddie shuts and locks behind them. Then he’s in a studio apartment, illuminated with yellow fairy lights, pot plants in every corner, a big bed with a deep red throw. The air smells like cigarettes and incense, it’s warm and cosy as the rain continues to patter against the windows. “Cute place.” Steve comments, still on autopilot, his eyes lazily scanning the small room. It feels like the first time he’s spoken in about three hours, realistically it’s been about three minutes. Behind him Eddie hums in acknowledgement, then there a pair of deceptively strong tattooed arms curling around his waist, warm lips pressing into the nape of his neck. Steve almost forgot he was shirtless, and it’s god job honestly because his body is currently running at about 800 degrees. Something firm and insistent grazes his ass cheek through his jeans, his head automatically tips back to rest on Eddie’s shoulder, his eyes fluttering shut. “Oh god” he whispers with a tense exhale.His hands reach back around Eddie’s hips, grabbing at his ass cheeks and pulling him in closer, forcing the metalhead’s erection to dig into Steve’s ass. Eddie’s hold around his waist tightens “Jesus fuck Steve”— he hisses, dry lips dragging up the side of Steve’s neck, pausing just below the curve of his ear —“I don’t wanna take advantage of you baby, you’re new to all this.” He whispers, Steve can hear the tell in his voice, can feel the way his hard cock jerks against his ass. “Bullshit you don’t” Steve challenges, smirk tugging at his lips. Eddie’s wry laughter reverberates against his neck “I mean obviously I want to absolutely ruin you sweetheart”— one of his hands releases Steve’s hip, drags across his waist and dips down to palm his stiff cock through his jeans, Steve curses under his breath, his whole body jolting at the contact —“but the things I wanna do to you?” Eddie murmurs rhetorically —“they’re bad things Steve, really fucking bad.”— he reinforces his point by squeezing Steve’s dick in his grasp, Steve’s mouth falls open with a breathy whimper, Eddie’s words, his confident touch, it’s a recipe for premature ejaculation. —“I’m not sure you fully understand how much of a freak I really am pretty boy.” “Show me?” Steve’s response is immediate, resolute. He’s got a pretty damn good imagination, and there isn’t a single fucking thing that he wouldn’t let Eddie do to him.Eddies grip on his dick tightens, “I’ll show you, but you gotta promise you’ll tell me to stop if I go too far, ok?” Steve nods, “promise.” “You’re so fucking perfect, in every way.” Eddie breathes, he chases his words with a gentle bite to Steve’s lobe. Steve barely has time to moan before he’s being guided towards the bed, Eddie’s warm soft lips on his neck, his strong hands gripping his waist. Eddie stops once Steve’s knees bump against the mattress, he turns the younger man in his hold effortlessly, Steve being manhandled easily. Then they’re facing each other, hot ragged breaths mixing in the small space between them. Eddie’s eyes are intoxicating like this, a vivid black reflecting the twinkling glow of the string lights strewn around the room. Theres palpable fire and passion, certainty and affection— Steve’s never been on the receiving end of a look quite like it, a look that offers the world, that promises devotion. If eyes really are the window to the soul, Steve is staring straight into to Eddie’s in this moment, stripped bare, raw and uninhibited.”Ed-Eddie, I..” Steve attempts to explain the swarm of thoughts firing through his brain, but the words won’t surface. Eddie cups his cheek “I know baby”— his held tilts —“I know.” Steve thinks he does know, thinks Eddie can probably see it written all over his face. “Please Ed’s—please kiss me.” Steve whispers, he can feel tears threatening, swaying on the edge of desperation. His arms fold around the older man’s neck, gaze swaying down to his plush lips. “Jesus Christ Steve”— Eddie chides, squeezing his eyes shut —“never thought of myself as a lucky man, but right now? It’s like the universe is giving me the biggest fucking high five.” That surprises a huff of laughter out of Steve. Eddie watches him laugh, eyes drinking in every inch of Steve’s face, his lips quirking into a soft enamoured grin. His hands grip Steve’s hips, he leans in, gaze focused on the younger man’s lips, a sensation of fire and ice crashes through Steve’s body. The side of Eddie’s nose nuzzles in next to Steve’s, both of their eyes fluttering shut.. and then it finally happens. The first touch of their lips is tentative, gentle, chaste. Eddie’s hands trail around to cup Steve’s ass cheeks causing Steve to inhale sharply through his nose, and that’s when Eddie dives in. Their second kiss holds absolutely fucking none of the delicacy of their first. Eddie’s hands squeeze Steve’s ass firmly, his tongue presses in between his parted lips, licking around his mouth with palpable urgency. Steve’s brain capacity dwindles with every possessive lick, every gentle tug to his bottom lip. His brain grows hazy, body experiencing wave after wave of ecstasy as Eddie seamlessly takes control. “Holy shit” Steve croaks out in a brief moment when their lips part. Eddie grins, dips back in to lave the tip of his tongue along Steve’s bottom lip. It’s fucking filthy, sinful, Steves already addicted. He’s never, in his entire sexual history, had anyone take the lead. Never knew how much he fucking needed it like oxygen until this moment. Eddie’s hands begin to explore, fingertips scratching their way across Steve’s flinching stomach, over his chest, thumbs stretching out to tease his stiff nipples. “Oh—f-fuck” Steve mewls, voice pitched high and stripped bare. He feels Eddie smirk against him, the metalheads kisses falling lower across his slackened jaw. Those devilishly deft fingers sink down to Steve’s belt, pull out the leather strip from its loop with a sharp ‘thwick’. “Ho-oh g-god.” Steve stammers breathlessly. Hands gripping the older man’s shoulders as he tries to keep himself upright. Eddie’s lips are hot and insistent trailing down his neck, his tongue swirling across the skin, sucking a kiss to each freckle he passes. Meanwhile those talented fingers make light work of Steve’s fly, ease down his taught zip over his straining bulge. “So hard baby, all for me?” Eddie coos lowly, rhetorically, lips brushing over the juncture of Steve’s neck and shoulder. Steve’s too far fucking gone to be embarrassed by the way his head tips back with a feminine moan, his blurry vision sweeping over the haloed fairy lights above his head. “Ed’s— please baby, please?” He begs, pitiful voice sounding foreign to his own ears. It’s clear that Eddie is delighting in every inch of Steve’s unravelling, he groans deeply into the younger man’s neck, curses sharply under his breath. Abruptly Eddie is guiding him to lay back on the deep red bedspread, pulling off Steves Nikes, his socks, eyes like pools of heated lust. Steve can barely grasp onto one coherent thought, he just lets it happen, lets Eddie take the reins. Lets him tug off his jeans, leaving him in black boxers that tent almost obnoxiously. “Fucking look at you Steve.”— Eddie scolds reverently, almost sounding pissed about it. —“Fucking look at this body.”— Eddies eyes remain glued to Steve’s form as he pulls off his Metallica shirt, strips out of his jeans, Steve stares wide eyed, Eddie’s even more beautiful without clothes; the outline of his hard cock stretching out the material of his dark grey boxers sparks something animistic deep in Steve’s gut. —“And you’re letting me have this?”— Eddie shakes his head with an audible scoff, he climbs on top of the younger man, straddling his thick thighs —“I fucking- I don’t feel worthy.” The suggestion that Eddie is somehow inferior suddenly gives Steve back at least a small percentage of his brain function. Unworthy? That’s fucking bullshit. Eddie is immeasurably superior to any partner Steve’s ever had, including Nancy Wheeler (sorry not sorry). “Don’t you fucking dare do that.”— He chides, pushing himself up under Eddie’s body until his chin is level with the older man’s chest, his ferocity takes them both by surprise. Eddie flinches, eyebrows shooting up his forehead. But Steve can’t fucking have that, can’t have this beautiful man thinking he’s somehow not good enough. He grips Eddie’s chin between his thumb and forefinger, gaze serious —“you’re fucking incredible Eds, you’re—you”— he trails off, shakes his head, recalibrates before reassuming eye contact —“no one has ever made me feel the way you do. Ever. It’s like I can’t— I can’t even describe it.. I didn’t know how much I needed you, how much I need you— I really do— I- I fucking need you Eddie.”“Steve.. you—but you’re.. y’know.. conventional, wife, kids, the whole..” Eddie’s trails off in favour of gesturing vaguely with his hands. “Fuck that.” Steve spits, shuffling until he can tip Eddie’s chin down and lick up into his mouth, greedily swallowing the gasp it elicits from the older man. “Fuck that”, he repeats, or rather growls into Eddie’s mouth. “Now, fuck me.” “Jesus fucking Hell”— Eddie mutters under his breath —“are you sure you want—””Don’t you dare ask me if I’m sure Munson.” Steve interjects with a warning. His lips rest against the older man’s, hot breaths mingling together, Steve’s fingers digging into his short curls against his crown “open me up with these clever fingers”— he murmurs, grasping Eddie’s digits between his own —“and get me loose enough to take your cock, ok?” Steves not entirely sure when this version of himself decided to show up, he doesn’t know why he’s turned into such a brat, but Eddie’s stunned expression is really fucking gratifying, so he’s rolling with it. That being said, Steve’s quickly learning that Eddie Munson knows how to regain control like a goddamn pro. And Steve may be feeling a little cocky, but he’s no match for Eddie— especially an extremely horny Eddie.Eddie’s face splits into an inherently dark grin, those delicious dimples emerging on his flushed cheeks. He grabs a fist full of Steve’s hair, tugs his head back, leans around to whisper in his ear “you wanna ride my dick baby?” “Fuck yes”, Steve hisses emphatically, goosebumps breaking out across his skin, white hot tingles shooting down his spine. Eddie crashes their mouths together with an effusive groan, he nudges Steve back with his tongue deep in his mouth until Steve is on his back, his hands hastily wrapping around the older man’s neck. Steve is so inexplicably turned on it’s like he can’t breathe, he’s about to say as much but then Eddie repositions himself, rolls his hips, grinding his rigid length against Steve’s. “Fuck Ed-Eddie, holy shhh—” the words are snatched from his mouth by Eddie’s demanding tongue, the inside of Steves underwear growing wetter with each passing second. Knowing he had the ability to get Eddie hard was already blowing Steve’s mind, but actually feeling that hard thick cock rub up against his own? Steve’s practically melting into a burning puddle of horny goo. Which is his excuse for heedlessly mumbling “if I could get wet down there I’d be fucking soaked right now”, right into Eddie’s ear.Eddie freezes, and for a heart-stopping moment, Steve thinks he’s somehow fucked up.But then, not a second later, the metalheads captivating eyes are back on his, and his hand is lightly folding around Steve’s neck “what did you just say?” Eddie demands, black eyes wide and wild, Steve swallows roughly, feels Eddie’s fingers tighten where he swallows.“I— I said if I uh..” Steve stammers, feels his face ignite —“I’d be wet, if I could get, uh, get wet for you.” He manages, eyes flicking rapidly between Eddie’s.Eddies eyebrows pinch, his teeth sinking into his bottom lip, the corner of his mouth pulls up into a wicked smirk “lucky for you, you don’t need a pussy for me to get you wet sweetheart.” And holy shit does that do things to Steve, he feels his dick jerk and dribble into his underwear. Eddie’s smirk grows wider, wolfish.The older man graces him with one last squeeze to the throat, then he’s ducking down to lick hot stripes across his chest. Steve’s hips jolt off the mattress, his head tips back with a fucking needy little moan. “Gonna worship every fucking inch of this beautiful body”, Eddie promises, before tugging the hard bud of Steve’s nipple with his teeth, “ah fuck!” Steve cries, fingers delving into Eddie’s hair, gripping his scalp, begging him to continue. The older man swirls his tongue around Steve’s areola, simultaneously reaches down to tug at his boxers, pulling the waistband up and out over Steve’s throbbing length and yanking them down his thighs. “Yeah— yes fuck Eddie, t-touch me, grab my dick, fuck, please.”He’s begging, he’s actually begging, and it should for all intents and purposes be kinda humiliating, it should be making him feel pathetic, he should be able to get a fucking grip. But he can’t, and the thing is, he doesn’t want to. All his life, Steve has tried so damn hard to fit into predetermined boxes. At high school. With his parents. With Nancy. With every single shitty date he’s ever had.But with Eddie? With Eddie, he doesn’t have to. With Eddie, he can let go, he can let him rip open the box. It’s liberating, it’s exhilarating. After all the heartache and suffering he’s endured, he can let himself have this, he can put aside all of his inhibitions and give himself over the man that has completely stolen his heart. “Still with me angel?” Eddie asks, hint of concern in those endlessly absorbing eyes. His forearms are braced either side of Steve’s waist, his chin resting on his stomach.”Yeah”— Steve breathes, lips lifting with a somewhat shaky smile —“sorry, just— you make me feel so like, free, y’know?” Eddie kisses his stomach, softly rubs his chin across his belly button “how are you real?”— He utters under his breath, he shakes his head —“can’t explain how good it is to hear you say that Stevie.” They share a moment, eyes locked onto one another’s, the weight of shared emotions palpable in the small intimate space that surrounds them. Eddie exhales a breathy laugh through his nose, shakes his head again for the umpteenth time, still apparently grappling with the reality of the situation. He tucks his chin, ducks down to trail the tip of his tongue around Steve’s bellybutton. Steve sighs at the heavenly sensation, the warm tongue tracing his skin, the weight of Eddie’s chest on his lower body, the feeling of his heavy cock pressing into Eddie’s warm skin. Steves eyes roll shut, his body feels like it’s liquifying, turning into molten gold. Eddie’s tongue drags lower, following the trail of hair from Steve’s naval; the older man’s body shifts down as his tongue continues its path of worship lower, lower, pausing where Steve’s dark tamed pubic hair begins. Then the air is punched from Steve’s lungs “ho-holy shit”, he hisses, as Eddie’s soft lips drag along the length of his aching cock.He feels it jerk against Eddie’s lips, feels the metalhead smirk against him. “Kinda wish you were fucking me now that I’ve seen this beautiful thing”, Eddie murmurs, lips grazing back up Steve’s shaft. “Can—can’t we do both?” Steve manages to ask, voice jittery with arousal. Eddie hums, the vibrations cause Steve’s cock to flex again “we sure can baby”— he rumbles —“but imma do you first.” Steve’s eyes flicker open just as Eddie wets his lips, the older man wiggles his brows and then he’s sucking Steve’s dick into the slick warmth of his mouth with a low groan of appreciation, “Je-Jesus!” Steve yelps, head thudding back onto the pillow. Eddie’s fingertips squeeze into Steve’s hips, his warm slippery mouth sinking further down his thick shaft. Steves eyes roll back in his head, his head tips back against the pillow, the fairy lights above him take on a hazy glow as his vision blurs.Eddie slurps his way back up to the crown, laves his tongue around the ridge, moans all over Steve’s cock when a dribble of pre leaks onto his tongue. Steve chokes out a broken moan, absentmindedly thanks god that the pouring rain is probably loud enough to drown out his lewd sex noises from the neighbours. Eddie slides his stretched lips up and down Steve’s length, once, twice, three times, then Steve makes the rookie error of tilting forward to watch “oh shit—oh shit, I’m close”, he croaks, fingers tangling into the metalheads neat dark curls. Eddie looks so fucking good sucking on his dick, it’s like a switch flips and he can feel his orgasm flare a sharp warning in his gut. Eddie groans as he sucks up and off with an erotic slurp. “Yeah, feel good baby?” He purrs, eyes sparkling. Steve is half aware he’s trembling, on the very edge of shooting his load “Jesus fucking Christ”, he rasps, “you’re like, unbelievably good at that.” He scratches his blunt fingernails up either side of Eddie’s hair above his ears, the older man grins, chin shining with their combined fluids.“Time to get you wet now sweetheart.” He murmurs with a fiendish glint in his eyes. Steve barely has time to blink before the metalhead is ducking down, pushing Steve’s thighs back against his own flushed chest, then those fucking sinful fingers are pulling his ass cheeks apart. The sound that slips out of Steve is frankly outrageous, an amalgamation of a sob and a high pitched whine, not that he currently has the capacity to give a fuck.Eddie’s wet hot tongue licks over him once, he pauses to look up at Steve, “yeah?” He asks, as if it’s not the fucking best thing Steve’s ever experienced. Steve nods ardently, doesn’t miss the brief but surprised raise of Eddie’s eyebrows, then that wicked tongue is swirling around his asshole like a dripping popsicle on a hot summers day. Steve's mouth drops open, a series of breathy whimpering desperate noises falling out, his eyebrows pinch, eyes squeezing shut as Eddie eats him out like he fucking craves it.The metalheads thumbs slip in closer to his asshole, he uses them to pull Steve open, forces his tongue in just past the tight clench of muscle “yeah”— Steve pants, breathless, hot, sweaty, shaking —“yeah, fuck, fuck— oh my—holy”, a thick finger pushes in past Eddie’s tongue, Steves fingers grip into his own hair at the back of his head, he lifts himself half up, abs tensing, knees spread open, “fuck yes” he grits out, “fuck, fuck, deeper Eddie, go deeper”, he’s quickly rewarded with the entire length of Eddie’s index finger pressing right inside him. “Oh fuck!” He yelps, Eddie groans, tongue still flicking rapidly around Steve’s rim, “more” Steve begs, breathless, legs trembling. Eddie rewards him with a pained sounding moan, followed quickly by his middle finger, he inches back to look up Steve’s body, fingers of his left hand gripping the younger man’s hip. Their eyes meet, Eddie looks possessed by desire, his dexterous digits nudge deeper; his heated gaze unflinching, his breaths coming out hot and heavy inches from the base of Steve’s dripping cock. He withdraws his fingers until just the textured tips remain “fuck me you look good Steve”, he declares earnestly. “Feel—feel so good.” Steve mewls, he pushes himself up on one wobbly elbow, impressed by his own flexibility, “put them back inside me”. Eddie practically growls, he spits down onto his fingers— which almost makes Steve bust a nut— then his digits are sinking back in to the hilt, “ah, oh, oh—fuck” Eddie curls his fingers, brushes against something buried deep inside, and Steve’s entire body jolts off the bed. Eddie does it again, and again— Steve cries out, grabs between his legs, clenches the older man’s wrist “fuck me Eddie, put your dick in me, now.” He orders breathlessly, he’s aching, he’s aching everywhere, he’s so fucking ready. The metalhead climbs up Steve’s body, fingers still buried deep, he licks into his mouth, it’s messy and sloppy and exactly what Steve needs. He pumps his fingers a few more times while they share spit and ragged breaths, then he gently pulls out, apologises with his eyes.Eddie hastily tugs off his boxers, Steve instantly reaches down to grab his erection, moans when he feels it, feels the weight of it in his palm. He’s never touched another dick, decides in that moment that he only ever wants Eddie’s for the rest of time.The storm clatters on outside, howling winds and sideways rain hammering against the windows. Steve lowers himself back onto the pillow, brings Eddie with him, hand still on his cock. The eye contact is intense, makes Steve a feel little insane in the very best way. He guides Eddie’s dick down over his taint, slots it in between his asscheeks.“Fuck.. this is—this is really happening huh?” Eddie whispers, eyes a little wide. Steve nods, nudges Eddie’s dick lower until it catches on his slippery rim. “Uh huh” he breathes, pulling the metalhead down by the back of his neck to slot their mouths back together. He can’t believe they’ve not been doing this for months, decides they need to make up for lost time.They kiss passionately as Eddie tentatively pushes in, Steve moans at the feeling of himself stretching, his tight rim unfurling, his body desperate for it.“Holy shit Steve”, Eddie’s voice is trembling, strained, his hands sweaty where they grip Steve’s shoulders. Steve jerks him off, the head of Eddies thick cock sat an inch inside his asshole. Eddie curses sharply into the younger man’s mouth, eyes rolling back. “Wait—use-use this”— Eddie blindly reaches out, grabs a small bottle from the nightstand. Eddie leans back a little way, Steve instinctively lets go of Eddie’s cock, watches with rapt attention as the metalhead squirts an ample amount of lube onto his shaft “now spread it around, get my dick nice and wet.” Steve nods, bats Eddie’s hand away so that he can slick his cock with lube, “fuck, that feels s-so good” Eddie hisses, watching Steve’s hand as it slips up and down his length. Steve wipes the excess onto his thigh, gets his hand around Eddie’s slick cock, with his other hand he reaches up to card his fingers through neat dark waves. Eddie’s eyes sweep across Steve’s body, he shakes his head when his gaze lands on where they’re joined, “this is fucking crazy” he huffs out feverishly. He reaches for Steve’s throbbing length, begins to jerk him off languidly as he pushes in. “F—UCK, oh f— fuck”, Steve can’t stop his eyes from rolling, can’t stop the shaky expletives from tumbling out. Eddie pushes himself up on one hand, his knees spread open and planted on the bed as he slowly feeds his cock into Steve’s asshole, his hand moving faster over Steve’s twitching member. The sensation of Eddie’s lubed naked dick sinking into him is like no other Steve’s ever experienced. His whole body is on fire, sweat beads across his forehead and the backs of his knees, his gut twisting with something otherworldly and wholly addictive. Eddie bottoms out with a low punched out drawn out “fuck”, Steve’s mouth falls open with a silent sob of unparalleled pleasure. They pause for a moment, try to catch their breaths, Eddie’s parted lips resting heavily on Steve’s collar bone— he sucks a kiss to it, slowly pulls his hips back an inch, nudges back in to the hilt.Steve curses under his breath, his blunt fingernails scratching across Eddie’s back, “yeah” he pants out as the metalhead fucks into him a little harder “yeah—yes, like that, fuck” Eddie’s lips drag up to Steve’s neck, he sucks the skin into his mouth with a rumbling groan “oh g-god, ah, yeah, harder Eddie— fuck me harder”, a litany of filthy words fall from Eddie’s mouth. He pushes himself up on his hands, hovering over Steve, Steve crosses his ankles behind Eddie’s back “yes” he hisses, as the older man’s eyes roll back in his skull, his hips moving faster, wet skin slapping heavily against wet skin. Steve feels himself drifting, his body sinking into the mattress, not a single thought in his cotton candy brain, just the exquisite sensation of Eddie everywhere. He’s subconsciously aware of Eddie’s continuous praise, “best thing that’s ever happened to me” he hears whispered distantly, “taking me so fucking well”, is muttered in the background, “wanna make you come baby”, Steve half hears his own wanton moan, “come all over yourself and let me lick it up, yeah?” Steve tries to answer, but all that emerges is a needy little hum as he rapidly nods his head. “Can I— ah fuck, you feel so good Steve, fuck—can I come in you b-baby?” “Please.” Steve whines, tears wetting his lashes. Eddie folds one hand around Steve’s throat, his skin-warmed rings sending sparks where they rest, Eddie mutters something disbelieving under his breath. Steves head tips back so far he can see the headboard through bleary eyes, he lets his legs fall wide open like a total slut, pulls them back by his knees. “Look so fucking pretty”, Eddie hisses, pounding into him in long wet deep rolling thrusts, starting to hit his prostate repeatedly, his grip tightens around Steve’s throat “lemme see you baby, squirt for me.” “F—fuck—oh—fuck!” Steve manages to lift his heavy head, pry open one bleary eye just in time to see Eddie let go of his cock as it begins to erupt “ah, ah, ah”, he croaks out brokenly. Eddies fucking into him hard now, making Steve’s dick slap around, his come spurting out messily, splattering across his torso— the noises Steves making are simply obscene, high pitched, desperate “uh, uh, uh”s, his orgasm crashing over him in exquisite waves.Eddie doesn’t let up, even as Steve’s head slumps back against the pillow, he continues to jab against his sensitive prostate, cursing and moaning feverishly around Steve’s name. “Messy boy”, Eddie says, strained and breathless, then he’s ducking down to lick the come off of Steve’s nipple. “A—ah—oh sh—shit”, Steve whimpers, torturously sensitive everywhere, it’s intensely overwhelming, he can’t fucking get enough. Eddie sucks the hard bud of his nipple into his mouth, scrapes over it with his teeth; the rhythm of his hips faltering. “Gonna c-come” he hisses brokenly, Steve tangles his fingers into Eddie’s curls, holds him close as his hips stutter, his cock flexing where it’s buried in Steve’s ass. The older man’s entire body tenses, his mouth open over Steve’s nipple, hot heavy breaths sinking into his skin. “Oh”, Steve moans in surprise, because he can feel Eddie coming, can feel the way his dick throbs and empties, filling Steve with slippery warmth.Eddie all but collapses, trembling in Steve’s hold. Steve isn’t fairing much better, his entire body shivering uncontrollably.What may be three minutes or three hours later, Eddie exhales a shaky satisfied hum, says a quiet “sorry baby” when he slowly pulls his cock out. Steve groans at the sensation of Eddie’s seed slowly leaking out of him, he musters up as much strength as he can and rolls on top of the older man, too fucked out to worry about the residual jizz smeared over his torso. Their hot naked spent bodies tangle together. Eddie wraps his arms around him with a pleasantly surprised hum, Steve lazily drags his lips over Eddie’s smooth chest. “That was— intense.” Steve surmises, brain still half empty.“In a good way?” Eddie queries quietly, hand smoothing along Steve’s spine.Steve scoffs against his chest “what do you think?!”— he challenges sarcastically, tucking his chin to make eye contact.Eddie’s fingers sweep through Steve’s sweaty hair, “I think— I don’t know how I’m supposed to go back to like, normal life after that.” Steve grins, ducks down and sucks a teasing kiss to Eddie’s nipple, pulls the silver barbel into his mouth, relishing the soft moan it provokes from above. “Who says you have to?” Eddie huffs a laugh, “uh, society?” “Fuck that.”— Steve says dismissively —“since when do you care about ‘society’?”“Uh.. well, so, there’s this guy”— Eddie begins conversationally, eyes twinkling as he gazes down at Steve —“and he’s like, the most impressive person I’ve ever met. And uh.. honestly? He kinda makes me want to be better, y’know?” His fingers continue to play with strands of Steve’s hair, Steve rests his chin on Eddie’s chest, his right hand trailing over his scarred ribs, “you must really like him then, huh?” He replies softly with a subtle raise of his brows. Eddie exhales heavily, tucks his lips into his mouth, he holds the back of Steve’s head, nods once “somethin’ like that, yeah.” He breathes, apprehension pinching his features. “Something.. more.. than that?” Steve can feel his heart pounding, almost perturbed by how much he wants Eddie to say it. Thing is, Steve Harrington, when he falls, he falls hard. Since the moment he saw that S tattooed on Eddie’s skin, he knew he was done for. He’a already there. All in. ‘Til death us do part. “Would that.. be ok?” Eddie asks tentatively, something akin to a grimace makes a fleeting appearance on his face. Steve climbs his way up Eddie’s body, dips down to kiss him tenderly, smiling when the older man looks a little taken aback, “can— could you.. maybe, say it?” Eddie’s face lights up, he quickly schools his expression, narrows his eyes playfully “you lookin’ to get that ego fluffed Harrington?” Steve rolls his eyes in faux-exasperation, “fine, I’ll go first” he counters, endeared as hell by the look of confusion on Eddie’s face. For whatever reason, Steve can’t hold eye contact when he says it— ok, so he actually does know the reason, it’s because Eddie’s eyes are impossibly beautiful and if he keeps looking into those glimmering brown orbs, he’s gonna ball like a baby— which, may potentially ruin the moment.So, instead, he tucks himself into the crook of Eddie’s neck, presses his lips into the warm skin just below the curve of his ear and whispers “m’in love with you.”Eddie stills, maybe stops breathing momentarily? “Holy shit.” He finally whispers, arms wrapping tightly around Steve’s body. “Holy shit”, he repeats vehemently, evidently stunned. “That.. ok?” Steve rasps against his neck. Somehow, even though Eddie has at no point given Steve any reason to doubt his sincerity— Steve’s heart is a fragile thing, a damaged thing. The seemingly endless moment as he waits for Eddie’s reply sends Steve spiralling, doubting himself, doubting his ability to be loved. A small shaky hiccup from the man beneath him yanks Steve out of his self-pity spiral “hey”— he says with concern, pushing himself up on his forearms over the older man. Eddie has a hand smothering his own face, but it’s clear he’s crying— and Steve feels like a prize prick for being so self involved —“Ed’s, baby what’s wrong? Did I-should I not have—” Eddie hastily shakes his head, mumbling out “nuh uh” into his hand. The metalhead scrubs a rough hand over his face, clears his throat, takes a deep wavering breath “can we pretend I’m not crying like a fucking idiot right now?” Steve chuckles breathily “if it’s any conciliation, I’m right there with ya.” Eddie wriggles up the bed, pulling Steve with him. He sits back against the cushioned headboard with Steve in his lap, regaining some composure with a deep inhale through his nose. He trails his fingertips over Steve’s chest, eyes raking over his body. He pauses with a hand over Steve’s heart, makes eye contact that lingers, “Im so in love with you Steve.”Steve’s entire body sinks with relief, his damaged heart begins to mend where it beats heavily beneath the weight of Eddie’s fingers.