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Everyone knew Eddie liked music. Like, he really liked music. He had his own band, his room was decorated with band posters and album covers, and all he did in his free time was listen to music. So, it didn’t come as much of a surprise when he joined the marching band. Hawkins High School was not known for their incredible sports records, their impressive trophy collections, or their star athletes. They weren’t known for anything. To be honest, they weren’t known in general, but they had nothing if not school spirit. Their crowds at sporting events were insane, despite the fairly small crowd. They were always cheering, always on their feet and chanting. But Eddie’s favorite part? It was always the band. At football games, they would blast the most amazing tunes while the ball was being tossed. During halftime, their drill was truly astonishing. He was mesmerized watching them march around. Pep band, though, was always his favorite. As the band sat in the stands, waiting eagerly for halftime, Eddie’s suspense grew. He attended every sporting event just for the band. Hell, he doesn’t understand any sports and he certainly won’t pretend to. His focus during these games was solely set on guessing what stand tunes the band might play, what capturing cadences the drumline will perform, everything of that sort. Eddie always thought it was embarrassing to be in the marching band, so he never joined. If we’re being honest, the band was always unpopular. They never got any awards or shout-outs. They didn’t get their own news headlines, no school paper updates about them. People appreciated their music sometimes, but in reality, nobody cared. They were outcasts. People were even upset when they attended sporting events for the school more often than not. Eddie didn’t want that. Then he thought- What would it really change? He was already the school freak, one of the biggest outcasts. People already thought he was weird. Would playing some fun songs in a large group of uniformed teenagers really add anything to that? He figured the answer would be no. So, Eddie made a decision. He signed up. It was a little late. He was already a senior, but something told him he was gonna have an extra year of this hellhole. Might as well have some fun with it. A bit before he made this decision, he had met Robin Buckley. She was… Quite eccentric. As Hawkins’ only lesbian, that Eddie knew of anyway, she had quite an unusual personality. Also, in a coincidental turn, Robin was a band kid. She was in pep band, concert band, and marching band playing trumpet. As Eddie and Robin got closer as friends, Robin was very supportive of Eddie’s newest decision. He finally decided to suck up his worries and join. He wasn’t sure what instrument to choose, which was his newest issue. He knew how to play guitar, and he knew the basics of reading music, but that was the furthest of his experience. Luckily for him, they desperately needed someone to fill a role, so he didn’t have to choose. It was decided. By the beginning of the next Hawkins marching season, Eddie would be playing tuba. To say eddie was scared would be an understatement. He knew close to nothing about tubas, just that they’re big and loud. He wouldn’t get any experience on concert tuba before marching, as the year goes straight into football season. He would go right into playing sousaphone, which was frankly terrifying. Despite all of this– Eddie was so fucking excited. Thankfully, he managed to squeeze in some lessons so he knew how to play by the time the season started. Then came band camp–of course, he had to learn to march. Robin warned him that band camp would suck, and fuck was she right. His ankles hurt, and the goddamn sousaphone was so heavy on his shoulders that he wanted to quit while he was ahead, but Robin busted always rolled her eyes and shushed him, told him the magic of band was worth the pain of band camp. Really, Eddie should have more faith in her. She was right, as always. Marching was magical for Eddie. He decided the stiff shoulders and aching ankles were worth it to feel the heavenly experience of performing in front of everyone. It was the same rush he got when doing gigs with his band, and the feeling was addicting. He didn’t even care when people booed or insulted the band. In fact, it hyped him up him more. When the crowd heckled, they played louder. It was truly an out-of-body experience every time he marched. Even when the football players tried to chase them off the field, they just kept going. For once in his life, Eddie Munson felt powerful. Surely, nothing could be better than this. Eddie was wrong, of course, but not by much. The one thing he liked better than marching– and it was definitely a close call, by the way– was pep band. Sure, the games could get a bit boring, but he had his reasons. Steve. Steve Harrington was his reason. Maybe it was slightly pathetic of Eddie to be so enamored with a jock that he would willingly sit through a basketball game without playing (outside of halftime), but quite frankly, he didn’t care. Robin teased him–of course she did–but also understood. She couldn't blame him, really. She was no better every time she saw "lesbian candy on two feet", her most recent nickname for Nancy Wheeler. Go figure. She always would sneak up behind Eddie in the stands during their breaks when he had been staring a little too long and poke him, whispering a small, “Really, Munson?” He couldn’t even blame her, though. It was kind of humiliating. His real problem came when Steve and Robin finally graduated. Eddie was right in his assumption that he would spend another year attending Hawkins High, but he never expected a third. Hell, he still barely thought he was going to make it through this one, but he was doing good so far and didn’t want to jinx it. He was still friends with Robin despite the fact that she graduated two years before. Unfortunately, that also meant he was still crushing pathetically on Steve Harrington. King Steve, the biggest bully and jock of the school. Though… Eddie should be fair to him. He deserves credit where credit is due. After high school, he evened himself out. He even cut off his filthy-rich parents. The hardest part of this for him to understand was the fact that Robin and Steve had become somewhat of best friends. They worked together and hung out regularly. Robin even told Eddie one night, pure joy in her voice, that she had come out to Steve and he was perfectly accepting. Steve fucking Harrington was going to be the death of him. Robin had made the very idiotic decision to introduce Steve and Eddie when he visited her at work. Clearly, she must’ve been trying to kill him, because she knew he would be an absolute mess at the sight of Steve. He was no longer his tough, strained high school self. He was soft and warm, like a ball of sunshine encapsulated behind human flesh. He wore pastel sweaters. Grew his hair out naturally and never slicked it back anymore. He looked so damn soft. Eddie needed this man carnally, to say the least, and Robin knew this. She invited him to come get some ice cream, considering she worked at Scoops in the mall and friends got half off (her boss didn’t need to know). He showed up, and honestly, Eddie was embarrassed that he didn’t expect to see Steve there as well. He works there, dumbass, of course he’s there– he tries to reason with himself, but he was still in shock. Robin leaned over the counter to Eddie, waggling her fingers. “Hey-a, Munson. I’m taking my break to piss and eat with you, so have the dingus get your ice cream.” She gestured vaguely to Steve, who was tapping his fingers in boredom against the counter. Even in that ridiculous sailor uniform, Eddie thinks he could ravage the man. His soft hair was growing out, nearly reaching his shoulders by now, fluffed and hanging over his face lightly. The sailor cap rested gently on the top of his head, and Eddie almost fainted when he saw the stupid blue shorts that go alone with his uniform. He doesn’t know why, yet again, he didn’t expect this. He’s seen Robin’s uniform a million times, but this was the first time heaven dared to imagine Steve in his. He thinks he might have to start doing that more often. Eddie gives Robin a glare as she saunters to the bathroom, smirk on her bitchy face. She's lucky Eddie loves her, or else she would be as good as dead for this stunt. He shuffles over to the counter where Steve is picking at some flaking paint and he rings the dumb little bell to get his attention. He knows he’s going to need to debrief with Robin after trying to act normal in front of Steve. He peeks up, raising his eyebrows when he sees Eddie. “Oh, Munson. Hey! Robin didn’t say that you would be coming to see her!” Eddie practically passes out because Steve is fucking grinning at his presence. He gives a shrug and leans against the counter. “Yeah, well. Normally I’m too busy with after-school shit or sporting events, but we’re all free now. Seasons over,” He chokes out, somehow managing to act decently normal. Steve gives a confused look, tilting his head and widening his eyes. Those eyes, Christ. Eddie swears he could fall into them. “Sports? Eddie, no fucking way you’re talking about basketball season. Or- Well, any sport season, really," Steve mutters, sheepishly. He quickly panics and waves a hand. “I- I mean no offence by that. I’m sure you would do great in sports, just, uh. You don’t seem the type, ya’know?” God, does Eddie know. He shrugs, and goes to reply, but a man walks in and he figures it must be Steve’s boss as he straightens up and switches into work mode. He tries his best not to snort out a laugh when Steve practically sweats while rushing out the words, “Ahoy, welcome to Scoops! I’m Steve, I’ll be your captain today! Would you like to set sail on this ocean of flavor with me?” This is amazing. He reminds himself to thank Robin. Eddie covers his face in an attempt not to giggle at the absurd sentences and huffs. “Yeah, uh.. Let me get a single scoop of mint chocolate chip on a waffle cone, Steve. ” Steve starts scooping and waits for his boss to leave the room before groaning and covering his face, handing Eddie his ice cream. He mumbles, “...That’ll be 50¢.” Eddie hands him a few coins and starts cackling , not even caring if he's humiliating himself because what the hell was that?! Steve groans into his hands. “Shut up, it's a requirement!” That was a good day. He ended up telling Steve about his marching adventures that day. Steve took his break after Robin, and Eddie actually had a wonderful time talking to him. He never expected Steve to enjoy hanging with him, but this? This was insane. A few weeks later, Robin invited him over for a movie night. It was pretty normal for them, they had one every once in a while. Eddie would bring some beers and weed, they would get stoned and watch some stupid ass movie from the town’s Family Video store, and Eddie would stay over at Robin’s house (or vice versa). This time, Eddie was hosting. He cleaned his house the best he could. Wayne was working overnight, so he didn't have too much to worry about. He was putting out snacks and other random shit when a knock sounded at his trailer door. He rushes over to let Robin in, and- Of fucking course she isn't alone. She gives him a small, evil wave before Eddie looks beside her. Steve Harrington is there, fidgeting with his hands and looking like an absolute dream. He's in light jeans with a few rips, a soft blue sweater against his perfectly golden skin. Eddie gulps as he looks over him. The neckline of his sweater is just low enough that he can see a few precious moles across Steve’s neck and chest area, and Eddie wishes he could kiss every single one of them. Steve bats his eyes softly, looking a little nervous. He speaks, his usual warm tone present. “Hey, Eds.. Hope it's okay that I came! Robin said you wouldn't mind.” Eds? Okay, what the actual fuck? God, maybe Eddie was going to kill Robin, because he was so screwed. Actually, scratch that, he won't be able to kill her, he's already going to be dead. He acts as casual as possible with the stirring butterflies in his stomach, responding with a bright smile. “Steve. Of course, I don't mind. Come in, yeah?” He gives him a smile and motions for him to come in, but he gives Robin a sharp glare as she walks behind him. She just shrugs with a mischievous look on her face. He leans in and spits out, “We are so going to have a talk in the kitchen later.” They all walk inside, Robin immediately tossing herself onto Eddie’s couch and snatching up a beer. Steve approaches the couch but stands to the side, hands clasped behind his back as he sways softly. His lips are very softly pursed as he looks around, eyes very lightly flowing across the room and taking in the decor. He walks up to Steve and taps his shoulder. “Hey man, you can sit down ya’know. Grab a beer or some snacks, just relax.” Steve, in response, shrugs and hums a little, hesitantly taking a seat next to Robin. Okay, now Eddie needs to grill the fuck out of Robin. Seriously. “Hey, Robs? Can you help me grab some stuff from the kitchen?” He turns to Steve and smiles softly, being a bit bold and ruffling his hair casually. Don't judge him, you wouldn't be able to resist either . “You just stay here and wait, alright Stevie? Make yourself at home, eat some snacks.” Steve looks a bit nervous–and flustered, but Eddie blames it on him seeing things–yet slowly grabs a pack of candy, leaning against the couch. Fucking perfect. Eddie was going to go manic. They went into the kitchen, and he was immediately whisper-screaming in Robin's face. “Are you insane?! Robin! You are actually going to kill me!” She just shrugs, a hint of humor on her face. “Relax, idiot. He likes hanging out with you, okay? Also, just putting this out there–he will absolutely not care if you like h-mmph!” Eddie slapped a hand over Robin's mouth, glaring at her. “Buckley, are you kidding? He cannot stay the night! You're actually insane. I will lose my shit! Robin, you don't understand.” She rolls her eyes and just sighs, flicking his forehead. Eddie deadpans at her but continues his panic, grabbing his long black curls and puts them in front of his mouth, a common nervous response of his. “Chill, Eddie, calm down. I told him you can only have one person stay, and that will be me!” Eddie sighs in relief, before- “...Well, I think. Maybe I forgot to mention it.” You’ve got to be fucking kidding. Eddie groans, burying his face in his hands. “Robin Harper Buckley! Oh my God, you're actually joking. I’m done for!” He leans against the kitchen counter, huffing with a pink face. “I can't just do this all night, Robs! You know how much he- He makes me crazy, right? I won't be able to handle it!” Robin gives a small apologetic look, but keeps her same opinion. “Eddie, you have to face it sometime. It's been 3 years, for Christ’s sake!” He sighs softly, voice wavering with anxiety. “Robin, come on. I can't do this! I don't want him to stay the night, I don't even want him to be here in all honesty because I’ll lose my damn mind!” In hindsight, Eddie knows he should've used better wording. But how could he have known that as soon as those words left his mouth, poor, sweet Steve would be walking around the corner into the kitchen, about to ask where his bathroom was. Robin’s expression falters as she spots Steve, and Eddie whips around immediately. His heart is breaking at Steve's face. He looks so fucking distraught, Eddie can't handle it anymore. Steve's voice is soft, still laced with sickly-sweet nectar even through his sour expression. “...Well you could've said that before inviting me in, Eddie. Wish you would've, but, uh, I can go.” He turns and exits the kitchen, apparently going to gather his coat and shoes. Robin shoves Eddie and gives him a sharp look, one that he gathers is a threat right away. He immediately dashes out to the living room, chasing after Steve. “Hey, hey, hey. Stevie! You don't- you don't have to leave. That- that's not what I meant.” Steve just frowns, tugging his jacket onto his shoulders. “You, uh… You sounded pretty sure, Eds.” And Jesus Christ, he was still calling him that godforsaken name. “It's fine, alright? I get it. I shouldn't have just joined Robin without asking first.” Eddie sighs into one of his own hands, face tingling in nervousness. He really doesn't have a way out of this one, does he? He reaches and tugs on Steve’s jacket sleeve, the inside of his cheek chewed between his teeth. “Stevie. Stevie, I mean it, you misunderstood, ‘kay? C’mon.” He frowns and grips Steve's shoulder. “Just came in at the wrong time, sweetheart.” He can see Steve’s face warm in color at the name, and Eddie… Maybe he has a better chance of this plan succeeding after all. “Eddie, really. I understand . I’m not, like.. Upset. Well, okay, I am , but it's not your fault. You have boundaries, right? It's okay. I’ll see you soon, Eds.” Steve goes to slide on his shoes, and Eddie decides this just won't do. Might as well get it over with. “Steve, I fucking- I like you, alright?! You misheard. I told Robin I don't want you here because I’ll be too flustered to interact with you in a friendly way, alright? I- I really do want you here.” They stare at each other. The room is silent, just Steve's soft breath. His face looks like it's burning up. “...Don't mess with me like that, Eds. Seriously.” And that–Really, how is Eddie supposed to let this sweetheart believe that? He tugs harder at Steve's jacket, voice soft and careful when he calls out, “C’mere, Big Boy. Let me prove it to you." He spins Steve around, hands trembling as they cup his strong shoulders. He gulps, dark doe eyes tracing all over Steve's skin. “...How's this, Stevie? Ya’ alright with this?” Steve looks like he's freaking out, skin a pretty pink and eyes beautifully widened. He squeaks out a soft, “Yeah…”, and Eddie is over the moon. He steps closer, one hand moving to cup Steve's cheek. He really doesn't think Steve means to nuzzle his face into his hand, but he does, and Eddie thinks it's the cutest thing he's ever seen. He's like a damn puppy. He takes one more step, his nose nudging Steve's own. He can't help his eyes staying open, but Steve’s easily fall shut with a comforted sigh. Finally, Eddie lets his close and he inches forward to get rid of the gap between them, their mouths connecting. Eddie can't help but make a happy humming sound because Jesus Steve's lips are soft. They've always looked so plump and pretty, but feeling them against his own and eventually realizing, “He's wearing cherry lipgloss” was not something he ever thought would happen. Steve is a mess, clearly. He melts against Eddie, but he's unsure what to do with his hands. Eddie removes his own from Steve's face–he definitely does not blush deeper at Steve's disappointed whine–to grab his hands, squeezing them and placing them on his waist to show him it's okay. He loves having his hands on Steve like this, but part of him has a fleeting thought of gripping his velvety hair and running his hands through it, softly tugging. Maybe next time.Next time. That sounds real nice to Eddie.They stay like this for a minute, just kissing softly. Steve's skin is so warm, the pink brightening as it spreads. He makes a lot of small sounds, Eddie is pleased to learn. He likes to hum, likes to whine when Eddie stops kissing or touching him. He huffs when Eddie pulls away for a breath, and Eddie's personal favorite–every time Eddie makes any move to deepen the kiss, Steve scrambles to pull him closer and provides a happy squeal. Eddie can't help himself when he grabs Steve's jacket, pushing it down his shoulders. He tosses it away and pulls him closer. His face, before their lips met again, had landed against Steve's neck, and Good God, is Steve a tropical plant? He smells insanely good. This just.. Continues. They're content, making out slowly like they have their whole lives to do this–maybe they do, Eddie hopes. Just as Eddie tilts his head to deepen their kiss, they jump apart when they hear Robin's joking gags from the hall next to them. “Fucking gays. Get a room.” Eddie and Steve look awkward between each other, skin still flushed and lips clearly very kissed-out. She laughs and waves a hand. “Well, I’m out.” Eddie goes to protest, but she stops him. “Eddie, I never planned on staying. I’m staying with Nance tonight.” She absolutely does not respond to Eddie's eyebrow raise at the mention of her crush. “This was my plan! Thank god it worked, I was sick and tired of you two coming to me about your stupid ass lovesick problems. So! I’m out, have fun, do not traumatize your uncle, and keep me updated!” She blows a kiss and waves teasingly at them as she walks out. Eddie and Steve glance at each other, and Steve huffs. “...How long?” Steve asks, voice soft and silky. Eddie blushes deeper, trying to act casual. “Oh, ya’know. Your senior year. Watched you play basketball when I was there for pep band.” Steve inhales sharply, nodding with a great speed. “Yup, yup. C’mere Eds.” He tugs him in immediately for another kiss, and Eddie grins into it, making their teeth smack together as they collapse against the couch together, Eddie pressed warmly against Steve. Eddie is so fucking grateful for being a band kid, he decides.