Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Harrington!” Robin’s voice came in loud and clear over the Family Video phone line.

“Buckley.” Steve snorted.

“You. Me. Gay bar, tonight.”

Steve groaned. He’d been avoiding going to the Corroded Coffin with Robin forever. “What’s in it for me?”

“We’re going to try to get you laid. Duh.” Steve could practically hear robin rolling her eyes over the line.

“Why me? Why not Nance? She is your soulmate; she should be the one dealing with drunk Robin.” Steve pleaded.

“She’s going too, Argyle and Jonathan too.” Robin replied flippantly. “We all decided you need to get laid. Or atleast out of the house for the night. Also, Jonathan is the designated driver.”

“I don’t want-”

“Steve, I swear, I will find any possible remaining Demodogs and make you into a hearty meal for them if you whine.”

“Fine! Jesus!” Steve scoffed before hearing Robin laugh as she hung up the phone.

Steve felt a jolt go through his arm. He looked down at the wrist holding his glowing red numbers.

The timer.

His mother scoffed when Steve asked about it as a child. She had just rolled her eyes and told him it was a big joke the universe played on everyone, because according to her, that number didn’t matter.

Steve was eight when he asked Mrs. Wheeler why she had a name that glowed purple instead of numbers, and why Nancy’s numbers were blue. Mrs. Wheeler softly explained the concept of soulmates. How one half had a glowing red number, and the match would be blue. It could change based on the decisions they made in life. Once they met their soulmate, their numbers would turn to their soulmate’s name, and glow the prettiest purple color he’d ever seen. Steve thought that was simple enough.

When Steve got home that night, he noticed his mom never took off the thick wrist brace, citing carpel tunnel as her reasoning for always wearing it when he asked. Her accompanying glare told him not to ask about it again.

When Steve was thirteen, he walked into the kitchen as his mother was pouring her coffee. She wasn’t paying attention, and over filled the travel cup she was holding. The scolding hot coffee seeped into the wrist brace. He quickly got up, grabbing tea towels from the cupboard and when he turned around, he’d caught a glimpse of her blue timer as she pulled off the beige-colored brace.

She’d never met her soulmate.
His dad wasn’t her soulmate.

“We will never speak of this.” She hissed as he caught her glare.

Steve snapped out of his memory to remember to look at his wrist.

“Oh my God, nine hours, I have nine hours until I meet him.” Steve instinctively ran his hand through his hair. “Shit, what am I going to wear?” He asked the empty air filling the video store before groaning once more.

Chapter Text

Eddie woke up, hearing tap on his bedroom door. He sat up and wiped sleep from his eyes. “Come in.” He groaned.

His uncle opened the door and poked his head in. “Hey kiddo, I’m leaving for Ohio. I’ll see you when I get back. Should be gone for about a week.”

Eddie nodded. “See you then.”

“Try to stay outta trouble.” His uncle sent a small smile. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Eddie waved a hand.

His uncle chuckled as he shut the door behind him.

Eddie shook his head and yawned before feeling a bolt go through his arm. “Did the fucking timer change again?” He grumbled as he actively refused to look at the numbers on his wrist.

He never looked at his wrist anymore, after his father had thoroughly scarred the area, Eddie had hidden the ugly glowing numbers behind chunky rubber bracelets, the only things thick enough the keep the blue glow to a minimum.

He wasn’t looking forward to the day his soulmate found him. He had hoped his soulmate would understand, but he didn’t hold his breath.

What if he wasn’t what they expected? Was his soulmate straight? Would they be expecting a woman? Would they have felt Eddie’s misery through the connection? Did they know?

Eddie was ten, the first time he’d felt his soulmate send a feeling over the connection. Love. Unfortunately for Eddie, it’d be the only love he’d be shown until the age of twenty, when he’d move to Hawkins.

”Emily Munson!” Eddie flinched at his father’s voice.
“Yeah dad.” Eddie slowly made his way into the family room.
“Why didn’t you wear what I picked out for you? The blue dress with sunflowers.” His father barked.
“I did, dad.” Eddie panicked internally, knowing he was lying.
“Are you calling Mrs. White a liar? I asked her what you were wearing, little girl.”
Eddie shook his head. “No sir.”
“So then, who’s the liar?”
“Me, sir.”
“And what do liars get in this house?” His father grinned.
Eddie held out his wrist, determined not to cry this time, not in front of his father.
The numbers glowed blue as the red cherry met his skin. For a moment, all he saw was purple.
The very next moment, he felt the bond come to life with love and affection, he felt his soulmate reaching out to comfort him. For the first time, he’d managed not to cry during a punishment.
That night, once he was alone, he felt it again. But he couldn’t send that same feeling back, he didn’t have it in him to send back. He prayed to a god he didn’t believe in, that the person on the other end would understand.

Eddie sighed as he pulled himself from under the covers and zombie walked to the shower. “Hope they’re cool with trans-folk.” He whispered as he dragged his fingers along the scars under his nipples, then shrugged. “Whatever.”

Eddie breathed deeply as he stood under the hot spray before that dread crept into the back of his mind. “If not, I’m doomed to spend the rest of my life alone at very least, and that’s if they don’t kill me when they find out. No pressure.” He mumbled as a tear slid down his cheek.

Chapter Text

“Jonathan and Argyle should be meeting us here soon.” Robin told them as they stood in line, waiting to flash their fake ID’s to get in.

Steve felt like he was going to vibrate out of his skin as his timer counted down, closer and closer to zero.

“Jesus, Steve, why are you shaking?” Nancy asked quietly.

“Sorry.” Steve apologized nervously.

Robin crossed her arms and looked at Steve expectantly. “What is going on with you Harrington?”

Steve shook his head; he hadn’t wanted to make a big deal about meeting his soulmate tonight. “Nothin’.”

Robin narrowed her eyes at him. “Spill. It.”

“Fine, fine. Oh my god.” He took a deep breath and held out his wrist.

“Yeah, you’re pasty, we get it.” Robin rolled her eyes.

“Robin. Twelve minutes.” Nancy smiled as she caught the change in countdown.

“No way!” Robin surged forward and grabbed his wrist, pulling it closer to her face to examine. “Oh my god, Harrington! I’m so proud of you!”

“I wonder who they will be! They could be anyone!” Nancy babbled excitedly. She was excited to see Steve have someone to love.

Robin finally released his wrist as they moved up in line. “Oh my god, what are you wearing? Your letterman jacket? Dude, the whole ‘Peaked in high school’ jock look is not cute.”

Steve shrugged as he tugged on the hem of the white tee-shirt he was wearing underneath. “I thought I looked pretty good.” He humbled.

“You do look good Steve, right Robbie? He looks good.” Steve was so busy staring down at his faded blue jeans to see the glares Robin was receiving from Nancy.

“Yeah, I mean that look isn’t cute on most but, it looks great on you!” Robin tried to undo the damage she’d already caused.

“It’s okay.” Steve shrugged quietly as they got to the bouncer.

“Robin.” The bouncer sighed.

“Oh, he-hey Jimmy.” Robin chuckled breathily. “You guys, my cousin Jimmy. Jimmy, Steve and my soulmate Nancy.”

“Robin, I know you’re-”

“Jimmy!” Robin spoke over him. “This is Steve, Steve is due to meet his soulmate in six minutes. Do you want to be the reason someone’s timer changes?”

Jimmy glanced at Steve.

Robin elbowed Steve in the side.

“Ow!”

“Show him your wrist, dingus!” She growled through her teeth.

“Oh! Right!” He held out his wrist and pulled up his sleeve to show his little red timer.

The bouncer sighed again before pinching the bridge of his nose.

Robin came up with a plan b pretty quickly. “Hey, does Aunt Carol know you work at Corroded Coffin?”

The bouncer’s head snapped up. “You won’t tell her shit if I let you though?”

“Not a word.” Robin grinned.

Once they got through the door, they made their way to a table near the back.

“I’m going to go get a drink.” Steve said after a minute.

“Steve.” Robin sighed. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I know.” He nodded, giving her a tight smile.

Chapter Text

The bar was quieter than usual.

“What can I ge-" a loud beeping cut off Eddie’s words as he looked into the eyes of a guy wearing a Hawkins letterman jacket that stood across the counter from him.

“It’s you.” The jock whispered.

Eddie felt panic rise in his chest. This guy was too pretty, with stupidly swoopy hair and Eddie knew his soulmate was the hottest guy he’d ever seen. Eddie immediately turned on his heels and ran into the back room.

Eddie’s coworker Gareth noticed, put down the drink he was making and stomped over to the jock. “What did you say to him?”

“He’s my soulmate.” The guy whispered.

Gareth’s face softened instantly. “He probably went out the back door. Straight back, come on.” He ushered the jock around the bar. “Treat Eddie right or I’ll gut you.” Gareth growled as he pushed the guy through the back-room door before going back to making drinks.

“Eddie?” The jock called as he opened the back door leading to outside. “You out here?”

Eddie wished he could become one with the wall right now, he tried so hard to become invisible.

“There you are.” He saw the jock smile. “Why did you run?”

Eddie looked down at his shoes. “There’s some things you don’t know about me.”

“I know your heart, that’s all that matters to me.” The jock took another step closer.

“Don’t, please.” Eddie flinched. He’d always been fearless, stood up to his bullies and was regularly proud of his injuries from fights he’d one because it meant he wasn’t afraid to stand up for himself. But he knew, any abuse coming from the one meant for him, well that would break him into pieces. There’d be no coming back from that.

The jock immediately put his hands up and stepped back again feeling Eddie’s overwhelming sense of fear. He slowly sat down about five feet from the trembling man standing against the brick wall.

The jock chuckled to himself a bit, “I suppose it's not fair that I know your first name, but you don’t know mine. I’m Steve. Steve Harrington but people call me Steve or the babysitter, but I prefer the first one.” He babbled.

Eddie let himself slide down the wall, to sit with his legs out in front of him. “Eddie Munson.” He nodded.

“Nice to meet you, Eddie. It’s really nice to put a face to this bond.”

Eddie nodded again then took a deep breath. “I’m transgender.” He whispered, feeling defeated as tears rolled down his face.

Steve just shrugged. “Okay.”

Eddie suddenly looked up at him with a glare. “Okay? That’s all you have to say?”

Steve looked put off. “Am I supposed to say something different? Am I getting something wrong?”

Eddie pursed his lips. Having his long, wavy hair in a ponytail was starting to give him a headache. Finally, he shook his head.

Steve scratched the back of his neck. “I’m bisexual, so like, anatomy, gender and sex doesn’t matter much to me as long as you’re happy. I love you for you, not for what’s in your pants.”

Ignoring the L word, Eddie felt like he had to ask. “Did you always know I was uh-”

“A guy? Yeah, I always felt you as a male through the bond, I’ve never felt you as a female.” Steve said quietly before giggling. “You know, my friend Nancy loves to tell this old story from when we were like I don’t know, five, I think. She asked me one day why I would only eat the pink, red and green Jolly Ranchers. I told her it was because I would instinctively save the blue and purple ones for you.”

Eddie looked at Steve, dumbfounded. “Well, you missed out, the blue and purple Jolly Ranchers are the best.”

Steve just giggled. “I wouldn’t know, I guess I was just prepping myself for our future life together. I like to be prepared.”

Eddie nodded as he continued studying the man in front of him. He had to admit, Steve seemed sincere.

The door opened and Gareth stuck his head out. “Munson.”

“Coming.” Eddie quickly got up off the ground.

Gareth shook his head. “I called Alex, rest of the night off, then three following shifts off all with pay. Soulmate allowance.”

Eddie furrowed his brows. “You guys have that here?”

Gareth nodded. “Illinois doesn’t?”

Eddie shook his head.

“Welcome to Indiana.” Gareth chuckled. “Now, go the fuck home.”

Eddie deflated as soon as Gareth disappeared from sight. He turned back to Steve with a sigh.

“Do you want to grab a burger maybe?” Steve asked, trying to sound casual.

Eddie tried to think of a way to reject the idea without having to admit he’s broke as shit. “Uh, no, I don’t want to.” He felt bad as soon as the words left his lips. The look on Steve’s face cut deeper than anything he’d ever felt before.

“Oh, right, right yeah.” Steve chuckled as he rubbed one side of his forehead. “I’ll uh, yeah. I’ll just go.”

Steve made it five steps before turning back to Eddie. He opened his mouth like he’d had something to say, but he closed it quickly before turning back around and made his way back into the bar. He quickly made his way around the bar and headed straight for the exit.

He heard a familiar whistle as he saw his friends from the corner of his eye. Robin and Nancy must have told Jonathan and Argyle, the latter of the two had a fist raised in the air, ready to pump.

Robin smiled wildly as Nancy started to yell across the bar. “Steve! How’d it-”

He turned towards Nancy and shook his head. He blinked a few times as he fought back tears. He noticed his friends deflate as they saw his demeanor. He didn’t stand there for more than a minute before making his way out of the bar, almost running for his car.

“Steve! Wait!” Nancy caught up with him, almost to his car. “Steve, what happened?”

“He hates me Nance, I can’t. I just-” Steve looked up and away from her, unable to look his childhood best friend in the eye. “I just wanted a love like you and Robin. But he doesn’t want me.”

“Steve, he just doesn’t know you yet! There’s nothing not to love about you!” She tried to reassure him.

He only shook his head.

“Steve...” She reached for his arm, he recoiled as if he’d been burned the moment, she made physical contact with him.

“I gotta be alone Nance. I’ll see you.” He practically ran to his car, not seeing Robin and the rest of the gang watching from the door.

Chapter Text

Robin stomped up to the bar where there stood two bartenders. “Where the fuck is he?”

The bartenders made eye contact with each other before looking back at her. “Who you looking for?”

“The bastard that made my best fucking friend cry. Whoever the fuck was outside with him.” She seethed.

One of them shrugged. “Still don’t know who you’re talking about, lady.”

Robin glared hard. “The human version of a fucking golden retriever wearing a letterman jacket? Yeah, that was my best friend. And some asshole just crushed his fucking heart. I wanna talk to him.”

“Robin, hold on, let me try.” Nancy urged her back.

“Look, my friend, Steve. He just had his heart broken and he just want to talk to the guy that did it. Steve’s not good with words and sometimes he doesn’t respond well with those that don’t know him. We just want to find out if there’s a miscommunication.” Nancy assured the two men behind the bar, just before a third walked out from the door behind the bar.

Nancy took in the sight of the third man. He wore black jeans with a black leather jacket, a vest covered in pins and patches over the top of the jacket. Nancy just felt like she knew he was Steve’s.

“It’s you.” Nancy smiled softly.

“Sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Can I talk to you?” She asked carefully.

“What about?” The guy asked nervously.

“Steve.”

Recognition flashed in his eyes before his jaw clenched. “I didn’t do anything to him.”

“I’m Nancy, this is Robin, that’s Jonathan and Argyle.” Nancy gestured. “We just wanna talk. That’s all. We aren’t going to hurt you.”

Eddie eyed her before nodding hesitantly. Nancy went to follow, but Robin stuck her arm out. “Me first.”

Eddie stood against the wall, smoking his last cigarette when Robin stood next to him and lit hers up.

“When I first met Steve, I felt like he was a robot.” Robin said simply, breaking the silence. “We were working at an ice cream shop in Starcourt mall. He seemed too perfect, you know?”

Eddie nodded in acknowledgement.

“Turns out, he’s just had years of practice in masking. His parents are shitty.” She chuckled softly. “And he’s been fighting literal monsters for three years with my soulmate, one of our other friends and a bunch of actual kids. We watched his bully have the life sucked from him, literally, and we were held captive by some bad guys.”

Eddie eyed her carefully, unsure if she was trying to fuck with him.

“He’s been my best friend for two years now, and the one thing he refused to tell me about, was you.” She lifted her leg and put out her cigarette on the soul of her shoe. “I like your style, you seem like a decent dude, but I will hurt you if you hurt him again.”

Eddie turned his head as he watched her walk away, feeling even more apprehensive than he did before.

Not a minute later, Nancy came out and stood where Robin had.

“How are you doing?”

Eddie looked at her like she’d grown a second head. He hadn’t been asked how he was by anyone but his uncle in far too long. Eddie settled for a shrug.

She nodded sympathetically. “I remember when I met Robin, it’s a lot of shit to really just hit you at once.”

Eddie nodded. “I’ve never really been good with emotions.”

Nancy smiled softly. “Steve’s not good with words, or emotions. Art though? He’s great at art. Honestly, his life would be alot easier if his paintings could do the talking for him.”

“That’s cool.” Eddie responded.

“What’s your name?” She asked carefully.

“Eddie Munson.”

“Munson, like Wayne? Is he your dad?” Nancy asked with interest.

Eddie shook his head. “Uncle. You know him?”

Nancy nodded. “He works over at the plant, right?”

Eddie nodded. “Yeah, that’s him.”

“His wife Diane worked at the elementary school, back before she passed. She taught me like three years in a row.” Nancy smiled sadly.

Eddie felt warm, hearing someone speak so fondly of his family. “They were the best.”

“Eddie, as Steve’s best friend I have to ask. Do you want to make things work with him?”

Eddie shrugged as he looked out over the parking lot. “He’s better off.”

“You’re his person.” Nancy reminded him.

“I’m Eddie “the freak” Munson, trust me. Perfect Steve Harrington is much better off without me.” Eddie snapped at Nancy. She was too stunned to follow as he started his walk home, back to the trailer park to cry himself to sleep.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Eddie woke up to someone knocking on his front door. He pulled a shirt over his head before making his way out of his room as the knocking increased.

“I’m working on it! Keep your pants on!” He grumbled as he unlocked the door.

Eddie opened the door to find two guys he’d seen at the bar last night. He squinted his eyes at the two. “Who the fuck are you guys?”

“Argyle.” The guy gestured to himself, then to the guy next to him. “Jonathan.”

“Okay? What do you want?” Eddie asked skeptically as he ran the hand that wasn’t resting across his chest, through his messy curls.

Jonathan held up a bag weed. “Wanna get high and talk about how shit this town is?”

Eddie couldn’t help but smile at Jonathan’s offer, but he had to ask. “What’s the catch?”

“No catch, just wanna smoke.” Argyle said with a wave of the hand.

“Okay.” Eddie nodded as he moved from the doorway so they could come in.

Eddie didn’t bother to change out of the clothes he’d slept in before sitting down with Jonathan and Argyle. They kept the conversation surface level as the smoked, until Eddie realized he hadn’t asked a crucial question.

“Wait, how did you know where I live?”

“It’s a small town, my guy. You weren’t hard to find. We’ve got eyes everywhere.” Argyle tried to keep a straight face but failed miserably.

“What he means is one of the kids Steve babysits lives here in this park, we put out an ask about where Wayne lived, and she piped up pretty quick.” Jonathan explained. “Her name is Max, she’s a little firey redhead.”

Eddie nodded, having seen the girl around the trailer park before. “Steve babysits?”

“He’s a really caring dude. We all have gone through some shit in the last few years and there's a whole group of freshman kids entangled in all this shit.” Jonathan sighed. “The parents around here aren’t exactly the greatest. Well except my mom and her boyfriend. Everyone else’s are just kind of, absent. So, Steve stepped up.”

“Probably just trying to be for them what he wishes he had. His mom’s a total bitch.” Argyle cut in with some snark.

Jonathan smiled. “You know, Henderson calls him mom behind his back.”

Eddie laughed loudly. “A kid calls him mom?”

“It’s weird but endearing at that same time.” Jonathan nodded. “Just wait til you meet Dustin. You’ll fit right in with our merry band of misfits. Everyone is excited to meet Steve’s soulmate.”

Eddie’s laugh died in his throat, the air around him turning bitter with unsaid words. He knew he’d have some high expectations to meet, and he wasn’t even sure he wanted to deal with it.

Eddie had envisioned his life alone. Honestly, he didn’t think he’d make it to eighteen, let alone find the person he was meant to be with.

“I-I mean, you don’t have to. Obviously.” Jonathan said quietly, sobering up a little after realizing he’d ruined the comradery they had going.

Eddie nodded but didn’t say anything.

Jonathan and Argyle left not long after, leaving Eddie sitting on the couch, alone with his thoughts.

Less than an hour had passed before there was another knock on the door, he didn’t bother to answer it, so he was quite surprised to see someone enter.

Eddie took in the look of the young teen in blue jeans and a light grey hoodie, curls peeking out from under his trucker hat. The teen stood, staring straight at him.

“Henderson, I assume.” Eddie took a guess that seemed to pay off when the kid looked stunned.

“Munson.” The kid raised a brow.

“What do you want?” Eddie asked tiredly.

Dustin ignored Eddie as he looked around the room. He must’ve noticed Eddie’s books stacked up on the table as he went on to ask, “do you like Dungeons and Dragons?”

Eddie nodded. “I’ve played since fourth grade.”

“Totally tubular.” Dustin giggled to himself. “We have our own campaign!”

Eddie smiled at Dustin as he animatedly talked about his character in his friend Will’s game. Eddie listened happily, enjoying the familiarity of a topic he knew well.

After about five minutes of all about Dustin’s Dwarf, his radio crackled to life.

“We’ve got him.” Nancy’s voice came through. “Out at the quarry.”

“Nancy!” The voice Eddie recognized as Robin came in. “Is he safe?”

“Yeah.” Nancy sounded hesitant in her response.

"Who are they talking about?" Eddie wondered aloud.

Dustin looked like he was ready to cry. "Nothing."

Eddie's brows pinched inwards. "This is about Steve, isn't it?"

Dustin didn't speak, but his guilty look told him it was.

“Where are they taking him?” Eddie asked softly.

Dustin looked into Eddie’s eyes as he held the button down. “Where are you taking him?”

“Loch Nora. He's wasted and it's bad.” Nancy responded. "We'll have to take turns holding his hair back."

“Dustin, you still at Eddie’s?” A voice Eddie didn’t recognize asked over the crackle.

“Yeah.” Dustin responded quickly.

“Do you want picked up?”

Dustin looked at Eddie. “You coming?”

Eddie nodded as he got up. “Leave the address on the counter. I’ll find my way there.”

Dustin waited until Eddie shut his bedroom door before responding.

“Henderson, do you copy?”

“Yeah Mike, Munson is coming with. Over.” Dustin rolled his eyes before casting another glance down the hallway.

Eddie didn’t take long, changing into something moderately clean and not bothering to brush his hair. He threw his leather jacket over his raglan shirt, then his vest over top. He slid his wallet into the pocket of his too tight black jeans with holes in the knees.

He wasn’t expecting to find Dustin now sitting on his couch.

“Hm.” Dustin looked at Eddie approvingly.

“What?”

“You clean up pretty good. Never thought Steve would be into bad boys though.” Dustin responded flippantly. “Mike and Jonathan should be here soon.”

“Mike?” Eddie echoed.

Dustin nodded. “He’s The Party’s Paladin, and Nancy’s brother.”

Chapter Text

Eddie stayed silent the whole car ride; he’d never been up to Loch Nora. It was obviously where Hawkins’ top one percent lived, the houses just got bigger and bigger. Until eventually they pulled into a large beige house with a red door and a wraparound driveway.

“Holy shit.” Eddie whispered to himself as he stood outside the car, staring at the massive house in front of him.

“It’s not all it’s cracked up to be.” Jonathan sighed as he joined Eddie. “Dustin, Mike, head to the kitchen. Eddie, come up with me.”

Eddie followed Jonathan into the house, then up the stairs and down a hallway to an ordinary looking brown door.

Jonathan opened the door, as soon as he moved out of the way, Eddie took in the room. The walls were beige with black and brown lines, making tiny boxes within boxes. There was a framed picture of a red sports car hanging above a neat desk, not far from the desk one way was a dresser, a bloodied bat with nails poking out of it looking out of place where it leaned next to the dresser. Across from the dresser was the foot of the bed. Eddie let his eyes trail up farther onto the bed to see Steve, the man was curled up on his side, shaking beneath blankets.

“Steve.” Jonathan spoke softly.

“Leave me to die.” Steve whimpered.

“Dramatic much, pretty boy?” Eddie snorted.

Steve rolled over too quickly, causing him to fall out of bed. “Ow, shit.”

Eddie rolled his eyes, unable to keep his lips from curling up at the corners. “Careful, you could hurt your pretty little face.”

Steve made his way to his feet as a blush rose to his cheeks. “Hi.”

Eddie didn’t quite understand why he was acting the way he was towards Steve, he chalked it up to the soulmate bullshit he really didn’t believe in half the time but that didn’t make dealing with things any easier. He wanted to stay strong and keep himself safe by staying the fuck away from everyone, and everything, but Steve made it impossible for him. He felt insanely protective of the man in front of him, but in that protectiveness, came the need to push Steve away.

“I’m just going to-yeah.” Jonathan left in a hurry, feeling the tension surrounding the couple. The weight of unsaid words filled the air, but that didn’t mean either man knew where to start.

Eddie took in Steve’s messy appearance, as Steve stared at light brown carpet under his feet.

“How are you?” Steve asked softly.

Eddie let out a bitter laced laugh. “You really want to know how I am?”

Steve nodded reluctantly.

Eddie crossed his arms. “Well, let’s walk through the last twenty-four hours. I met you, your friends have taken turns trying to get into my head and you worried your friends to the point of Henderson just waltzing into my trailer like he owns the place. All looking for you, pretty boy.” Eddie fixed Steve with the best glare he could come up with.

“I’m sorry.” Steve whimpered. “I didn’t know they would come to you.”

“Of-fucking-course they would!” Eddie quipped, he’d wanted to scream. To shake some sense into Steve. To make him see he has a circle of people that genuinely care about him, but instead, he settled for another snide remark to hide his jealousy. “As far as the world’s concerned, we’re a package deal.”

“Careful, someone might take that as you accepting me.” Steve spit bitterly. Something in Eddie’s tone brought an anger that Steve didn’t realize he had, to the surface. Quickly bubbling over.

“I’m not fucking doing this today, Harrington. You wanna drink, fine. Try not to drown yourself.” Eddie slammed the door as he fled. He found himself running as far away from Steve as he could get.

He didn’t even get out of the driveway when the chief of police’s truck pulled up.

“Hey kid.” The chief greeted him. “Munson, right? Eddie? Wayne’s nephew?”

Eddie took a deep breath and kept his eyes on the dirt. He knew better than to upset local law enforcement. “Yes sir.”

“I’m Chief Jim Hopper, everyone just calls me Hopper.” Hopper introduced himself. “I heard Steve isn’t doing too good today, you coming to see him?”

“Just getting some air actually.” Eddie responded politely, hoping to slip away.

“Eddie!” Dustin yelled from the doorway.

“Yeah?” He hollered back, knowing if he didn’t, the chief might take it wrong. After Illinois, Eddie couldn’t afford any trouble with the cops.

“Family meeting. Come on.”

Eddie rolled his eyes as he dragged his feet, walking back to the house. The chief pulled into the driveway and parked properly.

Chief Hopper followed Eddie in, as Dustin led the two to the kitchen where the rest of Steve’s friends were congregating.

Jonathan made eye contact with Eddie, the look in his eyes was one of pity. Eddie hated that most. He’d gotten that look enough. Uncle Wayne, Aunt Diane, the teachers in his younger years, back before he learned to hide, to act out, to say fuck the world and everyone in it. Eddie just shook his head at Jonathan, hoping he’d leave it alone.

“Alright, everyone, thanks for meeting here. So, Steve is fine, just going through some-” Robin hesitated as she addressed the room. “-personal discoveries?”

“Cut the crap Rob, we know it’s about Munson.” The little red head, Max, snapped. “Steve isn’t the running away type! He jumped in with a bat to protect Jonathan and Nancy from that Demogorgon that took Will! He helped Dustin with D’Art! He doesn’t back down.”

Just about all eyes in the place turned to Eddie, he felt a cold chill run down his back.

“Actually,” Dustin piped up. “We don’t know much about him at all. Except, I know he’s played Dungeons and Dragons since the fourth grade. He’s cool, Max. It’s okay to be scared.”

“I’m not scared.” Max was heard grumbling as she leaned into Lucas. Eddie spotted the glow on Lucas’ wrist and connected those dots.

“Little dude is right.” Argyle spoke up. “Munson’s cool. Everyone goes through stuff when they first meet their soulmate, especially when they’re more grown up. It’s natural.”

“Wait, soulmates?” Hopper raised his hand before looking to Eddie for answers. “You’re Steve’s?”

Eddie nodded shakily, shrugging his vest and leather off enough to pull his arm out. He stepped closer to the counter where he began to pull off his collection of bracelets, slowly uncovering and showing off the messy black scrawl reading ‘Steve Harrington’, completely halo’ed in a neon purple glow. Eddie thanked the universe for whatever magic the soulmarks used allowing it to still show up across the heavily burned and scarred skin. Hopper glanced at the glow before nodding, he clearly had questions, but thankfully he opted to ignore the burns for now. Eddie had a feeling Hopper wouldn’t let it go for long though.

Eddie held his wrist out for the rest of the room to see, seemingly comforting some, knowing Eddie was who he was said to be. Eddie’s chest tightened, seeing a room full of people, all there to check on Steve, he felt guilty for the spike of jealousy he felt.

“Okay, yeah that’s cool. I just- I'm always the last to know these things.” Hopper tried to explain before addressing the room. “Alright, listen up, little goblins. You’re all going to treat Eddie Munson, just like you’d treat Steve, no, no wait, you’re going to treat him better than you treat Steve, looking at you Mike. Argyle is right. Jesus, I never thought I’d say that out loud.”

“Aw, thanks old man!” Argyle cheered, earning a glare from Hopper.

“You’re pushing it, young man.” Hopper shook his head. “Now kids, let’s leave the adults to take care of Steve and we can all head home.”

The children tried to protest, but between the group of elders, they were able to herd the children into a few cars, leaving Eddie on Steve’s doorstep.

“-just please, make sure he stays okay.” Dustin asked, close to begging. “Eddie, Steve is my best friend. I need him to be okay. Do you get that?”

“Yeah Henderson, I’ll take care of him.” Eddie promised, before Dustin tackled him in a hug.

“Thank you.” Dustin smiled before finally choosing to listen to Hopper’s demands to get in the god damned truck ‘or else’.

Before the three cars took off, leaving Eddie there alone with Steve, Nancy handed him a walkie talkie as he passed. “It’s already tuned in. If you need anything, just shout down the line. Someone will hear you. Robin and I will be back tonight, we’ll bring you guys some food. We can take you home then if you want.”

“Well, just you and I now, Harrington.” Eddie spoke to the open air of the empty foyer.

Chapter Text

Steve waited a couple of minutes after hearing everyone leave before heading downstairs. He was startled to walk into the kitchen and find Eddie sitting on the kitchen island next to his jacket and a pile of bracelets. Steve recognized them as the ones Eddie had covering his marked wrist.

“Hey.” Eddie said tiredly.

“Hi.” Steve said back with little enthusiasm. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the wall.

They shared a moment of silence before Eddie opted to break it.

“Can I see it?” His voice was small, almost childlike.

“I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours.” Steve offered with a raised brow.

Eddie seemed to deflate, he sat for a moment before speaking again. “Promise me two things.”

“What are they?” Steve asked softly.

“Promise me you won’t ask questions, only take what I give you and promise me you won’t blame me.”

Steve felt his heartrate pick up; he felt a familiar feeling of dread in his gut. He knew he wasn’t going to like what was to come next. “I promise.” Steve confirmed.

Eddie nodded as he looked at Steve, eyes shiny with unshed tears. “Come here.”

Steve pushed himself off the wall and approached Eddie with caution, feeling his extreme feelings overwhelming him and spilling over across the bond. Steve wanted nothing more than to pull Eddie close and protect him from the world, but he knew that wasn’t a good idea at the moment. Instead, he stood between Eddie’s legs, close, touching even, but able to step back and give Eddie room.

Steve lifted his marked arm into Eddie’s view.

Eddie took a deep breath. He went to take hold of Steve’s arm but stopped short. Steve’s eyes never left Eddie, trying to read his body language.

“You can touch me. It’s okay.” Steve murmured.

Eddie’s eyes shot up to Steve’s face, looking for any signs of deception. Eddie nodded before looking down at Steve’s arm again. He carefully took hold of, he ran the tips of his fingers over the perfect skin. Steve couldn’t believe how sensitive his skin was to Eddie, all the books he’d hoarded at Nancy’s about soulmarks couldn’t have prepared him for the sensations he felt from the contact.

Steve’s cheeks reddened as he let out a pleased noise, immediately catching Eddie’s attention. Steve had his head tilted back and his eyes closed, while his breathing was unsteady. Eddie watched Steve’s face as he repeatedly traced the glowing text. Another pleased noise left Steve’s throat, causing Eddie to smile.

“How does it feel?” Eddie asked in a whisper.

“Like the best massage you can imagine. It tingles, almost tickles.” Steve responded softly before shifting his head back down to look at Eddie’s fingers on his arm. “Can I show you?”

Eddie’s movements hesitated for a moment, before stopping all together. He closed his eyes and nodded before turning his wrist over, revealing his marred skin.

Steve’s breath caught in his throat as he looked down at Eddie’s skin, he tried to keep his reaction neutral as he looked over the disfigured skin. He couldn’t stop his eyes from watering when he saw his name across Eddie’s skin.

Steve used the tip of his index finger to trace over the letters, while being mindful of the mutilated skin. He’d repeated the trace three times before looking back to Eddie’s face.

Eddie had his head down with his eyes screwed shut.

“Eddie.” Steve whispered.

“I didn’t do it.” Eddie whimpered. He opened his eyes and a tear rolled down his cheek.

“I didn’t think you did.” Steve breathed, trying to reassure Eddie.

“He hated me.” Eddie’s eyes met Steve’s. Steve kept tracing his name on Eddie’s wrist as Eddie began to tell him what had happened. “He hated that I wasn’t a proper girl, because I wasn’t a girl. But he wouldn’t listen. Ma died when I was seven, he was never the same.”

Eddie looked away, causing Steve to take a deep breath. He was trying to retain the information Eddie was giving him. He was dizzy with questions of what if’s but he tried to comfort Eddie the best he could without knowing how he should.

“Once his purple glow faded away, my life went to shit. Every punishment was directed at my timer. My arm became his ashtray. Uncle Wayne came to stay with us after Aunt Di passed, he saved me.” Eddie ended his words with a teary smile. “I thought, if my trans-ness didn’t put you off, my scars atleast would.”

“We all have scars.” Steve whispered back.

Eddie’s eyes met Steve’s again. “He always told me you wouldn’t want me.”

“I’ll never not want you, Eddie.” Steve whispered back. “I was made for you, and you were made for me.”

Eddie pulled his arm out of Steve’s grasp before throwing both of his arms around Steve’s neck and pulling him close. Sobs racked his body as he held onto a stunned Steve.

After a long moment, Steve snapped out of it and pulled Eddie to his chest. “Sh sh sh, sweetheart. It’s okay. I’m here now, I’ve got you Eddie. I’m never letting you go now, you’re mine, I’ve got you.” Steve repeated over and over as he just held Eddie.

Chapter Text

“Steve? Eddie?” Nancy called out into the house as she followed Robin in.

“Eddie?” Robin echoed before turning to look at Nancy. “Do you think he left?”

Nancy thought for a moment before shaking her head. “No, he promised Dustin. I don’t think he’d break that promise.”

Robin shrugged as they ascended the stairs, looking for the pair.

Nancy and Robin made their way to Steve’s room, finding it empty as well.

“Where do you think they’d be?” Robin asked quietly. “Steve’s BMW is still outside.”

“Do you think he’d take Eddie to the cellar?” Nancy whispered.

Robin shrugged. “Maybe?”

The girls booked it down the stairs, making their way into the kitchen, out the back door and around the side of the house to the storm cellar. They found the doors open, light pouring out and they could hear rock music coming from the cellar.

“Eddie, Steve?” Nancy called down as she stepped in and made their way down the stairs.

They entered the cellar to find Eddie on the far couch, reading The Fellowship of the Ring as Steve sat with his back to the entrance of the cellar, painting the image of Eddie onto the canvas in front of him. Nancy and Robin stood in awe.

“Oh, hey guys.” Steve smiled as he reached over and turned down the volume. Robin took notice of the black paint covering half of Steve’s hand and across his forehead before noticing how comfortable Eddie seemed.

Nancy looked past Steve and studied the outline of the image. It looked like the rough outline of Eddie had already been sketched out, the background fully painted, and he had been working on the fine details of Eddie’s face.

“Hey.” Robin smiled back. “How’s it going, guys?”

The more Robin looked at Eddie, the more nervous he seemed. Finally, it dawned on her.

Eddie stood up and the light hit the fleshy pink scars under his pectoral muscles.

Her eyes went back and forth between his face and his scars a few times before he spoke up. “Problem?” He raised a brow.

“No.” Robin whispered softly.

“Good. Eyes are up here.” Eddie teased with a smirk.

“Sorry.” She blushed before turning to see Steve and Nancy, watching the exchange with large grins.

“Anyone have any questions?” Eddie asked as he pulled his shirt over his head.

Nancy slowly raised her hand.

“What’s up, Wheeler?”

Nancy furrowed her brows. “I have two. One, how did you know my last name?”

Eddie snorted. “I’ve seen you in the paper, all of you. After Starcourt?”

“Oh.” Nancy nodded. “Two, what do you like on your pizza? I’d like to order soon.”

“Now that’s what I’m talking about.” Eddie chuckled. “Let’s order.”

Chapter Text

Two days after the initial meeting at Steve’s, Steve decided a pool party was in order to celebrate meeting Eddie. He thought it’d be a great way to integrate Eddie farther into the group.

Jonathan had been correct, Eddie fit in well with their group.

Everyone, except for Max and Eleven had taken to Eddie immediately. Max sent the occasional glare his way, while El looked like something else was going on in her head.

Eventually, with some coaxing from Steve, Eddie took off his shirt. He was apprehensive at first, but it seemed like everything would be okay, until Dustin came to him for help with sunscreen. Dustin didn’t make a comment about Eddie’s scarring, making him feel almost normal. It seemed like the initial long blink, reminding Eddie of a cat, was the only reaction he was going to get from the boy. Eddie was relieved until he heard an obnoxiously loud laugh from a few feet away.

Eddie had just applied the sunscreen to Dustin’s back when he turned at the noise.

“Oh, oh my god, I get it! Eddie’s a chick! Well, that explains his hair.” Max grinned smugly.

Eddie felt his face burn as he stood there, defenseless.

“Shut up, Max. Eddie’s a dude.” Dustin defended.

“Max, what the fuck?” Lucas seemed confused by her reaction, as she wasn’t normally a mean person. Crass yes, but not normally hateful.

“In his dreams, maybe.” She quipped as she held a hand up at Lucas, signaling him to shut up.

“Max, lay off!” Dustin started to raise his voice.

“Hey now, what’s going on?” Steve asked as Nancy, Robin, Jonathan and Argyle followed him out.

Max turned and grinned at Steve. “Oh nothing, just meeting your girlfriend.”

“Maxine, what the fuck?” Steve snapped as Dustin started to yell at her.

“Shut up or leave Max!” Dustin lost his shit. “You have no right to treat Eddie like that!”

Max grinned as she took one last look at Eddie, she laughed as she walked away. Jonathan volunteering to drive her home.

Steve came up behind Eddie, embracing him loosely. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know she’d react like that. She’s wrong. She’s so wrong.” He spoke softly before kissing Eddie’s shoulder.

Eddie nodded numbly all of the kids except El, surrounded him in a group hug.

El stood just a few feet away, looking confused.

“It’s okay, if you have questions.” Eddie said softly as she stared at his scarred chest.

“I don’t understand.” El admitted quietly. “What was Max talking about?”

“Eddie is Transgender.” Dustin responded before anyone else, before looking to Eddie. “That’s it, right?”

Eddie smiled at Dustin’s word choice before taking the reins of the conversation.

“I was born in the wrong body. So, I had a surgery that helped me feel more like how I should have been born.” Eddie explained. “Sometimes, people don’t understand people like me, and they lash out.”

“Is that what happened to your arm? People didn’t understand?”

Eddie nodded. “You could say that.”

“I think I understand now. Do you like your scars?” El asked quietly.

Eddie shook his head. “I have to live with them though.”

“What if you didn’t?” El wondered.

Eddie tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

El raised her hand, reaching toward him. “Can I?”

Eddie wasn’t sure what he was agreeing to, but he approved the request, nonetheless.

As El’s hand made contact with Eddie’s skin, Eddie watched as her expression turned to one of serious concentration.

Eddie felt like he’d detached from his own body, like he was floating above the scene on a cloud of disassociation.

Eddie looked down on his body and El, when he noticed El’s nose start to bleed. He felt like he was slammed back down into his body before everything went black.

--- Meanwhile ---

Jonathan drove a little slower than he normally would, he was thankfully, sober, but he was having a hard time trying to find a way to bring up what had happened.

After pulling out of the driveway, Max sighed heavily.

“What’s going on, Max?” Jonathan took a chance to ask. “This isn’t like you.”

Max sent him a glare. “Billy would’ve killed me if he found out I was hanging out with one of them.”

“Max, you know Billy tried to hurt Lucas because you were hanging out with him.” Jonathan reminded her. “And Lucas is your soulmate!”

She rolled her eyes. “So? He just didn’t get it.”

“Max.” Jonathan sighed. “I know Billy was your stepbrother, and he protected you from Neil, but did you ever think that maybe, just maybe, he was wrong about somethings?”

“You didn’t know him!” Max lashed out. “None of you ever took the time to understand him.”

“Max, come on.”

“No, Jonathan. You don’t understand and I don’t want to talk anymore.” Max grumbled. The rest of the car ride was silent.

--- Back at Steve’s ---

Jonathan arrived back to witness the ensuing chaos. Eddie and El had both collapsed shortly after Jonathan and Max had left the party.

Jonathan passed Robin and Nancy who had El on the couch, dabbing her face with a wet wash rag, Mike and Will hovering before heading up the stairs. He quickly located Steve, Argyle, Lucas and Dustin in Steve’s room, hovering over Eddie in a similar fashion to the scene downstairs.

“Jonny, you missed it.” Argyle whispered as he noticed Jonathan in the doorway. Argyle quickly made his way to Jonathan, engulfing him in a hug.

“Hey babe.” Jonathan whispered before kissing the top of his head. “Any idea what happened?”

“El healed him.” Dustin blurted out. “His arm, his chest, the scars just *poofed*, gone.”

Jonathan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I didn’t know she could do that?”

“I don’t think she knew she could either, but she tried, and it worked.” Steve spoke in disbelief, his eyes never leaving Eddie’s face as he stroked the older man’s hair.

“Jesus.” Jonathan breathed as Argyle tightened his hold on him.

Two hours later, Eddie woke up with a startled scream.

“Eddie! Eddie, it’s okay.” Steve attempted to soothe him. “I’ve got you, it’s okay.”

Chapter Text

“Huh.” Eddie breathed as he examined himself in the mirror, feeling odd that his scars that had just been there were nowhere in sight.

“How do you feel?” Steve asked quietly from the doorway as the other four stood behind him.

Eddie shrugged. “I think I’m in shock.”

“That would make sense.” Steve nodded as the other’s agreed.

“Where’s El?” Eddie asked softly.

“On the couch, downstairs.” Steve responded.

Eddie nodded. “I wanna see her.”

“Okay, yeah.” Steve agreed as everyone started to back away from them, making a path to the bedroom door.

Steve kept half a step behind Eddie, making sure he had space.

As they entered the living room, they noticed El sitting up on the couch. She smiled as they entered.

“It worked.” She chirped happily.

Eddie approached her before dropping to his knees in front of her form.

El looked at Eddie with sad eyes as she leaned forward, pulling him into a hug.

“Thank you.” He whimpered. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome.” She whispered in response. “Now, you don’t have to live with them.”

He pulled back from her, with wonder in his eyes.

“It’ll be okay now.” She smiled.

Eddie looked around to see the entirety of The Party that was present, watching them with awe.

Steve stepped closer, dropping to his knees next to Eddie. “El.”

“Steve.” She smiled.

“Thank you for what you did. For helping my soulmate.” Steve clarified.

“You’re welcome.” she tucked her hair behind her ear. “Thank you for accepting me.”

Steve felt his heart break just a little bit at the thought of anyone not accepting El. “Oh god kid, come here.” He pulled her to him.

El melted into his embrace.

“You will never, ever, have to thank me for accepting you. You’re one of mine. I mean that.”

“Thanks for being the best babysitter then.” She smiled as she pulled back.

“For that, you’re welcome.” He shook his head with a smile.

The remaining Party members spent the rest of the afternoon, well into the evening watching The Breakfast Club for the fifteenth time, mocking Mr. Vernon and reciting John Bender’s lines.

The room laughed a little too hard when Argyle jumped up, grabbed Jonathan by the crew neck and pulled him up before reciting, "smoke 'em up, Jonny." before kissing him hard. The following noises made by the group was retching, but no one would deny how good it was to see two soulmates so in love.

The only thing missing, making their night imperfect, was a little redhead who spent her night curled up with her late brother's jean jacket and her Kate Bush cassette tape.

Chapter Text

The very next morning, Lucas and El happened to arrive at Max’s front door at the same time.

“Are you here to figure out what her problem is too?” Lucas asked quietly.

El nodded.

“Okay, let’s do this.” Lucas breathed before knocking.

Max opened the door just enough to stick her head out.

“What do you want?” She snapped.

“Who is it?” They heard Mrs. Hargrove yell from somewhere within the trailer.

“No one, ma!” Max yelled back into the trailer before looking at the pair expectantly.

“We want to talk, about the party?” Lucas led the conversation.

“Look, I don’t want to talk about it and I don’t have the time.” Max sighed.

Lucas shook his head. “Max-”

He was cut off by Mrs. Hargrove again. “Max! Get my friend and I another round!”

“Max.” El whispered. “Is everything okay?”

Max looked like she was about to answer before another interruption.

“Maxine!” Mrs. Hargrove yelled.

“Shit.” Max muttered before yelling back an “I’m coming” at her mom. She turned back to Lucas and El and sighed, “I’m busy.”

“What about later?” El pushed. “We could meet you somewhere.”

“I’ll be busy then too.” She rolled her eyes.

“But Max, this is important!” Lucas stressed.

“Yeah, well guess what Sinclair, the world doesn’t revolve around you.” Max shook her head before slamming the door in the faces of her best friend and her boyfriend.

Chapter Text

Eddie was actually excited to get back to work after his long break. He’d almost gone stir crazy with so much free time. He hadn’t spent much of his four days off at home, only nights because he didn’t feel quite right spending the night at Steve’s yet.

Eddie jumped into action, starting with refreshing the fruit bins before moving on to washing glasses while the bar was still quiet.

Everything started to ramp up about an hour later. Eddie had gone back to the washing basin, since he was the only one on staff who didn’t mind washing the ungodly amount of metal cups, martini shakers and stirrers. He let his mind wonder before overhearing the conversation of two women at the bar.

“And that’s when I told the little bitch, she needs to show me some respect.”

“If she were my kid, I’d have beat it outta her already.” The taller brunette woman with an arm wrapped around the first speaker grunted out.

The first speaker let out a snort. “If she’s not in her room with Billy’s stupid jacket on her like a fucking security blanket, she’s out with that weird child, Hopper’s kid, you know the one.”

Eddie dropped a glass, causing it to bust in the bottom of the basin. He caught the implication of El, and realized the first woman, with short blonde hair was Max’s mom, Mrs. Hargrove.

“You okay, Munson?” Jeff came over to check on him.

Eddie nodded, trying to keep hold of overhearing the conversation. Eddie cleaned up the glass carefully as he listened.

“Sometimes, I wish that ungrateful little bitch hadn’t made it out of that fire like Neil’s no-good kid.” Mrs. Hargrove admitted to her partner.

“’nough talk about kids Susie, let’s get back to yours. We can talk about how I can deal with the little shit later.” The brunette purred.

Eddie unintentionally closed his hand around a sharp piece of glass creating only a surface injury, just enough to give him an out.

Eddie waited until they were out of sight to tap Gareth. “Hey Gar.”

“Yeah?”

“Did you hear that conversation? The one between the two women?” Eddie asked quietly.

“Ah, yeah, Billy Hargrove’s stepmom?” Gareth grimaced. "She really went down hill."

Eddie nodded. “She was talking about Billy’s stepsister, thing is, I know the kid.” Eddie responded. “I think she might be in danger.”

Gareth looked over at Jeff and Alex before blowing out a breath. “You owe me, I can buy you fifteen minutes, Munson. Any more than that, you’ll have to get someone to call for you.”

Eddie nodded, trying to seem nonchalant. “Thank you.”

Gareth hastily grabbed Eddie’s barely injured hand before wrapping it in a bar towel. “Shit, Munson! You gotta take care of that! To the back, we can’t afford blood everywhere!”

Eddie nodded, rushing towards the back. He waited for Gareth to discreetly nod before taking just his keys out of his jacket pocket and slipping out to his car.

He knew it wasn’t enough time to head back to the trailer park, even with speeding.

He reached into the back seat, grabbing Henderson’s backpack he’d forgotten in Eddie’s car before his shift. After a bit of searching, he’d found what he was looking for.

“S-O-S, Anyone hear me? It’s Eddie. Does anyone copy?”

“Nancy and I have you, what’s the emergency?” Robin’s voice crackled from the speaker.

“Max isn’t safe. Pack the bare minimum and get her to mine before her mom gets home.” Eddie urged.

“Okay, we’re getting in the car now. Are you going to tell us what’s going on?” Robin sounded hesitant.

“When you get to mine, call the bar from the house phone. The number’s on the fridge in green crayon. I have to get back inside. Say you’re my sister or whatever, say it’s about my soulmate. I have to go back in.”

“Okay, will do.” Robin responded.

“Promise me?” Eddie said, dropping his voice lower.

“Yeah, yeah I promise, Eddie.”

Eddie breathed a sigh of relief and grabbed the first aid kit from Henderson’s bag, pouring some peroxide over the cut before shaking it dry and wrapping some bandage over it. He made his way back into the bar, first aid kit in hand with a few minutes to spare.

“You okay, Munson?” Jeff asked curiously as Eddie passed his office.

Eddie shrugged. “Off day.”

Jeff nodded. “I remember the first time I met my Amy; it was a lot for a couple of weeks. Let me know if you need anything, alright kid?”

Eddie nodded and smiled softly. “Thanks man.”

Eddie slipped a glove over his “injured” hand, nodded out a thanks to Gareth and waited anxiously for the call.

Ten minutes later, Jeff appeared from the back. Eddie finished serving his customer, trying to come off as oblivious when Jeff and Gareth approached him.

“Eddie, I don’t want you to freak out.” Jeff started. “Your soulmate’s sister just called, there’s been an incident and he needs you. You need to get to him.”

Eddie looked at Jeff with pleading eyes.

“Go. Take the night, make sure he’s safe.”

Gareth nodded at the same time, agreeing with Jeff.

Eddie let out a quick thanks before taking off. He barely remembered to grab his jacket and vest on the way out of the bar.

Eddie broke every traffic law known to man as he raced back to the trailer park. He only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Nancy’s station wagon parked in his parking space.

Eddie rushed in to find Max curled up in his uncle’s chair asleep with a jean jacket draped over her, while Nancy and Robin at the kitchen table.

“Eddie.” Nancy stood up. “What is going on?”

Eddie motioned for Nancy to lower her voice and follow him. He led them to his room but left the door opened so he could hear for Max.

“Eddie, what’s the problem?” Robin whispered.

“Max’s mom wanted her to die with Billy.” Eddie said lowly.

Robin’s mouth snapped shut while Nancy’s fell open.

“What?” Nancy asked, numbly. “We barely made it out of there.”

“Her mom was in the bar tonight with someone else. The woman with her talked so easily about possibly beating Max. She can’t stay there.” Eddie explained.

“I can see if my mom can let her stay?” Nancy offered.

Eddie shook his head. “I can keep her tonight; I’ll figure something out for long term.”

“She’s not doing good right now.” Robin sighed as she ran a hand through her hair. “She seemed so numb when we were getting her out of there.”

Suddenly, they heard a car pull up just outside.

Eddie looked to the girls, hoping someone would know what to do.

The front door opened.

“Eddie? Max? Oh Max!”

Eddie, Robin and Nancy rushed into the living room to find Steve holding Max, who by the looks of it, had been startled awake.

“What’s going on?” Max looked at Steve, confused.

“I heard Eddie’s S-O-S.” Steve looked from Max to Eddie and the girls flanking his sides. “I came as soon as I could.”

Max turned her head to glare at Eddie. “What the fuck do you want with me?”

Eddie took a deep breath, understanding her now more than ever. “Max, we need to talk.”

“I don’t want to talk to the likes of you.” She snapped back at him.

“Max, stop.” Eddie’s demeanor took on a sense of authority. “Just let me explain. If you want to leave after I’m done talking, I won’t fight you on it. But you need to have all of the information before I let you leave this trailer.”

Chapter Text

“She really said that?” Steve whispered as he pulled Max closer to him.

Eddie nodded.

“That wasn’t the first time. I’ve heard her say it before.” Max whispered.

“Max, has your mom been hurting you?” Nancy asked with tears in her eyes.

Max shrugged. “She hasn’t hit me, but she says stuff sometimes.”

“Oh Max.” Steve hugged her close to his side again before he turned and kissed the top of her head again. “I’m going to find a way out of this for you. You don’t ever need to feel like that again.”

“I can handle myself.” She shrugged, putting on a brave face, even if only for Steve.

“But you shouldn’t have to.” Robin sighed as she sat on the floor, her arms wrapped around her knees making her look like a child. “None of this is your fault.”

“Yes, it is.” Max mumbled.

“What?” Steve looked at her incredulously. “How would this be your fault?”

“If it wasn’t for me, we wouldn’t have had to move here. Billy would be laying on the beach right now instead of being dead.” Max admitted.

“Billy wasn’t your fault.” Steve sighed softly. “He chose to save El.”

Max shook her head as tears rolled down her cheeks. “Maybe if I had stayed away from Lucas, like he told me, if I hadn’t gotten tangled up with the party, maybe the Mind Flayer wouldn’t have chosen him.”

“Oh Max.” Steve whispered as he held her snug against her, trying to be the big brother she so desperately needed in that moment.

“I’m not a baby, I can handle it.” She pulled away from Steve.

“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” Eddie echoed Robin’s sentiment.

“Whatever.” Max rolled her eyes. “I’m going home now.”

“No.” Eddie responded simply.

“What do you mean ‘no’, you said you’d let me go after your ‘save a kid’ speech!”

“I said I’d let you leave, not that I’d let you go home.” Eddie clarified.

“I don’t have anyone else!” Max yelled.

“You can go home with Nancy for the night, or you can come up to Steve’s with me.” Eddie replied carefully. “If you try to go back to your mom’s tonight, I’m calling Hopper.”

“You wouldn’t.” Max called Eddie’s bluff.

“Watch me.” He stood, walked over to the phone, and reached to pick it up.

“Okay, okay.” Max sighed. “I’ll stay with Steve, I guess.”

Eddie nodded, blew out a long breath and let his hand drop onto the counter.

“On that note,” Nancy spoke softly. “I should be getting Robin home.”

Eddie nodded. “Thank you for answering my call.”

“Anytime Munson.” Robin responded with a shaky smile.

Steve walked Max and the girls out as Eddie wrote a vague note for Uncle Wayne, in case he got home before Eddie did. Almost as soon as they pulled out of the driveway, Max was asleep again. Eddie waited until they were out of the park to connect their hands.

Eddie watched as a smile tugged at the corner of Steve’s lips as he drove silently into the night.

Twenty minutes later, they were pulling into Loch Nora.

Steve tossed his keys to Eddie to open the door as he picked up Max with ease. They got Max tucked into the guest bedroom, right next to Steve’s.

Went ahead and closed up the car before following Steve in. He felt anxiety, heavy in his stomach.

When Steve entered his room, he found Eddie sitting on the end of his bed, facing the dresser with glazed over eyes.

“Eddie?” Something felt wrong with the scene, only confirmed when Eddie didn’t respond. Steve reached out and shook his shoulder carefully. “Eddie?”

“What? Yeah?” Eddie shook his head. “Sorry.”

“You okay?”

Eddie nodded. “Yeah, oh, uh yeah I’m okay.”

Steve shook his head slightly, feeling something was being left unsaid, but he decided to just let it go for the night. He'd known Eddie had a stressful time at work, so he busied himself by leafing through the dresser drawers, pulling out clothes for himself when he realized Eddie hadn’t packed a bag. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he leafed through again, but this time, for clothes to dress Eddie up in.

He quickly pulled out a pair of sweats and a Hawkins High Swim Team shirt from sophomore year, both fabrics soft with wear, Steve knew this comfort outfit would treat Eddie well.

“Here you go. I’m going to change in the guest bathroom down the hall, so I’ll knock on my way back in. There’s a new toothbrush on the counter in my bathroom for you.” Steve mentioned casually on his way out the bedroom door.

Eddie watched as he left before disappearing into Steve’s bathroom, locking the door behind him. He leaned against the wall, just staring at his reflection in the pristine mirror for a while before getting with the program. He brushed his teeth first, then stripped himself of his clothes, replacing his heavy rocker look with that of a high schooler on their way to gym class.

Eddie rolled his eyes at himself before pulling his hair back into a ponytail and opening the bathroom door. He was surprised to see Steve hadn’t come back yet. He glanced at Steve’s bedside clock to confirm he’d been in the bathroom for well over a half hour already. He’d told himself he wasn’t going to fuss over Steve like a lost puppy, but curiosity won out.

Eddie quietly opened the door to find Steve sitting on the floor against the wall, sleeping.

“Stevie?” Eddie’s eyes went wide at the nickname that’d slipped out, was felt himself pale as Steve opened his eyes with a dopey grin.

“Stevie? I like that.” Steve giggled.

“Why didn’t you get into bed?” Eddie asked quietly as he helped Steve up, off the floor.

“I knocked.” Steve shrugged. “Figured you were busy.”

“Oh Harrington.” Eddie rolled his eyes.

Steve furrowed his brows. “No, don’t go back to the last name bullshit, Eddie. Please?”

“Okay Stevie, it’s okay. Let’s get you to bed, yeah?”

Steve nodded as he made his way into the room. “You okay on the window side?”

“I’m fine with whatever.” Eddie agreed. “So how do you want to do this?”

“Do what? Sleep?” Steve snorted as he slid into bed. “Do you not normally sleep or is this your way of telling me you’re a vampire?"

“The whole, you know, thing.”

Steve rolled onto his side, settling down into bed as Eddie sat next to him on the bed. “I still don’t know what you’re trying to say Eddie.”

“You know- the sex thing?”

Steve glanced up at Eddie’s face, noting the fear and anxiety thrumming though the bond between them.

“Eddie.” Steve sighed as he reached out, taking Eddie’s wrist in his before running his finger over his name on Eddie’s now perfect skin. “Eddie, you’re not ready and that’s okay because I don’t think I am either.”

Steve watched as tears ran down his soulmate’s face. He gently wiped them away with the pads of his fingers before Eddie pushed into the touch lovingly.

“Stevie.” Eddie whispered.

“Shhhh, get some sleep baby, we’ll talk in the morning.” Steve smiled as Eddie finally pulled away and got into bed properly.

Eddie turned away from Steve, facing the window before a faint whisper was heard. “Hold me, Stevie?”

“Anything you want, Eddie.” Steve smiled as he shifted until his chest was flush against Eddie’s back, his knees fit snuggly behind Eddie’s, and he felt a rare feeling. Steve felt real happiness slipping through the bond for the first time in a long time.

Morning came too quickly for the couple.

Steve woke up to Eddie drooling on his chest. He smiled happily as he saw Eddie in a new light. For one second in Steve’s life, everything was perfect.

Chapter Text

Eddie didn’t like cops, and cops didn’t like Eddie, but Steve trusted Chief Hopper “with his life” so Eddie gave in and agreed to sit down with Hopper and his girlfriend Joyce.

“Okay, I have the tape from Corroded Coffin. I’ve watched it and I think you guys did the right thing.” Chief Hopper praised. “I’m proud of you, both of you.”

Eddie felt a weird prickling sensation all over his skin but he opted to ignore it.

“So, what can we do? Do we have any options?” Steve asked quietly.

Hopper sighed. “We have the legal one or we have the....less legal one.”

“What does that mean?” Steve asked with a furrowed brow.

“Well, I can file a bunch of papers with the courts, it would make Max a ward of the state, but it would give Susan options for treatment to try to get Max back.” Hopper explained.

“No.” Max made herself known; El following close behind her. “She doesn’t want to get better and that’s fine. I can accept that. What other options are there?”

Hopper looked to Joyce, then back to Max before beginning again. “I could have...A talk with her. If she’s willing to give you up without a fight, I won’t bring legal action against her. Joyce is willing to take you in if you’re willing to share with El.”

Max looked genuinely excited at the prospect of a better home life. “Yes, I want that.”

Hopper smiled sweetly. “Your wish is my command. Let me see what I can do.”

Turns out, it took less than twenty minutes for Susan to agree to give up Max, allowing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.

A couple hours later, they went to collect the rest of Max's belongings.

“Do you want any help packing things?” Steve asked as they pulled into the trailer park.

“I think I’ve got it. There’re only a few things worth taking.” Max shrugged it off as they parked.

Steve and Eddie nodded, accepting her decision since they knew Susan wasn’t home.

Max opened the car door and stepped out, going all the way to the stairs before turning back to the car. She rolled her eyes and walked to the passenger window where Eddie was sitting. “Eddie?”

“Yeah?”

“Will you come in with me?” Max kept her eyes on the ground as she spoke.

“Yeah.” Eddie smiled softly before opening his door and following her into the trailer.

Eddie wasn’t sure what he was expecting the inside of their trailer to look like, but he felt like he shouldn’t have been surprised that it was a mess. He noted the empty beer bottles and half full take out containers littering every surface as he walked through the disaster area and into Max’s small, nearly empty room.

She pulled a backpack out from under her bed and started to fill it with the few small items around her room.

“What do you need me to do?” Eddie asked, unsure of what to do.

“Uh, nothing really. I just-” Max sighed before continuing. “I wanted to say, I’m sorry for what I said at the party. I shouldn’t have tried to hurt you like that.”

Eddie nodded. “I forgive you.”

Max furrowed her brows as she picked up her hairbrush and stuck it in the bag. “Really?”

“Yeah, I mean, I don’t expect you to understand. You’ve lived a very different life and that’s okay.” He shrugged.

“El wants me to try to understand.” Max whispered. “And I want to try.”

“I can try to help you, if you want.” Eddie smiled softly.

Max nodded as she picked up a framed photo of herself and a blonde man in all denim.

“Is that your brother?” Eddie asked quietly, having known that kind of loss.

Max nodded with teary eyes and a tight-lipped smile. “Yeah, yeah this is Billy.” She held the picture out to Eddie, letting him hold onto her memory.

Eddie examined the photo of them. Max looked happier than Eddie had seen her, pictured on the beach next to the obviously older boy with a curly blonde mullet. His smirk didn’t quite meet his eyes with his arms wrapped around his knees, sitting in the sand next to the tiny redhead.

“I don’t think he loved me.” She whispered softly as she sat down next to him on the uncomfortable twin-sized bed. “But I loved him.”

“I think he loved you.”

“You’re just saying that.” Max grumbled.

Eddie shook his head. “You don’t give up your life for people you don’t love.”

“Did Steve tell you how he died?” She asked, not unkindly.

“No. I know it was at the mall, but I know it wasn’t a fire that started that mess.” Eddie whispered back. “I think from what I’ve seen, it has something to do with El, but I haven’t asked.”

“He tried to kill us, because of the Mind Flayer. It was controlling him.” She looked down at the photo in Eddie’s hands. “He wasn’t evil. He did bad things, but he wasn’t evil.”

“Everyone does bad things sometimes. He atoned. He saved you guys.”

“He saved me from more than the Mind Flayer.” Max nodded. “He took the fall for me, took the hits from Neil. I was a brat to him.”

“You’re just a kid, Max.” Eddie sighed as Max lunged forward, taking hold of him and crying into his shoulder.

“Come here, kid.” He whispered softly as she crawled into his lap.

Eddie held Max for a while, so long in fact, Steve came to check on them. Steve stumbled upon the scene and stared in awe at the pair.

Steve went ahead and finished packing; it wasn’t hard with how little she owned. Once she was packed, Eddie carried the girl to the car and they left the park behind, taking her to her new home with the Byers and the Hoppers.

Chapter Text

Eddie wanted nothing more than to sleep for fifty hours after his emotional day, but he settled for twelve hours of sleep, and three days of normalcy. Realistically, he knew he needed to introduce Steve to Uncle Wayne, secrets weren’t kept in a small town, so he did what any other self-respecting man would do. Avoided Uncle Wayne at all costs.

It took three days after his arrival for Uncle Wayne to confront Eddie.

On the third night, Eddie smelt it as he woke; Uncle Wayne’s secret recipe steak marinade. Eddie knew he was in for an interrogation, but it didn’t seem as bad now. Not with Wayne’s steak.

Eddie entered the kitchen, his nose held high, sniffing the air as he took in the smell of the freshness of the fresh herbs, every sniff reminding him of the melt-in-your-mouth-goodness.

“Hey Ed.” The gruff voice braking Eddie from his steak induced trance.

“Hey Wayne.” Eddie smiled genuinely.

“Havin’ steak tonight.” Wayne tapped his mug. “Got three good ones off old man Sanders.”

“Having someone over tonight?” Eddie stuck out his tongue playfully.

“No boy, but you are.” Wayne chuckled as he stood up from the table, going to refill his coffee.

Alarm bells started ringing in Eddie’s head. “Is it father?” Eddie whispered making Wayne pause in his tracks before turning around and looking at Eddie.

“No, silly boy. I wouldn’t do that to you.” Wayne responded genuinely before continuing his journey to the coffee maker. “I know about Harrington; I want you to bring him over. I need to meet him.”

Eddie nodded. “Okay, he might be working though.”

“We can eat at ten, after the video store closes. He can come over, have dinner, I have a midnight to noon shift tonight. Plenty of time to meet the boy.”

“You’re okay with this?” Eddie chewed on his lip as he waited for Wayne’s response.

Wayne turned around and leaned back against the edge of the counter. He sipped his still too hot coffee in faux contemplation before responding a moment later. “Does he treat you good?”

“Yeah.” Eddie admitted. “He’s really good to me.”

“Then yeah, I’m okay with it.” Wayne smiled.

“Okay.” Eddie smiled before standing up. “Well, I guess I’ll call Steve.”

Wayne nodded on his way out the back door, giving his nephew some privacy.

---

To say that Steve was nervous for dinner with Eddie and his uncle would be the understatement of the year.

He changed his outfit twice before settling on a pair of light wash denim jeans, a white tee shirt and Eddie’s vest that he’d left at Steve’s a few days previous.

He sat in Eddie’s driveway, in the dark, for five minutes before Eddie wandered into the front doorway.

“You coming in sweetheart?” Eddie hollered from the porch.

Steve felt a blush rise on his cheeks as he nodded and got out of the car.

Eddie’s eyes immediately caught the patch and pin covered denim and his face softened. “Looking good, Stevie.”

“Thanks Eddie.” Steve smiled nervously as he met him on the porch.

“Okay?”

Steve nodded.

“Okay.” Eddie breathed before taking Steve’s hand in his, threading their fingers and walking him in.

“Uncle Wayne?” Eddie spoke, trying to sound casual.

“I’m comin’ boy, keep your pants on.” Wayne hollered from the back porch.

Wayne Munson walked in with an easy grin. “Steve Harrington.” He greeted as he walked close and stuck out his hand.

“Mr. Munson, sir.” Steve took hold of Wayne’s hand and shook it.

“Steve, I’ve known you since you were eight. Call me Wayne.” He smirked.

“O-oh, oh! Oh yeah, yeah okay I can...I can do that Mr. Munson. Oh uh, Wayne. Wayne Munson.”

Eddie snickered watching Steve flounder.

Wayne shook his head with a chuckle. “Dinner will be done in a few minutes, make yourself at home Steve. Edward, set the table would ya?”

“You got it.” Eddie nodded as Wayne headed out onto the back porch again.

Steve watched Eddie in awe, a goofy grin plastered across his face.

“Jesus, what is it Harrington?” Eddie smiled widely after pulling out the plates to set. “You look like the cat that got the cream.”

“Edward.” Steve whispered softly. “How didn’t I think to ask your full first name?”

Eddie shrugged with a small smile as he set down the last plate. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Not a big deal? Ofcourse it is! It’s your name!” Steve laughed, not unkindly, as he stepped closer to Eddie, invading his space. “Do you have a middle name?”

Eddie nodded. “Yeah, everyone does.”

“What is it?” Steve whispered.

“It’s uh- it's Wayne.”

“Edward Wayne Munson.” Steve spoke softly as his hands found Eddie’s hips. Eddie was expecting a kiss, his first kiss, but Steve surprised him by pulling him into a long hug instead.

Eddie felt relief flood his body as Steve kept him still and steady.

Eddie relished in the strong scent of coffee and vanilla pouring off of Steve in waves. He giggled softly as he thought about how much coffee Steve must have downed throughout his shift to try to calm his nerves.

“You can relax.” Eddie whispered.

“I will, once he likes me.” Steve admitted quietly before attempting to pull back.

“He already likes you.” Eddie smiled.

“How can you tell?” Steve wondered quietly.

Eddie just shook his head. “Because I like you, Stevie.”

Steve rolled his eyes playfully.

“Boys, dinner’s comin’ in.”

The three men sat down at the small dining table in the kitchen to eat and continued to get to know each other.

Dinner was near done when the dreaded discussion of Steve’s family came up.

“So, have you told your parents about finding your soulmate?” Wayne asked innocently.

Steve set down his fork and tried to compile his thoughts. It took a moment, but he finally responded. “No, actually.”

Wayne quirked a brow. “Any specific reason?”

“When I was thirteen, I found out my mom still had her timer, and I know she didn’t marry my dad for love.” Steve cleared his throat. “My mom and dad have mentioned to me, they planned to use me to marry into another family, for business.”

“Oh, wow kid, that’s uh-yeah that’s bad.” Wayne sighed.

Steve nodded. “I’m not ashamed of any part of Eddie. I’m just figuring out what I’m going to do when they come back to Hawkins and find out.”

“I know it’s nothing compared to Loch Nora, but you’re always welcome here Kid.” Wayne assured him, causing Eddie to smile.

“We’ve got you, Stevie.”

Wayne gave Eddie a knowing look before smirking. “Alright kids, I’m heading to work. Don’t do nothin’ I wouldn’t do.”

“Yeah, yeah old man.” Eddie laughed as he stood to start clearing plates. Wayne picked up his own when Eddie took them from his hands. “I got it. I’ll get your lunch packed, go get your shoes on.”

Wayne nodded with a smile. “Yessir.” He playfully mocked a salute.

Steve jumped in to help clear the table. He started washing dishes while Eddie got Wayne’s lunch packed before they waved Wayne off from the porch.

After watching Wayne drive off, Eddie became overwhelmed with the urge to kiss Steve and tonight, he decided to act on it.

Steve had been staring off, into the sky above, when Eddie made the first move.

“Stevie?” Eddie whispered, nearly losing his breath at the sight of Steve’s face now staring down at his, half lit from the yellow park light. Eddie pulled Steve close by the hips.

“Wha-”

Eddie swallowed the sound as his lips attached to Steve’s. Much to Eddie’s surprise, and Steve’s delight, Eddie took charge of the kiss.

His tongue swiped Steve’s bottom lip, and it was over for Steve. Steve knew, at that moment, he’d follow Eddie anywhere.

After breaking apart, Steve walked on shaky legs to the living room, where they spent the remainder of the night ignoring the images that danced across the screen as they explored each other’s mouths.

The bond between the pair hummed with excitement and Steve couldn’t get enough.

Chapter Text

“Hey Ma. Looking real good, glowing really.” Eddie sadly smiled as he swept away some moss and glass clippings from the marble. “Ma, this is my Stevie. Stevie, this is my Ma.”

He looked behind his shoulder to see Steve still there. He hadn’t gone running.

“Nice to meet you Mrs. Munson.” Steve smiled sadly at the stone.

Eddie sat down beside the stone; Steve copied his action just a moment later. Steve sat, looking at the sunset’s glow over the sharp lettering of her stone. While Eddie wondered how many shifts it took for his uncle Wayne to cover the cost, how maybe one day he could afford to pay him back for Ma’s headstone. He let his fingers trace the words as he thought about what the words meant to him.

Here Lies Maggie Munson.
Mother, Sister, Friend.
To Thine Own Self Be True.

“My Stevie is wonderful Ma, even if he’s Leo.” Eddie giggled as he felt his eyes start to water.

“Hey!” Steve protested weakly.

“He called Wayne, ‘sir’ for fudge sake.”

Steve’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline, the look of shock taking over his features.

“What?” Eddie shrugged as a tear rolled down his cheek. He hastily scrubbed the tear away before breaking into a wide grin. “Gotta watch my mouth around Ma, she’d smack the shit out of me.”

Steve nodded.

“Steve, tell her about the kids. She’s always loved kids.”

Steve smiled. “Let’s start with Eddie’s biggest fan, Dustin...”

Chapter Text

A few weeks went by and everything in Eddie’s life felt better than it’d ever been, until it wasn’t.

He should have seen it coming, he’d had a few pimples pop up, then the cramps set in.

He woke up in Steve’s bed one morning and felt the familiar drip. His heart sank.

While he knew his body still wasn’t perfect, it was a little easier to pretend that it was when he didn’t have the scars anymore.

Steve was elated when Eddie’s confidence skyrocketed. They’d started sleeping shirtless together, Steve’s favorite pass time became lulling Eddie to sleep as he traced the colorful tattoos that littered Eddie’s skin.

Eddie’s confidence came crashing down when reality hit him in the face.

“Fuck.” He whispered as he pushed his hair out of his face. He wanted to cry when he realized he hadn’t packed any of his care products.

“Eddie?” Steve asked quietly as he sat up, the blanket pooling in his lap. “You okay?”

Eddie shook his head, trying to blink the tears away.

“What’s wrong? Can I help?” Steve asked carefully as he got out of bed before he walked to the dresser and pulled out a shirt.

“I gotta go.” Eddie responded as he watched Steve pull a tee shirt over his head.

“Are you late for something?” Steve asked as he pulled his socks up his calf.

Eddie shook his head. “Unfortunately, I’m pretty on time.”

Steve’s face morphed into one of confusion, but he attempted to shrug it off. “Okay babe, I’ll drive. Where we going?”

Eddie stood up, thanking fuck there was no stains on the sheet. “I can walk, I should go home anyways.”

“Eddie, come on. Let me.” Steve asked softly. “You can talk to me, you know?”

Eddie shrugged again. “You wouldn’t get it, Steve.”

“I’m willing to try.” He offered with that pouty look that made Eddie feel like he kicked a puppy.

Eddie’s cold exterior crumbled. “I’m bleeding.”

“Oh, do you need like, a band aid? I have a first aid kit.”

Eddie couldn’t help but laugh at Steve’s attempt. “No, Steve, it’s the other kind of bleeding.”

“Other kind of bleeding?” He echoed before his ‘ah-ha!’ moment happened. “Ohhhhh.”

“Yeah, Harrington.” Eddie sighed.

“Take a bath.”

“Steve, taking a bath doesn’t counteract periods.” Eddie rolled his eyes.

“No, I meant go take a bath and relax. I can run down to Melvald’s and get you some supplies.” Steve clarified.

Eddie felt tears prick his eyes once more. “You’ll get me supplies?”

“Yeah, ofcourse.” Steve confirmed. “You’re my soulmate. Whatever you need.”

Eddie nodded. “Okay.”

“You stay here, pick out whatever you want from my dresser, I don’t care about staining, just whatever would be comfortable for you. I’m going to start the bath.” Steve smiled happily as he made his way into the connected bathroom.

Eddie sighed, feeling stressed out and slightly embarrassed still. He wanted to tell Steve not to worry about it, but a small voice in his head told him to let Steve take care of him. He slowly compiled a few of his favorite clothing pieces of Steves. The faded Hawkins High Swim Team tee shirt and the faded grey sweatpants Steve had offered him on his first overnight stay.

Steve came back into the bedroom with a soft, sympathetic smile.

“Stop pitying me, Steve.” Eddie rolled his eyes.

“Then stop throwing a pity party, Eddie.” Steve joked.

“Actually, I enjoy my pity party for one.” Eddie quipped with a grin.

“Mmmm, I think as your soulmate, I should be invited to said party.”

“Nope, room for one only.” Eddie giggled.

“Alright, well move your party to the bathtub.” Steve smiled thoughtfully as he caught a glimpse of the clothes Eddie had in his arms. “I’ll be back soon, baby.”

“Okay.” Eddie whispered softly before passing Steve on his way to the bathroom.

Steve watched as he approached the doorway. “Eddie?”

“Yeah?” Eddie asked before turning around, he hadn’t seen Steve move closer, so it was a bit of a surprise when he turned right into Steve’s hold.

“Hey big boy.” Eddie grinned against Steve’s neck.

“I almost forgot something.” Steve whispered softly as he held Eddie just a bit tighter.

“What’s that, Stevie?”

Steve pulled back, before leaning in and kissing Eddie softly on the cheek. “You’re valid.”

For once, Eddie was speechless. He only nodded in response.

“See you when you get back?” Steve asked as he pulled apart.

Eddie nodded again, and Steve took his leave.

---

Steve stood in the menstrual care aisle, looking lost. He hadn’t even thought to ask Eddie what he might need. “Shit.”

Ten minutes later, a familiar face found him.

“Steve?”

“Shit, not now, Dustin.” Steve stressed.

“What are you doing?” Dustin asked, seeing Steve’s demeanor.

Steve rolled his eyes. “Eddie needs stuff.”

“Okay, what kind does he need?”

“I don’t know. I forgot to ask.” Steve snapped in frustration.

Dustin ignored Steve’s tantrum as he looked at the shelves of products. “Try these two.” He picked up two of the bigger boxes and set them in Steve’s cart.

Steve picked up the first box, a multipack of different sized tampons. He set it back down and picked up the second box, the label indicating it was a multipack of different pads. He breathed a sigh of relief. “How do you know about this shit?”

Dustin rolled his eyes with a smile. “I’m the only child to a single mom. I’ve gone on pad runs before. Mom says the ones with the wings are the best.”

Steve nodded. “Thanks Henderson, you’re really saving my ass here.”

Dustin shrugged it off. “Does he need any pain relief?”

“Pain?” Steve looked at the younger boy, confused.

“You know, cramp pain?” Dustin questioned.

“Say he did, what would he need?” Steve asked quietly.

Dustin rolled his eyes again before pushing the cart farther down the aisle.

Soon enough, Dustin had added three kinds of over-the-counter pain relievers, an electric heating pad, a face wash, wipes, six different kinds of chocolate, three bags of salty chips and two cartons of ice cream. After dropping Dustin off at home with the promise of hanging out in a few days, Steve pulled into Loch Nora with a newfound confidence.

Eddie was in the kitchen, hair still wet while he sipped freshly brewed coffee. He couldn’t believe his eyes, seeing all Steve had gotten.

“Stevie, you didn’t have to do all of this.” Eddie said softly.

“Oh, this was nothing, really.” Steve shrugged it off as he set the two menstrual care packages on the counter before turning to put the ice cream away. Giving Eddie the perfect opportunity to take the packages without feeling watched or judged.

---

Later that night, they sat on the couch watching TV together, surrounded by candy wrappers and melting ice cream. Eddie took to laying half on Steve.

“I love you, Stevie.” Eddie spoke softly during the commercial break.

“I uh-I love you too, Eddie.” Steve smiled as he ran his hand through Eddie’s hair. “So much.”

“Sap.” Eddie grinned widely as he rolled his eyes.

Chapter Text

Every time Steve started to feel good in life, something would happen to remind him that his life was anything but.

Days after their two-month anniversary of finding each other, Steve and Eddie were in Steve’s kitchen, taking turns spoon feeding each other ice cream straight from the pint when the door opened in the living room.

“In the kitchen.” Steve giggled, assuming it was Robin and Nancy. While Steve was distracted, Eddie took the opportunity to push him up against the cabinets in the kitchen before kissing the younger man breathless.

A gasp cut their kiss short. Where they thought Nancy and Robin would be, was instead a couple Eddie only recognized from photographs of Steve’s childhood.

Eddie went to step back, but Steve followed closely.

“Mom, dad.” Steve nodded before standing up properly, taking Eddie by the hand.

Eddie looked at their intertwined fingers to realize Steve was turning their hands slightly, showing off the purple glow of Eddie’s name on Steve’s wrist.

“This is Eddie.” Steve said as easily as breathing.

“Steven.” His mother’s eyes snapped from their arms to Eddie’s face.

Steve seemed indifferent to his mother’s anger. “No.”

“I thought we talked about this. What about Tammy Thompson?” Mrs. Harrington’s eyes shot daggers at Eddie.

Eddie stood frozen. Everything in him, told him to run but his feet felt like lead. He couldn’t leave his Stevie.

Steve laughed dryly. “Oh yeah mother, you did talk. Tammy is a fucking Muppet, and I met my person anyways.”

“Steven.” Mr. Harrington spoke for the first time. “You know the business can only go to you if you follow the path that we laid out for you.”

“I don’t want your business dad. I don’t want the path you guys laid out for me. I never have.” Steve spoke calmly, he kept his demeanor strong and uncaring, but their bond hammered with pain and trace amounts of anger.

“Steven!” Mrs. Harrington floundered. “I can’t believe you-”

“I’m done. You guys are my parents.” Steve said simply. “You guys can choose. Either take me as I am, with Eddie by my side or I’ll be gone, and you’ll never hear from us again.”

Steve stood in the silence for a few moments before nodding and turning to Eddie. “Go start the car.”

He turned back to his parents. “I’ll only take what’s important to me.”

Mr. Harrington scoffed, while Mrs. Harrington just glared at the pair.

Steve kept his word, packing a suitcase with his few important documents and some clothes, making sure to grab Eddie’s favorite comfort outfit of his. He thought for a moment, before grabbing his lock box under his bed.

He packed the lock box, his childhood blanket from his grandmother and his childhood stuffed penguin into his backpack from high school. After his finished packing, he stood in the doorway for an additional minute, looking back at his childhood bedroom, catching the spiked bat he’d kept from that first Demogorgon fight. He grabbed it by the handle, before making his way downstairs and leaving majority of his life behind.

“...nothing but a waste of space.” Steve heard his father hiss as he descended the stairs in the foyer.

“You’re ruining my son’s life.” Steve rolled his eyes before realizing Eddie didn’t come up with him. Steve booked it down the stairs and back into the kitchen, finding Eddie sitting on the counter, smiling creepily as he stuffed his face with dry Honey Comb cereal, straight from the box.

“Shut the fuck up.” Steve growled.

Mrs. Harrington went to speak before taking one look at the bloodied nailed bat in his hand and shutting her mouth.

“Come on Babe, let’s go home.”

Eddie nodded with a giddy expression as he slammed the box down on the counter and jumped down. He turned towards the Harrington’s stuck his index fingers up and raising his hands to sit just above his ears, as if they were horns before sticking out his tongue.

Mrs. Harrington gasped and clutched her chest. Steve rolled his eyes and muttered “drama queen” under his breath.

Eddie let out a high-pitched laugh before joining Steve’s side. Steve smiled as he shook his head, proud of his lover’s confidence. He knew the “Eddie the Banished” character wasn’t much more that Eddie’s way of masking. Almost as if the character was a shield Eddie had to wear around town, protecting him from those who only wanted to insult him.

Just as they approached the doorway, Eddie just a step ahead of Steve, Mr. Harrington cleared his throat.

“Give me the keys to the BMW.” His father demanded as he followed the pair through the foyer.

Steve laughed lightly. “Nope, BMW was a gift from Granddad. You can fuck off.”

“I’ll call him right now then!” His father insisted.

“And tell him what, dad? That you’re trying to deny me my soulmate? You think granddad will go for that?” Steve raised his brow smugly. “Be my guest.”

Mr. Harrington’s face scrunched up in frustration, but he said nothing else.

They took their leave, Steve made sure to drive a little too fast as he left Loch Nora for what might’ve been the last time.

Chapter Text

They got in just as Wayne was just waking up. He was in the kitchen, sipping on his first cup of coffee when they made their way it. The man took one look at Steve and shook his head. “Day finally came?”

Steve nodded sadly. “Do you mind if I crash here for a few days? I’ll figure out something quickly-”

Steve was silenced as Wayne came forward, pulling the dear boy to his chest in a tight hug. “Told you kid, y’er always welcome here.”

Steve teared up in Wayne’s arms. As he pulled away, Wayne clapped him on the back. “Y’er safe here kid.”

Steve nodded out a thanks. He turned to Eddie, who was pulling various items out of the fridge.

“Stevie, why don’t you go get into something comfortable? I’m gonna make something for dinner, then we can watch a movie if you want?”

“Okay.” Steve answered meekly

Steve made his way into Eddie’s room, depositing his bags next to Eddie’s amp before back tracking. He opened the sliding door to Eddie’s closet and smiled, he carefully sifted through Eddie’s hanging tee shirts until he found what he was looking for. He closed his eyes and held the fabric between his fingers, letting the tension of the day just flow out of him, rattling his bones on the way out. For a moment, he thought he might cry, but nothing came out. He took a deep breath before stripping his shirt off and replacing it with Eddie’s well-worn Metallica tee shirt. He turned to grab something to replace his jeans with when he caught the sight of Eddie’s black sweatpants hanging off the end of his bed. He smiled as he picked them up.

Eddie stopped breathing for a moment, when Steve reemerged from his room, in his clothes. Eddie knew that seeing Steve in his vest did something for him, but looking at Steve now, it was like looking at one of the zine centerfolds he hid under his mattress, yet somehow the whole situation was PG-13 at most.

Eddie made a note to self: Steve in my clothes = HOT

“Eddie boy, y’er gonna burn the sauce.” Wayne chuckled and shook his head before lifting his coffee to his mouth and taking a swig.

Eddie rushed to stir the sauce again, when he looked over at Steve again, he was sitting across the table from Wayne. Steve looked deep in thought, and Wayne looked worried.

“Ed?”

“Yeah Wayne?”

“Git the boy a joint, he needs to relax.” Wayne said, peering over at the boy.

“Yes, Uncle Wayne.” Eddie agreed before going back to cook their dinner.

Hours later, Eddie and Steve were cuddled up on the couch, sharing a joint when they heard a knock at the door.

“Stay here.” Eddie whispered to Steve as he stood up.

Eddie grabbed his knife from the side table before throwing open the door to find four pairs of eyes staring back at him.

“Wow Munson.” Robin flashed a smug grin.

“Wait, you weren’t on the swim team, were you?” Jonathan asked, confused.

Eddie looked down at his outfit, feeling a blush rise when he remembered he’d changed into Steve’s Swim Tee and sweatpants after dinner.

“Are you blushing Eddie?” Nancy asked in a sing song voice.

Eddie crossed his arms and shook his head. “Shut up and close the door on your way in.” He grumbled.

Eddie sat down on the small couch, Steve, having heard them all playfully taunting Eddie, was ready to crawl into his lap as soon as Eddie’s ass hit the fabric.

Robin and Nancy sat down in Wayne’s armchair, just a few feet from them, the two small girls sharing the large armchair. Jonathan immediately took to the space next to Steve and Eddie, while Argyle opted to sit on the floor.

The six sat in silence for a moment, no one seeming to know what to say.

“This is weird. Anyone want a blunt?” Argyle asked with a grin.

Seeing as their knocking ruined Steve’s buzz, he nodded gratefully. “Please man. Is it the purple stuff?”

“Purple Palm Tree Delight.” Argyle seemed excited to talk about it. “The best thing I’ve ever had.”

Even Eddie nodded in agreement. “It’s good. Light it up.”

Once the smoking started, the tension lifted, and they started to genuinely enjoy each other’s company.

“So, what happened? Like how’d it happen?” Robin asked as she held the blunt out for Eddie to take.

Steve let out a harsh breath. “They walked into the kitchen and saw us kissing. They started in about the arranged marriage they had planned for me, to Tammy Thompson of all people. Dad threatened to not let me into the family business, as if I wanted it in the first place.”

“Stevie did so good, he stood up for himself and for me.” Eddie smiled as he ran his hand through Steve’s fluffy hair.

Steve preened at the praise but continued after a moment. “I grabbed the important shit and left.”

“Fuck man. Do you have any idea what you’re gonna do next?” Jonathan asked with care.

Steve shrugged. “I’ve been hiding money since I was thirteen years old, so I have some savings. I should probably get my own bank account.”

“Since you were thirteen?” Robin gawked.

Steve nodded. “That’s when I found out my mom still had her timer.”

Jonathan let out a long whistle before shaking his head. “You’ve been planning this a while?”

Steve nodded before looking to Nancy.

“I’m so proud of you.” Nancy smiled at him.

“Thanks, Nance.” Steve nodded.

Chapter Text

---Time Jump: 3 months---

“You sure you want to do this?” Eddie asked nervously.

Steve nodded softly as the needle was put to his skin. “I’m sure baby.”

Eddie nodded in response as Gareth pushed the needle in the first time.

They spent three hours in Gareth’s garage before he slathered some ointment on Steve’s forearm and wrapped it in saran wrap.

“What do you think?” Eddie asked as he bit his lip.

“I love it.” Steve smiled as he looked over the ink, three little stick ‘n poke bats, surrounding Eddie’s name on his arm. “I love it so much, thank you Gareth! How much do I owe you?”

“On the house, kid.” Gareth shook his head. “How long until you guys sign the papers and get the keys?”

Steve smiled wide. “Like three hours.”

“Shit.” He smiled before turning to Eddie. “You excited?”

Eddie took a deep breath. “Like you wouldn’t believe.”

“How did you get all that money anyhow?” Gareth wondered aloud.

Steve gave sort of a half shrug. “Been saving since I was thirteen, I kept it all in a little lock box in the back of my closet. I never counted it until I took it to a bank to open an account and well, there was more than enough. Mr. Berklie in the trailer down the way was talking to Wayne about selling and moving out of Hawkins. It’s like it was meant to be.”

“Meant to be.” Eddie echoed quietly with a smile.

“You didn’t want to leave Hawkins, after all of that?” Gareth asked quietly.

Steve shook his head. “My found family is here, Uncle Wayne is here, it doesn’t feel right leaving. Atleast, not right now.”

Gareth nodded. “Happy for you two idiots, by the way.”

“Thanks.” Eddie grinned.

Not three hours later, Eddie and Steve received the keys to their new to them, fixer upper trailer with Wayne by their side as a witness.

Wayne ordered pizza to their new address as the Party helped them haul everything Steve and Eddie owned over into their new place.

Later that night, when they crawled into bed in their new place, Steve watched with the biggest grin as Eddie babbled on about holding DND nights in the living room.

“And Henderson was like ‘Will’s Paladin will blow you away!’ and just his enthusiasm is going to make it a great game, I can feel it.” Eddie grinned wide.

“Your game is going to go great.” Steve smiled softly.

“Will you join?” Eddie asked softly, pouting his lip just slightly, the way he knows Steve likes.

“I don’t know Eds,” Steve sighed. “I’ve never played and I can’t promise I’ll be any good at it.”

“You don’t have to be good at it, all you’ve got to do is try.” Eddie reassured him.

“Okay, okay. I’ll join your campaign.” Steve agreed.

“Yes!” Eddie exclaimed. “I’m so happy, I could kiss you.”

“So do it.” Steve quirked a brow.

“Maybe I will.” Eddie quipped.

And he did.

Fin.