Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sound of someone pounding on his door registered slowly, his sleep interrupted by the loud noise. Someone screaming his name making his body move, a groan falling from his lips as he walked towards the door, Footsteps quiet on the floor. Yanking the door open he was met with a sight he would have laughed at had it been anyone else it had happened to. There was a woman on his doorstep. Holding a fucking baby carrier and a duffle bag, cooing noises coming from the carrier as he blinked at her. Her face grim as she shoved the bag at him, the carrier placed in his other hand as she crossed her arms around her body. “I know, I know we only hooked up a few times but. She’s yours. All her important stuff is in the bag. She deserves a better chance at life then I can give her.”
She spun, walking towards an old beat-up looking camper, a man in the front seat staring. Cigarette hanging between his fingers as he watched the exchange. Eddie’s heart in his throat as he looked down at the little life in the carrier. Her small face looking back at him as she babbled happily. The sound of the camper door slamming snapping him out of his trance as the vehicle tore out of the makeshift drive way in the trailer park. Eddie felt his sleepiness fade as he glanced once again down at the little life in the carrier, her face slipping into a happy smile as she moved her hands, gibberish spilling out as he walked back into the trailer.
Carefully placing the carrier down as he collapsed against the couch. His first thought was that Wayne was going to kill him. Wayne was going to achieve what the government, demo bats and the whole town of Hawkins hadn’t managed to achieve. He felt his head land in his hands. A choked half sob half laugh coming out as it hit him. He had a fucking baby. He didn’t even know her name. Just that her mom had dropped her off with a bag of stuff and had just taken off. He remembered her. She was one of his hook ups that happened a few times, it had been fun, and she had told him he was safe to, to, yeah, Inside her. Not as safe as she had fucking thought!
He laughed again, raising his head as he started at his daughter, Her big brown eyes a dead match to his own as she babbled. Her hand coming to her mouth as she yawned. Eye’s welling up as she started to fuss, fat tears falling down her face as her fussing got worse. His body moving quickly to gather her in his arms. His own face feeling wet as he contemplated on what to do. He knew he had to tell Wayne. Wayne would help no questions asked even if he would kill Eddie. His second thought was to call Steve. The memory of his speech to Nancy popping into his mind about Six little nuggets. He knew kids. How to handle kids. Fuck, he was so unequipped for this. He glanced down at his daughter, her form tucked perfectly in his arm as rocked her, her eyes falling closed as she fell asleep. Yep. He was definitely calling backup.
He groaned as he walked towards the phone. Wayne would be home latter. But for now, he needed help. He knew Harrington’s number by heart by now, his fingers automatically tapping the numbers, the sound of the sleepy man on the other end reminding him of his own sleep which had been disturbed. Steve’s voice hoarse as he groaned into the phone. “Harrington Residence, This had better be good for how early it is.” Eddie forced himself to take a breath. His daughter mumbling in his arms as he shifted her small form. “Steve, it uh, Its Eddie man, I need your help.” He could hear the instant Steve had snapped to attention. His voice firm as he spoke. “What happened, are you okay?” He grunted in response, a laugh forcing its way out of his chest as he rocked his daughter softly. “Steve, relax man, It uhm. It would be easier to explain in person though. So do you think you could come over?”
“Yeah man of course I can, I’ll be there in ten. Do you need anything?” Eddie grinned. Steve Harrington, always the babysitter. “I uh, No man. It’s, it’s all good. Just get over here.” He heard Steve sigh over the phone. His voice softer as he yawned. “Alright man, damn. I’m headed out now, okay? Don’t piss your pants Munson.” He felt his face flush, groaning as he hung up. The sound of his daughter fussing snapping his attention away from the phone in its cradle. Her cries loud in the trailer.
He shook himself as he walked towards her. Picking her up from her carrier as he smiled down at her in his arms. “Hey sweetie, are you hungry? I think your mommy left some formula in the bag, how about we find out?” He grinned wider as she hiccupped in response, her eyes still filled with unshed tears. He felt his body swaying, his daughter in one arm as he attempted to prepare her bottle. Somewhat grateful that she had been dropped off with a few spare nappies and some other essential stuff. He knew he would have to go shopping for other things for her. What exactly he needed he had no fucken idea. Maybe Joyce Byers would help him out. Ever since they Byer’s had moved back to Hawkins, and Hopper had somehow come back from the dead- which was still a fucken wild thing to think about- Joyce had been checking in on him and Wayne, making sure they were okay after everything that happened. And with the government hush money he could afford to pay whatever he needed to.
The sound of a car pulling up snapped Eddie out of his thoughts as his eyes glanced down to his daughter, bottle in her mouth as she drank, her eyes closed. The sound of someone pounding on his door making him groan. Her eyes snapping open as she started to cry around the bottle. Eddie shook his head, rocking her softly as he walked towards the trailer door. Yanking it open to see a bewildered Steve Harrington standing on the other side. The sight almost enough to make him snort in laughter.
Steve’s eyebrows almost in his stupidly perfect hair as he looked at Eddie with a baby in his arms. His eyes snapping back up to the metal heads own. The baby in Eddie’s arms seemingly asleep as Eddie attempted a grin at Steve. “Heya Stevie. Uhm. Meet my daughter.” Steve felt his body freeze in shock, his eyes flicking back down to the small form in Eddie’s arms. Her face squished on sleep as he cleared his throat. ‘You’re fucking what Munson?” He saw Eddie flinch at his words, his voice soft as he spoke to the metal head again, apologetic. “Eddie, what do you mean your daughter man? You sure as hell didn’t have a baby yesterday when we saw you. What the hell is going on?” Steve reached out, grabbing the now empty bottle from the metal head as he waited for an explanation. Walking up the steps into the trailer as the man walked back. His brown eyes welling with tears as he shrugged. The baby in his arms shifting as she babbled in her sleep. “So uhm. Awhile ago, before everything. Everything went down. I was in Indianapolis, and I was at a bar. I hooked up with a chick there a few times. Fast forward to this morning. I get woken up to her slamming on my door and dropping a bag full of baby supplies and a baby in my arms and taking off with some dude… Said she wanted her to have a better life than she could give her.” Steve nodded, his chest welling with jealousy at the idea of Eddie hooking up with someone else. He shook his head. Eddie wasn’t him to be fucking jealous over Harrington. Get it together. “So, what, She just dumped a bag and a baby on you and left? Didn’t tell you her name or anything?” He watched as Eddie nodded, shifting his daughter in his arms. “Nope, Just. Dropped her off and took off, said all the important stuff was in the bag but when I was looking for her formula, I couldn’t find any documents.” Steve nodded thoughtfully as he watched the man before him rocking the sleeping form in his arms. His chest warm. “So, what are you going to call her?” Eddie shrugged, his eyes down cast as he thought. “Alex. It’s a pretty metal name.” Steve felt his face screw up as he shrugged. “I don’t think you should name her after some metal band man. She may grow up not liking metal.”
“Steve Harrington, you take that back right now.” He grinned at Eddie, the other mans face a mix of disbelief and shock. “Alright, alright, I’m sorry. Alex is a very metal name. Does Wayne know yet?” Eddie shook his head, his face falling as he picked at a loose thread on the couch. ‘No uhm. He wasn’t home when she was dropped off, But he’s not far off getting home.” Steve grimaced in sympathy. Wayne Munson was a patient and extremely patient man from what Steve had learned from interacting with him, but he knew everyone had a limit.
“Do you know the Byer’s number by any chance? I was going to call Joyce and see if she would help me get stuff for her, like a cot and stuff…” Steve looked up, snapping out of his thoughts of Wayne yelling at Eddie as he nodded. ‘Yeah man, We can give her a call right now if you want to.” Eddie smirked as he looked at the man in front of him, Steve’s cheeks tinged pink as he spoke. “We Stevie? I know we joke you’re the mom of the group but damn, You really can’t help yourself, can you?” His smirk deepened as the other man blushed a brighter pink, the freckles on his neck standing out more against the pink of his skin. “Well yeah man, you called me for help remember. I mean, If you don’t want help with Alex just say so and I’ll write down the number and go.”
Eddie shook his head quickly, his teasing dropping fast. “No, no I don’t want that.” Steve nodded, his own grin spreading across his face as the metal head flipped him off, the sound of Wayne’s truck pulling up to the trailer making both men freeze. Alex’s soft face scrunching up as she started to fuss again. “Oh fuck, Wayne isn’t supposed to be home for another hour!” Steve smiled softly as he reached out, his hand pressing against Eddie’s shoulder as he reached out, lifting Alex carefully from the metal heads arms. The sound of the trailer door loud in the silence, Eddie’s wide eyes never leaving Steve’s as Wayne’s gruff voice called out from the door. “Ed’s are you alright? Is Steve… here.” Eddie closed his eyes, Wayne’s voice trailing off as he heard his footsteps reach the loungeroom. The sight of Eddie on the couch, Steve Harrington with a baby in one arm and a hand on his nephew’s shoulder greeting him as he sighed. “What the hell have you boys gotten involved in now.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: You spin me right round baby
Wayne Munson stopped dead in the middle of his doorway. His nephew and the Harrington boy frozen in place as they stared at him a mix of horror and surprise plastered on their faces. Shock blossoming in his chest at the site of a baby in Harringtons arms enough to snap him out of his thoughts. “What the hell have you boys gotten involved in now?”

Eddie tensed. He could feel the pressure from Steve’s hand against his shoulder, panic welling behind his ribs. Wayne’s eyes casting between the three of them. Eddie knew he spoke. Knew that Wayne had said something, but his ears were ringing. Wayne was home and he had seen Alex before Eddie had worked up the courage to tell him and Eddie was so fucked. “Mr Munson, Hi. Uhm, this is Alex.” Eddie felt Steve’s hand tightening around his shoulder, his eyes flicking back to the jock as he tried to take a deep breath. Wayne’s face coming into view, concern flashing in the man’s eye’s as he dropped to his knees in front of him.
“Ed’s Hey kid. Look at me. Breath with me son.” Eddie nodded, his hands coming up to meet his uncles. He could feel Harrington watching them. Concern radiating from the man. “Deep breath in son.” He followed Wayne’s lead, forcing air into his lungs. Wayne waiting on the count of three to breath out. “Breath out son.” Eddie followed Wayne through the motions, a familiar comfort settling in his chest as they fell into a familiar rhythm. When Eddie had first moved in with Wayne. A bloody nose and a shaved head, his eyes filled with fear and the nightmares plaguing his sleep. Wayne had walked him through the panic. His eyes never changed. Always concerned and filled with love.
“There we go Ed’s we’re okay, your safe son.” Eddie forced a watery smile at the man in front of him as he nodded. His breathing mostly under control as his uncle stood. “Now, tell me what’s goin’ on son. Who are Alex’s parents?” Eddie felt his chest tighten again, His eyes flicking to his friend and child as he forced himself to breath. Voice coming out in a choked whisper “Alex is mine uncle Wayne…” Silence descended, the tension in the room thick as Wayne stood. Eddie curling in on himself as he stared at his uncle. Steve’s hand on his shoulder tightening. “Uncle Wayne...?” He felt his eyes welling up, as his uncle turned to his daughter. Steve’s arm tightening around her as he watched. “You can relax Steve. Eddie is my damn son; his daughter will never not have a home here.” Eddie grinned, tears spilling down his cheeks as he watched his uncle take Alex from Steve’s arms. His legs wobbling as he stood, his arms carefully wrapping around his uncle’s shoulders, quiet sobs rocking his body as Wayne’s arm circled around him. Alex cradled softly between them.

Steve stiffened as he watched the scene before him. Eddie’s eye’s never leaving his daughter and uncle. He had felt Eddie’s panic when Wayne had first come in, the man’s eyes looking the way they did when Chrissie was first murdered. His thoughts wandering to his own parent’s. The disappointment he knew they would have in him had he been in Eddie’s situation. His attention snapped to the men before them as they parted. If anyone had asked if Wayne Munson’s face had tear stains, he would deny it. Eddie taking his daughter back as the older Munson yawned, his eyes flicking to Steve as he nodded. Steve’s back ram rod straight as he nodded back at the man. Eddie’s face confused as he watched the exchange. Wayne’s yawns catching the metal heads attention as he grinned at his uncle. “So uh, Steve said that Miss Byers may be able to help us. And Alex was dropped off in her car seat so we’re going to head over to see her…” Eddie glanced at the man. Steve’s nod confirmation enough for the older man to sigh. “Be careful Ed’s, and let me know as soon as you get home you hear me boy?” The tension in the room all but gone Steve watched the two men embrace in another hug as he shuffled his feet. The warm feeling in the room uncomfortable as he glanced at his watch. “And you to Steve. I know you’ll take care of Eddie, but you be safe out there ya hear me?” He nodded, his parental pleaser smile slamming into place as he nodded at the older man. He had never been very good at accepting parental care. His own parent’s barely home. Especially since the last upside-down incident. They had gotten his father’s latest secretary to call to see if he was alive and had signed the house deed over to him. Then they had flown off to wherever they went when they left and hadn’t spoken to him since. Eddie’s hand on his shoulders snapping him out of his thoughts. The metal head’s eyes full of concern as he studied Steve’s face. “Will do Mr Munson. Thank you for having me, If we want to catch Mrs Byers, we should probably head out soon though. It’s her turn hosting the kids DnD game tonight and they’ll be around her house in about an hour.” His eyes met Eddie’s as the metal head placed his daughter in her carrier, the older Munson’s hand slapping gently on his arm. In what he guessed was an act of a sort of affection. Eddie’s voice breaking the silent tension between the two men as he wrapped his hand around Steve’s wrist. “Let’s get a move on then Harrington. I love the little buttheads but, I don’t think I’m quite ready for them to meet Alex, just yet.” Steve smiled at Wayne again, his hand sliding into his jeans, pulling out his keys as he allowed himself to be pulled, Eddie’s hand warm around his wrist as they walked outside. Wayne waving from the door as he closed it. Eddie’s hand not leaving his wrist as he tugged Steve towards the car, Alex’s soft breaths coming from her carrier as they reached the beamer. Eddie’s hand leaving his wrist as he opened the door. His hands gentle as he placed Alex’s carrier into the car. His hands fussing over everything as Steve watched. “She’s perfectly safe in my car Munson. Unlike you I don’t drive like I’ve got Coyote’s on my ass” Steve smiled as the metal head laughed. His big brown eyes meeting his own as he shook his head, curls flying everywhere. “My driving is fine you dick. Just because you drive like a grandmother doesn’t mean everyone else has to.” Steve scoffed, punching Eddie’s arm softly as the other man slid away. “Asshole.” The metal heads manic laughter following him as he rounded the car. Sliding in as he shrugged, leaning into Steve’s space “You still love me, dontcha big boy?” Steve felt his cheeks flush, his eyes widening slightly at the metal head. He had said something similar in the RV, which had Steve’s heart racing in his chest. But he didn’t have time to explore that feeling then. Had just pushed it deep down and ignored it whenever his mind had wandered to Eddie. Eddie who was straight, Eddie who was his friend. He wasn’t supposed to fall for his friends. He really needed to talk to Robin. She would know what to do. She was smart like that. He started the car, his music starting softly, Freddie Mercury’s voice coming through his speakers as he winced. Bohemian Rhapsody’s opening making the metal head beside him laugh. “I never took you for a Queen fan Stevie.” He backed up, his arm coming up behind Eddie’s seat as he reversed. His eyes flicking to the other man as he smiled. “Robin showed me them. They have a really good vibe to their music.” He spun, his arm leaving the back of Eddie’s chair as he drove towards the Byer/Hopper house. Eddie’s voice quiet as he spoke, a nervous lit to it. “And you don’t mind that the lead singer is, ya know. Gay?” He shifted gears, his hand resting on the gear stick as he shook his head. “Nah man, Freddie Mercury is cool. It doesn’t bother me that he’s gay. Why would it ya know?” Steve’s eyes flicked over to Eddie as the metal heads breath hitched, his ears feeling hot as he cleared his throat. “We uh, we can change the tape if you want. If you don’t like Queens music I mean, I know not everyone is a fan and their music isn’t exactly what you would listen to.” He winced as he trailed off, the metal heads laughter echoing around the car as Alex giggled in her seat at the noise. “Stevie, it’s okay man, I like Queens music. I just didn’t realise that you listened to them to is all.” Eddie smiled over at him as Alex’s babbling got louder, the Byer’s house coming into view as they bumped down the dirt road, giggles from the baby in the back seat making both men smile. Steve glanced at Eddie as he pulled to a stop, the metal heads face slightly pale as he took a deep breath. His hand landing on Eddies as he squeezed. “We can back out now if you want man. Or I can go in and asl Joyce for you.” His eyes met Eddie’s own, the metal heads expression soft. “Thanks man but I have to tell everyone eventually. And if you trust Joyce then so do I.” He nodded, the front door of the house opening as Hopper opened the door, smoke in hand as he waved to the two men, Steve’s body sliding out of the car, Eddie following. “Hopper! Hey man, Is Joyce home?” He walked closer, the sound of the car doors closing as Eddie joined him. Alex’s carrier in his arms as he greeted the chief. “Yeah kid, she’s out back, Eddie, keeping yourself out of trouble?” Eddie smiled, nodding as he chuckled. “As best I can chief. This is Alex.” Steve slipped past the two men, Eddie introducing Alex to Hopper. He could hear cheers, Will’s voice loud, followed by El’s giggles as he reached the back door. Joyce noticing him first, her smile bright and motherly. “Steve, hey, how you are doing kid?” He chuckled, Hopper had clearly been rubbing off on her. “Hey Joyce. I bought Eddie here. We have something to talk to you about. He’s out chatting to Hop right now.” The sound of the back door opening followed his sentence as he smiled. “Speak of the devils.” Joyce’s smile turned warm as she watched the men approach. Her eye’s widening at the baby in Hopper’s arms.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3:Family connections

Steve grinned, his eyes flashing with glee at the woman’s face next to him. Eddie’s warmth landing against his other side, the metal heads fluffy hair tickling the back of his neck as Eddie’s body leaned into him. A soft sigh leaving the metal heads lips. Joyce’s voice questioning as she stood, taking Alex’s small form from the chief. “And who is this cutie?” Steve smiled, Eddie’s arm knocking against his, the mans Bambi brown eyes begging Steve to explain. El and Will’s attention finally caught at the sound of a giggle from the baby in Joyce’s arms. “This is Alex. She’s uhm, She’s Eddie’s daughter.” Steve winced as he spoke, the metal heads face buried into his shoulder as he placed a comforting hand against his back. El’s voice cutting through the stares levelled at the pair still sitting. “Eddie has a baby? Can I see?” Joyce nodded, extending one arm towards the girl as she approached, Steve’s hand still against Eddie’s back as the metal head relaxes against his body. “This is, Alex?” she looked towards Steve for conformation as she twisted her body to show El. “Yeah, Alex.” Steve nodded. Will’s face coming into view as he walked up to his mother and sister, Eye’s on Alex’s as he smiled. “She’s cute.” He felt Eddie smile against his shoulder as the Hopper Byer’s family cooed over his daughter. Hopper even joining in. “Actually, Mrs Byer’s we came to ask for your help. Neither of us have any idea what a baby needs.” Eddie finally lifted his face, the metal heads hand coming up, pulling his hair across his mouth as he spoke. Eyes downcast. “Alex’s mom dropped her off with a couple nappies, some formula, a car seat and a bottle. But uhm. She didn’t have a birth certificate, no cot, pram, clothes, or even a name. I’m the one who called her Alex…” The metal head trailed off as Steve rubbed him arm, hoping to provide a small amount of comfort. Hopper spoke first. “Right, I can arrange a birth certificate for her, If you know her mother’s name, I can call a hospital and get all the information I need legally.” Eddie grinned gratefully at the chief, the man waving him off as he gestured for Joyce to chime in. Her voice thoughtful as she spoke. “I still have Will’s old cot in storage which you can have, and I think we can come up with what Alex needs and go shopping tomorrow if that’s okay with you Eddie?” The metal head nodded, fluffy hair flying around his head, eyes glossy with unshed tears as he stood. Steve following as he took Alex, Eddie’s arms wrapping around Joyce as he sniffed. “Thank you so much Mrs Byers. I can’t thank you enough.” Steve watched, Joyce’s own eyes glossing over as she hugged the metal head back. Her small frame practically engulfed in the metal heads arms. Steve grinned, watching the exchange, El’s form colliding with the pair as she joined the hug, Eddie’s laughter loud as he wrapped an arm around the smaller girls’ shoulders. Her grin wide as she looked at the pair. A shrill ring of a phone bursting the bubble around the group, Hopper’s voice loud as he grumbled. Heading inside to answer the phone as Eddie let go of the two women, his eyes meeting Steve’s as he grinned, dimples on full display as he walked closer. His arms held out for his daughter as he reaches Steve. “Thanks’ Harrington, For everything man, Hell knows what I would have done if you hadn’t suggested this.”
Steve smiled, handing Alex over as Hopper returned, his face sour as he walked to Joyce. “That was Nancy, Jonathon and the rest of the damn kids are on their way here now to see El and Will.” Eddie’s head shot up at the mention of the other kids, grin toothy as he looked between Hopper and Joyce. Their faces confused as his grin widened. “These kids are going to be so much fun.”
Eddie’s fluffy hair peaked out from behind the couch, curls pulled into a bun on top of his head as they heard Nancys car pull up. The sounds of voices echoing loudly outside, Dustin’s the loudest as Nancy opened the door. Her eyes scanning the room as the rest of their friends piled through the door behind her. Dustin’s eyes lighting up as Steve waved lazily, the metal head using him a shield barely containing giggles as the rest of the gremlins piled in. Lucas last as he helped Max. Her cane covered in graffiti and stickers from the other kids. Her grin barely hidden behind a pretend scowl as she spotted Steve. Dustin’s voice had levelled out, less squeaky as he spoke happily, practically throwing himself at Steve in a hug. A groan of annoyance from Mike cherry on the Sunday as Eddie burst from behind the couch, the whole group screaming in various degrees of volume as the metal head cackled. All eyes on him. “Hey buttheads, good to see you.” Eddie’s laughter continued as Joyce walked in, prompted from the yelling with Alex in her arms. Hopper behind her as he grinned. The chief had cracked a smile wide enough to brighten his face when Eddie had divulged his plan to introduce Alex to the rest of the kids and scare the crap out of Mike Wheeler. The room quieting down as they took notice of the baby. Dustin the first to ask. “Since when did you have a baby Mrs Byers?”
Steve snorted, Eddie’s eyes flickering with glee as he took Alex from Joyce, his usual theatrics coming through as he bowed, carefully balancing as he dipped. The laughter from his daughter making his grin wider as he straightened out. “This is Alex. She’s, my daughter.” Eddie watched the kids faces, shock from Mike, awe from Dustin, Lucas and Max matching with barely a contained mix of shock and laughter. Wil grinning beside El. Dustin swivelling to Steve with a look of betrayal. “Eddie had a kid, and you knew before me? How is that fair Steveeee! His smile widened as the curly haired teen spun back towards him, expression full of betrayal. “Eddie!! I thought I was your best friend what the hell man?” Eddie shrugged, Nancy and Jonathan re-entering the room at all the commotion waving at Eddie as the kids shouted out questions. Steve’s voice loud as he told them to quiet down, Alex fussing at the loud noise suddenly in the room. Steve standing and taking Alex as he rocked her, humming softly as Eddie pointed to Max. “You’re first red, what’s your question.” He grinned as Max rolled her eyes, “Since when were you popular enough to knock someone up?” Steve snorted loudly, Alex asleep in his arms as he sat down next to Dustin, the kid practically vibrating with questions. Eddie’s glare just making Steve snort again. “I am not talking about my sex life with a bunch of teens red.” He grinned, pointing at Lucas next. “Sincare, what’s your query.” Lucas grinned back, his arm around Max’s shoulders as he shrugged, voice deeper then when they had first met. “I don’t really have one man, I guess I thought Steve would be the one to bring us to meet a baby.” Steve’s scoff of protest drowned out by Max’s cackle. Eddie laughed with them, finally putting Dustin out of his misery as he pointed to the teen. “alright Henderson, speak or forever hold your peace my friend.” The teen bounced from the chair, hopping on the spot as he grinned, toothy and happy. Practically sprinting over to Eddie and tackling him to a hug. Eddie’s arms wrapping tightly around the teen as he grinned, Henderson’s voice muffled as he spoke. “So, since Steve is our mom does that make him Alex’s as well?” Eddie choked, Dustin’s laughter leaving as he pulled away, the teen spinning as he dodged Eddie’s half-hearted attempt at an attack. “Henderson you absolute Butthead! Get back here!” Dustin’s laughter echoing around the room as Eddie chased him. The other teens laughter following as Steve complained about the nickname, the smile on his face betraying his true feelings about the situation. zzzzSteve grinned, his eyes flashing with glee at the woman’s face next to him. Eddie’s warmth landing against his other side, the metal heads fluffy hair tickling the back of his neck as Eddie’s body leaned into him. A soft sigh leaving the metal heads lips. Joyce’s voice questioning as she stood, taking Alex’s small form from the chief. “And who is this cutie?” Steve smiled, Eddie’s arm knocking against his, the mans Bambi brown eyes begging Steve to explain. El and Will’s attention finally caught at the sound of a giggle from the baby in Joyce’s arms. “This is Alex. She’s uhm, She’s Eddie’s daughter.” Steve winced as he spoke, the metal heads face buried into his shoulder as he placed a comforting hand against his back. El’s voice cutting through the stares levelled at the pair still sitting. “Eddie has a baby? Can I see?” Joyce nodded, extending one arm towards the girl as she approached, Steve’s hand still against Eddie’s back as the metal head relaxes against his body. “This is, Alex?” she looked towards Steve for conformation as she twisted her body to show El. “Yeah, Alex.” Steve nodded. Will’s face coming into view as he walked up to his mother and sister, Eye’s on Alex’s as he smiled. “She’s cute.” He felt Eddie smile against his shoulder as the Hopper Byer’s family cooed over his daughter. Hopper even joining in. “Actually, Mrs Byer’s we came to ask for your help. Neither of us have any idea what a baby needs.” Eddie finally lifted his face, the metal heads hand coming up, pulling his hair across his mouth as he spoke. Eyes downcast. “Alex’s mom dropped her off with a couple nappies, some formula, a car seat and a bottle. But uhm. She didn’t have a birth certificate, no cot, pram, clothes, or even a name. I’m the one who called her Alex…” The metal head trailed off as Steve rubbed him arm, hoping to provide a small amount of comfort. Hopper spoke first. “Right, I can arrange a birth certificate for her, If you know her mother’s name, I can call a hospital and get all the information I need legally.” Eddie grinned gratefully at the chief, the man waving him off as he gestured for Joyce to chime in. Her voice thoughtful as she spoke. “I still have Will’s old cot in storage which you can have, and I think we can come up with what Alex needs and go shopping tomorrow if that’s okay with you Eddie?” The metal head nodded, fluffy hair flying around his head, eyes glossy with unshed tears as he stood. Steve following as he took Alex, Eddie’s arms wrapping around Joyce as he sniffed. “Thank you so much Mrs Byers. I can’t thank you enough.” Steve watched, Joyce’s own eyes glossing over as she hugged the metal head back. Her small frame practically engulfed in the metal heads arms. Steve grinned, watching the exchange, El’s form colliding with the pair as she joined the hug, Eddie’s laughter loud as he wrapped an arm around the smaller girls’ shoulders. Her grin wide as she looked at the pair. A shrill ring of a phone bursting the bubble around the group, Hopper’s voice loud as he grumbled. Heading inside to answer the phone as Eddie let go of the two women, his eyes meeting Steve’s as he grinned, dimples on full display as he walked closer. His arms held out for his daughter as he reaches Steve. “Thanks’ Harrington, For everything man, Hell knows what I would have done if you hadn’t suggested this.”
Steve smiled, handing Alex over as Hopper returned, his face sour as he walked to Joyce. “That was Nancy, Jonathon and the rest of the damn kids are on their way here now to see El and Will.” Eddie’s head shot up at the mention of the other kids, grin toothy as he looked between Hopper and Joyce. Their faces confused as his grin widened. “These kids are going to be so much fun.”
Eddie’s fluffy hair peaked out from behind the couch, curls pulled into a bun on top of his head as they heard Nancys car pull up. The sounds of voices echoing loudly outside, Dustin’s the loudest as Nancy opened the door. Her eyes scanning the room as the rest of their friends piled through the door behind her. Dustin’s eyes lighting up as Steve waved lazily, the metal head using him a shield barely containing giggles as the rest of the gremlins piled in. Lucas last as he helped Max. Her cane covered in graffiti and stickers from the other kids. Her grin barely hidden behind a pretend scowl as she spotted Steve. Dustin’s voice had levelled out, less squeaky as he spoke happily, practically throwing himself at Steve in a hug. A groan of annoyance from Mike cherry on the Sunday as Eddie burst from behind the couch, the whole group screaming in various degrees of volume as the metal head cackled. All eyes on him. “Hey buttheads, good to see you.” Eddie’s laughter continued as Joyce walked in, prompted from the yelling with Alex in her arms. Hopper behind her as he grinned. The chief had cracked a smile wide enough to brighten his face when Eddie had divulged his plan to introduce Alex to the rest of the kids and scare the crap out of Mike Wheeler. The room quieting down as they took notice of the baby. Dustin the first to ask. “Since when did you have a baby Mrs Byers?”
Steve snorted, Eddie’s eyes flickering with glee as he took Alex from Joyce, his usual theatrics coming through as he bowed, carefully balancing as he dipped. The laughter from his daughter making his grin wider as he straightened out. “This is Alex. She’s, my daughter.” Eddie watched the kids faces, shock from Mike, awe from Dustin, Lucas and Max matching with barely a contained mix of shock and laughter. Wil grinning beside El. Dustin swivelling to Steve with a look of betrayal. “Eddie had a kid, and you knew before me? How is that fair Steveeee! His smile widened as the curly haired teen spun back towards him, expression full of betrayal. “Eddie!! I thought I was your best friend what the hell man?” Eddie shrugged, Nancy and Jonathan re-entering the room at all the commotion waving at Eddie as the kids shouted out questions. Steve’s voice loud as he told them to quiet down, Alex fussing at the loud noise suddenly in the room. Steve standing and taking Alex as he rocked her, humming softly as Eddie pointed to Max. “You’re first red, what’s your question.” He grinned as Max rolled her eyes, “Since when were you popular enough to knock someone up?” Steve snorted loudly, Alex asleep in his arms as he sat down next to Dustin, the kid practically vibrating with questions. Eddie’s glare just making Steve snort again. “I am not talking about my sex life with a bunch of teens red.” He grinned, pointing at Lucas next. “Sincare, what’s your query.” Lucas grinned back, his arm around Max’s shoulders as he shrugged, voice deeper then when they had first met. “I don’t really have one man, I guess I thought Steve would be the one to bring us to meet a baby.” Steve’s scoff of protest drowned out by Max’s cackle. Eddie laughed with them, finally putting Dustin out of his misery as he pointed to the teen. “alright Henderson, speak or forever hold your peace my friend.” The teen bounced from the chair, hopping on the spot as he grinned, toothy and happy. Practically sprinting over to Eddie and tackling him to a hug. Eddie’s arms wrapping tightly around the teen as he grinned, Henderson’s voice muffled as he spoke. “So, since Steve is our mom does that make him Alex’s as well?” Eddie choked, Dustin’s laughter leaving as he pulled away, the teen spinning as he dodged Eddie’s half-hearted attempt at an attack. “Henderson you absolute Butthead! Get back here!” Dustin’s laughter echoing around the room as Eddie chased him. The other teens laughter following as Steve complained about the nickname, the smile on his face betraying his true feelings about the situation.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: Town Trials
Eddie grinned, Steve’s car pulling up to his trailer, Max and Lucas in the back as Dustin chattered, Alex in his arms as he waved. The teens spilling out of the car in a wave, Sincare and red headed towards her own trailer as Dustin bolted to Eddie’s door. Knocking softly echoed around the room, Wayne’s snores soft as Eddie opened the door to the teen, His grin wide as he greeted him. “Sir Henderson, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Steve’s face appearing behind the grinning teen as he rolled his eyes. “He wanted to come shopping, I tried to tell him it wouldn’t be as fun as he thinks it will be because were shopping for baby stuff with Joyce but he’s a persistent brat.” Dustin bounced in his spot as he nodded, Alex cooing in Eddie’s arms as he shifted her.
“Right, Okay dude, I don’t want to wake Wayne up so scoot, Joyce called me this morning and said the twins were coming as well so at least they’ll have company that are their own age.” He nodded to Max and Lucas, the pair’s heads poked out the window of Max’s trailer. The red head waving at Steve to approach as Eddie set Alex’s car seat into the BMW. Dustin’s complaints about losing the front seat making his sides ache as he laughed. Steve’s approach catching both their attention as he nodded. Keys spinning on his fingers as he stopped at the car. Max’s thanks called as the window closed. Dustin’s curiosity written all over the teens face. “Is Max okay?” Steve nodded, sliding into his seat with practiced ease. “Yeah Henderson, she just asked me to pick up some stuff because her mom is on shift today man, relax.” Alex babbled as Dustin slid in beside her, the teens smile bright as he watched her. “Alright, seat belts shit heads, Joyce is waiting on us.” Eddie glanced at Steve as he pulled his seat belt on. Dustin’s complaints drowned out by Eddie’s thoughts as he groaned internally, the teens question had been driving him insane since he asked yesterday.
Steve Harrington, tragically straight, adopted six rugrats and beat interdimensional monsters once a year the surrogate mother to his daughter? What a fantasy that was. He grinned as the sound of Queen’s Good old fashioned lover boy comes on. Steve’s head bobbing along with the song. “I never took you for a Bowie fan Stevie.” He glanced away as Steve’s eyes cast to his own. A laugh pulled from the other man’s chest. “Robin introduced me to him actually. Said Bowie’s voice was something else and she was right, as always.” Steve held up a hand as Dustin’s mouth opened, the teens face screwing into something that made it look like he ate a lemon. “No Dustin, Robin and I are still not dating. How many times do I have to say platonic with a capital P before you get it man. I’m just not her type and she’s not mine.” Eddie snorted as the teens face turned sourer. “Face it Henderson, your match making isn’t going to work. Robin and I are best friends and we’re not going to date just because you think were perfect for each other man.” Steve pulled to a stop. Joyce and the twins waiting near the cabin door as El waved excitedly. Eddie waving back as he climbed out leaning against the passenger door. “Hey super girl. Good to see you! And you as well Will the wise!”
He grinned as Will flushed, looking away in embarrassment as El’s grin matched his own. She had embraced the nick name like a shield of honour, only Eddie and occasionally Will were allowed to call her that when she was in a mood to talk to no one but Will. Joyce’s smile full of warmth as she approached. “Hey guys. The kids were restless today and Hop has Jonathon helping with Alex’s official documents, So if its okay with you guys, we can take the minivan.” Steve nodded, opening Dustin’s door as Eddie grabbed Alex. Joyce taking her with another warm smile. El joining them at her side as she smiled at Alex, her eyes sparkling with joy. Will’s approach slower as he joined them, stopping at Steve’s side. Steve’s arm settling around his shoulders. “That’s all good with me Joyce. We just have to get Alex’s car seat out of the back.”
Will’s face was pink as he leaned against Steve’s side. Eddie making a mental note to talk to Will about it later as he moved to pull Alex’s car seat out. “Alright Rugrats and milady, lets move.” Joyce laughed at Eddie bowed, one hand holding the car seat away from himself. Steve’s protest drowned out by the sound of El’s giggles. Her hair had grown back a lot, styled like Robin’s. She had been upset at losing her hair when she had first made it back to Hawkins, her eyes always darting to Eddies and away, eventually working up the courage to play and style his hair, her grin beaming when he had said yes. Steve had taught her how to braid not long after, Eddie had sworn his heart would give out when Steve’s hands had tangled in his hair, El hanging onto his every word. Eddie shook himself as he fixed Alex’s car seat into Joyce’s car. Joyce placing Alex in as she clicked her seat belt in place. Her smile soft as she looked at Eddie. “Steve called driving so looks like your stuck with the rugrats.” He grinned, nodding. “Alright. That’s cool, it’s honesty probably better Steve sits up front. Some of the people in town still don’t think I’m innocent to be completely honest.” Joyce winced, understanding crossing her features as she pulled him into a hug.
Steve’s smile catching his attention, soft as he watched Joyce hug the metal head. “Stevie, pass me your keys, If you’re driving, I’m in charge of music.” Dustin Will and El grinned as they slid into the car. Will and Jonathon shared a lot of music they liked with Eddie, El found the metal music enjoyable when she was upset and Dustin had been learning his own music tastes, his mom more then happy to support her son’s growth into his own person. Steve glared at him as he tossed his keys towards the metal head, laughing as he struggled to catch them. Eddie’s glare making him laugh harder as he stalked towards the BMW, ejecting the mix tape from Steve’s radio as he snorted.
He was so going to make the jock suffer after reading the title. ‘Robins mix tape’ written in bold letters. Henderson was going to have a field day with that one. He nodded towards the people waiting as he locked Steve’s car, jogging over as he winked at Steve, shoving the tape into Dustin’s hands as he grinned. “Sorry for taking so long Joyce, I got caught up laughing at Harrington’s lack of music taste.” Joyce grinned as Steve flushed. Dustin’s voice going a mile a minute as he yelled at Steve about Robin’s mix tape. Eddie’s work at embarrassing Steve done for now he slid into the car. Will and El discussing music as he joined in. Steve’s sigh loud as he started the car.
The drive to Indianapolis was uneventful. Steve had deflected questions from the kids about why he wouldn’t date Robin, Eddie egging them on making Joyce laugh and smile. Alex asleep thanks to the car ride. He stretched as he got out of the car, Joyce rounding the car to let the kids out.
Steve smiled as he looked around. A habit he had picked up from the upside down. Eddie joining him with Alex in his arms. Dustin and Will joining them as Joyce and El approached. Joyce stretching as she smiled at the group. The closest Steve had ever had to a real mom was Joyce Byers. He remembered telling her as much while hopped up on pain meds after the demo bat attack. Dustin had teased him relentlessly after he had sobered up. The teen cackling at Steve’s embarrassment. Joyce had included him in almost everything after that. Jonathon accepted his apologies no matter how many times Steve had said them. They had become like brothers after Jonathon had threated to beat him up again if he apologized one more time. Had explained his actions at protecting the kids had proved to him how much he had changed and damn if that hadn’t made Steve tear up. Hopper had become like a dad, Joyce and Hop hand in hand basically adopting him. Will had been happy to have another brother and El had been so excited she had made the couch float. Eddie’s hand against his shoulder snapped him back. A manic grin on the metal heads face as he passed Alex to Steve. Running over to join the kids as they joked around having fun as they walked into the mall. Their first stop was to get a pram. So, Alex could sleep while they shopped. Joyce pointing out the best features to look for while Eddie goofed off with the kids. Only paying attention when Steve called him over to pay. The store attendant watching him warily. She had been kind to Steve, cooing over Alex as she offered to give them an already set up pram so they could take it for Alex. Her attitude flipping to cold and stale when she spoke to Eddie. The metal head ignoring her flip in attitude as he paid. His grin wide as he took Alex from Steve, slipping her into the pram as he nodded. “Man, you and Joyce are a life saver Stevie. I never would have guessed this pram would be a good one. Thanks.” Steve grinned back. The attendant catching his attention as she slipped her number into his hand. Her smile back to flirtatious. Steve groaned internally as he looked back at her. She was pretty, but Steve felt nothing when he looked at her. He smiled back politely as he headed towards his group. Dustin’s face suspicious when he looked at Steve’s closed hand.
“Dude seriously? Where shopping for Alex, not for you to get some chicks phone number.” He rolled his eyes at the teen, shoving the paper into Dustin’s pocket as he shook his head. “I didn’t ask for it, Henderson. She just gave it to me, now can we go please? I don’t like the way she seems to be undressing me with her eyes. It’s creepy.” Dustin rolled his eyes in return as they walked out. The sight of an old lady yelling at Eddie who had been pushing Alex making his breath catch. The metal head seemed upset. Eye’s downcast as he rolled his rings around on his fingers. His breaths shallow as he took the abuse. The words finally reaching the rest of the party. “…Your child! She is most definitely not! I’m going to call the police for kidnapping! Security! Security!!” Steve stopped slightly in front of the metal head. His body blocking Eddie’s as he pulled Alex’s pram closer to him. Face flat as Joyce joined him. The fire in her eyes enough to scare a grown man. Steve spoke. Voice flat and calm. “Listen lady. She is his kid. Her name is Alex. Just because you don’t like the way he dresses don’t mean shit. Now back off.” Eddie looked up. Face confused at the way Steve had reacted. The old lady in front of them gaping like a fish. Her face flushed as she scoffed. Storming off as she muttered about Fags and disrespect. El beside Eddie in a flash, muttering about mouth breathers. Steve spun arms around Eddie as he pulled him close. Concern radiating from the jock as he hugged Eddie close. “Don’t listen to that crap man. She’s just some old cow. A disrespectful old cow. Alex is yours. No one can change that and if they try. Well, I know the chief of police and I have a bat.” Eddie smiled, eyes watering as his heart pounded in his chest as he hugged Steve back. Joyce checking over Alex. “Alright man. Are you okay to keep shopping or do you want to wait while we do it. I’m sure the kids would definitely keep you company if you guys go get food?” Steve watched as Eddie’s face screwed up. His curls bouncing as he shook his head. “I’m okay Stevie, I’m okay. Let’s get this done.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Five: Band Baby
Steve walked beside Eddie. The metal heads eyes downcast as Joyce pushed Alex. The older woman’s voice calm as she spoke back to Alex’s giggles and babbles. The twins walking slightly in front of Steve and Eddie, quiet conversation between the two occasionally drifting back as El glared at anyone who even dared to look at Eddie in a way she didn’t like. Shoulders set in defiance. Steve struggling to think of something to say to Eddie to cheer the other man up. Eddie sighed. Eyes flicking up to meet his own, a small flash of a smile appearing on the metal heads lips. “I can feel you vibrating from here Stevie. I’m okay, it’s probably going to happen a lot in Hawkins to, the whole acquitted murderer thing and all. Not even Hop can stop the hatred the town has.”

Steve’s face falling into a grimace as he shook his head, perfect hair falling back into place as Eddie cursed him silently under his breath for it. “No way Ed’s. The kids and I won’t let that happen. El looks ready to kill someone for even looking at you the wrong way. And who knows how Dustin would react to anyone saying anything to you.” Eddie grinned, face flushing pink at Steve’s words. El’s agreement loud as Will laughed. Joyce wandering into a store. The rest of the group following as they tried to cheer Eddie up. His laughter loud in the store as Joyce picked out baby clothes, nodding seriously at Alex’s answering babbles putting back the clothes she had apparently denied as El pulled the rest of the group over to a wall filled with plushies. The teens eyes filled with delight as she stared at Steve. Eddie grinning as he watched the mans face twist in emotions. He could pinpoint the exact moment the man caved, Nodding as El squealed in delight, picking three Plush toys with careful consideration. Finally settling on a light blue bear, a blush rose sheep and a Giraffe as she nodded to herself. Steve gesturing for Will to pick some as well. The teens eyes wide as he shook his head.

Eddie grinning as he watched. Leaning down closer to the teen. “You know baby Byers, you can pick one for Mike…” He straighten up as the teen flushed pink, Eyes wide as a deer in headlights as he looked back at the metal head. Eddie winked, smiling as Will glared at him. Finally caving as he picked a few plushies, El’s giggles of delight encouragement as he picked up four, two bears and a sheep and a sheep. Face still pink as he looked back Steve. “Are you sure? I don’t want to be a pain…” Steve nodded, Joyce joining them with a basket full of clothes, smiling at the group. Her eyes lighting up at the sight of the plush animals in the kids’ hands. “Alex and I grabbed a few things she seemed to like if you want to look over them?” Eddie shook his head, smiling softly at his daughter, asleep in her pram, worn out from choosing clothes. “I trust your judgement way more then mine Joyce, if I had to pick her clothes she would be in leather jackets and band tee shirts.” She grinned, handing the basket to Steve. “I have one more store to stop at before we leave here, I think Alex has had enough of today anyways.” Steve’s yawn followed her words as the twins giggled. Joyce’s soft smile widening as she nodded. “Seems like Steve is in the same boat.” Eddie laughed as Steve protested, headed towards the counter to pay. The cashier staring at Eddie as they approached. Eyes wide as she took in the group. The twins beating Steve to the counter as they placed the plushies down. The other man laughing at their theatrics as he paid. Eddie following.

Will by his side as Steve took over pushing Alex. The bags of clothes and plushies fitting under Alex’s pram as they walked. Joyce piping up from beside them as she handed Eddie the keys. “Can you take the kids to the car and start loading up? I’m pinching Steve here for a minute, We’ll be right back.” Joyce smiled as she grabbed Steve’s arm, a small sound of surprise leaving the man as the twins giggled. Eddie shrugging at them as Will grabbed Alex’s stroller. The three headed to the car as Joyce pulled Steve into a store. The sight making him grin as he looked at the woman before him. “Joyce Byers you are a genius.” She nodded, headed over to a rack of shirts. Pulling some band shirts, she had heard Jonathon and Will listen to. Steve joining her as he pulled some of his own out from what he had remembered from Eddie’s vest, matching Joyce in the size. His grin wide as gathered a pile. Joyce’s voice soft as she scolded him for grabbing to many.

Chapter Text

Eddie looked up, the sound of Steve’s laughter echoing around the parking lot as El scolded Will for waking Alex, his baby had fallen back asleep after being put in the car, Will and El staying in the vehicle to watch over her. The twins whispering back and forth to not disturb the sleeping infant. Alex’s snores soft as Eddie stubbed his cigarette out against his shoe, the last of the smoke leaving his lungs in a sigh as he watched Steve and Joyce walking towards them, bags in their hands. Eddie sighing softly as El’s muffled giggles reached his ears. Whatever the twins were gossiping about had Will’s face red and El giggling like he hadn’t heard in a long time. Will’s voice carrying as he whisper yelled at his sister “I do not.” Eddie finally tuning in as he spun, grinning widely at the teens as he leaned into the window. “And what are we gossiping about back here my giggly friends?” El’s laughter gaining volume as her brother spluttered, his face red as he protested. El’s voice soft as she spoke “Will was talking about his crush.” Eddie grinned as Will’s face reddened shaking his head as his hair flew everywhere.

Eddie’s heart going out to the teen who had been stuck with a bowl cut since he was a child if Steve’s words where to be believed. Will spluttering out a protest at his sister’s words as Steve and Joyce reached the car. “Oh, we are so talking about this later baby Byers. Ill spare you the embarrassment in front of your mom for now.” Eddie grinned as he spun, Steve’s face close to his own as the jock smirked. “Baby Byers? Really?” Eddie shrugged, his own face heating up as his eyes flicked to the ground. “Well, he is, Will the wise didn’t really fit for that particular threat Stevie.” Eddie glanced back up, winking as he slipped around the other man, catching Will’s eye as the teen watched him in a mix of shock and understanding. “Right, right, whatever you say Ed’s, what were you guys talking about anyways?” Joyce’s voice echoed from the back of the car as the woman yawned, her small form coming around to meet them as she shoved a bag towards Eddie. “And why are you sparing my son the embarrassment of me knowing something?"

El grinned, shaking her head and miming zipping her lips. Joyce’s smile meeting her own as the woman let out an exaggerated sigh. Will’s laughter echoing through the car as Eddie looked down at the bag in his hands. Tears threating to spill in an instant as he pulled out a baby shirt, more in the bag, band logos printed on the front of them all. He looked up, his arms around Joyce in an instant as he sniffled, holding back his tears. “Joyce I. I don’t know how to thank you, these are the coolest thing ever.” His tears started to roll down his face as Joyce’s arms wrapped around him in return, her own voice sounding misty. “You are very welcome, Eddie, I used to shop there when Will and Jonathon were kids, and I know it’s definitely your scene, and Steve helped.” She pulled away, winking at him as Eddie felt his face explode with heat. Steve’s protests soft as Joyce nudged the other man. Eddie rubbing his face to calm down his blush. El and Will’s giggles of amusement at his expense enough to make him flip them off with a smile. Steve tossing the keys and catching them as Joyce yawned again, the woman rubbing her face as she smiled at the two men outside the car.
“You can take the front seat on the way back Eddie, I’ll probably fall asleep when hit the road anyways and I think Steve could use the company.” Joyce rounded the car, slipping in beside Will as she leaned her head against her son’s shoulder, Steve shrugging as he opened the driver’s door. “All good with me Joyce, We’ll keep the volume down for you.” Joyce smiled gratefully from where she was resting, Eddie slipping into the car with an internal groan, stuck in the front of the car with his god damn crush, with his daughter asleep in the back seat, It was almost too domestic for Eddie to comprehend. He could feel Will’s eyes on him, the kid was so perceptive sometimes it was terrifying. He had seen the way Will had looked at Mike, The way Jonathon had stared at his younger brother with a mix of sympathy and understanding. He had looked the same way at Steve ‘the hair’ Harrington when he first came to realise, he wasn’t straight. Knew the pained look on the kids face as well as he knew himself.
Knew the pain of being in love with someone who you could never have. He definitely needed to talk to Will later. Steve’s voice snapping him out of his thoughts as he felt a hand against his shoulder, the mans face turned to reverse in that damn way that man did that was attractive and distracting, especially with their faces so close to his own. “If you want to catch a small nap on the way back you can Ed’s, I don’t mind.” He smirked as Steve turned back to facing forward, giving up on fighting the urge to get into Steve’s personal space, leaning in as he spoke. “I’m not tired Stevie boy, besides, who am I to resist spending some time in a confined space with a pretty boy.” He finished with a wink, his heart beating fast in his chest as he watched Steve’s ears tint red with a bush, his cheeks pink. Steve swallowed, Eddie’s eyes tracking the movement of the other man’s throat as he grinned. Steve was easy to rile up, his expressions so earnest and unguarded around their little group it almost made Eddie feel a little bad about teasing him. But alas, Eddie Munson was a weak man and seeing Steve’s face pink from words that had come from him?

It was better than any high he had ever experienced. Steve’s voice cracking slightly as he spoke again was almost as good. “I mean I’m not exactly the best small talk guy Ed’s. Robin usually fills our silences with talks about her crush, I just listen and offer advice, So, is their someone you’re crushing on that you want to Robin ramble about?” Eddie choke out a laugh, Will’s snicker quiet behind them, one glace back showing him that the girls were all asleep. El resting against Alex’s car seat. “Robin Ramble? Does she know you call it that?” Steve’s grin was wild, his perfect hair flying around his face as he shook his head. “Nope, and if you value our lives, you won’t either. She’ll murder you for even suggesting it.” Will’s grin matched Steve’s, the teen watching them banter back and forth. His voice soft as he spoke up. “Yeah Eddie, why don’t you ramble about your crush? You want to know about mine so badly. Spill the beans on yours, only seems fair.” Eddie groaned. Will had always been perceptive but he hadn’t realised he was also a brat like Dustin, for as long as he’s known the baby Byers the teen had been quiet and withdrawn, not speaking much and fading into the background. Steve more often than not pulling him back into the conversation. His head hitting the back of the seat as he sighed. “You are very sneaky Will the wise, that is considered black mail you know.” Eddie grinned back at the teen, the boys face flushing as he looked down. “My crush huh… Well, fuck man, I don’t know how to explain them. They, their protective, and caring, Strong, and has a fucken great ass, I could stare at it all day and never get bored.” Eddie shrugged, Steve gesturing for him to continue. “Great ass, okay, what else are they like?”

Eddie smiled, looking over to the man driving as his mouth moved before his brain could process. “He really does have a great ass, and his hair, I wish I could run my fingers through it, it always looks so soft. And he flies in the face of all I thought I knew, blew my mind when he didn’t meet my expectations of him.” Eddie trailed off as he realised his slip. Will’s eyes wide in the back of the car as he took in the information, his face a mix between shock and fear. Fear for Eddie? Fear for how Steve would react? Eddie didn’t know. His heart beating hard enough in his chest to make it hurt as Steve spoke again. Here it came, the punch, the yelling, the disgust. He braced himself for it. “So, he has a nice ass and perfect hair? Is he one of your DnD characters?” Eddie froze. His body still tense as he absorbed Steve’s reaction. Wills deep breath from behind him told him the teen was doing the same. Steve glancing at him in confusion when Eddie didn’t answer. “Did I get the name wrong again? Dustin would kill me if I did, I swear I was paying attention when he said it.” Eddie blinked at him.
Will’s eyes teary as he leaned forward, the teens arms wrapping around Steve tightly, the only thing stopping him from fully choking the man was his seatbelt. Steve’s hand coming up and patting the teen on the arm softly, confusion and worry on his face. “You okay Will? Did I say something upsetting again?” Eddie’s brain finally catching up with the moment. “You’re okay with it? With, With me liking men?”
Eddie watched Will, testing the waters so to speak, the teen didn’t need to out himself just yet, the first time was painful and usually ended with violence. Steve’s face flashing to just confusion. “Why wouldn’t I be?” Eddie stared at him. Steve’s eyes flicking to his, Will’s eyes closed as he held on to the other man. “Stevie, We live in Hawkins. Hawkins Indiana, where being different literally gets you beat up.” Steve nodded, his face still screwed up in confusion. “What does that have to do with you liking guys?” Eddie knew his own face mirrored Steve’s, confusion written all over it. “Steve, If I came out to anyone, who isn’t like you apparently. I could be killed.” Steve nodded again, his hands tighter on the steering wheel as he waited for Eddie to continue. “I know but. Why did you think that I would hate you for being gay?”
Eddie shrugged, his own eyes teary as he watched the man before him. “Because Steve, Its Hawkins, your father is a notorious homophobe. And I know you’re not that person now, but you used to hang out with Tommy H and Carol man. You can’t really blame a guy for being freaked out at accidently outing himself.” Steve nodded slowly, Wills arms still around him as the other man patted his arm softly. “I know man, I’m sorry, your crush sounds cute though.” Steve winked at him, Eddie spluttering as he shoved his face into his hands to hide his blush.

Chapter Text

Chapter Seven:
Eddie yawned, his eyes falling closed as he leaned against the window, the tell tail click of a lock making him grin as he forced his shoulders to relax, Steve had accepted him. Hadn’t punched him or called him a slur. Eddie had seen Will’s face, the teen’s eyes filled with fear at the idea of his friend not accepting him. He knew the teens were close to Steve, Max and Dustin like his little sibling, El showing her affection for Steve in crafts, the jock in return allowing her to play with his hair, especially after she had confided tearfully, she missed her long hair, Lucas and Steve had Basketball, The jock making sure that he had time to spend with Lucas to play, especially after the teen had been iced out from the basketball team. Will had always been more reserved around the jock, Steve had taken him under his wing, listening to Will when he spoke, not allowing the teen to withdrawal into his own thoughts.

Will and Eddie had clicked, the teen had been wary around Eddie at first, he had just assumed the teen didn’t like how loud and touchy he was, always in everyone’s personal space. Had asked Dustin about Will when he had spoken about DnD, and Will’s face had lit up. Dustin had informed him about the promise Will and Mike had made before the Byers had moved to California. Eddie had been devastated, he knew how much DnD had helped him, had heard stories about Will the wise and his campaigns, how well Will had run the game. Jonathon had filled him in on the rest when they had smoked together. How Will had come home upset, told his brother about what Mike had said and how Will had felt isolated from the group when Mike and El had started dating and Lucas and Dustin had competed over Max. He had clocked Will not long after, had seen the way baby Byers had looked at Mike. Had seen the teens heart breaking in real time with each interaction between his best friend and sister. Eddie knew that heart break.

Growing up in Hawkins being gay? It felt like the most isolating life one could live. Eddie had taken Will under his wing not long after. Had told the teen about the first time he had been bullied. Eddie had been in middle school, not long after he had started living with Wayne. His shaved head and taste in music had made him an easy target but the words that hurt the most when hurled at him had been the slurs. He had known what those slurs had meant, had heard them enough from his father to realise. When he spoke to Will about it and had hinted the teen wasn’t alone, the teen had sobbed in his arms. That’s how Jonathon had found them. Eddie had just smiled over the top of Will’s head and had waved Jonathon off. He knew Jonathon had his suspicions, had heard from the other man Will had always been different. Since then, Will had found him whenever he needed someone who understood. As punishment for Mike’s part in upsetting Will, Eddie had banned him from talking about DnD around Eddie completely. Will’s quiet thank you enough for him to enjoy the punishment a little bit. Steve’s quiet voice snapped him from his thoughts. “Hey Ed’s?” He opened his eyes and turned his head, a lazy smile gracing his lips as he looked at his crush. “What’s up big boy?” He enjoyed calling Steve names, the small fear that accompanied each moment after the words left his mouth had dissipated since he came out to Steve. His eyes flicked to the mirror, confirming they were the only two awake in the car. “Are you okay?” Eddie’s grin widened, his fingers pulling his hair across his face to hide his smile as he spoke. “Worried about little old me Stevie? I’m flattered. But yes Steve, I’m okay, why?” The jock glanced at the mirror himself, his honey gold eyes flicking to Eddies as his own small smile made its way to his lips.

“Today was intense is all man, I mean, between that old lady being a bitch, and you coming out. We stick together man, the party, and you’re one of us now. I don’t want you to think that you’re alone in all this.” Eddie leaned back against his chair, dropping his head against the window with a small thunk as he nodded. “I know Stevie, I get it man, what that old bitch said ain’t the worst thing ever hurled at me in my life.” Eddie looked back at Will and Alex, the teen’s head resting against Alex’s car seat as he slept. “Hey Stevie?” Eddie glanced at the jock again, the other man humming softly to show he was listening. “Thanks. For, for accepting me.”

Eddie let his words betray the thanks for both him and Will as he closed his eyes once again yawning as Steve smiled. Eddie’s quiet breaths evened out as Steve drove, humming softly as queen played. Will’s voice snapping him out of his quiet contemplation. “Hey Steve? Thank you. For well. For everything, protecting us, and always taking care of us, and, and for not being homophobic.” Steve glanced at the teen, his eyes flicking to the mirror as he smiled. “Will. I will never, ever, hate any of you buttheads. Mike is on thin ice at times, but nothing will ever make me hate you. Okay?” He smiled as Will sniffled softly, reaching his arm around and tapping the teens knee softly. “You don’t have to say anything till you’re ready, but no matter what happens, I’m in your corner okay?” Will’s fingers gripped his own as he cried softy. Steve’s heart breaking at the sound. He had seen the fear on Will’s face when Eddie had come out. Had seen the same fear on Robin’s face on the floor of the mall bathroom when she had come out. His heart had broken for his best friend. He squeezed Will’s hand softly as he slowed, the Hopper/Byers house in view as he turned the engine off. Jonathon and Hopper greeting them form the front door as Steve shook Eddie awake, Will following suit with his mom and sister.

Eddie smiled as Steve headed over to greet Jonathon, Hopper joining the rest of the group as Joyce grabbed Alex from her seat. Joyce rocking Alex softly as she greeted her partner. Eddie watching as El joined them. Will following Steve to greet his brother. “Thank you for today, Joyce, I would have been so lost without your help today. I really appreciate everything you’ve done.” He nodded thankfully as Joyce handed Alex over, his daughter’s soft coos soothing as he rocked her. “Oh no that’s no problem at all sweetie. Any way we can help you let us know, okay? You have helped Will so much recently it’s the least I can do. You and Alex are always welcome here. You’re one of us now.” Eddie grinned, his eyes watering slightly as Hopper nodded beside her. They made a formidable team. Could see where Jonathon got his taste in women from. Anyone who was weak wouldn’t make it in the Hopper/Byers house hold.

Steve’s laugher rang out behind him as Will’s giggles joined it. Jonathon’s face bewildered as he stared at the jock. Joyce’s smile knowing as she watched Eddie. “You are more than welcome to stay the night. If you don’t feel up to driving back.” Eddie shook his head, Wayne would want him home, had taken the night off work to help Eddie sort out the stuff for Alex as Steve joined them still grinning. Eddie smiled back, thanking Joyce again as Steve collected Alex’s car seat, buckling it back into his car as Eddie chatted to Joyce and Hopper, El helping Steve load the rest of Alex’s stuff in the car. Steve thanking her softly. “Alright Ed’s, We’ve gotta stop at the supermarket really quick so we gotta move, I promised Max I would get her some stuff.” Eddie nodded, thanking Joyce again as he clicked Alex into her seat. Slipping into Steve’s car with a small sigh. “Thanks for today, Stevie. I appreciate it. I know Uncle Wayne will to.” He nodded as Dustin waved from beside the Byers, the teen had been uncharacteristically quiet on the drive back Eddie had almost forgotten he was with them. Steve waved back to the teen, grin on his face as he started his car. Headed back to Eddie’s trailer.

Chapter Text

Chapter Eight- Dustin’s POV
Dustin watched Steve’s break lights flashing in the darkness as Will waved beside him. El had gone inside with Joyce. The sound of the two of them talking carrying through the door as Hopper’s hand landed softly against his shoulder. The older man’s voice was gruff, his eyes had always been hard, since Dustin had known him. After he had come back from prison his eyes where like steel. He had been gentle with Dustin, after Steve had dragged Eddie dying from the upside down and Hopper had taken back his role of chief, Dustin had bombarded him with questions about Eddie’s case. How to help clear Eddie’s name, Hopper had taken it all in stride, listening to ideas from the teen, had heard firsthand accounts of Jason Carver riling up a witch hunt for the hellfire club, had taken Lucas and Erica to testify against the former jock about what had happened at the creel house. Hopper had helped put the nutjob behind bars, enough teens drunk at the games after party to poke holes in Jason’s alibi, allowing the government to use the former golden boy as a scape goat. The town hadn’t believed it at first, Jason’s goon squad claiming he would never do anything like that to Chrissie. Lucas and Erica had been more than enough proof toss that idea out the window, showing what he had willingly done to Lucas, after Max had woken up, she had testified, the final nail in the coffin so to speak, of Eddie’s innocence being proven. Then Eddie had shown up with Alex. Dustin had known about gay people for as long as he could remember, had seen news stories fear mongering about the AID’s epidemic, and trashing gay people. He had heard his mother ranting about the news, had called it bullshit. His aunty Lisa and her roommate Kate on the phone while she had done so. Dustin had known since he was old enough to understand Aunty Kate and Aunty Lisa weren’t just roommates. Had asked his mother about it once. Claudia Henderson could be down right terrifying when she wanted to be, but she had been patient, explaining to Dustin about being Queer. He had seen Will and how he looked at Mike, had heard the conversation with Steve and Eddie in the car, heard Will’s tears of happiness at Steve’s acceptance. Dustin swore his heart had swelled ten times in size -medically possible or not- when Steve had accepted Eddie. He had thought Eddie was bisexual, like Aunty Lisa, since Alex was biologically his. But he didn’t know enough about being queer to know for sure. His thoughts slowed as he felt Will tapping his shoulder, his friends smile soft as he gestured towards the door. “Let’s go inside, Hopper is gonna make some popcorn and El is setting up the blankets for movie night.” Dustin grinned back, nodding and following his friend inside, El smiling up at him from the floor, already comfortable as Hopper entered the room, his face soft as he observed the domestic scene in his loungeroom. Will had pulled Dustin down, the two teens settled down on opposite sides of El as they grinned at him. Dustin’s mind had wandered back to Eddie, Steve following close behind the metal head in Dustin’s thoughts. Steve had been the coolest guy he had met, protecting them from demo dogs, Billy Hargrove and Russians. He had taken so many hits for the party, their tank and protector. Dustin had been terrified when he had been taken by the Russians, Steve had always seemed so strong, even if he had lost almost all of the fights against humans, he had been a badass when it came to upside down monsters though. He had seen Steve take on Demo dogs, had heard from Jonathon who begrudgingly admitted Steve had done well against the Demogorgon. He trusted Steve with his life more times than he could count. Eddie had followed not long after Dustin had entered high school. He had been nervous, Mike and Lucas had their own stuff to deal with. Max pulling away and El and Will moving, so when Eddie had come into his life, he had latched onto the metal head like a lifeline, a light in the darkness of high school. Steve had been a constant in his life, The jock had stuck by him, checking in on him through nightmares, driving him and his friends wherever they requested. He had counted on Steve like hi big brother. His mother happy he had been taken under the wing of someone so respected around town. Eddie had been a connection to the world outside of the upside down. He had been Dustin’s best friend. Then Eddie was dragged into their world. Monsters where real, and the metal head had almost died. Steve carrying him from the upside down. Dustin had known Steve liked women, had seen the jock flirting, hell Steve’s advice had helped him with Susie, but he had seen the way Steve watched Eddie, had seen the flirting tactics Steve had always used being used against Eddie, making goo goo eyes at his best friend. He was almost positive Eddie liked him back. Had seen the way the two men had interacted with each other, lost in their own world of each other. Alex had added to their bubble. Eddie’s daughter capturing the hearts of both men in an instant. Dustin and the party joining not long after. He hadn’t been replaced in eithers hearts, he knew that. But he had seen their two hearts becoming one. He wasn’t entirely sure Steve had connected the dots just yet, his conversation with Eddie in the car about the metal heads crush proof enough for Dustin. Steve could be dense when it came to dating. Dustin had been just as dense when it came to the jock’s affection for Nancy, and Robin. He had been so sure Steve and Robin would be perfect for each other. His heart breaking at the idea of Steve being alone. He had stayed at the Harrington household after Dart. His nightmares too much to handle alone, his mother more often than not okay with him going to Steve for comfort, the jock coming around no matter the time of night to pick him up. Robin in the front seat after star court, the three of them curled into a cuddle pile in Steve’s massive lounge room. Robin and Steve encasing him between them. Comfort from all sides. Sleep came easy when they cuddle piled. Dustin’s thoughts quiet, Steve and Robin two bodies one soul taking comfort in their platonic soul mate being within grabbing distance. After Vecna had been defeated, El closing the gates to the upside down once again, the Harringtons had signed the house over to their son. Steve’s grandparents rich enough to buy them out for their only grandson to have a safe space to live. Dustin had come over more after that. A key next given to him from Steve, along with the rest of the party, if they needed anything. Eddie had given them all a key to his trailer as well, Wayne had been bought into the loop once the danger had passed. Steve had hosted them more often than anyone else. His house big enough for everyone to be comfortable. Dustin had observed his two-favourite people in Steve’s house, the two men dancing around each other in a way Dustin had seen Joyce and Hop do, Mike, Will and El following suit. Will’s laughter soft beside El as she watched the goonies. Dustin grinning at his friends. He knew Will would come to them when he was ready. Steve was always going to be the first to know. Jonathon was a good brother, Dustin knew that. Steve was a different though. Steve would sacrifice his own life for the party, what everyone called his kids. And now Eddie and Alex were added into that. Dustin had to admit he was excited to see where their life goes from here. He knew wherever they ended up they would always be family. El and Will’s soft breaths from beside him where comforting, his thoughts returning to the present as Hopper’s gruff voice spoke from behind him, the click of a lighter in the quiet space loud. “Can’t sleep kid?” Dustin sat up, smiling at the chief, Hopper had become another surrogate dad, joining Wayne Munson in another type of protector role. “Just lost in thought Chief, What about you?” Hopper’s snort was soft, smoke coming from the cigarette in his mouth as he shook his head, his hair had grown back since he had returned to America, El’s growing at the same time, making them look more like Father and daughter than ever before. His voice soft as he spoke. A hand landing on Dustin’s head, ruffling his hair in a way Steve and Eddie do, his heart full as Hopper stood. “I’m fine kid, get some rest, Will and El are happy you’re hear Henderson. You’re alright for one of the brats.” Dustin’s smile was almost beaming as he laid back down, El and Will curling around him as he yawned, sleep taking him under in warmth and comfort, his mind slowing down as he let the darkness swallow him.

Chapter Text

Steve watched the road, Eddie’s voice soft as he sang along to whatever song Robin had added to his mix tape. The soft timbre of the other man’s voice calming as Alex’s soft snores and snorts filled the car. She had kicked up a fuss when they had left the Hoppers/Byers house, her cries had been shrieking and uncomfortable, her little face squeezed up tightly as fat tears rolled down her chubby cheeks, the two men panicking, both rushing to calm her down. Eddie’s voice had been higher pitched then normal in his panic to calm her down, his brown eyes always so expressive filled with terror as Alex refused to calm down, Steve’s own panic joining the metal heads as he suggested singing. He had seen Mrs Wheeler singing to Holly when she had been upset, the woman’s voice soothing the child as she rocked her. Eddie had stared at him like he had lost his mind, Alex still screaming in his arms as Steve started to hum a queen song, Eddie joining as he started to rock her, her little face releasing from its clenched form as she started to calm down, her screams turning to wails, to sobs before she blessedly had fallen back asleep. Eddie careful to lower her back into her car seat before they had set back off to take the pair home. Eddie had kept singing, his voice rough and warm, like drinking pure honey. Steve’s earlier conversation with the metal head pinging around his head. He had known why Eddie would think him homophobic, he hadn’t had the best track record in high school.
But he had been working to drop that image. Had dropped ‘King Steve’ like a dead animal, the title sticking to him like the same kind of smell. He had changed. He knew that, knew that his friends, his family, knew. His chosen family anyways. His birth parents still expected him to hold up the Harrington name, but the idea of Eddie having a crush on a man didn’t make him uncomfortable. His chest ached in a way he couldn’t describe a dull throbbing like a migraine under his breast bone, the idea of Eddie in someone else’s arms making it worse. He wished Robin were here. She always knew what his feelings were. She was his other half. They shared a brain. She always knows how to read him like an open book. The sight of the Eddie and Wayne’s trailer coming into view quieted the turmoil in his head, the lights on inside, warm and glowing like a beacon in a storm. Eddie’s voice beside him quiet as the metal head spoke, Alex sleeping peacefully through the lack of singing.
“Dustin was suspiciously quiet today, little butthead usually doesn’t stop talking. What do you think was up with that?” Steve shrugged, eyes casting back to Alex in the rear-view mirror, checking she was still asleep. “Who knows why that little shit does anything man, I honestly thought he was thinking about Susie, Her father finally gave permission for her, and Argyle’s I think girlfriend? Eden to come visit Hawkins, so long as they stay with anyone who isn’t their respective partners, Dustin hasn’t shut up about it honestly. Dude is so excited I thought his brain was going to explode.” Eddie snorted covering his mouth as he glanced back at Alex, the car pulling to a stop slowly as Steve hid his own smile. Wayne greeted them at the door, the gruff man’s voice soft as he as he cooed at his sleeping granddaughter, her small form even smaller in his arms. Steve watched smiling, he had known Wayne accepted Eddies daughter, but seeing him interacting with her causing warmth to blossom in his chest. Eddie’s voice beside him made him jump as the metal head smirks. “That six nuggets idea still pinging around that head of yours pretty boy?”
Steve’s face turning pink, eyes casting towards Eddie, the metal heads smirk pleased as Steve groaned. “That was a heat of the moment thing, jeez, guy can’t have a private conversation with his ex -girlfriend about the future when he thinks they’re all going to die anymore.” Eddie grimaced at Steve’s words as the jock laughed. “I still want six kids man, not with Nancy though. That ship has long since sailed. I guess those little assholes I babysit grew on me to much.” Eddie laughed as he shoved bags into Steve’s arms, grabbing bags of his own as Wayne watched them from the doorway. The sound of the tv playing in the background quietly as the two walked inside, Eddie dropping bags softly to the floor, Steve placing them gently as Wayne shook his head when he spotted a baby shirt with a band on the front.
“Only you boys would manage to find a baby shirt to fit Eddie’s style.” Eddie grinned, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Wayne, Steve’s face turning pink as the metal head spoke. “Actually, Stevie and Ms. Byers picked those ones up, I had no idea about the store they went to.” Eddie grinned as Steve’s face turned redder, Wayne’s eyebrows raising as he appraised Steve. “Really? Huh, Good job son, can’t really see Eddie’s daughter in frilly dresses and skirts if I’m honest.” Eddie swore he saw Steve preen slightly, the other man brushing off Wayne’s words with a small shake of his head. “It was more Joyce than me Mr Munson, I really can’t take any credit, I just helped with the bags.” Wayne shook his head his face softening as he looked over at Alex. “You’ve done a lot to help my boy, son and Alex, more than I can repay you for.” Steve shook his head, protest written on his face. “I care about Eddie sir he’s, my friend. It’s the least I can do to help him. Plus, Dustin would gut me if I left Eddie to deal with stuff alone. Especially after what happened…” Eddie’s grin fell slightly, his fingers twitching to play with his rings as Wayne nodded solemnly. Eddie cleared his throat, moving towards the door as Steve looked up. “Alex’s cot is in the trunk of your car Stevie, I figure we can put it together and you can crash here tonight.”
Steve moved to follow, Wayne waving him off as he followed his nephew. “How did today go Ed? Anyone give you trouble?” Eddie shook his head, eyes down cast as he moved to the trunk of Steve’s car. The sound of the man in question inside talking to his daughter enough to make his pulse jump. “No but uh, I came out. To Steve I mean. And he just. He accepted me Uncle Wayne. We talked a few days ago about Queen and Freddy Mercury being queer and he said he didn’t care then but it can be so different when it’s a celebrity compared to someone you actually know and he just. Just accepted me.” Eddie turned to Wayne with tears in his eyes as Wayne pulled him into a hug, comforting his nephew as he sobbed against his shoulder. “Oh, my boy.” Eddie’s tears flowed freely against Wayne’s shoulder, the sound of Steve’s voice inside carrying through the open door. “And out there is your amazing daddy and granddad, he’s going to take such good care of you, and he’ll always have us to help.” The sound of Alex’s babbles followed his words as Eddie smiled against his uncles shoulder.
Steve’s laughter echoing softly around their family bubble as Alex babbled more. “That’s right sweetheart. He’s going to do everything to protect you. Your daddy is so strong, he fought off a serial killer to protect this town, your daddy is a hero.” Wayne patted Eddie’s back softly, grinning down at his flustered nephew as Eddie’s face flooded red. Steve’s voice calling out to the pair in the night. “You two okay out there? Need any help?”
“Thank you, son, but we have it covered. We’ll be in a minute.” Wayne called back as Eddie pulled away, a strangled noise leaving the metal head as he looked at his uncle. “Wayne what the hell am I going to do. Jesus H. Christ. I’m in love with the straightest guy in Hawkins. I am so fucking screwed.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 10: Confessions and Confusion Part 2:
Steve rocked Alex gently, humming bohemian rhapsody as he wandered around the Munson trailer, her eyes so like her fathers filled with sleepy warmth as she sucked her pacifier. Both Munson’s outside involved in quiet conversation. Steve’s thoughts wandered back to the turmoil from the car. Eddie’s fear, so like Robins. Will’s sobs still echoing in his ears. He didn’t have a problem with Eddie being gay. He knew that much. Knew Eddie sometimes batted for other team, the baby in his arms perfect proof of that. He had heard Freddie Mercury being called a name for people who liked both. His father had ranted over the top of the news reporter, drink in hand as he slurred his words calling them disgusting names.
But the turmoil coiling in his guts wouldn’t go away. He had to ask Robin as soon as possible. She would understand. Alex’s eyes finally closed as the trailer door opened once more, the object of his thoughts moving inside carrying one side of a box. His hair wild in the lamp light, Wayne’s voice coming from the other side of the box with a grunt. “Move it son my knees ain’t what they used to be.” Steve shuffled aside, gesturing for Eddie to walk past as he watched. Eddie’s eye roll making him chuckle as Eddie lowered his end of the box, Wayne following suit as the older man grunted. “I ain’t got long before I have to head to work boys. You gonna be okay to set this all up?” Steve nodded, placing Alex down in her carrier softly detangling her hand from his shirt. “We got it sir, don’t worry. I won’t let Eddie put it together.”
Steve tossed an over dramatic wink at Wayne as the older Munson laughed, Eddie spluttering in protest at Steve’s words. The sound of Wayne’s watch beeping causing all three men to wince as Wayne headed to get ready for work. Steve turning to the younger Munson with a grin, hands on his hips. “Are we going to set this up in the living room for now? I don’t trust your room to have any space on the floor for a cot to fit.” Eddie shrugged, hands pulling his curls into a bun at the base of his neck. “My room is not that bad big boy, Maybe you should come check it out some time.” Steve rolled his eyes, tips of his ears turning pink as he flicked off the metal head. Wayne joining them with a chuckle at Eddie’s expression. “Alright, Ill be home by morning Ed’s. Behave, be safe, get some sleep.” Steve watched as Wayne dropped a kiss against Eddie’s forehead, the younger Munson turning pink as his uncle walked out the door. “Love you to old man.” Steve smiled at the familial sight, moving to open the box provided by Joyce and Hopper, pulling wood and slats, handing a bag of screws to Eddie with a small chuckle. “Sit there and look pretty Munson, Ill fix this up in no time.” Eddie spluttered as Steve chuckled, setting the cot up in record time, Eddie watching with fiend disinterest as he fiddled with the mattress they had bought to put in the cot.
“See? All done. Now we just put down her mattress and she can have a decent nights sleep and you don’t have to worry about her.” Steve stood, stretching as Eddie’s eyes snapped down to where his shirt had ridden up, exposing the hair down his abdomen cut off by his boxers, a flash of pink above that where his sides had healed. Matching to Eddie’s own. His face flushed red as he moved to put the mattress in the cot. Voice rough as he spoke. “Thanks man, I uh, I appreciate it.” Steve grinned down at him, his arms dropping to his side as Eddie flattened the mattress into the cot, distracting his thoughts with tasks for his daughter. Grabbing the sheets to make the cot up as Steve watched, his honey eyes never leaving Eddie as the metal head moved around nervously, fussing with the sheets and blanket, tucking the plushie Wayne had bought home when he had found out about Alex. A teddy bear, an eye patch and pirate costume on that he had picked out with Dustin’s mom. Steve moved, stopping Eddie’s fussing with a fond smile as he moved the metal head to the couch, pushing him to sit softly.
“Ed’s calm down. Her cot is perfect. Sit down and calm down man, ill tuck her in for tonight. You’re stressing yourself out.” Steve’s hands left Eddies. Cold flooding between his hands from the loss of contact as he moved. Careful to not wake the sleeping baby as he moved her. Her chubby face relaxed in sleep as he gently placed her down. Pulling her blanket up around her waist softly with a smile as he felt Eddie’s body heat behind him, the metal heads hair coming into view as he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss against his daughters forehead. Alex’s face scrunching up before relaxing, her breaths even as she slept. Steve watched, a pang in his heart at the love on Eddie’s face, his eyes flicking between the metal head and his daughter as he yawned. Eddie’s eyes flashing to his own as a grin spread over the older mans face. Eyes filled with an emotion Steve couldn’t name as Eddie leaned closer. The scent of leather, Eddie’s shampoo and baby powder hitting him like a truck as the metal head grinned. “Getting sleepy their big boy?” Steve grinned back, another yawn taking over his face as he shrugged. Eddie’s grin growing wider as Steve felt his face flush pink. “Come on Stevie, You can borrow some of my clothes for tonight. Wayne won’t mind you staying here over night.”
Steve watched as Eddie gently pushed Alex’s cot, the wheels catching slightly on the carpet in the trailer. The door to the metal heads room opening, the sight of a space on the floor for a cot caught his attention. “Dude you could have said you made a space for Alex’s cot. What the hell?” He spun, Eddie’s laughter muffled by his hand as his grin turned slightly manic, face turning pink. “I did tell you princess, you just didn’t take me seriously remember. And besides, missing an opportunity to see you taking on the mother hen role outside of the party? Never going to happen Stevie.” Steve groaned, his face landing in his hands as Eddie cackled, moving towards his closet, the quiet sound of material against material quiet in the room. A pair of faded grey sweat pants and Metallica shirt hitting him as he lifted his head. Eddie’s grin bright from across the room as he pulled out clothes for himself. “I’m doing to catch a quick shower man, You going to be okay with Alex alone mama bear?” Steve flushed again at Eddie’s teasing, flipping the metal head off as he laughed, the door closing with a quiet click as Eddie left the room. Steve sighed, alone with his thoughts once again as sat down on the other mans mattress. The feeling in his stomach returning with a vengeance.
Once more he wished Robin where here, her mind always linked to his own. He sighed again, looking over at Alex, her small face squished tightly as her brown eyes shot open, her cries beginning as soon as her eyes landed on his own. Steve’s body moving fast, Alex cradled in his arms as he hummed, her stomach rumbling loudly as he laughed. Eddie’s voice panicked as he burst back into the room, shirt tossed over his shoulder as his eyes landed on the pair. “IS SHE… Oh thank fuck.” Steve grinned, Eddie’s panic fading instantly as he looked her over. “Relax man, She woke up hungry, Her bottles have to be washed but the one she was given when she came here should be clean, I think Wayne washed it up this morning. You okay to make up her bottle?” Eddie shook his head, his fingers tangling in his hair as he groaned. “Jesus H Christ man. Yeah. Yeah I can make up her bottle. Fucking scared me to death!” Eddie spun on his heals, nimble fingers moving to put on his shirt as Steve followed. The loss of sight of Eddie’s tattoos filling his stomach with that same feeling once more. Steve glared at the offending material covering the works of art on the metal heads body, the sound of formula being made up catching Alex’s attention as her cries quieted down, a towel landing over Steve’s shoulder as Eddie tested the bottle against his wrist as Steve moved Alex to sit up more, the bottle appearing in his free hand as Eddie flopped down next to him with a groan.
Alex’s eyes falling closed as Steve placed the bottle in her mouth. The trailer silent as she drank. The quiet bubble surrounding them blissful, comforting in a way both of them needed In that moment. Burst only by the shrill sound of the phone ringing. Steve heard Eddie groan once more as he stomped over to the phone, voice quiet as he answered. “Susan’s freezer service, you kill ’em we chill ‘em how can I help you today?” Steve grinned. The sound of a voice on the other end carrying through their little bubble as Eddie shook his head, a sigh leaving his soft lips as he glanced back at Steve. “Yes Robin, he’s here, he’s currently got Alex though so he can’t really come to the phone right now. What’s up?” Steve watched, Alex’s weight in his arms anchoring as Eddie hummed after a period of time. The churning in his stomach returning for a different reason. “We’ll be right their Robin, Don’t worry.” Steve stood. Eddie’s face pale as he looked back at him. “Robin needs us to come get her right now. Her parents found out she’s gay.” Steve’s heart dropped, his own face as pale as Eddie’s as he moved, Alex in his arms as Eddie picked up her car seat, buckling it in with speed as Steve placed Alex inside, heart hammering in his chest as he clicked her in. Her small face restful in sleep, peace away from the cruelty of the world.
Eddie slid into the passenger seat, face set in stone as Steve pealed out of the trailer park. The car deathly quiet as he pushed his foot down on the gas, careful to maintain the speed limit with Alex in the car, Eddie’s leg bouncing under his hand as he squeezed the other mans knee. Hawkins was small, the sight of his best friends parents house coming into view as he slowed to a stop, throwing himself from the car as he gestured for Eddie to remain with Alex. Voice’s loud in the house enough to make his blood boil as he slammed open the door. The sight of his best friend crying, a hand pressed against her cheek snapping his focus to her teary eyes, meeting his own with such relief his heart exploded in his chest.
“Robin!” His knees hit the carpet, arms around her shaking shoulders as her head landed against his chest, sobs racking her body as Steve pulled her to her feet. Mr and Mrs Buckley watching with a mix of sadness and horror. “Robbie, Hey, Robbie, look at me…” Steve’s hand moved, lifting his best friends face away from his chest as he looked down at her. “Go and pack a bag, I’m taking you home, okay? We’re getting you away from here.” He shoved her softly towards the stairs, turning to face the others in the room with a glare. Mr. Buckley’s face twisted in rage. “If she leaves this house she is never welcome back. If she stays, we can cure her of this sickness! No daughter of mine…” Steve’s palm was stinging as he glanced down at it.
The skin red and matching to Mr Buckley’s cheek as his words cut off. Steve’s fingers itching for his nail bat as the man’s wife’s eyes widened in horror, Robins arms wrapping around his own as she wiped her tears. “Don’t. Talk. To. Her. Ever. Again. Robin is my best friend. Nothing. Absolutely nothing is wrong with her. She is kind. And Smart. And Beautiful. And she is a better person in her eighteen years of life on this earth than you have been or ever will be in your disgusting existence. If you say anything. I will hunt you down myself.” Steve’s face was twisted in a snarl as he backed his best friend to the door. Her bag bumping against his side as he blocked her view from her parents. “Eddie’s in the car.” Steve spoke softly as he pressed a small kiss against her hair, the metal head in question practically hanging from the window, anxiety and concern written on his face like an open book. The sound of the front door slamming in the quiet night causing Robin’s sobs to return.

Chapter Text

Wayne Munson is a saint. Steve had known that since the first time he had met Wayne Munson, shot gun in hand and determination on his face to protect his nephew from a town of angry hicks. Eddie having to calm him down between bursts of laughter as Steve stood awkwardly in the doorway of the trailer.
So, when Steve had heard his truck pull up to the trailer, Eddie and Robin asleep in Eddie’s bed, both having fallen asleep taking comfort in each other platonically, Alex asleep in Steve’s arms, empty bottle next to him on the chair.
Wayne entered quietly, his usual ritual of taking off his boots and grabbing a beer followed before he joined Steve, eyebrows raised at the sight of him alone. “What’s goin’ on son? Is Eddie, okay?” Steve nodded. Eyes falling closed in exhaustion. “Yes sir, sorry, Eddie is okay. He uh. He’s asleep, Robin is in there as well, something bad happened Wayne. Something really bad.” Steve jumped as he felt Wayne’s hand landing softly on his shoulder. Alex mumbling in her sleep as the older man stood.
“Let me put Alex down for the night son, and then tell me what’s goin’ on. If you kids are in trouble, I’ll do anythin’ in my power to help.” Steve nodded gratefully, Alex remaining asleep in the older mans arms as he placed her down in her cot. Steve had moved it from the room once his friends had fallen asleep. Not wanting to disturb his exhausted family.
Wayne returned, a second beer in his hand as he handed it to Steve. Eyes soft as he sat back down, body laxing into the chair with a grunt. “So uh, I guess I don’t. I. I know about Eddie, being gay. And I’m okay with it! I’m not. I’m not like my father. And uh, so. So is Robin. I have her permission. To tell you sir. I would never out her to anyone. She’s my best friend. And uh.” Steve paused, fingers running through his hair in a nervous habit as he dropped his head back against the couch. “Her parents somehow found out. And they. They kicked her out sir. They said some really sick things. And they uh. They called her sick. Said they could fix her, and they hit her.”
Steve stopped, eyes filled with tears as he thought about his best friend in pain, Wayne a solid comfort beside him. The sound of Eddie’s sleepy voice joined them, the metal head slipping onto the couch next to Steve, body wrapping around the jock like a koala as he rested his head on his shoulder. His face buried in the jocks neck as he sleepily greeted Wayne.
Steve sighed, the weight of Eddie defusing his anger as tears spill from his eyes, Wayne’s voice soft as he spoke. “She can stay here son, call Hopper and let him know in case they try to report her as missin’. You don’t have to tell him any details, but he should know what’s happin’.” Wayne finished with a yawn, Eddie nodding against Steve’s shoulder as the metal head finally spoke. “Wayne’s right, Rob isn’t eighteen yet so they can legally try to drag her back and use outing her as a threat.”
Wayne stood, grunting as his back popped, nodding to the men on the couch as he walked towards his bedroom, the sound of the door closing with a soft click as Eddie sat up, yawning and stretching as he leaned into Steve once more. “We’ll call Hop in the morning, I don’t think Robin is in any shape to answer questions from Hop tonight. Man can be intense…”
Steve nodded in agreement. A yawn of his own taking over his body as he hefted Eddie in his arms, the metal head squeaking and holding on for dear life as he headed towards the metal heads room. “I’ll bring Alex’s cot back into the room in a minute. Robbie is gonna need both of us for what’s coming next, and we need to sleep.” Eddie grunts as Steve drops him on the bed, Robin mumbling in her sleep as Steve moved to retrieve Alex, entering the room to see a spot on the bed for him. Eddie tucked between Robin and the wall as Steve slides in beside them.
“Night Stevie.”
“Night Ed’s”

Chapter Text

Steve Harrington was in trouble. He knew that the moment he stepped foot back into the Harrington house hold and saw the answering machine flashing. He had spent the morning on the phone with Hopper, explaining the situation with Wayne’s help, Hopper’s voice hard as he spoke, anger radiating through his tone as he threatened to arrest Robin’s parents for assault. Joyce had arrived at the Munson residence not long after Steve had hung up, Hop saying he would take care of it.
The woman instantly mothering Robin, kicking the men out with a kind smile, Eddie and Wayne headed to do some necessary food shopping, taking Alex with them as Steve drove home. Which landed him here, pressing play on the answering machine, the sound of his fathers voice coming through making his spine stiffen. “Steven. It’s your father. Call us back at your earliest convenience.” Steve winced as his father hung up. His usual secretary must have been caught with him, Dick Harrington had a reputation for going through them like breathing. Diana Harrington following him everywhere since he was old enough to look after himself, because “Harringtons don’t get divorced Steven.”
Steeling his spine, Steve dialled the number to his fathers latest hotel room. Running his hand through his hair as he sighed. The sound of someone on the other line making him jump. His mothers prim voice coming through the little speaker pressed against his ear. “Harrington’s, Diana speaking.” He took a deep breath, the familiar ache his mother’s voice always dug up stinging his eyes. “Hey, mom. It’s Steve.” He waited, fingers twirling through the phone cord as he held his breath.
“Steven! Oh good. Your father has just gone down to the desk to settle up our account. Where headed to California next, your father has business there. He should be up at any moment. How have you been?” Steve pulled the phone away from his ear, staring at It in disbelief, his mother hated small talk, gossip was her bread and butter, always knowing what was happening and how to dig her claws into his fathers competitors from her country club visits. “How is the house holding up since those dreadful earthquakes?”
Steve sighed. Of course. He should have known. His mother was worried about the property. Loch Nora hadn’t been affected by the Vecna situation. One of the only places in town that had remained undamaged by the split. “The house is fine mom, and I’ve been well.” Steve hated small talk as much as his mother did. Preferring to sticking with what he knows, flirting and his family.
“Your father is here. I’ll put him on now.” Steve nodded, ignoring that his mother couldn’t see him, waiting as the phone transferred hands, cracking sounds echoing through the speaker as it moved, his fathers voice joining his mothers. “Steven. About time you called back. I expected to hear from you days ago. I expect better in the future.” Steve waited, the lecture not done yet as Dick Harrington took a deep breath. “When I call, I expect you to call me back before the day ends boy. I don’t pay the phone bill for you to just ignore it ringing. I’m disappointed in you Steven.”
Steve flinched, the words stinging as he listened, his father’s words betraying his grin as he continued. “I know you are a disappointment son, but I expect you to work on that. Now. The reason I called you. Grandfather Harrington has been trying to call you. He has been calling my work for two days trying to reach you. Call him back as soon as you can. That’s all. Behave yourself Steven. Don’t make us cut this work trip short because of your mistakes.” Dick Harrington hung up as Steve sunk down against the counter. Chest stinging as he set the phone down. He didn’t know what he expected. His father had always been like that, he didn’t think he had ever heard his father say goodbye.
He pulled himself up, fingers dialling a number he had memorised as a kid, his grandfather had been his rock amongst the string of useless babysitters and nannies he had growing up. Phone pressed against his ear as he listened to it ring, his grandmothers voice flowery and soft as she picked up the phone. “Harrington residence, how may I help you?” Steve smiled, eyes welling with involuntary tears as he answered. “Nanna! Hi, It’s Steve.” Happiness welling into the void left in his chest.
“Stevie! Oh, my sweet boy its so good to hear from you!” His grin widened, tears spilling freely down his cheeks as he let his nanna’s voice wash over him. “It’s so good to hear your voice nanna, I’m sorry I haven’t called lately.” Steve closed his eyes against the tears, chest threatening to crack and flood with supressed emotions as his nanna shushed him.
“Nonsense sweetheart. We’re just happy to hear from you now! Harold get on the phone Steve is on the line!” Steve grinned, the sound of another phone being picked up coming down the line as his grandfather spoke. “Stevie my boy! It’s good to hear from you son!”
“And you pop, I’m sorry I haven’t called. Father left a message saying you wished to talk to me?” He held his breath as his granddad laughed, his voice reminding him of Wayne as he listened. Warmth filling the small area of the house he was currently standing in.

“Oh, my boy, that son of mine is a useless son of a bitch sometimes I swear. I asked him to get you to call me when you had spare time my boy. I have news that I think you’ll find exciting, and while I would prefer to share in person, I must say I can’t hold it in now I’ve heard your voice.” His grandmother chimed in, her voice full of happiness as she spoke. “Hold your protests till the end my dear.”
“Your grandmother and I have spoken at length about this son, and as of as soon as you sign the paperwork at the bank, your trust is yours to access.” Steve choked, his eyes flooding with more tears as a sob tore from his chest. “Nanna, pop, I. I can’t. You still have so many years left with us, I can’t accept that! Father would throw a fit, and mother.”
His grandmother made a noise, her own voice sounding as though she had started crying along side him, his grandfathers voice rough as he spoke. “Stevie my boy. Your father has no say about this. The money is yours as you wish to spend it. Buy a house, settle down with someone, spend time with your friends, go to college. The money is yours son. Your grandmother and I can’t be prouder of how you’ve grown up. You’re a fine young man son. And we love you.”
Steve’s sobs racked his body as he cried, his grandparents chatting with him till he calmed down, wiping his face as he said his goodbyes, idea’s forming in his mind as he walked back towards his front door, keys in hand as he bolted to his car. He had half an hour before the bank closed, and Steve Harrington had an idea.
_____________________________________________________________
Eddie nodded as Wayne placed milk into the cart, the older man grumbling about pushy women and his home, shaking his head as he grabbed eggs, the essentials already in the cart as the men walked, Alex cooing up at her grandfather with wide eyes, babbling in her talk as they passed colourful things, every movement catching her attention as Wayne loaded more into the cart, formula powder and diapers joining the pile.
“We’re almost done here son, is there anythin’ you want before we head out?” Eddie shook his head, hair pulled into a bun as it bounced against the back of his neck. “Nah I’m good old man, we should probably get home to Robin and Joyce before she goes mother mode and cleans the trailer.” Wayne cracked a smile, headed over to the check out, unloading the cart with practiced ease as Eddie distracted his daughter. Her giggles loud in the store as Wayne made small talk with the clerk.
Alex’s giggles getting sleepy as he smiled down at her, carefully lifting her into his arms, as he rocked her, her small form falling lax in his arms as she fell asleep. Wayne loading the cart with the bags as they walked out of the store, the sight of Steve’s beamer sitting across the lot as the man walked out of the bank, practically glowing in the fading sun as he waved. Eddie grinning back as he jogged over, practically vibrating in excitement. “Eds! Wayne! Oh, sorry. Didn’t realise she was sleeping. How did shopping go?”
Wayne smiled knowingly at Eddie as the metal head flushed, fingers itching to cover his face with his hair as Steve held his arms out for Alex, lifting her slowly enough to not wake her as he walked with them back to Wayne’s truck, the elder Munson loading the car as Eddie helped. “Shopping was okay, we got what we needed, are you coming back to the trailer?” Eddie glanced up as Steve nodded, transferring Alex softly into her car seat as he placed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
“Mhm, I have something I want to talk to you, Wayne and Robin about. It’s good news though so don’t stress yourself Eds.” Eddie grinned, caving as he pulled his hair from its bun, letting the curls bounce around his shoulders as he covered his face with a small section. “Sounds serious Stevie, should we be worried about how excited you are about this?” Steve grinned, shaking his perfect hair as the sun moved behind him, halo of light surrounding him once more. “You’ll have to wait as see Eds. Ill meet you there”

Chapter Text

Dustin’s POV
Dustin groaned as he flopped down on his bed. The party had been in an uproar since news of Robin’s parents had spread. Will and El had filled everyone in about her no longer living at home after Joyce had caved to their puppy dog eyes. The older woman had never been able to keep secrets from her children. Nancy and Jonathon had made them promise to not bug the others about what had happened.
Curiosity was Dustin’s kryptonite. He had always been curious, investigating and needing to know things with a blazing passion he had never grown out of. So, when a party member was in trouble, especially one who co-parented their little group alongside Eddie and Steve. Dustin was worried. Robin was weird but she was still his friend.
So, when Dustin couldn’t get in contact with Eddie or Steve his worry was boiling over ten-fold. Almost ready to convince his mother to drive to Eddie’s trailer to see what the hell is going on with half the party. After Eddie had dropped the Alex bomb on them, Dustin felt he had every right to be worried.
He had felt slightly betrayed that Eddie had shared his secret with Steve before him, but he understood. Steve had that effect on people. Always stepping in front of danger to protect his friends. Even if he got his ass beat basically every time he did. But Alex was a cute baby. And Dustin knew Eddie would be busy with her.
But damn it. He needed to make sure his friend was okay. He moved towards the door, the sound of his mother humming in the kitchen comforting his anxiety over the party. Her face showing her concern as he entered the room. “Dusty baby, are you alright?” He nodded, sitting at the table as Tew’s jumped up, purring in greeting.
“Hey mom, can you drive me over to Eddie’s? I haven’t heard from him or Steve and I’m worried.” He stared at his mother, her back to him as she carefully put down the spoon she was holding, turning to face him with a concerned expression.
“Dusty, are you sure? You know how the town still feels about the Munson’s. I know Eddie is your friend, but I don’t want you getting hurt. Especially since that Jason Carver hasn’t been found yet. Framing Eddie for those awful murders.”
Dustin sighed, Tew’s bumping against his chin for affection as he nodded in agreement. Some days he wished he could share with his mother what had actually happened. How Max was hurt, how the others died. How on nights when he couldn’t sleep, he could call, or radio Steve and he would always be there because he knew. He understood what everyone had gone through.
Robin to. His worry returning once more at the thought of his friends. “I know mom. Please? I promise I will be safe. And Steve will be there, he’s been staying with Eddie since Alex came into our lives. He’ll protect me. And Wayne has a shotgun.”
Claudia Henderson sighed. Eyeing her son with a wary expression as she caved. Dustin had told her about Alex with Eddie’s permission right after he had come home from visiting Will. The boys bond stronger than ever when the Hopper-Byers clan had returned from California, Hopper alive and well somehow which everyone just accepted.
Dustin bounced from his seat, excited stims coming through as he grinned. Claudia grabbed her keys, walking to the car with him with another exasperated sigh, her worry still bubbling as she drove over to the Munson’s trailer.
Steve’s car, Wayne’s truck and Eddies van greeting them as she pulled up. Her sons face betraying his worry about his friends as they climbed out of the car. The sound of a babies cries and frantic voices inside almost making his anxiety worse.
Dustin bounced up the stairs, knocking on the trailer door as Claudia stood beside him. Wayne Munson opening the door to greet them with a raised eyebrow. “Dustin, Mrs Henderson, Eddie’s inside, Robin n Steve are tryin’ to help the boy calm down Alex. Come on in.” Dustin grinned as Wayne stepped aside, entering the trailer and rushing towards his friends, his mom remaining behind to talk to Mr Munson.
Eddie’s voice sounded tired as he groaned from the ground. Alex in Steve’s arms as she fussed, Robin beside Eddie cackling at the two men’s distress. “Dude, I have changed her, fed her, burped her, I don’t know what else she wants!” Robin’s cackle was a soothing balm to Dustin’s anxiety as his mother and Wayne joined them, Claudia watching the foursome with a mix of concern and amusement as Dustin rushed forward, practically throwing himself at Robin joining them on the floor in an awkward hug.
“Holy shit I am so glad you’re okay!” Steve’s usual scolding missing as he rocked Alex, watching the exchange with curiosity as Robin squawked in surprise. “Dustin? What? Of course I’m okay dingus junior. Who told you I wasn’t okay?” Dustin smiled sheepishly as he sat up, Claudia quietly stepping in to help Steve calm down Alex and to give her son privacy to talk to his friends. “Will and El spilled that you were kicked out. They wormed it out of Joyce! And when I couldn’t get a hold of Steve or Eddie, I panicked…” Dustin grinned sheepishly as Robin gaped at him, laughter from Eddie breaking them out of the tension created in the air.
Robin tackled him back into a hug, laughter bubbling from both of them as Dustin wiggled in her arms, Steve and Claudia watching with matching smiles, Alex finally settled down in the woman’s arms. “Dustin, I’m okay, Steve and Eddie came and got me, and Hopper and Joyce are helping me out. The party is okay. I’m okay. We stick together, right?”
“Right.” Robin let him go, ruffling his hair the way Steve would as she laid back down on the floor.
“And besides Dusty-Bun, this isn’t something your genius brain can fix.” Dustin frowned, nodding as his brain processed the information of his friends safe and something he can’t help with.
Sometimes being a teenager sucked.

Chapter Text

Steve smiled, waving to Claudia Henderson as she drove home, Dustin beside her with the same troubled expression he wore while puzzling over a problem. Steve knew that look always bought trouble following right behind it like a demo-dog. He was too curious for his own good sometimes.
Eddie saddled up beside him, a sleepy Alex resting against his shoulder as he grinned. “I knew Dustin cared. Little twerp’s heart is too big for his own good.” Steve nodded in agreement, sighing as he turned to his friend. Eddie’s eyes deep dark in the twilight, sparkling with happiness as he rocked his daughter.
Steve cleared his throat, glancing down at his socks, the curiosity radiating from Eddie since he had first arrived with paper in his hand. Wayne had needed a cat nap before work, the older Munson claiming Eddie’s bed whilst the rest of them had kept Alex entertained in the loungeroom.
“Alright Stevie. I’m dying here man. Curiosity is killing me, Stevie. What is in those papers that had you practically breaking the speed limit to get back here?” Steve grinned, Eddie’s pained expression turning to one of teasing as he carefully leaned in, baby in his arms, his face directly in front of his own.
“You can’t hide it from me forever big boy. I’ll find out what you’re hiding eventually.” The metal head grinned wider, leaning back into his own space, as Steve flushed, the tips of his ears and neck colouring bright red. “Sorry Ed’s, you have to wait till Wayne’s awake. I have something I want to talk to everyone about. Something important, so I’m afraid your curious cat will have to wait to be bought back sweetheart.” Steve winked, payback for Eddie’s teasing as the metal head spluttered, Steve taking Alex from his arms as he re-entered the trailer.
Robin greeting him from her spot on the kitchen counter with a strange expression. Eyes questioning something he couldn’t quite puzzle out yet. Alex gurgled in his arms, her cheeks pink as Robin’s face wrinkled in disgust, a nappy change in order for the baby as Eddie re-entered the trailer, his face mimicking Robins.
“You uh, you got that, right Stevie?” Eddie cackled, as Steve screwed his face up, tossing a new nappy to the jock, and a pack of wipes on the bench as he grabbed a coke from the fridge. Robin following suit as Steve changed Alex, the baby giggling as Steve spoke to her, making funny faces as a distraction.
He carefully picked her up, her small fingers tangling in his hair as he carefully leaned her against his shoulder, cupping the back of her head gently as he rocked her, walking with her over to his friends. “You guys actually suck. You know that? Now I’m going to make you wait even longer, Wayne is the first person I’m going to tell the news tow.”
Steve grinned as Eddie bolted up, his face twisted in a pout as he dropped to his knees, usual theatrical performance back in action as he clasped his hands together. Pleading on the floor like one of his NPC’s in his DnD games. “Stevie, Prince Stevie please, we are but humble peasants” -Robin’s snort of amusement following his words- “below your mighty power of knowledge we wish to know, however shall me have you forgive us for having to change my daughters nappy whilst i. An exhausted father takes a moment to sip my drink.”
Eddie snorted at himself, remaining on his knees as Steve set Alex down carefully in her rocker, the toys dangling above spinning softy along side her babbles. “Dude, get off the floor. Jesus. Fine. I’ll tell you all together you big dork.” Steve held out a hand, Eddie’s ringed fingers, clasping his own. Metal cool against his warm skin as he pulled the metal head to his feet. Eddie stumbling slightly, landing against Steve with an oof, his dark eyes wide in an emotion Steve couldn’t name as Eddie’s face flushed red. His pale cheeks colouring quickly. Robin’s eyes as wide as Eddie’s own as she watched the boys. Steve’s grin dropping slightly at the look in Eddie’s eyes. If you had asked him in that moment what he felt? He would say confused. His chest felt tight, brain foggy. He hadn’t felt like that since Nancy had broken his heart.
Eddie leaned back, clearing his throat as Wayne entered the room. His eyes scanning over the area the way only a veterans could. Even in his own home. His eyes met Steve’s, the older Munson nodding as he grabbed coffee, one of his signature mugs gripped in his hand as he lowered himself to the chair in the kitchen.
Steve moving to join him. Sitting down across from the older Munson man, his eyes gleaming softly so like his nephews. When he had arrived at the trailer earlier. His trip to the bank successful thanks to his grandfather. He had spoken to Wayne outside. The two men sharing a cigarette in the warm afternoon air. Steve had told Wayne everything. About his grandfather, the money, and his idea.
Wayne had just looked at him, eyes shining, full of emotions. He had said nothing at first. Just staring at Steve. When he had finally spoken, his voice had been rough, fighting back tears. “You would do that? For Robin, for Eddie and Alex. For me?” Steve had flushed pink, averting his gaze from the older man, nodding. “Of course, I would sir. Eddie is one of my best friends and Robin is my platonic soul mate. We’re family. Weird, kind of odd, but family.”
Steve stiffened as Wayne pulled him into a hug, melting into the contact with a small sniffle of his own. “I haven’t told Eddie or Robin about it yet. I. Wanted to talk to you about it before I said anything. You, Eddie and Alex are a package deal. I know he wouldn’t go anywhere without you.”
Wayne cleared his throat, pulling Steve from his thoughts as the older Munson grinned, Eddie’s so like his uncles it made his chest feel tight. “Steve, son. Are you ready to tell em’?” Steve nodded, fingers fidgeting with the spoon in front of him. Eddie and Robin joining them, sitting forward with curiosity clear as day on their faces.
“I. came into my inheritance. My grandfather. He signed the paperwork. My father can’t stop him. So, uh. I spoke to Wayne. And. Obviously you guys don’t have to accept. But uhm. I’m going to buy a house. For all of us.” Silence followed his words, The two adults who he hadn’t told processing before Eddie swore, tears welling in his friends eyes as they tackled him. Laughter following as his chair tipped, Steve catching them on the edge of the table before they went down.
“Holy shit Dingus! I would kiss you if you were a girl!” Eddie’s cackle followed her words, Wayne watching with a smile of his own. “So, is that a yes?”

Chapter Text

Eddie groaned as Alex cried, her fever had spiked again an hour ago and now he could finally give her medicine to help combat the sickness. He carefully slipped from the bed, half the bed taken up from a curled-up Steve and a sprawled Robin as he rubbed his hands over his face. Alex had gotten sick after Steve’s house announcement, his poor baby’s fever starting early hours of the morning. Two days had passed since Steve and Eddie had taken her to the hospital, the doctors assuring them it was just a cold. Not to worry and once her fever broke, she would feel better. So far only medicine had kept it down.
He smiled down at his daughter, her big eyes staring back at him as he carefully picked her up, rocking her softly as he made his way to the trailers kitchen. Balancing her against his side as he collected her medicine, administering it to her with small coo’s of encouragement as she drank it down. Smiling as he grabbed a pre made bottle from the fridge. Warming milk mixture in the microwave quietly, opening the door before the beeping could wake anyone else in the house.
He yawned as he sat down on a soft chair in the loungeroom, Wayne’s quiet snores making him grin as he gave Alex her bottle. Her eyes closing as she drank, Eddie’s own struggling to stay open as quiet footsteps joined him in the room. Steve’s bed hair greeting him as the jock yawned. Sitting down near him as Alex stopped drinking, pulling the bottle away with a small wince as a cough overtook his baby. Her small body jerking slightly with the force. Milk coming up all over him and Alex.
He sighed, Steve moving to take her in his arms as Eddie stood. Grateful that he had worn an older shirt that needed to be washed anyways as Steve moved to the kitchen. Carefully wiping a warm cloth down Alex’s face as he hummed another Queen song. Eddie moving to change his shirt, another yawn taking over as Steve glanced at him. “Ed’s, go to sleep man. I’ll make sure she’s okay before I put her back to bed. You’re exhausted man. And you promised Gareth that the hellfire guys would get to meet her once she felt better.”
Eddie groaned again, eyes drooping as he made his way back towards the door. He had forgotten the promise. Gareth had called him, demanding to know why DnD was cancelled in the Wheeler’s basement, Jeff and Luke’s voice’s loud in the background backing up their friend’s demands for why Eddie had committed blasphemy. When Eddie had confessed about what had happened with Alex, they had almost blown up the phone with questions and demands to meet her, threatening to drive over to the trailer before he had informed them, she was sick. He slid back into bed, mind sludging through a campaign idea to make up for cancelling because his daughter was sick.
Robin mumbled beside him, curling closer in her sleep as Steve moved quietly around the trailer outside the cracked door, voice coming softly through the gap as he walked Alex around to sooth her, singing a rendition of Metallica’s Seek and Destroy like a lullaby as Eddie closed his eyes. Sleep over taking his body hard as he crashed. Not even awakening when Steve re-joined them on the bed, Alex sleeping peacefully through the night, her fever breaking the next morning before Eddie rolled out of bed. Joining a half-asleep Wayne, zombie before coffee Robin and a content Steve with Alex in his arms, her eyes clear of fever and her cheeks flushed a healthier pink as she drank a bottle for breakfast.
Wayne had announced that house hunting would begin soon. His knees cracking as he stood, groaning as Eddie laughed. His uncle thwacking him up the side of the head gently, a common thing they had picked up after Eddie had stopped flinching away from Wayne’s every touch. His father’s hands not as kind as Wayne’s had always been. Robin nodding in agreement as Steve focused on Alex. Piping up from his chair as Alex grabbed his fingers in her small hands. “Eddie has to ring the hellfire guys so they can meet Alex later, and Cattie at the real estate agency said we could come in whatever time we needed to.” Wayne smiled in thanks as Eddie stared at Steve. His chest tight, Steve was on a first name basis with a real estate agent? Since when? Robin, the angel, piped up in the same apparent confusion Eddie was feeling. “Since when are you on a first name basis with the real estate agent?” Steve’s snort of laugher following making both feel more confused Wayne smirked, clearly in on why Steve was laughing.
“She’s my mom’s ex-best friend Robbie, relax. Aunty Cattie has been out of Hawkins for a few years. Since just before I went to high school actually. She came back recently, and I ran into her when Wayne and I went to the agency to see what houses they had to offer.” Eddie shot his uncle a dirty look as Wayne’s smirk widened, Munson genetics flashing through, Eddie’s own smile so much like his uncles. “Steve took me in after work a few days ago, Showed me a few properties that may be big enough to house all of us, that would make you comfortable son. And have enough room to host those friends of yours to play that Dice and Demon’s game.” Steve snorted as Eddie protested. Flicking the finger at his uncle as Robin joined in laughing. The sounds free around them as Alex gurgled happily. “How many times old man. Its Dungeons and Dragons.” Wayne chuckled, shaking his head at his nephew as Steve stood, resting Alex against his chest as he stretched, one arm in the air, Alex braced with the other. “So, game plan? Robbie and I have the closing shift, so we don’t start till four.”
Eddie shrugged, fingers tangling in his curls as he pulled his hair off his neck, wrapping a hair band loosely around the bun he had created. His eyes meeting Steve as he flushed softly, the jocks eyes wide as he stared, lips parted in wonder. Wayne, ever the saviour of his nephew, cleared his throat as he spoke, breaking the spell between the two men. “Alex’s fever only broke last night son, if you’re gonna meet them friends of yours do it outside where she can get some fresh air. It’ll help her feel better. We’ll talk housin’ stuff tomorrow. Them friends of yours have been dyin’ to meet their niece since they found out about her.” Eddie snorted at his uncles words, knowing he was right.
Dropping his arms by his side as he stood, Robin’s zombie likeness finally starting to clear after coffee. Her voice smokier than usual as she chimed in. “Mrs Byers is gonna pick me up today so El has someone to talk to about girl stuff, so I’ll be ditching you dingus’s and Alex for today sorry guys. El and Max asked for Nancy and me specifically. She said she can drop me off in time for work though, so you don’t have to pick me up for work, she’ll be here soon.”
Eddie nodded, standing and making his way over to the phone, dialling Gareth’s number from muscle memory as he tapped his fingers against the counter, rings clicking softly as his friend answered. Voice tired as he groaned. “Gareth speaking. Please be important for how damn early it is.”
The metal head grinned, voice dropping into a British accent imitation as he spoke. “Gareth the Great. Your quest for today, is to gather the other members of your party, and meet I. Eddie the Banished, at Hawkins park. Ten am today.” His grin widened as his friend laughed, Gareth’s voice crackling through the line with his laughter. “Dude, are you messing with me? We have been waiting for so long since that little shrimp Dustin bragged about having met her already.” Eddie cackled, glancing behind him as he heard Alex’s gurgle laugh, Wayne holding his granddaughter as Steve moved around, prepping Alex’s bag as quietly as he could as Joyce pulled up to the trailer. Max and El in the car with her.
Robin ducking out to meet them, uniform tucked into a bag under her arm as she waved as Steve brushed past him, hands carefully moving his hips away from the cupboard as he grabbed a clean bottle, Eddie’s ears ringing as his heart rate sped up, Gareth’s confirmation almost missed as the younger metal head hung up. Eddie dropped the phone back into the receiver, face hot as he watched Steve, the younger man oblivious as he hummed to himself, completing his tasks.
Wayne’s snort of amusement at his nephews obvious panic only making his face hotter as Steve looked up confused, concern flashing across his face as he glanced at the metal head, hand coming up to rest on his forehead. “Dude did you catch Alex’s cold? Your face is really red.” Wayne’s snorts turned to laughter, gruff chuckles leaving the older man as he watched Steve mother hen Eddie, the metal heads face turning redder under the jocks scrutiny. Voice cracking like a teenager as he spoke. “I’m good man, I’m good. All good. I’m going to get changed. Be right back.” He darted towards the bedroom, muttering to himself as he ran, closing the door as he flopped down on the bed.
Screaming into his pillow as he heard Steve moving around outside, steeling his resolve as he moved to get dressed, grabbing one of the band shirts Steve and Joyce had bought for Alex as he re-entered the living room, jacket and vest firmly in place as Wayne shuffled towards his own bedroom, Alex back in Steve’s arms as the jock cooed to her softly. “Your daddies friends are gonna love you, yes they are, you’re gonna melt all their nerdy metal hearts.” Eddie snorted as Steve looked up, cheeks flushed at being caught as Alex giggled, the jock handing her to him carefully as he moved towards the bedroom to get changed himself, Eddie dressing Alex carefully, grinning at the shirt on his baby.
“Alright man, you ready to roll out? We can get breakfast at the dinner for the guys on the way. They like bacon?” Eddie glanced up, stopping short as his brain froze. Steve Harrington was standing there in one of his tee shirts. He was so fucked.

Chapter Text

Steve felt like he was going to be sick. Nervous was too small of a word to describe how he was feeling, nausea pushing against the breakfast he had eaten with Wayne whilst Eddie and Robin had slept. The park was empty as they pulled to a stop, the air just on the side of chilly, Autumn gathering slowly in the air as they stepped out. The metal heads excitement contagious as Alex gurgled her own joy.
The sound of an engine rumbling caught their attention, a car pulling to a stop next to his beamer as the hellfire club hopped out, Jonathon following not long after as the rest of the hellfire teens joined their little group. Eddie folded into hugs all around as the hellfire boys greeted their friend. Steve waved awkwardly, Dustin, Lucas and Will bouncing over to greet him.
Alex’s coos from her pram catching everyone’s attention as Steve stood by her side. The rocking motion under his hands feeling natural as Gareth approached. Eddie watching with wide eyes as his friend took in his daughter, her big eyes blinking up at him as she cooed, chubby hands lifting in the air as she held her hand out for his. His friends shell cracking instantly as he reached out to hold her small fingers.
Jeff and Luke following suit as they gushed over her like a group of moms at a grocery store. Steve’s grin like sunshine as he watched the metal heads crack over Alex. Jeff greeting him softly as they stepped away from the pram, Dustin and Mike chatting Eddie’s ear off about hellfire as Will joined Steve, the teen quiet as he watched the group. His eyes trailing over Mike and Gareth with a confused expression.
Steve nudged his shoulder softly, picking up Alex’s empty pram as he gestured towards an empty shaded bench, the teen joining him as he sat, quiet forming over them as they watched the party, Alex cradled in Gareth’s arms, the metal head teen carefully holding her as Eddie bounced between the group. Will’s sigh soft in the cool air. “Hey Steve?” He hummed, turning to face the quiet teen, concern racing through his body as he took in the sad look on the teens face.
“What’s up Will, everything okay?” He twisted facing the teen completely, the sound of the party fading into the background as he focused fully on the teen. “Do you ever. Do you ever feel like you lost your best friend? It. It feels like Mike has been pushing me away since I first went missing. He was my best friend and now it feels like he’s replaced me I guess. It’s stupid. All he talks about these days is El, or Eddie. He spent a whole summer rejecting DnD because he was in a relationship with El, and now where back in Hawkins and everyone is playing DnD again and it just feels. Unfair.”
Steve moved, the teen folded in his arms as tears started to fall, sobs racking Will’s body as the Steve rocked him, rubbing his back in comfort as he plots ways to murder Mike Wheeler, Hopper would definitely help him. He glanced over Will’s head, Bambi brown eyes meeting his own in concern as he shook his head discreetly, communicating with a glance to keep the group busy while Will let go of what had been eating at him.
Steve’s heart broke for his kid, voice low as he spoke. “Oh kid. Mike Wheeler is an idiot. While I can’t say that I know much about DnD. I can say I know about idiot friends. Especially ones who turn into assholes after they get a girlfriend. You will always have people here for you kid. Even if Mike is an idiot who can’t see that he hurt his best friend.”
Will nodded against his chest, tears still staining his shirt as the party descended on them, yells of concern over Will loud as Eddie carefully placed as sleeping Alex into her pram. Eyes meeting Steve’s once more, concern still written over his face as Dustin and Lucas tried to comfort their friend. Will reassuring them he was okay as he pulled away from Steve’s embrace, the teens face red from tears and embarrassment. Steve’s eyes reassuring that Will is okay as Eddie sat down, Gareth dragging Will in to the conversation as the metal teen grinned. Eddie leaned closer, breath warm against the side of Steve’s neck as he shivered, voice low “Is Will okay?”
Steve nodded, lips twitching into a small smile as he faced his friend. “He’s okay, just needed to let it out I think.” Eddie nodded, jumping back into the conversation as Will leaned against his side, Steve’s offer of comfort reassuring as the morning faded to afternoon, Jonathon arriving in the middle of a debate between Will and Gareth as Jeff and Luke chose sides. Passionate DnD jargon spilling into the air as Steve grinned. Jonathon sticking up for his brother instantly, slightly dazed from hanging with Argyle all day as he agreed with Will against Gareth. “Dude Will is a genius at that game, he is definitely right, but we gotta haul ass home before mom puts Hopper on our asses, so round up guys.”
Eddie grinned, arm slinging around Will’s shoulders as he tutted, Gareth’s groan of frustration following. “Dude Will is wrong about this one, but your right, mom wants her car back this afternoon so we gotta head out to.” Eddie moved, eloping each of his friends in a hug, Will the first and the longest, much to Dustin’s chagrin, Steve putting Alex in the car, Eddie joining him with a final goodbye to the group as he groaned, head dropping against the car seat. “Dude is Will okay? He was quieter than usual. And with how he’s been pulling away from us lately, well I guess I’m worried about one of my little sheep man.” Steve snorted, nodding as he pulled away from the park, Alex sleeping soundly in her car seat as the mix tape in the stereo started up once more.
“Ed’s, he’s okay. It’s not really my place to say what’s wring with him but trust me. He is okay. On an unrelated note, I will be murdering Mike Wheeler for being stupid.” It was Eddie’s turn to snort now, shaking his curly mop as he nodded. “I see. Okay. Gareth seemed worried to, that’s why he picked that debate with him over stats. Trying to draw him from his shell. Just. Let me know if Mike does anything to upset Will. I’ll kill of his character in the next DnD session, whenever we have one that is.”
Eddie yawned as they pulled to a stop at the trailer, Wayne waving from the front porch as Steve collected Alex from the car, her sleeping form in his arms as he approached. “Went well then?” Steve nodded, Eddie trudging past with another yawn as he waved to Wayne, collapsing on the couch inside as Steve placed Alex in her cot. Wayne joining them with a grunt as he sat down. Turning the TV on as Eddie closed his eyes, the metal head passing out as Wayne and Steve watched a soap opera, the background noise comforting.

Chapter Text

The heat in the trailer was unbearable, sweat coating Eddie’s skin as he groaned, trapped between Robin and Steve, sweat gathering on his skin as he shifted, Robin following the movements as she grumbled. Harringtons body was a furnace against his own, the heat trapped under the blanket uncomfortable against his skin as he moved once more, his weight barely causing a dint in the mattress as he clambered over Steve’s sleeping form. Alex’s breaths deep and even as she slept, the cracked window keeping the room cool outside of the bed.
He sighed, stretching his arms towards the heavens with a groan as his spine popped, his bladder wreaking havoc on his body as he moved towards the door, the night air outside quiet as he moved. He knew every inch of this trailer, had known every creak and noise the old beast would make if he stepped wrong, a habit he had picked up from living with his father as a child. Wayne had never commented on it, watching with a knowing expression, never judging.
He knew once they had found a new house, he would learn the same thing there. Each creak and groan of the floor boards, how to move without being heard. It was simply in his nature. He winced as he flipped the switch to the bathroom on, blinking away the spots as he finished his business. Tossing the idea of heading back to bed to be stuck next to the human furnace out as he headed outside, the cool air welcome on his over hot skin as he breathed deep.
The light on the Mayfield’s trailer were on, Max’s red hair poking out from underneath the window as he dug out his pack of cigarettes, the teen waving as he lit one up, the nicotine smooth down his throat as he let his shoulders relax. Waving back as the teen wandered out. Cane in hand as she greeted him, her brow furrowed as she leaned against the trailer beside him with a frown.
“Mad Max, hey. What’s up?” He leaned against the side of the trailer, knocking her shoulder softly with his own as he smoked, the red heads eyes falling closed as she sighed, a small moment of vulnerability shared as she looked up. “I haven’t heard from my mom all day. No phone call to tell me she’s going to be home late. Nothing. I’m worried I guess. She may not be the best but she’s all I have and if something happens to her…”
Eddie forced down a shudder, arm wrapping around the teen in comfort as she leaned against him. Tossing his smoke to the ground as he looked around. “She’s not all you have Red. You have all of us. Come inside, Wayne ‘ill be home from work in an hour, and we can hear the phone from your place if she calls. It ain’t good to be alone right now when your worried about her.” She nodded against his chest, moving from under his arm as she headed inside, Eddie following, guts twisting in a bad feeling as Steve stumbled from the room, bed head sticking up everywhere as he took in a frowning Max and worried Eddie.
His mother hen instincts kicking in as he pulled her into a hug, the red head relaxing immediately against his chest as she sighed. “Hey Max, it’s gonna be alright, We’re here.” Eddie watched, Steve’s eyes meeting his own, the question burning in his eyes as his arms tightened around the teen, her shoulders slumping fully in relief as Eddie shook his head, mouthing the words ‘her mom is late and hasn’t called’. Understanding crossed Steve’s face as Max pulled away, discreetly wiping her eyes as she leaned against Steve’s side.
Eddie moved, grabbing a glass of water for the red headed teen, handing it to her as he moved around, setting a place on the couch for her to rest, Steve moving her to sit down, hovering over her as she relaxed against the pillow, eyes falling closed with exhaustion written across her young face. Eddi moved, knocking Steve’s shoulder softly as he nodded towards the bedroom, moving to sit down in the arm chair next to the couch and sleeping teenager. “I’ll stay up and listen for the phone, go and get some sleep Stevie.” Steve nodded, moving towards the bedroom, one last worried look tossed over his shoulder for one of his kids before disappearing back into the darkness.
Eddie sat in silence, eyes closed as he listened to the sounds of the house around him, breaths from all corners comforting as he relaxed against the chair he was seated in, an hour passing quickly as his thoughts raced, the sound of a car puling up on the gravel outside snapping his attention quickly as he moved, Max fast asleep on the couch as he stepped outside. The patrol car with Callaghan seated in the front causing the feeling in his stomach to roll. His steps lighter than normal as he approached the uncomfortable looking cop. Stopping in front of the Mayfield’s trailer like an avenging angel as he waited for whatever bad news he knew was coming.
“Munson, have you seen Maxine Mayfield? It’s about her mom.” Eddie nodded, chin pointed towards his own trailer, crowded with everyone inside as he crossed his arms over his chest, hands tucked under his armpits as he watched the cop with mistrust. “She’s sleeping inside, Steve Harrington and Robin Buckley are in there as well. And Wayne will be home any minute. What’s goin’ on.” Callaghan looked uncomfortable, his eyes shifting around the trailer park as the door to his trailer swung open, Steve jogging out to join them, face determined.
“Callaghan, Max’s mom?” The cop nodded, hand braced against the back of his neck as he spoke.
“Susan Hargrove has been found wrapped around a power pole. She’s alive, she’s being charged with drunk driving, However this isn’t her first offence. She’s being detained and sent to a rehab centre in Indianapolis. I was here to find Maxine Mayfield and to take her to Steve Harrington’s house, you’re written as her primary career should anything happen to Susan Hargrove, But uh. Since you’re already here, my job is easier. Miss Mayfield can see her mother tomorrow morning down at the station before she’s sent to the clinic. Bus leaves at three.”
Steve nodded, sighing as Callaghan moved back to his cruiser, the car passing Wayne’s truck as the older man pulled to a stop, concern flashing over his face as he took in the two men meeting outside, Steve’s hand raised in a slight raise as he sighed, leaning into Eddie’s side in an obvious bid for comfort as they told Wayne everything, the older Munson’s eyebrows raising slightly as he nodded, moving inside as they followed him, Max’s sleeping form on the couch a comfort as Steve approached, running his fingers through her hair the way he did for Robin and El when they were upset.
Wayne’s voice was calm as he spoke, Eddie checking on Robin and Alex, both girls sleeping peacefully before ducking back into the room, the older Munson sitting on the chair Eddie had vacated as Max waved sleepily at him. Steve still running his fingers through her hair. “Hey sleepy head. Officer fuck- I mean Callaghan came by. We have a few things to talk about but for now we know your mom is okay.” Steve snickered soft at Eddie’s almost slip, Wayne shaking his head as he sighed. Steve remaining stoic by Max’s side. Face troubled as Eddie watched. Max nodded, yawning as she laid back down, Wayne reclining the chair he was sat in, work boots kicked off as he closed his own eyes.
The trailer fuller than it had ever been between the six of them. Steve nodded, standing and he brushed Max’s hair away from her face, headed back towards the room with Eddie in tow, the two slipping into bed as Robin wiggled between them, her form curling around Steve’s in comfort as Eddie closed his eyes, sleep overtaking him once more.
Steve was awake first as usual, Max and Wayne sleeping on the couch as he changed Alex, feeding her before starting on coffee and breakfast for the rest of them, Alex balanced on his hip as he hummed. The sounds of the house hold slowly awakening gathered around him, Eddie and Robin stumbling from the room as they grumbled, Eddie taking Alex from him with a smile, his daughter giggling in his arms as he spun them around the room.
Max joined him next, a plate of pancakes delivered in front of her as she sat, Robin joining her at the table with coffee in hand, resting her head against Max’s in her form of a morning greeting. Wayne awoke last, the older Munson sitting at the table on Max’s opposite side, a form of comfort in presence as Steve finally sat, Alex on his lap so Eddie could eat, drowning his food in syrup as Steve’s face screwed up in disgust.
Steve took a deep breath before speaking, his leg bouncing Alex in a soothing way both for himself and the sleepy baby in his arms. “Callaghan stopped by last night, your mom was in an accident last night, she’s okay. But she was drunk. She’s being sent to a rehab in Indi. The good news is that I’m listed as your legal guardian should anything happen to your mom. If you don’t want to stay that’s totally fine, Hopper and Joyce will totally take you in if you want to live with them. Whatever you choose we’ll stick by you one hundred percent.”
Steve finished, Max’s eyes filled with tears as she angrily wiped them away, nodding as she stared at the table. “I want to stay with you, Can I. Can I go see her before she goes? I know you said she was okay, but I want to see her.” Steve nodded, Robin pulling the teen into a half hug as Max leaned into her. Eddie snorting softly beside the jock as the table stared at him in confusion.
“Sorry, sorry. Just had an image of Dustin’s face when he realises that he’s not the first one to live with Steve.” Max grinned, a small chuckle coming through her tears as she finished her food, Robin moving to get more coffee as she observed the group. “Okay, so new game plan? Wayne, Eddie, Alex and I go talk to the real estate agent and Steve takes Max to see her mom?” At the agreement of the room Steve stood, stretching with Alex in his arms, smiling softly as Max leaned against him. “It’ll be okay Mad Max. We’ll be okay.”
Eddie watched, heart thumping wildly in his chest as he took in the sight of Steve Harrington in his element, his daughter in the jocks arms. He was so fucking fucked. Wayne snorted beside him as Eddie glared, the older Munson laughing as he moved, clothes gathered in his hands as he moved to shower. Plans for the day set out, they were ready to roll.

Chapter Text

Steve sighed, shoving his hand through his hair as Max stalked away from the station, eyes rimmed red as she wiped angrily at her face. Her face twisted in controlled anger as she stalked towards the car, nodding at Steve in thanks as she slid into the vehicle. He knew he would have to go in there. Mrs Hargrove had requested to talk to Max alone, the red head agreeing before Steve had a chance to protest. And now it was his turn, his turn to face the woman who had just abandoned one of his kids like she was nothing for drinking instead.
He moved, tossing his keys into the air as he entered, Hopper greeting him with a grim look, understanding in the older mans eyes. Steve was dreading this, talking to Susan Hargrove was the last thing he wanted. He sighed once more, shoving his keys into his jacket pocket as he entered the room. The small space taken up by a table and two chairs, Susan Hargrove looking extremely hungover, lifted a hand in greeting, a grimace settling over his own face as he sat down in the chair across from her.
“Mrs Hargrove.” He waited, her red tired eyes falling on him as they filled with tears. Clearing his throat before he spoke again, anger boiling under his skin as he kept his voice level. “I know you know why we’re both here. I also know Max is hurting right now. So, I’m going to keep this simple. Max is one of my children. I would lay my life down for her, she is like my little sister, and she is one of the bravest people I know. However. She is still just a teenager. And you are her mother. I understand what you went through with losing Billy. And Neil. But I will tell you right now. If you do not get clean, stop the drinking, and get your life together? You will lose Max to. I will make sure you never see your daughter again. You are being sent to a rehab facility. I would suggest you do everything in your power to make sure that it helps. Max is in safe hands.”
He paused, taking a deep breath, his own chest feeling heavy as he laid his hands flat against the table, eyes flicking towards the door, Hoppers shadow flashing past quietly. “She loves you Mrs Hargrove. And she has been through enough. Don’t make her suffer more.” He finished, standing slowly as the woman in front of him sobbed, her face buried in her hands as he moved to walk out the door, her voice muffled as she called out to him. “Steve? Thank you.” He nodded, moving out the door as Hopper caught his shoulder, the rage burning under his skin dissipating, cracking in his chest as he met the older man’s eyes, Hop squeezing his shoulder in encouragement, nodding as Steve walked out towards his car, Max’s eyes meeting his as he sighed once more.
Slipping into the car as he rolled his shoulders, wordlessly starting the vehicle as Max slid in her Lion Heart tape, Kate Bush’s melodic voice surrounding them in the silence of the car, both parties lost in thought as he drove, Max’s voice quiet as she broke the silence. “I don’t hate her. Is that bad? I feel like I should. She basically abandoned me after Billy and Neil…” He glanced over, Max’s eyes on the road as she continued, stumbling slightly as she took a steadying breath. “She drank a lot, and the trailer sucked, but she’s still my mom you know? Now it feels like I’m going to lose her all over again.”
Steve nodded, hands tightening around the wheel as he took a steadying breath of his own. “You won’t. We’ll make sure of it. She’s going to get the help she needs, and when she does, she’ll come back. She loves you Mad Max. Until then you’ll be here, with us, family doesn’t end in blood, and I think we have a pretty cool family right here where we are.” Max nodded, expression shifting like she was fighting off a smile as her hand landed weakly against his arm in a light punch. “Thanks Steve. Really.” He smiled, reaching over to tap her arm back, grinning widely as he pulled out of the parking lot of the cop station. “Always Max, always.”
_______________________________________________________________________________
Eddie fidgeted, rings twisting around his fingers clock wise, counter clockwise, a constant pattern repeated for comfort as Wayne spoke to the woman Steve had told them about, her face pleasant as she described a property with a house big enough to house them all, Wayne nodding along as Robin entertained herself and Alex with a game of tickles, his daughters giggles echoing around them as Robin tickled her sides. Not for the first time since they had arrived an hour ago he wished Steve was here. Max to. He could almost feel the eyes on him as he shifted in the seat, his usual wallet chain scraping loudly to his own ears as he swallowed.
The sound of a car pulling up outside going un-noticed as he watched Wayne again, the woman shaking his hand as she handed him a flyer, more talking happening as Eddie struggled to pay attention. The hand on his shoulder catching him off guard as he jumped, eyes darting up in fear as Steve smiled down at him, cheeks tinged slightly red from the cool air outside, Max slipping up beside him as she flopped down on the chair next to Robin. Her headphones panted firmly on her head in an indication she didn’t want to talk.
Eddie grinned back, chest settling down as he nodded in greeting, Steve crouching beside him as he leaned his head against Eddies arm, a huff of breath leaving him as he closed his eyes. The sound of the real estate agents voice soft as she approached them, greeting Steve in a familiar way only someone you have known for a long time can do as she handed over some paperwork. Wayne smiling a knowing smile at his nephew as Eddie glared back. The jock of his thoughts moving to pick up Alex from her pram as he settled her against his chest. He hadn’t even noticed the man moving.
“Actually, this is Alex, Eddie’s daughter.” He perked up at his name, nodding in agreement as the real estate agent cooed over his daughter. “Yep, all mine, Stevie here hasn’t managed to get started on his Six nugget dream just yet.” He grinned as Steve flushed pink, the tips of his ears down to his neck and under his sweater turning pink. “So, Wayne was saying you are looking for a six-bedroom place? I have a few around here I can show, and some are even away from Loch Nora, so you won’t have to worry about small town gossip as much.”
Eddie tuned back out with a small smile, watching as Steve rocked Alex in his arms, negotiating with Wayne about houses, an agreement set up to head out to look at one property now. The group heading outside to Wayne’s truck and Steve’s car, Eddie slipping in to the front seat of the truck on auto pilot as Steve fixed Alex into her car seat. The Munson’s taking Wayne’s truck and the girls riding with Steve, Cattie slipping into the car alongside them, a small cheer echoing around Eddie’s head as he remembered her name. The trip was short, a house coming into view as Eddie gaped in awe, the house looked Victorian in style, a cool grey and right out of one of Eddie’s DnD wet dreams.
He slipped from the car, Steve greeting him once more with a grin as he grabbed Alex from the car, the house in front of him almost drool worthy in Eddie’s opinion. He glanced at Steve, a knowing look in his eyes as he nodded towards the house, Robin and Max looking just as in awe as Eddie saddled up beside them. Wayne joining them with a weary sigh. He knew in his bones this was their house. Cattie joined them talking to Steve as he pushed Alex along in her pram. “Its Six bedrooms, has an attic, two bathrooms and they were recently renovated to be more modern, and it has a big back yard, so you definitely don’t have to worry about space.
Of course, if you want to have a look inside we can, the owners recently put it up for sale, its partially furnished, the cupboards are all antique, it has dark hardwood floors and the wallpaper is a bit dated, but it is quite beautiful inside, please, follow me.”
Eddie jumped forward instantly, grinning like a kid on Christmas as Max and Robin following with equal excitement as Steve followed with a knowing grin. He had heard about this place from Cattie when he first saw her, a knowing feeling in his body that this is meant to be their house. It was close to the Hopper-Byers house and Dustin and Lucas as well, Hawkins was small but being closer to them settled something in all of them. Eddie turned back, grin still in place as they entered, lighting behind him catching him in a glow, Steve’s breath catching in his throat as he smiled back.
Cattie showing them around, stopping at the stairs with a small grimace. “This is the only set back to this house for children I’m afraid. The stairs can be rather daunting to new parents when children are still young. The bedrooms are all on this floor, the stairs lead to the attic, but the original door that sealed them away was removed when the owners bought the house.” Wayne waved her off, his eyes landing on each member of their party, meeting Steve’s last as he sighed, eyes knowing as Steve grinned. The jock turning to Cattie with his hands tossed into the air as Alex giggled at his actions. “We’ll take it, It would seem the house has picked us this time.”
Eddie would have kissed him right then and there had there not been an outsider with their group, the urge strong enough he may just ignore that tidbit of information completely and throw caution to the wind and do it anyways. God he was in love with Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington had just bought the house of Eddie’s dreams. Robin coughed to his left, Max raising a brow at his expression as he flushed pink, his grin refusing to go away as Wayne and Steve settled the paperwork. Holy shit. They officially owned a house. Jesus H Christ.

Chapter Text

Steve grunted as he lifted the bedframe, Wayne watching with an amused smile as Hop and El lifted from the other side, the king-sized bed frame barely fitting between the wall and the door as they maneuvered it into Wayne’s room, the bedframe settling softly against the floor as El subtly wiped her nose. Hopper’s expression exacerbated as he stared at his daughter. El only grinning in answer. Eddie and Lucas following behind them with a new mattress, the dungeon master swearing enough to make a sailor blush, his usual mop pulled away from his face as Steve laughed, moving to lift from Eddie’s side as Lucas cackled. “I swear to the gods Sinclair I will kill your character in our next campaign if you keep laughing at my misfortune.” Max’s laughter followed as she carried pillows into the room.

“Yeah Lucas, don’t be mean to the nerds. Not everyone is on the basketball team.” Eddie’s squark of protest going ignored as Steve and Lucas moved the mattress onto the bedframe. Hopper leaving with El trailing behind. Steve following with the others as they gathered more boxes, each member of the party helping move them into the house, their home. Steve groaned as he moved each bedframe into each bedroom, Max’s the easiest to move, the red head watching with an amused snort as he kicked a stray box, ignoring the dirty look shot her way. “Yeah, yeah laugh it up, see if I ever move anything for you brats again.” Max’s snort turning to cackles, both knowing Steve would move heaven and earth for the kids.

“Keep telling yourself that dork.” Lucas grinned as he joined them, carefully placing Max’s boxes down with a soft look at his girlfriend. “Buttheads. The lot of you.” Steve’s serious face cracked, a grin taking its place as Robin called for them, the sound of Mrs. Byers and Jonathon’s cars pulling up indicating lunch time. “Hey Dingus round up your children so we can eat!” Steve sighed, Lucas and Max beating him down the stairs as Joyce embraced him tightly, her hugs warm in the cool fall air.
Jonathon smiled awkwardly as Steve waved, Will engaged in a heated conversation with Eddie, the older man's hands flying through the air as they grinned. Steve grinned watching them, Wayne handing Alex over softly as he nodded at Steve, joining Hopper In a conversation. Steve grinned, looking down at the baby in his arms, her brown eyes so like her father's staring back up at him.

He moved, sitting next to Robin as she leaned against his shoulder, eyes falling closed as she sighed. “Hey Dingus.” He nudged her softly, leaning his head against her own. “Hey birdy.” She nudged him back, Alex cooing softly in his arms, babbling quietly as she shoved her fist into her mouth, Robin’s laugh soft as she watched. “Wayne’s shift stars up again tonight. He’s offered to teach me how to drive. Said I could learn in his truck since I’m one of his kids now.” Steve snorted softly, rocking Alex as she yawned, her eyes falling closed slowly, the excitement of the day had worn her out.

“I think Eddie and Wayne have a way of adopting the freaks and weirdos. Must be a Munson trait.” Robin nodded, Alex fully asleep in his arms as she nudged him once more, standing with a small groan. “Come on, let's go and eat.” Steve stood, following as his eyes met Eddie’s, the metal head smiling as he watched them. Steve felt himself flush slightly Robin eyeing him with a knowing look. They had talked the night he had bought the house, Keith swapping his shift to roster on Steve so he could go to the arcade claiming he had a date. Steve had shuddered at the thought of whatever girl had agreed to date Keith.

Then:
“I don’t know what to do Robbie! I swear he is driving me insane, whenever I’m around him my chest feels tight. At first, I thought it was because I was hella jealous of his friendship with Dustin. Because even though I know I shouldn’t care what that little twerp does in his spare time I was so jealous. And I can’t even believe I’m admitting this out loud!” He groaned, burying his head in his arms against the sticky counter. “And now that were friends I keep staring at his lips, and his eyes Robbie. His damn eyes. They are so deep. I feel like I get lost in them whenever he looks at me. It feels like what I had with Nance. But I was in love with Nancy. And I like girls, I like boobies! Like you like boobies!” Robin groaned, slapping his arm as she leaned down next to him resting on her own arms.

“You do like boobies' dingus, God I can’t believe you have me saying it now. But it sounds to me, like you also like Eddie…” Steve groaned, head rolling to the side as Robin met his gaze with understanding in her eyes. “Even if I did like Eddie like that, there is no chance he would ever go for a guy like me. I’m just Steve. There are so many other cooler people out there, people who are like him. Other metal heads…” Steve cleared his throat as his voice cracked, Robins hand resting on his shoulder as she smiled.
“You really like him huh Dingus.”

“Ugh, he’s so hot Robbie! And the way he is with the kids?” Robin snorted, shaking his upper body as she straightened up. “Then test the waters. Use that old ‘Harrington charm’ you used to boast about. Flirt with him and see if he reacts positively. You never know.”

NOW:
Eddie grinned, eyes widening slightly at the blush on Steve’s face, his eyes flickering down his neck, the pink stained skin making his moles stand out more. Will’s eyes following his as the teen grinned, his elbow connecting softly with Eddie’s ribs. “Dustin is going to freak out when he finds out who you’re pining for.” Eddie elbowed him back, face flushed pink as the usually shy teen teased him. “Who asked you butthead? Besides, Steve is straight. The straightest guy in Hawkins. He was literally the biggest ladies' man while we were at school.” Will nodded, understanding in his eyes as he glanced at Mike, little Wheeler engaged in a heated argument with Max. “Maybe you could ask Robin? She’s his best friend, right?” Eddie nodded, grinning as he ruffled Will’s hair softly.

“Will the wise. Knew there was a reason the party called you that. God, I feel like a teenage girl, gossiping about my crush with a friend.” Eddie snorted softly to himself as he glanced once more at Steve, warm eyes meeting his own as they smiled at each other, Steve glancing away to answer Hopper as Eddie groaned. He was so fucked.

Chapter Text

Robin nodded, a sympathetic hand landing against his back as Eddie scowled. Dustin’s hands flying everywhere as he ranted. The teens face puffing up as he gestured towards Robin. “I mean you see it don’t you? Steve must have a crush on someone. He hasn’t dated anyone since the game. He’s obviously crushing on someone! Robin!” She sighed, Eddie dropping his head into his hands as he waited for Robin’s answer, the girl shrugging as she patted his back softly. “Sorry Dusty-bun, Steve’s secrets aren’t mine to spill. If he does have a crush on someone. And I’m not saying he does. But if he does I can’t spill that to you, it would be a betrayal of our platonic bond!” Eddie lifted his head, the sight of a glowering Dustin staring back at them almost making him crack.

“Robin! Come on! Steve is like an older brother to me! I just want to make sure he’s happy like me and Susie!” Eddie stood, usual dramatics coming forth as he grinned, the smile not reaching his eyes as he ruffled Dustin’s hair, the teen squawking in protest as he moved to check on Alex. His daughter happily asleep through the teens rants. His chest tight as he took her in, the idea of Steve falling for someone when he had already become so twisted in Eddie’s heart making him feel sick.
The man in question ducking his head into the door way as he watched, his hands on his hips, tee-towel tossed over his shoulder as he frowned. “Dude, why are you ranting to Robin and Eddie about my love life?” Dustin scoffed, ducking his head as Steve sighed, walking forward and mimicking Eddie’s earlier touch, his hand ruffling Dustin’s mop with a small grin as the teen scowled, slapping his hand away. “Steevveeee! Come on! You haven’t been on a date since everything happened. Therefore, the logical conclusion is that you like someone! Come on man.”

Eddie turned, watching the two interact with a forced smile. Steve’s face neutral as he argued with the teen, Dustin gesturing wildly again as he ranted. Robin shooting him a look he couldn’t decipher. He shrugged, watching the two once more as Steve sighed. Max’s face coming into view as she slapped her cane against Dustin’s shins. The two teens arguing silently, Dustin caving under Max’s glare. His arms flying wildly as he tossed them in surrender. “FINE! Fine. This isn’t over though.”
Steve groaned under his breath, shoulders lifted slightly as he tossed the towel on his shoulder at the teens. “Scoot buttheads. The rest of you little shits will be here soon so get your assess downstairs.” Max scoffed, her middle finger tossed towards them as she moved to leave, Dustin whispering to her as they left.
Eddie groaned, hands twisting in his hair as he pulled it across his mouth, his lips pulling into an involuntary grin as Robin perked up from her space on the bed. “Well, that was awkward.” Steve grinned back, Alex cooing softly in her sleep as Eddie moved, flopping down next to Robin as she giggled. “Our little Dusty-bun is taking after his mother.” Eddie’s grin widened, Steve scowling as they burst into laughter, his hands back on his hips as he glared at them. “Always the god damn babysitter. See if I cook for you assholes anymore.” Robin gasp, jolting from the bed as she tackled her best friend, Steve cackling as Eddie joined in. The sound of them colliding with the floor echoing through the house.

Eddie groaned as Robin’s elbow connected against his ribs, her apology mumbled between breathless giggles. Steve shoving them off as footsteps thundered up the stairs, the teens gathering in the doorway watching them with mixed expressions as Steve glanced at them from the floor. Dustin grinning smugly as Steve sighed, moving to stand, helping Eddie and Robin to their feet. Alex cooed from her cot, Eddie moving to pick her up and sooth her as the teens barreled into the room, El slamming into Steve as she threw her arms around his waist in a hug. “We heard a thump and got worried.”

Steve smiled, petting her hair softly as he wrapped his other arm around her shoulder in a hug, Mikes expression sour as he halfheartedly glared at them. “Were alright, Robin tackled me when I threatened to stop making them food is all.” El pulled away, a horrified look on her face as she shook her head vehemently her hair flying around her face like a whip. The rest of the teens following suit as El spoke. “You can’t! We love your cooking!” Steve grinned, petting El’s hair once more as he hummed. “It was an empty threat Ellie, I could never deny you guys food, you know that.”

Will cleared his throat from the doorway, a small grin on his face as Gareth’s face peered around the corner, the younger metal head watching the scene with open curiosity. Eddie grinned, Alex cooing happily in his arms as she spotted the fluffy haired teen. “Gareth the great! Hey man.” Will’s grin switched, eyes flicking from Steve to Eddie as he questioned the older metal head with a raised eyebrow. Eddie shook his head subtly, moving towards the doorway as Steve entertained the teens, arguing with Dustin over hamburgers.

“Will, I want to talk to you about a special project, Gareth too.” They nodded, joining him as he moved downstairs, Wayne smiling as they passed, the older Munson yawning as he moved to head to sleep. Eddie settled down at the round table, Alex nestled in his arms as he fed her. Gareth smiled, Will’s face flushing slightly pink as he glanced over at the curly haired teen. “I want to commission you. Both of you. To design a tattoo for Alex.” Gareth nodded, Will’s face lighting up in a grin as Gareth moved, arms outstretched to hold Alex softly as Eddie handed her over, Will gathering a pencil and paper as Eddie stretched.

Footsteps thundering downstairs altering them to the rest of the party joining as Mike complained. The teens voice loud as Steve sighed. “I told you, Lucas asked me to practice hoops today. Max already said she was hanging with us along with Robin and El. So you two pain in the assess can either join us outside and get some vitamin D or you can hang inside with the artists over there.” Eddie flushed as Steve winked, Robin smirking behind the jock as Mike’s complaints grew louder. “Come on dude! I wanted to go to the arcade today! This is so unfair!” Eddie sighed, excusing himself from the table as he approached the group, hand connecting softly with the back of Mike’s head, the younger wheeler protesting.

“Keep the volume down dumbass, Wayne is asleep. Steve does everything for you guys. Bends over backwards to make sure you have rides too and from school, hellfire when it was happening at school and has saved your asses more times than I can say. Stop being a brat.” Mike’s scowl deepened as Eddie crossed his arms, glaring a warning as Steve stared slack jawed, cheeks flushed red. “Whatever your issue with Steve is. Get over it. He has proven time and time again that he is smart. That he cares about you dick heads. So just stop being a jerk.” Mike flushed with embarrassment as Eddie’s scowl lessened, a deep sigh racking his body as he pulled Mike away from the small group, Will and Gareth watching with concern.

“Listen little Wheeler. I don’t know your history with Steve. But I know my own. Whatever your beef with him is? You need to talk it out. He’s changed a hell of a lot since high school. I’ll distract the rest of the party right now. Move your ass and go and talk it out.” Eddie sighed as Mike groaned. Nodding in defeat as they walked back over, Robin catching on quickly as she ushered the group towards the table. Lucas protesting softly as she shook her head. Understanding crossing his features as Robin whispered into his ear.

Steve glanced up as Mike approached, the teen nodding towards the door as he moved, headed outside as Steve followed, confusion crossing his mind as Mike sat down on the outside chairs, Steve following suit. “I don’t by the way. Hate you. At least not in the way everyone else seems to think I do.” Steve nodded, waiting for the teen to continue, leaning back on his hands. “When you first dated Nancy. I saw you as this big popular jerk who just wanted to get into her pants. Even people at the middle school knew who you were. There was stories that went around about you, a lot of stories. So, when Nancy said you were dating, I was worried. And Will went missing and then she went to that party and Barb went missing. I blamed you for taking my sister away.” He paused, Steve moving to sit up as Mike wiped his eyes, clearing his throat as he continued.

“And then you and Jonathon got into a fight. And your idiot ex-friends spray painted what they did on the movie theatre. I blamed you for that to. And yours and Nancys break up. I read her journal, after Vecna. I wanted to make sure that if anything like that did come back. I could save her. When I read that entry. I was so angry. I was angry at her. At you. At Jonathon.” Steve nodded, keeping quiet as Mike stopped, the teens face turning pink as more tears trailed down his face. “I hated that you hurt Nancy. And it pisses me off that you just seemed to let her go when she started to date Jonathon. I read in her diary. About her cheating. And I guess my anger got all tangled up inside. It was easier to hate you rather than Nancy.”

Steve paused, the familiar ache in his chest at seeing one of his kids in pain twisting like a knife. He moved, arm settling around the lanky teen as Mike sobbed, head leaned into his shoulder as Steve held tight. “I don’t hate you either Mike. You may be a pain in the ass. But I don’t blame you. I hated myself for a long time to. I did love Nancy. She was the first person I ever fell in love with.” Mike nodded against his shoulder as Steve rubbed his back softly. “How about we start over. Just Mike and Steve. No rumours. No sisters. Just two friends. Okay?”

Chapter Text

If you had asked Eddie Munson what was going through his mind when he knocked on the door he would have just stared back at you blankly. Because quite frankly he had no idea what was going through his head. He did know that his chest felt tight. His ribs felt itchy, the tulip tattoo over his scars freshly done, the skin pulling with each movement. He felt sick, the sound of the door creaking open loud in the quiet of the night. Steve’s face greeting him with a sleepy look, the jocks scars on display as a sleepy smile slipped over his face. “Eds, hey. Everything okay?” Eddie swallowed, hands shaky as he thrust his hands forward, the paper around the flowers crinkling in the cool air.
“Here. These are for you, I cant even begin to thank you for everything you have done for Wayne, Alex and I, and Max and Robin too. I just, We just wanted you to know that you’re appreciated is all man…” Eddie swallowed, Steve’s expression morphing to confusion and to awe, his eyes almost like a puppy as they lit up in excitement, blush staining his cheeks as he grinned, Eddie felt like he was being hit with direct sunlight.

“Eds, you didn’t have to get me anything for that, you guys are my family. I love you guys.” Eddie swallowed again, chest tightening more as he felt his heart rate speed up, Alex’s soft breaths a comfort as he listened, his eyes meeting Steve’s open as he opened his mouth, words tumbling between them, carried on soft winds. “We love you to Stevie, I love you, I have been in love with you since the day you carried me from the upside down, and I didn’t know how to say anything because you’re straight and I don’t want this to ruin our friendship but if I don’t get this off my chest right now I may never ever say anything because despite everything I am still a coward.” Eddie paused, talking a deep breath before continuing, eyes down cast to avoid Steve’s face.

“And I know its stupid, the freak crushing on the jock but you are so kind, and funny and metal and I am head over heals for you and I needed you to know that.” He stopped, almost panting as he risked a glance up, Steve’s eyes glassy as he stared back, mouth slightly open as Eddie winced, words splitting against his teeth as he waited, his hands shaking as his heart shattered, Steve’s stare never wavering as Eddie stepped back, chest aching.

He blinked as Steve moved, the jocks arms around him as he lifted Eddie from the floor the elder shouting in surprise as Steve buried his face against Eddies untattooed side, wetness flowing against his shirt as a sob slipped free from the Jock. His voice muffled against Eddie’s ribs. “Jesus Christ I thought you would never accept me Eds. Fuck,” Steve’s voice cracked as he lowered Eddie slowly, face buried in his shoulder as his own shook. “I have wanted to confess to you since the day we moved in, but I didn’t want to ruin our friendship and make things awkward. I know it’s not just you I’m committing to, its Alex as well but we basically already co-parent her like the rest of the brats and I am so fucking in love with you Eddie Munson.” Eddie grinned, his own tears flowing down his cheeks as Steve tightened his grip, Alex’s cries interrupting their cry fest as she fussed, both moving to check on her with a grin.

Chapter Text

Two weeks before confession: Eddie was fuming, the sound of Wayne’s shows background noise as he stared at Gareth, his friends eye bruised and puffy. Some asshole jocks at school targeting him for hanging around with Will Byers. The younger of the two so much like Eddie in his youth he wanted to wrap him in bubble wrap and hide him away from the world’s cruelty.

Wayne grunted as he sat, handing the younger metal head a rag with ice inside, a frown on his face as he took in the split lip that accompanied the black eye. “You gonna tell me what happened or do I need to get my gun and round up some jocks to get the story.” Eddie winced in sympathy, Gareth’s face paling slightly under the older mans stare. He had been on the end of that look more times than one.
Gareth looked hopelessly towards Eddie, the younger Munson shrugging slightly as Wayne watched, the younger’s shoulders drooping in defeat as he twisted the skull chain around his neck nervously as he steadied himself. “Some guys thought that Will and I were to close, we were designing Eddie’s tattoo for Alex at the library and Andy and his goons saw us. Said that drawing flowers is only for fags and cornered us after school. I protected Will as best as I could, but they beat the hell out of both of us before someone threatened to call the cops.”

Wayne sighed, Gareth moving the ice away from his face with a slight grimace, Robin entering the room quietly behind him as she moved to give Alex to Eddie, a small smile on her face as she handed over the baby, Eddie taking her with a smile of his own as Gareth lifted the icepack back to his eye, nodding in greeting to the spunky band geek in their presence, her own nodding twisted with a wince of sympathy. Wayne sighed, standing as his back popped, a grunt leaving the older Munson as he moved to the phone. Steve picked up on the third ring.

“Family Video this is Steve Harrington speaking.” Wayne suppressed a grin at the customer service cheer in the other man's tone as he spoke in low volumes, Gareth and Eddie straining to hear as Robin watched with amusement. “Steve, its Wayne.” Eddie paled, Gareth’s eyes widening in shock as the older Munson continued. “One of the kids and Eddie’s friend Gareth took a beating at school today.” He paused, Eddie holding Alex tighter as the older Munson hummed at whatever was said on the other line. “Right, well I’ll let you get back to work now, see you when you get home son.” Wayne hung up, Eddie instantly on his feet staring at his uncle as he rocked Alex soothingly as she fussed in his arms.

Wayne waved him down, moving to drop a hand lightly on Gareth’s shoulder as the younger metal head paled even more. “It’s being taken care of, they won’t bother you without consequences after today.” Eddie choked, Robin’s giggles subdued behind her hand as the teens eyes went wide, meeting Eddie’s as his voice dropped to a whisper, Wayne and Robin still able to hear. “Did Wayne just put a hit out on the jocks who went after me and Will?” Robin’s giggles turned to belly laughs, Gareth glaring at her confused. “Something like that.”

Alex cooed, her chubby hands reaching for Wayne as he moved, taking the baby in his arms as he softened, cooing back at her with a happy grin, her fingers wrapping around his own as he booped her nose, a delighted giggle coming from Alex. Gareth stared, eyes wider as Wayne switched from jock executioner to laughing grandpa.
Eddie moved, pressing the ice pack back against his friends eye as he passed, Gareth wincing in pain as he moved to make Alex a bottle, the motions muscle memory at this point, Alex’s happy giggles louder as Wayne spoke, his gruff voice softer than usual. “That’s right, green cows eat blue grass on the moon, and purple penguins eat crayons.” Alex’s grin was contagious, Robin’ giggles mixing in with his daughters as he handed Wayne her bottle, the older Munson moving to sit back down to feed his granddaughter. Gareth watching with a wince as he blinked, pain meds and a glass of water dropped in front of him as Eddie moved to sit back down. “Have you told your mom what happened yet?” Gareth shook his head, wincing again in pain as he downed the pain meds. “I made sure Will got home safe and came straight here. She’s going to flip man.”

Wayne looked up, frown on his face as he faced the two, Alex sat up against his shoulder as he gently patted her back, her bottle sat on the table as Robin grabbed a burp rag slipping it under Alex as she let go of her wind, a small amount of milk landing on the rag as Alex cooed. Wayne smiling in thanks as Eddie took her back, leaning her to face the table as he cradled her gently, her head resting against his shoulder. Her eyes wandering around the room in wonder.
The phones shrill ring surrounded the room, Robin moving to answer before anyone else could move, her grin still in place as she answered. “Harrington, Mayfield, Munson and Buckley residence to whom may I connect your call?” Eddie grinned, Gareth’s own face splitting into a light smile to not aggravate his lip as Robin talked. “Ms Byers! Hi! Oh yes he’s here, I can put him on if you want?” She moved the phone away from her face, gesturing towards Gareth as the metal heads expression turned confused. “Its for you man, Ms Byers wants to talk to you.”

The younger metal head moved, taking the phone as he held it to his ear, face twisted slightly prepared to be screamed at, the warm voice on the other line catching him off guard. Gareth right? Are you alright honey? Will told me what happened at school today.” Gareth felt his face heating up, tears stinging at his eyes slightly as he blinked. “I’m okay, thank you for asking Ms Byers.”

“Please, call me Joyce honey, any friend of Will’s is a friend of our family. I wanted to thank you, for protecting my boy the way you did. It was brave.” Wayne’s hand landed softly against his shoulder as he sniffled, nodding slightly as he cleared his throat. “Of course, Will is my friend, I won’t let anyone hurt him.” Wayne glanced over at Eddie, the metal head smiling at his uncle as Robin darted from the room, a grin on her own face as the sound of the front door echoed around the room, the parties voices loud as they entered the house, Steve’s frustrated voice following after as Joyce said her goodbyes at hearing her son and his friends safe at their house. Gareth hung up the phone, wiping his eyes as he glared at Eddie, the metal head shrugging in response as Steve entered the room.

Eyes instantly landing on Gareth’s face as he winced in sympathy, moving to check out the damage. Will greeted them as he entered, sporting a black eye of his own as he sat down next to Eddie and Alex, the three watching as Steve methodically checked over Gareth’s injuries, the younger metal head jerking his face away in embarrassment as his cheeks flushed, the Harrington effect in action. “Will spilled some names of who did this. I know the group they run with. Are you okay man?” Eddie grinned, Gareth’s blush deepening as Steve stepped away. Nodding as he cleared his throat again, Mike and Dustin entering the room arguing with Max and Lucas. Luke and Jeff trailing behind with twin annoyed expressions.

Eddie greeted them as Steve took Alex, the metal head smiling gratefully as El joined them, subtly wiping blood from her nose as she smiled happily, bouncing over to join Max and Lucas’s gang up against the others. Gareth sat with a huff, eyes downcast as willed his blush away. Eddie’s knowing grin wide as Steve handed Alex back to him, the jock ruffling each teens hair despite the protests from each one except El before he hugged Robin and dropped a hand against Eddie’s shoulder, a look passing between the two of them. “Ill be back later, the brats are having a sleep over with Max.” Wayne nodded in understanding as he moved, yawning. His day off usually spent watching his shows and sleeping the weeks work off.

Gareth jerked up in his seat, eyes wide as he stared at Steve. “Where are you going?” Steve grinned, dropping a wink at the younger metal head before the door slammed shut behind him, Robin cackling loudly at his blush, Will and Eddie’s own faces slightly pink. The fucking Harrington charm. Steve bounced to his car, El’s handy work making him grin, his bat tucked safely under the front seat with a spare non nailed bat that El had gotten for him once he had explained what was going on.
He grunted as he slipped into his car, anger almost vibrating his bones as he jerked his baby towards the road, the engine purring under his hands as he gripped the wheel. When he had seen Will’s eye he had almost lost his cool, the teen reassuring him he was fine after Wayne had called, Keith had been unimpressed at Steve leaving earlier than usual but had backed down when he had explained it was for his kids.

He jerked to a stop, the schools parking lot empty but for the jocks practice, the cars of the culprits visible as he stepped from his own, unnailed bat at the ready. He moved, slamming the gym doors open loudly as the practice stopped. His anger boiling over at the sight of the jocks who had hurt his kids and Eddie’s friends. “I want a word with which ever fuckers decided to hurt Will Byers and Gareth.” The air stilled, Steve silent as death as they stared with wide eyes. He knew his grin was feral, could almost taste blood from how hard he had ground his teeth. Andy stepped forward, hands up in a placating way. “Woah man, what’s going on?” Steve shook his head, arm raised to point at a group of jocks stood slightly away from Andy, their expressions confused.
“Those four. Jared, Kaden, Danny and Chris. They hurt my friends and my kids.” They paled, Andy turning to face them with confused expressions. “What the hell is he talking about?”

The four had the audacity to look confused, Steve’s anger burning brighter. “Dude what the hell are you talking about?” Steve’s face twisted into a feral grin, the bat in his hands an extension of his arm as he pointed towards them. “If you ever lay a single finger on any of the hellfire boys, Max or El again, I will beat you so badly they will need dental records to identify your bodies. Do I make myself crystal FUCKING clear?” Andy paled, glancing back at the other four, Danny’s face twisting with anger at the others turned green.

“Who the fuck do you think you are? You can’t threaten us asshole! Ill have you arrested!” Steve’s feral grin widened, his bat swaying lazily back and forth in front of him as he cocked his head to the side. “Try me.” Andy nodded, shoving his way between the two jocks, his own face still pale at the sight of the bat and a feral Steve, the king Steve persona back solidly in place. A mask on his face. “Okay man, okay.” The others nodded, Danny finally growing pale as he realised Steve is serious, the rest verbalising their apologies. “If I hear that even a single hair on any of their heads has been ruffled by any one of you. I will break every bone in your body, starting with your fingers. Don’t. touch. My. Kids.”

Chapter Text

Twelve days before confession

The pounding on the front door was loud, Eddie’s already sore head thumping with each slam against the wood, Alex was sleeping happily next to Steve, the jock having taken the night shift for Eddie to work on his latest campaign. His headache had started around two am, the pounding making him want to slam his head against the wall. “Hold your damn horses I’m coming asshole.” He slammed the door open with a grimace against the light, Chance’s hand raised to knock again as the jock stared at him.
He glanced down at himself, his torso bare of a shirt, scars on full display for the street to see as he groaned. The jock’s shock wearing off quickly as he held his hand up in peace. “I heard you were injured in the earthquakes man but holy shit.” Eddie moved to slam the door, Chace’s reflexes faster as he shoved his foot in the way, wincing in pain at the blow to his appendage. “What the hell do you want Chace. I don’t sell anymore, and Steve warned you assholes to stay away from the kids so what the hell are you doing here.”

Eddie glared, the sound of footsteps approaching from behind making his shoulders relax as Steve appeared at his side, Alex’s sleeping form propped up against his shoulder as he stopped. “Chace.” The other jock paled slightly at the sight of Alex, Eddie widening the door to allow Steve to glare at his former team mate. “Uh, who’s baby is that?” Steve’s glare deepened, a shudder running through Eddie as he watched the ‘King Steve’ Mask slam into place, Chance flinching slightly. “Her name is Alex. And she’s none of your damn business.” Chance nodded, eyes scanning between the three of them as he took a deep breath. “I want to talk to you, both of you. About something important.” Steve’s glare remained in place as Eddie moved away from the door.

Chance moved cautiously forward as Steve backed down, Eddie moving to place a hand against his shoulder for comfort as the other man entered their house. Steve nodding towards the living room, Alex slowly awakening in his arms as she started to fuss, Steve moving to grab a pre-made bottle from the fridge, warming it quickly as Chance sat awkwardly on their couch. Eddie moved to the kitchen, taking over the prepping of Alex’s bottle as Steve grabbed a burp rag, settling down on the couch opposite of his former team mate, expression neutral as Eddie sat down next to him, the metal head carefully taking his daughter to free up Steve’s movement should he need to move quickly.
Chance watched as Eddie moved Alex’s bottle to her mouth, Steve pulling his attention away from the metal head and his daughter as he cleared his throat, an air of arrogance surrounding the former king of Hawkins high. “You have our attention man.” The jock nodded, his own throat bobbing as he swallowed. “I wanted to say sorry. We messed up hard.” Steve’s face turned dark, an almost murderous expression twisting his features as he slammed his hands against the table between them, the jock in front of them flinching at the impact.

“Messed up? Messed up? I think you did more than ‘mess up’. You and your psychotic friends hunted him down like some kind of street dog to kill him. Andy damn near broke Erica’s arm when he fucking tackled her while Jason was hurting Max. Messed up doesn’t even begin to describe hell you inflicted on him. All because he dresses differently? Because in your small minded snail brain you thought that a fantasy game about adventure and roleplay makes you a Satan worshiper? Because you believed the golden boy whose girlfriend was his first victim. Who targeted not only his own friends but a teenage girl.” Eddie’s free hand landed lightly against Steve’s shoulder as he sat back, Chance’s face pale as he swallowed.

Alex fussed in Eddie’s arms, her face turning red as she started to wail loudly, her bottle forgotten as the two turned towards her, Steve’s anger instantly melting as Eddie rocked her slowly, his head pounding worse as Steve gently took her from the metal heads arms, Eddie smiling gratefully he stood, hand pressed against his head as he moved towards the kitchen, pain killers and water pushed into his hands as Wayne nodded at him. “Need me to get the gun?” Eddie grinned despite himself as he shook his head. “Pretty sure Stevie is going to bat for my honor as we speak old man, keep it close just in case we need backup though.”

Wayne smiled and nodded, his own glass deposited on the sink as he moved towards his bedroom. “Be safe Ed’s.” The metal head nodded, downing the pain killers quickly as he moved back towards the living room, Steve’s voice cold and detached as he listened. “I don’t know what your motivation is in coming here to apologize. Whether it's to clear your own conscience, because you feel bad, if you’re intending on trying to hurt Eddie again as some part of a twisted revenge plot for Jason, or if you are genuinely apologizing for causing his life to be a living hell. But I don’t trust you.”

Eddie approached the couch as he gently laid a hand against Steve’s free shoulder, Alex laying in his arm cradled safely against his body. Steve’s body relaxed under his hand as he took a deep breath, Chances face paler than before as Eddie moved and sat down next to Steve once more. The Hawkins tiger jock swallowing as he spoke slowly. “I am sorry, I’ll leave you alone after today, I do genuinely mean it. I know words can’t make up for what happened, or what we did.”
Steve moved Alex to his other arm, her small fingers wrapping around his own as Eddie stood, Chance following suit as he held out his hand, Steve standing quickly as he stared the jock down. “I’m quitting the team. I don’t want to associate with guys who would willingly hunt down and try to kill another human being man. I uh, I’ll get out of your hair, and I’ll keep an eye on the kids around school, the other hellfire members as well.” Eddie moved, shaking Chances hand with a nod, eyes pinching slightly at the pain in his head.

“Thanks man, Steve may not trust you, but I believe in second chances, so if this is a way to clear your conscience or something then consider us even.” Steve nodded once Chance moving towards the door. “And uh, I’ll talk to coach, about what Andy did.” Eddie followed, closing the door behind the jock as Steve sighed, the metal head moving to flop down on the couch as he groaned, the pounding in his head growing worse as Steve’s hand rested gently against his forehead. A small sigh escaping the metal head at the coolness of his friends hand against his skin. Max’s footsteps quiet as she approached, Eddie groaning as she knocked his legs off the couch, curling against his side with a yawn.

“What was all the yelling about?” Steve disappeared from his view, Alex’s coo’s coming from the kitchen as she giggled at whatever Steve was doing, the sound of the tap running slamming against his skull, Max’s fingers jamming into his ribs as she stared at him. “One of Hawkins high’s tigers showed up to apologise I guess, Steve went Mama bear mode on his ass.” He closed his eyes once more as Max rested against his side, a cold compress landing softly across his forehead as he sighed in relief.
The chair on his other side dipping as Steve sat back down, Alex’s coo’s quiet as Steve tapped her back softly, her small hands tangling into his shirt as Eddie’s breath evened out, Max’s following suit quickly as Eddie’s head fell against his shoulder. “Well Ali looks like daddy finally crashed.” She giggled in delight as Steve reached for the remote, flipping on an old movie as he smiled.

He moved to tapping a soft rhythm against her back as she yawned, her coo’s growing quieter as she focused on the tv, giggling at the movement from the people on the screen as Steve watched, Eddie’s breaths deep and even beside him.
Max was the first to awaken, her eyes snapping open as she sat up, her head swivelling to the front door as a quiet knock tapped against the wood, her face lighting up in a grin as she stood to open it, her cane quiet against the floor as El greeted her with a hug, the teen girls whispering to each other as El moved over to sit on Steve’s other side, Max returning to her seat leaning against Eddie.

El grinned as Steve moved Alex over to the teens arms, her small hands gripping the front of her shirt as the teen’s grin grew, her eyes sparkling as Alex cooed at her, Max’s small grin on the opposite side of Eddie making Steve chuckle. El carefully moved herself backwards, Alex laying on her chest as she supported her head, Alex’s hands moving up to grab at El’s hair as she giggled.

Eddie snorted as he jerked awake, his head lifting from Steve’s shoulder as he glanced around in confusion, the compress he had on his face falling to his lap as he glanced around, the T.V. playing quietly in front of them, El and Max sitting on the floor as Alex wiggled around on a blanket, her small hands wrapped around each girls' fingers as they smile. Steve watched with a soft look, his fingers interlaced with Eddie’s own, his hand warm against Eddie’s skin.

“Finally awake sleeping beauty?” Max’s smile twisted into a smirk as Eddie flushed, El finally looking up from playing with Alex as she waved her free hand, Alex’s coos soft as she smiled up at him. His chest felt full, warmth burying its way under his skin, settling between his ribcage as Steve squeezed his hand, he startled as he felt warmth on his face, his fingers brushing against his cheeks as he wiped away a tear.

Max leaned against his legs, a knowing look crossing her face as she rested her back against him. El following suit as she leaned against Steve. Eddie leaned his head back against Steve’s shoulder, his heart pounding loudly in his chest as he closed his eyes, the rhythmic rise and fall of Steve’s breaths lulling him to a peaceful sleep.

Chapter Text

4 days before the kiss
Eddie grumbled as he walked, the stroller under his hands bumping slightly over a rock as he glanced down at his daughter, her arms stretched high as she batted at the dangling toys attached above her. Her face was covered with the sun visor, cool air slipping over Eddie’s bare hands as the breeze rushed past them. He cursed inside his head as he kept walking, Alex’s blanket tucked around her legs, skull and cross bones with tiny pirate hats courtesy of one Joyce Byers, a present for Alex that she had hand-made, each stitch carefully applied with the care she radiated from her very being.

Gareth and Will had cornered him yesterday, the two arguing about colours, which purple to use for the tulip they had drawn up, Alex’s name twirled intricately among the petals in a flowy cursive writing done so neatly it had to have been done by Will, he loved his friend, but Gareth’s handwriting was awful. He shivered once more as cool air brushed against the back of his neck, a braid done by Max hanging down his back when she had complained about only doing her own hair and Steve’s steadfast refusal to let her touch his.

He smiled down at Alex as her eyes wandered around her pram, her coo’s soft as she giggled at him, his tongue poked out at her as he pushed open the door of the tattoo parlour, the worker behind the desk greeting him with a bored look as he approached. Alex’s coos catching their attention as they sat up, their face lighting up as he stopped at the desk, leaning over the counter to greet her with a big smile. “Hi cutie, think you’re a bit young to get a tattoo or piercing don’t you?” Eddie smiled as Alex’s face lit up at the stranger, her hands reaching up towards the person as they laughed, turning to Eddie with a grin.

“I’m Spike, head piercer and receptionist here, is there something I can do for ya or are you just taking this cutie around to brighten people's days.” Eddie laughed, the carefully folded piece of paper in his pocket crinkling as he removed it, carefully smoothing it down as he placed it down on the desk. “Actually, I was looking to get this done, I have some pretty gnarly scar tissue from an animal attack that happened in the earth-quakes that I want to put it over.” Spike nodded, flipping the paper around as they whistled appreciatively, Will and Gareth’s work coloured in flows of blues and purples the colours mixing together like a flowing river along the petals.
“You draw this man?” Eddie shook his head, shyly pulling his braid over his shoulder as he glanced down at Alex. “Nah, wish I could claim this work but no, two close friends drew it up. Tulips where my mom’s favourite flowers, and Alex is my daughter.” Spike nodded, their face turning thoughtful as they nodded. “Alright, Wait here man, I’ll get Benny, he’s our head tattoo artist and he’s gonna want to see this work.” Eddie nodded in return, Spike walking from the room as he turned to Alex, her brown eyes staring up at him as she yawned, her fist moving to her mouth as she shoved it in, gumming against her hand as he crouched down in front of her.

His face softened as he gently pulled her hand away from her mouth, a big yawn taking over her face as she blinked up at him, her eyes starting to fall closed as he carefully slid a binky into her mouth, her eyes finally falling closed as she drifted off, a voice behind him making him jump as he bolted upright. “Woah their man, sorry to scare you, Benny’s coming out now, little tyke get tired?” Eddie nodded, Spike’s face morphing into a grin as they moved back around the counter, leaning on it once more as they waited for Benny.
The man didn’t make them wait long, heavy footsteps clunked against the floor as a large man appeared around the corner, his eyes scanning the room as they landed on Eddie, his glare reminded him of Hopper, Benny’s arms were covered in tattoo’s faded from sun exposure and well loved as he held out his hand, voice heavy as he spoke. “I’m Benny, head tattoo artist here, Spike here says you want to talk a tattoo?” Eddie swallowed, nodding as he held up the drawing from his friends. Benny took it carefully, eyebrows shooting up as he nodded, fingers carefully trailing over the drawing as he hummed.

“He also said that you didn’t draw it but two friends of yours did, impressive work. Why don’t you come on back and we’ll talk price and location. Bring your daughter to, god knows Spike wouldn’t get any work done if she was in the front room, their missus just gave birth to twins so they’ve been in separation anxiety and seeing anyone’s babies just makes them worse.” Spike spluttered as Eddie laughed, pushing Alex behind the tall artist, his mind wandering to Steve as Benny gestured for him to sit.
“Right, so you’re clearly wanting to get this done, got an idea on how big and where?” Benny set the drawing down gently as he levelled his stare at Eddie, the metal head relaxing as he forced his mind back to the present. “Yeah, I don’t know if Spike said anything, but I have some pretty gnarly scar tissue from the earthquake, got attacked by an animal when it was happening. Bastard took it’s pound of flesh so I’m aiming to get it over the scar tissue to make it look less like I’ve been eaten by a bear.” Benny’s eyebrows shot up as he nodded.

“Show me what we’re working with kid, and we’ll see what we can do to make that trauma easier to heal.” Eddie moved, lifting his shirt up to expose his scars as he flushed pink, the attention to his chest making him feel ill. “You weren’t kidding man. What the hell kind of animal attacked you to cause that?” Eddie dropped his shirt, shyly pulling his brain over his face as he glanced down at a sleeping Alex. “A big one. Bastard took my flesh, my nipple and nearly my life.” Benny nodded, moving to grab a pen and paper, writing down words quietly as he mumbled to himself. “Alright man, I can fit you in, in three days’ time, someone’s going to have to look after your daughter for the appointment, got anyone who can do that?” He nodded, Steve instantly coming to mind.

“Alright, talk to Spike up front and you’re all set, he’ll set you up with a time and get your number to confirm the appointment, see you in three days man, be safe getting home with the little one, storms supposed to hit in a few hours.” Eddie nodded in thanks, pushing Alex carefully towards the front as Spike’s face lit up once more, their fingers tapping against the note pad on the counter in front of them. “Hey man, you all set?”

“Yeah, Benny’s set up an appointment in three days’ time, said to come talk to you.” Spike nodded as they picked up a pen, flipping through the book in front of them as they checked times. “How’s around twelve thirty sound? Benny has a four-hour booking open and can definitely get you done by then.”

“Sounds good man, I gotta get her home before the storm rolls in, walked here to get both of us some fresh air. Nice meeting you though man, and good luck with your twins.” Spike grinned as he waved, Eddie moving through the door quietly humming live wire under his breath as the cool afternoon air hit him square in the face.

Chapter Text

Wowie do i have a few chapters to catch up on! Hey everyone, for everyone sticking around to read this fic i appreciate you all so much! Oh my gosh, I’m so so sorry that there hasn’t been updates the last few fridays! I was away on holiday and didn’t have access to wifi i trusted my laptop on, I have most of the chapters written out so it’ll be a triple feature on Friday! If the chapters have been posted then disregard this lol, i am looking forward to seeing how you guys like where i’ve taken the story so far, i appreciate you all so much for your support lovelies! Be safe out there <3

Chapter Text

The bell above the door chimed as Eddie entered, Steve’s beamer pulling away from the curb, Max waving from the front seat with a smirk as they pulled away. Spike greeting him from their position at the front desk, the sound of Benny banging around the back area coming through to the front room. “Hey man, Benny’s nearly done setting up out back, he shouldn’t be to long.” Benny’s tall frame rounded the door as Spike finished speaking, the burly man nodding in greeting as Spike carefully pulled Gareth and Will’s drawing from behind the counter, Benny taking it carefully as Eddie bounced slightly in place.

“Alright kid, lets head on back and get this ink on your skin.” Spike waved as Eddie followed, nerves slowly dissipating as he slid onto the tattoo bed, removing his shirt as Benny prepped the stencil, the paper against his skin cold as he shivered slightly. Benny’s gloved hands removing the stencil paper from his skin, the tulip outlined in purple, covering most of his scar tissue on his chest as he took a deep breath. The sound of the machine a familiar comfort as he relaxed against the bed, Benny slipping a pair of gold wired glasses over his eyes as he started. The sting of the needle almost comforting as Benny began to work. The burly man focused as he began to talk. “These artist friends of yours, they ever considered going into tattooing?” Eddie forced himself not to shrug from habit.

“Gareth has yeah, we have a band we play in together and the dream is always to make it big you know? But pipe dreams and all that, he mentioned once that he would be interested in going into tattooing, gods knows he has the talent for it.” Benny paused, pulling more ink onto the needle as he nodded. “Will just like art, he’s a sweet kid, the kind that life likes to chew up and spit out into the dirt. His friends protect him from that though.” Benny hummed in acknowledgement as he continued, the sound of music starting up from the front of the shop as voices carried through the door.

Benny paused, inspecting his work carefully as he readjusted his grip on the machine, resuming his work quietly. Spike entering the room quietly as they watched Benny work, Eddie wincing slightly as Benny hit a painful spot. The burly man continuing as Eddie yawned. The time passing quickly as Benny worked, Eddie’s yawns growing deeper as he drifted, a new campaign idea forming as Benny finished. The cooling gel wiped across the freshly inked skin snapping him back into reality.
“All done man, give yourself a second to stand up and check it out.” Benny rolled away, his chair silent against the floor as he began to clean his station, Eddie standing slowly as he winced, the scar tissue pulling slightly with the ink. Moving over to the mirror on the wall as he looked, eyes welling slightly as he looked at his tattoo, Benny watching quietly, a roll of cling wrap in his gloved hands.

“Dude I can not thank you enough, its exactly like I imagined it to be.” Benny grinned, gesturing for Eddie to sit, the metal head following instructions as Benny wrapped cling wrap against his skin, sticking it down with tape carefully.
“Same rules as usual, don’t take the protective wrap off for three hours, don’t scratch, wash your hands before touching it and after, and get some bepantheon cream to apply twice a day to help keep it clean.” Eddie nodded, shaking Benny’s hand as the bell above the door chimed, the sound of Spike greeting someone loudly and giggles growing closer as Benny led him from the back room, Joyce Byers holding Alex as Spike cooed over her smiling at him.

“Steve got called in to cover Keith’s shift and Wayne was snoozing on the couch when Robin called and said it would be about time for you to be done and asked me to come and get you.” Spike grinned as Alex grabbed their finger, her bambi eyes staring at him widely as she giggled. Looking up at Eddie as he whistled, the tattoo on display under the cling wrap, his shirt sitting across his shoulders as he grinned. “Looks good man, Benny killed it.” Benny’s gruff voice came from behind him as he moved to the cash draw, Eddie handing over the money while Joyce rocked Alex quietly. “Hell yeah he did. Thanks again man, its perfect.”

Benny nodded once, Spike finally relinquishing his attention away from Alex as she released their finger, her eyes flicking to Eddie as she made a noise, her eyes welling up slightly as Joyce quickly handed her over before she started wailing loudly for her dad. Benny and Spike waving as they headed out, Joyce’s beat up car greeting them as Eddie quickly put Alex into her car seat, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead as Joyce smiled and slid into the vehicle. “Thank you for picking me up Ms Byers.” She waved him off as Alex cooed from her car seat, Joyce starting the car to kick the heater into gear, the warm air soothing against his skin as his mind wandered once more, Steve slamming to the forefront instantly as Joyce pulled away from the curb. “I hope you don’t mind, I have a bit of shopping to do, I have Alex’s pram but if you want to wait in the car with her I understand.”

Eddie nodded, absently answering her. “I don’t mind, We’ll come in for a bit, Gods know she will steal the hearts of everyone in the room.” Joyce chuckled as she nodded, switching to focus on driving as Eddie refocused on thinking about Steve. Chest thumping loudly in his ears as he makes up his mind, Joyce seeming to notice his anxiety as she places a comforting hand against his knee. “He won’t reject you, you know.” Eddie startles, glancing at her as she smiles kindly. “Steve cares about you more than you seem to realise. He literally carried you out of hell honey, he made sure you had a ride home today, he was so worried over the phone about making sure you got home safe. So whatever is on your mind about him? He won’t reject you.”

Eddie swallowed, nodding as he took a deep breath. “I don’t want him to feel the need to say yes out of pity. I know if I confess he won’t reject me, but I know Steve, he will say yes out of pity, and I don’t want him to feel trapped with me. With us.” Joyce smiled sadly, shaking her head as she glanced at the sky at a stop light. “The way that boy looks at you Eddie Munson. He would and did walk through hell for you and Alex. I may be older, but I know love when I see it. The way Jonathon looks at Nancy, Will used to look at Mike, and the way Steve looks at you. It’s the same way Hopper looks at me. Love is a strange thing, it comes at the most unlikely of times. And Steve Harrington? He is head over heels in love with you Eddie.”

Eddie sniffled lightly, Joyce’s motherly smile breaking his shell as he wiped his eyes, nodding with a deep breath as they pulled into a car park outside of Melvids. The sight of purple tulips out front making him chuckle wetly, Joyce waiting for him to gather his bearings, Alex’s coos coming from the back as he moved to get out of the car. Quickly setting up Alex’s pram and coddling her into it quietly helping him regain his composure.

Joyce waited, Eddie grabbing a bouquet of tulips quietly as she smiled to herself, the pair quietly gathering shopping as Alex watched everything, older ladies cooing over her at their every stop. The ride back to Eddie’s house quiet as he clutched the bouquet in his hands. Palms sweaty as Joyce helped him move Alex’s car seat and pram inside, his daughter bundled up in his arms as Wayne greeted them with a jaw cracking yawn. His eyes landing quietly on the flowers clutched in Eddie’s hands. A warm smile coming over the older Munson’s face as he took Alex. Joyce quickly hugging him before she left, silent encouragement conveyed into the tight squeeze.
He nodded to himself with a deep breath, bounding up the stairs two at a time as he knocked on Steve’s door.

Chapter Text

Steve leaned against the doorway, Eddie’s curls peeking out from under his blanket as the metal head slept, his face lax against his pillow. The small puddle of drool on his pillow growing as Steve approached, carefully pushing curls away from pale skin as he pressed a light kiss against the metal heads forehead. Brown eyes peaking open slowly as he stretched, Steve slipping in beside him as Eddie yawned. Slim arms wrapping around his waist as he snuggled close. Steve’s fingers brushing against his scalp, blunt nails scraping gently.

Eddie’s voice cracked as he yawned, jaw popping lightly as he lifted his head, curls falling around his face. “You better have a good reason for waking me from my dream Harrington.” Steve grinned, carefully tilting the metal heads chin up as he dropped a light kiss against his lips. “I would say good morning to you to sleeping beauty, but you seem more like sleeping dragon with how cranky you are at being woken up.”

Eddie’s face exploded with heat as he bolted from the bed, a loud thump echoing around the house as he stared at the jock in his bed with wide eyes. Steve’s expression one of confusion as he cocked his head to the side. “What’s the matter?” The metal head shook his head, his own confusion twisting his features as he scrambled to his feet. “What’s the matter? Dude you just kissed me? Steve you just kissed me, Jesus H Christ.” Steve shrugged, face falling slightly as he picked softly at the blanket corner. “I mean after last night I just figured that you know, you wouldn’t mind?”

Steve’s face fell more as Eddie swallowed, moving quietly back onto the bed as he shook his head. “You sound like you’re describing my dream here man and it’s kind of definitely starting to freak me out? I thought super girl was the only one with freaky mind powers.” Steve shook his head, a laugh bubbling in his chest as his eyes met Eddie’s. “Eddie Munson are you seriously sitting here right now and telling me, that you thought you confessing to me last night was a damn dream?” Eddie shrugged, face heating up as Steve’s laughter burst free, the jock clutching his sides as he cackled.

“It’s no not funny man! When you kissed me this morning I thought I was still dreaming and when I realised I wasn’t I panicked!” Steve’s laughter continues, his own face turning red as he struggles to catch his breath Eddie’s hand connecting lightly against his arm. “Steve Harrington stop laughing at me!” Steve shook his head, breathing deeply as he calmed himself down slowly. “Sorry, sorry. I just. When you bolted from the bed I thought that maybe, that you regretted what happened last night and had run to like, save my feelings.” Steve’s grin returned, Eddie’s forehead landing against the jocks shoulder with a small groan as his face flushed pink.
“You’ve been in love with me since freshmen year?” Eddie groaned louder as Steve laughed, moving his hand to lift Eddie’s head softly, the metal head looking up through his lashes as Steve slowly lowered his head, soft lips against chapped ones as their worlds exploded, Eddie’s eyes falling closed slowly as Steve deepened the kiss, lips parting slowly as Steve’s tongue poked out, Eddie slowly breaking the kiss as he licked his lips. “Are you wearing ChapStick?” Steve’s answering grin was wide as he dropped a light peck against Eddie’s lips. “Lip gloss actually. El and Max wanted to do make up practice and Robin bolted before they could corner her. Alex and Wayne are watching some T.V. show.”

Eddie smiled, leaning his head back on Steve’s shoulder as he yawned, arms snaking around his jocks waist as he closed his eyes. “Good,” Mischievous grin crossing his face as he tackled the jock backwards, Steve’s shout of surprise breaking into laugher as Eddie curled up against his chest. “Now close your eyes and cuddle me Stevie, I am fully planning on going back to sleep.”

Chapter Text

He was going to spread their guts around the town like confetti. Fuck the murder allegations against Eddie, Steve is going to kill them worse than Vecna had killed his victims. They were going to be so dead it would take dental records to identify the corpses. He was going to kill them slowly, breaking each bone starting with their little toes. When Dustin had come back with a beaten Gareth he was livid, not even Wayne could stop him from walking out the door to find them. He cursed as he pushed down harder on the accelerator, each moment those fuckers walked free was a moment to soon in his books.

He slammed the breaks hard as he spotted his targets, their stupid letterman jackets he used to be so proud to wear a beacon of rage as he slammed his car door, each step tunnel focused on green, his bat swinging side to side as he approached, eyes landing on him quickly, the circle breaking as Chance stared at him from the ground, his own eye black, Andy’s face coming into view, sneering at him smugly, his face mixing into confusion as he swung, his fist connecting with the jocks meaty face, rage seething from every movement as Andy stumbled back, his buddies looking confused as Steve tightened the grip on his bat. The plain wood smacking against the jocks arm with a crunch, the bone snapping loudly under the force of his blow.

“I fucking warned you asshole! I fucking warned you to stay away from my fucking kids and you didn’t fucking listen so now I am going to make Jason’s murder spree look like a fucking day-care.” He swung again, thumping hard against the jocks already broken arm, his screams tearing from his throat as his friends moved to help, Steve’s fist meeting flesh as he swung and punched, each hit met with groans of pain as he panted, finally pulling away as hands grabbed his shoulders, his arm swinging wildly back as Hopper’s grunt met his ears, the man shaking him as he called his name. “Steve! Harrington! You with me kid?” Steve’s breaths came in pants as he nodded, finally turning to glance at his handy work, Andy’s face bloody and beaten greeting him as he dropped his bat, the jock cradling his arm as Steve collapsed, Hoppers arms catching him quickly as his eyes rolled back the world going black.

“Steve, Stevie can you hear me man?” Steve groaned, his eyes opening slowly as Eddie’s face came into view, the metal heads hair haloed by sunlight as he grinned, slim fingers gripping tightly against his shoulders, Gareth’s face peaking over Eddie’s shoulder his face almost puppylike as he cocked his head. “What the hell did you do to those guys man?” Dustin’s voice came from his left, the teens voice cracking in excitement. “He kicked their ass dude! Steve you finally won a fight!” Gareth looked concerned as he glanced at Dustin, Wayne and Hopper’s faces coming into view as Steve pushed himself up. Alex in Joyce’s arms behind them, a concerned look on her face directed at him.

Alex’s wide eyes following her gaze as she stared at Steve with an unhappy coo. Eddie moving to collect his daughter and bring her over to him as Steve held out his arms, her small frame settling against his chest as Eddie glanced him over. “Andy is in the hospital, along with some of his other goons. Seems the Harrington name is the only thing stopping the families from pressing charges. Steve what you did was incredibly reckless.” Hopper sighed as he ran a hand down his face, his shoulders dropping as he glanced around the room, hellfire and the party all gathered around him minus Nancy. “I would have done the same damn thing though.”

“Still stupid as hell though Son, I thought Joyce was going to have a heart attack when she had heard you passed out after getting into another fight.” Wayne grinned as Joyce smacked his arm the teens around them grinning at the relieved atmosphere. “I guess I kind of lost it when I saw Gareth’s black eye. I warned them to stay away from you guys, I think they’ll get the message now.” Alex gurgled in agreement as Steve smiled down at her.

Her brown eyes peering up at him unhappily, so much like her fathers he felt his own flicking away. “I still think we should have taken him to the hospital, he’s had enough concussions that passing out like that is concerning.” Joyce’s voice was soft as she sighed. “At least get someone to check him out.” Eddie nodded in agreement, fingers interlacing with Steve’s free hand as the jock shook his head, a slight smile cast in the metal heads direction.

“I’m fine, I just need to rest.” Joyce’s face softened as she glanced at their entwined hands, nodding in understanding as her tone shifted, each teen in the room jumping slightly at the mother’s voice. “alright! Everyone move your asses, Steve needs his rest. You can bombard him with how cool you think he is after he’s had a chance to rest.”
Each teen groaned, Mike the loudest, his mostly disgust as they left, Max the last as she leaned against his shoulder, her voice quiet as she let lose one of her rare soft smiles. “I’m happy for you two, don’t you dare die on me Steve, I lost one brother already I don’t want to lose another.” Steve smiled, knocking his head softly against her side in retaliation. “I ain’t going anywhere anytime soon Madmax, now go, El will drag you down stairs with her powers if need be.”

Eddie waited till the door closed quietly behind the red head before he moved, his lips connecting with Steve’s as Alex giggled at the sudden jostling. Steve’s lips on his own soft and pliant as he grinned into the kiss. “You scared me today Stevie, storming out like that and then passing out. I thought that they had managed to get to you before you could get to them.” Eddie’s head rested against his collar bone, a deep breath rattling in his throat as Steve’s unoccupied arm snaked around the metal heads waist. A light kiss landing against his hair.

“I told you, you and Alex are stuck with me for as long as you’ll have me. Which I for one, would prefer to be forever.” Eddie sniffled slightly with a wet chuckle, Steve’s hand cupping his face softly as he pulled his head up, wiping away a stray tear with his thumb as Eddie’s bambi eyes flickered up through his lashes. “Forever sounds good to me Stevie.”

Steve grinned, leaning forward and kissing his metal head again, Alex’s coo’s louder in protest at the attention not being on her as they laughed. Both turning attention to their daughter as she fussed. “Oh Gods, we’re going to raise the most metal princess ever aren’t we.” Steve’s laugh was loud as he nodded, both pressing a light kiss against each of her cheeks. “Damn right we are.”

Chapter Text

Max didn’t remember whose idea it was to begin with. Dustin had claimed it was his, Lucas and Will arguing with him right away as El defended herself and Max for coming up with it. That’s how Eddie had found them. Dustin and Mike almost growling with each shout. Max had given up, the magazine in her hands drooping lower as Eddie’s chains rattled, the metal head like a whirlwind of energy as he skidded to a halt, limbs flying everywhere in a flurry of leather and metal as he grinned, the atmosphere in the room frosty as the teens all twisted towards him.

“Eddie! Settle an argument for us.” Dustin’s voice cracked as he demanded the metal heads attention, his arms crossed as he glared at Mike and Will the two glaring right back as Gareth entered behind the metal head, the younger of the two saddling up next to Will with a confused expression. “The hell is going on here? Why is everyone yelling?”

Max stifled a laugh as she dropped her magazine completely as El’s voice broke the tension in the room between the rest of the teens. “We wish to get Steve a present. From all of us, to say thank you for always being there for us, driving us places and for protecting us from the bullies at school. He got hurt because of us, lots of times. And we want him to know he’s appreciated and that we love him. So one of us tossed the idea out to get him a coffee mug with Worlds best babysitter on it and Dustin thinks it was his idea, but he is wrong because it was Me and Max who came up with it!”

The room exploded once more, Gareth covering his ears at the noise as Eddie frowned, hands held up in a peace gesture as he watched each teen argue about the idea. “Alright! Everyone shut up!” Silence descended as quickly as the noise had started, each teen turning their glares onto him as he sighed, thankful Alex was napping with Steve right now. “Alright. Thank you. Now, I’m going to go out on a limb here, and say that Dusty-bun over here started the argument because he’s convinced he’s Steve’s favourite even though he doesn’t do favourites and he loves all of you shit heads equally? Even Mike.” Mini Wheeler made a noise of protest as the others chuckled.
“Jesus H Christ you kids will be the death of me, and I have my own daughter to raise along side you shit heads. So, you want to get Stevie a present, to show him how much you care about him, and instead of, I don’t know, asking your parents where to get something like that made, you’re standing in our basement and arguing over who’s idea it was?” Max’s answering snort was all he received in reply as they had the gall to look at each other sheepishly.

Lucas as the first to pipe up, making his way over to sit next to his girlfriend as Max leaned against his shoulder. “Steve does so much for us all the time, I guess we just got caught up in our own heads about who loves him more.” Eddie’s grin turned shy, his hair moved over his mouth as he watched each teens face drop into embarrassment. “As for who loves Steve the most? That would be me.” The room went dead silent as a squeal from behind him echoed in the air, arms flung around his shoulders rocking him forward as Robin Buckley attached herself to his back, a wet smacking kiss landing against his cheek as Mike gagged. “Oh my god it finally happened!”

Will was the first to realise, the teens eyes going wide before he shouted in glee, bouncing from beside Gareth and tackling Eddie along side Robin, the two’s laughter loud before more lightbulbs clicked, each teen piling onto him with shouts of disbelief and glee. Mike the last to join, face screwed up like he had eaten a particularly sour lemon as he shrugged. “I guess that’s cool. Your way to cool for him though. Why does Steve have to date all of my siblings.” Dustin’s voice chimed in, his hand slapping against the back of Mikes head as he spoke. “Dude! Shut up, do you know how cool this is?! We have been calling them mom and dad for ages now and their finally together!”

Mike just scowled in response, screwing his nose up in disgust as he turned his glare on Eddie.
“He is not allowed to join in on hellfire nights!”

Eddie’s shit eating grin was all he got in return as the metal head gestured for the children to release him. Each letting go as a sleepy Steve entered the room, Alex cradled in his arms as his daughter yawned, her big eyes blinking sleepily at the room full of people as Eddie moved, arms snaking around Steve’s waist, the jock leaning into the contact with a small groan, Max and El’s awe’s coming in unison.

“I take it you spilled the beans to our brats?” Dustin’s shout of protest at the name drowned out by the rest of the voices, Max’s the loudest as she grinned smugly. “I already knew, I heard you guys through the walls, now scoot, we’re discussing important things here.” Steve sighed, shaking his head as the red head shooed them out, the two leaving with a chuckle as Robin dropped a kiss against each of their cheeks before scampering away herself.
“I’m off to meet Vicki for shakes I’ll see you later dingus!” Both men smiled as her back faded from view, an explosion of noise from the kids, Dustin and Max pushing Steve away from the room as the boys latched on to Eddie, the two who had removed Steve from the room re-joining as plans started flowing around the room, each asking Eddie for input with each idea.

The room eventually quieting down as Dustin jogged to retrieve his babysitter, Steve’s sheepish expression turning to pure confusion at the innocent looks on all of his kids faces, Lucas doing his best impression of a bobble head with each bounce on his seat. Steve sighed, crossing one arm over Alex as he supported her against his chest making each teen grin, Max snorting at the unimpressed look on the babies face. “What the hell have you brats been up to?” Eddie hid his own grin as he moved, arms snaking around Steve’s waist as he rested his head on his boyfriends shoulder, Alex’s babbles starting up as she shoved a fist into her mouth.

“We’re just talking campaign stuff, nothing interesting.” Dustin’s attempt at an innocent grin failing epically as Steve snorted, letting it go as Eddie’s lips brushed against his shirt, a yawn escaping from each of the teens as Steve sighed, head tossed back slightly as Eddie chuckled, resigning himself to setting up a sleepover as El stood, her body leaning against Steve’s side as she tugged on his shirt, the jock leaning down as the rest of the party watched with anticipation. The young teen dropping a kiss on his cheek before heading out the door. “I am going to call Hopper, thank you for letting us stay over Steve.”

Chapter Text

Eddie yawned, his spine cracking as he stretched, the arms around his waist tightening as Steve snuggled closer, the metal head’s laugh breathy as he stared down at his sleepy boyfriend. Alex’s gurgles having woken him up as he gently extracted himself from his lovers arms. Steve’s protests stopping as Alex’s gurgles grew louder. The jock sighing as he sat up, Eddie moving and picking up his daughter as he smiled down at her. Her brown eyes staring right back at him as he made his way over to their bed, settling against Steve’s chest as Alex reached up.

Her small hands tugging on one of his curls as Steve laughed. “I think someone wants your attention.” He leaned over the metal heads shoulder, arms hooked back around his waist as he watched Alex stare at the both of them, a giggle leaving her chubby face as Eddie leaned down, blowing a light raspberry against her cheek. “She looks so much like you its almost uncanny.” Eddie nodded, tears gathering slightly in his eyes as he leaned back against Steve more, the jock pressing a kiss against his cheek. “People around Hawkins have been talking, Wayne heard them at the supermarket the other day, they threatened to call the cops on us for child kidnapping her.” Steve shook his head, sighing as he took Alex from Eddie’s arms, her eyes glancing around the room as the metal head moved to get dressed.

Steve’s eyes following the movement as Eddie grinned, his hip jutting out as he leaned slightly into a pose, Steve’s face heating up at Eddie’s gaze. “Like what you see big boy?” He laughed softly as he moved from the bed, Alex wiggling in his arms as she lifted her head slightly to look at Eddie, both men gasping in excitement as she gurgled. “Did she just- HOLY SHIT!” Steve’s laughter joined Eddie’s the two celebrating as Max burst into the room, her glasses askew on her face as she held up Steve’s bat, her arms trembling as she took in the room. Steve’s eyes softening as he moved closer, Alex’s fists gripping onto his shirt as he kneeled before the redhead. “Max?” She blinked at him, the bat falling from her hands as she punched his arm, Robin stumbling in behind her with an iron in her hand.
“Steve what the fuck! You can’t just yell like that you asshole!” Steve winced slightly at the volume as he nodded, Alex’s head lifting slightly again as she cooed at the new guests. “Sorry Max, she lifted her head slightly and it’s the first time we’ve seen her do it…” Max sighed, taking in Alex as she shook her head, moving closer as she took her from Steve’s arms. Eddie approaching as Robin dropped the iron, her arms flung around her best friend as she punched him in the shoulder. Steve’s laugher soft at his friends feeble punches. Both girls finally registering the men in boxers as Max grinned. “Didn’t realise we were interrupting mom and dads private time.” Eddie felt his face heating up, quietly flipping off the red head as Wayne stumbled into the room yawning as he took in the scene in front of him. “What the hell did I miss?”

“Alex lifted her head on her own! Stevie and I were joking about, and she lifted her head to see what had us laughing Uncle Wayne!” The elder Munson’s tiredness faded as he cracked a grin, his hand clasping on his nephew’s shoulder as he pulled him into a tight hug, the group slowly dispersing as Robin mumbled about coffee, taking Alex with her to prepare the little girls bottle. Steve moving to get dressed as Eddie followed, leaning against the jocks back with a sigh, Steve laughing at his boyfriends antics as he gathered his clothing, dressing in sweats as Eddie grumbled against his shoulder.

“Don’t wanna get dressed, you’re comfy.” Steve sighed, pulling his boyfriend round to his front as he pressed a peck against Eddie’s lips. “Come on big boy, we have a family to look after.” Eddie grinned at that, his smile lighting up his features as Steve kissed him again.
“Alright but you have to make pancakes.” Steve laughed as he let go, Eddie jumping back onto his back as he cackled, his arm lifting into the air as Steve moved forward, Eddie’s voice slightly louder as he called out. “And onwards Sir Stevie! To the land of the Kitchens and to make the breakfast of champions! Pancakes!” Steve’s laughter echoed through the house as he walked.

.

Hawkins: Five years later

Alex’s giggles echoed loudly through the house, Eddie’s laugher following behind as he chased his daughter, Wayne’s grin matching his nephews as Steve cocked both hands on his hips, the tea towel on his shoulder completing the look. “HEY! What have I said about running around at breakfast time you menaces!” Max’s answering cackle following as she swung Alex into her arms. “Gotcha little Ally cat.” Alex frowned, her face screwed up as Eddie plucked her from Max, her laughter returning as he blew a raspberry on her cheek. “Sorry my love, Ally cat here is excited for her first day of school.” Her curls bounced around her face as she nodded, her hands reaching out for Wayne as he took her from her fathers arms. “Grandpa Wayne are you still dropping me off?” The elder Munson laughed, dropping a kiss against her cheek as she grinned. Steve’s facade cracking at the sound of her laughter as he moved breakfast to the table, dropping a kiss on top of her head.
Eddie pouted as he sat, Steve moving to drop a kiss on his lips as Alex gagged, Max’s proud grin wide as she hid behind her coffee. Steve flipping her off as he moved to gather more breakfast, the front door opening with loud chatter as the rest of their group joined, each greeting Alex with a hug as she grinned. Robin’s arms wrapping around Steve in a hug as he watched, his mix matched family moving to their seats as they dug in, Alex bouncing from person to person as she chatted excitedly, her curls bouncing around her face as Steve made sure to place a scrunchie in her bag.
Eddie’s arms slipped around his waist, Steve leaning back against him as he placed his hands over his husbands, their wedding rings shining under the morning sun, his heart heavy with love as he grinned. Steve Harrington had found the meaning of his life.
Eddie glanced at his husband, entwining their fingers together as he kissed his cheek. “I love you.”

Alex’s giggles echoed loudly through the house, Eddie’s laugher following behind as he chased his daughter, Wayne’s grin matching his nephews as Steve cocked both hands on his hips, the tea towel on his shoulder completing the look. “HEY! What have I said about running around at breakfast time you menaces!” Max’s answering cackle following as she swung Alex into her arms. “Gotcha little Ally cat.” Alex frowned, her face screwed up as Eddie plucked her from Max, her laughter returning as he blew a raspberry on her cheek. “Sorry my love, Ally cat here is excited for her first day of school.” Her curls bounced around her face as she nodded, her hands reaching out for Wayne as he took her from her fathers arms. “Grandpa Wayne are you still dropping me off?” The elder Munson laughed, dropping a kiss against her cheek as she grinned. Steve’s facade cracking at the sound of her laughter as he moved breakfast to the table, dropping a kiss on top of her head.

Eddie pouted as he sat, Steve moving to drop a kiss on his lips as Alex gagged, Max’s proud grin wide as she hid behind her coffee. Steve flipping her off as he moved to gather more breakfast, the front door opening with loud chatter as the rest of their group joined, each greeting Alex with a hug as she grinned. Robin’s arms wrapping around Steve in a hug as he watched, his mix matched family moving to their seats as they dug in, Alex bouncing from person to person as she chatted excitedly, her curls bouncing around her face as Steve made sure to place a scrunchie in her bag.

Eddie’s arms slipped around his waist, Steve leaning back against him as he placed his hands over his husbands, their wedding rings shining under the morning sun, his heart heavy with love as he grinned. Steve Harrington had found the meaning of his life.
Eddie glanced at his husband, entwining their fingers together as he kissed his cheek. “I love you.”

"I love you too."