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Chapter Text

Robin hated working Wednesdays at Family Video the most. Wednesdays were slow and came with very few people. The only entertainment that could be offered was the horrible music that played throughout the store and clicking through customer profiles on the computer. Wednesdays were mundane and lacked excitement, and Robin craved excitement.

“Do you think we could close early?” Robin asked, clicking through the profiles under the letter ‘L’. “No one has come in.”

Steve hummed, flipping through his magazine he was reading. “Keith would fire us,” he stated, voice void of emotion. Robin figured that he was just as bored as her. “Plus, we both need this job.”

Robin grunted, “Lame. Did you finish rewinding the tapes?”

“Yeah,” he said. “Did you finish inventory?”

She paused, clicking on a random profile, scrolling through the strangers last rentals. “Mhm,” she said. “Finished it over an hour ago.”

“God, I hate this fucking job,” Steve groaned, tossing his magazine on the counter.

“Mhm, probably just as much as this man hates his life,” Robin frowned. “This guy rented Ordinary People five different times in the past few weeks.”

Steve moved, leaning on the counter next to Robin. “Some people just like sad movies. Eddie rented Rocky Horror like twenty times.”

Robin gave him a look. “Rocky Horror isn’t sad. It’s gay.”

Steve grinned, “I mean look at you. You’re sad and gay. You could say Rocky was sad and gay too.”

“Go back to being a straight, heteronormative man. Right now, Harrington,” Robin scrunched her nose up at him.

The boy snorted. “Can’t do that, Robs. That would mean I wouldn’t be able to kiss Eddie.”

Robin rolled her eyes. “You already don’t kiss him because your chicken shit and won’t ask him out,” she said. “And don’t you say one word about me and Nance.”

Steve pouted at her, running his hand through his hair. “I’m working on it. Slow and steady, you know? I must use the good ‘ole Harrington Charm on him.”

Robin snorted. The last thing Steve needed to use on Eddie was his charm. She had to constantly listen to Eddie go on and on about how pretty Steve was and how much he was down bad for her best friend. It was disgusting in a cute way, but Robin did not want to be stuck in the middle of two idiots mutually pinning after each other.

“Whatever you say, dingus,” she said, clicking out of the profile. “Want to go get dinner after we close?”

“Sorry, Robs,” Steve said. “My mom’s home and wants to have dinner with me. I need to make sure she doesn’t burn the house down. I might need to call Enzo’s and get a reservation.”

There wasn’t much that Robin knew about Steve’s family. He kept his lips tightly closed on anything to do with his private life, and Robin wasn’t going to pry into something Steve wasn’t comfortable talking about. He had mentioned his father being an asshole and his mother being a respectable woman, and that was all she had known, but now she knows that Steve’s mom apparently can’t cook.

“Why don’t you cook for her?” Robin suggested.

Steve snorted, “If I even tried to cook something, she’d probably hit me with a wooden spoon and tell me to sit my ass down. She likes trying to take care of me, even if she’s shit at it.”

Robin nodded, trying to understand. Her family life was drastically different than Steve’s – she knew that. Steve’s parents were rarely home, and she only knew that bit of information because half of her time was spent at his house. “It’s good she’s trying,” she decided on.

“Yeah,” he said, looking towards the entrance.

Robin watched as he straightened, a confused expression falling on Steve’s face. “Dingus?”

Steve looked over to her, opening his mouth and then closing it. “Speaking of my mother,” he coughed awkwardly, nodding towards the door.

Robin moved her gaze to the door, jaw dropping slightly at the woman who just stepped out of her car. “That’s your mother?” she hissed, clearly surprised. “She’s hot!”

“Rob!” Steve exclaimed, embarrassed. “Not clue, dude.”

The store bell rang, and the woman broke out into a smile. “Steph!” she exclaimed.

Robin blinked. Steph?

She turned to look at Steve, who was rubbing the back of his neck. “Hey, Mama.”

“You look dashing, darling,” the woman beamed. “Though, the mustache is a bit of a failure, don’t you think?”

Robin snorted, covering her mouth. Steve’s mustache was a bit of a failure.

“Ma!” Steve exclaimed before shooting Robin a glare.

Steve’s mother turned to look at Robin, and if possible, her smile grew. “You must be Robin!” she said. “Steve’s told me all about you! You’re even more beautiful than I could imagine!”

Robin blushed, “O-Oh, thank you, Mrs. Harrington.”

“None of that now, dear. You can call me Tony.”

“Tony?” Robin asked.

“My name’s a mouthful. Antonia Collette Harrington,” the woman said. “I’m glad Steph’s name isn’t a mouthful. It’s simple and my hand never cramped when filling out paperwork!”

Robin didn’t know how to reply. She was a bit in shock. The image she had created of Steve’s mother had vanished. She had expected a woman who was tall, demanding, and maybe a bit cold. This woman was warm in the same way Steve was, and Robin could tell where Steve got his scatterbrained nature from. If Steve was a clone of anyone, it was his mother.

“Ma, I thought I was going to meet you back at the house,” Steve cut in, a small smile on his face.

“Oh, yes, that’s right! I did come here for a reason, though, it is quite rude that you think I wouldn’t just come to see my darling prince! It’s been months since I last saw you, so sue me for missing you, my god!” Tony huffed, giving Steve a teasing smile.

“Sorry,” Steve chuckled.

Robin was just staring at them now. It had been less than five minutes since Tony walked into the store, and Robin’s head was spinning. There already was a lot to unpack about Steve’s relationship with mother – nothing bad, but just interesting. Robin was a bit flabbergasted that Steve’s mother called him a ‘darling prince,’ more than anything else.

“Now, I was checking the mail, because you know I’ve been waiting for my lawyer to send me the finalized papers on me and Dick’s divorce,” Tony said. “They didn’t come in, which is a shame, because you and I both know I want to get rid of that stupid man as fast as I can. That’s not the point, however,” she waved her hand. “The point is that Cousin Leo sent us an invite to his wedding! Can you believe the nerve?”

Steve scoffed, “He has some nerve.”

Robin was lost. She was oh, so very lost. She was also even more surprised because Steve was gossiping. With his mother.

“I know!” Tony exclaimed, throwing her hands up, causing her bracelets to cling together. “He shows up to Uncle Giuseppe funeral, acting as if he was entitled to his fortune after knocking up that poor Bianchi girl – she was going places before Leo came knocking, I’m telling you, Steph.”

Steve nodded, “Her name was Gemma, right? The one who was trying to move to Venice to start up the wine business?”

“That’s right! Gemma. Oh, that’s such a lovely name, but no, she originally was going to Venice, but she changed her mind. She found she had a real talent for cooking, so she was going to open a small dinner instead and use her own wine. She figured she’d make more money that way. She would have too.”

“Leo came along, though. Is he at least a good father?” Steve asked.

Tony scoffed, her nails tapping against the counter in annoyance. “Like hell he is. Aunt Bianca was telling me that she heard from Cousin Giovanni – my mother’s side, not my father’s – that Leo has been screwing around with other women while Gemma is left with their son. It’s tragic, really, but Bianca’s making sure the poor girl is being taken care of. Hopefully, I can drop in when I’m not working, maybe try and get her out of that god awful relationship.”

“That’d be a good idea. How old is Gemma’s son?”

"I’d say he’s about three or four,” Tony mumbled. “È solo un bambino.”

“Do you have Aunt Bianca’s address? I should send her a letter and see what size Gemma’s son is. I could knit him a sweater,” Steve offered.

Robin blinked.

She had just learned several things. 1) Steve had a lot of family, and that was just on his mother’s side. 2) Steve and his mother did not like Cousin Leo. 3) Steve’s mom speaks Italian. 4) Steve is Italian! 5) Steve can knit.

“You can knit?” Robin blurted.

Both Steve and Tony looked at her, and Robin felt her face heat up in embarrassment. “Sorry! Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Steve shook his head, “It’s fine, Rob.” He gave her a reassuring smile, before continuing, “I learned to knit when I was five? My Nonna taught me how. I was horrible.”

Tony leaned over and pinched his cheek, “But you’re amazing now, and that’s what matters! You should knit Robin a sweater! Oh, you would look darling in a forest green sweater. Don’t you think she’d look beautiful in green, Steph?”

Robin felt suddenly scrutinized as both Harrington’s looked up her up and down.

"Green would suit her,” Steve nodded.

Tony grinned, “Ah, then it seems you have a new project to work on, cucciolo.”

“Stop calling me that,” Steve huffed.

Robin bit back a small laugh as Tony laughed at her son’s embarrassment. Robin watched as the woman looked at her watch and huffed. “Oh dear, I should head out! I forgot I was going to stop by and see an old friend before I go home and cook.”

Steve groaned, “Don’t tell me you’re going see James.”

Tony cleared her throat, straightening her posture and smoothed her dress. “And if I am?”

“Don’t invite him to Vegas,” Steve sighed.

“Please,” Tony sighed. “I have more class than that, but you know what they say about mechanics and their hands.”

Steve cringed and visibly gagged. “Go. Please. I don’t want to hear another word out of your mouth.”

Tony threw her head back and laughed, waving her hand as she left the store.

“So…” Robin started. “Nice mom you have their, Steph.”

Steve shot her a glare. “Ask your questions.”

“You’re Italian?”

“Thought you already made that out,” Steve grinned.

Robin rolled her eyes. “Steph? Why does she call you Steph?”

“My full name is Stefano,” Steve answered. “She hates calling me Steve, so she calls me Steph.”

"Your mom calls you puppy?”

Steve’s face turned red, and he grabbed his magazine, hitting Robin in the arm. “Shut up, Buckley.”

Chapter Text

Dustin knew that he was Steve’s best friend. He thought Robin was cool, sure, but Dustin had known Steve first. There were a lot of things Dustin knew Steve didn’t tell him, but he was smart enough to figure out some things were better left unsaid, especially since Dustin was several years younger than Steve. Dustin knew that Steve also tried to protect him the best he could, and that meant keeping some information under wraps. That was fine with Dustin because he knew that Steve would tell him the important bits when the time was right.

“Can you drop me off at Steve’s house?” Dustin asked, turning to look at Eddie. “I haven’t heard from him a few days.”

Eddie glanced at him, “I’m sure Steve’s just been busy.”

“Robin told me he canceled on movie night with you,” Dustin said. “He always makes movie night. It’s like a commitment.”

Eddie tensed, “He canceled?”

Dustin gave a firm nod. “Yeah! Robin said why, but I can’t remember. She had a dreamy look on her face though and said something about someone named Tony.”

“Tony? Who’s Tony?”

“I don’t know!” Dustin exclaimed. “Just drop me off at Steve’s, I’ll radio you and give you an update.”

Eddie let out a deep sigh, his hands tight on the steering wheel. “Fine, fine.”

Dustin grinned, tapping his foot impatiently as they drove to Loch Nora. “Take a left,” Dustin instructed.

“I’ve been to Steve’s house before,” Eddie informed him.

“You’re shit at directions,” the younger snarked.

Eddie’s eye twitched, “You little shit.”

“Oh, someone’s over,” Dustin said as they pulled up to the curb. “Whose car is that?”

Eddie leaned forward on his steering wheel, whistling lowly. “I don’t know, but whoever it is has a good taste in cars,” he said. “Wish I could afford something like that.”

Dustin nodded slowly, “Sure. Whatever you say.”

Eddie rolled his eyes. “Get out of here, little man. Don’t forget to send me an update or your character is going to have disadvantage for the rest of our campaign.”

Dustin glared at him, raising his hand, and flipping him off. He grabbed his bag and removed himself from Eddie’s van. “See you later!” he said, jogging up to Steve’s door, hearing Eddie drive off.

The one good thing about Steve becoming the certified babysitter of the Party was that everyone had a key to the house, either that or they could just walk in if the door was unlocked. Dustin didn’t bother knocking, just entering the house.

“Steve!” he called out loudly. “Where the hell are you?”

There was a bit of shuffling and a woman poked her head around a walkway. She looked confused, and Dustin wondered for a moment if Steve decided to move to older women for the lack of his current love life.

“Who the fuck are you?” Dustin asked.

The woman snorted, “Well, aren’t you a charmer. I’m Tony, but I’m guessing you’re looking for Steph?”

“No? I’m looking for Steve?” Dustin asked, narrowing his eyes.

“That’s who I said,” Tony said. “He’ll be back shortly. I had him run to the store and grab a few things for dinner. Now, who might you be?”

“Dustin. Steve’s best friend,” he said. “And who are you, Tony ? Steve’s new girlfriend?”
Tony snorted, “Oh god, no. I don’t think I’d ever date my own son. I’ll leave that to the folk in Alabama.”

Dustin paled. “Oh. Oh . Oh shit! You’re Steve’s mom ?”

Tony laughed, “Afraid so, small, mouthy goblin child.”

“I’m sorry!” Dustin exclaimed. “Just Steve never said anything about you! Or that you were home! Wait, did you just call me a goblin?”

“I did,” Tony grinned. “Consider it compensation for your language.”

Dustin stared at her in shock. “You know what a goblin is?”

Tony rose a brow, “Yes? It is uncommon to know what a goblin is? I thought kids your age loved to read Tolkien.”

“You know Tolkien ?” Dustin exclaimed loudly. Steve Harrington didn’t know the first thing about anything nerdy, but his mom did? The math wasn’t adding up.

“A bit, yes,” she said. “I used to read Steph the Hobbit when he was little. I doubt he remembers. He always fell asleep during the best parts, but you know, what can you do?”

Dustin blinked, shaking his head. Steve Harrington could have been a nerd if he had listened to his mom’s bedtime stories? That seemed like the craziest possibility in the universe. “He could have been a nerd ?”

Tony smiled at Dustin. “I wouldn’t go that far. Steve’s always been more naturally geared towards athletics than academics. I doubt he would have turned into someone that likes the things you do, especially when it comes to his intelligence. He’s a great son, but he is a bit dumb.”

“I am not!” Steve exclaimed, walking through the door with several bags in his hands. He had a frown on his face as he looked towards his mother. “I’m plenty smart.”

Tony walked over to Steve taking a few bags, “It’s adorable that you think that, cucciolo. Maybe intorno alla camera da letto. ”

Steve stared at her blankly, “ Porco cristo, Mama! You can’t say that type of stuff!”

“It’s not like the poor boy can understand me!” Tony exclaimed, walking back into the kitchen, followed by her son.

Dustin frowned, staring at the two of them intently. Were they speaking some kind of gibberish? It sounded like gibberish. “Are you speaking a different language?”

“Italian,” Tony answered, nodding. “I grew up there with my parents before I moved her for work. I eventually married Steph’s father, and well, here we are.”

“You didn’t tell me you were Italian!” Dustin exclaimed, looking at Steve in betrayal. “What the hell, Steve!”

Steve gave Dustin a look, “It wasn’t important! What languages I can speak isn’t important when I speak English a majority of the time!”

“It’s the principle of it! We tell each other everything — wait, are you related to the mafia? Is that why you couldn’t tell me? You were sworn to secrecy weren’t you? Did I blow your cover? Are you going to die ? Am I going to die?”

Tony let out a laugh, “Oh my.”

Steve shot his mother a glare, before sighing deeply. He worked on unpacking the groceries he had brought it. “First, I have nothing to do with the mafia, and I don’t think I ever will.”

“Cousin Mattia just married that Sicilian girl,” Tony pointed out. “Her family is a bit sketchy. Aunt Bianca said there’s something fishy going around where they live. Said Mattia could have married into the mafia.”

“That’s speculation,” Steve rolled his eyes. “That doesn’t mean we’re related to the fucking mob — which we aren’t!” Steve sent Dustin a pointed look.

“That means I’m not going to die?” Dustin asked. “Because it’d be lame if I could marry Suzie.”

Steve blinked. “Dude, you’re like 10. Why are you thinking of marriage?”

“Why aren’t you ? You’re like old as shit. Clocks ticking, Steve.”

Tony waved her hand, “Steve is like the wind. He’ll settle down when the time.”

Steve gave her a long look, “Like you?”

“Oh, hush .”

Dustin frowned, glancing at the two of them before settling on Steve. “Is thing why your so obsessed with your appearance and why you’re a good cook? Because it explains at lot. Wait, I thought you weren’t Catholic?”

“That’s a lot of stereotypes you have coming out your mouth,” Steve commented. “None of that has to do with my heritage, and just because I’m Italian doesn’t mean I have to believe in God.”

Tony nodded serious, taking an apple out of the fruit basket on the counter, and taking a bite into it. “That’s right,” she said. “Some of us like to believe in the Devil,” she said, wiggling her fingers towards Dustin with a wide smirk on her face.

“Ignore her,” Steve said. “I get my stupidity from somewhere.”

Dustin nodded slowly, “Yeah, but at least your Mom’s super cool.”

Chapter Text

Mike knew from the first time he saw Steve that he didn’t like him. He never saw a reason to like him either. In beginning, Steve was just Steve, Nancy’s boyfriend. Steve was also some hotshot asshole that paraded around his popularity like he was hot shit. Nothing about Steve was appealing to Mike, and the fact hadn’t changed since Steve found himself integrated within the Party.

Unlike what most people believed, Mike wasn’t a raging asshole. He appreciated Steve to a certain extent. He did his part in keeping the Party safe and he did favors for them, but Mike knew Steve was a babysitter and that was that. Mike didn’t see him as an older brother figure like Dustin or someone to idolize like Lucas. Steve was lame. Mike looked up to Eddie because unlike Steve, Eddie had interests that the Party had — like playing Dungeons and Dragons and listening to good music.

Eddie, however, was not a babysitter and was still fighting off public opinions even if his name had been cleared, which meant that Mike was stuck with Steve Harrington as his babysitter.

“Couldn’t you have just dropped me off at Will’s?” Mike asked, heatedly.

Steve glanced at him before turning down the radio that was blasting Journey. “You know Karen would kill me if I did that, plus you know Joyce was taking El and Will shopping for their wedding outfits today.”

Mike huffed, “And? I could have gone with them.”

“I know you could have, but that’s a family thing, especially since it’s for Joyce and Hop’s wedding,” Steve said, letting out a sigh. “Look, I know you don’t want me to watch you. You’re 15 and you’re too old to have a babysitter — I get it.”

“Do you?” Mike narrowed his eyes. “You’re just some rich asshole who never had to worry about having a babysitter.”

Steve was silent, his grip on the steering wheel tightening causing his knuckles to turn white. He took a deep breath. “My parents weren’t around much,” he said. “Especially when I was Holly’s age. They would be in and out the house and they constantly left me with Nanny’s. No one ever really stuck around a lot. It wasn’t until I was 13 that I stopped having people come over and watch me, and my dad would just send me money for gas and food.”

“Lucky you,” Mike scoffed.

“Not lucky me,” Steve corrected. “I didn’t have any siblings to watch over me or make sure I was doing my homework. I didn’t have a smart sister like Nancy. I didn’t have anyone, except for a group of friends that brought out the worst in me. I craved attention from my parents, and I wished they cared enough to be around me more. I acted out for attention. I constantly was in trouble because I didn’t have anyone to watch out for me.

I’m not saying you have to like me, Mike. You don’t have to, but you should understand that your parents are looking out for you, especially with everything that’s happened in the past year. So, let’s try and make the best of the next few hours because we’re stuck together.”

Mike gave him a look from the corner of his eye before scoffing. “Whatever, just don’t bring over any of your girlfriends.”

Steve snorted, “Don’t have to worry about that. It’s just you, me, and my mom.”

Mike turned in his seat, “Your mom? I thought you just said you don’t see your parents often!”

“Doesn’t mean that they don’t drop by,” Steve laughed. “You’ll like my mom — maybe. She can be a lot.”

Mike tried to imagine Steve’s mom. If she was anything like Steve, she was pretty and dumb. She probably was just a housewife that followed Steve’s dad around (kind of like his own mom). “Uh-huh,” he mumbled as Steve pulled into the driveway.

Steve parked, and got out of the car, waiting on Mike. He spoke up as they walked to the door together. “Eddie was telling me that he was teaching you to play guitar,” he said, digging for his house key.

“And?” Mike asked.

“And,” Steve continued. “My mom knows a thing or two about stringed instruments. She might be able to give you some tips. I’m useless with guitars, considering I never really understood my way around them.”

“You, of all people, tried to learn guitar?” Mike asked, tone disbelieving.

“Yeah, I tried to. Obviously, it didn’t work out,” Steve said, opening the door.

“I don’t think a lot of things work out for you.”

“Harsh,” Steve whispered, walking inside with the younger boy. “Mom! I’m home! I brought Mike with me!”

There was a small clash followed with words Mike couldn’t understand. Soon following the noise, a woman came downstairs with rollers in her hair, wearing high-rise denim jeans and a shirt Mike had seen Eddie wear before.

“Is that a Mötley Crüe shirt?” Mike asked.

The woman blinked, looking down at her shirt. “Why, yes it is!” she beamed. “It was Steve’s shirt, but I’m doing my laundry, so I stole it.”

Mike gave Steve a dumbfounded look., “You listen to metal music?”

Steve stared back at him, “Yeah, I do.”

“There’s no fucking way you listen to metal! That shirt has to belong to Eddie!” Mike protested.

“Wheeler, I’m not lying. The shirt’s mine,” Steve said.

“Name three songs,” Mike said. “Come on. I’m waiting.”

Steve groaned, “I swear you’re worse than fucking Henderson.”

“Songs, Steven.”

“Fine, fine!” Steve huffed. “Live Wire, which came from their debut album in ‘82. Home Sweet Home, which came out last year. Too Young to Fall in Love, which came from their Shout at the Devil album.”

“You probably learned that all from Eddie,” Mike rolled his eyes.

Tony snorted, “It sounds like you have to prove yourself, Steph.”

Steve looked at Mike, “Yeah, then why do I have a record in my room autographed by Tommy Lee?”

“You don’t,” Mike bit out. “You’re just saying that to throw me off.”

“Ma?” Steve looked up at her. “Can you grab it for me?”

Tony nodded, disappearing back up the stairs and coming back a few minutes later with a record in her hand, handing it over to Mike.

“What the fuck!” Mike exclaimed. He stared at the album in shock, before looking back up at him. “When the hell did you have time to go to a concert?”

Steve shrugged, “I have a life outside of Hawkins.”

“I doubt that,” Mike said, handing over the record to Steve.

“Oh, he does,” Tony nodded. “Sometimes, I would fly Steve out to Rome to visit me. Though, he spent most of his time preoccupied con le donne. Either that or he would spend time with his Cousin Andrea learning how to drive a Vespa.”

Mike looked between the two of them. “You have family in Italy?”

Steve nodded, crossing his arms. “All of my mom’s family is Italy.”

“You’re Italian?” Mike asked.

“Yep,” Steve said. “Have been my whole life.”

“But you’re so lame.”

Steve scoffed, “Rude, kid.”

Tony smiled, “You are kind of lame. If you weren’t off with your friends or with your cousins, you’d always be up under my ass, spending time with the adults and hoping to get a glass of wine. You were like a mini grandpa.”

Mike snorted. “Wow, you were always lame.”

“I’m being attacked a casa mia!” Steve explained. “Fottiti entrambi!”

“Language, Stefano,” Tony shot back, a smirk on her face. “Don’t want your children picking up even more filth.”

Steve narrowed his eyes, “Vai all'inferno.”

“Ci vediamo lì, tesoro.”

Tony winked at him before heading back upstairs. “I have a date with James again! I’ll see you later!”

Steve groaned before looking at Mike. “Want me to order some pizza?”

“What the actual fuck?” Mike asked, ignoring his question.

“What?”

“What do you mean what?” Mike shot back. “Why’d you tell me all that shit? You’re supposed to be lame and just… ugh!”

Steve smirked, “Well, I mean, no one’s going to believe you. Now, what toppings do you want?”

Chapter Text

The first time Jim Hopper met Steve Harrington, it was under strange circumstances. It was 1979, and Hopper had just transferred back to Hawkins following the death of his daughter, Sarah, and his divorce from his ex-wife, Diane. He was out for his evening patrols. He had been assigned to drive through Loch Nora and the surrounding areas. His patrols never involved anything — the perks of patrolling an affluent area. The most interesting calls he ever received about the area were from rich kids throwing parties.

So, imagine Jim’s surprise when he saw a trashcan smoking. The trash can wasn’t on fire, and Jim had briefly wondered if the residents of the house had used the trashcan to dispose of any ash from burning wood or debris. He would have driven away if his curiosity hadn’t been peaked. He also knew that he should check it in case it was something else. He had seen what rich kids did in New York, hiding fireworks in trashcans, or worse.

He had let out a sigh, pulling up to the side of the street, and parking. He stepped out of the car, glancing around. He looked at the house that the trashcan belonged to, staring at the window that was illuminating light. He glanced back at the trash can, taking a deep breath before opening it.

“What the fuck?” he had exclaimed.

A boy stared at him with wide hazel eyes and shaggy brown hair. “Shit!” the kid exclaimed, dropping the cigarette in his lap, hissing as it hit part of his skin. “Ouch!”

Hopper looked around, blinking. Was there really a kid in the trashcan smoking a cigarette? “What the actual hell are you doing?”

The kid looked up, freezing. “Uh, nothing?”

“You don’t sound so sure.”

“Nothing. I wasn’t doing nothing,” the kid said, voice wavering.

“You weren’t doing anything,” Hopper corrected. He let out a long sigh, “Get out the trashcan and get back inside. Don’t let me catch you again or I’ll tell your folks.”

The boy pursed his lips, glancing around the small walls of the trashcan. “I can’t get out. I got in, but uh, I think I’m stuck.”

“You think you’re stuck?” Hopper questioned, feeling his eyebrow twitch. “Jesus fucking Christ.”

Needless to say, when Hopper met Steve, he had never expected to see much of him again, and he didn’t for a long time. It wasn’t until Hopper started getting calls about parties that were being held at the Harrington’s. Then, Hopper started seeing more and more of Steve. He had wondered how a lanky, awkward 11-year-old ended out being an asshole teenager, but he ignored it for the most part. Everything Hopper knew about Steve was through calls of a disturbance. Then, the Upside Down happened, and Steve became a common occurrence in Hopper’s life.

Hopper never interacted with Steve much during every disaster that the Upside Down brought, and in between each instance, most of his time was preoccupied with raising Eleven and working. Hopper never kept up with Steve much but would go out of his way to talk to him if their paths crossed. It wasn’t until after the kids defeated Vecna and Hopper returned to Hawkins from Russia, that Hopper spent more time with everyone, but Steve specifically.

There was a lot that Hopper didn’t know about Steve. Hopper knew that Steve didn’t talk about his personal life too much, which struck him as odd, especially since Steve was still young and most teenagers didn’t know how to shut up. He blamed Steve’s silent nature on the trauma that the Upside Down and the Russians inflicted. Steve, to Hopper, was almost like a son. There was a part of Hopper that always worried about Steve ever since he found him in a trashcan, and the worry grew out of understanding once Steve was thrown into the impossible.

Hopper wouldn’t admit it out loud, but he also saw himself in Steve.

So, he cared. Sue him.

That’s why he was bringing Steve dinner. Hopper knew that Steve’s parents were absent, and he knew Steve knew how to take care of himself, but Hopper liked to drop in and give him a meal that he didn’t need to worry about making. Either he’d buy something from a nearby dinner or have Joyce make something.

Hopper wasn’t expecting Steve’s mother to be home, however.

“Hopper, right? The police chief?” the woman asked.

Hopper blinked, clearing his throat. “Retired police chief.”

The woman hummed, nodding. “I’m sure you’re here for Steph?”

“Steve, yes. He’s not in any trouble,” Hopper said, going to reassure the woman.

She waved her hand, rolling her eyes. “I know, you’ve retired after all. Plus, Steph has told me all about you and the rest of his little-found family. It’s sweet,” she said. “I’m Tony, Steph’s mother. You’re free to come inside. Steph is making me some cake since I have a bit of a sweet tooth. You should stay and have some.”

“Oh, I, uh, don’t want to overstay my welcome,” Hopper said gruffly.

“You men and your emotional constipation. I’m inviting you in, now stop acting like a vampire and come inside. I want to meet the man my son looks up to,” Tony grinned. “His father grew up here in Hawkins, so I’m sure you know Richard.”

Hopper nodded, “We went to high school together. He was… a good man.” Hopper felt disgusted at his words. Richard Harrington was nothing but a self-absorbed asshole.

Tony scrunched her nose up, leading him inside the house. “I hope you’re just saving face because Dick is human scum,” she said, shooting Hopper a grin. “I’m currently waiting on my divorce papers. So, please, anything negative you have about Dick, I’d love to hear. I’m surprised I have castrated him yet so he can keep his dick to himself.”

Hopper stayed silent, not knowing what to say. When he imagined Steve’s mom, he imagined a blond-haired woman with a stuck-up personality — not someone who Joyce would probably be best friends with if given the opportunity.

“Steph!” Tony called out.

“Sono in cucina! Dove hai messo lo zucchero? Non riesco a trovarlo!”

Hopper blinked, stiffening slightly at the foreign language. It wasn’t Russian. Hopper knew that for a fact. It wasn’t as distinct as Russian was. He couldn’t put a finger on the language though, but it sounded familiar. He hadn’t heard it in a long time, maybe when he lived in New York.

“È nell'armadio della stufa!” Tony responded. “You have a visitor, darling.”

Steve looked up as Hopper and Tony entered the room. He was wearing an apron, but it wasn’t enough to shield him from the floor that clung to him. He glanced from his mother to Hopper, and his cheeks flushed.

“Well, I can say this isn’t what I was expecting,” Hopper said with a smirk. “Steve Harrington baking a cake.”

Steve rolled his eyes, “Oh, shut up. You’re just jealous because all you know how to make is grilled meat and Eggos.”

“Come along now, take a seat, you came all the way here,” Tony motioned Hopper to sit at the counter.

Hopper nodded, moving to take a seat, giving Steve a questioning look. He had assumed that Steve wasn’t close with either of his parents, but it seemed that he was wrong.

“I brought you some dinner, Steve. Thought you’d be hungry,” Hopper said, feeling a bit out of place, seeing as it was insinuating that he believed that Steve wasn’t properly taken care of. “Joyce also wanted to invite you over this weekend for Will’s birthday. Everyone is getting together to celebrate.”

Steve looked at him and nodded. “Yeah, I’ll be there. Thanks for the food. I was just going to order take-out,” he said. He glanced at Tony, “You good on ordering out for just yourself.”

“Oh, please, I’m going to use your father’s credit card and get the most expensive meal from Enzo’s, and while I eat that, I’m going to go through the clothing catalog I got in the mail the other day, and order whatever my little heart desires. Vuoi ordinare qualcosa?”

Steve shrugged, “Maybe? Before you order, I’ll look through it and mark what I want.”

“Beautiful! Circle anything your friends would like to! Do you want to borrow the car tomorrow and go get Will something for his birthday?” Tony asked.

Hopper raised his brows, looking between the two.

“Hmm, yeah. I probably need to go out of town to grab his present,” Steve said. He turned to Hopper, “Has anyone bought him materiali artistici for his birthday?”

Hopper blinked and then blinked again. “Kid, I don’t speak whatever language you were just speakin’.”

Steve stared at him, and then face-palmed. “Sorry, did anyone get him any art supplies?”

“I think Joyce bought him some new paintbrushes and a few sketchbooks. Jonathan bought him some of those fancy pencils or something.”

Steve nodded, going back to making the cake he was. “I’ll send a note back with you for Joyce and Jonathan. Maybe we can combine the presents into one big art set for him. I’m sure he’d love that.”

Tony walked over and kissed Steve’s cheek, “You’ve grown up so well, cucciolo.”

Steve playfully shoved her away, “Go away and call James.”

Tony rolled her eyes, “I’m not seeing James anymore.”

“Who now?”

“Oh, this lovely woman named Amy,” Tony said. “She’s so pretty, Steph.”

Hopper blinked, surprised, but didn’t say anything. He had nothing bad to say about what anyone’s preferences were, as long as they weren’t aimed at him. He had Joyce, and that’s all his heart was set on. As long as people were happy.

“Well, then go call Amy,” Steve grinned.

“Oh, I will,” Tony said, walking out of the room.

“I’m Italian, in case you were wondering,” Steve said.

Hopper hummed, “Can I have a taste of the batter?”

“Knock yourself out, old man.”

Chapter Text

Eddie was upset.

This was the third time this week Steve had canceled on him — through someone else! It was frustrating, and if Steve didn’t want to hang out with him, he should have just told him. It wouldn’t have hurt Eddie’s feelings any, well, except it would, but Steve didn’t need to know that.

Eddie had come to terms with his stupidly large crush on Steve, and he took every opportunity to hang out with him. They had spent so much time together that Eddie was nearly 98.9% certain that Steve liked him back. Everything had been going well, and Eddie was sure within the next couple of weeks their blossoming friendship would have turned into a romance.

Then Tony showed up, and he ruined everything.

Eddie had never met Tony, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to meet him. It seemed like nearly everyone else had already met this random dude, and they all loved him. Eddie would admit that a small part of him was jealous. Tony showed up out of nowhere and was already becoming part of the group as he had gone through everything with the Upside Down.

Shit, now Eddie knew how Steve probably felt before the whole Spring Break fiasco happened, but that was beside the point. The point was that Steve was being whisked away by some charming asshole, and Eddie wasn’t going to let that happen unless Steve told him to leave it alone — Eddie would do anything Steve asked, even if it ended up with Eddie being heartbroken.

There was a rational part in Eddie’s head that wanted him to turn his van around and head back to the fancy trailer that the government gave Wayne and him. The irrational part of his brain was in control, however. Eddie was nearly suffocating in the fear of possibly losing Steve. He couldn’t let that happen. Steve was one of the best things to happen to him besides the merry band of nerds.

Eddie took a deep, turning into Loch Nora. He knew that he should have called beforehand, but it was too late to turn around now. The trailer park was on the complete opposite side of town, and Eddie wasn’t going to waste his gas for a ‘joy-ride’. He’d just pop in for a minute, get a scope of Tony (if he was there), find an excuse, and then book it into next week. It was a solid plan in Eddie’s mind.

He tapped his fingers nervously against his steering wheel, nodding his head to the White Lion song he was listening to, trying to gain some confidence. Eddie drove down the neighborhood, cursing whatever company for the layout of the houses. He wished they were positioned closer together like Mike or Dustin’s neighborhoods. Loch Nora was the rich neighborhood, however, and everyone was entitled to an insane amount of untouched acreage that blended into the surrounding forest.

Steve’s house came into view as he turned around a corner, and Eddie stiffened. He pulled into the driveway, silently admiring the car that sat next to Steve’s beamer. He shook his head, shifting the van into park and turning the engine off.

“Alright, Eddie, you can do this. It’s just another dude,” he mumbled, trying to hype himself up as his nerves crawled across his skin. He waved his hands, trying to physically shake his nerves away. He cursed under his breath, mumbling a silent, “Screw it.”

He moved out of the car, accidentally slamming the door shut, and headed to the porch, pressing on the doorbell, hearing it sound inside of the house. He bounced on the balls of his feet, hoping that Steve was the one, not Tony because Eddie was sure he’d stutter something stupid and runoff. Running away was something Eddie didn’t want to do, especially after he told himself he wouldn’t do that anymore, especially after Chrissy.

The door flung open, startling Eddie. An older woman glared at him, and Eddie flushed looking up at the light. She was a bit indecent, and Eddie was nothing but a gentleman. Her shirt was unbuttoned and Eddie didn’t stare long enough to know if she even had a bra on, but he knew that she didn’t have pants on.

“Ah, sorry, I can come back another time. I was, uh, looking for Steve,” Eddie stumbled over his words.

“You came at a horrible time,” the woman groaned.

Eddie rubbed the back of his hand, not sparing her even a glance. He mentally hoped that Steve wasn’t sleeping with her because then that meant he was reading everything wrong and crushing on a straight guy hurt worse than anything else. “I assumed so…”

“Huh?”

“You’re, um…”

“Oh,” the woman said, before laughing. “Don’t be such a prude and come in. Steph and I are nursing a major hangover so keep your voice down. Come on it, uh, wait what was your name?”

“Eddie,” he said, hesitantly looking at her. “Eddie Munson.”

“Munson?” the woman hummed. “You wouldn’t happen to be related to Wayne, would you?”

Eddie blinked, slowly nodding. “Yeah, he’s my uncle.”

A soft hum came from the woman, “I see the resemblance. Wayne and I used to be friends once upon a time ago.”

“Oh, in high school or something?” Eddie asked.

“Or something,” she grinned, a mischievous look on her face. “I’m Tony, Steph’s mom.”

Eddie stared at her for a long moment before a sudden wave of relief washed over him. He had been worried over nothing. He had been jealous of Steve’s mother of all people — that wasn’t embarrassing at all.

“Oh,” Eddie mumbled. “You’re Steve’s mom.”

Tony tilted her head, smiling curiously, “Well, who did you think I was?”

Eddie blushed, “Uh, no one?”

“You’re cute,” Tony laughed, waving him into the house. “Come on, it’s chilly outside.”

Eddie nodded dumbly, following her.

“Steph!” Tony called out. “Hai un visitatore!”

“Is that Italian?” Eddie asked, easily picking out the language. He had heard it several times. Wayne owned several different opera records and listened to them occasionally, especially if he was around time for a holiday.

Tony looked at him and nodded, “Indeed it is. How’d you know?”

“I listen to my uncle’s opera records from time to time with him, picked up a few words here and there,” Eddie explained.

“Oh, does he now?” Tony mused, smirking. “You know the artist that he listens to?”

Eddie thought for a moment, pausing as he heard stomping on the floor above him. He figured Steve was forcing himself out of bed. He turned his attention back to Tony. “I think the last name was Berlusconi or something like that.”

“Berlusconi?” Steve’s voice echoed as he came down the stairs looking like a literal hot mess. He glanced toward his mother. “Isn’t that your maiden name?”

“Sure is, cucciolo,” Tony nodded.

It took a minute to fully process what Tony had said. “Wait a minute…”

“What’s happening?” Steve asked, confused.

Tony looked at him, “Your friend here is connecting the dots that your gorgeous mother has enraptured the heart of his uncle with my angelic singing.”

“Dimmi che non sei andato a letto con suo zio, mamma!” Steve exclaimed.

Eddie stared at Steve, mouth opened in shock. Screw learning that his mom was a famous opera singer that his Uncle Wayne was armored with. Steve speaking Italian was the hottest thing on Earth and Eddie wanted Steve to whisper sweet nothings to him in a language he didn’t even understand — shit, maybe Buckley could teach him a few phrases just so he could get a rise out of Steve.

“It was only once!” Tony exclaimed, grinning widely. “Years ago. I promise! The ship has sailed long ago.”

Steve gave a nod. “Good,” he said before turning his attention to Eddie. “Did we have something planned today? If so, I totally forgot, and I’m sorry.”

Eddie shook his head, blinking. “Uh,” he said dumbly. “Sorry, there’s a lot to unpack here, man.”

A soft laugh escaped Steve, “Do you need a minute?”

“Just, let me get this straight —”

Tony snorted, “Please, there’s nothing straight in this household.”

Eddie froze, eyes wide as he looked at Tony.

“Mamma!” Steve exclaimed.

“What?” Tony asked. “It’s true! I like dick, you like dick. I like boobies, you like boobies!”

“Stop saying boobies!” Steve cried, covering his red face.

Eddie was dreaming. He was sure he was dreaming and he was going to wake up at any given moment and curse the god he didn’t believe in because there was no way Steve Harrington’s mother just openly admitted that she was queer in front of a stranger she had never met and outed her son along with her little announcement.

“Boobies, Steph! Boobies!”

“You’re both…?”

Tony looked at Eddie, eyebrows raised. “What? Do you have a problem? Because I can introduce you to Winnie. I’m sure she’d be happy to meet you.”

Eddie gulped. “Nope, nope! No problem. I have no right to judge, kinda be counterproductive and all that jazz. Wait — who’s Winnie?”

Steve mumbled something under his breath, rubbing his face. “Winnie is the name of my mother’s shotgun.”

“Oh,” Eddie gulped.

Tony smiled, reaching and patting his back. “There’s no problem, though, so you won’t meet Winnie. Yet.”

“Yet!?” Eddie squeaked out.

Tony took a step closer to him, giving him a sweet smile. “Hurt my cucciolo and I’ll make sure the first thing I shoot is your heart.”

“Mom, leave him alone,” Steve said, coming further down the stairs and grabbing Eddie’s hand. “Save Winnie for Dick.”

Tony hummed, a content look forming on her face. “You think I could get away with shooting Dick?” she asked as Steve started to drag Eddie up the stairs.

“You might go to jail.”

“I have a private jet. I’ll be out of America before they even find the body!”

Steve shook his head, “Jesus Christ.”

Eddie could hear Tony laugh as he and Steve disappeared to the second floor where Steve brought him to his room. He took a moment to notice that Steve’s cheeks were flushed, and Eddie didn’t know if it was from his hangover or the conversation that just transpired.

“So, your mom.”

“That was not how I wanted the two of you to meet,” Steve mumbled, letting go of Eddie’s hand and flopping onto his bed. “I had this whole thing planned and, well,” Steve lifted his hand and waved it around lazily.

“I don’t know how any other way would not have ended in me being threatened by your mother,” Eddie joked. “You didn’t tell me your mom was famous.”

Steve shrugged, turning to lie on his back. “Never came up. Plus, it’s not like anyone would actually know who she is. She’s an opera singer, not a rock star. Not for the lack of trying, though.”

“Oh? She try and become a rockstar?”

“Nah, but she’s obsessed with Twisted Sisters and W.A.S.P,” Steve told him. “Oh, and Mötley Crüe. We both like them.”

Eddie stared at Steve like he grew two heads. “Dude, are you trying to make me fall in love with you? You can’t go around talking about music like that and not expect me to jump you.”

Steve’s face grew red. “Shut up,” he mumbled, covering his face with his hands. “You’re just saying that because you get a raging hard-on from anything metal.”

“Nope, I just get a raging hard-on from anything Steve Harrington likes. It’s just a little bonus if I also like it,” Eddie blurted out, before pausing. “Actually, ignore what I just said.”

Steve looked at him, before sitting up slowly. “Did you just admit to having a crush on me in like the crude way possible?”

Eddie blushed, his voice raising, “Maybe?”

Steve laughed, “You’re so fucking weird, man.”

“Is that good or bad because my heart’s kinda on the line here, dude?”

Steve shifted, pushing himself off the bed, and walking where Eddie was awkwardly standing. “Anche tu mi piaci, tesoro,” Steve said.

Eddie stared, “I have no idea what you just said, but that was like, really hot.”

Steve gave an unattractive snort before laughing loudly. “I said, I like you too, Honey.”

“Oh,” Eddie said. “Oh, shit! Dude, you like me!”

“Mhm, we’ve established that, now are you going to stop being adorable and kiss me?”

Eddie thanked his paranoia and jealousy for making him get off his ass and drive to Loch Nora because there was no way that he was going to make Steve ask twice.

Chapter Text

When Antonia Harrington arrived in Hawkins, Steve had not been well prepared. She showed up at the moments when Steve least expected her to. He should have expected his mother’s visits, but it was hard to pinpoint when she was arriving in town. Sometimes Tony would call; other times, she showed up at the house, wheeling in an obscene amount of suitcases and carrying large bags with expensive brand names stamped on the side.

Steve adored his mother, he did, but she was a lot to handle, and Steve wondered if he gained his semi-level headiness from his birth father. He couldn’t blame his mother for her habits, though, and he never criticized her for having them. Steve knew how hard his mother worked and how she had to make herself into the woman she was. He knew it wasn’t easy for her, dealing with his stepfather. Richard Harrington wanted a housewife, someone he could easily forget about on his endless business trips. Tony was not that type of woman, and Tony had more or less used Richard Harrington for a free ride to American citizenship.

Tony didn’t need to marry Richard — she could have easily obtained a visa, but she liked to do things the easy way, and as she told Steve: ‘It was a rush of the moment.’ Tony regretted one, especially since Richard was more of an asshole than he let on. That’s why Tony made Steve promise he would never go to Vegas, even if his best friend were getting married. Vegas led to bad decisions that accidentally trap you in a twenty-year loveless marriage. Oh, and a very aggressive phone call from Nonna. No one wanted an angry call from Nonna.

Thankfully for Richard, he released that he couldn’t keep Tony held down and stopped bothering with her. Steve had watched from day one how his mother and stepfather spent explicit time with other people. It never bothered Steve any. He never liked Richard, and in return, Richard never liked him. There were times that Richard tried to act like Steve’s father, significantly when he ‘cut him off’ and made him work at the mall. All Richard did was freeze Steve’s debit card, which his mother unfroze easily when the next 48 hours. Steve kept the job since it gave him something to do besides being stuck home alone.

He also met Robin, which was the only reason he was grateful for his stepfather’s threats.

Either way, Tony was in Hawkins for at least another two days, and Steve had learned a lesson throughout his life. Never leave Antonia Berlusconi alone in an empty house. It was a cause for destruction. Steve was sure Tony almost burned the house down once, and he was convinced that there were at least two times that there was a stripper in the place — not that Steve knew that at the time. Steve knew better than to leave his mother alone, and there was only one thing he could do: drag Tony along for his weekend outing to the Byers-Hopper household.

“You have to behave,” Steve said.

Tony glanced over at him, “What do you mean? I’m always on my best behavior!”

“You are not,” Steve said. “You don’t have a filter, and there will be children. I don’t want to drag you home because you decided to make a scene.”

The older woman snorted, “Jesus Christ, you’d think I was the child.”

Steve tossed a glare her way, “You are! You’ve already met Robin, Dustin, Mike, Eddie, and Hop. You haven’t met Will, Jane, Max, Lucas, Jonathan, Nancy, or Joyce. I don’t know if Murray will be there, but I don’t think he matters too much.”

“Apetta un minuto,” Tony spoke up, holding her hand in the air. “Nancy and Jonathan?”

“Yes?” Steve asked, confused.

“Your ex-girlfriend and the boy she cheated on you with?” Tony asked.

Steve rolled his eyes, “That was years ago. It’s all in the past, plus I’m with Eddie now.”

Tony sighed, frustrated, “Amore, that isn’t the point. How can I be nice to Nancy after she broke your heart? You called me crying. I even canceled my shows to make sure you were alright!”

“Momma,” Steve sighed. “I know it’s hard, but Nancy and I worked everything out. It’s done and over with, and we’ve let bygones be bygones. I’m happier now, and so is she. I’m serious, though; please be on your best behavior.”

Tony gave him a soft look, “Certo, Steph.”

Steve turned into the long driveway that led toward the cabin. “Grazie.”

“Now, Will is the young boy with the bad haircut, but he likes to paint,” Tony asked. “Max is the girl with the fiery hair with a personality to match, and a person whom I should not befriend because the world will burn down?”

Steve nodded, “Yes. You can be nice to Max and make conversation, but if my car disappears at any point during the night, I will blame you.”

“I know better than to let a 14 drive!”

“You made me drive you to the liquor store when I was 12. I nearly crashed into a tree,” Steve said blandly.

“Well, you’re a better driver because of it. Now, Lucas is the one that idolizes you?”

Steve’s cheeks warmed, “He does not.”

“Sounds like he does, considering you always tell me you’re helping him practice. Can’t forget that you helped him train so he would make the basketball team,” Tony smiled. “Now, Jane is Hop’s daughter?”

“Mhm,” Steve said. “Watch what you say around her. She doesn’t understand social cues very well, and Hopper is pretty overprotective of her. Jane’s in the teen rebellion stage, where she’s starting to do whatever it takes to push Hopper’s buttons. It’s best for everyone if you don’t egg either of them on. Joyce is Will and Jonathan’s mom.”

“I know who Joyce is,” Tony said. “I don’t know her personality, but I’ve heard stories from your father. She was a bit of an outlier in school — a troublemaker.”

Steve gave her a long look, “There’s no way Joyce Byers was a troublemaker.”

Tony shrugged, “I only know what I heard from Dick. She punched him in the face pretty well. I should thank her for that. Maybe slide some cash her way to see if she wants to punch him again.”

“I’d like to see that,” Steve grinned. He’d paid to see anyone, especially a woman, give Richard what he deserved. “Maybe you can team up and castrate him.”

“No, I already have that planned with Darcy.”

“Darcy? Dick’s secretary?”

Tony nodded, “For now, I’ve just been sending her laxatives to put in his coffee. Castration is messy work, but it wouldn’t be fair to us women if we didn’t make him suffer a bit. From what Darcy told me, Richard’s married to his toilet now.”

“Jesus Christ.”

Steve pulled up next to the cabin, parking behind Joyce’s car. “Best behavior.”

“Whatever, Mom,” Tony rolled her eyes. She pulled down the sun visor, opening up the small mirror. “Okay, I’m ready. Let’s go meet all your little friends.”

Steve had a feeling that Tony was going to be a handful, and he instantly regretted his decision to bring her. He could have handled the house burning down or strippers invading the home. Insurance existed for a reason, but maybe not for the strippers. Steve only hoped that this outing didn’t go up in flames.

He shut the engine of his car, pushed the door open, and stepped out. Steve waited for his mom to step out before locking his door and heading to the door, no bothering with knocking. Several people were spread across the living room.

“Hey guys, sorry I’m late. I was waiting on my mom to finish getting ready,” Steve said, stepping inside.

Tony was right behind him, “Please if anyone was waiting, it was me. You have the hair obsession.”

Steve shot her a glare, “I do not.”

“Honey, your hair used to be as hard as a rock with how much hairspray you used to put inside it,” Tony said. “I’m glad you learned your lesson because I would have never had the heart to tell you how bad your hair looked.”

Steve reached up to touch his hair, slightly offended, ignoring the eyes on him and his mother. “Was it that bad?” he asked.

“Mmm,” Tony pursed her lips. “Uncle Franco would be disappointed.”

“And you never told me?”

“You would have ignored me either way!”

“Not if my hair looked bad!”

Jonathan cut through the conversation, “Uh, this is your mom?”

Steve glanced over and remembered they had an audience. “Oh yeah, sorry. Everyone, this is my mom, Tony. Mom, uh, everyone.”

Robin lifted her hand, waving, “Tony!”

Tony lit up, “Robin! My favorite child!”

Steve chuckled, watching as his mother ran over to Robin, wrapping her in a tight hug. The two started to chat, so Steve moved to sit next to Jonathan.

“Where’s everyone else at?” Steve asked.

“Outback. Hop’s grilling some burgers,” Jonathan said. He was silent for a moment. “I didn’t think you had a mom, to be honest.”

Steve frowned, “Dude, everyone has a mom? How else would I have been born?”

Jonathan gave him a long look before chuckling, “Sure, Steve.”

“What?”

“Nothing, man,” Jonathan shook his head. “She knows about everything?”

Steve shook his head. “Nope. Better if she doesn’t get involved.”

“Yeah, I get that. No one else needs to be involved with our mess,” the other boy nodded.

“Ah, don’t misunderstand,” Steve laughed. “I’m sure if she were involved with everything, she would have killed Vecna with her sharp tongue. I’m more so protecting the government from her wrath. She’d probably try and start another French Revolution, but just because I got hurt.”

Jonathan snorted, “Moms are like that.”

Steve nodded, “Yeah, they are.”

“Oh, Steph!” Tony called, mainly gaining everyone’s attention in the room. “Tell Robin about our trip to Paris!”

Steve frowned, “I was like three. I don’t remember what happened.”

“You’ve been to Paris?” Max asked, her voice incredulous as she walked into the room. “God, you are a rich kid.”

Tony looked at Max, “Oh, trips to Paris are inexpensive!”

“Not to people who live in America. Plane tickets are ten times more expensive than ones for a train,” Steve said.

Tony paused, “You’re right. Plus, inflation is killing us all, so it’s probably way more expensive than it was then, but I don’t know, I barely pay attention to price tags anymore.”

Max shot Steve a long look as if she couldn’t believe this was Steve’s mother. Steve just shrugged at the redhead.

“Forget the prices; tell me what happened in Paris!” Robin exclaimed.

“Let’s see,” Tony hummed. “Oh yes! Mateo — my late husband, Steve’s father — and I decided to take a short vacation to Paris for the weekend. Mateo had a sister studying there as an apprentice for fashion design—”

“Rosie?” Steve popped up. “Or was it Edith? No, it was Lena, wasn’t it?”

Tony nodded, “Yes, your Aunt Lena was studying in Paris. She’s moved to London now, working as an assistant for some designer at Gucci.”

“Gucci?” Lucas exclaimed. “Your aunt works at Gucci?”

“Of course, that’s what you care about,” Max rolled her eyes, moving to sit next to him.

“Either way, I’m getting ahead of myself. We were staying with Lena in her little studio apartment. This was before I started pursuing my dreams. I was dedicating my time to raising Steph at the time. The only time I worked was helping my mother tailor clothes, which was a pain in my ass. I’m not good with a needle and thread, you know?

Mateo had been to Paris countless times before, so he had a giant itinerary planned out. We spent the first day and most of the second taking Steph to places like toy stores, museums, and a few shows. We made sure Steph had fun, hoping we would tire him out. Mateo and I were going to head to this lovely restaurant near the Eiffel Tower. It was supposed to be a romantic night out, except mid-way through the dinner, and the restaurant gets a panicked call from Lena.”

“What happened?” Robin asked.

Steve groaned. He remembered this story. It wasn’t the brightest moment in his life, but he was three and didn’t know any better. He rubbed his face, watching as more people filled the room. Great, another embarrassing moment for everyone to know.

He felt a hand on his shoulder and saw Eddie smiling. He watched as Eddie sat by his feet. “Your mom embarrassing you?”

“Shut up,” Steve huffed.

“A waiter comes up to our table and tell’s us that we have an emergency call. All I could think was, what in the world is going on? I get up with Mateo, and we go to the front. As soon as I get on the phone, Lena is sobbing in my ear, apologizing for her head off, and I’m standing there thinking cosa sta succedendo?” Tony exclaimed.

“What’s happening?” Steve spoke, translating for everyone.

“Thank you,” Tony nodded before going on. “It takes Mateo and I nearly ten minutes to calm her down, but as soon as we do, she tells us that Steph has disappeared. She checked the house around the street. There’s no sight of Steph.”

“Where was he?” Eddie asked, grinning.

“I’m getting there, Tesoro,” Tony smiled back at him. “We immediately pay our bill and head to Lena’s place. I’m panicking because my son is missing in Paris of all places. Mateo is over it because this isn’t the first time Steph has disappeared into thin air. Steph’s always been scattered-brained and easily distracted. Losing him at home is easy because everyone knows everyone. Paris is a new ballpark that brings many horrors. We spent three days in Paris trying to find him with the help of law enforcement.”

“No!” Robin gasped. “He was gone for three days?”

“Yes!” Tony laughed. “Imagine my absolute outrage when I get a call from not the police detective, but my mother, asking me why my son was wandering around the train station, showing tourists directions!”

“What the hell?” Eddie laughed. “How’d he get back home?”

“He sneaked onto the train! I don’t know how he knew which train, seeing he didn’t speak French or English then! We hadn’t started teaching him English yet, so I can imagine him going up to someone and just saying Tuscany, Tuscany! Or Italy!” Tony laughed. “I was relieved that no one kidnapped my baby, or else I would have gone insane! Though, I feared more of what Mateo would have done.”

“What would he have done?”

“Mateo was a pretty well-known lawyer in Tuscany,” Tony explained. “He had a lot of connections. I’m sure he’d probably find a way to legalize murder if Steph had been kidnapped temporarily.”

Robin whistled, “Holy shit.”

“Wait,” Jonathan said. “If I’m right, you guys aren’t from America?”

“Who’s not from America?” Joyce asked as she walked into the living room with Hopper, Nancy, Murray, and the other kids trailing behind her.

“Steve and his mom,” Jonathan answered.

Nancy frowned, “Really?”

Tony smiled, giving them a small wave. “I was telling them a story about Steph, but to answer your question, neither Steph nor I are from America. I married my current husband when Steph was seven, two years after Mateo passed away. I gained my citizenship, and after much convincing, Dick agreed to adopt Steph so he could become a citizen,” Tony explained.

Steve nodded, “That just about covers it.”

“Ironically, despite being married to Dick, I spent much of my time in Europe. That was after Steve entered the seventh grade,” Tony explained. “And my career was taking off, so most of my work called for me to be in Europe. America wasn’t making me much money.”

“Oh, what do you do for work?” Joyce asked, taking a seat.

“She’s an opera singer,” Eddie answered, leaning against Steve’s leg. “Uncle Wayne’s smitten with her.”

“That’s amazing!” Joyce smiled. “I’d love to hear it sometime!”

Tony grinned, “Stop by the house sometime this week; I’ll give you a copy of my album.”

“Does that mean Steve can sing?” Max pipped up.

Tony glanced towards Steve, and Steve, in return, stiffened. “No way,” he said. “You get rid of whatever idea is running through your head!”

“Steph,” Tony started. “You haven’t let your friends hear you sing? Not ever during the holidays?”

Steve rolled his eyes, “Yeah, and I’m not starting now.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m still caught up on the fact that Steve isn’t American!” Dustin exclaimed.

“Chill out, little dude. Not everything is about you,” Eddie joked, rolling his eyes.

“What— Eddie!”