Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It’s a busy week for them. They were already on tour, but it’s also just been announced that they’ve been nominated for the Grammys for the first time. And not just for one, but for both best rock song and best new artist. This was their second interview of the day. The host has just finished asking them about the chord progressions in their nominated song, ending a series of questions that had Eddie feeling like a serious artist. “So,” Her immaculate raspberry-coloured lips smiled over at them. “Since you’re Grammy-nominated artists now, I think we all know that’s going to open you up to a lot more people. Any celebrity crushes you’re hoping to meet?”

The guys all shot-pointed looks at Eddie, Jeff being the first to say “Eddie has a huge crush on this one NHL goalie.”

Eddie felt his face slide into a pleased grin as he nodded. “Steve Harrington. Toronto Maple Leafs.”

The interviewer's eyebrow crooked. “Oh yeah? You a big hockey fan?”

His mouth opened but Gareth beat him to it “No, you don’t understand. He had never watched a full game before this in his whole life. The only things he knows about hockey is what has to do with Steve.”

“Eddie, what’s a breakaway?” Jeff asks

Eddie shrugged. “No clue, dude.” Genuinely having no idea what that meant.

“How many shutouts did Steve have last season?”

With no hesitation, “Five.”

Grant snorted “I walked in on him having a bubble bath and watching a YouTube compilation of funny Leafs moments.”

Eddie cackled, flashing back to many of Steve’s bitchy one-liners in the compilations he’d watched. “Alright, alright. You didn’t have to tell them about the bubble baths. But yes, I’m obsessed with this man. He’s also one of the first NHL players to ever come out, which is really cool. His butterfly is insane, even his helmet hair is gorgeous, and he seems very kind and does a bunch of charity and shit. Who could blame me?”

His bandmates nodded. “We really can’t. This guy is beautiful,” said Jeff.

The host recovered from her laugh at the honest confessions. “Eddie if Steve sees this, is there anything you’d want to say to him?”

Eddie looked directly into the camera. “Steve, our children could be dual citizens. If it matters to you, I will try to figure out what a breakaway is.”

The thing about doing all of these interviews is that you forget about most of them. By the time he fell asleep that night, highlights of that night's game on, the questions they’d been asked that day had fully left his mind. He talked about Steve so often with his band that the moments all blurred together.

****************************

The door to the changeroom blew open, Dustin’s wide eyes immediately targeted him “Steve!”

Steve rolled his eyes, undoing one of the straps on his goalie pads. “We’ve discussed this, Dustin. Barging in on dudes changing is rude. You can wait until we come out.”

Dustin groaned as he stormed over. “Sorry fellow dudes but this is urgent.”

Mitch Marner could be heard from the other time with a nonchalant “It’s okay, Dustin!”

Steve rolls his eyes even more dramatically. “Don’t encourage him.” He called over. He returned his gaze to the shorter man. “So? What’s so important?

“You will thank me for this later. You are required to make me your best man for this.”

“Robin is best man.”

Dustin groaned with even more intensity. “I’ll deserve the position once you hear this, but I will accept officiant.” Steve didn’t let on that this was already his plan. “Eddie Munson has a crush on you.”

Steve squinted. “Who is that?”

Dustin gave him his patented ‘really?’ look. “Lead singer of my favourite band.” Nothing. Dustin sighed. “I showed you a video where he was performing shirtless last month. You called him, and I quote, a ‘downright hottie Lamottie with a swimmers body of a man.’”

Steve gave a drawn-out “ah” in acknowledgment. That was a beautiful man. And if he remembered right, while it wasn’t his usual thing he’d quite liked their sound. “His voice was amazing.”

“Yeah. And he’s super into you. Honestly, if it was anyone else it would be like, a delusional crazy level of obsession. But this is Eddie Munson.”

Steve squinted. “Is he even nice? What if he’s an asshole rockstar type?”

Dustin put on his ‘Steve, I’m an expert. This is what’s best’ voice which was a tone he took on often. “His band has done charity Dungeons and Dragons livestreams and shit. Dungeons and dragons, Steve! For charity! The first big thing he did when they made it was buy the uncle who raised him a house. And later I’m going to show you a Buzzfeed puppy interview they did where Eddie cries because they were about to go on tour so it wasn’t a responsible time to adopt a puppy. You have the chance to make Eddie Munson my brother-in-law. You can’t ruin that for me.”

Once Dustin showed him the clips as he took off the rest of his pads, he decided that he was going to take the task very seriously. Which is why, in his post-game interview after he gave a few comments on their 2-1 win, he interrupted “Something else I just want to say.” He paused. “Grammy nominated artist Eddie Munson, a breakaway is when there are no defenders between a player with a puck and the goalie he’s skating towards. It does make sense that you don’t know what they are because my team is amazing so I don’t have to deal with them often. I also think it’s pretty cool that our children could be dual citizens. Check your dms later.” His attention returned to the group of people in front of him. “Thank you, have a good night.”

*****************

Eddie’s eyes drooped as he watched Steve’s final save of the game. But no, there was no way he was drifting off until he got to see Steve’s post-game interview. It started off pretty standard, mostly about one of his more impressive saves of the night. But then, Steve shifted. His cool confidence was still there but it was also…something else in his eyes. Eddie didn’t know him enough to know exactly what it was, but it felt enticing.

The second he started speaking again, Eddie shot back to full consciousness. The explanation of a breakaway slipped right passed him, though he’d be sure to check it later. He very understandably was focused on the part that Steve was hitting on him. Hitting on him back, actually. Everything he’d said in those two minutes, ten hours ago flooded back. He immediately switched over to insta, for which he’d turned off notifications ages ago. And yup. Sure enough, he found out two things very quickly. One, Steve Harrington had followed him 45 minutes ago, which would have been almost immediately after he’d left the arena. And two, Steve had, in fact, dmed him.

‘Learn a little about hockey for me, and I’ll learn about DnD and metal for you. My younger brother told me that your tour schedule has you in Toronto next week. My game schedule has me here, too. If you’ll let me, I’d love to take you somewhere nice and get to know you. Are you free the afternoon before we both work?’

His heart had surely stopped beating. He was dead. This was heaven. Or perhaps it was a more romantic version of his usual Steve-oriented dreams. He pinched himself. Okay. It hurt. This is real. His now thudded in his ears. “Holy shit” he whispered to himself.

He had been devastated when he had learned their show was on the same night as Steve’s game. He had been hoping to see the man play in person. But this? This was way better. His fingers shook as he typed back his reply.

‘Technically I’m supposed to do some interviews in the afternoon with my band, but I think people will understand.’

There was no way he’d be able to get a wink of sleep that night.

Chapter Text

He’d been in Toronto once before. The last time was a year and a half ago for a show in a 500-person venue. He’d loved the energy of the city, the little of it they’d had the time to experience. This time the venue was bigger by a few thousand seats and they had a full two days to enjoy it.

Their bus pulled in only two hours ago. And while the guys were getting dressed for the first of a set of radio interviews, Eddie had something else entirely to prepare for. Their manager was initially apprehensive about letting him skip. But once he explained that it was in the pursuit of true love (and Jeff pointed out that not only could this help them bring in a whole bunch of Canadian fans since Steve was a well-known player) he had permission just this once.

So there he was, leaning against the restaurant wall where he was set to meet Steve. His breath froze into whisps as the air bit the tips of his ears. Still, he hesitated to walk in the door. This is weird, isn’t it? He was publicly an absolute thirsty freak about this man. The guy is most likely at best a kind man humouring him, and at worst an asshole joke whose brain didn’t develop past the first time someone told him he could skate well.

Still, he opened the door and walked up to the host stand. The place smelled strongly of fresh bread and garlic. His mouth was watering before he’d made it to the table. It was in a corner of the restaurant. Private without being an entirely closed-off room. Though he still couldn’t wrap his mind around the idea that some people would consider him famous, Steve was a different story. Especially here in the middle of the season. He completely understood why Steve might want a little privacy, even he could appreciate it.

He’d only managed to take a bite of the still-warm bread brought to the table as he sat before Steve rounded the corner. He couldn’t help but stare, not with the way his hair bounced with each step. He was so thankful their coats were taken at the door, allowing him to see the sleeves of Steve’s muscular shoulders as they swung with a confidence. And if he wasn’t mistaken, the man’s smile began when his eyes met with Eddie’s.

He stood on impulse. “Hey, man.” He greeted, trying to sound more casual and cool than he was capable of being.

Still, he certainly wasn’t expecting Steve to go right in for the hug. Fuck. He even smells good. He was sure Steve could feel his heart thumping “Hey, it’s really nice to meet you.”

His cheeks pinked up even more than they had outside. They took a seat, Steve gesturing to the piece of buttered bread on Eddie’s plate. “The bread is so fucking good, right?” He grabbed his own piece from the basket. “Oh fuck yeah, it’s still warm!”

Eddie giggled at his enthusiasm, picking his piece back up. There was a reason the guy was such a primary feature on ‘funniest moments’ compilations of the team.  “Yeah, it’s really good.” He took a bite, swallowing as Steve buttered his piece. “So you’ve been here before.”

Steve nodded as he chewed, swallowing before speaking. “Yeah, a few times.” He laughed breathlessly. “You, uh, you mentioned in an interview that you liked Italian food. So, uh” His lip quirked back “It felt like a good bet.”

Eddie’s eyebrows were half up to his hairline. “You’ve watched other interviews?”

Those beautiful shoulders shrugged, “How could I not. I had to catch up. Get on your level.” Eddie snorted, appreciating the good-natured teasing for what it was. He was already feeling his apprehension slip away. Clearly, he hadn’t freaked the guy out.  “My, uh, little brother. He’s actually a big fan. He showed me that original clip and your puppy interview. And I’m gonna be honest, the second I saw you with that little terrier I was charmed.”

He felt like a pubescent kid looking at Brendan Fraser as George of the Jungle for the first time. God. This man is even lovelier in real life. And though his sweet demeanor had mostly calmed him, there was still an itch at the back of his skull. “So, I’ve gotta know, why are you here? Why’d you reply to me at all? Cause I was all, you know, weird about you.”

Steve shrugged “Why wouldn’t I be here? I liked your honesty, and it didn’t hurt that you’re also very hot. Dustin insisted you had to be a good guy. I was in before he even showed me the puppy interview.” He smiled as if picturing Eddie holding one of those little terriers. “You shot your shot publicly, it was only fair I did, too. That was definitely a little impulsive. But everything I’ve seen and heard from you since, I’ve liked. So, of course I’m here.”

Getting past the parasocial element was easy enough, seeing as they were at about the same level. Steve opened up the moment Eddie asked about his little brother. After their orders had been taken, he explained that they weren’t technically related, they’d met when Steve was on the way to practice. He’d driven past a kid crying, and obviously stopped.

Turns out, the kid accidentally let the cat out. Steve sacrificed his tuna sandwich to lure the little guy back. The coach was pissed he was twenty minutes late for practice, but Mews was home safe before his mom even had a clue he was gone. And Steve had gained a bond that was unshakeable a decade later.

“Now his mom, Claudia, is basically one of my defacto parents.”

“One of?”

Steve nodded. Yeah, Joyce and Hop. They’re actually parents of a couple other kids in Dustin’s friend group.” Eddie was fully aware that Dustin was in his twenties, definitely not a kid. This man is adorable as shit. “To be fair, they defacto adopt every mildly pathetic young person they meet.”

Eddie waggled his eyebrows “Oh so they’re gonna love me.” He joked self-deprecating.

Steve stared directly into him, knocking his breath out. “They will.”

Eddie licked his lips, blush extending even further. He had read a few articles about Steve’s parents, about what they’d done during his rookie year. He hadn’t delved too deep into it, feeling it was too personal to read despite being public record.  “I, uh, I get it. My uncle Wayne took me in when I was pretty young. Best thing to ever happen to me.”

“That’s what Buzzcut Boy is about, right?” Steve asked softly. Eddie nodded even softer, smiling fondly. It was probably his favourite of the non-singles on the album. In ways he referred to shallowly in interviews, it was about what happened in the time after his dad buzzed his hair short until it grew long enough to run his fingers through. It was the process of finally feeling wanted.

Steve’s lip quirked up. “I really liked that one. I’ll be honest, your music isn’t really what I usually go for.” Eddie nodded, understanding completely. In a TikTok interview, he was the team member who seemed the most enthusiastic when asked about his favourite Taylor Swift song. He said he couldn’t pick between I Do It With A Broken Heart, Delicate, and You’re on Your Own, Kid. “But I can definitely get into it. Especially seeing how you are on stage. I’m glad our schedules lined up enough for this, but damn I’m pissed I can’t see you perform live yet.”

“Well,” He gave a cocky grin, one that would be at home as he portrayed a seductive NPC, “Could always give you a private show later tonight?”

Their pasta arrived just in time to interrupt, Steve’s face flushed red as the sauce as he politely thanked the server. Once they were gone he cleared his throat. “Two dates in one day?”

The stable side of him that he’d uncovered in recent years told him to pass it off as a joke. The side of him enamored by this awfully sweet side said fuck it. “Steven I think it’s pretty obvious, I’m kind of sold. Is two dates in one day so crazy?”

Steve’s lip quirked up as he ran his fingers through his hair. “Alright. I’ll see you then.”

Steve was right, he loved the food. His spaghetti allo scoglio was absolutely perfect. The conversation drifted naturally, pauses not feeling awkward in the slightest.

“So are you gonna let me take you skating?”

Eddie snorted into a laugh. “Absolutely not. I trip over my own feet enough on regular land, I’m not adding ice into that while you skate circles around me.”

Steve scoffed. “What are you talking about? If I’m taking you skating, I’m not leaving your side. You’re not gonna have the chance to fall 'cause I’m gonna be holding on to you.”

He couldn’t be blamed for flashes of being held by Steve’s incredibly muscular arms and being pressed against his waist. “Alright, I’ve been persuaded. That can be our third date.”

He grinned. “Looking forward to it.”

Their plates were cleared, the cheque paid (Steve refused to let Eddie pay, insisting the Canadian should for sure pay the Canadian bill) and everything told them it was time to leave. Still, they stayed. There was still a full five minutes before Steve had to rush to the arena and Eddie soundcheck.

“Okay so like…You really didn’t know anything else about hockey?”

Eddie shrugged. “Honestly? Yeah. It’s not just hockey, to be fair. It’s all sports. I avoided athleticism at all costs.”

“Alright. Well, what do you think,” Steve paused while he came up with a question “A biscuit is?”

“Pre-game snacks?” Eddie threw out, knowing he was entirely wrong but not having a clue what could be right.

Steve snorted, eyes crinkling in such a pretty way. “It’s the puck. You know, they thing they shoot at me?”

Eddie rolled his eyes. “Well, I know that much.”

“What's a clapper?”

He squinted, searching his brain. “Is that the one where the stick hits the ice all loud and shit when they try to score?”

Steve lit up “Actually, yeah. It’s also called a slapshot.”

“I told you, if it’s to do with you, I’ve got a clue what’s going on. I have been looking into things a bit more since, you know. But I haven’t exactly had the time to really dig in.”

Steve smiled, leaning in across the table. “Don’t worry, since you only remember things that are related to me, I bet things will stick when I’m the one teaching you.”

Eddie grinned “Yeah, alright. You can tell me a few terms later. But like you said, you’re gonna have to learn a little about my shit, too.”

Steve rolled his eyes good-naturedly as he lifted his water glass to his lips, not yet drinking.  “Oh don’t even worry about that. I’ve been surrounded by kids obsessed with your nerd shit for years. I’ve got you, baby.” He took a sip and his eyes widened, swallowing quickly. “I don’t know why I just called you baby. I know I don’t know you like that yet.”

Eddie shrugged. “I don’t know, I think you can probably call me baby whenever you want.”

**************************

Traffic was insane leaving the rink. He shouldn’t be surprised, it was always jam-packed after a game. But this time, each minute trapped in the car felt like an hour. By the time he finally knocked at Eddie’s hotel room door, he felt like he was buzzing out of his skin, and not just from the adrenaline of their win.

Eddie opened the door, hair pulled up in a messy bun. It’s clear that all he’d done after he stepped off the stage was change, now in sweatpants and a ripped tank that was clearly a band t at some point. Eyeliner was smudged and faded around his eyes, Steve was sure he saw glitter in the dim lamplight. “Hey,” Eddie smiled. “Come on in.”

Steve grins. “Absolutely. But first,” Steve grasps the front of Eddie’s tank, pulling him in close “Been wanting to do this all day.” Eddie is the one to lean in the rest of the way, joining their lips together. Something settles in Steve’s chest as he crowds him against the door. He doesn’t stay long, no matter how the heat of Eddie’s body enchants him. He pulls back, smiling dopily. “Alright. Now come on, rockstar. I made some insane saves, you played a kickass show, and you promised me a private show.”

He strolls into the room, leaving Eddie against the door. He chuckles at the groan he hears from behind him. “Oh, big boy. If it’s a private show you want, it’s a private show you’ll get.”

*********************

“So the last time you were here, you were talking about a crush you had on a certain goalie.” The interviewer wore what looked to him like very nicely blended green eyeshadow.

“To be fair, I wasn’t even the one to bring it up.” Eddie pointed out, Jeff grinning beside him.

“Any updates on that?”

Eddie blushed. “Well, he’s still got the best flow in the game, and I stand by that.” He forced himself to not drift into daydreams about his immaculate hair. “But it turns out, being publicly so desperate for him went well for me. We, uh, we’ve been dating for a little while now. He’s turning me into a hockey expert, and he’s a level five paladin tiefling.”

“They’re actually so adorable, it’s disgusting.” Gareth rolls his eyes, smile betraying the faux annoyance.”

“If we’re not careful, half our next album is gonna be poetry about goalie pad stink.”

The boys cackle at the joke. Had he written a song about that exact topic? No, not unless you counted the drunken voice note he’d sent to Steve a few weeks back when they were apart for a full two weeks and Eddie missed him terribly but that smell remained.

“Alright, well, we want to see just how much Steve has taught you. So we’ve got a little hockey quiz for you.”

“Alright, I’m game.” He laughed, feeling overall pretty confident. Watching games from a booth with all the hockey wives explaining the game to him helped, but he was also absorbing via osmosis from Steve. If it’s happening on the ice, he knows about it.

“First question. Who is Wayne Gretzky?”

Eddie paused. “I have absolutely no idea.”