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In the past, Eddie’s favourite kind of night had always involved D&D, his guitar, and maybe even a trip to Indy. In this new world post-Upside Down? Eddie’s favourite kind of night was… this.
Steve had arrived a few hours ago, and after their customary beer and a pilfered movie from Family Video, Eddie had stretched out and dropped down, his head resting in the former-jock’s lap.
The first time it had happened, he’d been a little high and a lot drunker, but Steve had only laughed at him and started playing with his hair. He’d never blanched or acted weird afterward, so Eddie had daringly done it while sober.
Steve’s eyebrows had shot up, but he’d accepted it with barely any hesitation. Eddie had come to adore those moments: lying on Steve, the other boy’s fingers absently twirling around his curls as they chatted about their week, or whatever else came into their minds.
Eddie was very, very aware that the gesture was platonic—that he was being given the same no-boundaries access to touch that Robin received, but damn if he didn’t soak it up.
And the best part? He didn’t even have to pretend he wasn’t into it.
Steve had found out he was gay only a couple of weeks after he’d been released from hospital. He’d learned about Robin and they’d been excitedly sharing their mutual queerdom when the former jock had walked into the room.
Eddie was sure he’d gone fucking white, but Robin, sweet, glorious, wonderful Robin, had glared at Steve and said, ‘You better be just as good with Eddie as you are with me, dingus.’
To which Steve had merely frowned, looking hurt and said, ‘Of course, I would, Rob. What the hell?’
And that was when Eddie had learned that Steve Harrington, rather than being a homophobic asshole, was the sweetest and most supportive straight boy to ever exist.
So, yes, these were his absolute favourite nights: snuggling up to a cute boy and being petted like he was the guy’s girlfriend rather than just his touchy queer friend.
Tonight though? Well, it was a little less enjoyable—not that the touches weren’t still great, and Steve’s thighs weren’t still warm and strong, or his cologne sweet and addictive. Rather, it was the subject that was a bit of a downer.
Because Steve? Well, he’d been having a shit run, apparently. An (utterly incredulous to Eddie) slump.
“I just don’t think I’m attractive anymore,” Steve muttered, lips down-turned in a sad little pout.
Eddie raised his eyebrows. “You looking in a funhouse mirror lately instead of the fancy one in your bathroom?”
Steve rolled his eyes, but the depressed little furrow didn’t budge.
“I mean it, man. I’m just like, a dud now.”
It was Eddie’s turn to roll his eyes. “Oh please. I doubt there is a single straight girl in Hawkins who wouldn’t want you.”
“Yeah well, that’s the point: straight and single, they aren’t around, or not looking at me.”
“Well, maybe it’s because when they see you, you’re surrounded by a bunch of kids, or linking-arms with Robin. Not exactly screaming ‘single and available’.”
Steve shot him a brief glare. Eddie just stuck out his tongue. Steve rolled his eyes again, but a smile was twitching at his mouth.
“I’m not always around them.”
“Right, because then you’re around me, the murdering Freak of Hawkins.”
“You’re not a—”
“Murderer, blahblahblah, tell that to half the town.”
Steve’s scowl turned a little darker, and Eddie couldn’t resist lifting a hand and poking him right in the forehead, forcing the expression to smooth out. Steve grabbed his hand, yanking it away and looking unimpressed.
Eddie just grinned—feeling even more pleased with himself when, rather than let his hand go, Steve fiddled absently with one of his rings, then his fingers.
“It’s still so shit people think that,” Steve grumbled.
“Can’t win ‘em all, sweetheart,” Eddie replied. “But you’re changing more minds than you think, just by using that Harrington name on ‘em.” He fluttered his eyelashes obnoxiously. “My heeeero.”
Steve shook his head, but he was finally smiling. “At least the name is good for something, I guess.”
“And Eddie the Banished thanks you greatly for your services, Oh King of Kings.”
Unfortunately, his comment shot them right back to maudlin Steve.
“Not a King anymore, man. Told you, can’t score a date for fucking shit.”
“I thought that name came from you drinking kegs?”
Steve shook his head. “Not the point, Eds.”
Eddie sighed loudly. “Well, what do you want from me?”
“A little support would be nice.”
“Hey! I’m being supportive,” Eddie argued. “I, however, just think you are full of shit.”
“I’m not!” Steve argued, petulantly. “Girls are completely avoiding me, dude!” Eddie rolled his eyes. Steve just glared. “It’s true, Eddie!”
“Then I suppose it’s time you focused on the gay side!”
The second it was out of his mouth; Eddie almost choked on his own spit. Because he didn’t… talk about that kind of stuff with Steve.
He very determinedly put a line between the sand. He was gay, Steve was straight and never the twain shall meet.
But, instead of recoiling in horror or dropping Eddie’s hand where he was still playing with his rings, Steve just snorted.
“With my track record? Doubt there’d be many gay ones who would want me either.”
Eddie’s heart pounded, his eyes widening because…
Don’t be so sure.
You’re looking at one.
I would.
It was something that Eddie didn’t like to think about in the cold light of day—hell, even in the depths of night he didn’t like to admit it, but, well, it didn’t change the truth.
He liked Steve.
He liked him a whole fucking lot.
But Eddie knew his odds, and it was why he always kept his mouth shut, even around Robin. He’d talk about hot guys until the cows came home, but never about Steve. He didn’t even like to give himself ‘what if’s’—to look at the way Steve played with his rings and his hair and wonder ‘could he…?’
And while Eddie didn’t like to gamble, he did trust his gut, and it was telling him to take a chance—to make a comment that could change absolutely everything—and it was why he opened his mouth and blurted, “I would.”
Steve blinked, frowning and tilting his head in confusion. “Huh?”
Eddie wet his lips, his heart beginning to race as his skin felt alive—so aware of where they touched and how soft Steve’s fingers felt against him.
“I would,” he repeated, and then, even more daringly, “I’d date you.”
He swallowed and shifted his palm, slotting his fingers between Steve’s until they were holding hands.
He held those surprised hazel eyes and confessed, “I’d look at you, and treat you nice, take you out and… and love you. I’d do it, Steve.”
Steve’s lips parted and Eddie ducked his head, unable to hold the other boy’s gaze as the silence fell around them. His heart felt laid bare, open in a way he rarely allowed, but for this? For Steve?
Christ. He’d take the chance.
And after what felt like an eternity, Steve cleared his throat. Eddie shut his eyes, grimacing in preparation for the inevitable regret.
Only…
“Yeah, okay.”
Eddie didn’t compute the words at first—but when he did, his eyes snapped open and he looked up at Steve, shocked. Steve had a tentative smile and he gently squeezed Eddie’s hand.
“When do you wanna go out?”
Internally, Eddie flailed, his mind shrieking a whole bunch of things that didn’t make full sentences—but he managed to stumble out: “When…uh, whenever you want to, I’d um, be down for… well, uh, anytime?”
By the time he was done, Steve’s smile had become firmer and more amused.
“How about right now?”
“Now?”
“Sure. We could go out, get something to eat, watch a movie, come back here and, I dunno, do more of this? What do you think, Eds?”
Am I fucking dreaming?
“Yeah, that would be, uh.” He cleared his throat. “Pretty awesome.”
“Cool.” Steve squeezed his hand and regretfully let him go. “Then let’s go. There should still be some cool pictures showing.” His eyes twinkled teasingly. “You better treat me right though, man. I don’t get my shirt off without some effort.”
Eddie was old enough that he absolutely shouldn’t blush, and yet, he felt his cheeks warming embarrassingly fast at the idea of—Jesus H Christ—getting Steve shirtless and maybe… maybe making out with him?
Was that what his night was going to turn into? A date with Steve Harrington? Kissing Steve Harrington? God, he hoped so.
And to only aid with that plan, Eddie clambered off his friend, getting into a standing position only to thrust out his hand between them.
Steve raised his eyebrows, but Eddie quickly said, “Allow me to escort you to your chariot, my fine and handsome liege.”
Steve chuckled, but he took Eddie’s hand and allowed him to pull the former-jock up. They ended up toe-to-toe, but Steve didn’t shift away. Eddie swallowed, his heart racing as his gaze flicked unconsciously to the other boy’s mouth.
When he dragged his gaze back to Steve’s, his friend looked amused but also… interested, like actually, genuinely interested.
“How about you just call me Steve?” he murmured, seeming to sway even closer. “Or sweetheart. I like that one.”
Eddie swallowed hard. “I can do sweetheart.”
“Great.”
Steve stopped with their lips so close, Eddie’s eyelashes fluttered—but Steve pulled back. Eddie bit back on a sound of displeasure, but Steve squeezed his hand. This time, Eddie could read the promise in his gaze, and if Eddie knew anything about Steve, he kept his word.
“So, date?”
Eddie nodded. “Date. Yeah.”
He pulled in a deep breath, and tugged Steve toward the door to the trailer, their fingers still linked. He grabbed the door, planning to open it, when Steve said, “Eds?”
He turned. “Yeah—”
Soft lips brushed his in the sweetest, chaste little kiss. His eyes widened, and he didn’t even have time to close them before Steve pulled back. He smiled, and it was the brightest he’d seen all night.
“Didn’t want to wait all night,” he said, simply, shrugging absently. “Now, come on. I’m craving popcorn and I wanna sneak in holding your hand, so we gotta get good seats.”
Eddie laughed, he couldn’t help it—there was too much incredulity and joy in his chest.
“Christ, your first gay date and you’re already going to play with fire and hold my hand?”
He raised his eyebrows. “Got a problem with that, Munson?”
Eddie laughed again. “You kidding, sweetheart? My favourite Steve-filled night is getting unbelievably better. I’d say, I’m as far from having a problem as you could possibly get.”
“Oh, well good,” Steve said, looking pleased.
And well, Eddie could only let the other boy’s hand go to wrap an arm around his shoulders, pulling him into a close hug and revelling in the high of possibilities spreading out before them.
“Buckle up, Stevie baby,” Eddie said. “Popcorn is on the Freak, and so is this date. I’ll spend my fortune making you the happiest boy this side of Indiana.”
Steve laughed, and allowed Eddie to tug him out of the trailer, but as Eddie locked up he leant in close to sweetly whisper; “I’m already happy, Eddie.”
And in response to that? Eddie had no choice but to hug the other boy and spin him around in a circle. Steve’s joyful laughter rang out around the trailer park, and Eddie thought that in this new post-Upside Down world, he’d just found himself a new favourite night.
Because what could ever beat date night?