Chapter Text
Hawkins was safe again (for now) and, by extension, the world. Steve should be relieved, which he was, truly. Himself, and more importantly, all of his friends were alive and well. Not only that, but they were all reunited. El was back with Mike and Hopper. The Byers family had moved into a new house in Hawkins. Nancy and Johnathan were…complicated but determined to make it work. Things were really great for once! There was just one small problem that was glaring right back at him as he stared himself down in the bathroom mirror. An angry, red, swollen line wrapped around his neck. The harsh light from the flickering fluorescent bulb above did no favours, the cut seemingly dancing around his pale skin, teasing him, a reminder of his lucky escape from the Upside Downs latest horrors. He shuddered at the memory, painfully aware he would have died if not for his friends Nancy and Robin, and now, apparently, one Eddie Munson too.
Eddie was a recent addition to the list of people Steve cared about. Sure, he had plenty of other friends from his High School days, but it wasn’t exactly the same. If Dustin (or any of the other kids) called him in the middle of the night he would drop everything to make sure they were alright. He’d go to hell and back for Johnathan, even though the guy was dating his ex, without a second thought. These days he couldn’t even be bothered to attend the parties old friends from High School would invite him too. However, lately, those calls were becoming less and less. Maybe people didn’t feel like partying it up right after so many people died, or maybe they were finally starting to get the hint that Steve just wasn’t interested anymore. It didn’t matter anyway, he spent most of his free time with Robin, Nancy (who sometimes brought Johnathan along) and Eddie.
The four had begun to met up each night since their attempted return to normality. None of them voiced the reason why they were drawn to each other like moths to a flame, but it really didn’t need to be spoken aloud. Very few people in Hawkins could relate to their experiences. Steve remembered reading something about people who had gone through war together shared a bond no-one else could understand. He guessed it felt a bit like that. And sure, Steve had Dustin, but the kid was…well…a kid. He loved Dustin like he was family (not that he would ever admit it, because lets face it, Dustin would be insufferable about it) but it was nice to hang out with people more his own age from time to time.
Steve also loved Robin and Nancy. Robin was like a sister to him and a part of him would always care for Nancy. You could never quite forget your first romance. He didn’t feel that stabbing in his heart anymore when she spoke about Jonathan. Quite the opposite actually, he was rooting for the two to sort things out between them. He could admit that now, that Jonathan was better for her than he could ever be. Then there was Eddie. He really hadn’t known him very long and he wasn’t the type of person that Steve would normally try and befriend…but…he actually liked spending time with the Freak. Eddie made him laugh and he was so expressive in his movements and gestures that Steve found his eyes glued to the guy. In moments where the girls were chatting to each other Steve could relax and speak with Eddie as if they had known each other for years already, when in reality it had only been about two weeks.
Steve blinked and pulled himself out of his own thoughts and refocused his eyes on his damaged neck. Today, Family Video would be reopening. Like most businesses in Hawkins, it closed temporarily whilst the whole ‘serial killer’ situation gripped the town. However, with Eddie’s name cleared (and Hopper feeding a story about killer soviets to the population of Hawkins who still slept peacefully at night) things were slowing returning to somewhat normal. This meant a return to work and Steve just knew every customer would have questions and unwanted opinions for him. How the hell was he meant to explain to sweet Doris (who came in every day to pick a film to watch that evening) that monster bats from another dimension had tried to strangle and eat him alive? No, he was not having that conversation with anyone, especially not with sweet old Doris.
With a resigned sigh he pushed off the sink and back into his bedroom. Stuffed somewhere in the back of his closet was a black turtleneck that his mother had brought for him to wear to a funeral of some great aunt he had never met before. Steve dug around blindly until his fingers curled around a familiar scratchy material and hauled it out. He glared at it for a moment, as if he could suddenly will it to be made of soft cashmere instead, before he pulled it over his head and carefully down his torso, being mindful of the wounds on his sides that were still healing. Next, he pulled the collar up under his chin. Immediately it felt itchy and irritated the sore skin there. Glancing at the digital clock by his bed he saw he was already ten minutes late leaving and cursed to himself. How long had he been lost in thought? Steve jogged to the kitchen, grabbed an apple and his car keys, and out the door. Stepping outside, the warm summer heat was like walking into a brick wall. Of course Hawkins was currently being hit by a heatwave, as if the town was trying to burn away the memories of the recent horrors that had taken place there.
Less than twenty minutes later (a new record by the way) his car swerved violently into the parking lot of Family Video. The sound of squealing tyres caused Robin to look over her shoulder as she was wrestling with the lock on the front door.
“You must have really missed coming into work. It’s my company isn’t it? You can admit it!” She called as he climbed out of the car.
He huffed and took the key out of her hands, gently shouldering her to one side.
“Oh yes, I just love working with someone who can’t even open a simple door.” He replied as the lock finally gave way with a satisfying click.
He wiggled his eyebrows as he dropped the keys into her expectant palm.
“The place has been closed for like, two weeks, lock was just a little stuck is all. Besides, I totally loosened it for you.” She said, elbowing the door open. Steve held it and beckoned her in, announcing “Ladies first!”
Robin muttered her thanks as she ducked under his arm and into the familiar store.
The two quickly set about tidying and cleaning the place of dust that had amounted in the time it had been shut before restocking the shelves and updating inventory. It didn’t take long at all until Steve felt sweat running down his forehead and back, not to mention building up around his collar, which made him feel even more itchy, if that was possible. Robin didn’t say anything about it. She knew the reason behind his unusual fashion choice, of course. However, Steve did catch her secretly turning the AC up at one point, even though the owner was very strict on the temperature it was to be set at. Whilst providing some relieve it didn’t fix the horrible gross feeling that was quickly gripping Steve, but he was still grateful for his best friend.
Thankfully, things were normally fairly quiet in the mornings. Most of the customers that did come in were either retired, or young mothers looking for family friendly films for their small children.
Steve got a lot of “Aren’t you too warm in that young man?” and “You’re brave wearing that on the hottest day of the year!” He would just shrug or laugh it off, making a joke about it.
However, once the afternoon rolled around and the kids started getting out of school, things got busier. Consequently, things got hotter too. Much hotter. The sun was now at the highest point of the day and boy, could Steve feel it. The gross feeling from before was evolving into more of a sickly feeling. His vision was beginning to blur around the edges and he felt unsteady on his feet. All he could do was keep working so as not to worry Robin.
He was hiding in a back corner of the store, tidying up a shelf that had gotten knocked into by a kid with a backpack that was way too big for him, when he heard a familiar voice.
“Black is more my colour, wouldn’t you agree Harrington?” Eddies voice rang out, almost musical in the way he spoke.
The man was leaning at an angle, ankles crossed and elbow propped on a shelf, oozing confidence.
Steve looked up and over and the cocky grin quickly fell from his friends face.
“Christ man, you look about ready to pass out.” He said, quickly crowding into his personal space, concern etched onto his brows. Two warm hands landed on Steves shoulders and turned him around, guiding him towards the back office forcefully. He was pushed to sit down on the old metal chair whilst Eddie shook his head in disappointment.
Now, properly facing the other man, Steve could get a good look at his attire for the day. Eddie had been far more sensible than his own choice of a turtleneck and jeans. He was dressed in a white band shirt with cut off sleeves (done by himself, Steve imagined) and black athletic shorts that were very, very short indeed. Steves throat suddenly felt even more dry and it had nothing to do with the rising temperature outside.
“Yeah, take a good look, this is how someone is supposed to dress when it feels like the sun is trying to melt the earth. I mean, I get why you’re wearing it, but really, you had nothing else?” Eddie berated.
Steve opened his mouth, a retort about how those shorts would get him fired for being so short on his tongue when Eddie stepped forward. He pushed himself firmly between his legs, parting them with ease, like he belonged there or something. Any comments Steve had died as his mouth snapped shut with an audible click. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Eddie then started running his hands through his hair, pushing it out of his face and attempting to slick it back.
“All everyone ever spoke about was Steve ‘The Hair’ Harrington, but frankly, I don’t get the hype. This is just sweaty and gross.” Eddie muttered to himself, though it wasn’t like Steve was listening.
How could he when those long fingers felt so comforting in his hair? Eddie then reached one hand behind him and pulled his signature bandanna out that was tucked into the waistband of his shorts. He wiped his own hands on it before scrunching it up and wiping it across Steves clammy forehead. The material was silky and felt cool against his flushed skin. Steve felt his eyes slipping shut of their own accord as a feeling of peace cascaded steadily down his heavy limbs.
He was eventually aware of someone speaking to him but he couldn’t make out the words. A hand gently slapped his cheek a couple times, causing him to frown in annoyance.
“Huh?’ He slurred, eyes feeling heavy as they finally reopened.
“Man, you must really have that hypothermia or something dude. Wait, that’s the one where you’re cold. Shit, what’s it called when you’re overheating?” Eddie asked.
“Hyperpyrexia.” Steve supplied in a monotone voice, eyes struggling to focus.
“Hey, he forms words, hallelujah! How do you of all people know that anyway?” Eddie asked.
Steve slowly shrugged and said “I used to help Nancy study when we dated. Maybe something stuck?”
“Well you’re clearly not quite a genius with this thing on.” Eddie said, tugging his turtleneck collar down as he spoke to prove his point.
Steve relaxed as that horrible itchy sensation was finally gone. The feeling didn’t last long, however, as Eddie reached out gingerly, tracing a finger ever so softly along the red line of his neck. Each one of Steves muscles tensed. He just stared at Eddie, the other mans eyes seemed glassed over, as if he was in a trance or just deep in his own thoughts. He suddenly seemed to come back to himself and pulled his hand away, also stepping away from Steve. He found himself missing the weight of Eddie between his legs for some reason. A reason he really didn’t feel like examining right now.
Eddie had darted over to the mini fridge they kept in the back office and found a bottle of water. He chucked it to Steve who easily caught it with one hand. He snapped the cap open and quickly downed half of it. He was very aware of Eddie watching him, watching the bob of his throat as he desperately gulped.
“Wait here, I’ll be right back, I’m just popping to the thrift store next door.” Eddie suddenly blurted out, patting Steve twice on the shoulder as he made his abrupt escape.
Steve lent back in the rickety office chair, its squeaks filling the silence. He felt bad leaving Robin to battle the afternoon rush alone, but hopefully Eddie would be back soon. He felt his own fingers tracing the line on his neck, chasing the ghost of Eddies touch. Steve felt weird…but it was just how warm he was feeling right? This had nothing to do with Eddie, it was just this stupid turtleneck. Steve would pick something cooler to wear tomorrow and everything would go back to normal. Sure, Eddie was attractive, but Steve could appreciate good looks in a friend. He could easily find something to compliment about anyone of his friends if asked, male or female, it didn’t matter to him.
The door gingerly reopening pulled Steve back out of his muddled thoughts. Eddie stood there gripping a light blue t-shirt. He couldn’t help but notice Eddies hands and the glint of his rings as he nervously fiddled with the material, the confidence from earlier erased.
“Put this on. Hopefully it’s your size? I wasn’t sure so I guessed.” Eddie explained, holding the shirt out like an offering.
“But my neck? I don’t want to deal with asshole customers who think they’re entitled to your life story.” Steve pointed out, glad to find his voice back to normal after a bottle of cool water.
“I got an idea alright, just trust me man.” Eddie replied with an eye roll that would rival Nancy’s.
As Steve pulled the turtleneck over his head he was well aware of eyes tracking his movements. He accepted the the new clothes Eddie had picked out for him, dropping the damp sweater onto the desk beside him. This shirt was a light, breathable material, soft against his skin. It was also a little tighter than something Steve would normally pick, but he would take anything short sleeved right now. Did Eddie just grab the first thing he saw? No, he was definitely gone a while. The thought of Eddie taking time to consider what would be best sent a shiver of something down Steves spine. With the shirt in place he stretched out his arms, raising an eyebrow expectantly at Eddie. His friend just grinned and rotated his finger in the air. Steve snorted with laughter, but obliged, giving a full rotation. Luckily his back was turned when Eddie decided to let out a wolf whistle, red rushing to his already heated cheeks.
“Much better Harrington. You no longer look ready to keel over.” Eddie appraised from behind him.
“Thanks man, how much do I owe you for this?” Steve asked, folding his old turtleneck up, not quite ready to meet his friends eyes just yet.
Eddie simply shrugged. “Nothing, consider it a thanks for saving my life man. Wasn’t like it was expensive or anything.” He laughed, a hint of apprehension slipping through.
“I really appreciate it, I do, but…um…” Steve trailed off, pointing to his neck, the source of this whole…situation.
“Oh!” Eddie gasped, eyebrows shooting up in realisation.
He stretched past Steve and stepped into his personal space once again. This was really starting to become a thing with them all of a sudden. Eddies face scrunched up in concentration as he reached out to Steve. Something rather damp was being wrapped around his neck. He tried to wiggle out of Eddies grasp but his friend was firm, holding him in place.
“Ew gross dude, is that your bandanna?” Steve spluttered in complaint.
“It’s not normally drenched it sweat you know, but whose fault is that?” Eddie reprimanded, pulling Steve somehow even closer to keep him still.
Steve just sighed in resolution and resigned himself to studying Eddies face instead. Not like there was much else he could do, being so close to the damn guy. Eddie’s tongue was sticking out slightly as he adjusted the bandanna, his brows furrowing as he tied the ends into a neat knot. How had Steve never noticed how cute Eddie was when he was concentrating?
“Done.” Eddie proudly announced, stepping back to admire his work and snapping Steve out of his thoughts.
“You can’t see any marks?” He asked, as there was no mirror in the office.
“No trace of those demon bats.” Came the confirmation.
After making him drink more water and sit by the AC unit, Eddie was finally satisfied Steve wasn’t about to drop dead on him and Robin. He led the pair back out onto the shop floor which was much quieter than when they left. Was the rush already over or had they been talking for that long in the back office?
“As much as I’m digging this new look, how convenient you missed the after school madness” Robin said sarcastically as she flopped herself dramatically over the counter, making sure Steve could see her glaring at him.
“You can go home now if you want? I’ll work the evening on my own to make up for it.” Steve offered, genuinely feeling bad about the whole thing.
“Yeah, nice try pretty boy, but you’re my ride home remember?” She answered.
“Shit, you’re right. Can I make it up to you any other way?” He practically begged.
Eddie then jumped between the two. He grinned and bent down in a bow, putting on a fancy voice as he said “But oh fair lady, my chariot doth await thee instead.”
“Now there’s a real gentleman. Buying you clothes and giving me a lift.” Robin said, pointing at Eddies bowing form.
“I could never leave a damsel in distress.” Eddie teased, dramatically placing a hand across his chest as he straightened back out.
“I would say the only damsel here is Stevie. I feared he would have melted if not for you.” Robin sighed with equal drama, lacing her arm with Eddies and leaning against him.
Steve attempted to protest, but the two just laughed him off and waved goodbye as they left the store.
That’s how Steve found himself alone with his thoughts once more. The evening wasn’t as busy and the temperature had finally started to drop. With his mind clearer he replayed the afternoons events over and over. Although Steve felt much better, there was still this warmth throughout his chest he couldn’t seem to shake. As he sat on a stool behind the counter, checking rentals on the computer, he found his hand wandering to the bandanna around his neck. The material was nice. Smooth and silky. It flowed nicely through his fingers like water. His mind continued to wander. What would Eddies fingers feel like laced through his own? Would those rings he wore feel cool against his skin, or clunky and uncomfortable?
“Hey, uh…excuse me?”
Steve jumped about a foot in the air, stool clattering over loudly, echoing in the silent store.
“Shit, sorry.” He said, quickly picking the stool back up, trying not to trip over his own feet in the process.
Damn, since when did he become so uncool? He eventually turned to see where the voice had come from. A guy, maybe a year or two younger than himself, stood with a couple of movies in his hands. A friend of Eddies, judging by the Hellfire Club shirt he was wearing. Just what he needed right now, more reminders of the dude who was stalking his rather muddled thoughts right now.
“Just these two please.” The guy asked hesitantly, placing the movies gently on the desk, clearly afraid he was going to spook him again.
Steve tried to make awkward small talk about the weather (because that seems to be all small talk is?) as he scanned the barcodes and accepted the payment.
“Thanks man. Say, what’s up with the bandanna, that’s Eddies right? I didn’t think you two were friends?” The guy asked, suspicion laced his voice and he had a skeptical look in his eyes.
And just what the hell was Steve meant to say to that? The truth about the marks on his skin was totally out of the question, so a lie it would have to be instead. He could have said anything in that moment. Something like “It just looks similar.” or “Whose Eddie? I brought this thing yesterday.” but why Steve said what he actually said he would never know.
“Oh this? Yeah, we’re dating actually. I’m just borrowing it.”