Chapter Text
Steve was not looking forward to tonight. He was getting dragged to some random metal concert, which he doesn’t even listen to by the way, by a group of 16-year-olds. He mostly agreed because the thought of them going to (what he assumed to be) a cesspool of violence, alcohol, and drugs, made his skin itch. He was no stranger to violence, alcohol, or drugs of course, but he sure as hell didn’t want his kids to have to deal with that shit. Not that they’re his kids- I mean they are but not-… point is he wants them to have a less shitty life than him.
He had enlisted Robin to help him keep track of all the kids. Steve wanted to have at least one other adult, even if said adult tended to act like a child. In fact, Robin was currently in the process of digging through both of their clothes. Similar to a toddler throwing their toys around the room.
“Come on Steve! I know this isn’t either of our ‘thing’ but I don’t want to look like I got lost on my way to… I don’t know! Somewhere lame?” Robin continued to mumble about ‘being lame’ and ‘hot girls will think-’ while Steve finally decided to join her in sifting through their clothes.
“Couldn’t we just wear black or something? I mean, what else do we wear?” Steve was folding discarded bright pants and shirts and putting them back where they belonged, which made him realize just how few black clothes he had. Robin was freaking out a lot for someone who had a shit-ton of black clothes and, like, pant chains and shit. Robin gave a loud sigh before she began to try to explain to Steve how just wearing black wasn’t the same and-
They spent the next two hours getting ready. Surprisingly, Robin pretty quickly switched her focus to giving Steve a makeover. Which meant him sitting on his bed while choosing between whatever two things Robin held up for him, then having to sit through a lesson on applying eyeliner, and then having to dodge Robin trying to style (ruin) his hair. Eventually, they were able to get all their shit and get in the car to start picking up the kids. Lucas was the first stop, then El, Mike, and Will, then Dustin, and finally Max. The kids were clearly excited, and while Steve loved seeing them happy, he also felt nervous. What if they had a horrible time? What if they got hurt? What if someone got overstimulated? What-
“STEVE!” Dustin interrupted Steve’s spiraling thoughts. “Are you listening!? The lead singer was from Hawkins! You and Robin went to fucking high school with him! Do you remember him at all? Was he awesome or what? I can’t believe I haven’t asked-”
“HEY! I don’t even know the guy's name. Besides, I doubt we were in the same crowd, I’m not gonna have any fun facts about the guy.” Steve had to force his jaw to relax. He wasn’t mad at Dustin, god no, he just felt sick thinking about himself in high school. Even if he did know this cool lead singer, chances are Steve was a fucking dick to him. He hoped with every fiber in his fucking body that Dustin didn’t realize that, because he couldn’t handle Dustin seeing what a shitty person he really is.
“Jeez! Fine! I was just asking.” Before Dustin could say anything else he was cut off by Max making some comment about who-knows-what that made Dustin snap towards her to start to (probably) argue. Steve felt Robin put her hand on his knee. He glanced over at her to see her giving her best attempt at a small comforting smile.
Steve took his hand off the wheel for a split second to pat her hand and give her a smile back. This was another reason he wanted her to come. She was the only person who knew how fucking awful he’s been doing lately. It was hard to hide it from her when he literally lived in a one-bedroom apartment with her. He knew that if he started to get too deep, she would snap him back to reality.
After spending an annoying amount of time figuring out where to park, Steve herded the kids, and Robin, to the general admission line. He was glancing around, trying to get a read on the people around them. There were definitely a lot of people in black, but also a lot of people just in plain jeans and band shirts. He looked right at Robin, and then looked at someone in jeans and a band t-shirt, and then back to Robin. She rolled her eyes and shrugged, knowing that Steve was trying to tell her that she was being dramatic about their outfits.
Though Steve had to admit, they did blend in. Robin was wearing black ripped jeans, her converse, a red and black striped shirt, lots of jewelry, and of course some dark makeup- minus the lipstick. Steve wore a pair of his jeans that fit his ass just right, a random black shirt that Robin had cut into a crop top for him, a silver chain with a lock on it, and eyeliner. He made sure to shut down the kids as soon as they tried to ask about his appearance. Though it wasn’t hard to divert their attention since they were so eager to get into this godforsaken concert.
As they got to the front of the line and had their tickets scanned, Steve was pleased to see that they had a (fairly small) security check before anyone went in. He hadn’t thought that there would be weapons anyway but knowing that the venue was checking eased his anxiety a little bit. But, once they all had gone through security, Steve already felt his anxiety rising back up. There were so many people. He wouldn’t be able to keep an eye on everyone. He wouldn’t be able to hear if they yelled for his help. He couldn’t keep anyone safe.
Steve forced himself to take a shaky breath in. He should’ve seen this coming, after all, for the past couple of months he’s been finding it harder and harder to relax even a little bit. He felt Robin grab his wrist, and turned to see her raising a tentative eyebrow. He gave her a tense smile and a small nod before making sure all the kids had their phones and knew to stick together. He bought all the kids, and Robin, a water, which also warranted a look from Robin. He gave a guilty smile and a shrug. So what if he might have to skip lunch for a while to afford concert drink prices? He would be fine.
The next hour and a half went by as a blur for Steve. The venue was a large open floor in front of the stage with an area at the very front of the stage marked off as ‘the pit.’ Along the back was a bar along with a few tables and plenty of chairs. The opening bands seemed good, but Steve felt like he couldn’t hear them even though he could feel how loud they were. He was too focused on trying to keep an eye out for where all of the kids are. He hadn’t realized how much time had passed until he saw the kids start jumping around and screaming as the main act came on stage.
Out walked four guys that looked around Steve’s age. One was shorter and heading to the drums, another with dark skin and an average build who came out holding a guitar, and one taller heavy-set, and coming out with a bass. The last man who walked onto the stage had long slightly curly hair and a guitar. Steve’s assessment of the last member was cut short as he suddenly got caught off guard by a particularly loud scream from Dustin.
His head whipped to where he last saw Dustin, only to see a bunch of strangers. Steve tensed and began to frantically look around to try to find Dustin. He found him pretty quickly, Dustin hadn’t gone very far from where he was before. Steve relaxed just barely seeing the unrestrained smile on the 16-year-olds face. He spent most of the concert trying to keep track of everyone and forcing back a panic attack. It was only towards the end when he noticed that no one was singing that he snapped back into his body.
When he looked at the stage he noticed that only three of the band members were on stage. He made his way over to Robin who was clearly trying to figure out how to get closer to some hot girl. He had to shout just so she could hear him, “Where did the fourth band member go?”
Robin turned to him looking concerned. “Steve, he literally said that he was gonna go off-stage for the rest of the show to, like, give the other members time to shine or some shit. Have you not been paying attention to anything other than the kids' whereabouts?” Steve shifted his weight from one foot to the other, flustered that she figured him out so quickly. Robin let out a little sigh, “Steve. Why don’t you go to the back area with the tables and chairs? Take a seat and maybe get some water. I’ll keep an eye on the kids.” Before Steve could protest she added, “You’re allowed to relax dingus.”
Steve gave her a tired but earnest smile and pulled her in for a small hug. She patted him on the back and softly pushed him towards the back. He made his way toward the bar with relative ease. He ordered a beer out of sheer habit. Yay, more money he wouldn’t be able to put towards actual fucking food. He leaned on a back wall and sipped at the can while he tried to force himself to not scan the crowd for the kids.
Once he was almost done with the beer, he felt someone lean on the wall next to him. When he opened his eyes to turn to the other person he was greeted by, honestly, the hottest fucking guy he has ever seen. Maybe that was just the haze of anxiety mixed with the buzz of alcohol, but who cares? The mystery hot guy smiled at Steve, and god he had a great smile. He looked like a mischievous angel. Or something. All Steve knew was that this guy was fucking enchanting.
Then the man spoke. “Hey there big boy, you doin’ okay?” The man tilted his head as he asked the question and a lock of his messy brown curls fell in a way that further blocked Steve’s view of the world around him. Steve lightly sucked in a breath and managed a little ‘yeah’ as he nodded. Then this man- this fucking guy- laughed and Steve feels his stomach do some kind of flip. “You almost out?” The man asked, loosely pointing to the can in Steve’s hand.
“Oh uh, yeah. I guess.” Steve suddenly feels a bit too sober to talk to someone he finds to be so very attractive. He prepares himself to make an excuse and walk away before he embarrasses himself when the man speaks.
“I’ll happily buy you a drink. If you’re okay with that.” Steve blinked, trying to process what was happening. But his mouth started to move without his permission.
“Free alcohol? You sure know how to charm a guy.” To Steve’s relief, the man let out a chuckle. “That means yes by the way. I’d love another drink.” Steve told the man what he was previously drinking and that the same thing again would be just fine, and then with a wink the man walked towards the bar.
Steve felt himself buzzing with excitement. It had been a long time since he had flirted with anyone, let alone a guy. His excitement fell a bit when he remembered that he had to drive the kids home, meaning no more alcohol and no hookup. As Steve began to chew on his bottom lip, he noticed Robin walking up to him. He straightened up, worried something had happened.
Robin rolled her eyes with a smile, “no need to get all stiff. I wanted to see how you were doing. Are you feeling less like the world is gonna end or..?” Steve could hear the concern laced in her voice and hurried to reassure her.
“I’m doing much better. Thank you, really.” He gave Robin’s arm a little squeeze in appreciation. “Actually, do you think we’ll leave soon? There’s this guy, and I don’t wanna lead him on-” Steve is cut off by said guy coming back to him with two drinks in hand.
Robin’s eyes grow wide and she looks at Steve and then at the stranger and back and forth and back and forth. Steve furrows his brows and quietly says “what?” And Robin seems to come to some sort of conclusion as she gets a scheming look on her face.
“Don’t worry Steve, I’ve been telling you that you need to relax. So go ahead. I’ll make sure all the kids who dragged us here get home nice and safe. Good luck!” Robin darts off into the crowd leaving Steve confused and concerned.
“Uhh, would you like your drink?” The man, Steve should really ask for his name, holds out a can of beer to Steve which he gratefully takes.
“I’m sorry about that. The whole reason I’m here was to drive my kids- well not MY kids but, like, kids I kinda babysit?” Steve could feel himself about to ramble but didn’t care to stop himself. “That was my best friend Robin. Normally, we can tell what the other is thinking more or less, but I have no fucking clue what that was about. Actually, I sadly have to turn down this drink because I gotta drive 'em’ all home. I know Robin said she would get them home but she can’t drive and even if she could I wouldn’t let her drive my car so…” Steve trailed off and cast a nervous look at the man next to him.
Steve was greeted with another amazing smile. “I bet you didn’t even pay attention to the concert, huh?” Steve felt his cheeks heat as he shamefully shook his head. “I think it’s really kind of you to come here for some ‘kids you kinda babysit.’ Though I have to agree with Robin, you seem like you could use a fuckin’ break.” The man’s face shifted into a softer smile that made Steve’s knees weak.
“I mean, yeah I guess. But I think I’ll end up going insane worrying about those brats if I don’t make sure they all get home safe.” Steve absentmindedly traces his finger around the tab of the beer can as he quietly says, “though I would like to spend more time with you...” Steve trails off, his words catching up to him causing his cheeks to flare.
“I’m Eddie by the way. Just realized I never introduced myself, and yet I already know you AND your best friend's name.” Steve looks up at Eddie in a sort of wonder. He has a certain aura of confidence and kind understanding. Steve isn’t sure what it says about him that he wants to jump a guy just because said guy is basic levels of nice, and extremely hot, but he doesn’t want to think about that right now.
Steve felt his phone buzz and scrambled to check it, worried about his kids as always. He could see in his peripheral vision that Eddie’s eyes grew wider at Steve’s sudden action. He felt a pang of embarrassment and tried to play it off. It was a text message from Robin, ‘I was being dead serious btw. I’ve already called a Lyft for me and the kids and I’ll make sure that they all get home nice and safe. Get some dick and loosen up dingus.’ A smile came across his face as he read the text. He quickly texted her back saying thank you.
Steve felt a buzz of excitement at having the chance to actually fuck Eddie, and then a wave of anxiety about having the chance to actually fuck Eddie. He hasn’t fucked in months! What if he fucks up fucking? What if they get to Eddie’s house or hotel or whatever, and once Eddie sees Steve he changes his mind? What if-?
Steve cuts off his own spiral by opening and then chugging down his beer in one go. Eddie’s eyes widen and a surprised grin stretches across his face. “What happened to driving sober Stevie?” At the nickname, Steve feels a little stir of excitement in his stomach. He flashes a smile that’s maybe too eager at Eddie.
“Robin says she already got a Lyft for her and the kids. I’m free for the rest of the night.” Eddie tosses his head back and lets out a laugh that, quite frankly, has no right to be so attractive.
As Eddie brought his head back down he said, “you must have really needed a break huh, pretty boy?” Steve let out a small laugh and nodded, trying his best to not fluster at the nickname. “Well, there’s probably around 30 more minutes until the concert ends. Wanna stay back here until then?”Steve let a grin split across his face as he nodded.
For the next 30 minutes, Steve drinks 3 more beers and talks about nothing and everything with Eddie. He wasn’t planning on talking about the kids or Robin, but Eddie asked and Steve couldn’t help but gush about his family. Eddie talked about his uncle and his love for both metal music and DND. Time passed too quickly for Steve’s liking, and before he knew it the band was about to perform their last song.
“Hey, you look a little flushed. I think you drank too much too fast, big boy.” Eddie was looking at Steve in a caring way that gave Steve butterflies. “Why don’t you go outside and get some fresh air? When you exit the front doors, turn left and go around the building until you see Exit D, wait there and I’ll come and get you, ok?” Steve nodded with a smile and a slightly bashful ‘okay.’
Steve walked towards the doors as Eddie walked towards the stage. Eddie must have wanted to get closer for the band's last song. Steve followed Eddie’s instructions to Exit D with a dopey grin and a slight sway in his step. The cool air felt nice on his skin, and he closed his eyes as he leaned against the wall.
Steve opened his eyes as he heard footsteps approaching. For a second, he felt panicked and quickly shook himself to attention, only to see that it was Eddie approaching him. He relaxed again and noticed that Eddie had a sheen of sweat across his body. He must have really gotten into the last song. Steve gave a smile as he said, “So where’re we going?”
“Back to my hotel room. If that’s okay with you.” Eddie tilted his head towards Steve and held his hand out. It vaguely occurred to Steve that he was perhaps a bit drunk, but that left his mind along with the rest of his thoughts as he put his hand in Eddie’s.
Steve let Eddie lead him to his car, which was parked in a private parking spot. Eddie must be a big fan to have paid for this kind of parking. He was pliant as Eddie guided him into the passenger seat and made sure he was buckled before climbing into the driver's seat and starting the car. As the car roared to life, Steve couldn’t help but jump a little at the loud music that came blasting through the speakers. Eddie chuckled at Steve’s reaction as he turned the music down.
Steve watched as Eddie pulled out of the parking lot and into the street. Steve admired the way the street light danced across Eddie’s face. The way his hair was out of control in the most beautiful way. The way he would stick a little bit of his tongue out when he made a turn. The way his hands looked holding the steering wheel.
The drive, sadly, ended as quickly as it had begun. As they pulled up, Steve looked up in shock at the unexpectedly fancy hotel. Eddie pulled into the parking garage for the hotel, which was unusually clean.
Steve was still in awe as they parked and Eddie got out and went around the car to open Steve’s door for him. Steve thanked him and his face flushed as he stumbled into Eddie a little bit. He quickly straightened himself to try to play it off, but Eddie just shook his head with a smile and a light laugh. Eddie placed his left hand on Steve’s hip as he guided him to the elevator. Steve couldn’t focus as they went into the elevator and up to Eddie’s room. He was preoccupied with thinking about the hand on his hip, and what that hand was going to feel like elsewhere.
When they entered Eddie’s room, Steve was thrilled to see the king-sized bed with a plush comforter. It was a huge upgrade from his stiff twin XL and his comforter that had several holes in it. Steve beelined towards the bed and fell backward onto it with a giggle. Eddie walked towards him and said “having fun princess?”
The nickname made Steve remember why he was here in the first place. He sat up slowly and looked at Eddie who stood between his legs. He batted his eyelashes up at the man as he subconsciously bit his lip. Upon seeing Eddie take a sharp inhale, Steve shuffled forward until his lips were only inches away from Eddie’s. He went to lean in-
But Eddie stopped him with a finger to his lips. Steve pulled back, confused and worried that he messed up somehow. That he read the situation wrong. Or that Eddie realized Steve wasn’t worth his time. Seemingly able to tell what he was thinking, Eddie said “you’re so pretty, sweetheart. So sweet and good, yeah?” Steve hesitated before nodding slowly. “There we go. Now as much as I would love to pin you down right here right now,” Steve let out a whimper at that, “I need to make sure I only do that when you’re sober.”
Steve couldn’t help but pout as he stared down at his lap. “I’m not that drunk.” He grabbed onto the edge of Eddie’s shirt and held onto it as a child would hold onto a parent. Eddie gave a sweet smile.
“I know honey. But I want you 100% sober. Gotta make sure you can experience me in all my glory right?” Eddie winked and Steve rolled his eyes and laughed. Though he still felt a blush bloom across his face despite how cheesy the man was being.
Steve, somewhat reluctantly, conceded to Eddie’s wishes and followed his instructions to remove his makeup and change into some of Eddie’s fresh boxers along with a fresh t-shirt. Eddie had been very intent on leading Steve through the steps, only leaving Steve while he changed into the new clothes. It was a bit excessive, and Steve said as much, only for Eddie to shrug it off and say that Steve deserved to be taken care of. That made any other complaints Steve had drift away in favor of a warm fuzzy feeling.
Eddie had pulled the comforter back and told Steve to lay down and wait while Eddie quickly rinsed off in the shower. Steve did as he was told and snuggled into the bed. He was just barely able to stay awake until Eddie came out of the bathroom. As soon as the younger man felt Eddie laying next to him, he snuggled close and began to drift asleep. He felt lips kissing the top of his head sweetly, and then he was asleep.