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Ever since Eddie woke from the coma, Steve had not left his side. Besides literally getting dragged home to take a damn shower every once in a while by Robin. It was … surprising. The first thing Eddie saw when he woke up was Steve, curled up, sleeping in a very uncomfortable looking chair next to his bed. That had truly been the last thing he expected. You know, besides being alive. He's still not quite sure if he IS alive. But apparently, he didn't die in the upside down, only barely though. He suffered severe blood loss when Steve, Robin and Nancy got to him and Dustin. Steve wasted no time throwing Eddie over his shoulder and taking off to the portal. After that, getting Eddie to not bleed out and into the hospital was a blur for everyone. No one really knew how they did it. But they did. And Eddie was extremely grateful to all of them. But especially Steve.
The thing is, he didn't want to die back there. But he also didn't not want to die. He liked life, music, his friends, even the little brats. But it was exhausting. Life was exhausting. Hiding who you are, who you are attracted to, meanwhile getting bullied for your entire life for just fucking existing? Not conforming? Yeah, it sucked.
Only two people in his life knew about him, his uncle Wayne and his lifelong best friend Gareth. And yet with every insult thrown at him in school, every shove, every punch, he feared everyone knew as well or that it was only a matter of time before people found out about him.
Him skipping P.E. wasn't just because he hated it and that he was lazy. And no, it also wasn't because he would pop a boner in the locker room from seeing naked dudes, like everyone said that's the reason why he's never there. Fuck, he wishes that was it. That would at least mean he had a dick. But no, he was already sweating more than enough in his makeshift binder and he would NOT change in front of everyone, let alone take a goddamn shower. Like that wouldn't be a sure fire way to get assaulted and probably killed right then and there. Nope, nope not even going there right now, Munson. Absolutely not.
Anyway, Steve . Jock, Arrogant, Asshole Steve, who was in fact neither of those things. Well, he was a Jock, and a little bit Arrogant. But he's forgiven because he is also legit the sweetest, most caring person Eddie had ever met. And isn't that a surprise? He can't even hate him anymore. Not an asshole AND saved his life? He's going to be the death of Eddie. Which, ironic.
After another agonizing two weeks in the hospital he was finally cleared to go home. Which opened up a whole different can of worms. He didn’t technically have a home anymore. The trailer was gone. Wayne didn't know he was still alive, and isn't allowed to know until Hopper manages to clear his name for good. So, he can’t go live with him in his new fancy government paid apartment. And staying in the Hospital for any second longer was also not an option. So when Eddie asked the Party where the hell he was gonna go, Steve immediately volunteered his house. And to be fair, it makes sense. Steves parents are never home, in fact they have never evenonce called their son to ask if he's alright. Or even still alive after the “earthquake”. How fucked up is that? And he thought his parents sucked. Well, they do but that’s for a different day.
So with no one to have any better option, Eddie pretty much moved into Steves house for the foreseeable future. Which posed a number of problems for Eddie, but he also can’t complain about living rent free in someones house now can he?
Thankfully the house is huge . It has like 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, who even needs all that space for 3 people? But right now, he’s glad rich people are weird like this. He gets his own room with a connected bathroom. Which is also big, it has a shower and a tub. Eddie doesnt know if all the other bathrooms do as well but at this point he wouldn't be surprised if they did.
Steve’s room was right opposite Eddies temporary room. Steve said something about being closer when Eddie needed help, or he could hear if he fell down or something. He’s starting to understand why the kids all call him Mom, he truly is a Mother Hen.
Most of Eddies wounds have closed up, but moving around is still exhausting and painful. Especially since the Demo-bats decided to give Eddie an impromptu top surgery with eating half his tits and the doctors finishing the rest. Not that anyone knows about that part. Conveniently, they did see Eddie nearly being torn to shreds so having his chest still bandaged because it took the most damage isn’t too far fetched.
He only got a look at his new flat chest a handful of times while changing the bandages. It’s mangled as hell, more scars than anything else. But he sure as hell isn't gonna complain about free top surgery. Even if the circumstances were not the greatest. Scars are metal and he’s gonna rock them come summer, what are a few more to his already scarred body?
The first two days after getting out of the hospital Eddie spent mostly sleeping, eating, and watching TV. He doesn't really have much energy and Steve encourages him to rest, makes him food and gets him water. Which he felt slightly bad for as Steve himself was also still recovering from his injuries. While they weren't as bad as Eddies, it still can’t be pleasant to be moving around this much.
But now he’s starting to itch. It's been nearly a week since his last shower and his little cat baths are starting to get less effective. The thing is, he’s kinda scared to take a shower. At the hospital he took two showers, both times with a nurse who helped him. She was supposed to only be there the first time because he was still very weak and could barely stand. He did get dizzy and nearly passed out when he tried to lean down to wash his legs. Thank god for the nurse and her quick reaction time that he didn't slip, fall and split his skull open on the tile. The second time he was still nervous and asked for her help again, which she very kindly did. He did get dizzy again, not as bad at the first time and she helped him with his hair because he could not (and still can’t) lift his arms up high to do so. So yeah, safe to say he’s scared he's gonna pass out and also not be able to wash his hair properly, which it really, really desperately needs.
But a nurse at a hospital who sees people's junk every day is different than asking the man in whose house he currently lives in, who also has no idea he’s trans. And gay. And who he has a super mega crush on.
Maybe he could just … leave his underwear on? Would that be weird? Would Steve think he’s weird? Well, weird is better than outing himself and probably getting kicked out.
What other choice does he have?
—
Later that evening, they both sat on the couch watching a movie. Eddie wasn’t really paying attention as he was too busy trying to gather every bit of courage he has to ask Steve to help him shower .
Eddie cleared his throat, “Hey, uh … can you maybe do me a favor? Not like you don’t already do with me living here and all…” Eddie started to ramble. Of course, even when he thinks about what exact words he was going to say he’s gonna fuck it up anyway.
“Sure, what's up?” Steve cut his rambling off, smiling at Eddie.
“I… I need to take a shower.” Steve looked at him a little confused, not quite understanding what Eddie was getting at.
“And I can’t do it alone yet. I can barely lift my arms to get a shirt on. I can't wash my hair and also in the hospital I got really dizzy every time and I just don't want you to deal with me splitting my head open and bleeding out,
again
.”
Steve blinked at him, processing the words as a blush crept up his cheeks. “Oh. Oh yeah, sure. I can totally do that. No problem-o.”
“Really? You don’t … mind?”
“No. Of course not. You need help, I’m here to help. You wanna do it now?”
Eddies heart started to pound in his chest. Right, asking was one thing, but actually doing it was another. Oh, this is going to be terribly awkward. “Yeah, I do. Or after the movie if you wanna finish it.”
Steve laughed at that. “To be honest, I wasn’t really paying attention to it anyway. So, let’s go upstairs. I’ll get you some of my shampoo, because I just realized you don’t actually have anything and I’m a bad host.”
—
After gathering everything Eddie might need, they found themselves in the bathroom connected to Eddies room.
“So, how do you wanna do this? Do you just want me to stand by in case you need help or do you like … want me to get in with you?” Steve said with a blush creeping up his cheeks again.
Seems like he didn’t think about this much further either.
Logically Eddie knew Steve only needed to be there to help him wash his hair, watch him behind the shower curtain in case he passes out, maybe help him wash his legs. But part of him wanted to see how far he could take this. Without completely and utterly embarrassing himself. And potentially outing himself.
“Can you … get in here with me? I can just … not turn around?” Eddie stuttered.
“Oh! Yes. Sure. Uh… do you need help undressing as well?”
“Just my shirt, the rest I can do myself.” Unfortunately.
Steve nodded and stepped closer to Eddie. He lifted his arms up to Eddies waist, he hesitated for a moment before he took the hem of Eddies shirt in his hands and slowly lifted his shirt up. Scarred skin, bandages and tattoos revealed themselves as Steve lifted the shirt higher and higher. Eddie thinks he caught Steve looking at his torso a few times, but maybe that was just wishful thinking. Slowly Steve slipped his head through the opening, following both of his arms. Finally, with the shirt off, Steve discarded it somewhere on the floor.
“We should probably take those bandages off. Getting them wet would be a mess and we need to change them after this anyway.” Eddie froze before slightly nodding. He hoped the scars on his chest looked just like the other bat bites to Steve.
Carefully Steve undid the bandaged around Eddies chest. He was so slow and careful, Eddie got goosebumps everytime his fingers slightly touched his exposed skin.
With his bandages off, Steve threw them in the bin and carefully examined Eddies wounds. If Steve only knew what he was actually looking at under all that mangled mess. Eddie shudders at the thought. Steve, probably thinking Eddie is getting cold, immediately starts to remove his own shirt. Eddie just stared at him, transfixed. He should move, turn around. Stop staring at that wonderfully hairy chest that just got revealed.
“My eyes are up here, you know.” Steve said with a smirk.
Eddie mumbled out an apology and quickly turned around. Cheeks burning and red.
Eddie took his pants and socks off, leaving his underwear on for now. Suddenly feeling very self conscious and scared again. This was a bad idea, Munson.
Of course Steve knew something was wrong immediately. Like he can feel the energy shifting in the room. He slowly approached Eddie, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay. I was just joking, you know. I don’t … I’m not mad at you.” Steve said quiet and careful. Eddie let out a huffed laugh at that. Yeah no shit, Eddie knew Steve wasn’t homophobic, his best friend is a lesbian for fucks sake. And yes, Eddie knew. And Robin knew about Eddie being queer as well, they clocked each other the second they met. Wasn’t that difficult to figure out. But that’s not what Eddie was worried about. Well, a bit embarrassed, yes, because he didn’t wanna be the weirdo making a move on a straight guy, but not worried about Steve hating him for being gay.
Eddie was silent for a few seconds too long for Steves liking “Eddie, can you please look at me? I promise, it’s okay.”
Immediately, Eddie turned around. Eyes going wide as he realized how close Steve was. He could practically feel Steve’s breath on his face.
Taking a few steps back to put some distance between them, for Eddies sanity and complete lack of self control to not do anything stupid like kiss those stupidly beautiful lips right in front of him.
“Okay.” is all Eddie said, he didn’t know what else to say.
Steve smiled at him wide. Eddie smiled back and once again turned around to slip into the shower. Hidden by the shower curtain, Eddie gathered all the courage in the world to take his boxer briefs off. Like ripping a bandaid off, he practically ripped his underwear off of him and threw it onto the floor. Steve took that as a sign to step into the large shower as well. Eddies back was to him, so he couldn’t see Steves eyes roaming all around his body, soaking him in.
Awkwardly Eddie turned the shower on and stood under the stream. He was still extremely tense. One wrong move and it would be over. But the water felt good as he aimed his face at the shower head. Silently Steve reached for the shampoo bottle, opening it and squirting a good amount of the liquid into his hand.
Eddie was so lost in his own thoughts and the water pouring down on him he forgot Steve fucking harrington was behind him in the god damn shower. Naked. That was until he suddenly felt hands in his hair. He flinched forward so hard, nearly hitting his head on the wall in the process.
“Shit! Eddie! Are you okay? I’m sorry I should have warned you.” Steve sounded panicked and genuinely sorry. He put his hand on Eddies shoulder again.
The warm hand on his shoulder felt like it was burning him. He slowly stood back up, starting to feel dizzy from the sudden movement. He swayed slightly and Steve immediately put his arm around Eddies waist to steady him.
“You’re okay, I got you. I’m not gonna let you fall.” Tears started to prickle at Eddies eyes. Being in Steves arms, having him whisper encouragements in his ear, Eddie wished he didn’t have to hide himself. Could stay here, in his arms, forever. He wishes he could just crawl into Steve and never come back out again. Knowing Steve would keep him safe and warm. Unconsciously Eddie started to lean back into Steve, whose arms tightened around Eddie. Steve rests his forehead against the back of Eddies head.
Both of them enjoying the moment for a few seconds. Needing the comfort and closeness of the other after all that happened in the past weeks.
Eddie slowly came back to himself, while still enjoying this position they are in, he also realized that yes, that was Steves dick currently pressed again his lower back. Heat started to rise to his cheeks again. Just a few inches further and he could just slip right inside him, Eddie wouldn’t resist. Would probably beg for Steve to take him. He felt himself get wet at the thought, wanting nothing more than to arch into Steve, rubbing his ass all over his cock. Getting it hard, sliding in between his ass cheeks.
So lost in the thought Eddie didn’t realize he was actually slowly rubbing against Steve. Just small little movements, but at the sharp intake of breath right by his ear he stopped. Frozen in place.
Fuck.
Eddie scrambled away from Steve. Well tried to at least, but Steves arms tightened around him. Keeping him in place. “Stay. Please.”
Eddie felt his knees go weak at the desperation in Steves voice. How could he say no to that? Eddies heart was pounding in this chest as he nodded and leaned back into Steve.
At that Steve sighed happily, burying his face into Eddies wet mess of hair.
Eddie was confused. Needing comfort was one thing, but pretty much begging Eddie to stay after he started grinding his ass on his dick was another. His mind was racing, his heart continuing to pound against his chest.
Eddie doesn’t know if it's been minutes or hours that they’ve been standing there in the shower under the stream. Water not even going cold, being rich must be nice, Eddie thought.
Slowly Steve let go of Eddie, taking a step back. “I’m going to wash your hair now, okay?”
Eddie, already missing the warmth of Steve against his back, only nodded.
Repeating the motions from earlier, putting the liquid onto his hands and putting them into Eddies hair. This time, he was prepared for it. He didn’t flinch, instead he leaned into it. Letting out a small sigh at Steve massaging the shampoo into his scalp.
Eddie loved the feeling of Steves hands on him. His fingers massaging his scalp, running them through his long hair. It felt absolutely heavenly and Eddie wished he would never stop. But unfortunately, Steve was satisfied enough with his work. “I’m gonna wash this out now, alright?” Eddie just nodded. Steve took the showerhead and carefully rinsed his soapy hair out. Taking his time, making sure it’s all out. Eddie thinks he never spend this much time in the shower, let alone for his hair alone. But with Steve, he doesn’t mind. It’s nice.
All too soon his hair was deemed shampoo free and the showerhead was back on the wall.
“Uh… Do you mind if I also just take a quick shower while I’m already in here?” Steve asked nervously.
“Yes! Sure, yeah. Totally fine with me!” Eddie squeaked out. God he really needs to get a grip on himself.
“Okay cool. If you feel dizzy or weird again, just say something. I’m right here.”
“Thanks, Steve.” Eddie smiled, Steve was so thoughtful and just cared
so much
.
As quickly as Eddie was able to with his limited mobility, he scrubbed his body down. Already starting to feel so much better than earlier. Careful to not turn around to reveal anything, or to stare at Steve washing his body right behind him. Oh god. For probably the first time in his life he was glad he didn’t have a dick so he couldn't pop a boner right then and there at the mere thought of Steve Harrington sliding his hands over his soapy muscled body. God, Eddie wanted to be the one doing that. So bad.
He stood under the showerhead trying to let the hot water ease away the thoughts. It was only somewhat successful.
“I’m gonna … get out while you, you know. Finish your shower.” Eddie said pointing his thumbs towards the shower curtain.
“Wait with your hair til I'm done, I’ll only be a minute.” Steve said, already stepping into the spot Eddie left behind to rinse his body off.
Eddie quickly grabbed the towel and wrapped it around his waist and let out a breath. Safe. He was safe now.
His hair was dripping wet, running down his back and leaving a puddle on the floor. But true to his word, Steve emerged from the shower not a minute later. The second the curtain opened Eddies eyes widened and he turned around to give Steve some privacy.
He could hear Steve quickly toweling himself dry. Suddenly everything went black and Eddie panicked for a moment until he heard Steve chuckling and realized he just threw his towel onto Eddies face. At that Eddie turned back around, ready to argue until his eyes were met with a half naked Steve, only in boxers and his hair still damp. And holy shit, maybe he should have gone to P.E. at least a few times only to see this .
Steve, seemingly unaware of Eddies thoughts, grabbed the towel and started to dry his hair. And Eddie just stood there, frozen. His eyes still stuck on Steves slightly damp chest, that was so, so close to him. At this point he wouldn’t be surprised if the puddle at his feet wasnt from his hair but from the way his pussy was just dripping from this entire experience. He couldn't wait until he was alone in bed later to get some relief because holy shit.
When his hair was mostly dry Steve stopped and hung up the towel. “You okay there, Eds?” Steve said when he turned back around. Worried with the way Eddie was just … standing there. Zoned out. He came closer again just as Eddie finally came back to himself. He stumbled backwards, his lower back hitting the sink as the towel caught and fell to the floor. Too busy focusing on the pain in his back, Eddie didn’t notice until it was too late.
“Fuck! That hurt.” Eddie rubbed the spot he hit with his hand. Face screwed in pain. This was gonna leave a bruise.
Suddenly, he realized he was standing butt ass naked in front of Steve. His eyes went wide and he quickly picked the towel up to cover himself.
Way too late though as Steve has surely seen everything already. Eddie was scared to look at Steve. He was quiet, too quiet. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
“I’m sorry, Eddie.” Huh? What? What the fuck was Steve sorry for? Eddies head snapped up to look at Steve with a very confused look on his face. But all he could see on Steves face was … worry? Sadness?
“W-What are you sorry for, Steve?”
“Your thighs." Oh. Oh. Steve wasn't concerned about the lack of dick between Eddies legs but his … self harm scars.
Eddie just blinked at him. That's what he was worried about? That’s what he cared about? He’s been clean for a while now, he didn’t even think about the scars most of the time. Sure some nights are harder than others and he got some bad thoughts, but he never acted on them.
“They’re old. Uhm … It’s fine, I’m fine! I promise.”
“I’m still sorry you had to go through that. That must have been a bad time.” Steve said quietly, looking down.
Yeah, no kidding. It fucking sucked. He was super depressed. Hating his body, hating himself. Getting bullied, hit, shoved. Blinking back tears at those memories, Eddie stepped closer to Steve. “Thank you, Steve. Yes. It was a … bad time. And frankly, I didn’t think I would even make it this far. But I’m glad I did. I’m glad I met you, and the kids. And all the others. Even if the circumstances were less than ideal.”
Steve looked back up into Eddies eyes, unshed tears in his eyes. He suddenly lunged forward, putting his arms around Eddie and burying his face into his neck. Eddie was stunned for a few seconds but put his arms around Steve in return. There was clearly an underlying thing here that Eddie didn't know. But right now, it doesn’t matter. Steve needed this, needed the comfort of another person. Even if that person was Eddie.
After a few minutes Steve pulled back. No more tears in his eyes, but still looking sad. Eddie wanted to ask so badly what was wrong. But he needed to ask another question more urgently.
“So … You don’t mind?” Steve tilted his head to the side like a confused puppy.
“Don’t mind what?”
“Uh … the very obvious lack of dick between my legs?” Eddie asked, dumbfounded. He couldn’t possibly have missed it when he very clearly looked around that area. Seeing his scars and all.
“Oh.” Oh? Oh? That’s all he had to say?
“I mean, I am a little confused but … You don’t need to explain yourself to me if you don’t want to. You clearly didn’t want me to know so … I wasn’t going to push, Eddie.”
And that? That was not the reaction he expected. Ever.
“I can explain. It will probably be a bit uh confusing but … I trust you.” At that Steve smiled, he missed seeing that smile even for this short period of time.
“I appreciate that. But again, you really don’t need to. Or don’t need to,
now
. You can take your time. I’m not gonna tell anyone anything. I promise.”
Eddie was still a bit taken aback by the response. He nodded before saying “I’m gonna tell you, but first let’s get properly dressed. And I would prefer not having that conversation in the bathroom if that's okay.”
“Yeah! Of course that's okay! Take your time, I’ll be uh … in my room.” Steve said.
When Steve started to leave, Eddie looked around the bathroom and realized he didn’t have any clothing besides the dirty clothes he had on before. They didn’t think about getting Eddie any clothes.
“Steve! Wait!” Eddie almost yelled.
Steve immediately turned around, worry all over his face again. "What's wrong? Are you okay? Do you need to sit down? Need water? Need me to carry you to bed?” And woah alright, that's a lot to unpack. Another time.
“Shit, I’m sorry. I’m okay, I just don’t have any clothes? And I really don’t wanna put those dirty hospital clothes back on.”
“Oh god, Eddie. I’m so sorry I didn’t even think about that! You can borrow some of my clothes until we get you some. Wait here, I’ll be right back!” Steve said, rushing out of the door in the direction of his room.
A few minutes later Steve came back into the bathroom carrying a pile of clothes. Eddie looked up from where he sat down on the toilet seat.
“I know my clothes aren't really your style but I tried my best to choose stuff you wouldn't mind too much?” Steve said, fidgeting with the clothes in his hands.
Sweet, Sweet Steve. Like Eddie would complain about wearing any of Steves clothes. Okay well, he would definitely complain about those polos but even then, it would be worth it just to be wearing his clothes.
Eddie laughed, “Thanks Stevie. I promise not to complain too much about your choice of clothing.”
Steve handed him the pile of clothes with a smile. “I’ll be in my room when you’re ready, okay? Take your time.” With that Eddie was alone in the bathroom, staring at the clothes in his hands.
Dropping the towel Eddie stepped into Steve's boxershorts. Next he put on the grey sweatpants and an old school shirt. Really? Steve put Eddie into his old swim team shirt? Eddie wanted to hate it so bad, but he couldn’t. It felt … oddly intimate to be wearing this shirt. At the feeling of the shirt on his chest Eddie flinched in pain. Right, in all this chaos they forgot to rebandage his chest. With a huff Eddie put the towel up to dry and took the med kit in the cabinet with him to Steves room.
The door to Steves room was slightly open. Eddie just stood there, staring at the half open door. Is he really going to do this? Tell Steve about him? He only really knew the guy for like 3 weeks, and most of that he wasn’t even conscious. But Steve didn’t seem to be freaking out, or otherwise he probably would have already kicked him out. No. He told Eddie that he didn’t even need to tell him anything. Steve was safe. He trusted him.
With a deep breath Eddie lightly knocked on the door while he opened it. Steve was sitting on the edge of his bed, seemingly lost in thought as he startled at the knock.
“Uh before anything, could you help me bandage my chest again? We kinda … forgot about that part.”
Steves eyes went wide, “Oh shit yes of course! I’m sorry I completely forgot. Come here, sit down.” He gestured next to him.
Eddie sat down next to him as Steve immediately went to help him with his shirt.
They were both silent during the entire thing, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. Not at all. Steve seemed focused on his task and Eddie just watched him. Watched his big hands wrap the bandages around his chest, holding it in place as he taped the ends down. His hands were huge and spread across Eddies chest made them look even larger. He had to suppress a noise at some filthy thoughts that made their way into his head.
When Steve was done he helped Eddie back into his shirt and went to throw the trash away.
Steve sat down next to Eddie again, and now with nothing to do the quiet got awkward. Eddie didn’t know how to start this. Didn't even really know what to say if he was being honest. He’s never really done it like this.
“So. I’m … You know. Fuck .” Eddie shook his head. He was supposed to be good at talking.
“It’s alright. Take your time.” Again with that.
“Okay so. I wasn’t exactly born a boy? But I never associated with being a girl. I fucking hated it. I’m a guy. My body just didn’t get the memo.” Eddie sighed.
“When I was like 9 I kept telling my parents that I’m not a girl. I’m a boy. And at first they just laughed it off, you know? Probably just a phase. But no, it wasn’t. I didn’t stop saying it, telling them to call me Eddie. Stop buying me girls clothes. They didn’t like that.” Steve put a hand on his back in support.
“They were both drunks. My mom was an addict and overdosed when I was 10. That was kind of the catalyst of everything. My father … he was never a good man. Been in and out of Prison my whole life. He didn’t take it well when she died. Kept telling me it was my fault. That I killed her with my bullshit. He hit me a lot when he was drunk. One day he said if I wanna be a boy so bad why do I still have long hair?” Tears were now falling from his eyes at the memory. Steve gathered him into his arm. Rubbing his back, telling him it’s alright. Eddie just let himself cry into Steves neck for a few minutes. He leaned back to continue his story, Steve still having his arms loosely around him.
“He held me down and cut my hair off that day. I cried so damn much. I yelled at him too. I guess that was his final straw as he pretty much dumped me on Waynes doorstep the next day. Not even telling him about it first. I mean how fucked up is that?” Eddie laughed in disbelief.
“Wayne was in shock at the state I was in. He knew my father wasn’t the greatest man. But he didn’t think he was gonna stoop that low. And I didn’t trust Wayne at first. I mean why would I? I barely knew the man and he was my fathers brother after all. But he was so kind. And patient. Nothing like him at all. He didn’t question why I wanted to be called Eddie. He just … accepted it.”
“I’m glad you have him. He sounds like a great guy.” Steve said, smiling at him.
Eddie nodded, “He is. I don’t know where I would be without him. But anyway. Yeah that’s pretty much it I guess? Not born a boy but still … a boy?” Eddie grimaced. Why did he say it like that. Stupid brain.
“Thank you for trusting me with this, Eddie.” Steves hugged him, pretty much smooshing him into his chest. And if Eddie wasn’t still injured he would have just accepted it. But alas, he was injured and it hurt. “As much as I like the hug and I’m glad you dont mind. You’re kinda hurting me here.” Steve immediately let him go, looking guilty. “Shit Eddie, I’m sorry I forgot. Are you okay?” Eddie nodded, “Yeah. I’m okay. I promise.” And for the first time in Eddies life he actually believed himself when he said that.
“So …” Steve started, looking nervous as he fidgeted with the hem of Eddies shirt.
“While we are pouring our hearts out here, can I tell you something as well?”
“Yeah, of course. You can tell me anything.” Eddie said serious.
“I think … No. I know . I’m … bisexual?” Steve said, unsure.
“For knowing it you sound very unsure about it.” Eddie replied with a smirk.
With a smile Steve said, “Shut up. I do know. I just didn’t know the term til like … a week ago? Robin told me about it after I had a “sexuality crisis” as Robin liked to call it. Not that I think it was a crisis really. I kinda knew I was into guys? I just didn’t know you could like both? Does that make sense? I feel like I sound stupid.” Steve looked down nervously.
“You do not sound stupid. This shit can be super confusing, believe me, I know. I’m glad you got there in the end though.” Eddie smiled, lightly jabbing his elbow into Steves side.
“So you don’t … mind?” Steve said, repeating Eddies earlier words.
Eddie just stared at Steve. He can not be serious right now.
“Steve. Steve. Are you serious? Do I mind? You do know who you’re talking to? I just told you I’m trans and you think I have a problem with you being bisexual?”
“I don’t know! Maybe?” Steve mumbled.
“Alright. First, no Stevie I do not mind. And second, You do know I’m gay right? Like, I really didn’t think I was hiding that very well.”
“You … I mean. I had an Inkling. And the rumors in school … But I didn’t want to assume anything!” Steves cheeks heating up as he hid behind his hands, and Eddie thinks it's the cutest thing he has ever seen. Oh, he was down bad.
With a low mumble Eddie said “Cute.” Smiling like an idiot. This could not have gone any better, he was so relieved. And also Steve was into guys! Holy shit! Does that mean Eddie might actually have a chance? Alright, don't get your hopes up Munson that doesn't mean he likes you .
Eddie stifled a yawn, not wanting the moment to end, but Steve caught it anyway. Looking at the clock on his nightstand that showed 11pm already, Steve said with a gentle smile “We should probably head to bed huh? You still need to rest and this was a lot.”
Knowing Steve was right, Eddie reluctantly agreed and nodded his head. He didn’t want to be alone though. Nights were the hardest. He knows his body needs rest but the nightmares just didn’t let up. More often than not he woke up crying and hyperventilating at the images in his head. Chrissy floating up the ceiling, her eyes completely white. The creatures in the upside down. The Demo-bats ripping Eddie to shreds, he would feel all the pain every time. But the worst of the dreams was when they involved Steve. Steve drowning in lovers lake. Steve getting ripped to shreds instead of Eddie. Bleeding out in Eddies arms, not being able to safe him. It was awful, and he hated it. The memories of the nightmares bringing fresh tears to his eyes, he immediately turned his head and stood up. Steve had seen enough of Eddie crying today.
“I’m gonna … go to my room. I guess. Uh … good night, Steve.” Eddie said awkwardly pointing towards the hallway, trying his best not to let the tears fall.
“No wait! You can … stay here? If you want?” And after a moment added a small “Please.”.
Eddies heart nearly bursts into pieces at that, Steve sounded so desperate and sad. Fuck, he probably also had nightmares and needed comfort in another person. Wiping his eyes on the borrowed shirt, he turned back around to a miserable looking Steve. Yeah no, he can not just leave him alone like that. Absolutely not. “Yeah. I can stay.”
And Steve just beamed at that. Sadness leaving his eyes as he warmly smiled at Eddie.
Eddie slipped into Steves bed, under Steves bed sheets. And all he could smell was Steve. He sighed happily, how will he ever be able to sleep in his own bed ever again after knowing how this feels?
Meanwhile Steve got up to turn the light off, on the way back to the bed he stripped off his shirt and threw it somewhere in the direction of a chair. When he reached the bed he lifted the covers up and slipped under them turning to face Eddie.
It was dark but the moonlight let enough light in so they could still see each other. Eddie felt giddy with happiness, something he never thought he would feel.
Suddenly Steve shifted closer, their faces nearly touching at this point. Eddie could feel Steves breath on his lips. Slowly Steve leaned his forehead against Eddies, closing his eyes. One of his arms came to rest on Eddies waist while the other soughed out Eddies hand.
Their fingers intertwined under the blanket and Eddies heart skipped a beat. He doesn’t remember ever holding someones hand and never thought it could be this nice. To just touch someone and be close. He felt like he was touch starved, pressing closer to Steve, needing more. Steve chuckled as his hand that was at Eddies waist slowly crept up to his face.
Cupping Eddies face in his hand, he slowly leaned forward closing the gap between the two and pressing his lips to Eddies. It was so slow and gentle. Just a soft press of lips against his. When Steve started to lean back again, Eddie immediately chased his lips again, bringing a chuckle out of Steve. “Needy aren't we?” He teases. But Eddie just nodded dumbly. Steve pressed another light kiss onto his lips, making Eddie sigh happily.
When they parted, Steve pulled Eddie closer to him, holding him in his arms. Eddie laid his head on Steves chest and smiled as Steve pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “Sleep well, Eddie.”