Steve hated his birthday. In fact, for most years he liked to pretend it never happened. He hadn't celebrated his birthday since he was seven, after that his parents were always too busy and he was too old for all that childish nonsense. So for over a decade now, Steve ignored the day as it slipped by unnoticed.

He didn't blame the kids for never asking, they probably thought he celebrated with people his own age. As if his only 'friends' his own age weren't Nancy and Jonathan. Wouldn't that be a fun time. But then he met Robin and after the mind flayer, they became inseparable. For his nineteenth birthday, Robin got him a card and a book about sexualities. It was more of a joke than anything but Steve had been reading it in secret. He wanted to know Robin better but it also helped him understand a few things about himself too.

After Robin came Eddie. If she was a tornado, he was a storm front. He blew into Steve's life with a glass bottle against his neck and stayed with the extra trauma. With Vecna defeated and the gates to the Upside Down closed, the two had grown close. Eddie spent almost all his time at Steve's house, so much so that he basically lived there instead of at the apartment the government had provided him and his uncle.

Steve didn't mind though, he liked having Eddie around. The house felt more alive and full with his presence, be it the man himself or just his music blasting through the halls. Steve loved coming home to the noise even if he didn't particularly care for the music. His parents were indefinitely in New York now so they had the place to themselves and any kids that felt like dropping by. His house was always open to any of them.

And on those nights where sleep was interrupted or seemed impossible, they helped each other through it. Steve never complained when he was woken by Eddie's nightmares or vice versa. They handled the darkness together and it was the first time in years Steve was sleeping properly. Robin joined them when she could but her parents weren't fans of her spending the night with two boys. Eddie's uncle knew where he was and Steve, well he felt for the first time he belonged at home rather than as an outsider.

When he woke on his birthday, Steve hadn't even realised the date until he'd joined Eddie for breakfast. "Happy birthday," He mumbled around a mouthful of cereal.

Steve, who had been pouring milk into his own had froze at the words. He looked at the calendar on the fridge to double-check. Yes, it was his birthday. He felt the usual weight settle in his stomach and wondered if he'd get a card this year. "Cool."

"Whoa, whoa!" Eddie grabbed his wrist and forced the milk upright as it began spilling over the table. "Where's your head at?"

"Oh, nowhere." He was distracted by with warmth of Eddie's hand encircling his wrist and accidentally spilt more milk. "Shit, let me get a towel or something."

As he wiped up the mess he tried to ignore Eddie's amusement. With their relationship came the realisation that Steve was bisexual. He hadn't been totally blindsided by the fact, having read through Robin's book over the past year and spoken to her. It was just confirmed by his attraction to Eddie. Steve's real source of anxiety came from trying to tell him. He didn't want to overstep his boundaries or make things uncomfortable. Especially since they needed each other so much still.

"We having a party tonight or what?"

Steve looked up and shook his head. "No. No parties. To be honest I wasn't planning anything."

Eddie didn't seem perturbed. "Good thing I made plans then."

"Eddie," He sighed but the man wasn't listening. He snatched the sodden towel from Steve and threw it in the washing machine.

"Nu-uh, you're twenty! We gotta celebrate saying bye-bye teenager and y'know… being alive still." His smile didn't quite mask the darkness in his eyes. They were both still haunted by everything that had happened. "Come on, you'll enjoy it." He gave Steve his most pleading look and he caved immediately.

"Fine!" Steve threw up his hands, settling them on his waist. "But no party, I don't want anything big."

Eddie nodded and sidled closer. He covered Steve's hands with his own and spoke in a soft voice, "Nothing big, I promise. You gotta trust me, Stevie. When have I ever let you down?"

"Never?" He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to remember how to breathe normally. Eddie was not good for his motor functions. Eddie wasn't done though because he hooked his arms around Steve's middle and hugged him closer. Steve automatically embraced him back and relaxed into the familiar and comforting hold. "Christ, Eds, I need to get ready for work." He mumbled against the side of his head, breathing in the scent of his shampoo. It was something he'd never admit out loud but he loved that Eddie used his stuff. "Robin will kick me in the balls if I'm late again."

"We wouldn't want that, would we?" Eddie released him with a grin and bounced back. "When do you finish?"

"Midday."

He nodded, looking thoughtful. "Should give me enough time if Robin keeps you busy for a while."

"Why?" When Eddie only shrugged, his suspicions grew. "Have you two got something planned?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Eddie replied breezily. "Hurry up before Robin makes you infertile."

Steve got ready in record time, hastily buttoning his shirt as he bounded back downstairs. Eddie took one look at him and started laughing. "What?"

"Come here." Eddie grabbed his shirt and yanked him closer. Steve's heart jolted as he undid the buttons. "You're a mess, did you even check to make sure this was done correctly?"

"Uh, no. In a rush, remember?" It went without saying why he was in a rush. Neither of them mentioned Steve's nightmare in the early hours of the morning. Eddie got his shirt sorted and then shoved him gently towards the front door. "Thanks."

"Anytime, pretty boy."

Steve blew him a kiss in response and grabbed his keys. "I'll be home for one."

"Doubt it!" Eddie called back. "Robin will keep you over her lunch."

"Half one then!" Steve didn't ask why, knowing Eddie wouldn't tell him. He supposed he'd find out soon enough. "No party!"

"Yeah, yeah!"

Steve was five minutes late. He knew if it wasn't his birthday, Robin would give him more grief as she scowled at him. "You're late."

"I know, I know. I overslept, I'm sorry."

The day dragged on. Steve regretted even coming in for half a shift. He spent most of the morning clock watching as he rewound cassettes from the return bin. Robin went easy on him, taking care of the customers and replacing his tapes every now and then. But when it was finally time to leave she ran to the front of the shop and locked the door, flipping the sign to 'Closed'.

"Come on." She said briskly and grabbing his arm, she towed him to the back room. "It's time I gave you your present."

"Robin…"

"Ah, ah, ah, none of that! This is for Eddie as much as you so sit-" She forced him onto the moth-eaten sofa. "-and let me remake you."

Steve did not like the sound of that. When she grabbed a bag from her locker and pulled out clothes he shook his head. "No, no, no, Robin, no."

"Eddie'll love it." She cooed.

Steve glared at her. "That's not cool, Robin."

"Shut up and get changed." She threw him the clothes and went to the door. "I'm tired of watching you two dance around each other. Give the man some incentive. Show him what he's missing out on."

He had to admit, he did like the sound of that.

"That's the spirit." Robin winked and left him to it.

Steve barely managed to squeeze into the black skinny jeans and he was sure they'd never come off. He laughed when he saw a hellfire shirt to put on, complete with Eddie's jacket from the Upside Down. He'd done his best to clean it up but there were still stains. He was about to put his sneakers back on when Robin returned with combat boots. "Christ, I look like Eddie."

"That's the point!" When he was done lacing the boots up, she grabbed another, smaller bag. "Now this will be the icing on the cake. You gotta trust me, alright?"

"Alright?" When she pulled out the eyeliner, he held up a finger. "No, no you're not putting makeup on me!"

"Please?" She wheedled. "Eddie will literally drool if he sees you wearing eyeliner. Are you really going to miss this chance to completely mess with his head?"

"You're evil."

"I'm just trying to help my best friend get laid!" She twiddled the eyeliner in her fingers, looking at him pleadingly. "Just imagine Eddie's face when you get home. He won't be able to take his eyes off you."

He caved. "Fine."

"Now hold still." Steve did as he was told, waiting what seemed like forever for her to finish. "…and all done!" Before he could say anything, Robin hauled him to his feet and pushed him in front of the mirror. "What do you think?"

"I mean… it's not bad I guess?" It was certainly different, the eyeliner made the brown of his eyes look darker, almost like Eddie's. "You really think Eddie will like this?"

"Absolutely positively." Linking their arms together, they walked back into the main store. "Now go woo your man, Harrington."

"Wish me luck." At the door, Steve turned to smile nervously at Robin.

"You don't need it but good luck!"

In the blink of an eye, he was outside his house. Steve stared at the building with mounting trepidation before slowly getting out. It smelled like garlic and tomato sauce which was Steve's favourite kind of food. He could hear Eddie whistling in the kitchen and Steve carefully moved towards him, smiling at the sight he was greeted with.

Eddie was swaying around the kitchen, humming along to a song in his head apparently because there was no music playing. Steve leaned against the doorframe as he watched, heart aching with fondness as he watched Eddie move with practised ease that could only come from familiarity. Steve wanted the moment to last forever. But Eddie turned, noticing him and he froze, eyes widening.

"Holy shit." He breathed, taking Steve in. "You look…"

Steve helped him out since he seemed to be at a loss for words. "Stunning, charming, ravishing?"

"All of the above." Eddie tugged the jacket and smiled. "You got most of the gunk out I see."

"Little extra charm won't go amiss." Steve glanced over at the cooker. "What's that?"

"Dinner." Eddie laughed when he groaned. "No spoilers. Now come on, give me a twirl." If it was anyone but Eddie, he would've refused. Steve stepped back and spun around once. "I gotta admit, I'm really digging this look on you, Stevie."

"Of course you do." He hopped onto the counter. "As you were, Eds."

He raised an eyebrow but went back to the food. After a couple of seconds, he began to hum again and was soon lost in his own little world. Steve loved watching him lose himself like that, become so thoroughly engrossed in his own head that the rest of the world could wait. "You thinking up your next campaign?"

Eddie glanced over his shoulder and the heated look he gave Steve was enough to make him blush. "Something like that."

Suddenly he felt very powerful in his new outfit. Sliding off the counter, he approached Eddie and bracketed him against the table. "Tell me."

"Oh, Stevie," Eddie exuded confidence and Steve loved it. He was used to being with girls and they were normally more passive than this. "I don't think you're ready for that just yet."

"Try me." He swore Eddie's eyes flickered down to his mouth for a moment. Steve wanted to kiss him and why shouldn't he? He leaned down but before he could even touch Eddie the timer went off, making them both jump.

"Garlic bread's done."

Steve stepped back to let Eddie continue making dinner. He sat down at the table to watch, wondering how he could regain that moment again. He was sure if the timer hadn't gone off they would've kissed. Steve wanted that more than anything. Maybe later on, if he ever regained the nerve.

"You, leave." Eddie pointed at him and then at the doorway. "Give me ten minutes."

"What, why?"

"I've gotta set up. Now shoo."

"The things I do for you, Eds," Steve grumbled as he was pushed out into the hallway.

"Yes, yes, you're amazing." Eddie paused, hands still on Steve's chest as his expression softened. "What would I do without you?"

"Be miserable." Steve knew he would be. "Don't take too long."

"Ten minutes." He promised before hurrying back to the kitchen.

Steve sighed and slouched onto a sofa, picking up the battered copy of The Hobbit he was supposed to be reading. He found the margin notes and highlights made by Eddie far more interesting and began flicking through the pages to find them.

"Alright, Stevie, dinner is served!"

Tossing the book down, Steve happily returned to the kitchen. As he entered the room he found himself at a loss for words. Eddie had pulled the heavy curtains across the glass doors to dim the room and set up candles on the table with their food. It looked and smelled fantastic. There was music playing softly from the tape deck on the side, one of Steve's favourite songs. But what really caught Steve's eye was Eddie. He'd changed out of his usual attire and was wearing a white shirt with black dress pants. It was the first time Steve had seen him in formal wear and he had to admit, Eddie looked good.

"You look… amazing Eds." He finally got out, slightly embarrassed by how awed he sounded but the bright smile he received quickly erased it. "This is a lot."

"I figured you deserved a treat." Eddie grabbed his hand and led him to the table. Steve laughed as he held out the chair for him and sat down. "You look after everyone else but no one looks after you. It's time we changed that. Happy birthday, Steve." He squeezed Steve's shoulders before taking the seat next to him.

Steve had never tasted anything so good. "How did you make this?"

"Mrs Wheeler gave me her family recipe. It's a secret I shall take to my grave." Eddie replied solemnly, hand on heart. "It wasn't easy, let me tell you. Came out alright though?"

"It's perfect." Steve knew how much effort it must've taken Eddie to focus on doing it properly. He got distracted easily which, although endearing, made it hard to get Eddie to sit down and do anything, especially schoolwork. "Thank you."

Eddie waved it away. "Stop that. You deserve something nice for your birthday."

"Uh, Eds…" Steve looked around the table in bemusement. "What about drinks?"

"Shit!" He got up and hurried to the fridge. "I knew I forgot something!" It was with a pout that he poured them both a glass of red wine.

"It's still perfect, now with a signature Eddie forgetfulness." Eddie rolled his eyes but looked pleased. "So tell me again, how did you make this?" Steve spent the meal listening to Eddie recount how he'd managed to get everything ready. It was especially entertaining to learn he'd cut the garlic butter into equal amounts for the bread. He struggled to finish but managed the last few bites, sitting back in his chair with a groan. "Can you cook for me every night?"

"No." It was just starting to get dark outside, enough that they opened the curtains again to lighten the room. It was a shame really, Steve liked the way the candlelight flickered in Eddie's eyes. "How about dessert?"

"I don't think I could hold another bite."

"Who said anything about eating?" Eddie grabbed his trusty metal tin and shook it with a grin. "Come on, it's still warm outside." They sat together on the deck chairs as Eddie pulled out a joint for them to share. He'd been smoking less so he could focus and graduate this year but tonight was a special occasion and a Friday. "You're not working tomorrow so take as much as you want. I already arranged it with Robin." He added sternly as Steve opened his mouth to protest.

"Alright." Steve sighed in defeat.

Eddie looked absolutely sinful as he grinned in the sunset. Steve's heart jolted in his chest and he grabbed the lighter before Eddie could use it. "Wait a second. Can we talk? Before we get off our heads."

Eddie raised his eyebrows but nodded. "What's up?"

He took a deep breath, fingers tightening around Eddie's wrist. "I like you Eds, more than… whatever it is we've been doing. I'm not gonna lie, I might try to kiss you when I'm high and I don't want you to think I don't mean it. Because I do, I really do. I don't wanna lose you, I'm so scared you're gonna move on one day, that you won't need me anymore. Will you stay? I don't mean like a friend either…" He trailed off and laughed, hiding his face in his hand in embarrassment. "Christ I'm no good at this."

"Are you… trying to say you love me?" Steve uncovered his face to find Eddie looking at him in surprise and was he imagining it, hope?

"Yeah." Now the word had been spoken aloud, Steve found he could say it. "I love you, Eds. I don't wanna spend a single day without you. If you don't feel the same, I understand. I just needed to tell you."

In the silence that followed, Steve started to feel stupid. He had to open his big fat mouth and for what? Eddie was going to leave him now and the thought of that was unbearable. Steve made to get up when Eddie's hand shot out and clamped around his arm. "I love you too."

The relief was so sweet he forgot how to talk. Eddie seemed to understand though because he leaned closer, nose brushing along his jawline. Steve let out a ragged breath and closed his eyes, tilting his head down. He knew Eddie's face well enough that he could map it out by touch, tracing his fingers down to hold his chin. "Can I kiss you?"

"Thought you'd never ask."

Eddie tasted like garlic and wine and it was the best thing Steve had ever tasted. His stomach, which had been so full of butterflies a moment before it felt like it was going to explode, now settled with a pleasant hum that he could feel in his fingertips. He could do this all night. Eddie pressed closer, hand pushing at Steve's chest and he allowed himself to be lowered onto his back. It should've been illegal how good Eddie was with his tongue.

"Fuck, Eds, wait a second." Steve pulled back and couldn't help laughing because he felt so damn good. He carded his fingers through Eddie's hair, brushing it away from his face. "How about we go inside? This isn't the most comfortable place."

"Anything you want, Stevie."

Steve stopped in the kitchen and pulled Eddie back into his arms. This time when they kissed he took the lead and backed Eddie into the countertop, kissing him so thoroughly it left them both panting. "I want you."

His answering smile made Steve's blood rush south. "Well… we have the whole weekend to ourselves. It'd be a shame to waste it."

"My room." Steve didn't wait for an answer, just starting towing Eddie with him.

When Steve got to work on Monday morning, Robin greeted him with a smug expression. "You look tired."

"Long weekend."

"The good kind?" She asked far too innocently. Their eyes met and she burst into laughter as his cheeks flushed red.

"The best." He managed before running to the back room to grab his vest. Robin's eyes lingered when he returned. "What?"

"Should've worn a jumper."

Steve looked down to find a couple of bruises were visible on his collarbone. He smiled though, too content to be embarrassed. "Whatever. If I offend some law-abiding, god-fearing woman it'll be worth it."

"Sooo… you and Eddie are…"

"Dating." He confirmed, unable to stop his smile.

"About damn time." Robin took her usual seat and looked at him expectantly. "Come on then, I want details! Since my love life is a dud, let me live vicariously through yours!"

Steve laughed but took his seat too. He didn't know where to begin, let alone how it would end. All he knew was that he loved Eddie with every fibre of his being and he was never letting go.