Eddie wanted to kiss Steve. He found himself staring at the other man often, wondering what his lips felt like. Like now, the party was crowded in Steve's house for a movie night and Eddie had found himself pressed into Steve's side, four of them sharing a couch only made for three.

Steve was talking to Robin, on Eddie's other side and he was captivated by the movement of his lips, staring unabashedly as Steve's attention was focused elsewhere. Then he smiled and it sent unexpected warmth coursing through Eddie, which immediately turned to ice when he looked up to find Steve's eyes on him. "Uh, what?"

"I asked if you're ok." Steve tapped his forehead and grinned. "Looking kinda flushed."

Eddie rolled his eyes. "You're like a heater, Harrington."

He shrugged and slung an arm across the back of the sofa. "There's always the floor."

"I'm good, thanks," Eddie replied dryly before trying to focus on the movie again. It worked for a while and he became engrossed in the action. But at a touch on his hair, he jumped, reaching around to grab at the thing only to find it was Steve's hand. He immediately let go and looked at the other man, raising an eyebrow.

Steve looked back daringly, sliding the hand into Eddie's hair and began playing with it. He immediately melted into the touch, trying not to show how much he liked it. Steve relaxed next to him and for the rest of the movie, played with Eddie's hair. When the movie ended, the kids all got up to go grab more snacks from the kitchen, Robin and Nancy following to supervise.

Eddie sat up and frowned at Steve. "What-"

"I like your hair." He blurted out before Eddie could finish the sentence. To his surprise, Steve's cheeks had turned pink.

Eddie smiled and leaned in, kissing his cheek. "You're sweet, Harrington." He refused to allow his sudden panic to show because what the fuck was he doing? Kissing Steve Harrington? He'd gone insane. He expected to be shoved away or yelled at or maybe even punched but no, Steve gaped at him, stuttering unintelligibly for a few seconds.

"I think they need help in the kitchen." He finally got out in a faint voice before bolting from the room.

Watching Steve go, all he could think was that he'd crossed the line. Despite how amiable Steve was, not pushing either Eddie or Robin away for being gay, he still couldn't go around kissing him. Eddie sat debating with himself for a moment before getting up. The kitchen was in absolute chaos, cupboards were open and their contents were strewn everywhere.

"No, baking soda!" Dustin was saying to Mike who rolled his eyes. "Do you want pancakes or not?"

"Pancakes?" Eddie asked Robin who was leaning against the counter trying not to laugh. "Did I miss something?"

"Popcorn isn't enough apparently. Dustin wants to show these twerps his mom's world-famous pancakes." She chuckled. "More like make a mess for Steve to clean up."

"Where is Steve?"

"Outside, said he needed some air after seeing this place." She looked at him, taking in his nervous stance. "Everything alright, Eddie?"

"Hmm? Oh yeah, why wouldn't it be?" He forced himself to stop biting his nails and smiled at her. "Just looking for Steve." And he sidled outside before she could question him further. Steve was indeed outside, legs hanging over the side of the pool. Eddie sat down next to him and stared at their distorted reflections in the water. "I'm sorry." He said after what seemed like an eternity of silence.

"For what?"

He looked up to see Steve frowning in confusement. "For what happened, when I y'know…" Eddie waved a hand awkwardly. It was bad enough he was apologising, he wasn't going to say the word kiss out loud.

Steve's eyes went wide and then he laughed, the sweet sound echoing in the empty backyard. "Don't be." Steve patted his hand and to Eddie's surprise, didn't move away. He kept his hand on top of Eddie's. "I don't mind."

"Really?" He asked sceptically.

"Really." Steve turned to look at him, searching his face. "I'm not a homophobe, Eds. I'm not gonna hate you for kissing me."

"Ah!" Eddie waved his free hand in Steve's face. "Let's not say it out loud."

Steve laughed again. "Fine. Get your feet in the pool then, it's relaxing." Eddie eyed the water. "What, you scared of water?"

"Would it really be that far-fetched after Lover's Lake?"

"It's my pool. I promise there's no gate to the Upside Down in it." Steve kicked and splashed Eddie. "I still got all my toes." Grumbling, Eddie pulled off his socks, rolled up his trousers and dipped his feet in. In all honesty, it was nice but he wouldn't admit that to Steve. He seemed to know anyway because he bumped their shoulders together. "Good, right?"

"I suppose."

Steve sighed and rested his head on Eddie's shoulder. "I like it out here, it's quiet."

"Yeah, especially compared to your kitchen. That mess is going to take ages to clean up."

"I don't mind. Makes the house feel lived in for once." Steve sighed again. "My parents are never here so it's just me normally."

Eddie was beginning to understand why all these movie nights happened at Steve's house. It wasn't just because he had the biggest TV. "Hey if you want company I'm always available. I was never the height of social hierarchy so it's not like I ever have plans."

"Thanks, Munson, I'll keep that in mind."

"Munson, what happened to Eds?"

Steve looked up at him, brow furrowed slightly. "You like that?"

"Coming from you." He admitted. Steve huffed softly, warm breath making goosebumps stand up on Eddie's neck. "Steve, we should get back inside."

"Five more minutes."

Eddie obliged. After a moment he leaned down to kiss the top of Steve's head. He tasted like hair products and Eddie cringed a little. "That's disgusting."

"Takes a lot to look this good." He could feel Steve's smile against his collarbone. "I could teach you a thing or two."

"Not a chance." He glanced around as the back door swung open to see it was Nancy. She didn't show any surprise at finding them practically cuddling but the smile she gave Eddie was far too understanding. "We're ready to start the next movie."

"Be there in a sec!" Steve called back. Once the door shut again he sat up and smiled at Eddie. "We should head back in before the kids wonder where we are."

"They're big enough not to need adult supervision for a few minutes… maybe." Eddie shook his head. "I'll help you clean up in the morning."

"Planning on spending the night?"

"That's what sleepovers generally entail, no?"

Steve got closer and for a second, Eddie was sure his eyes dropped to his mouth. "Depends Munson, where are you going to sleep?"

Eddie was saved from answering by the door slamming open again. "Come on!" Dustin yelled at them.

"Time to go." Eddie got out before standing.

He followed Steve back inside, trying not to get too ahead of himself. If it was anyone but Steve he would've considered that flirting. But he knew the unspoken rule, don't fall for the straight boy. It always ended badly. He didn't want to ruin this friendship, no matter how attractive he found Steve. He finally had a group of friends that accepted him and he wasn't going to ruin it. He could admire Steve all he wanted in private. With that depressing thought, Eddie sat on the sofa but made sure Robin was between himself and Steve this time.

Halfway through the film, she sent him a glare and got up. "Move." And with a surprisingly strong shove, he was pushed into Steve's side.

Eddie glanced up at him and shrugged. Steve seemed to be fighting back a laugh. "I think she got bored of me looking at you," Steve murmured as he leaned down. Eddie rolled his eyes, elbowing him gently in the side. Steve winced and grabbed his wrist. "Ouch."

"Sorry." He whispered back sarcastically. When Steve moved to take his hand instead, Eddie impulsively lifted it and kissed his knuckles as an apology. Steve inhaled sharply, fingers digging into his hand momentarily. "Better?"

"Much."

The film continued in the background but all Eddie could think about was the hand entwined with his. Steve didn't seem uncomfortable, if anything he looked happy and relaxed for once.

Eddie decided to test the waters and leaned in closer, nose brushing Steve's jawline. He stiffened and then let out a quiet hum but didn't pull away. Braver now he wasn't being rejected, Eddie went all out and pressed a kiss to his neck, then several more. Steve huffed softly, squeezing his hand but still didn't pull back. Eddie smiled and pressed one last kiss to his jaw before completely breaking free to finish the movie.

So yeah, he was definitely reconsidering Steve's sexuality now.

By the time the second film ended, Eddie was exhausted. The kids were all dozing off as they turned off the tv and crept into the hallway. Nancy and Robin snuck upstairs to bed, leaving Eddie and Steve by the front door. "I gotta go, Wayne will be worried about me." Eddie hesitated on the doorstep as Steve's expression fell. "See you soon?"

"Yeah." He looked up, holding Eddie's gaze for a moment before lowering to his lips. Steve's eyes snapped back up, bright and wide. "Eddie…"

He closed the gap between them and kissed Steve. Just a quick peck but it still sent warmth flooding through his veins, his heart soaring. "Goodnight, Steve." And he hopped into his van without looking back, terrified to find Steve confused and angry. It was a long drive home.

When he got home, Eddie found himself too nervous to settle down. He paced back and forth, running his hands through his hair. What the fuck had he been thinking? Steve was going to hate him or ignore him. If he was lucky, they would both pretend it didn't happen. Eddie decided the best thing to do would be to stay away for a few days.

So for the rest of the week, he didn't visit Family Videos or call Steve. He declined Robin's invite to go around the Harrington house for a movie night, saying he was busy. Her voice turned frosty, "You're such a wimp. Steve is freaking out you know. Stop avoiding him." And then she hung up. Eddie didn't go.

In fact, he didn't see Steve again until he came to pick up Dustin, Mike and Lucas from their weekly Hellraisers meeting.

Eddie watched as the kids got into Steve's car. He was surprised when the man himself got out a moment later and with a warning of, "Don't touch anything." He came over to him and stopped just short of touching Eddie, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Hey."

How awkwardly casual. Eddie tried not to cringe outwardly as he replied, "Hey."

Steve rocked backwards on his heels and then seemed to come to a decision. He looked at Eddie purposefully and closed the gap between them, kissing him firmly. At first, Eddie didn't respond but he melted into Steve as his hand came up to cup the side of his face. "I like you." Steve breathed as they broke apart, eyes flickering up to meet Eddie's shyly. "I don't want you to think anything else after this."

"I like you too." Eddie choked out. His fingers tightened around Steve's shirt, afraid he would disappear or something because surely he was dreaming. "Are you sure?"

"Did I just kiss you in a public space in front of the kids?" Steve did it again, lips lingering against Eddie's. "I'll drop them off and stop by your place after?"

"Yeah, sounds good." Eddie agreed quickly.

When he got home, Eddie frantically tried to clean up and had gotten most of the mess tidied when there was a knock at the door. Steve smiled as he opened it. "Hey," He said again, voice filled with a new warmth as Eddie grinned and yanked him in by his shirt. "So we're done ignoring each other, right?"

"Right." He agreed. They were stood so close in the doorway still, Eddie refusing to let go of Steve's shirt. "I'm sorry for avoiding you."

"I get it." Steve shrugged. "Don't fall in love with the straight boy."

Eddie opened his mouth to ask who but then realised. "Robin," He groaned.

"Yep." He leaned down to kiss Eddie, backing him up against the counter. "But I'm not a straight boy. I'm bisexual." He said it so proudly that Eddie couldn't help laughing. "What?"

"Did you learn that from Robin?"

"Yes!" His smile turned soft and Eddie's laughter cut out. "I like you a lot, Eddie. I've been trying to figure out how to tell you for ages but that movie night seemed to do the trick. Do you want to go out with me?"

"Holy shit. Did Steve Harrington just ask me out?"

"He did." Steve leaned closer, bracketing Eddie against the counter. "And he's freaking the fuck out, wondering if you'll say yes or not."

"Of course, I'm going to say yes. Do you think I'm stupid?" Eddie yanked him into another kiss. "Is that what it took, me kissing you all night?"

"Well... when you kissed me properly I kinda figured you liked me." There was an underlying smugness to his tone but not quite as bad as his King Steve day's so Eddie let it slide. "Then you started avoiding me so I took matters into my own hands."

"Good thing too. We both know I'm a runner, not a fighter."

"I'll protect you." The promise ran so much deeper than his mild joke. It tugged at Eddie's heart and he realised how much he liked Steve. It was a scary thought but not one he was going to run from. "You good?"

"I'm perfect." He admitted. Then he tilted his head at the sofa. "Why don't we get comfortable?"

Steve's answering smile was brighter than the sun. Eddie hoped he'd never stop seeing it. "I'd like that."