After a month at school, Eddie started to lag. There wasn't enough time to get through everything. His timetable was full.

Monday - band practice

Tuesday - perform at The Hideaway

Wednesday - 'teach' Steve D&D

Thursday - Hellfire meetings

Friday - the only free night of his week

Weekends - working

So he only really had Fridays to do all his homework, studying, campaign planning, practise guitar and all the housework. He'd started working at the local garage to earn some money to help Wayne. There just wasn't enough time and he'd started sacrificing sleep to try and get it all done.

When he got his first detention slip, he wanted to cry. Instead, he balled the paper up in his fist, managed a grimace and left the classroom after everyone else. When he told Wayne, the disappointment on his face crushed Eddie. Maybe it showed because his uncle didn't say anything, only pinned the slip to the fridge so Eddie wouldn't forget.

Steve saw it the following evening. "You got detention?" He plucked the paper up and read it. "I thought you were doing homework this time?"

"Yeah, well, it's kinda hard to keep up with it all." Eddie's voice cracked towards the end and he cleared his throat, snatching the paper back and he slammed it on the fridge door. "Now I'm so far behind I can't think straight. I barely get a few hours sleep before I have to wake up and get the day's homework done. I forgot one stupid piece and bam! Detention."

"Eds-"

"I promised Wayne this year would be different and how long did that last, a month? Stupid fucking Eddie Munson, can't even do his damn homework without falling behind!" Eddie swiped at a book, sending it crashing to the floor. "No wonder I can't graduate." He fell onto the couch and covered his face with a groan, wishing the ground would swallow him up already. "Pathetic."

"You're not pathetic." He felt Steve's weight next to him but refused to uncover his face. "You're overworked. Let me help you?"

"How?"

"Well, first of all, let's forget these stupid lessons. I'm not learning a damn thing anyway and we end up watching movies most of the time."

Eddie sat up and looked at Steve in panic. "I don't-" He stopped and swallowed, moving to clean up the papers scattered on the table. He didn't want to stop hanging out with Steve but how could he say that without sounding desperate?

"I'll call Nancy and Robin, get them both over next week and they can help you." Eddie scoffed. "Trust me, how do you think I graduated? Nancy's brilliant and so's Robin!"

"And I'm not!"

"Yes, you are!" Steve hesitated and then snatched up his campaign book, waving it around. "This is not easy! All the planning and strategies you put into this, it takes a lot of smarts. I couldn't do it. You- you play guitar in a band and run a club and work... it's not easy doing all that and you still find time for me. You're amazing Eds, just not book smart. Nancy can help, she does... flashcards?"

Eddie snorted, covering his mouth as he started to laugh. Steve cracked a smile and relaxed back, putting his campaign book down.

"Look, I'm struggling too and it's an only community college. I could do with the help. Let's all get together and help each other out, yeah?"

"Hate to break it to you but this ain't no place for chicks and there's not enough space."

"My house then. It's plenty big and both Robin and Nancy are comfortable there."

"Oh, I bet they are." Steve shoved him for the suggestive tone. "You sure?"

"Positive. Don't get so overwhelmed, Eds. You don't need to struggle alone." Steve looked so buoyant that Eddie found himself agreeing with a nod. "Great! So, next Wednesday at mine say... around six?"

"Sounds like a plan."

"Until then..." Steve cleared a space on the table. "Go get your homework and we'll get started. No promises I can help though."

"Two idiots are better than one?"

"Yeah, we'll see." Eddie grinned and jumped up to go grab his stuff. Steve's eyes widened when he dumped several books on the table. "Holy shit, you weren't kidding."

"Don't back out on me now, Stevie. I was starting to feel hopeful."

"I never back down from a challenge." He grabbed the math book from the top of the pile and Eddie laughed as he scanned the page. "Shit, this might take a while."

"I thought you graduated?"

"And promptly forgot calculus. Give me a minute, it'll all come flooding back."

"Sure." Eddie grabbed his literature textbook. "Let me know when you've figured it out."

With Steve's help, they got a good third of the pile done. Eddie was excited to get a full night's sleep for the first time in ages. He was beaming as he shoved all the completed work in his bag and even hugged Steve, quickly letting him go. "Uh, thank you."

"Anytime." Steve took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "I better get home before I fall asleep."

"Try not to crash."

"Get some sleep, Eds. I'll see you tomorrow after you've tortured the kids some more. Lucas is still complaining about some stupid poison lingering effects?"

"Should've listened to my warnings and gathered the wolfsbane when he had the chance."

"Yeah, you lost me." Steve turned at the door and gave a goofy wave. "See you tomorrow."

Eddie returned it. "Bye, Freak."

"Hey, that's King Freak to you," Steve called over his shoulder as he jogged to his car. Eddie only gave him the finger and shut the door.

He glanced at the pile of homework on the table and then at the clock, ten pm. Yeah, he had time to do another piece before bed.

Wayne woke him up early the next morning from where he'd fallen asleep on the couch. "Don't overwork yourself."

"'M not," Eddie mumbled, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Had some help." He yawned and stretched. "What time is it?"

"Just gone six. Want some breakfast putting on?"

"Yeah, I'll go shower and then clean up this mess." Eddie stumbled into the bathroom and got the water running. He glanced at his reflection as the water heated up and sighed, poking at the dark circles under his eyes. Maybe with Nancy and Robin's help, he could sleep again.

Wayne didn't say much as Eddie stacked all his things back into piles. It was only halfway through breakfast he cleared his throat and asked, "how are you handling things? I know you've got a lot on your plate at the moment. If it's too much you can stop working, don't worry about the bills we've got by before."

"No, Wayne, it's fine. I'm gonna try something new... a study group." He smiled at the stunned look on his uncle's face. "You seem surprised?"

"Yeah, you've really changed this last month. It's nice to see you being so serious about your education." Eddie rolled his eyes and shoved some eggs in his mouth. "I know how hard it is for you to concentrate. I wish your teachers could see the effort you were putting in. Honestly, detention for your first slip-up, it's wrong. They shouldn't hold your record against you."

"Wayne," Eddie laughed. "You make me sound like a choir boy. It's cool, I'll just do homework or something, no biggie."

"Well... try to stay out of trouble."

"I am, promise."

Eddie went to his detention which actually wasn't such a bad thing, a full two hours of uninterrupted time without distractions? He got a lot done and was feeling pretty happy that Friday afternoon as he left. He was in for a surprise though as outside he saw Steve's BMW in the mostly empty lot. He went over when Steve got out and waved at him.

"What are you doing here?"

"Thought I'd come pick you up. How was detention?"

"Productive. I can spare a few hours to hang." Eddie slid into the passenger seat and grinned at Steve. "If anyone saw us your reputation will take a hit."

"It's already in the mud. What's another blow?"

"I'm still gonna duck if we see anyone from Hellfire. I'd lose cool points being seen with you."

"Hilarious." Steve pulled out onto the main road. "So what do you wanna do?"

"Eat, I'm starving." His stomach rumbled loudly as if to prove his point, making them both grin. "Know anywhere good?"

"There's a diner just out of town that makes amazing milkshakes."

"Greasy food?"

"Yep."

"Step on the gas then." Eddie laughed as Steve revved the engine. "Let's not get pulled over."

The diner was about a ten-minute drive from Hawkins. Eddie had never been before so when they pulled up he looked around in interest at the worn building and brightly lit interior. The waitress who took them to their table was wearing a candy-coloured outfit and she beamed brightly as they sat down, directing her attention to Steve.

"Good to see you again, Steve."

"You too, Diane." He smiled back warmly and Eddie slid down the plastic cushions, wishing they'd gone somewhere else.

"Here are your menus, I'll be back to take your order soon."

"Thanks."

Eddie leaned across the table as she walked away, hips swaying. "Dude, she's totally into you."

Steve raised his eyebrows as he scanned the menu. "You think?"

"Oh I'm sorry, did she even look at me?"

He did over the top of his menu and frowned. "She's like, forty."

Eddie snorted, hiding in his menu as the couple behind Steve turned to look at them. "Guess you're not into older women then."

"Yeah, that's a no."

He hummed, distracted by the menu. "Hey, they do mint chocolate milkshakes! What's your poison?"

"Vanilla."

"Boring."

"Just choose some food. Diane's looking this way."

Eddie glanced up to see her smiling at them and flinched, hiding again. "Uh, burger and fries'll do me."

"And you call me boring."

"Don't forget the ranch dressing."

Steve pulled a face. "That's disgusting."

"Good to know you won't be stealing my fries then," Eddie replied smugly as he placed the menu on the table. Diane took that as her cue to come over and take their orders. When Steve asked for waffles, Eddie laughed. He waited until Diane walked away to whisper, "You're such a child. Waffles for dinner?"

"That's why I'm the kid's favourite."

"You wish."

"I've known them longer!"

Eddie shrugged and was about to tell Steve he was definitely Mike's favourite when the diner door opened. He glanced over and groaned, sliding down in his seat to be less visible. Tommy Hagen and Carol Perkins entered the diner, talking animatedly about something. Eddie felt dread settling in when Carol turned and saw him, expression lighting up.

"Forget the food, let's get outta here."

"Woah!" Steve grabbed his arm as he stood. "What's the rush?" He turned to see what Eddie was looking at and stiffened but when he spoke his voice was gentle. "Come on, Eds, sit down. They won't bother you, I promise."

Surprisingly he felt better and slowly sank into the seat again, the plastic squeaking against his leather jacket. "Steve-"

"I know. It's different now."

They broke apart as their milkshakes arrived and Eddie drank nervously. It tasted good but he was sure it would've been better without the sour taste in his mouth that Tommy and Carol had caused.

"Munson!" Tommy called cheerily, strutting over with Carol on his arm. "Didn't realise it was trash day here, surprised you can afford it."

"Not all of us need to beg our mommies for allowance." Eddie felt rather proud when Steve snorted into his milkshake. "What do you want?"

Tommy glared at him but Carol slid next to Steve, bumping his thigh. "Are we interrupting you guys? Seems very cosy." And she grabbed his milkshake to take a sip. "Been sharing?"

"Knock it off, Carol." Steve took it back with a roll of his eyes. "I'm surprised you aren't too busy going at it behind the dumpster to actually come inside. Don't ruin our night because Tommy can't get it up for you anymore."

Eddie stared at Steve along with the other two. He'd never heard him speak with such disdain before. "Fuck, Steve, you really are a piece of work. No wonder you have to hang around with trailer trash like Munson, no one else can stand your self-righteous attitude." Tommy spat. "Don't forget who you were, King Steve."

Carol took his hand and winked at Eddie. "Hope he doesn't shove your head down the toilet!"

Eddie avoided Steve's eye as they walked away, studying the garish pattern of green and pink spots on the seating. Carol was right in a way. Why was he sitting there with Steve Harrington, pretending to be friends? Because they weren't, never were during their time together at school. Steve and his friends had made Eddie's life miserable.

When Diana returned with their food, Eddie asked, "Hey, can I grab a to-go box?"

"Sure thing, sugar. I'll be right back."

"Eddie-"

"You should eat those waffles before they go cold. I can walk home."

"It'll take hours."

"I'll eat along the way." Eddie just wanted to get the fuck out already but Diana was busy chatting to a customer. He glanced at Steve and his hurt expression was too much. "Forget it, I gotta go." It was a shame because the burger did look good but he couldn't stand another minute sitting there with Steve.

"Eddie!"

He ducked his head as half the diner turned to look at him, ignoring Tommy and Carol sniggering as he hurried outside. It was dark now and getting cold. Zipping up his jacket he started back towards town, stomach rumbling and mood dampened.

It wasn't like they were real friends anyway. They barely knew each other.

Shoving his hands in his pockets he kicked at a loose stone and sighed. "Real fucking class act, Munson. Always running away."

He jumped as someone honked their horn, heart sinking when Steve pulled up beside him. "Get in, Eddie," He called as he rolled down the window. "Let me drive you home, I've got your food."

Stomach winning over pride, Eddie got in the car. "Thanks," He muttered, taking the box. They fell into silence. Eddie flinched as his fingers squeaked against the styrofoam box and tried not to fidget.

"I'm sorry," Steve finally said as they cruised through the town centre. "For high school, for being an asshole, for making your life hell. I'm sorry for it all."

Well, it was more than Eddie thought he'd ever get. An apology from King Steve himself. But the heaviness in his stomach didn't subside.

"I want to be your friend, Eddie. You seem like a great guy and I wanna get to know you. Can we try?" Steve was gripping the steering wheel tightly, knuckles white against the black. "I'm not that guy anymore, I promise."

"Doesn't change things though. You- you made my life hell, Steve. I hated going to school, knowing you and your buddies would be there to torment us. I'd play it off because what else could I do? And now you wanna be friends? I mean, what the fuck are we even doing?"

"I thought we were friends." Steve's voice was hushed, barely audible over the engine. "I'm trying so hard to be a different person now. I know nothing I can say will take back what I did but... I can't help hoping you'll forgive me."

Eddie said nothing. Could he forgive Steve? He didn't know. The rest of the drive back was silent and Eddie was actually glad to see the trailer park. He fumbled with his seatbelt as Steve pulled up outside his trailer and got out.

"Hey," Steve leaned across to his door, face pinched. "What about Wednesday?"

"I'll um, I'll let you know. Thanks for the ride."

"Anytime." Steve smiled but it didn't reach his eyes.

Eddie felt extremely guilty as he shut the door and headed inside. As he listened to the sound of Steve's car fading away he wondered if they would ever hang out again.

He didn't call Steve. In fact, Eddie didn't even see him so when Wednesday rolled around, he was starting to feel desperate again. Despite the help from last week, he was drowning in homework, half of which he didn't understand. So he swallowed his pride and went to Steve's. He knocked on the door, praying Nancy and Robin would already be there.

He was surprised when Nancy opened the door and smiled warmly at him. "Hi. It's Eddie, right?"

"Yeah, nice to meet you officially, Nancy." He took her offered hand and shook it once, quickly dropping it. She eyed his backpack and he smiled, patting the strap. "This bad boy is ready to go."

"You better get in here then."

After taking off his shoes, she led the way into the living room and sat beside the table, looking at him expectantly. Eddie awkwardly sat across from her and started pulling out his stuff. "Where are Steve and Robin?"

"Running late. Robin called me and said I should come over to let you in. Apparently Keith - their manager - thought he could replace the plumbing in the bathroom without any training and now the place is flooding." Her laugh was quiet and musical, setting Eddie at ease. "They might be a while and there's no point wasting time since you're already here."

Steve wasn't kidding when he said Nancy was comfortable in his house.

"Let's see what you've got." She held out her hand and Eddie handed her the first assignment. "Oh this, I get why you're struggling with it. Mr Kraminski is a stickler."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

"I've got the perfect tool." She produced a thick wad of cards with a smile that promised pain. "Flashcards!"

"Oh, great."

She rolled her eyes at his less-than-enthusiastic response. "It's not that bad. At least you won't be trying to get in my bed like Steve was when we did this."

Eddie swallowed thickly. The last thing he wanted to imagine was Steve and Nancy playing a sex game with study cards. "First question?"

Nancy shuffled the cards and cleared her throat. "What is the molecular structure of the compound Glucose?"

"C6H12O6?"

"Good." She smiled and Eddie felt a small rush of victory. "Explain the current model of an atom."

"Uh..." He pulled some paper over and scribbled a quick diagram. "There?"

Nancy looked it over, nodding thoughtfully. "Make sure to show the nucleus is tiny compared to the atom. Even though it's the densest part."

"Okay." He scribbled a quick note on the diagram. "Next?"

"What does the atomic number show about an element?"

"The... number of electrons in the atoms."

"Close but protons, not electrons."

"Yeah but it's the same thing, right?"

"Not to Mr Kraminski or the exam board." She smiled as he groaned. "You seem to know a lot of this. My guess is you don't know how to answer exam questions properly. If you don't put the right word down you don't get the mark. I'll bring practice papers next time. In the meantime, keep revising." She handed him the flashcards. "What else?"

"Got to write an essay about Frankenstein, about the symbolism of isolation and how it affected the characters."

"Ouch, I take it you got Mr Cooper for English?"

"Yeah."

"Robin will probably be better for that, I'm studying Of Mice and Men. She's in your class, right?"

Eddie nodded, picturing Robin sitting a few rows away from him. The front door opened and they could hear a rapid-fire ramble coming from outside. "Speak of the devil..."

"Seriously, someone needs to tie Keith down! I can't believe you let him loose with a spanner!"

"He's our boss, Robin. I can't exactly tell him not to mess about with the plumbing. Besides, it's not my bathroom so why should I care?" Steve appeared in the hallway, talking over his shoulder. When he saw the two of them sitting on the floor he froze for a second, eyes on Eddie. "Oh, hey, you guys got started then?"

"Well yeah, did you think we'd be sat here gossiping?" Nancy asked.

Robin bounded in and sat down next to her with a laugh. "Not without me I hope!" Then she noticed the book Nancy was holding and groaned. "Not Frankenstein! I just finished that stupid essay."

"Good, you can help me out then." Eddie tore his eyes away from Steve to grin at her and pulled out a notebook. "Got any good symbolisms?"

"I'm gonna go change, have fun." Eddie listened to Steve going upstairs and relaxed.

As soon as they heard a door shutting, Robin's voice dropped to a low whisper. "Don't tell me you've actually been studying this whole time?"

"Of course we have?" Nancy's eyebrows drew together as she handed Eddie his book. "What would we gossip about anyway?"

"I dunno maybe... Steve?" Robin waggled her eyebrows and Eddie hoped Nancy didn't notice the way his arm jerked at the mention of Steve's name. "He's been so down this week, haven't you noticed?"

"He probably went on a bad date or something. You know Steve wears his heart on his sleeve. Runs before walking."

"I know." Robin glanced at Eddie and shrugged. "I keep telling him to take the time to know a person before trying to date them. Maybe if he liked them it would work out."

"Yeah, he mentioned that."

"Well, it's good to know he's listening to my advice even if he's not following it." She suddenly grabbed Frankenstein and waved it about. "Yeah, when Frankenstein left his family and lived alone, it became harder for him to control his impulses. If he stayed with his wife he would've never made the monster!"

"Uh-"

"You guys want some food putting on?" Steve asked from behind him. Eddie turned and felt his cheeks burn when he saw Steve was wearing his old basketball shorts. It should've been illegal how snug they were around his thighs.

"Go for it!" Robin waited until he was in the kitchen before dropping her voice again. "Nance, you two aren't... talking are you?"

"What? No!" She looked startled and then blushed, almost as red as Eddie felt. "Just because Jonathan and I broke up doesn't mean I want to be with Steve!"

"Shh!" Robin laughed. "It's weird is all, the shorts. I mean, who is he trying to impress?"

Eddie felt extremely uncomfortable as she turned her inquisitive gaze on him, fervently hoping his blush had died down. "If Steve wants to show off his hairy legs, more power to him." He was proud of how steady his voice came out, smiling as the girls laughed.

"So..." Robin turned her attention back to Nancy with a sly grin. "Is it too soon to ask who was better?"

"Better?"

Eddie wanted to disappear. This was not a conversation he wanted to be part of but at the same time, he didn't want to miss a single word.

"Yeah like if you had to choose..." Nancy shrugged, busying herself with a stack of notes. Robin was not to be deterred though. "Come on, we're practically girlfriends now! Who else can you gossip to about Jonathan and Steve?"

Nancy's eyes flickered to Eddie.

"I'm one of the girls too. I'll shave my legs and put on a skirt if that makes you more comfortable," He offered and they both laughed.

"Okay, okay," Nancy leaned in, voice dropping low. "You know Steve was my first and he was... nice, y'know."

"Nice!" Robin snorted, slapping a hand over her mouth to let Nancy continue.

"Yeah, nice! He was always a gentleman. So was Jonathan but it was more... passionate with him." Nancy was blushing furiously, stumbling slightly over the words. "So Jonathan I guess."

"Poor Steve," Eddie hummed, tapping the table idly. A question occurred to him but before he could ask - which he wouldn't have had the balls to anyway - Robin did it for him.

"Who's bigger?"

Nancy spluttered, hiding her face in her hands as Robin cackled. Eddie looked at her curiously but she only winked back. It occurred to him that his... interest in Steve might be more obvious to her. Was she asking for him? Because he knew she had no interest in Steve or any guy for that matter.

Nancy mumbled something but neither of them caught it over their silent communication.

"What?" Robin asked gleefully.

"Steve!"

"Yeah?" Steve poked his head around the corner and frowned. They must have looked strange with Nancy still hiding, Robin laughing herself to tears and Eddie sitting ramrod straight, staring at the wall determinedly. "Do I even want to know?"

"Nope!"

He sighed exasperatedly and a moment later they could hear him in the kitchen again.

"Steve," Robin crowed and even Eddie cracked a smile. It wasn't information he needed per-se but it did satisfy him somehow. Although it would've been funny if Steve had a small dick. "How much bigger?"

"I didn't ask them to get out a ruler!" Nancy hissed, glaring at Robin. "Why do you are anyway? I thought you guys were platonic with a capital P."

"We are."

"Then why-"

"Just curiosity." She didn't look at Eddie thankfully. Nancy was smart enough to figure it out.

"Well, maybe you should ask Steve how big it is. You guys share everything else he'd probably tell you."

Robin pulled a face. "No thanks, I've had my fill of dick talk now. Can we go back to Frankenstein?"

"Please." Nancy grabbed her textbook and promptly hid her still-flushed face behind it.

Eddie glanced at Robin and they both broke into giggles. He'd never had girlfriends before, of any kind. It was different to hanging with the guys at Hellfire or band practice. He'd certainly never had a friend as intuitive as Robin but they had always been kind of friends, now it seemed more official. Even Nancy was growing on him, she wasn't as stuck up as he'd originally thought.

It was a shame the same couldn't be said for Steve.

"Could you write some pointers for me?" He asked Robin, getting to his feet. "Wanna talk to Steve."

"Are you gonna ask him how big it is?"

"Not yet." He winked at her, ignoring the way Nancy stiffened behind her book and hurried into the kitchen. Steve was bent over looking in the oven. The sight was almost enough to send him back into the living room but he could hear a hushed conversation going on that was probably about him. Not wanting to know he screwed up his courage and cleared his throat. "Steve?"

Steve straightened up quickly, spinning to look at Eddie in surprise. "Oh, hey."

"Hey." Eddie leaned against the counter and watched Steve curiously. The apprehensive look on his face made him laugh and the tension eased. "What the fuck are we even doing?"

"You tell me."

"I think..." Eddie thought carefully before responding. "I think we're trying to put the past behind us. And I'm not saying I forgive you or am totally convinced Tommy and Carol aren't gonna jump out and yell 'surprise!' but... we could try being friends. If you want?"

"I'd really like that... Eds?"

He grinned, relaxing as he pushed away from the counter to peer into the oven. "Yeah, you can keep calling me that. So what are we eating?"

"Fries and nuggets."

"How healthy."

Steve rolled his eyes and opened a cabinet. With a flourish and a bow, he held out a bottle to Eddie. "Your ranch dressing, my liege."

"I thought you didn't like this stuff?"

"I don't but I figured you were still coming over when you didn't cancel so I got some for you."

Eddie clutched the bottle to his chest tightly as guilt bubbled in his stomach. He'd ghosted Steve for five days and he went out to buy him ranch dressing? "Thank you," He got out in a choked voice.

Steve frowned but played it off, nudging Eddie with his arm. "Don't sweat it. You better buy me some garlic dip for your place."

"Don't expect any kisses afterwards."

"I wouldn't dream of it." He answered easily before Eddie could panic about his stupid flirting again. "Hey, grab some plates. Third cupboard on the left. Hopefully, the girls have finished gossiping by now."

Eddie stiffened as he grabbed the plates. "Gossiping?"

"I'm not stupid, Eds." Steve looked at him curiously. "So what were you talking about? Nancy seemed embarrassed when she said my name."

"You really don't want to know."

"You can't say that and expect me to drop it!"

"Comparisons between you and Jonathan."

"What, like who's a better kisser?" Eddie gave him a suggestive look and his eyes widened. "No... Robin didn't!"

"Oh, she most certainly did."

"That bitch." He said it with fondness though and chuckled. "Guess I won that competition then."

"Yeah, laugh it up, big boy." Eddie jumped as Steve dropped the cutlery, hurrying to help him pick it up. "Christ, what the hell?"

"I think I should be asking you that! Big boy?"

"Ah," Eddie shoved the forks into his hands and stepped away quickly. "Sorry. Sometimes I speak without thinking and as you can see I really should think first because-" He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck and keenly avoided Steve's gaze. "I'm sorry if that made you uncomfortable. I won't say it again."

"It's fine." Steve smiled, looking down at the table. "You can call me big boy. Maybe not in front of Robin though, she'll have a heart attack."

"Noted."

"You take the plates and cutlery. I'll be there with the food in a minute."

"So I can warn them to stop talking about you?"

"Exactly."

"I got you." Eddie winked, scooping up the cutlery to drop on the plates and carry back to the girls. "Okay ladies, wrap it up the food is on its way! Are you done talking about me?"

"Who said it was about you?" Nancy asked, batting her eyelashes at him.

Eddie reared back in confusion but when Robin started sniggering he sighed and shook his head. "Unbelievable. Sorry Nancy, as lovely as you seem to be, you're not my type."

"Seems like Steve might be though."

"Do I look the type to date a jock?"

"Don't know but I'm pretty sure those shorts are not for me or Robin. You're the only other person here." She shrugged. "Not that Steve has ever mentioned guys to me but…" And there was a kindness in her eyes that set Eddie at ease when she smiled at him. "I could see it."

"You'd be the only one."

Steve thankfully interrupted them and set a large plate of food on the table. Eddie gratefully started eating. He'd never officially told anyone he was gay, except for Wayne. Many people had guessed at it and he never denied it, yet… thinking about saying the words still made him feel uneasy. No matter how casual Nancy seemed to be it could all change in a second.

Talk turned back to school as they ate and after cleaning up, Robin was all business and she even helped Eddie with the pointers. Now with a clearer idea of what to write in his essay, he was confident he could finish it on his own.

Steve joined them, spreading out paperwork in the empty corner of the table. Eddie found it highly distracting when he put on those glasses and got to work. He didn't seem to need help, which was why he claimed he wanted to do these study sessions in the first place. Eddie had a suspicion it was for his benefit.

He spent the last hour reading, sneaking glances at Steve over Industry and Empire: The Birth of the Industrial Revolution. To his surprise, he often caught Steve's eye before one of them quickly looked away. After rereading the same paragraph four times, he gave up. Reading was clearly something he couldn't do in Steve's presence.

So instead he pulled the foam ball from his pocket and began tossing it in the air.

After five minutes of this, Nancy sighed and set down her pen. "Eddie, that doesn't look like studying."

"I'm taking a break."

She glanced at her watch, eyes widening. "How is it that late?" She jumped up and began packing away quickly. "I've got to drive you home, Robin and it's already half nine!"

"What?!" Robin began shoving things in her bag too. "Aww crap, my parents are gonna kill me!"

"It's not that far, you'll get home before ten," Steve reasoned and as he got up he neatly snatched Eddie's ball from the air and pocketed it.

"Hey!" Eddie called after him indignantly but Steve only smiled back.

"I'll see you in the morning," He told Robin and hugged both girls. "Later, Nance."

"Bye, Steve!" They both called, hurrying out to Nancy's car.

Eddie stood next to Steve and waved goodbye. When the door shut he shoved a hand in Steve's pocket to get the ball back. Steve grabbed his wrist and grinned. "Not so fast."

"Stealing isn't cool, man."

"Well, technically it's mine. You stole it from me."

"It was a gift! You can't take gifts back." Eddie realised they were practically the same height, standing chest to chest like this. Steve had maybe a centimetre on him because of his hair. Eddie tried not to think about his hand still in Steve's pocket.

"You can have it, on one condition."

"Name your price."

"Come to the quarry at the weekend. Dustin is supposed to ask your Hellfire group tomorrow and I know he'd love it if you said yes."

"Dude, it's October, we'll freeze."

"Nah, it's still like sixty-five degrees outside!" The grip on his wrist tightened, Steve's eyebrows drawing together ever so slightly. Eddie would've missed the movement if he wasn't so close. "Please, Eds?"

He groaned. Steve took that as a yes because he grinned and let him go.

"Ten on Saturday."

"I'm not getting in the water."

"Oh, I'm sure I could find a way to persuade you." Steve's voice lowered and Eddie swallowed thickly. "You wanna stay a bit longer or do you need to go?"

"Mu uncle..." Eddie stepped back, breathing a sigh of relief when Steve walked back to the living room.

He sighed, rubbing his face. Steve was not good for his self-control. Despite his conflicting feelings for the other, Eddie knew he was stuck in it now. Even if he walked away, they would always see each other, be it Hellfire or Robin or hell, even trying to rent a movie.

Eddie had never imagined his life would come to include Steve Harrington, yet here they were.

More surprisingly, it wasn't such a bad thing.

"Eddie?"

He jumped and quickly followed Steve. He was kneeling next to the table and packing up his stuff. Eddie helped put it back into his bag and stood, swinging it over his shoulder. He looked down at Steve still kneeling beside him and fuck, that was a sinful image. Eddie almost smacked himself. What the fuck was wrong with his brain?

"I should, yeah, I should get going." He hurried to grab his shoes. "Thanks for today. You were right, this was really helpful."

"Sometimes I've been known to have good ideas."

"I'll see you tomorrow?"

Steve grinned, leaning against the door as Eddie walked back towards his car, unable to look away. "Giving me permission to crash your party?"

"As long as you keep that pretty mouth shut."

"I always do." Steve straightened up and gave a small wave. "Bye, Eds."

"Bye," He replied softly as Steve went back inside. Hopping inside the van, Eddie sighed and backed out of the driveway.

Maybe he could get used to this.

...

A/N: This bloody chapter. I wrote a 40-word plot outline saying 'Hey study group and Eddie finds Steve's glasses distracting.' The glasses are maybe mentioned briefly. The diner scene? Didn't exist at all until I started writing. What can you do.

As soon as the fic's finished I'm gonna switch to posting twice a week. We're getting there slowly but surely!