On Thursdays and Fridays, Steve could usually give Robin a ride to school on the way to work.
The moment he honked, and saw her jog down the front steps to the tiny Cape style home she lived in with her parents, Steve knew he needed to let her know what happened last night. Ever since last July, Robin had become one of Steve's closest friends. Sure she was a little younger than him, still in highschool, and kinda nerdy...but she was also one of the few people that truly understood Steve's pain. Both were basically in the closet, struggling with their sexuality in a small town, constantly worried of what others might say or do if they knew the truth. Not only had she really saved his ass, but actually made a really great team with him, and could be trusted after witnessing everything she saw last summer. On top of that, even though Steve knew everyone that night found out about Billy and him, besides Max, Robin somehow understood it the best. She had been his shoulder to cry on, and the two were now basically like brother and sister. Of course his mother at first fussed over her, but soon figured out they were just friends. Steve couldn't count how many times they would crash together having movie nights, eating junk food, talking, and actually being able to talk about basically anything. Robin had a new crush at school named Vicky that was in band with her, but was having a hard time being herself whenever she was around her. Steve quickly noticed that when Robin was nervous, she talked too much, and suddenly became very awkward, yet sweet. Steve was trying his best to give her the same advice he had given Dustin.
He had a feeling it was going to take some hard work...and time. He had broken down crying over Billy plenty of times in front of Robin, who had comforted him, and allowed him to go over those last few days before the 4th over and over again, as if somehow he could go back in time and change things. The guilt he carried, along with the deep grief he couldn't escape was ripping him apart, but thankfully Robin had listened every single time, and even though it hadn't even been a year, these talks with her were certainly helping. In fact, she had been trying to push him to try and enjoy himself more, and stop spending all his time either at work, or down at the garage.
Robin climbed into his car, before Steve turned down the radio, as a Stray Cat's song came on. Robin shut the door, before grinning.
"Hey."
Steve almost couldn't contain himself. He honestly really hadn't slept that well last night, twice nearly on the verge of just picking up his phone and calling Robin to get it off his chest. It was a strange confusing mixture of emotions. Part of him felt giddy with excitement, another part...the larger of the two felt as if he was betraying Billy somehow. That he was cheating on him, after letting him down. He knew he needed to talk to Robin right away, since it truly felt surreal that any of this even happened. He needed to tell her everything, yet leave out the part about the coke, and him seeing Billy. When morning came, he showered, and dressed for work, actually excited to go pick her up. Robin, somehow instantly knew something was up, as she smiled and tilted her head to the side looking at him. "What is it?" Steve sighed a deep breath, his brown eyes growing big as he put the car into gear.
"Get ready to hear this."
Ten minutes later...
Robin sat facing Steve, her mouth open in shock.
"Eddie...as in Eddie 'the freak' Munson?!"
Steve nodded, looking straight ahead at the road and sighed.
"Yeah I know."
"So...you guys just made out a little?"
Steve shot Robin a look, before softly snorting.
"Yeah, that's it. He was actually...pretty cool."
Robin sat back speechless for a moment, her face still stunned. Looking as if she was deep in thought for a second, she finally shook her head and laughed.
"Wow! I mean I've seen Eddie around, and sure he's a little weird...and loud...and strange...but I never would have thought he was..."
"Like us?" "Exactly! Doesn't Dustin and the others play D&D with him?"
Steve snorted again, pretending to look annoyed.
"Yeah. That stupid club where they wear those T-shirts."
"Interesting. Very interesting. So, anything else happen?"
She asked, still smiling.
Steve eyed her, giving her a look.
"I told you, we kissed a little and that's it. We mostly just drank beers and talked."
"You guys exchange numbers?"
Steve shrugged as he continued looking straight ahead.
"He asked for it...I told him I was in the book."
Robin laughed, clapping her hands together.
"Ah! Classic Steve! Forever playing it cool."
Steve sadly smiled before he shrugged.
"Yeah well, I might start going to the garage nights Eddie isn't there. I gotta focus on fixing up the Camaro and..."
"You feel guilty don't you?"
Steve eyed her.
"What?"
Robin sighed, her face becoming serious as she looked at him.
"Billy. I know you miss him, but you're not a bad person for actually being with somebody else, even if you guys were just messing around."
Steve's grip slightly tightened on the wheel.
"Yeah, that's what Eddie said. It's like he knew."
"Then I guess Eddie isn't quite a freak after all. It sounds like he really listened to you, and understands. Maybe take some time to think about it, and go at your own pace."
"Robin, I have to be careful and don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. This is a small town. People watch, people talk. I mean look, I would have never believed anyone saw Billy and me, yet Eddie saw us out at the quarry and Max saw us last summer. I think if anyone saw Eddie Munson and me together they might start to ask questions."
"Maybe, maybe not. Aren't you the one always telling me that life's too short? Nothing questions what you had with Billy if you talk to Eddie, and who knows...maybe find a nice distraction from how depressed you've been feeling. I know if it was the other way around, wherever we go when we die...you would want Billy to be happy? Right?"
Steve felt uncomfortable, and cleared his throat. Sighing, he felt himself blinking tears away from his eyes. Robin might have noticed it, and a gentle hand rested on his arm.
"Steve?"
Steve glanced over at her quickly, and saw Robin sadly smiling.
"It's okay Steve. Just remember you aren't a bad person for having feelings for somebody else."
Steve wanted to argue with Robin and tell her it was bullshit. That maybe besides Max, everyone was slowly starting to forget about Billy. He didn't care. As much fun as he had with Eddie, and surprised to hear that he was actually queer, he knew it didn't mean anything. Eddie had been on his third senior year now, did drugs, played nerdy games, and was a metal head. He was the complete opposite was Steve. But so wasn't Billy? He stared forward, before Robin playfully rubbed his arm, causing him to snap out of his thoughts.
"Huh?"
"I said, was he a good kisser?"
Steve glanced over, ready to roll his eyes. Instead, he found himself smirking, before raising his eyebrows. Robin laughed.
"Really?! That good huh?"
Steve didn't think it was possible, but started to laugh as well, before nodding as Robin continued to ask questions.
That night...
Steve had just taken a shower, and was planning on turning in early. He had worked a double shift at the video store today, and he was beat. Plenty of cute girls came in, and tried to flirt with Steve, but his heart wasn't in it. Instead, he just kept busy, stocking shelfs with Keith, and tuned out watching Gremlins, and The Goonies from the TV on the counter. Finally his shift ended, he helped put away some extra returns, before driving straight home. His mother was making fried chicken, which was usually his favorite. Instead, he told his mother he had a headache and was just probably going to shower and head to bed. His mother eyed the clock over the stove before frowning, and reaching over, pushing his thick bangs away from his face and feeling his forehead. Steve made a face and pulled away. His mother sighed, and looked worried.
"Honey, I think you're working too much."
"Ma, I need the money."
"You know that isn't true. Your father and I have been talking and we're worried..."
"Mom I'm fine. I promise."
He faked a small smile, leaned in, kissed her on the cheek, before heading upstairs. While he showered, he tilted his head back and thought of the time Billy and him went to that concert and saw each other naked for the very first time while showering. Both experimented, and pleasured each other, and Steve slowly found himself becoming less scared of whatever it was that was going on between the two of them. He just remembered Billy's intense stare, as he stepped underneath the pouring water, and taking hold of Steve's face with both hands. Then Steve snapped out of his thoughts, his hair soaked and hanging down, as he thought of Billy's lifeless stare after he stopped breathing at Starcourt. His chest tightening, he closed his eyes and started to sob in the shower. These episodes came and went every once and awhile, but tonight for some strange reason it hurt extra bad. He put his hands forward, pressing against the tiled wall, and cried his eyes out until the water pouring down on him became freezing. Now less than fifteen minutes later Steve walked out drying his hair with a towel, dressed in sweat pants, and a navy blue T-shirt he usually slept in.
That's when his phone rang.
Raising an eyebrow, he wondered if it was Robin. He knew she had tonight off since her grandmother was visiting for the weekend. Strolling over to his desk, he picked it up and instantly felt his heart leap into his throat the second he heard Eddie's voice on the other line.
"Hey Harrington. What's going on?"
Steve's eyes widened.
"Uh...Eddie?"
"The one and only. How are you?"
Steve took a second, and quickly leaned over and closed his door. Taking a second, he dry swallowed, before leaning against the wall.
"Uh...good. I'm...good. you?"
"Oh just finishing up at the garage. Was wondering if you're free tonight?"
Steve felt his heart pound in his chest. He franticly looked around his bedroom, trying to think of a quick excuse. After a moment, he blinked, and stuttered over his own words.
"Uh...I'm actually home right now."
"Cool, wanna hang out there?"
Steve started to panic. His father was downstairs in the den watching the game. His mother cooking in the kitchen. He stood there, ready to tell him maybe some other time, when his mouth opened and completely different words came out...
"Sure! I mean my mom is making dinner."
"Cool, you need me to bring anything?"
"No, I think we're good. You sure you wanna come over? My dad..."
"Don't worry Harrington. Mum's the word. I'll try to tone down the freak a bit. What's your address? I'll be there in like fifteen."
Steve found himself telling Eddie his address, and even laughing over the phone with him. When he hung up, he instantly couldn't believe what he just did. Looking around his room, he franticly tossed clothes he threw all over the place in his hamper. He then grabbed a pair of jeans from his dresser, and tried messing with his still wet hair. Frustrated over how stupid he was being, he gave up before hurrying down the stairs to ask his mother if a buddy of his from down the garage could come over for dinner? His mother's eyes lit up and said of course, and actually seemed happy that Steve was having company. Robin had stayed plenty of times, even sleeping over, but besides that Steve hadn't really hung out with anyone else. Steve felt his stomach twist into knots, as he looked around the house, grabbing a framed photo of himself as a toddler on one of the hallway end tables, and hiding it before the doorbell rang.
Swallowing hard, he checked his hair in the mirror once more before taking a deep breath, before strolling over to the door and answering it.
Eddie stood wearing his jean jacket, a faded Ramones T-shirt, and dark jeans. He smiled, and the second Steve locked his light brown eyes with Eddie's dark ones, he knew he was in trouble. His heart hadn't pounded this hard since he was with Billy, and at this exact moment he somehow knew he was on the verge of falling for this very strange and unusual guy he hadn't stopped to even give a second notice towards back at school. He was the complete opposite of Billy, yet somehow the attraction was thick in the air, and Steve nervously smiled before Eddie grinned and motioned around the doorway. "
So this is Casa De Harrington. Color me impressed." Just then Steve's mother appeared behind him, wiping her hands with a dishcloth. Smiling, she walked over.
"Hi! I'm Steve's mother Betty."
Eddie gently took both of her hands, and kissed the top of them, causing his mother to blush. Steve looked back in awe, before Eddie smiled.
"It's a pleasure Mrs. Harrington."
"Oh please call me Betty. It's so nice to have one of Steve's friends over. I hope you like chicken."
Eddie grinned.
"It's my favorite Betty."
Steve's mother laughed, inviting him in. Steve watched as the two walked in together, talking as if they had known each other this whole time. Steve stood back in shock, watching Eddie lay on the charm, all the while Steve stood back in awe, closing the door behind him and watching. Smirking to himself, he followed closely behind listening to the sound of Eddie and his mother laughing.
Later...
Eddie sat at the table and was currently finishing up his third helping of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. He was drinking milk, and much to Steve's shock he had actually won over both of his parents. His father he could have sworn was going to be an asshole, judging Eddie by just his looks alone. Instead, Eddie actually impressed him by talking about the football game that had just been on. Eddie explained that his uncle was a massive sports fan, and actually collected caps from all of the games he traveled to. Steve remembered the caps all lining the walls in the trailer, and listened as Eddie talked about different players, and scores from several different teams. He told Steve's father even though he was tall he was never good at sports, but had sometimes traveled with his uncle to some of the games, and still watched here and there. Steve figured some of this was bullshit since he did recall several outbursts from Eddie at lunch, or at the prep rallies making run of the athletes, but he figured he was just laying the charm on to his father, and it was working. He skimmed over details of his family life to his mother who seemed interested. He told her about how his mother died having him, and how his father took off, leaving him with his uncle. That he had a learning disability and had been held back, and was working hard to graduate. Steve knew this was all bullshit since Eddie had been held back several times, but his mother was buying it, as he talked about his band, and how he hoped to move to the West coast, give the music thing a chance, and if not open a record store. His mother listened closely, and laughed at all of his jokes.
For some strange reason both of them weren't scared off by how he dressed, or his mention of music. Instead Eddie somehow knew how to stay charming, interesting, and polite the entire time. Steve finally started to relax about halfway through, as Eddie explained Steve and him were both working on cars down at Creed's garage. Steve's father wasn't much of a car guy, but talked shop a little with Eddie, before finally excusing himself to have a whiskey and watch the evening news. He shook Eddie's hand, before leaving. When Steve's mother tried collecting the dishes, Eddie grabbed the plates before she could grab them, and scolded her for even thinking about cleaning up. Here Steve watched as he walked with his mother laughing into the kitchen carrying a pile of dishes. Steve grabbed the rest of them and followed, and watched as Eddie took his jean jacket off, hanging it off one of the breakfast bar chairs, and then starting to rinse the dishes before putting them away in the dishwasher. Standing back a little stunned, he listened as his mother continued chatting with Eddie, asking about his tattoos, and even at least from what Steve could guess...might be openly flirting?
He handed Eddie the dishes, who winked at him, and continued talking with his mother about all different random things, before finally within ten minutes everything was put away and clean. Steve didn't want this to get awaked, so he cleared his throat, and asked Eddie if he still wanted to borrow that album he had up in his room. He knew it wasn't the best excuse to get him away from his mother, but Eddie got the hint, smiled, dried his hands on a dishcloth, and said yeah, before walking over to his mother, who was leaning against the counter, smiling from ear to ear.
"Thank you again for such a great meal Mrs. Harrington. You're a really great cook."
She blushed and giggled.
"Oh please, no problem darling!"
Eddie grabbed his jacket, before Steve led him out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Once they were up and alone in his room, he closed the door and loudly sighed feeling relieved as he leaned against the door. Eddie stood across from him, still holding onto his jacket and laughed.
"So when do you think your parents will want to adopt me?"
Steve made a face.
"Maybe my dad. As for my mom...I think she's got a new crush."
Eddie pretended to flip his wild long brown hair and batted his eyelashes, instantly making Steve crack up. As he took a step closer, Steve playfully gave him a shove.
"You are so full of shit Munson. The fact they bought half of what you were saying. I couldn't even take it."
Eddie chuckled and shook his head.
"Hey, sometimes I have to lay the charm on extra thick so they look past the clothes and hair."
Steve locked eyes for the second time with Eddie, and felt that strange nervous fluttering deep in the pit of his stomach. Eddie grinned, before he turned and motioned around.
"Ah, so this is Steve 'the hair' Harrington's bedroom. Very impressive."
Steve smirked, a little embarrassed, before Eddie walked over to Steve's stereo system, and started looking through his music. Steve smiled watching him, before eyeing the bedroom window and remembering all those times Billy climbed through. The same wave of depression started coming back, and Steve felt exhausted from trying to push it down as usual. Instead he sat on the edge of his bed watching Eddie. His eyes lingered up his long slender legs, and finally his ass, which looked actually really cute. He smirked a little again, before he crossed his arms and watched Eddie with a flicker of amusement in his eyes, Eddie turned smiling, holding up a Smith's album.
"You surprise me every day Harrington."
Steve laughed.
"Do you approve?"
Eddie made a so-so motion with his hand making both crack up, before Eddie pointed to the box of tapes and vinyl.
"You need some more heavy metal, but I can show you all the good stuff."
"Oh really?"
Eddie sat beside him and smirked looking at him.
"Of course."
Both looked at each other, before Eddie motioned to the door, had smiling.
"I hope you don't think I was being too forward coming over tonight and meeting your parents. Just wanted to see you I guess."
Steve softly smiled back at him.
"Naw, it's fine. I mean you already won my parents over which is usually pretty hard."
"I take it they don't...know?"
Steve's eyes widened as he made a face.
"Oh no way. They would..."
"Murder you?"
Steve shrugged and made a face.
"I don't know. Probably kick me out on my ass. They aren't bad people...it's just..."
"Small town...small minds. Trust me I get it."
"Does your uncle know?"
"Sorta. We really just live as roommates. Whomever I'm coming, he's going. We're on different schedules. He's a cool guy, but I'm sure he suspects it. Just sucks. Can't be yourself. This is the 1980's...the world of AIDS, Boy George, and that other guy from Wham."
"You think he is?"
"Oh absolutely."
Both started laughing again, before Steve looked at Eddie.
"Listen Eddie..."
"Next Friday you wanna see my band perform? Would love to have you there."
Both looked at each other before Steve smiled and shrugged.
"Um...yeah sure. Why not?"
Eddie smiled, actually looking a little nervous himself as color filled his cheeks.
"Awesome. Might not really be your scene but I would love to have you come."
"Count me in."
Eddie stared at Steve, before he smirked, and leaned in, one hand gently cupping Steve's face, before his soft lips touched his. Steve closed his eyes as their mouths slowly opened and closed. Within seconds he felt himself grow rock hard, as he took deep breaths in-between kisses, not caring that his mother could walk in at any second. Finally he puled away slightly, and smiled. Eddie smiled back, before Steve took a deep breath.
"Eddie..."
"Hey, why don't I call you tomorrow. Maybe we can go hang at the movies or something. You working?"
"Um, no not this weekend."
"Cool. Want me to pick you up, say 11?"
Steve looked at him, and thought of Billy. Sighing, yet again he was ready to make up some excuse. Instead, he smiled, and nodded
"Cool."
Eddie smiled, leaned forward pushing some of Steve's hair out of his face, before gently tilting his head to the side and kissing him just once more. He tasted like cigarettes, but it was a sweet taste that Steve didn't mind at all. Eddie then looked around the room once more, before shaking his head and laughing. Getting up, he took the Smith album, telling Steve he would be borrowing it, before Steve got up smiling, and walked him out. Lucky for them, his parents were downstairs run the den, so it was just the two of them outside Steve's house. Even though it was early spring, there was still a chill to the air. Steve stood there, arms crossed as Eddie shrugged on his jean jacket, pulling his hair out from the collar. He locked eyes with Steve, catching him watching before he smiled/. Straightening up. Eddie took a few steps closer, looked around making sure the coast was clear before gently kissing Steve once more. The Smith's album tucked underneath his arm, he smirked. "See you tomorrow." Steve nervously smiled, before watching Eddie turn and walk to his van. Even though he originally planned on spending the entire Saturday working on Billy's car, here he was making a date with Eddie Munson. Feeling his stomach twist tightly, he raised one arm, and waved as Eddie's van started up, and a flash of headlights lit up the driveway as he turned around and headed out.
Steve stood there for a second, before feeling absolutely terrible. He quickly went inside, and headed to the den where his parents were watching their nightly game shows after the news. Both were eating ice cream out of bowls, and sitting together on the sofa. Steve stood in the doorway and told them he had to run out real quick lying and telling them that he forgot something at work and was going to swing by real quick before they closed. His mother smiled, telling him to be careful and to wear a jacket since it was getting chilly. His father looked up and asked if his friend left? Steve nodded, and his dad nodded in return, before remarking that he seemed like a nice kid, but needed to start dressing like a normal person and cut that hair. This stung a little to Steve who just nervously laughed before saying he would be back soon and then headed down the hallway, grabbing his keys, he couldn't get out of there fast enough. He drove the backroads, softly listening to the radio, all the while feeling depressed, giddy, and guilty. He drove finally to the road he was looking for, headlights leading him to the open gates.
He was thankful they weren't closed. Parking, and killing the engine, he sat for a second sighing, before letting himself out. Lucky he had his bubble best on the passenger seat, and grabbed it, shrugging it on due to the chilly breeze that was blowing through the air, rocking the trees back and forth. He walked up the path, through the trees, until finally he reached Billy's grave. He sat down on the soft grass, picking a few long pieces around the lonely headstone, before sighing.
"So Eddie came over tonight. Totally won my parents over...still, if they knew what he was I somehow have a feeling my dad wouldn't be so friendly. I fucking hate that I have to keep lying, and pretending I'm something I'm not. I just wish you and I could have gotten out of here, and found someplace where we could openly just be with each other...I feel so lonely..."
He bowed his head, thinking of Billy's last words up to Max and him.
"I'm sorry..."
He remembered the way Billy screamed as the monster killed him, blocking the way for Eleven, and saving her. He remembered Billy screaming up at the monster as if it was his father, and he was finally standing up for himself as his last act in life. He thought of those few months they spent together, and how wonderful they felt. Even though they were sneaking around, he had finally accepted himself, and for truly the first time in his entire life was happy. Now all of that was gone since Billy died. Feeling tears fill his eyes, he sniffled.
"I just want you back...I just wanna have an extra chance...please..."
He whispered softly, before tears started rolling down his face. He tried to control them, but much like in the shower, he completely broke down, pressing his forehead against the cool stone, and feeling his chest tighten up as he sobbed loudly, wanting so badly to know why it had to be Billy? Why did the love of his life have to die? He just couldn't understand it. His insides hurt as he continued leaning against the stone, and felt as if his heart was. being ripped in two. Closing his eyes, he tried to summon Billy's face. Instead, all he could think about was Eddie. He felt as if he was betraying him by being with somebody else. He tried to hard to think of him, but instead he thought of what they had all lost, and how he was torn between moving on and trying to be happy, or not forgetting the man who he truly believed was the love of his life. He stayed that way, leaning against Billy's headstone, trying anything for comfort, crying so hard that finally tears no longer came. He was exhausted, and his eyes became puffy as he sniffled, and sat back.
"Billy..."
He whispered, staring at the headstone, not exactly knowing what to say.
"Billy...I gotta have a sign, I gotta know if this is okay? He's not you...he never will be. I just need to..."
Before he could finish, the wind picked up and the skies seemed to open up out of nowhere, and it began to pour. Steve sat there, as it rained down on him, his hair getting soaked again and hanging down in his face. He stared at Billy's headstone, and even though his beliefs were vauge, he did want to believe there was a Heaven. A paradise where Billy now lived in, no longer suffering abuse, or pain. Sometimes while working on the car, hen imaged that it was a beach in California. That Billy and him would live there, maybe above a surf shop where Billy would teach lessons, and Steve would work the store. He could see the two of them both laying on the beach at sunset, the sky a brilliant shade of red, gold, and pink. Billy would be happy and free...and nobody could ever hurt him. He wasn't sure if this was just the weather being weird, or maybe...just maybe some perfect sign at the right exact moment.
Steve slowly tilted his head up, looking up at the dark night sky as rain continued to pour on his face. Closing his eyes, Steve slowly smiled.
The next night.
Eddie had picked up Steve and they decided to drive to Rockport since that was several towns over up North, and the chances of running into anyone was slim to none. They had called and ended up talking for over an hour before making plans. The second Steve got into Eddie's van, he felt the same giddy nervous thumping of his heart, as he saw Eddie grinning, sitting behind the wheel. He had a jean jacket on, T-shirt, and torn jeans. Steve had spent most of the early morning changing into different outfits, suddenly hating his own style, behind deciding on a simple plain white T-shirt, his member's only jacket, and jeans. He played with his hair for a lifetime before finally it came out perfect. The van smelled of pot, and Eddie even offered him a joint as they cruised down the highway listening to Ratt scream out Round and Round. Steve, knowing he needed to play this safe, said maybe later, before Eddie shrugged, popped the joint in his mouth, and lit up.
The two talked about school, and the video store, and the latest with the kids and typical Dustin stuff he said or did at lunch. Both agreed over how sassy Dustin had suddenly become, and even laughed while sharing stories of stuff he pulled in the past. They got to the movies, which was playing some stupid movie called Modern Girls. Eddie showed Steve after parking how to climb up on the roof of his van. They were parked all the way in the back near the treelike so they weren't blocking even offered his hand as Steve climbed up, and Eddie revealed he had two six packs. For the next hour or so, the two barely paid attention to the movie, and instead just shared beers, talked, and laughed. Steve made a promise to see Eddie next week at the Hangout, a local dive bar where some local bands would perform. Once they climbed back into the van, slightly buzzed, and completely ignoring whatever the double feature was, and spent the remainder of the night still talking, and just enjoying each other's company. Afterwards once Eddie drove Steve back home, with Steve's instructions, he parked further down the road like Billy used to do. Steve's nerves were on edge suddenly, before he took a deep breath as Eddie killed the engine and headlights before he stared forward.
"I'm not ready to...do stuff yet."
Eddie looked at him, before nodding.
"Sure...that's okay."
Steve felt relieved that Eddie wasn't being a dick about this. Turning his head, he stared at Eddie before softly smiling.
"I do want to kiss you. That okay?"
Eddie looked surprised yet again, before a slow sly smile appeared on his face. Leaning towards Steve, they locked eyes again, before he leaned forward, plump lips slightly parted as they made contact, and Steve felt Eddie's tongue enter his mouth, deeply tasting her, as his hands traveled up and down his sides. Shortly after, their mouths opening and closing like frantic madmen, Steve finally pulled away, hoping to god that his T-shirt would help mask the massive hard on he had. Eddie looked flushed, before he let out a deep breath and laughed. The sound was one of the sweetest sounds Steve had heard in forever. Sighing, Steve stared at Eddie, before leaning forward and deeply kissing him. He felt one of Eddie's hands reach up and dive into his thick hair, gently pulling it as their mouths opened and closed against each other frantically. Finally, Steve pulled back, before closing his eyes and pressing his forehead against Eddie's.
They stayed that way for several minutes before finally Steve opened his eyes and smirked.
"I'll see you at the Hangout."
Eddie looked surprised.
"Really? You mean it?"
Steve smiled, looking deep into Eddie's dark eyes.
"Absolutely."
Both chuckled for a second, before Eddie motioned to the dark road.
"You sure you don't want me to drive you closer? That's a Hell of a walk."
Steve wrinkled his nose and shook his head.
"Naw, I'll be fine."
'Well can you call me in an hour so I know you made it to your house okay?'
Steve looked a little taken aback by this. Eddie was actually worried about him, and cared enough to check to see if he made it home. Smiling, he nodded.
"You bet."
"I really had a great time Harrington."
"Yeah me too Munson."
They smiled again, before Steve climbed out, slamming the door and shoving his hands in his pockets and walking down the dark road. He heard Eddie start the engine behind him, headlights shining. He gave a friendly beep, before turning it around, and the red glow of the taillights as he traveled down the road. Steve smirked, watching him, before turning and lightly touching his lips, and feeling how swollen they felt. He couldn't help but smile, thinking back on tonight and how much fun he actually had. As he continued to walk, he thought back on the other night in the cemetery and the skies opening up. Was it Billy trying to tell him something? He wasn't sure. Being with Eddie felt strange, but in a small way actually good...and comforting. He tilted his head up, and looked up at the stars, and wondered if there really was Heaven? He knew there was Hell now, he had seen the monsters that escaped from it. He kept thinking back on Billy's face, screaming up as blood gushed out of his mouth up at the monster, as if he was standing up to all of the pain, abandonment, and abuse he had suffered for the very first time.
"I'm sorry..."
He remembered Billy's last words being. His heart ached as he thought back on all of those private intimate moments alone with him. How absolutely beautiful he was, and how he had been the one who showed Steve who he really was. Feeling tears well up in his eyes, he shoved those images away, as his heart ached. Taking steps further down the road seemed like a struggle, as he took a deep breath, and choked out a cry. He missed him so much, and wanted him back. He finally reached the driveway to his house and stood there for a moment. He wished so badly this pain would go away, or that he could just be open and honest with his parents, and in some fantasy in his mind actually be comforted while he swam through this endless ocean of grief. He then got an image in his head of himself struggling, swimming his best through the huge dark waves of an endless abyss, when suddenly there was a light, and a lifeboat...and who was on it? Eddie.
He smiled to himself shaking his head, blinking the last of the tears away before walking towards his house.
Later...
Eddie had in fact called, and Steve how two hours later despite how late it was found himself in his boxers, lounging on his bed, laughing, and talking with Eddie about absolutely nothing. His depression had lifted the second he heard Eddie's voice on the other line, and how he laid on his bed, staring up at the ceiling with the biggest smile on his face, as the two laughed and talked. For some strange reason he felt completely at peace talking with him, and found even though they didn't have a lot in common, they somehow vaguely knew the same people due to their ages being so close, and talked about things that happened in school years ago, people they both knew, music, movies, and basically the town of Hawkins. When Steve woke up the next day, he found the phone still laying against his ear. He had actually fallen asleep while talking to Eddie. Reaching, and clicking his alarm off, he smirked as he hung the phone up, and thought back on last night and found himself with the biggest smile on his face.
A few days later...
The bartender didn't ID Steve, so he sat at a back table on his third beer, watching the local lineup of bands perform on stage, highly amused. At first he thought it would be weird that he went alone, and nearly invited Robin to join him for support. Instead, he decided to play it cool, and sat there drinking beers, and cracking peanut shells, smiling as he listened to the bands. Some good...most absolutely awful. The best part was people watching, and seeing the drunks sway on the dance floor. Finally Eddie's band came on, and there he was. Wearing his Hellfire Club shirt, leather jacket, and torn jeans. He looked hot, his hair teased, as he held his ruby colored guitar, and stepped in front of the mic grinning. He then looked out into the crowd, and instantly spotted Steve sitting there watching. They locked eyes, and Steve watched as his entire face lit up. He smiled, before introducing his band, before winking down at Steve.
"This song is dedicated to a very special guest."
Steve smiled, straightening up, trying not to think of the few times Billy and him came here for cheap beer and to watch some of the shows that played here.
Instead, he felt his heart pound in his chest as Eddie started to play and sing, and he was floored over how good he was, and how great his voice sounded. He sat there with the biggest grin on his face as Eddie ran up and down the stage, playing the Hell out of his guitar, spinning around with tons of energy, and even impressing the few drunks on the floor who started to cheer. Steve watched in wonder, before finally after several songs the set ended, and the lights dimmed. Steve couldn't help himself, he stood up, nearly knocking his chair over as he clapped his hands, and whistled. He felt as if he hadn't smiled his long in what seemed like a lifetime.
Later...
Once the guys left, Eddie and Steve found themselves nursing some beers together as the last call was announced. The guys were surprised to see Steve there, since they all knew who he was in highschool. Eddie played it off, saying that he had invited Steve to see them play since he didn't believe that Eddie could play the guitar while they worked on their cars down at the garage. The others were nice enough, all a little weird and nerdy, but it was clear they worshiped Eddie. They all drank beers, making small talk before the others had to go. Eddie stayed, and once they were alone both seemed to relax as they ordered another round. Steve had blinked in disbelief and gushed over how amazing Eddie was. Eddie blushed, tipping a beer back, and shrugged saying they weren't the Rolling Stones, but at least it was fun performing. Here they mostly talked about music, and how Eddie came about learning how to play. Finally, Eddie asked if he wanted to go for a drive? Steve looked around a little nervous, asking if his car would be okay? Smiling, Eddie pulled his wallet out, insisting on paying for the beers, before telling him his car would be fine.
Next thing Steve knew, he was back in Eddie's car, sharing a joint wit him, listening to rock music, and driving down the dark farm roads. The pot made Steve feel light headed, and sorta giddy as he sat back and for just a moment thought back on how the first time he ever had sex with Billy was parked down one of these roads. Finally Eddie took a turn, and they found themselves parked down a small wooded area that finally opened up, and showed half of Hawkins down below. The area was mostly flat, but must have passed Pie Hill. Now parked, the two had gotten out, and Eddie opened the back doors of the van where Steve sat. Eddie had beer in a cooler in the back, and Steve was currently drinking one as Eddie dragged his small boombox out and was playing the local rock station. Eddie was snapping his fingers and spinning around beneath the moonlight, as Steve watched and couldn't stop laughing.
Finally Eddie made a face.
"What? Too heavy for you Harrington?"
Steve shrugged, before Eddie chucked and walked back down to his boombox, before leaning down and turning the dial. Suddenly The Romantics' Talking In Your Sleep started to sleep. Eddie turned and motioned down to the boombox.
"More of your style?"
Eddie burst out laughing as Eddie started to dance and sing along to the song. Slowly he shrugged off his jacket as he spun around, then threw the jacket at Steve who laughed and dodged it. He tossed his empty beer down, and couldn't believe it as Eddie moved closer, leaning in, hair hanging down as he lipped the words to the song, reaching down and firmly rubbing Steve's thighs. Steve's breath caught in his throat, before Eddie continued singing, bouncing on his heels taking a few steps back, before slowly lifting his T-shirt up, first showing his stomach, his tattooed chest, and finally it was pulled off his head and thrown to the side. Steve looked at Eddie shirtless and was impressed. He wasn't muscular, and pretty pale. Still, his upper arms appeared firm, and the tattoos which were scattered all over his skin made Steve feel himself start feeling warm and tingly all over. He gulped, watching his, looking at his flat stomach, and the little bit of hair below his belly button right above his belt buckle. Eddie spun around, still singing along before he slowly slid down on his hands and knees as he crawled over to Steve sitting in the back of the van. He approached his knees, looking up at him and smiling.
"We can stop. I don't mind."
Steve suddenly felt as if it was a thousand degrees outside, as he licked his lips, feeling as if he was in a trance. He slowly shook his head.
"No...keep going."
Eddie grinned, before he slowly parted his knees, and slowly scooted and rose between his thighs. Steve took deep breaths, before Eddie locked eyes with him and smiled.
"Trust me."
Steve nodded, leaning back as Eddie slowly unzipped, and unbuttoned his jeans. Instantly Steve laid back and gasped at what Eddie was doing to him. Laying there, he gasped for breath, squirming. Looking up at the ceiling, he suddenly snapped his eyes shut.
"Oh God...you're gonna be so bad for me..."
Steve mumbled, as Eddie chuckled and slowly lowered his head, making Steve nearly scream out as his hands slowly tightened into small fists.
The music continued to play into the night.