Steve felt sick to his stomach.
He was currently walking back through the dark woods, knowing he could only spare a few hours with Eddie, before heading back to the Wheeler house, which Nancy had deemed was base camp for whatever Hell was currently happening. So much had happened in such a small amount of time his head pounded. There had been another murder. Ralph, a kid who worked on the newspaper with Nancy. He was a year behind her, and even though Steve didn't know who he was, the second he saw all of the police cruisers just two miles outside of the trailer park, his heart sank. That's where they had met up with a very upset Nancy, who filled them in on what happened. She sensed something was wrong, and the two of them came to check out what had happened with Chrissy. Steve had to hold back from being annoyed, since Nancy seemed to always think she was this adult reporter, snooping around. Now this snooping, which was snooping in on crimes the town believed his boyfriend had committed had finally turned around and bit her. He knew this was venom of hatred, he could never say aloud, but as Nancy filled them in, he couldn't help but think it. She had seen him that night at Starcourt, and had seen him with Billy. He guessed, much like the others she had put two and two together, and really knew what was going on. Still, besides in casual passing, they had hardly spoken, and last he heard she was finishing up her senior year, and planning on going to college with Jonthan in Boston. He wished her the best, despite how badly she had hurt him, but he knew deep down inside that leaving him was honestly the best thing that could have ever happened. Had she not knocked some sense into him, he figured he might still be the asshole he originally started off being. Just like Carol, and Tommy H. He remembered the night that he dropped Dustin off at the Snowball Dance, just weeks after everything had happened, and things ended between the two of them, he had gone to the quarry, feeling depressed, and sorry for himself.
Here was when Billy had first kissed him, and as stunned as he was, made him realize what he really was. If that hadn't of happened, he honestly didn't think it would have led him to Eddie. So he listened to everything she said, and felt a brand new pit of worry fill his stomach, once he learned that they saw how both deaths were exactly similar, and that the police thought Eddie was still out there, going on some sort of strange ritualistic murder spree. It seemed crazy, but even though his name hadn't been released, from listening in on the police radios, they knew it was true. While the girls went off to look up this new name they had, a name Nancy mentioned Eddie's uncle had mentioned of some crazed killer that had been locked up years ago. Steve honestly didn't know what help this could be, but told the two of them to be careful, while Max decided to check out her school counselor, since she discovered both Chrissy and Ralph had been going to the same teacher for help. Yet again, Steve didn't really see the use, but decided it was just as well. Dustin had tried calling Mike a few times, who was visiting Eleven, Will, and Jonthan for Spring Break, but so far couldn't get through. The whole time they spoke in the trailer park, Steve kept glancing over at Eddie's trailer with the police tape around it. He wondered how his uncle was handling all of this? At least he still believed he was innocent. Right before they split up, Dustin had looked over at Steve, who was clearly distracted, chewing on his thumbnail, looking a complete wreck.
"You okay man?"
Steve looked up, and hated to snap, but the stress was starting to build and slowly pile over for him. It seemed as if too much was happening at once, and they weren't doing anything to really help Eddie.
"No I'm not okay Dustin! My fucking boyfriend is wanted now for two murders, and we're chasing shadows. What do you think?!"
Robin sighed, gently touching Steve's arm as he looked down, running his hands through his hair, before taking a deep breath and looking across at Dustin.
"Listen. I'm sorry man. I'm just...scared and frustrated that's all..."
Dustin gave him a small smile and nodded.
"Don't worry Steve, we'll help him. I swear."
Steve gave a small smile back, even though he knew it didn't look very hopeful. It was there, Nancy broke the awkward tension, before she cleared her throat, blinking, and looking across at Steve.
"Boyfriend?"
Steve had noticed ever since they had teamed up a few hours ago the glances she kept shooting him with those big doe eyes of hers. This was really the first time since last summer since they had truly seen each other, but she had swung by the video store last month, and as strange as it seemed, almost was acting like her old self, trying to flirt with him. He hadn't really given it another thought, before he saw the stunned expression on her face as she looked at him at the picnic table.
"Boyfriend?"
Steve had to control his anger, as he shot Nancy a look.
"Well, really he's my fiance'. But yeah, Steve Harrington is dating Eddie 'the freak' Munson, and I'm worried sick about him."
That was all he had to say. All color seemed to leave Nancy's face, as she looked down nervously, and muttered to Robin they better get to the library and fast. Steve hated that he had sunk down to this level, but really all he was doing was telling the truth. He saw from saying aloud that Eddie and him were now engaged, Max looked just as stunned, but seemed to hide it better than Nancy, who got up and quickly hurried to the car. Robin blew out a deep breath, before she got up and softly whispered to Steve.
"Don't worry. I'll talk to her."
The plan was to meet back at Nancy's later. Shortly after the girls left, Steve drove Max to her councillor's house. He didn't really think this was going to amount to much, but Max seemed determined. He kept glancing in the rearview mirror to check on her, but she had her headphones on, and was gazing sadly out the window. He hated how she found out, and was just adding salt to the wound. Finally they parked across the street, before Max climbed out, promising to be quick. Steve watched from across the way, before he saw Max get let in.
"Okay she's in."
"I'm missing my collarbones, not my eyes."
Dustin replied smartly. In no mood for his sass, Steve just sat behind the wheel, praying that Eddie was okay. Finally Dustin spoke, slowly.
"So...are we gonna talk about it?"
Steve raised an eyebrow and turned towards him.
"Um, sorry? Talk about what?"
"Well, you're now engaged to Eddie. Not that it's any of my business but...for now long?"
"Since we've been dating or engaged?"
"Both?"
"A few weeks as crazy as that seems, and I proposed last night. Not very romantic."
Steve didn't care being this open with Dustin, even though he knew for a fact that Dustin knew about him for some time now.
"I knew Eddie was gay for awhile now, but I'm happy for you. I never...talk about it since I know you don't want to...but I know you really cared about Billy. It's good to see you happy again man."
Steve wanted to snap at Dustin, but instead stared forward, before taking a deep breath. He looked over at him and gave a sad smile.
"Thanks."
"You guys are like...the coolest couple I know."
Steve snorted, and shook his head. He was on the verge of saying if none of this bullshit had happened, the two of them would have been planning on taking off this spring and never looking back. His mouth opened to say the words, but he then remembered how close Dustin had become to both him and Eddie. He didn't have any siblings, or a father, and he knew if he learned that his two "heros" were planning on leaving town without telling him, it might crush him. Instead, he just closed his mouth, and thought for a second before sighing.
"I just feel awful saying all that stuff in front of Max."
Dustin shook his head.
"Listen, it needed to be said Steve. We've all noticed how Nancy has been throwing herself at you all morning."
Steve raised another eyebrow, actually deeply down inside thankful that somebody else had noticed.
"What?!"
Dustin shrugged.
"Listen, Nancy is cool as shit but...I think maybe with Jonthan living all the way out in California, she might think she's a chance with you."
Steve made a face.
"Bullshit. She saw me that night at Starcourt with Billy. You all did."
"True, but Mike read her diary and she's pouring her heart out about you this past month. She senses distance with Jonthan, and has seen you around and thinks you're...what's that word again...By..."
Steve shot Dustin a look.
"Bi-sexual? Jesus man."
Dustin shrugged.
"Just telling you the truth. Better she knows you're taken, and not even remotely interested in that team anymore than her getting distanced gazing into those puppy dog eyes of yours Steve."
"Puppy dog eyes? Jesus. Listen, we're not talking about this anymore. It's nobody's business. Also tell that little shit to stop reading Nancy's diary or I'll tell her personally, and trust me. She's the scariest out of all of us."
Dustin rolled his eyes, before Steve turned his attention towards the house. There was silence for a second, before Dustin spoke again.
"So. After we defeat Venca, or whatever is causing this. I'm totally going to be the best man at your wedding right?"
Steve shut his eyes, sighing.
Now it was nightfall, and so much more had happened. They had broken into the school looking for records on Chrissy, and Ralph. That's when they ran into Lucas, who explained the entire basketball team was gunning for Eddie, thinking he was the leader of some kind of devil worshiping cult which was all of the members of Hellfire. Knowing this was just another thing they didn't need, Steve really felt hopeless, when Max explained the same symptoms Ralph and Chrissy were suffering from, were the same she had been having. She did her math, which meant tomorrow she was the next victim to die since she was cursed. Steve didn't want to believe it, and for a second scanned the documents, and files once Max explained they were having visions and nightmares. Luckly, he hadn't been having headaches, or nosebleeds, and there hadn't been any clock. He figured his visions and dreams about Billy were just his own mind making them up. The news about Max was less than stellar, and Steve really didn't know what to do.
They went back to Nancy's, who kept looking at him strangely. He knew if it continued, he would have to pull her aside and just be upfront with her. This was the last thing he honestly needed. They explained about their plan to visit Victor Creel at the mental hospital, and the covers they were fronting. Steve didn't think it was a good idea, and as many times as he read the newspaper clippings, none of it made sense. Max was on edge, and had been pretty quiet since it hit her that she was cursed. She had been sitting at Mike's old desk, writing something for hours. Finally Steve looked up at the time.
"I gotta go check on Eddie..."
Nancy looked over at him.
"Steve I don't think..."
Steve was in no mood. He turned and pointed to Lucas and Dustin.
"You two keep an eye on Max. None of you leave this basement. Nancy? Robin?"
They looked up, Nancy giving him a sad look.
"I'll do what I did last night. I'll get up before dawn, before you guys have to leave for the hospital and watch them."
"Maybe you keep going back isn't safe. I mean..."
Nancy began, before Steve shot her a lok, shrugging on his jacket. He turned his attention towards Nancy.
"Radio me if anything happens. Okay?"
Robin nodded, clearly sensing the tension between him and Nancy. She nodded.
"Sure."
Steve gave Max one last glance, wanting so badly to talk to her, but knew now wasn't the time. Looking at the clock, he knew he needed to book it. Eddie had been alone most of the day now. So he found himself driving, his thoughts racing as he tried to process everything he had learned this afternoon. All the while, wanting nothing more than to kiss his boyfriend, and for just a few minutes pretend that the entire world wasn't going to shit, and get lost in those dark beautiful eyes of his.
Later...
Steve was extra careful hiding his car, and hated knowing that deep down inside the others were probably right. Either he would have to lay off going to check on Eddie, or soon find him a new hiding spot since with a new murder, that only meant more police would be involved. He soon knew the state, and FBI. Already worried sick about Max, and silently talking to Billy under his breath, he asked him to please watch after his sister. He knew their relationship was complicated. How could he forget the night he kicked his ass, and then Max drugged him, and threatened him with his baseball bat? Still, he could see that deep down inside Billy actually cared for Max, as much as he claimed she had ruined his life, and was a major pain in the ass. He knew that Billy would have probably killed his father, if he ever saw him lay a single hand on her. Somehow, Steve figured that's why he didn't make too many waves...so that the brunt of everything would go on him. He knew he didn't deserve his prayers being sent to Billy wherever he was now. Maybe he didn't want to even hear them? Still, he didn't care. He spoke softly as he walked through the dark woods, not even using his flashlight, praying over and over again that Max really wasn't cursed, and that she would be okay. He really didn't think he could take it if she died too. He knew tomorrow as soon as he got a chance, he would try and talk to her.
Once he spotted Rick's, and the boathouse, he breathed a deep sigh of relief, before hurrying down the gravel driveway, being extra careful, before opening the door and finding Eddie sitting in the darkness chain smoking. Only the tiny amber tip of his cigarette glowing in the darkness. Steve instantly made a face.
"Hey man, what the Hell are you doing out of the boat?" Eddie looked up at him, and guilty smirked, before stubbing out his smoke.
"Sorry babe. I was suffocating under there."
He got up, rubbing his hands on the thighs of his jeans, before Steve walked over, and instantly wrapped his arms tightly around Eddie. He squeezed as hard as he could, burying his face into Eddie's messy unwashed hair.
"Jesus Christ...wait until you hear what's happened today."
Eddie pulled back, eyes concerned. Not even worried about himself, before he stared at Steve, gently brushing some of his hair away.
"You okay?"
Steve sighed, hating that he was fighting back tears.
Later...
Steve didn't want to unload everything from today to pile onto Eddie's already situation, but he couldn't help it. He needed to keep him informed, and the second he told Eddie about the second murder, he watched as Eddie's eyes widened, and his face fell.
"Fuck..."
He muttered, as Steve then went into the next case of bad news. Venca's curse, which was what the others had been calling it. He told him about Max, and how they had until tomorrow before something most likely would happen to her. Steve explained that before 1983, he didn't really believe in much of anything. It wasn't until this world started bleeding into this world, and when he started fighting monsters, that the actual idea of a curse didn't really seem that far-fetched. He left out how he felt the girls investigating Victor Creel seemed like a total waste of time. Instead, he tried to spin it as they actually had some leads, and maybe some way of breaking this curse, saving Max, and clearing Eddie's name. Eddie sat listening, and didn't look so convinced. Wanting anything to distract Eddie from the weight of everything happening, he smirked, and told him about how he blurted out in front of everyone that they were now engaged, mostly just to stop Nancy from flirting with him, which was starting to get more annoying than obvious.
He actually made Eddie crack a smile as he told him all about it, before Eddie tilted his head and looked at him.
"I know before me Billy was the only guy you had ever been with. What about girls? I know you slept with Nancy right?"
Steve blushed a little, raising his eyebrows, as he played with Eddie's sneaker that laid up against his leg.
"Ummm, well yeah of course. We dated for over a year. Ummm..."
He did a quick mental note, only listening to ones he had truly gone all the way with.
"Counting Nancy...four?"
Eddie looked impressed as he raised his eyebrows and smiled.
"Four huh?! Got my number beat?"
"In total or girls? Or have...you ever been with a girl?"
"My total number is eight counting you, but for girls...two."
"Two really?"
Eddie nodded.
"Donna Anderson. We were both fifteen. It was the absolute worst. I was still in the closet and super confused, and I knew she sorta had a crush on me. It was before her father got that job in Dallas and she moved away. I'll never forget it. It was in the park at night."
"The park?!"
Eddie laughed, shaking his head.
"Trust me it was just as disgusting as it sounded. She had given me a few handjobs before, so I thought it would feel just as good if we finally took the plunge so to speak. Well, it was awful, and if it wasn't for me helping Audrey Cooper two months ago, I honestly don't think I would ever be with a girl again. No thanks."
Steve's eyes widened.
"Audrey Cooper? The one that's in all the school plays?"
Steve only knew this since Robin dragged him to one this past Fall. Audrey was a short, pretty senior, with dark hair, and bright blue eyes. Steve had seen her a few times before at Scoops before the mall fire.
"You...had sex with her?"
"More as a favor. She was in Hellfire for a while. Was actually really good at it, until all of those stupid audtions and practices got in the way and she had to quit. Audrey hangs with all the different groups which makes her cool. We were friends, and I think...not to brag, she had sorta a crush on me and asked if I would take her virginity for her before she graduated since she didn't want to go to college as a virgin. Now mind you, I know I'm gay. I'm not bi...but I guess after enough beers, one can 'rise' to the occasion. To be completely honest I don't remember much of it. She invited me over while her parents were visiting family. The next morning of course it was awkward, but she was cool. I do think maybe she's a little embarrassed though. I think she maybe figured out what team I officially play on since legit just a few days before I worked up the guts to approach you at the garage, I tried talking to her in the halls and she ignored me."
"Aren't you afraid she'll say something?"
Eddie shrugged.
"Sorta low on my worry list right now."
Steve smiled and nodded.
"Right."
Eddie reached over and gently rubbed Steve's arm.
"Victor Creel huh? I remember my uncle told me a ghost story about him once. Whenever I drive by that old house it gives me the spooks. How in the Hell did you guys think of him"
"Your uncle told Nancy. Remember I told you she briefly talked to him? That's when Ralph, and her were at the trailer park. Mostly just playing reporter, but after seeing some of the newspaper clippings...it's just strange enough to might actually be a link and could be a lead."
Eddie sighed.
"She talked to my uncle huh? Did...she mention how he was?"
Steve sighed.
"He's worried about you. Just like us, he knows you didn't hurt anybody. I think he's staying maybe at the motel in Treeport since the trailer is officially a crime scene. He isn't giving up on you Eddie. None of us are."
Steve gently lifted Eddie's hand, and kissed the top of it softly. Eddie gave a sad smile.
"Yeah, he's always been that way. Especially since Rhonda."
Steve looked confused.
"Who's Rhonda?"
Eddie sighed, and used his free hand to shake out a cigarette from his pack in the inside pocket of his jacket. He lit it, and took a long drag.
"I was going to wait to share this with you, but seeing that you opened up about everything else...and that a curse has fallen over Hawkins...and I'm wanted for murder. Why not?"
Steve looked confused as Eddie took another long drag, blowing out the smoke.
"When I was thirteen my uncle had this girlfriend named Rhonda. She was a waitress at this trashy club that's since shutdown in Deerfield. She started living with us and well...she had a pretty bad drug habit. Now, my uncle isn't any saint, but he doesn't mess around with the kind of shit Rhonda was shooting up. Lots of the time my uncle was working at the plant and we were alone...and when she got really messed up..."
He paused for a second, looking forward into the darkness. Steve somehow knew what was coming, and scooted closer to him, squeezing his hand gently. Eddie sighed, and looked at Steve, his eyes hurt from the memory.
"Well, she would make me do stuff. I was too stupid and embrassed to know something was wrong and she warned me if I ever told anybody she would spin it around and say that it was all my idea. With my dad gone, and my mom and sister dead...I didn't have anybody else in the world besides my uncle, and somehow I kept thinking if he did find out he would somehow blame me. Well, this went on for a while...and one day my uncle came home and caught her."
"Jesus..."
"Yeah. My uncle is a lot of things, but he's never raised a hand to a lady. That's a huge thing he enforced growing up with him. Be a gentlemen, but Steve...Rhonda was no lady...she was a fucking monster. Somehow he knew, and he kicked the living shit out of her and told her he was calling the cops on her. We found out a few days later she died of an overdose in some cheap motel near her work, and that was that. My uncle...he felt fucking terrible. He wanted to get me all sorts of help, and kept blaming himself but...I somehow knew what had happened was wrong, and it wasn't anybody's fault but that heartless bitch. I think that's why he takes it so easy with me. I mean, he knows I'm gay, and lets me live my own life. He knows what I sell on the side, and he never has once given me shit about repeating senior year now for the third fucking time. I'll never forget how guilty he felt, and how he broke down in front of me sobbing. He kept saying it was his fault, but I told him it wasn't. It was hers. Since then, we've been distant, but he loves me you know. I'm not even his, and I know what he must think sometimes when seeing me...but he's a good dude my uncle. I'm just so fucking sorry he has to deal with all of this just like you."
Steve leaned over, before Eddie finished his cigarette and flicked the butt into the water. Eddie looked at Steve who was closely staring at him, his eyes serious. Eddie made a nervous half smile again.
"So I guess we both have plenty of fucked up history Steve. Plenty of stuff haunting us. I just hope you guys can help Red before it's too late. She's sassy. Sorta like...what I would have wanted for a sister had mine lived."
Steve's heart broke even more after hearing all of this from Eddie. He scooted closer, before reaching forward and cupping the side of Eddie's face. Eddie sighed, nuzzling into the palm of his hand, before he cracked open his eyes and looked at Steve. He saw his eyes were starting to fill with tears.
"I'm...so fucking scared Steve."
Steve gathered Eddie into his arms, and held him tight. Eddie cried softly against him for a while, as Steve gently rubbed the back of his denim vest. Once Eddie seemed calm enough, he took a deep breath, and pulled back looking at him.
"I love you so fucking much Steve."
Steve pressed his forehead against his.
"I love you too Eddie. Just keep thinking. We're gonna beat this, you're gonna graduate, and we're leaving this town and never looking back. A place on the beach, and six screaming kids to fill it."
Eddie smiled, now no longer crying.
"Sounds like Heaven."
Steve closed his eyes, and gently nuzzled his nose against Eddie's. That's when he pulled back slightly and tried to run his hand through Eddie's tangled greasy mess of hair. He smirked, knowing as long as they didn't use lights they would be okay. He motioned with his head.
"Is Rick's unlocked?"
"Yeah. I went in originally forgetting he's in jail."
Steve took his wrist, and looked at the tiny glowing face of it.
"Okay, how about we spend an hour. No longer inside. No lights, no flashlights. We get you a nice warm shower to warm up a little. Okay?"
Eddie gave a tired smirk, before nodding.
"Okay."
Steve stood up first, offering his hand. Eddie took it, and rose, and Steve noticed that Eddie was just a little bit taller than him. Looking into his eyes, he smirked, before squeezing his hand, and very carefully snuck out of the boathouse.
Later...
The house smelled musty, like a usual cabin that had been sitting for too long. The moonlight coming in through the blinds of the bay window gave enough light so they didn't trip over anything and kill each other. Steve saw that the bathroom was in the center of the house, and had no windows which was perfect since they could use the lights. He grabbed two ratty old towels from the closet, before bringing Eddie in, and shut and locked the door. Turning the overhead light on, both squinted from the warm yellowish glow it casted, before Steve motioned to the sink. "You need to shave?" Eddie felt his face and gave a soft chuckle.
"I'm a light bloomer, Harrington. I think I can survive another few days."
"You sure you don't want me to bring you clothes?"
Eddie shrugged shaking his head as he started to undress.
"Naw, they should be fine."
"Yeah, well I'll toss them in the washer as long as it doesn't make too much noise. Give them to me."
Eddie smirked, shaking his head, before slowly undressing before Steve's very eyes. As soon as he shrugged off his vest and jacket, claiming they didn't need to be washed, and laid them on the counter by the sink, Steve leaned against the wall as Eddie balanced, and took his sneakers off one by one, then peeled his socks off, and pulled his Hellfire shirt off. He handed it over to Steve who took the shirt and socks, before Eddie unbuckled his belt, taking his wallet, chain, and bandana off, and laid them on the counter. He pushed the jeans off his hips, before stepping out of them, and handing them over. Steve then smirked, taking in Eddie in such close quarters as something he had missed. Eddie smiled.
"What no privacy?"
Steve smirked and shook his head.
"As soon as you put that ring on, you agreed you're half mine baby."
Eddie cracked up, pulling his boxers off and handing them to Steve who stood for a second, admiring his boyfriend's pale skinny body. His eyes scanned over his random tattoos, his necklace with his lucky guitar pick, and finally down to his penis.
"Don't get in yet. Hang on."
Eddie smirked, before Steve told him he was shutting the light off for just a second, before leaving the bathroom and going into the kitchen where the washer and dryer were. He threw Eddie's clothes in, and poured some detergent in, before cranking the dial, ready to stop it if the machine made any loud noises. Instead, as soon as he shut it, and pressed the on button, he heard the faint sound of water and that was it. Seeing that Rick didn't have any neighbors nearby, and the driveway was pretty far down from the mainroad, he decided it was safe enough to let them run. Turning, he was already pulling his jacket and shirt off, before he entered the bathroom, and shut the door before flicking on the light. Eddie was waiting, leaning against the counter still very much naked.
"I can't hear the washer. Is it loud?"
"Barley. I think we're good."
Eddie smirked, before helping Steve pull his shirt off his head. They nervously laughed, as they both helped Steve get himself undressed. Finally both stood naked, before Steve gazed deeply into Eddie's eyes. They gently kissed, before Steve slowly started to trail the kisses down his collarbone, down his chest, past his tattoos, down his stomach, and finally found himself kneeling in front of Eddie. He could hear him breathing heavy, as he gently kissed his already slowly perking up sex, before slipping it into his mouth. He slowly moved his head back and forth only a few times, before Eddie stiffened, and made a faint noise, gripping the top of Steve's shoulders, before Steve tasted the salty taste of his spunk. He swallowed, taking a second and looked up at Eddie who looked embarrassed.
"Christ. I'm sorry..."
Steve shook his head standing up. He gently rubbed the side of Eddie's face.
"Shhhh, it's alright. Now is not the time. Come on, let's get that rat nest washed mister."
Eddie smirked, before both started up the tiny shower, and Steve looked down at the only bottle sitting inside.
"Ewww, two in one. God, Rick's hair must be awful...but I guess beggars can't be choosers."
Eddie shook his head holding back from laughing, before both stepped in under the hot pouring water, and both groaned by how amazing it felt. Steve used the somewhat fresh looking bar of soap to wash Eddie. He took his time massaging his back, going over his werewolf tattoo, lower back, and in between his arching shoulder blades. Eddie tilted his head back, letting Steve work in the cheap shampoo and conditioner, working it in, soaping up Eddie's hair, and using his fingers to gently work out the knots. He knew they wouldn't be able to use a blow dryer...not that he saw any laying around, and wanted to at least wash Eddie's dirty hair as best as he could. He originally wanted to go the whole nine yards washing, and styling this hair this weekend when he had originally planned it.
That...somehow felt a million years ago.
By the time both were fully clean, and rinsed off, the water had started to cool down. Both stopped the water, and toweled off. Steve helped dry Eddie's hair as best as he could, not wanting him to get sick from being outside in that stupid boathouse. Eddie tied the towel around his waist, as Steve finished drying off himself, and changed back into his clothes. He ran his fingers through his slicked back hair, before telling Eddie to turn around. Rick did have a worn out wooden hairbrush, and as God as his witness, he was going to try and do something nice for Eddie tonight. He gently pulled at the tangles and snarls of his long hair as best as he could. If they had more time, he would have brushed it until it became dry and shiny. Happy with the small result he got, he told Eddie to hang tight, and clicked the light off again, before venturing back to the washer, finding the clothes done.
Tossing them into the dryer, he braced himself again for any loud noises from the machines, but besides a gentle hum, it seemed perfectly fine. Heading back to the bathroom, he closed the door behind him again, before flicking on the light and finding Eddie sitting on the counter, still just wearing a towel.
"The dryer is going to take about forty-five minutes. We can't use lights, but wanna lay on a bed for awhile. I'll stay awake and keep watch."
Eddie seemed to melt at the idea of actually being able to lay on an actual bed again, and agreed. They turned the light off, and ventured upstairs, before going to the first bedroom. Eddie seemed to collapse back onto it, and moaned as he remarked his back never felt this jacked up before. Steve made sure the curtains were closed, before peeking out them, looking around at the still outside in the darkness. Venturing back to the bed, he looked at Eddie laying sprawled out, just in a towel. His hair already drying. Smirking, Steve crawled onto the bed, and sat up against the headboard, as Eddie laid his head in his lap and settled down. Steve smirked, watching him sleep, and looking around this strange dark bedroom. As completely out of control as he felt...at least he could try his hardest and make Eddie feel a little safer, and a little more comfortable.
He gently stroked his hair, listening to him breathe, before the next forty or so minutes seemed to speed by.
He heard the dryer ding, and knew they couldn't stay inside any longer. He hated to wake Eddie, who actually looked comfortable, but he needed to.
Eddie snapped his eyes shut, groaning, before opening his eyes and nodding as Steve explained they were going to get him back into the boathouse. Then he was going to take off, check in on the kids, and come back later.
"No."
Steve raised an eyebrow as Eddie sat up, his hair all over the place.
"Do me a favor tomorrow...or..."
He checked his watch and nodded.
"Today really. I want you to stay with red."
Steve knew this meant Max. He opened his mouth to argue.
"Eddie..."
Eddie shook his head.
"Like I said, she's a good kid. If she really is cursed...she's going to need all the help she can get. Stay with her please. Trust me Steve. You didn't see Chrissy. I don't want this happening to anyone else. It's bad enough that another kid died that Wheeler knew."
Steve hated to admit it...but Eddie was right.
Sighing, he shook his head.
"Okay, fine. But under the tarp please. Keep your walkie on low and I'll radio you as soon as I hear something. Okay?"
Eddie nodded, looking grateful, before he wrapped his arms around Steve, and nuzzled in close to his neck, gently kissing his throat. "Thank you..." He softly whispered. Steve nodded, holding him, smelling the cheap shampoo in his hair, and hating that yet again he was going to have to leave him.
A half an hour later...
Eddie had dressed quickly, and they carefully snuck back to the boathouse. Before Steve helped him back into the boat to cover up with, both stood for a few minutes deeply kissing. Tightly holding him, Steve groaned, before pulling back.
"Be safe. Promise me?"
Eddie nodded.
"Right back at you. Okay?"
"Okay."
They kissed once more, before Steve helped him lay back down into the gently rocking boat, before he stared down at him one last time, before pulling the tarp back over him. As he walked back to the car, planning on changing quickly and heading straight to Nancy's, a terrible sinking sense of dread filled him. He hated to admit it...but he sensed something terrible was just on the verge of happening.
Later...
It was nearly dawn by the time Steve reached Nancy's. Both girls were getting ready upstairs, and Steve was pacing downstairs, looking over the newspaper copies and print outs the girls had gotten yesterday. He honestly didn't see the connection, since he could have sworn that the Hawkins Lab where Eleven was had caused her to open the gate just a few years ago. He hadn't swung by his house, but his beeper went off, and he checked at a payphone while grabbing a black coffee at the mini mart. He checked the house's messages, and he heard from his parents that there was a delay and they would be home more towards the middle of the week. Steve figured another day or so at the boathouse before he said screw it and figured out a way to hide Eddie in his house. He honestly didn't care. He hated every single time he had to leave him there.
The girls took off, and the second Steve saw Robin, he did something naturally, he honestly never thought in these past few days he would ever do again. He held back from laughing, pretending to clear his throat as Robin shot him a look, and flipped him off. Nancy dropped her eyes as Robin grabbed her stuff.
"We'll try to be fast. Keep all of your walkies on. We'll try to find some connection..."
She eyed Max still sitting at the desk writing. She sighed, before turning back.
"I know I don't need to say keep an eye on them."
Steve smirked and shook his head.
"Best damn babysitter remember."
Nancy smirked, before she nervously picked at her blouse, before she looked up at him.
"Is Eddie okay?"
Steve wanted to tell her that was a stupid question, but he saw in her big eyes that she really meant it. Sighing, he shrugged.
"Scared, but wants me to keep an eye on the kids."
Nancy smirked.
"We were partners once in gym."
Steve raised an eyebrow.
"Hum?"
Nancy softly smiled.
"Eddie. I hate to say it...but he sometimes scared me. You know whenever he would walk on the tables at lunch and shout joking around."
Steve chuckled to himself. Even before he started seeing Eddie, he very much remembered him pulling major theatrics. He shook his head.
"Yeah...that sounds like Eddie."
"Well, it was before we...you know dated...and there were some upperclassmen being real jerks to me. You know...remarking about my boobs or something stupid like that. Well, Eddie heard them. I can't remember what we were doing...but he told me to ignore them, and then during the class' dodgeball game he whacked both guys in the face with the ball. They were pissed as hell, but they never did anything. He never said anything...but I think he did it on purpose."
Steve smiled, absolutely seeing Eddie do something like that. Seeing, hopefully that things were okay for the time being between Nancy and him. He told her to be careful, and keep an eye on his partner in crime. He motioned to Robin, nearly tripping in the shoes Nancy gave him, before she smiled and promised. They left, and shortly after Max came over with the letters. Steve raised an eyebrow seeing his. When Lucas, Dustin, and him went to open their letters, Max stopped them. She explained it was a failsale in case things didn't work out. Max then grabbed the walkie, and asked if they went to East Hawkins, could they still reach the girls? Before Steve knew it, he was chasing after a determined Max. She wanted to drop letters off at the trailer park, which Steve thought was insane. If Jason and crew were looking for Dustin, and now Lucas, that meant they might be closing in on the rest of them, which meant Eddie could be in danger. He demanded Max to stop, before she shot him a look. She explained she wasn't going to spend what could very much be the last day of her life in Mike's basement, and threatened if she lived to see another day if Steve tried to prevent her from leaving, she would sue him. Steve knew this was an empty statement, but she held her ground.
Knowing she was going to leave no matter what, he remembered that cold day in November last year when they talked in the park, and somehow had a better understanding with each other. This Max was different. Much like him, she had suffered following Billy's death. The only problem was, unlike Steve, she hadn't found any happiness following. They stared at each other, before Steve sighed and rolled his eyes.
"You have an hour. After that we're coming back. No arguments."
Max agreed, and they all piled into the car. The entire time Steve drove, that lurking feeling of dread was getting heavier, and heavier.
Later...
Steve knew something had happened at the trailer park. Max had spent longer than she was supposed to. When she came back to the car, judging from her pale expression, he knew she had seen something. Yet...she didn't say a word. They all drove in silence, every once and awhile, Steve would glance in the rearview mirror back at Max, before she lifted her head and looked at Roane Hill's Cemetery road. Steve hadn't been back here since the night of the rainstorm.
"Turn here."
Dustin looked back at her.
"Here?" Max nodded, and instantly Steve knew what she was doing. A dull ache filled his chest, as everyone without saying a word, knew why Max wanted to come here. Steve took the turn without so much as a single argument. They drove up, and without Max saying, Steve knew where to park. They parked, and Max mumbled she would be a few minutes. She wanted to be alone. She shot Steve a look in the rearview mirror, and for the first time today, Steve actually sided with her. He nodded.
"Just a few minutes Max."
He said Max climbed out, before Lucas jumped out and followed after her. Steve was tempted to get out of the car, but knew better. He sat back watching them, before Max finally walked away, up the hill towards Billy's grave. Steve sat there in silence with Dustin as Lucas walked back to the car. Sofly, Dustin patted Steve's arm. Steve glanced over at him and sadly smiled. Actually glad he was here. Looking out the window, he waited as Lucas sat against the car. They waited in silence, as Steve thought of Billy's tanned handsome face. His hazel greenish eyes, that look of hunger that filled them whenever they were together, and the intoxicating scent of cigarettes, suntan lotion, and musk he smelled like. He thought of those few months they had together, and all of the plans they made. The same plans he was making with Eddie, which seemed so impossible now. He honestly wondered what it would have been like if Billy had been here. He knew for certain they wouldn't be in Hawkins, which meant if any of this was happening...these kids, Nancy, and Robin would be on their own. As for Eddie? They wouldn't have even crossed paths. Would Billy and him be living on the West Coast as promised? Taking off, leaving everything behind? He wasn't sure, despite how he had treated her in the past, if Billy really could have left Max. Maybe they would still be here. Maybe after Starcourt, had he somehow survived...maybe Billy would have been a great help. Always the strong protector.
The one who would have never allowed Max to leave the Wheelers. Steve kept second guessing everything he had done so far, and thinking of Billy he fought back tears. He loved Eddie till the ends of the Earth, but he couldn't help but miss Billy. He stared up at Max sitting, not moving in front of the grave which held her brother, and his first very love of his life. Sighing, fighting the ache away he tried to summon Billy's face, but kept thinking of Eddie's. Sitting there, he sighed suddenly, getting that strange twinge of dread again. He checked his watch.
"That's it I'm calling it."
Lucas started to argue with him to give her some time, but Steve held his ground. He was the adult here, and he would be damned if he let anything happen to any of these little shits. In fact, Eddie made him promise to keep an extra eye on her, and he wasn't about to let him down. He climbed out, ready to hurry up towards Max and tell her enough was enough, they needed to go. He was fully prepared for her to freak out on him, and finally start screaming at him about forgetting Billy now that he was dead. He was ready for almost anything...besides what he found.
A few minutes later...
"I'm still here."
Max said, on the verge of tears in Lucas' arms. The four of them all sat stunned on Billy's grave as the sun was nearly disappearing behind the hills. Somehow today had flown by, even though Steve still felt it was still morning. Max had her headphones on, and several cassettes scattered on the grass. Robin's panic filled voice was radioing in, asking what was happening. A very stunned Dustin, slowly responded, before telling the girls on the channel the very unbelievable story of what had just happened. Steve had watched Max rise up into the air, just like how Eddie had described Chrissy had in his trailer. The second that happened, his heart dropped, unable to believe what he was witnessing. Even though he had seen so many unbelievable things throughout the years here...this one had shocked him the most. The second she lifted up into the air, Steve thought maybe the music thing was wrong, and that they were too late. He had been the one in charge of Max, and he had allowed this to happen. He didn't think of failing Max, or Eddie...he knew he had failed Billy.
Then, she snapped out of it, falling down to the ground, her eyes no longer that scary cloudy color. Everyone was visibly shaken as they all sat around in stunned silence. Finally, without saying a word, Dustin wrapped his arms around Lucas and Max, and Steve did the same. They stayed that way until the sunset, and finally after what seemed like a lifetime, the faint sounds of their scared breathing, and Kate Bush playing underneath Max's headphones, that Steve told them they needed to leave. He helped Lucas get Max up, who looked up at him gratefully, before Dustin, and Lucas started first, side by side with Max helping her down the hill. Steve stood there, scared out of his mind. Before Dustin signed off on the radio, he told the girls to meet back at Nancy's right away. Standing there, feeling the wind pick up, Steve looked down at Billy's grave, and fought back tears.
Shaking his head, he followed the kids as the cemetery soon was shadowed in darkness.