Eddie laid in Steve's arms, suddenly what seemed like thousands of bites on him weren't hurting anymore. He felt cold, and stared up at Steve's face, trying his hardest to focus on his eyes. That's when he heard a voice, familiar...as if he had heard it before.
"Come on home Eddie. You can rest now."
Eddie struggled to breathe, a wet rattling sound coming deep from within him. He felt tears fill up his eyes, as he laid in Steve's strong arms. He so badly wanted to fight, to stay with him, but he felt cold all over, and things started to blur. His wounds didn't hurt anymore, and he slowly began feeling himself drift away. He wanted to stay in Steve's arm, and keep good on his promise to him. Instead, his vision began to fade, tears still running down his bloody face as he felt himself start fading away.
The voice came again, and he now was able to place it.
It was Chrissy.
"It's okay Eddie, Steve will be fine. You did good. It's time to come home."
Two days later...
Steve, dressed in jeans, and a long sleeve polo shirt, stood silently by Max's bedside. Lucas was there, and sat back, his poor face swollen after his fight with that asshole Jason Carver. He sat with a Stephen King book on his lap, not saying a word. He had mentioned to Steve that the others were coming by soon. Steve wanted to avoid them, as he had been for the last two days. He stood, circles under his tired eyes as he stared down at Max's body. He sighed, slowly shaking his head. He had been filled in on what happened. He knew they shouldn't have split up, and in the end...Venca was missing, most likely still alive. Since Max had technically died, which resulted in Venca's plan working, and the gates ripping open into our world. The death count was going up, as were the missing persons. The town was completely destroyed, and they had failed. He had failed not only Eddie, but Max was well. He was supposed to look after her, and now her poor pale broken body laid there as the machines around her beeped. They didn't say it aloud, but they knew she probably wasn't going to make it. Lucas mentioned how badly Max's mother was taking it, and last night had to be sedated after breaking down by her bedside. Steve's heart broke for Lucas. He was young, but he knew how he felt about Max. Staring down at her, Steve sighed before digging into his pocket, and pulled out Billy's St. Christopher's necklace.
It swung slowly back and forth, before he leaned down and very carefully put it in her hand. He gently folded it into her palm, before leaning in and gently kissing her forehead.
"I'm sorry Max."
He whispered softly, standing back. He looked at Lucas, who sighed in his chair.
"I'm...sorry about Eddie. Dustin told me everything. He's really broken up about it. Where...is he?"
Steve shook his head knowing Lucas would learn more from the others. He was barely keeping it together. In these two two days he hadn't slept. He felt as though he was simply going through the motions, clearly still in shock. His parents were packing up to head to his aunt's, and leave town. They had briefly talked to Steve, having no idea what he had gone through. They told him if he wasn't going with them, to please look after the house that somehow haven't gotten destroyed. The whole time he helped them pack, he wanted to scream out the truth, finally tell them what he really was. Instead, he didn't say a word. Before they headed for the car, suitcases in hand, they paused briefly in the living room and watched the news reports about what had happened. That's when a story about Eddie came on. Instantly his father made a face.
"You had that boy over not that long ago for dinner didn't you?! Should have known he was a fucking freak."
Steve felt his hands curl into fists. He so badly wanted to grab his father and shake him, screaming in his face. Instead, he didn't say a single word. He helped them load their suitcases into the car, gave stiff quick goodbyes as his mother reminded him about everything he would have to do, and just like that they pulled out of the driveway and were gone. Steve was relieved, before he turned, hands on his hips looking up at his house. Feeling disgusted, he had absolutely no intention of staying here. Marching inside, he shut the water off, locked all of the windows, and wrote a quick note to stick on the mailbox telling them to hold the mail. He ventured into his room, packed a back, before spotting Eddie's, forgotten from the night before all of this happened. Sighing, he walked over and unzipped it. He saw one of Eddie's faded old shirts, before stared down at it. Leaning down, he picked the shirt up, holding it in his hands, before sitting on the edge of the bed. Looking down at it, a faded heavy metal band he didn't know, he brought the shirt up to his face and deeply inhaled it. It still smelled like Eddie, and that's when the weight of everything that had happened to him came crashing down. First Billy laying lifeless and bloody at Starcourt. Then Eddie laying dead in his arms, bloody and his eyes filled with tears.
"I'm sorry..." "I love you Steve..."
Those were the last words Billy and Eddie had said to him. As his face crumpled, he began to loudly sob holding onto Eddie's shirt. He cried for what seemed like hours, until finally he had nothing left. Tired, he stared forward, eyes bloodshot and puffy from crying. He sat there in silence, the reality of what had happened slowly settling down on him.
Later...
After he left the hospital, hugging Lucas goodbye, and glancing at Max one last time, he decided to first swing by the bank, which was actually still open and functioning since it was lucky not downtown. He entered, drained his bank account, and had it all transfered into cash. He tucked it away, before heading to the garage next. It was closed, but Steve still had access. He opened up the main garage door, before walking in, and going to his station. The Camaro sat, still a little busted up, but looking so much better. Steve took his stuff out, including his bags, and put everything in the trunk, including Eddie's bag he had brought with him. When he slid behind the wheel, he took a second before gripping the wheel. He blinked tears out of his eyes before he softly said...
"I'm sorry Billy..."
He said. With that, he turned the key, and the engine roared to life. Sitting there, he took a deep breath, slowly driving out of the garage, and leaving his other car there...not caring at all. He drove, knowing where his next stop would be. Later... He parked the car on the edge of the destroyed trailer park. He climbed out, and spotted Eddie's vest, which he didn't even remember taking from the RV. The night he died, and they buried his body...everything was a blur. Taking it, he shrugged it on, feeling the instant comfort by faintly smelling him. He stood, looking at the ripped up ground with police tape around it. Some of the trailers even got destroyed, and everyone had been transferred to the high school which was serving as a shelter. He eyed the field...the field which held Eddie. Feeling the cool March wind hit his face, he circled around and sat on the car's hood. Looking straight out at the field, eyes filling with tears.
"Steve?"
Steve looked, quickly wiping his eyes as Wyane, Eddie's uncle walked over, hands in the pockets of his jacket. Steve felt embarrassed, before sliding off the hood and standing up, hoping he had blinked the tears away from his eyes. Wyane walked over, he looked as if he had been crying too. He pulled out a cigarette and popped it into his mouth before lighting it.
"That's one nice car son."
Steve smirked, looking over his shoulder at it.
"Thanks. Needs a lot of work, but at least it's running again."
Wyane nodded, before looking at Steve. He sadly smirked, and reached over, tugging on his vest. Instantly Steve felt awful, but Wyane looked at him, no threat in his eyes.
"I knew about Eddie, and I never cared. It was his business, and he was a good boy. Not perfect...but a good boy. He had gone through Hell, and was still one of the most kindest people I've ever known. I looked at him as if he was my own, and often it felt like that. This town...after everything that happened are still blaming him and calling him the Devil. I think we both know it was something else...and that Eddie was framed." Steve stood there silent, before Wyane motioned back to his truck. "I know he's dead...and I might never known where he is, or exactly what happened...but I talked to one of those kids that are in his Hellfire Club. He told me that Eddie was gone, and how he was brave up until the very end. That sounds like Eddie, and I would like to believe whatever did happen to him...he's now far away from this Hell and in Heaven with his mamma and sister."
Steve found his eyes filling with tears, as he struggled to keep under control. Wyane blinked his own tears away, before he sighed, shaking his head.
"His name might never be cleared, but at least the people who matter...who cared about him know the truth. I'm heading out of here for a while...find another place until all of this shit gets figured out. It's just...I know Eddie was crazy about you. I only saw you guys a few times around the trailer, but...that look in Eddie's eyes. It was pure love. I hope you keep going son, and remember that now you have the best guardian angel anyone could ask for."
Steve was crying now, unable to help it. He sniffled, and swayed slightly. Wyane dug into his pocket, and handed Steve Eddie's necklace with his guitar pick. Steve stared down at it, laying in his palm, and felt his heartache. Wyane leaned over, gently patting him on the shoulder.
"Just keep remembering him, that's what's going to keep me alive. Eddie had a really hard time, and if what that boy said...I'm proud he stayed himself up until the end. Thank you for making him happy Steve. Like I said, he had a tough life...but whenever you called, or he was planning on seeing you...I had never seen him as happy as he was."
Steve wiped at his eyes, his chest hitching as he tried his hardest not to completely break down. Wyane himself sniffled, and looked at him.
"Were...you also with him when...it happened?"
Steve took a deep breath, knowing he couldn't say much. Wyane was getting out of here, picking up the pieces, and hopefully finding a safe place to go to. Steve sighed and nodded. "
Yeah. I was."
Wyane gulped and looked at him.
"If his body is ever recovered...these bastards will be terrible."
Steve nodded, thinking of these crazy hicks kicking his tombstone down, marking it with spray paint, and even maybe going as far as digging his body up. Among all of this tragedy, destruction, and loss...people were still hunting for Eddie Munson. He looked at Wyane, feeling exhausted, and clutching onto the necklace tightly. "
They won'y find him Mr. Munson. I swear it."
Wyane nodded and looked at Steve. "
I know there's so much more to tell, but I have a feeling you can't."
Steve gulped, feeling his Adam's apple bob up and down. He nodded, eyes shiny with tears, as he looked at Wyane with a mixture of pity, and heartbreak. This was a man who took in his nephew and worked his ass off to keep a roof over their heads. He worked like a dog, and was still so good to Eddie. The brief interactions, or stories he had seen and heard during those few magical works with Eddie, he knew they had a great relationship. Sure, they didn't have much time to spend together, but Wyane was his family, and clearly still carried guilt over what had happened with Eddie all those years ago. He seemed patient, and soft spoken. He didn't judge Eddie for repeating senior year over and over again, selling drugs to bring in some income, how he dressed, what his interests were, his music and band, and that he was gay. No, he just loved him...and Eddie was all he had. He wasn't his uncle, he was more like a father and never once doubted that he wasn't innocent. Now after everything, he knew he was gone, and couldn't even properly grieve. Steve wanted so badly to motion to the field, and tell him he was buried there.
That his nephew had died a hero, saving the town from getting overrun with those monsters.
"I'm sorry Mr. Munson. Just know...he was innocent, and died a hero from this awful town that hated him. He loved you very much Mr. Munson, and if he hadn't of died...we would be leaving today in this car together."
Wyane stepped forward, opening his arms and pulling Steve into a hug. He was taken aback by this a little, smelling the sour faint scent of beer on him as he hugged back. Once Wyane let go, taking a step away he looked at him. "I know you two would have. You stay safe Steve...and from the looks of it...looks like you're still leaving huh?" Steve looked at the car and nodded sadly. "
I was planning on leaving last year...but I'm glad I waited. That's how I met Eddie, and...he brought me back to life Wyane. He was like oxygen after nearly drowning. He was...my second chance, my...soulmate, and I gotta be honest Mr. Munson...this town is cursed, and too many innocent and good people got killed. Eddie died...trying to protect them. I would have given my soul if I could to make things different, and have him be able to leave. I have a lot of friends here...they are like family to me...but if I don't leave now, I think I might just drop dead."
Wyane sadly nodded.
"That's grief Steve...it gets so bad you nearly feel like you're gonna die. You be safe, and like I said...thank you for making my nephew happy. He deserved that much."
Wyane reached over, patted him on the shoulder and wished him luck before turning to leave. That's when Steve stared at the massive field. Sighing, he motioned to it.
"Mr. Munson?"
He paused for a second, and looked at Steve. Steve sadly smirked.
"Whenever you come back here...take a walk in this field and think of Eddie. I've done it...and it actually helps. I think he liked it over here. It's peaceful."
Wyane stared at the field, before he sadly nodded and gave Steve another pat on the shoulder, before shoving his hands in his jacket pockets, and walked away. Steve leaned against the car, completely exhausted, before looking down at his necklace and guitar pic. Sighing, he stared across at the field. The breeze was gently blowing, causing the tall milk grass around him slowly swaying back and forth. Taking a deep breath, he climbed back into the Camaro and started the engine. Sitting behind the wheel, he knew he couldn't stay any longer. Part of him screamed that it was a terrible idea. That the kids, and others still needed him. Yet, what could he even do? Max was most likely dead, the town as ripped open from the upside down. People had been hurt and killed...and worst of all...Eddie had been one of them. Shaking his head, he put the car in gear, and pulled away from the trailer park, and not once looked back.
Later...
Steve sat behind the wheel of the Camaro. Eddie's necklace hanging from the rearview mirror. He had driven to Robin's, and he figured she would be the only one to say goodbye too. He knew the others would be weird, and Dustin would completely lose it. He had heard all about Hopper, and couldn't believe it. Still, if Eleven's powers were back, and Hopper was in fact alive...the others would be safe. He hated leaving Max the way she was, but he had prayed to Billy to watch over her, and if she did in fact flatline...that it wouldn't be painful, and she would wake up someplace beautiful and safe...maybe with her brother. Robin stared ahead, tears glistening in her eyes.
"You're just leaving? After everything that's happened...you're just taking off?!"
Steve sighed, and spoke calmly.
"It's better than putting a gun to my head. I had plans with Billy originally, a fantasy more like about taking off...in this very car, then I met Eddie, and in just what weeks? I feel head over heels in love with him. He brought me back to life, and showed me a future of happiness could actually be possible. I fell hard for him Robin. Originally you now how guilty I felt about Billy. I love Billy, I always will. He cared about me despite our history, and showed me what I really was. When he died, I turned into a zombie for those following months...trapped under water, ice really. Sure, I had you and the kids...but I was just going through the motions. Having absolutely no idea what I was doing. Then...Eddie 'the freak' Munson walks up to me while I'm working underneath this car, and asked if I wanted to play darts? Yet again, I made so many mistakes and I lost another person who I loved...and wasn't there for Max. I mean...look around this fucking town. Even if we did kill Venca...his plan worked, and now Hell has burst out from beneath Hawkins. Max will probably die...and me...selfish Steve Harrington, got two loves of his life...and he fucked up so badly both are dead. I can't do this Robin. If I don't leave now I swear to God I'll kill myself. I have nothing left"
By now Steve was crying, large fat tears rolling down his face. Robin was looking at him, angry and heartbroken tears of her own falling.
"You do have something...you're friends who love you, who care about you. Jesus Christ Steve, you're like my brother. I love you, and I can't do this alone."
Steve sighed looking at her.
"Listen, I'm sorry...Eddie kept calling himself the coward, but in reality he was a fucking hero that I didn't deserve. I can't do this Robin. I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest. I keep seeing him, bloody, and crying in my arms. I keep thinking over and over about how stupid it was to split up. I can't stop seeing those dark eyes of his...and then seeing Billy dead on the mall's floor. I just need to go away for awhile...if I stay even another hour more I'm gonna drop dead Robin. One of my loves is buried in the cemetery...the whole town never knowing what he had gone through with his fucking father. Never knowing that he saved El's life, and died standing up to that Goddamn monster. His birthday is coming up, and nobody will ever know. The only other person that I think will ever truly remember him is now hooked up to machines in the hospital. Then, my other love...the one who saved me...the one who I was engaged to, and made plans of taking this very car and running away. Building a future together, leaving this Hell behind. Instead, he died trying to face his fears, and had probably the most painful awful death. He died in my arms Robin, and he was crying. It must have hurt so much, and he died with those dark eyes looking up at me. Now he's buried in some fucking field...and everyone is still calling him a murderer and the Devil. Nobody besides us will ever know. I'm just so Goddamn tired...I need just a little time alone."
Robin sniffled.
"I could go with you..."
Steve smirked, tears still falling from his eyes as he gave a soft humorless laugh.
"Yeah, I could totally see your parents letting you go. Just...stick with Nancy, she's a good friend. Keep an eye on those little shits for me, and be safe Robin."
Robin began to cry harder.
"But, we're a team Steve...please..."
Before she could say another word, he leaned over and tightly hugged her, gently trying to soothe her as she sobbed against him. All the while, Eddie's necklace hung on the rearview mirror.
Later...
Robin was still crying, but had collected herself to now stand outside the car, squeezing Steve's hand through the rolled down window.
"Please be safe Steve...call me as soon as...you get to wherever you are."
Steve gave her hand a gentle squeeze back.
"I will. I promise."
Robin sniffled.
"The others are going to lose it knowing you left, especially Dustin."
"They're gonna be okay. They have you guys to watch them. Just...tell Dustin I'll be back. I just...need some time alone."
"If Max wakes up..."
"I'll be back in a heartbeat. I promise."
Robin sniffled, before Steve smirked. "
Heard you were talking to Vickey?"
Robin made a face, and sniffled her tears away again. "
Yeah but..."
"Go for it. Honestly...don't waste another single second. You deserve to be happy Robin."
Robin sighed, before she leaned down, and gently kissed Steve's hand.
"Promise me you'll come back."
Steve sighed and looked up at her, his eyes serious.
"I promise."
Robin then stepped back, and wiped her eyes, both devastated, and angry. Robin sighed, standing back as Steve started the engine, and looked up at her.
"Bye Robin. I love you."
Robin was on the verge of breaking down again. She swallowed hard, as fresh tears fell down her face.
"I...love you too."
Knowing he couldn't wait another second, he sighed as he rolled up the window, and put the car in drive. He pulled out, and started down the road leaving to 93, which opened up to the state highway and out of Hawkins. He clutched the wheel, ignoring to rearview mirror, or looking back. Instead he drove with the radio off, staring ahead, fighting back tears. His eyes finally drifted over to Eddie's necklace, and his heart seemed to shiver inside of him. A huge exhausting and painful wave hit him as the grief seemed to overcome him. He thought of Eddie, and those beautiful dark brown eyes gazing at him. Taking a deep breath, his heart pounding he continued driving, before he glanced in the passenger seat. Eddie was there. Just like he was. Torn black jeans, Hellfire jacket, leather jacket, and jean vest...even though Steve was wearing it. Eddie's hair was hanging over his shoulders, and he sat leaning back in the other seat, smirking, and staring across at him with that same playful grin, and sparking dark eyes. He reached over, his chunky metal rings on his fingers, as he reached over and rubbed Steve's leg. Steve tried to keep his eyes on the road, relieved happy tears filling his eyes.
"E...Eddie?"
Eddie grinned.
"Don't worry Steve, I'm right here..."
"Yeah, we're not going anywhere..."
Steve froze, before he saw Billy lean forward from the back seat. That handsome grin on his face, as his dirty blond hair was slightly in his face, as he cocked his head giving that same hungry intense smile. He had jeans on, and that wine colored dress shirt on, completely unbuttoned, showing his tanned and firm muscular chest. He grinned with Eddie, both of the loves of his life staring at him, and showing that they weren't gone...they were very much with him.
Sighing Steve continued to drive. This was the tragic events of 1986.
To be continued. - Thank you VERY much for the kind reviews! As always I apologize for my grammar and spelling. I started this story back in 2019, originally thinking it was going to just be Steve/Billy. Once they brought in Eddie for this latest season, I instantly got the idea for him being Steve's second chance. I know the ending to this cliffhanger is a bit of a downer, but we'll have to wait until season 5 and see what happens with Steve. Then, we'll see if losing the two loves of his life destroyed him...or made him stronger. I know the wait will be long, but I promise after watching the final season I'll give Steve a wonderful send off. Thanks again everyone! I'm currently writing a story based off had Eddie survived and Steve taking care of him, and trying to build up the courage to tell him how he feels!