Despite being highly embarrassed about coming onto Steve whilst drunk, Eddie managed to keep his cool when they next saw each other. Steve only gave him grief for a few minutes before brushing it off. "It happens."

Maybe to Steve. Eddie didn't like thinking about all the girls that had tried it on with him before. It made him irrationally jealous which was stupid, nothing had happened between them. Eddie was as single as ever.

Sometimes it didn't feel like it though.

Not when Steve kept bringing him marshmallow cookies and when they were in a room together, they inevitably ended up in close proximity. Steve had even taken to sitting with Eddie during the Hellfire meetings. He claimed it was to make sure he wasn't cheating the party but Eddie doubted anyone believed that. Not with the strange looks they were constantly receiving.

He didn't care enough to hide it. Eddie craved Steve's attention and was more than happy to return it. And as Eddie had thought, Steve liked to touch. So he made a point of it, resting a hand on Steve's arm or pressing up close to him when they were sat together. If his bright smile was anything to go by, Steve loved the attention.

With Christmas fast approaching, Eddie's many responsibilities lessened. Hellfire and even Corroded Coffin were taking a few weeks' break. Even if work was busy because people couldn't drive in the snow, he had so much free time. With everything caught up on, he didn't know what to do with himself anymore.

Surprisingly it was Nancy he ended up spending the most time with, hanging out in the journalism classroom. The other students often gave him weird looks but his appearance and reputation were enough to stop any complaints. Not that anybody wanted to face off against Nancy's steely glare.

"I was thinking of asking Robin to join me for Christmas," Nancy revealed one afternoon. They were alone in the classroom since winter break had started but she wanted to start the templates for the first issue of The Weekly Streak in the new year. "Her parents are holidaying in Majorca but she opted to stay behind. No one should spend Christmas alone."

"That's a great idea, Nance." Her words made him think of Steve though. He would be alone too.

"You should invite him over." Nancy's smile was all too knowing.

"You're way too smart."

"You get this look when you're thinking about Steve." She poked his cheek, forcing him to smile. "Lovesick."

"Please," Eddie snorted, batting her away. "I don't get lovesick."

"I'll take a photo and show you."

"No thanks." Eddie rested his legs on the table, ignoring her disapproving look. "So you're serious then, about Robin?"

"Yeah, I really like her."

"Good. Because if you broke her heart we'd have to stop being friends which would suck. I need your help to graduate."

"Well, at least you're honest."

"And you're brilliant. I like hanging out with you." He spread his arms to indicate the room. "I can't believe you have keys to the school."

"I'm trustworthy and I'm the head of the club."

"I run a club too!"

Nancy only laughed, shaking her head.

"Right, I'm not as trustworthy as you."

"You used to sell drugs!"

"Yeah but I'm a good boy now." He started tossing Ronnie in the air to occupy himself. "How much more have you got to do? I'm starving."

"You don't have to stay."

"Nah, I'll keep you company. Even treat you to lunch." Eddie took her to the diner Steve had introduced him to. He'd been back several times and yes, the waffles were to die for. Diane greeted them warmly, offering them one of the comfier booths.

As she walked away, Nancy leaned in to whisper, "She likes you."

"What can I say? I have a way with the ladies." Eddie picked up his menu, grinning when Nancy rolled her eyes. "Steve isn't the only one who can be charming when they need to be. How do you think all those pretty cheerleaders got their weed? Few well-placed words and I was the best dealer in school."

"If only you used your brain for good."

"I'm trying."

"It's funny," She started with a light laugh. "I never thought we'd be friends. You're not what people make you out to be. I was always a bit afraid of you back during my Freshman and Sophomore years."

"What changed?"

"I met something scarier." Her tone reminded him of Steve.

"You know…" Eddie started hesitantly but Diane returned to take their orders so he broke off. Once she was safely out of earshot, he tried again. "Steve talks like that sometimes."

"Like what?"

"Like something bad happened. The kids were mixed up in it too?" Nancy's eyes widened, darting around the diner before resolutely fixing on her napkin which she began twisting in her hands. "What happened?"

"I can't tell you," She looked around again and Eddie noticed the fear in her eyes. Biting her lip, she leaned closer and whispered so low he had to strain to catch the words. "It was bad, okay? Stuff of nightmares. That's all I can say."

"Why, is some government officials gonna bust in here and drag us away?" He joked. When Nancy looked at the doors, he felt nauseous. "Nance… I was kidding."

"I'm not." She reached out to grab his hand, holding tight. "Eddie, you gotta let this go. We can't explain it to you and I don't want it to ruin your relationship with Steve. It's why he likes you so much… you're normal."

"Normal?" Eddie was only getting more confused and irrationally… angry. "Because I don't understand?"

"No, because you remind him - all of us - that there's more to Hawkins than what happened. I think Steve wants to forget the most, pretend it never happened. It's why we broke up. We tried to be normal but I needed to grieve." Nancy let him go to wipe away tears. "People died, Eddie. We all just want to move on but some things I can't forget."

"Barbara." Nancy flinched, confirming his suspicions. Eddie had read the article about what had happened to her, the exposure. The labs had been shut down because of it. "I'm so sorry, Nance."

"It's fine. Well, it's not but there's nothing I can do about it. At least her parents got closure." She turned away to dab at her face when their food arrived. Diane shot him a concerned glance but Eddie shook his head. When they were alone again, Nancy cleared her throat and turned back to him. "Please don't tell Steve."

"I won't," he promised.

"Good. He'd be really upset if he found out I said anything." She took a sip of her drink, composing herself. "This leads me to my main point; if you hurt Steve, I might just have to get my guns out of retirement. He deserves happiness and I really think you can give him that."

"I hope so too and don't worry, you won't need those guns."

"Right, now that's out of the way… I was thinking of including a piece on your game in the next issue of The Weekly Streak. I know it gets a lot of flack for being a devil worshipers game. Do you want to set the record straight?"

"Did you bring a notepad?"

Nancy smiled and pulled one out, getting a pen ready. "I always come prepared."

After dropping Nancy off at home, Eddie's head was filled with thoughts of Barbara and the strange events that happened after that. Will Byers' 'death', then the fire at Starcourt Mall... The place had burned to the ground, killing a lot of people but why were they all at the mall after closing hours? None of it made sense and he doubted it ever would unless someone told him what had really happened.

Steve didn't want him to know.

Nancy was afraid to tell him.

Who else knew? The kids? Probably Chief Hopper.

Eddie had gone to Barbara's funeral. They weren't close but he'd always thought she was nice. They had occasionally sat together in the library, Eddie by force and she by choice he assumed.

Now that he thought about it, Nancy, Robin, Steve and Jonathan had all been at the funeral too.

At a junction, Eddie turned left instead of right and headed for Steve's. He looked surprised when he opened the door to find Eddie standing there. "Eds?"

"Hey, can I come in?"

"Sure." As soon as the door closed, Eddie grabbed him to pull him into a hug. Steve immediately returned it, humming questioningly.

Preempting the question, Eddie said softly, "Nothing's wrong."

"What's with the visit then?"

"Can't I drop by unannounced?"

"Sure but-"

"Hey! We're supposed to be watching the movie!" Max's voice startled Eddie out of Steve's arms and he stood a good few paces away. She caught his eye and smirked. "Hi, Eddie."

"H-hey, Max!" He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, trying to ignore Steve's suppressed laughter. "Didn't notice you there."

"I figured." She settled back on the couch and tugged a blanket around her shoulders. "Are you staying? We've only just started the movie."

"Stay." Steve caught his wrist, smiling when Eddie finally looked at him.

"Doesn't look like I've got a choice." He was led to the couch and he sat down on the free end, letting Steve take the middle.

Max unpaused the movie and as it began to play, Eddie felt Steve's arm go around his shoulders. Leaning into the touch, he rested his head on Steve's shoulder with a sigh. If Max noticed, she didn't mention it. Eddie was half asleep by the time it finished, not even sure what they'd been watching because Steve had taken to playing with his hair and the touch was very distracting.

"Alright, Max, it's late." Steve sat up and pulled his arm free, rousing Eddie.

"You're not sending Eddie to bed."

"Eddie is a grown-up. If he wants to punish himself, that's his choice." Max rolled her eyes and headed for the stairs. "Don't forget your teeth!"

She flipped him off in response, making Eddie laugh. Max turned to glare at him. "If you're at staying the night can you two be quiet? I don't want to hear you."

"Nothing's going to happen," Steve replied calmly as Eddie's face went red. "Goodnight."

"Night guys."

As her footsteps faded away, Eddie fell back with a groan. "Can't believe she said that!"

"Apparently I don't shut up about you." Steve stood to clean up the wrapper-strewn coffee table and Eddie immediately uncovered his face.

"She knows?"

"Yeah. She's very perceptive. Asked me about it a couple of weeks ago. I told her how I felt but not you. So you could just turn me down and she wouldn't know you're gay."

"Steve!"

He paused, raising an eyebrow at him. "What? She's upstairs and doesn't want to listen to us. No one else is around. What's there to be afraid of?"

"Well, when you put it like that…" Still, it wasn't something Eddie normally acknowledged out loud. Sure he played it up at school but he'd never confirmed he was gay. And if something did happen between them, Max would be one of the first to know since she lived with Steve. Which also reminded him of why he came over in the first place. "What are you doing for Christmas?"

"Uh, don't know yet. Normally Robin would come over but Nancy's mentioned asking her instead. Max might stay, depends on how her mother's feeling. Why?"

Eddie grabbed the bowls from the table and followed Steve into the kitchen to clean up. "I was thinking - if you're not doing anything that is - you could come over to mine? It's only me and Wayne."

Steve threw away the trash and turned to look at him in surprise. "Seriously?"

"Yeah. I mean, we don't go all out of anything but there'll be food." Eddie shrugged. "If you wanted to. I know it's last minute so it's cool if you don't."

"I'd love to!" Steve's bright smile made Eddie's stomach turn over. He focused on cleaning the bowls. "But if Max is staying then I'll have to cancel."

"Just bring her along. Better yet, I'll ask her to come to mine since it's pretty much next door." He handed Steve the clean bowls to dry and chuckled. "Wayne's going to have a heart attack. Two guests? It'll be a record."

"Come here then."

"That's not fair! I asked you to come to mine, I can't just invite myself to your place."

"I'm inviting you. I'd love to cook for us too, there's a recipe for roast potatoes that I want to try out. You'd be the perfect test subjects."

"Thanks?"

"Please, have you ever complained about my food before?" With everything put away, Steve leaned against the counter and asked, "Do you want something to eat now? It's late."

"Nah, I came from the diner. Took Nance there after she was done at school for the newspaper."

"I hope it wasn't a date."

"Oh, definitely." Eddie laughed as Steve grabbed him around the waist and held his shoulders in retaliation. "I wouldn't do that to Robin, she's my friend after all."

"What about me?" Steve's voice softened as he stepped closer into Eddie's arms making him swallow thickly. "You'd do that to me?"

"I'd never hurt you, Steve."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." Eddie smiled, touching his face and rubbed a thumb against the rough stubble on his cheek. "So if you ever need to talk to someone, about anything, I'll always be here."

Steve frowned, catching his hand. "Did Nancy say something?"

"No. I just want to be here for you."

"You are." Steve kissed his palm and smiled. Eddie's hand felt like it was burning. "I call you every night, remember?"

"Don't remind me. I'm gonna have to find a new series soon." They'd blasted through The Hobbit and had almost finished The Two Towers. "Any recommendations?"

"Anything. As long as I can hear your voice." How Steve could say things like that so casually, Eddie didn't know. But then, Steve had always been a smooth talker. "Eds, do you want to stay?"

"You know that's a bad idea."

"It could be a good one." Yet Steve let him go and stepped back, the tension fading away. "Maybe next time."

"Maybe."

"So, we're in agreement then? You and Wayne are coming here. I'll cook up the best Christmas dinner you've ever had."

"I don't doubt it." Between them, he and Wayne could cook a turkey but it wasn't something to write home about. He wondered how far Steve would go. "Don't go overboard, there's only three, maybe four of us after all."

"Plenty of leftovers then. Robin and I always end up with dozens of turkey sandwiches to eat at work. In fact, I'm betting she'll be pissed if I don't bring some in."

"You two are so co-dependent."

"Yeah and Nance is stealing her away. I would be mad but Robin's so happy I just can't." Steve picked up a discarded book to stack neatly on the side. Eddie had never noticed before how clean Steve kept things. "I hope I can have that one day."

"Gay sex?"

"No, well... yes but that's not what I meant." Steve held out his hand and Eddie didn't hesitate to take it. "Do you feel that? Whenever we touch it's like a spark. I've never felt it with anyone else."

"I feel it." Had done ever since they first touched back in his trailer. He wondered if Steve had felt it back then too. "Maybe it's your gaydar coming to life."

"Shut up," Steve told him fondly, thumb brushing over his knuckles. "God, how can you be such a nerd as well as charming?"

"Aww, Stevie..." Eddie pretended to fan himself even though he was definitely blushing.

"You're insufferable."

"I don't believe that for a second." Not with the way Steve was smiling. "Are you gonna let me go sometime tonight? I gotta get home and... I dunno actually, I've got no homework or anything to do. Maybe I'll actually smoke some weed for once."

"Save it. Maybe we can... smoke together?"

"I thought you didn't smoke anymore?"

Steve shrugged and replied bashfully, "I wanna try with you. I feel safe with you so it should be fine."

Did Eddie's heart just break? It felt like it. He wanted to wrap Steve up and never let anything bad near him again. "Okay," He finally got out in a strained voice. "You want me to come back?"

"Not tonight. Max is here."

"Tomorrow?"

"Sure. I'm working a morning shift but I'll be free by one so come over then."

Eddie lifted his hand and kissed the back of it, grinning when Steve blushed. "Until tomorrow then, my liege."

"No more King Steve."

"Never gonna live that title down."

"Get outta here you freak."

Eddie mock gasped, placing a hand over his heart. "You jest."

"You're the jester in my court, Munson." There was no trace of the former king in his voice though, just a fondness that pulled at Eddie's heart. It was hard to believe this was the same Steve from high school. Eddie sometimes thought he'd been replaced by a clone or brainwashed.

"I'll be your fool any day of the week." He also felt like someone had turned his life upside down. He never would have guessed his reactive flirting would work on anybody, let alone this beautiful specimen of a man. "But for today, I'll say goodnight."

"I'll call you later."

"Of course you will." Steve followed him to the door where they both lingered. "I'll come back tomorrow."

"You better."

"Have I ever let you down?"

"No. That's why I like you, Eds. You're reliable."

That was a first. Eddie didn't mention that out loud though. He only smiled and gave a small bow before opening the door. "Don't forget to call!"

"I won't!"

Eddie hurried to his van and turned the heating on as soon as the engine started. It was a piece of shit though so he was halfway home before it kicked in.

Wayne had left him half of a microwave lasagna which he decided to save for the next day, still feeling full from the diner. After finding his weed and rolling a couple of joints ready for tomorrow, Eddie found himself with nothing to do. Even the trailer was clean, he'd had that much spare time.

A knock at the door was his saving grace and it turned out to be Gareth. "Dude, have you heard this album by Rush? It's insane. I can't believe I've only just found out about its existence." He produced a cassette from his pocket with a flourish. "Got any weed?"

It turned out Eddie was going to smoke after all.

Gareth stayed the night, passing out on the couch after they listened to the album several times. He was right, it was awesome. Unfortunately for Eddie, that now meant it was stuck in his head. He was still humming along to The Twilight Zone when he knocked on Steve's door the following afternoon.

Steve took one look at him and rolled his eyes, moving aside. "You look like shit."

"Aww, thanks." Eddie looked around as he wandered towards the kitchen but there was no sign of Max. "Is Red here?"

"No, she left this morning."

"Good." He produced a few neatly rolled blunts and waved them enticingly. "I can attest that the product is still good."

"You said you wouldn't smoke."

"Plans changed. Gareth came over with an album to listen to. Best way to appreciate new music is when you're high."

"Okay... Enlighten me then." Steve filled up two glasses of water before turning to look at him expectantly.

Eddie followed him upstairs as he started explaining. "It's called 2112, came out in '76. The first track is an epic seven-part song that's over twenty minutes long! It takes up the entire side of a vinyl. The whole thing is like, a sci-fi story about a dystopian future from a rebel's viewpoint and..." He trailed off, frowning at Steve's back. "Are you even listening?"

"Yes." As soon as they were in his room he turned and smiled. "Even when you're rambling, I'm listening."

"Was I rambling?" Eddie hadn't noticed but he immediately clammed up. People hated it when he did that. "Sorry."

"No, don't apologise! I like it. You don't have to be quiet around me, Eds."

"Right." He sat in the desk chair, sipping his drink for something to do. "Because people normally tell me to shut up when I start doing it. If it bothers you, just say."

"I want to know. So come on, tell me more about this rebel." Steve sat back on the bed, looking expectant.

He really had been listening.

Eddie grinned, launching back into his explanation for another ten minutes. Steve paid attention, even asking questions. It was different but in a good way, having someone encourage the diatribe instead of shutting him down. Eddie found himself leaning towards Steve, eventually moving to sit on the bed with him. By the time he was finished, they were laying side by side.

"Do you still have the cassette?"

"No, Gareth took it home."

"See if you can borrow it, I want to have a listen. If not, I'll get my own copy."

"I'll ask." Eddie patted down his pockets, eventually finding his lighter. "You ready?"

"Yeah." Steve looked apprehensive though as Eddie lit the blunt, took the first hit and offered it to him. He took it slowly, eying the thing like it could bite. "Hey, can we shotgun the first few hits? Just until I relax."

Eddie contemplated him, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Are you trying to kiss me, Stevie?"

"Not right now."

He did look nervous so Eddie grabbed the blunt back and inhaled deeply. Gently, he caught Steve's jaw and raised an eyebrow, getting a nod in response. Trying not to think about how close they were, Eddie leaned in until their lips were mere millimetres apart and exhaled the smoke. Steve's eyes fluttered shut when he breathed it in, expression smoothing out as he hummed.

"How's that feel?" Eddie asked lowly, staving off a shiver when their lips brushed together.

"Good," Steve breathed. "We should probably do that again, a few more times. Then I should be fine on my own."

Who was Eddie to refuse? "Sure thing."

Three hits later, he wasn't sure he could keep going without crossing the line. Steve was right there and Eddie was sure he wouldn't mind if he kissed him but... they were high and it didn't seem right. Especially because this was supposed to be about trust. So how could he take advantage of Steve?

"Eds..." Steve smiled lazily, fingers wrapping around the blunt as he looked up with red-rimmed eyes. His eyebrows pulled together in a small frown as he hummed again. "How many people have you done this with?"

"Smoked with? Couldn't tell you."

"No, this." Steve took a hit and then to Eddie's surprise and absolute delight, he cupped his jaw to pull him in, shotgunning the hit. "Is this how you get the guys?"

"Only you, Stevie." Eddie nudged their noses together and smiled. "I don't shotgun with everyone, you know. And I certainly don't take it either. That was a first." As if he'd ever done it before, what a joke.

"A good one?"

"Definitely." Steve's pupils were blown wide and a light blush dusted his cheeks at the words. He'd never looked more beautiful to Eddie. "You're beautiful."

"You're high," Steve replied but his smile softened as his eyes lowered. "I really want to kiss you."

"You shouldn't." Eddie pulled away and sat up to give them both some space.

"That is so unfair!" Steve fell back with a huff to stare at the ceiling, pouting now.

"You turned me down when I was drunk so I'm going to turn you down when you're high."

"I'm gonna kiss this shit outta you in two weeks."

"You do that, big boy."

"Keep talking like that and it's gonna get bigger."

"Steve!" Eddie couldn't help following the trail of Steve's hand down his chest and stomach to come to rest over his crotch. When he flicked open the button to his pants, Eddie became aware of how uncomfortable his own jeans were. "Steve, stop it."

"Why? You want me, I want you." His hand stilled though, some of the haze clearing from his eyes. "Do you want me?"

"More than anything." The admission hurt and horribly, Eddie wanted to cry. He cleared his throat and reached over Steve to grab the smoking remains of the joint.

"Why are we waiting then?"

He took his time answering, delaying the moment by taking another hit. "Because I'm so fucking scared you'll decide you don't like me. I'm terrified of losing you, Steve. What if you kiss me and decide nah, guys ain't your thing?"

"You're not gonna lose me." Steve sat up, taking the joint away to stub it out. "I'll wait as long as you need me to. I'm sorry for pushing you, I don't want you to feel forced into anything. And for the record, I've been wanting to kiss you for months. I'm not going to hate it."

"You don't-"

"I do." His grip was painfully tight around Eddie's hand but he was too caught up in Steve's eyes to pay much notice. Behind the red rimming from the weed, there was only resolve. "You're not the first guy I've liked, Eds. Sure, you're the first I've ever felt this strongly about but... it's not an experiment or a fluke. I know who I am and what I want. I want you, Eddie Munson."

Eddie laughed wetly as Steve brushed away his tears.

"Nothing can change that. Nothing will ever change that." Steve pulled him into an embrace that Eddie was all too willing to accept. "No more self-doubt. Because when I look at you... I see my future."

"You're so fucking high." It broke the tension and Steve cracked a smile. Eddie could feel it against his neck and shivered, gripping the back of his shirt tightly. "I want to kiss you but... I want to be sober. I want to be sure."

"I know. I'll wait."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Don't ever apologise for not being ready." Steve rubbed a soothing hand up and down his back, helping him relax. "I'm your friend first, Eds. Whatever else is between us can wait."

"Feelings suck."

"Not always. Sometimes they're the most amazing thing in the world. Especially when it's mutual." Steve lay down, holding out an arm in invitation.

Eddie didn't waste a second to cuddle in close. Steve's button dug into his stomach so he reached down to do it up and grinned when he stiffened. "Play nice, Stevie. Let's just relax and enjoy the high."

"Keep your hands above my waist then."

Eddie did, wrapping his arms around Steve's middle instead. "Better?"

"Much."

He settled back into the pleasant haze, content to listen to Steve's steady heartbeat. "I've missed this."

"I've asked you to stay, you always say no."

"Not you, the high."

"Charming." He felt Steve give a big sigh, fingers weaving into his hair. "What did Wayne say about Christmas?"

Wayne had only given Eddie a knowing look when he told him about asking Steve to spend Christmas with them. Eddie knew his feelings were obvious to his uncle but it didn't stop him from getting embarrassed whenever he acknowledged them. Thankfully, he'd never done it in front of Steve.

"He said it was fine. Wants to know what time you're expecting us. He said he'd bring drinks."

"Okay." They fell into a comfortable silence as Steve continued playing with his hair. He'd almost fallen asleep when Steve whispered, "Eds?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for doing this with me. It's not so scary... not with you here."

"Nothing's going to hurt you, Stevie."

"I wish that was true." Eddie looked up only to find Steve resolutely staring at the ceiling. His jaw was clenched and the hand in his hair had stilled. "I'm scared to go to sleep. I don't want to have a nightmare."

"I'm right here, Steve. I'm not going anywhere." Eddie meant it to as he squeezed Steve around the middle, resting his chin on his chest. "Ain't nothing going to hurt you."

"Promise?"

"Promise." Eddie impulsively kissed the underside of his jaw. There was a faint taste of shaving cream. It wasn't even bad, that's how far gone he was on this man. "How about we count stars instead?"

"Can't see out the window from here?"

"Trust me." Eddie touched his cheek, finger pressing gently against one of the moles there. "One." He moved to the adjacent one as Steve's breathing hitched. "Two."

"Eds..."

"Do you want me to stop?"

"No."

Eddie continued, touching each visible mark and Steve started to relax. He got to thirteen before reaching his collar but by that point, Steve was already asleep. Eddie got up carefully to turn off the light and crawled back into the bed, pulling up the covers. He would make good on his promise and stay.

Not that there was anywhere else he'd rather be.