Eddie spent most of Christmas morning trying to decide what to wear. Which was a first. He'd never cared what other people thought before so knowing he wanted to impress Steve was annoying. In the end, he settled for a black dress shirt and his normal jeans. He even combed his hair, making sure to get rid of all the tangles, knowing it was the type of thing Steve would notice.

"Eddie, are you done yet? We've gotta leave if you want to get there on time." Wayne looked genuinely surprised when he left the bedroom. "You look nice."

"It's Christmas and we're going to someone else's house. We should dress up nice." Wayne had even put on a tie. "Look at you!"

"Don't want to embarrass you. Alright, let's go." Wayne grabbed the two bottles of wine from the side and ushered Eddie outside.

Eddie drove which was probably for the best to try and keep his mind occupied. Even so, his leg was bouncing and he almost stalled trying to start off from some lights. Wayne chuckled, shaking his head. "Not a word."

"You hang out with Steve almost every day. Why are you so nervous?"

"I'm not nervous!" The silence was too accusing and Eddie broke after a few seconds. "Okay, fine, I'm nervous. I really like Steve, you know that. I don't want to screw up and make him think I don't care by turning up in my normal stuff."

"I don't think there's much you could do to dissuade him." Wayne patted his knee and it helped calm him a little. "Steve is very taken with you too."

"Yeah." Eddie knew. Whenever he reminded himself of that fact, the small bubble of warmth in his chest threatened to spill over. Eddie wondered what would happen if it did.

"Is there something you need to tell me?"

"No." Not yet. Eddie gripped the steering wheel tightly. "We're just friends."

He pulled up outside Steve's house and the door opened as they both got out. Eddie stumbled on the smooth driveway when he looked up, ignoring Wayne's chuckle.

Steve looked good. More than good. He'd done something new with his hair, slicking it back instead of putting it in its usual coifed state. Eddie had to admit, it worked. He'd dressed up too, wearing black slacks and a dark blue dress shirt. The hint of chest hair showing made Eddie's knees go weak.

"Come on, Munson," He muttered to himself, regaining himself and joining his uncle at the door.

"Thanks for inviting us, Steve." Wayne handed him the bottles with a warm smile, even giving him a one-armed hug. "I'm not sure how Eddie ended up managing to invite himself over when I hear he was trying to do the opposite."

"Wayne!" Eddie hissed but Steve only laughed.

"It was my idea. Max is here too so I hope you don't mind."

"Max?"

"Maxine Mayfield. She lives near you."

Wayne nodded thoughtfully, looking between them. "Red-haired girl? I've seen you talking to her before."

"Yeah, that's her."

He hummed thoughtfully, eyebrows pinched. "Well, I'm glad she's got somewhere to go. The more the merrier, right?"

"Right." Steve stepped aside to let Wayne in then grabbed Eddie's arm, pulling him inside. "Hey."

"Hi." Eddie almost stumbled into him, which he supposed was the point given Steve's smirk. "You look good." He smelled good too, even more so without the hairspray.

"So do you. Dressed up for me?"

"You wish, pretty boy." Eddie patted his cheek, fervently hoping Wayne wasn't watching them. "Shall we? It smells good." Eddie couldn't discern what he was smelling but it was good. "How long have you been up?"

"Since about eight." Steve shook his head as Eddie went to object. "Good food takes time. I wasn't going to half-ass this."

"I would've helped."

"You can do that by enjoying the food. Don't be afraid to lay it on thick." Steve winked, pushing him towards the table. "Sit. I'll be there in a minute."

Eddie did, taking the seat next to Wayne. Max joined them a moment later, carrying in what had to be the biggest turkey Eddie had ever seen. "Holy shit. Steve wasn't kidding."

She set it down with a huff and sat down opposite Wayne. She was the only one who hadn't dressed up, wearing her regular clothes. She frowned at Eddie, nose wrinkling. "You've brushed your hair."

"Thanks for noticing," He replied dryly as Wayne chuckled. "Why aren't you wearing a dress?"

"Steve tried. I told him I'd wear it if he wore his Scoops uniform."

Eddie kind of wished he had. But then again... not a good idea with his uncle and a child present. He knew he wouldn't be able to keep his hands to himself.

"Gross." He started, face heating up as Max's face screwed up in disgust, obviously catching his thoughts. "You're disgusting."

"Stay outta my head, Red."

"Keep your thoughts civil, Eddie." Wayne shook his head but he was smiling.

Steve thankfully saved him from further embarrassment, entering the room carrying several plates. Eddie hurried over to take some to the table. "Christ, Steve... how much did you make?"

"Enough." Steve set down the plates with a smile. "There's a couple more, one sec."

Wayne eyed the food impressively. "This is a lot. I didn't know Steve could cook."

"Yeah, something to pass the time." Eddie followed Steve back into the kitchen, touching his back gently to announce his presence. "Hey, you really went all out, huh?"

"Never had anyone to celebrate with before."

"What about Robin?"

"Well, we just ate turkey and watched movies. It wasn't anything proper, not like this." Steve turned to beam at him. "Thanks. I can't remember the last time I sat down to have a meal like this. Not since I was a kid anyway."

"Bet you didn't enjoy that."

"No, I didn't."

"Shit, sorry, Steve. Talking without thinking."

"It's fine, seriously, Eds, it's fine." Steve squeezed his shoulder and then held out some more plates. "You can make it up to me by taking these in."

He risked a quick squeeze of his arm in return before taking the plates. "The things I do for you, Stevie."

"Go, before I make some excuse to get you to stay."

"See you in a minute." The table was almost full with all the food by the time Eddie got everything set down. He was certain they wouldn't be able to eat it all between the four of them. He'd give it his best shot though. He piled his plate high, grinning at Steve across the table when he caught his eye. "It all looks so good."

"Save some room for dessert."

"What is it?"

"You'll have to wait and see." Steve switched tracks, addressing Wayne, "You can take as much as you want home with you. There's more than enough."

"Thank you, Steve." Wayne nodded appreciatively as he started to eat. "I didn't know you could cook so well."

"I've been practising."

"Yeah, the nightmares really kick ass," Max muttered as she shoved some potato in her mouth.

Steve's expression fell ever so slightly so Eddie nudged his leg under the table, smiling when he looked up at him. It worked, he brightened up and even laughed. "Yeah, they do."

Eddie smiled into his turkey when Steve nudged him back.

Dessert turned out to be the best chocolate cake Eddie had ever tasted. He couldn't wait to rub it in Jeff's face and made a mental note to ask Steve to make another for one of their Hellfire meetings. By the time he'd finished, he was ready to burst and groaned when Steve got up.

"How can you move?"

"I'm more athletic?"

Eddie shrugged because he couldn't argue. Steve had been on several sports teams during their time together at high school whereas Eddie preferred dungeons and dragons, not known for its physical exertions.

"The tv's free if you wanna watch something," Steve offered as he started collecting plates together. He caught Max's eyes and she groaned, getting up to help him. "You guys can stay as long as you want, it's not that late."

"Red, you got anything good to watch?"

Her face lit up as Steve groaned. "Oh yeah, I got something."

Something turned out to be Gremlins. Even Wayne chuckled at the opening scene. Steve sat down next to Eddie and sighed. "She's been bugging me to watch this all week. You just had to ask."

"I'm not sorry. Especially when I can do this," and he slung an arm around Steve, grinning when he rolled his eyes. "You like it."

"So do you." Steve's expression softened as he grabbed the hand hanging over his shoulder, linking their fingers together. "Now be quiet before Max yells at us."

Eddie shut his mouth because she was already glaring at them. After a moment she smiled, nodding her approval before turning back to the tv. He exhaled quietly, knowing that was her way of saying she was cool with it. At the rate things were going, everyone would assume they were dating before they'd even decided. Although...

He glanced at Steve, heart melting when he looked back and smiled, squeezing his hand.

Dating didn't seem like such a bad thing.

Eddie found it hard to concentrate on the movie after that, hyper-aware of every twitch of Steve's fingers, the brush of his hair against his cheek and the shift in his breathing. What was the movie even about again, fluffy monsters? As long as Max was happy. Eddie glanced at Wayne, nudging Steve and tilted his head towards his fast-asleep uncle.

Steve smiled and nodded, pressing a soft kiss to his temple. Eddie wanted to melt into the couch. His competitive streak won out though and he caught Steve's chin to hold him still, planting a firm kiss on his cheek. He'd shaved recently, the skin soft and smooth, instantly turning pink as he pulled back.

"Can you two keep it in your pants for one movie?" Max asked in a deadpan, throwing a piece of candy at them that bounced off Eddie's head. He rubbed the spot and turned to glare at her. "Take it outside, I'm trying to watch this."

"Brat."

"We'll be good, Max," Steve promised, tugging on Eddie's shirt to get him back on the couch. He'd half gotten up to wave a threatening finger at Max. "Come on, let's watch."

Eddie tried, finding the plot a bit confusing because he'd missed the first half. Some girl was explaining why she hated Christmas because her dad had tried to climb down the chimney and broken his neck whilst dressed as Santa... wild. His Christmases had never been that exciting, mostly forgotten by his mother and Wayne didn't have much money to spare.

This was definitely his favourite Christmas ever, tucked into Steve's side watching a half-understood movie.

If he was being honest, it had been the best few months of his life. Ever since Steve walked into that Hellfire meeting and became a part of his life. The pieces had fallen into place, almost effortlessly. He wondered if Steve felt the same, wanted to ask but decided against it when Max laughed at some joke. He could ask later.

When the film finished, Eddie got up and went to get a drink. Steve followed after him as Max headed upstairs, leaving Wayne still asleep on the comfy chair. "Hey," Steve started softly, grabbing a glass to fill up too as Eddie drank. "Had a good time?"

"The best." Eddie leaned back against the counter, taking in the kitchen. It was smaller than Steve's old one but much cosier, still a mess from cooking but it felt lived in. The whole house did. It felt like Steve. "Have you ever thought about how much has changed since we met?"

"Like what?"

"Well... I stopped dealing, I've got a job and I'm sure as hell gonna graduate if Nance has anything to say about it. I dunno... it's like you changed things." He glanced at Steve to see him frowning. "Yeah, I know it doesn't make much sense. I don't know how to word it. It's like you're my good luck charm or something."

"When you know, you know." Steve shrugged and set down his glass. "You said that once. Said you were better off alone too. Do you still think that?"

"No." Eddie thought he'd be much better off with Steve if the last months were anything to go off. How happy he felt when they were together. "Are you still waiting for the right person to appear?"

"No, I think I found them." Steve reached out, hooking his pinky finger around Eddie's. Even though they had been cuddling on the couch only a few minutes ago, the tender touch made Eddie's breath catch.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. Found them at some nerdy club. Told me to keep my pretty mouth shut."

"And you did," Eddie chuckled. "I recall you telling me not to get used to it."

"Didn't realise I'd end up sticking around."

"I'm glad you did."

Steve nodded, thumb now stroking the back of Eddie's hand. "Me too."

Eddie searched his face, heart thrumming madly. What were they waiting for? Did he really need a month? Steve had made his feelings very plain and Eddie... he didn't want to wait around for no reason. "Steve..."

They jumped as a loud snore emanated from the living room. Looking back at each other, they both started laughing and broke apart. Eddie wasn't sure if he wanted to kill or thank his uncle.

"Come on, help me clean up?"

"I'm supposed to be a guest."

"Then sit down and watch. I don't wanna leave it too long or it'll stick." Steve started grabbing pans as the sink filled up. Eddie helped him out and they had the place looking spotless half an hour later. "Good as new." Steve threw the dishcloth over his shoulder and sighed. "Thank you, now I can relax."

"Consider it your Christmas present." Eddie gasped as he was hit with a sudden realisation. "Oh shit, hold on!" He ran to the front door and grabbed his keys, hurrying to the van to find the badly wrapped present.

Steve was waiting in the doorway with a puzzled look, eyes widening when Eddie handed it over. "Eds..."

"Yeah, well, seems only fair. Merry Christmas."

He hid behind some of his hair as Steve unwrapped the present, quickly dropping his hand when he realised. Steve turned over the cassette, reading the carefully written track listing. Eddie had spent a lot of time choosing the songs and hoped it was okay.

"This is perfect." Steve flipped it back over and grinned as he read the cover. "Stevie's Bad Choices?"

"Yeah, I put Tears for Fears on that thing. Bad taste, Stevie."

"I'm gonna listen to this later." Steve slipped the cassette into his pocket with the promise and then grabbed Eddie's hand. "Come on, I got you a present too."

They knelt in front of the Christmas tree as Steve handed him a present. Curious, Eddie shook it and it rattled. "What is it?"

"Open it and find out."

He did, revealing a small wooden box. Inside was probably a dozen new guitar picks, expensive ones he realised when he picked one up to examine. "Shit, Steve..." He'd been saving up for some as well. "How did you know?"

"Mmm, you were complaining about it a while back. Couldn't find a pick or something when you wanted to play your sweetheart." Steve sat back and smiled, obviously pleased. "You were gonna play me some of my song. Which, by the way, I still haven't heard?"

"Patience, young Padawan. It's not ready yet."

"See, I get that reference, Star Wars!" Steve laughed at his disbelief. "Henderson made me watch them. The one with the, uh, teddy bears is the best."

"The Ewoks?"

"Exactly!" Steve mimed using a lightsaber, even making a whooshing noise. Eddie laughed, heart finding a little more space for Steve to reside in. "Truth be told, I didn't understand most of it but don't let Henderson know."

"I'll just have to re-educate you then."

"Yeah, because that worked so well with your game," Steve snorted. "I'd rather listen to you play guitar."

"I could teach you?"

"Nah, tried that once. Not my thing. Maybe Max though? She took my old guitar and has been playing it recently. Better than I ever was."

"I'll ask her." Eddie closed the box and hugged it tight to his chest like it was something precious. "Thank you."

Steve tracked the movement, expression softening. "Anything for you, Eds. You know... you're not the only one whose life changed for the better since we met. I feel free for the first time in my life. I've got my own space where I feel safe, where Max feels safe... it's all because of you."

"Well, not really. You could've told your parents you were sleeping with any guy. It didn't have to be me."

"That's the thing though, it's believable." Steve hesitated, looking away as he ripped up some wrapping paper. "And it could be real... right?"

Sex with Steve...

An infinitely scary but tantalising prospect.

"Yeah, it could be." Eddie grinned, pulling the paper away and holding out his hand instead. Steve immediately took it. "I gotta warn you, I don't put out on the first date."

"That's fine, I want it to mean something with you." He ran a thumb over his ring, touching the gemstone. "Why is this one so different?"

"It was, uh, from my mom. You know those arcade machines that give you tickets? I chose this. We spent the whole day there so I could get enough." Eddie smiled, remembering that day but it faded quickly as he said, "she left a week later. It's the last thing she ever gave me, a shitty mood ring from an arcade. Doesn't even work."

"I'm so sorry, Eds."

"Whatever, she wasn't much of a mom anyway." He glanced at Wayne, still passed out and felt a rush of affection for his uncle. "I got Wayne, which is more than a lot of people in my position." He would always be thankful that he didn't end up in a home and never stop repaying Wayne for that kindness.

"Parents suck."

"Yeah." He looked at Steve again, surprised to see him so dejected. Then he realised Steve didn't have a Wayne. Kicked out at eighteen and only standing because he'd had the foresight to take his trust fund. "How did you know?"

"Know what?"

"Your trust fund. You said you moved it a few weeks before your parents came back. How did you know?"

"Oh," Steve smiled shyly, squeezing his fingers. "I'd been talking to Robin... about you. She asked if you were worth it and I said yes. Kinda realised what would happen when my parents found out so I made preparations. Good thing too, huh? I'd be screwed if I hadn't."

"You'd still be staying with me."

"Maybe not screwed then."

"I dunno... I think you would've been by now." Eddie was fairly certain something would have happened between them if they were still sharing a bed.

"Let me take you out first."

"Are you asking will the full intent of delivering?"

"I am." Eddie pretended to consider him, even though they both knew his answer and his heart was beating so rapidly Steve could probably feel it where he was touching his wrist. Steve's composure broke after a moment and he raised an eyebrow. "Eds? You're kinda making me nervous here."

"Afraid the Freak will say no?"

"You're not a freak."

"I could be," Eddie mused, checking out his free hand in a show of looking at his nails. Truth be told, he did want to use those handcuffs in his room someday. Maybe Steve would indulge him eventually. Inhaling sharply as he banished that image, he finally looked at Steve again and smiled. "Sure, a date sounds nice. You gonna woo me?"

"I'm gonna woo the pants off of you." Steve hesitated and pulled back, stammering, "Uh, maybe not your pants."

Eddie rose an eyebrow, glancing over his shoulder to see Wayne sitting up. Ah. He grinned, winking at Steve before letting him go. "We'll see, pretty boy. Ready to go, Wayne?"

"Is it that late already?"

"You've been asleep a while, old man."

Wayne waved away the insult and stood with a groan. "Okay, give me a minute."

Steve grabbed his hand again and led the way back to the kitchen. "Take some food, please." He handed over several tubs.

"Steve, this is a lot of food."

"And I'm not gonna eat it all. There's enough for mine and Robin's turkey sandwiches tomorrow, you can have the rest." He paused, hands on Eddie's as he put the last tub on the precarious tower. "And I'll let you know about our date, okay?"

"Don't take too long Stevie, I don't like being led on."

"You're the one who asked me to wait a month." He was smiling though, clearly not upset. "So we're waiting out the whole timer. Two weeks."

"Fine." Eddie pouted, making Steve laugh. "It better be worth it."

"I'll try my best."

Eddie handed over the food to Wayne at the door, lingering behind. "I'll be there in a moment."

Wayne's eyes flickered to Steve for just a second and he smiled. "Give me the keys then. Don't take too long or I'll fall asleep again."

"Two minutes." Eddie shut the door again and turned to hug Steve. "I'll see you soon. Thanks for today, best Christmas I've had in a while."

"Me too." Steve's arms tightened momentarily before he sighed and let him go. "Max's birthday is on the second. All the kids are coming over. You wanna join us?"

"Sounds good. I'll even help bake the cake."

"I'm going to hold you to that."

They broke apart at the sound of Max on the stairs and Eddie waved. "See you soon, Red."

"You better not mess my cake up." Her eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Eddie snapped his fingers. "How about some guitar lessons, free of charge for a present? I heard you've stolen this poor sap's guitar. Bet it's all out of tune and dusty."

She broke into a smile as Steve scoffed. "Something like that."

"Cool. I'll see you on Wednesdays then after studying. Perfect time."

"What about your hair?"

"After my hair," Eddie amended and Steve nodded, satisfied. "I better go." He gave Steve one last squeeze on the arm and opened the door. "Later, losers!"

As Eddie headed for his van, he heard Max ask, "Did you kiss him?" Steve must have responded with a negative because she followed it up with, "loser."

Turning back, he waved to the two in the doorway and hopped in the van. Wayne waited a whole minute before saying, "you look happy."

Eddie's smile widened as he shrugged. "I've got a date."