Eddie worked up the courage to tell the guys he was missing a gig only on the Thursday proceeding the concert. He'd been putting it off for weeks, knowing the blowout it would cause. Hell, he'd even done requests for the campaign to keep everyone in a good mood.

Seriously not worth the effort.

Sure enough, no sooner had the words left his mouth than Gareth complained. "What do you mean you're skipping out on Tuesday?!" He hissed, throwing a goblin figure at Eddie. "You swore it was a one-time thing!"

He ducked, wincing as it clattered on the floor. "If that's broken, I'm claiming compensation. And I'm out of town, going to Indianapolis for the night. Probably won't be at school on Wednesday either. If anyone asks I'm ill."

"What are you doing?"

Eddie smirked, looking down at his notes as he answered in the most innocent voice he could manage. "Going to see Metallica."

"Who?" Lucas asked after a moment of stunned disbelief and thankfully, the outrage was directed to him instead.

Eddie glanced at Steve and rolled his eyes. Steve only shrugged back and offered him a powdered doughnut. As Eddie finished it off, he smudged some powder on Steve's cheek, laughing when he pulled a face and quickly scrubbed at it.

"Fine, fine! I'll listen to Master of Puppets!" Lucas sighed irritably, having no choice but to take the cassette shoved into his hands. "I still don't see why it's such a big deal."

"Seeing one of your favourite bands live? The music so loud it literally shakes your bones?" Jeff sighed wistfully. "Why didn't you get more tickets?"

"It was a gift."

"Aww, Eddie's girlfriend knows him so well! You better treat her right because I know those tickets weren't cheap." Eddie threw a second goblin at Michael and this one did break, its head clattering under a stack of chairs and the body rolled away to the door. "Maybe Eddie doesn't know how to please his girl?"

"Excuse you, I'm quite capable." Eddie wiggled his fingers in Michael's general direction and said smugly, "magic hands," making everyone groan.

"Anyway..." Steve got up and started motioning for the boys to pack up. "Enough of Eddie's sex antics. I want to go home so let's get moving."

"Yeah, nobody needs to hear about that," Mike laughed, ducking when Eddie halfheartedly swung his binder at him. "See you tomorrow!"

"Steve, what exactly are magic hands?" Dustin asked as they left the room. Eddie grinned when he saw the back of Steve's neck go red and his stammering reply faded out.

"You know, I never thought I'd say this but Harrington's growing on me." Gareth sighed and got up to hunt down the broken goblin head, retrieving the one he'd thrown earlier too. "He's not so bad, really."

"Wow. Next thing we know you'll be proposing marriage to him."

"Fat chance!"

Eddie shushed his friends, frowning at Gareth's back. "Why are you suddenly singing Steve's praises?"

"No reason." Gareth didn't quite meet Eddie's eyes and he handed over the pieces. "Like you said, it's stupid to hold a grudge when the guy's clearly not King Steve anymore."

"Right..?"

Gareth huffed and started piling up his notes. "Whatever. I can go back to judging him if you want."

"No, no. Glad to see you coming around." Eddie hid his smile in his notes, letting the others pack away first and clear the board.

Jeff stayed behind to help him pack, even offering to take a box out to the van for him. He was mostly quiet, seemingly lost in thought and only spoke as Eddie climbed into the back of his van. "Julie and I went to the arcade over spring break."

"Oh yeah? You win her a stuffed teddy or something?"

Jeff rolled his eyes and handed over the box. As Eddie secured everything in the back he said in a hesitant voice, "no but we saw Steve with the sheep. They were teasing him about a bat key chain."

Eddie straightened up, feeling his blood go cold when Jeff looked down pointedly at the keys hanging out of his back pocket.

"I'm not trying to assume anything but this isn't the first time I've thought this. Your girlfriend - that we've never met or even know her name - does she even exist? It just feels... like a cover-up."

Closing the van doors, Eddie took a deep breath and closed his eyes, forcing the words out. "You're right. There's no girlfriend. It's Steve."

He squinted at Jeff who was nodding and didn't look all that surprised. Before he could respond though the kids ran over, talking excitedly about the campaign. Steve joined them, leaning against the side of the van and smiled at Eddie. When he didn't return it, Steve looked confused and glanced at Jeff who was already staring at him.

Eddie clapped his hands, effectively shutting everyone up. "Okay, enough chit-chat. Time to go home before your parents think you've been kidnapped. You'll find out what happens next week. Until then, no spoilers." Shooing the kids towards the car, Eddie glanced back to see Jeff talking to Steve.

Dustin came to an abrupt stop, almost causing Eddie to trip over him. "Eddie! What's wrong? You've gone pale."

"Nothing, Henderson."

He glanced back at Steve and Jeff. "Are they fighting?"

I hope not. "No. Jeff just... found out about us. Steve's talking to him about it."

Puffing out his chest, Dustin smacked Lucas and Mike's arms and pointed at Jeff. "If he's got a problem with you and Steve, he's got a problem with all of us."

Mike frowned and looked at the two as well. His eyes widened in realisation and then he was nodding fiercely. "Yeah. We got your back, Eddie."

"Exactly." Lucas nodded his agreement too.

Eddie managed to give them a small smile, swallowing back the lump that had formed in his throat. "Thank you but let's not have a fistfight in the middle of the school parking lot. Besides, they're not fighting."

He was relieved to see the two embrace and then Steve jogged over to join them. "What?" he asked, looking around the tense semi-circle.

"Does Jeff have a problem with you guys?" Dustin asked, straight to the point as always.

"No. Even if he did I can take care of myself. Take it down a notch, okay?" Steve looked at each of them in turn and they relaxed. "I appreciate you guys having our back though. Now, get it the car."

As soon as they were distracted, Eddie asked quietly, "so?"

"Gave me the shovel talk." Steve looked quite pleased about it too. Then he leaned in and kissed Eddie chastely. They both jumped when the car horn sounded a second later. "Gotta go. See you later?"

Eddie only nodded dumbly, watching Steve shove Dustin out of the way to get in the car. He stepped back and as soon as the taillights disappeared walked back to his van. Jeff was waiting for him and thankfully, smiled. Eddie smiled back and leaned against the driver's side door. "Shovel talk?"

Jeff laughed, nodding his head in amusement. "Never thought I'd be threatening Steve Harrington, let alone meaning it."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing much, just told him if he messes you around, we'll write a smear song about him when we're famous. Nobody will forget douchebag King Steve."

Eddie burst out laughing, actually crying a little. When he finally calmed down he hugged Jeff. "Thanks, man."

"Seriously though, I should've known at Robin's party. Dude was all over you."

"Should've seen him after we left." Eddie winked and opened the door as Gareth called for Jeff. Hopping in, he cranked down the window to say, "Michael knows but not Gareth!"

"Good luck with that. And I definitely won't be talking with Michael about your questionable taste." He laughed as Eddie flipped him off and waved goodbye, walking off to his own car and Gareth.

Eddie left the school still smiling, with a little less weight on his shoulders. Two down, one to go.

Monday's band practice was mostly just Michael and Jeff making sly comments at every opportunity. By the end of it, Eddie was twitchy with embarrassment and Gareth looked extremely confused. If he didn't say something soon, Gareth was likely to find out through their friend's big mouths.

That, however, was a problem for later.

Eddie spent Tuesday drifting from class to class, not really listening to anything because he was far too excited. It took every ounce of willpower he had to wait for the final bell before practically running from the school, promising he wouldn't brag too hard about seeing Metallica live.

Wayne rolled his eyes when Eddie tripped into the trailer. He'd caught his foot on the last step in his haste and had crashed through the door. "Boy, you better not break something tonight. I know you're excited but running around like that ain't doing you no good."

"I'm fine, promise! Gotta pack!"

He threw some random clothes into a bag, stopping in the bathroom to grab his toothbrush. It took him a solid five - maybe ten? - minutes to get ready and then he flopped down on the couch beside his uncle. Letting out a long exhale, he forced himself to relax and not look at the clock. Steve wasn't coming to pick him up until four and clock-watching wouldn't make time go faster.

"Eddie, I know you're a little distracted but can we talk?" Wayne muted the tv and Eddie tore his eyes away from the clock to look at him questioningly. "How would you feel if I went on a date tomorrow night with Claudia?"

"Yeah?" Eddie grinned, almost jumping up as he bounced on the couch. "That's great! Come on Wayne, I'm twenty, you're allowed to date. I'm not gonna get jealous or upset."

Wayne looked relieved and nodded, turning back to the tv. After a couple of minutes, he asked, "has Dustin ever said anything about it?"

"Trust me, Dustin will be ecstatic. Not so much because of you but he wants me as a stepbrother." He laughed when Wayne snorted. "He does like you though. He comes around here often enough, doesn't he?"

"Reminds me of you at that age."

"An annoying little shit? Dustin is a much better student, trust me."

"It's not exactly hard, given your track record."

Eddie gasped, placing a hand on his chest. "Wayne! Words hurt, y'know. I know, I know, I'm skipping out tomorrow but I promise to graduate this year."

"Good because you're running out of chances."

"You mean I'm too old."

Wayne smiled fondly and ruffled Eddie's hair, ignoring his noise of protest. "You're still my kid. So try not to get in trouble tonight. I don't want a call from the city police."

"Come on, I'm taking Steve. What do you think we're going to do?"

"Not get arrested for homosexual offences I hope."

"Cross my heart. We'll be back tomorrow afternoon sometime with no criminal charges."

"Good." Wayne sighed and they went back to watching the tv, Eddie occasionally glancing at the clock.

"So what are you doing for your date?" Eddie finally asked, hoping the conversation would help the time go a little faster.

Wayne grunted. "Going for dinner at Enzo's. Claudia likes Italian."

"Ooh fancy. Maybe we could double date sometime."

"Not a chance. Don't want you cramping my style."

"Fine. I'll sit here and cry instead."

"I was hoping you'd look after Dustin tomorrow night whilst we're out. Apparently, he tends to disappear for a while and come back looking like he's been sleeping in the forest. Claudia worries about him." Wayne glanced at Eddie, his brow furrowing ever so slightly. It wasn't often he asked favours of him, even though Eddie would always try to help. "So if you could stay with him whilst we're out, she'd worry less."

"Sure thing. I'll keep the butthead busy don't you worry." They both looked around as someone knocked on the door and Wayne chuckled as Eddie hit his shin on the coffee table when he jumped up. Pointing a threatening finger at his uncle, he warned, "not a word to Steve."

Eddie opened the door and stepped aside to let Steve in. He was a little surprised and slightly put out when he only got a quick kiss on the cheek before Steve was hurrying off to take his recently vacated seat. "I was watching the game at the store. What's the score?"

"Um, excuse me?"

"I know, I know. Five minutes, Eds it's almost over."

"Unbelievable," Eddie muttered, shutting the door. He grabbed his bag from the bed, putting it by the door in plain sight so he wouldn't forget it. Out of sight, out of mind could not have been truer words when it came to Eddie remembering things. He glanced at the tv to see the game still had ten minutes and sighed, joining the two to wait.

Steve acknowledged him this time, putting an arm around his shoulders and leaning back. He was still engrossed in the game and swapped some jargon words with Wayne that meant nothing to Eddie. Just his luck to fall for a jock. At least he had something to bond over with Wayne.

When the final whistle rang, Eddie yanked Steve to his feet. "Let's go! See you tomorrow, Wayne!"

"Uh, bye Wayne?"

"Have fun, boys."

Steve just grinned, allowing Eddie to tow him out to his car, pausing only to snatch up his stuff on the way out. "Eager to leave?"

"I wanna eat before we have to get to the arena. Can't believe you wanted to watch the end of the game."

"We've got time, Eds." Steve pulled out of the trailer park carefully, avoiding a group of kids on bikes. As soon as they were back on the main roads, he relaxed enough to reach over and take Eddie's hand. "It's only an hour's drive."

"No potty breaks."

"Okay, okay. Hey, put some music on."

Eddie pulled out his Master of Puppets cassette from his vest pocket with a flourish, ejecting the Tears for Fears tape. "Much better."

"Seriously? You'll be bored of them by the time we get there."

"Stevie, if there's one thing you need to know about me it's that I can and will develop hyper fixations on things. Especially when I'm excited about them. I hope you're prepared for me only listening to Metallica for the next few months."

"It's a good thing I like them too then." And he immediately started singing along to Battery.

Eddie joined in after a moment. By the time the cassette finished, Indiana was in sight. Steve didn't drive into the city though, instead following the interstate to pull off on the outskirts at a motel.

"I hope you weren't expecting a five-star hotel," he joked, getting out of the car. When Eddie followed him, Steve pressed a hand to his chest to make him stay. "Best I get the key alone. It's only one bed."

"Right." So Eddie stayed by the car as Steve jogged inside to book in.

He returned with the key after five minutes, jingling it with a smile. "Room twenty-two, up on the second floor. If we hurry, we can change and grab something to eat too."

The room was small and simple, with just enough space for the double bed, a wardrobe and a small coffee table. Eddie dropped his bag on the table and checked out the bathroom. The shower was small too but he was sure they could both fit if they tried. It was bigger than his own at home at any rate.

Steve had settled on the bed, watching Eddie as he came back and began rummaging in his bag. He finally unearthed his old Metallica shirt which he'd modified into a crop top and quickly pulled off his Hellfire shirt, throwing it to Steve. New shirt on, he ignored the wide eyes staring at him and continued looking through the bag for his eyeliner.

"Eddie, no," Steve groaned as Eddie went back into the bathroom to put it on. "How am I supposed to not touch you all night when you look like that?"

"Good for your impulse control." With the finishing touches done, Eddie came out and smiled knowingly at Steve, watching his Adam's apple bob when he swallowed. "How about we even the playing field?"

"How?"

"Hold still, sweetheart." Eddie settled on his lap, ignoring the firm bulge of Steve's hardening cock as he grabbed his chin and tilted his head up. "Let me put some on you too?"

"O-okay."

Steve held perfectly still, trying to keep his eyes on the pencil and Eddie chuckled as he ended up going cross-eyed. "Relax," he cooed, tightening his grip to keep Steve still.

"Kinda hard when you're poking me in the eye."

"A little faith please." He rocked forward, drawing a soft gasp out of Steve. "Besides, you're poking me too."

"Awful."

"It's your dick." Eddie finished and sat back, admiring his work. Steve's eyes looked darker with the makeup, wider and so innocent. "So pretty."

He smiled back, shoving Eddie onto the bed next to him. "Shut up."

"What, no thank you kiss?"

Steve hummed, kissing him chastely and then stood up with a sigh. "That's all you get if you want my dick to calm down."

"Ooh, so sensitive." Eddie rolled onto his back and grinned smugly when Steve took one look at him, stiffened and immediately turned back around. "Come on, Stevie, don't you want a little taste before we go out on the town?"

"Later." Picking up a stack of pamphlets, he tossed them over. "What do you wanna eat?"

Eddie considered them but nothing looked particularly interesting and he threw them down. "Let's go walk around and see."

He got up and grabbed his jacket, holding out his arm and Steve sighed but smiled, linking his through it.

They walked down the side streets, eventually finding a market full of food stalls. Eddie dragged Steve to almost all of them, sampling the different foods before settling on some Chinese and cannoli for dessert. The pastry reminded him of Wayne's upcoming date. God, he hoped it worked out. Hopefully, his uncle still had some charm left after years of being out of the game.

"Eds, you got cream everywhere." Steve thumbed off the cream and Eddie quickly licked it away. "You're insane."

"You love me for it. Come on, I think I see an artisan stall up ahead and I need some new paints."

Steve ended up carrying the black plastic bag of paints and some cheap offcuts of metal and plastics to embellish his figurines with. Eddie stayed close to Steve's side as they reached the arena, eyes widening at the sheer volume of metal heads present. He'd never seen so many in one place before. Steve stuck out like a sore thumb in his light blue polo shirt and brown slacks.

"Here." Eddie shucked off his jacket and handed it over. "Better. You almost fit in now."

"Almost."

Even if Steve didn't, he looked good in Eddie's jacket.

"Come on, we better get in there before all the good spots are taken." Eddie was practically vibrating with excitement as they entered the standing area. There was already a crowd around the stage, much to Steve's relief as he let out an audible sigh. "Not gonna jump in there?"

"No thank you. You're on your own if you wanna go."

"Noted." They found a spot by the edge to settle down and wait for the show to start. Steve wrinkled his nose as Eddie promptly sat on the floor and patted the spot next to him. "Come on, it's not that sticky."

"Really selling the whole aesthetic here." But he sat, a little rigid at first but soon relaxed. Eddie snorted when he pulled a bottle of water out of the bag. "What?"

"Can't believe you've brought water to a concert. Stay here." Eddie got up and left Steve sitting with his pathetic drink to find a bar. He returned after twenty minutes with their drinks (someone had been willing to buy the drinks for him). "The queue was long," he explained, handing Steve's over as he sat. "Drink up, sweetheart, we've got a long night ahead of us."

Steve downed the shot and winced, taking a proffered beer a second later. "I don't want a hangover, Eds."

"Don't worry, just enough for a buzz."

They were just finishing their beers when the lights dimmed and a loud cheer was raised all around them. Nervous energy returning, Eddie yanked Steve to his feet.

They both grinned at the opening riff of Battery.

Eddie held out his hands to Steve, moving a little closer to the main crowd. "Come on, Stevie. Show me that inner metal head."

Rolling his eyes, Steve took his hands and they moved away from the wall. Not quite in the crowd but on the fringe. In the darkness, Eddie guided Steve's arms around his waist and pressed into his chest. Steve's hands settled on his hips and after a moment a kiss was pressed to the back of his neck.

The music vibrated in Eddie's chest, heartbeat syncing to the music and god, he was almost star-struck. It was only when Steve pressed closer, grinding their hips together that Eddie remembered he was there. And fuck, he was hard. Eddie laughed, the sound lost in the loud music and reached up to hook an arm around Steve's neck, pulling him closer.

"Alright, big boy?"

Steve ground against him again in response, one hand slipping down to press against Eddie's growing erection. His hips rolled lazily, trapped in Steve's hold but he didn't particularly mind. Eyes slipping closed, Eddie lost himself in the music and let Steve control the pace, adrenaline and pleasure mixing in a heady combination.

When the song ended he was quick to turn around and crash their mouths together, licking his way into Steve's mouth and drawing a surprised moan out of him. Fuck what anyone thought. Besides, metal heads were usually pretty chill. Hell, a couple of people started cheering them on.

Eddie smiled wide as they broke apart and patted Steve's cheek. "Careful, save it for later."

Steve's plush lips quirked into a smirk and he squeezed Eddie's hips before letting him go. A moment later Master of Puppets started up and he laughed as Eddie's body actually trembled. Steve glanced at the crowd and then back to Eddie. "Go on then. I'll wait for you with our stuff."

Kissing him hard, Eddie slipped into the mass of bodies. Normally it wouldn't be his thing but right then, he was feeding off all that energy and excitement. And, of course, it was his favourite song, one he'd mastered on the guitar already. How could he resist joining in?

He returned to Steve half an hour later, grinning broadly and sporting a bloody nose. He laughed as Steve's eyes widened in panic and started mopping at his face with his sleeve.

"I'm fine, I'm fine." He jerked away when it got too painful, moving out of Steve's reach. He grabbed the water and wet a napkin, giving it to Steve and held still to let him continue. "I think I'll stay with you though."

Steve smiled and hugged him from behind again. Their gentle swaying was in complete juxtaposition with the music but Eddie didn't care. He liked it and it almost reminded him of early mornings in Steve's kitchen, only the added bone-shaking bass and screaming fans made a difference. Still, if he closed his eyes, it was almost like they were alone.

By the time Creeping Death finished, Eddie was exhausted. The lights came back on and he gratefully took a bottle of water from Steve, downing the whole thing. Everyone was moving towards the exits and creating a large blockage, the thought of joining the sweaty crowd made him feel queasy.

Instead, they settled on the floor again to share the remaining drinks and chips from the bar. Stupidly expensive but so worth it because Eddie was starving.

"Thank you," he told Steve earnestly as the noise level died down and his ears stopped ringing. "This was fucking amazing."

"Figured you'd like it." Steve was smug but Eddie let him have it. He'd done something wonderful so he deserved to be a little smug about it.

For now anyway.

"Ready to risk the crowd?" Steve got up and offered Eddie a hand which he took with a halfhearted groan.

"Take me home, Stevie." He woke up as soon as they got outside into the cold, skin-tingling air. Eddie shivered but refused to take his jacket back. "You can warm me up as soon as we get back."

Steve laughed and quickened his pace.

The walk back to the motel was far quicker without their trip into the market. Eddie was glad to be back in the warm room. He turned as Steve locked the door and helped him slide off his jacket, running his hands across his biceps with an appreciative hum.

Their eyes met and held for a moment, trying to decide where this was going. Steve made the first move, leaning in to kiss Eddie as his hands rubbed at his bare sides. His touch did far more to warm Eddie up than the room.

Eddie got Steve against the wall, pushing his leg between Steve's and drawing a gasp out of him. "Come on, sweetheart, you can use my leg."

Steve whined softly, doing as he was told and rutting into Eddie's thigh. "Fuck, is this all I get?"

"Dunno. Can you get off like this?" Eddie thought he might as a stuttering gasp left Steve's mouth. "That'd be so hot. Maybe next time though, I wanna get you in my mouth."

Backing Steve up to the bed, Eddie misjudged the distance and they ended up falling back onto it in surprise.

Faceplanting Steve's crotch, Eddie's nose bumped against his cock and Steve laughed breathlessly. "Shut up," he muttered, cutting Steve's laughter off when he yanked down his jeans and trailed a line of wet kisses down his shaft. "I'm trying to seduce you."

"C-consider me seduced." Steve's fingers wound gently into Eddie's hair, only moving it away from his face. A moment later he had it all bunched up and tied it back. "There, perfect."

Eddie thanked him by taking the head of his cock into his mouth, hand wrapping around what he couldn't take. He was getting better at it but was not able to take all of Steve just yet. Still, a sinful groan left Steve's throat and he fisted Eddie's hair, clearly enjoying himself.

"Fuck, fuck, you're so good, Eds," he panted, hips thrusting shallowly in Eddie's hold. "God, I love your mouth."

Trusting Steve not to jam his cock down his throat, Eddie let go of his hip and switched hands. Using his slick hand to move down, Steve only spread his legs a little, not even tensing when Eddie teased his perineum and then finally his hole.

Steve responded beautifully, throwing a leg over Eddie's shoulder and sighing, "just like that."

Eddie could feel Steve's thighs trembling and knew he was close. In an effort to push him over the edge, he relaxed his throat and took a couple more inches, pressing ever so slightly into him with a finger. Steve tensed, pulling on Eddie's hair and making him moan too as he came.

He was still panting when Eddie sat up but Steve quickly grabbed him by the shirt, yanking him down. The kiss was sloppy because Steve was too focused on licking the excess spit and come off Eddie's chin with a hum. It should have been gross but it only fuelled the arousal burning inside Eddie.

"You could've put it in," Steve said in a wrecked voice, laughing weakly. "God, Eds, you should've put it in."

"Next time?"

"Please." Steve cupped his face, drawing him in for another kiss. He rolled them over so now Eddie was laid out on the bed and kneeled over him. "We should probably take off our clothes."

"A little late for you." Still, Eddie couldn't help stroking himself when he pulled his pants down, watching Steve stand up and strip. His hair was a mess and the eyeliner had smudged under his eyes, making them look even bigger but now sinful instead of innocent. "Still fucking beautiful though."

Rolling his eyes, Steve pulled Eddie's pants completely off and threw them aside. Settling between Eddie's legs, he pressed a kiss to his stomach before asking, "can we try something?"

"What's that?"

"I wanna eat you out."

"You... what?"

"You know..." Steve's hands moved to Eddie's ass, kneading the soft flesh. "I really wanna try."

Eddie didn't know what to think. On the one hand, it made him cringe at the thought of Steve touching him like that. On the other, his heart sped up, cock twitching in interest. "Let me shower first."

Steve pushed him down as he made to get up. "No."

"You're not serious? I've been sweating for hours!" And it hit Eddie so hard he could only gape at Steve. "You want that?"

"Eddie, I just licked my come and your spit off your face. I'm not grossed out, are you?"

"I mean… kinda?"

Steve pulled away and sat up, looking disappointed. "I don't wanna make you uncomfortable, Eds. Let's just forget I said anything. Do you want a blow job?"

"No, we can try." Eddie managed a smile. "We did say we'd try things, even if it seems weird. Come on then, big boy, show me what you're made of."

Steve smiled back, instantly getting between his legs again. "Just let me know if you wanna stop."

"I will." Eddie forced himself to relax back and squeezed his eyes shut. When Steve didn't do anything, he opened them again to find him looking at him thoughtfully. "What?"

"This'll be easier if you turn over and kneel."

"Excuse me?"

"Trust me?"

Grumbling to himself, Eddie rolled over and got to his knees. He felt ridiculously vulnerable in this position and turned his head awkwardly to look at Steve. "Better?"

"Yeah," he exhaled softly, rubbing Eddie's sides. "You're beautiful, Eds."

"I would've shaved better if I'd known you wanted to shove your face in my crack," he joked, getting a light laugh for his efforts.

"I don't care." Steve leaned forward to kiss the back of his neck, trailing kisses down his spine. He paused to nudge Eddie's legs further apart and with one final kiss, murmured, "ready?"

"Sure." Eddie flinched at the first touch, fisting the sheets tightly. "Promise you won't break up with me if it's bad?"

Steve hummed back an affirmative, rubbing his hip soothingly. Eddie forced himself to relax, finding it wasn't so bad once he got over it. In fact, it felt kind of good. His flagging erection soon perked up again and he found himself pressing back into Steve, panting softly.

"Fuck, Steve!" Eddie grabbed the hand splayed across his lower back, slumping forward on his other arm as Steve licked inside him. "Oh, you're a bastard."

Steve chuckled, the sound vibrating up Eddie's spine. When he worked a finger in alongside his tongue, it was almost too much.

Eddie's cock hung heavy between his legs, throbbing with every beat of his heart. He couldn't get any friction, couldn't reach himself to offer any relief from the slow-burning pleasure building under his skin. Steve was relentless, rubbing against his prostate with his finger and soothing the ache with his skilled tongue. Eddie hadn't realized this kind of pleasure existed but he was already addicted.

"Steve," Eddie finally gasped, squeezing his fingers. "Steve, fucking touch me before I lose my mind."

Steve pulled away with an obscenely wet noise and had the audacity to sound smug as he said, "or what?"

"Or-" Eddie gritted his teeth, hissing when Steve's finger slipped back inside him and nudged his prostate. "-I'm gonna put a goddamn cockring on you and keep you so pretty and hard, begging for it for - fuck! - hours before I finally touch you."

There was a long pause and then Steve leaned forward, lips brushing Eddie's ear as he whispered, "don't make threats sound so appealing, Eds."

"Brat," he spat back, earning himself a laugh.

"Love you too." He ducked back down, his insanely talented mouth back on Eddie seconds later. This time though he snaked a hand around to wrap around his cock.

Eddie fully fell forward this time, hips stuttering as his body tried to push in two different directions to chase the pleasure. "Fuck, fuck, I'm gonna come."

Steve's grip tightened around him and all it took was a press to his prostate for Eddie to orgasm harder than he'd ever done before. Steve let up, instantly changing into comfort mode as he wrapped around Eddie's shaking body and pulled him down onto the bed. When Eddie felt capable of speech again, all he could do was laugh.

"Oh my god, you're not allowed to do that again," he sighed as his laughter died out.

"Why, it looks like you enjoyed it?"

"Don't be so smug." Eddie cringed when he rolled over and his thigh landed in the cold, sticky patch on the sheets. "Fuck, we gotta change these. I'm not sleeping in this."

"It's your come."

"Exactly. Maybe you're gross enough to enjoy it but I'm certainly not."

"Rude." Steve rubbed Eddie's back, finding a knot of muscles he started to work on that had him melting into the mattress. After a few minutes of quiet, he asked, "so do you have a cockring?"

Eddie grunted, managing to turn his face half off the pillow and cracked an eye open to look blearily at Steve. "Yes."

"Can we try? What you said earlier?"

His hips subconsciously ground into the mattress and he hissed as the sheets rubbed against his sensitive cock. Steve's lips quirked into a small smile at the reaction, eyes lighting up. "You're gonna be the death of me, Stevie."

"I told you, don't make threats sound appealing. Especially if you're not gonna follow through." He leaned in to kiss Eddie, frowning when his hand shot out to stop him.

"Brush your teeth first."

"Fine," he huffed, getting up. "I'm gonna shower too and you're not invited."

"Uh-huh." Eddie didn't believe him for one second. Sure enough, after thirty seconds of the water running, Steve poked his head through the doorway to glare at him. "I'm coming, I'm coming."

"Already?"

"Funny." Eddie's legs still felt a little wobbly so it took him a moment to get into the bathroom. Steve had apparently gotten bored of waiting and was already in the shower. After admiring the view for a few seconds, Eddie got in behind him and immediately plastered himself to Steve's back. "Hey, stranger."

"I've brushed my teeth. Can I kiss you now?"

"I dunno, Stevie. Maybe I don't want to kiss you." Eddie flinched when he got elbowed in the ribs, loosening his grip just enough for Steve to turn around. "Ouch."

"Want me to kiss it better?"

"Please."

Steve smiled, fingers dancing across the sore spot but his lips pressed against Eddie's instead. The kisses stayed sweet and gentle as they cleaned up. Eddie was getting tired, exhaustion creeping up on him but neither of them broke away to move the short distance back to the bed.

"Tell me to stop," Steve whispered against his lips before kissing him again. He hummed, breaking away only to suck in some air and then was back to attacking Eddie's mouth.

Eddie couldn't catch his breath, Steve was relentless. "I won't," he finally got out in a quick break and when their lips met again, Steve was smiling. "Don't want you too."

Steve laughed, their teeth accidentally clacking together painfully. Eddie flinched back, getting a face full of water instead. He spluttered and spat a mouthful out, glaring at Steve as his laughter got louder. "Yeah, yeah, I'm very sexy. Get over it."

When his laughter faded out, a softness crept into his expression and he reached up to brush Eddie's hair back. "Come here," he said, barely audible over the shower and drew Eddie back into another kiss.

They were forced out a few minutes later when the water turned cold. Shivering, Eddie quickly yanked on some clothes and stripped the bedsheet so they could get in and warm up again. The bed changed in record time, Eddie pulled Steve under the covers and settled down in the darkness.

Eddie cupped Steve's cheek, thumb tracing his cheekbone. As a car drove by it briefly illuminated the room, most notably the soft smile on Steve's face. It made Eddie's heart ache with fondness. "Sweetheart," he whispered, trying to maintain the delicate quiet that now surrounded them. "I wanna give you something."

"Yeah?" Steve opened his eyes and frowned slightly. "What is it?"

"Give me your hand." Steve held out his hand and pressing it between them, Eddie fumbled with his mother's ring, managed to get it off and after a moment's deliberation, slid it on Steve's pinky finger. It fit, a little snug but at least it wouldn't fall off. Eddie kissed his palm and held it between his hands. "Perfect fit."

"Eddie, you can't-"

"Can't what? It's a gift."

Steve sat up, examining the ring as another car drove by. "It's beautiful. Well, I already knew that you wear it every day. You haven't taped this one? Now you don't have any rings on your hand. I'll have to replace it with something."

Eddie rubbed his back, briefly stopping to squeeze the back of his neck. "You're nervous rambling. It's just a ring. A shitty mood ring from an arcade, remember?"

"Come on, don't do that," Steve scoffed. "I know what this ring means to you. Why would you give it to me?"

"You know why."

"I'd like to hear you say it." Steve glanced over his shoulder and gave Eddie a warm smile. "You're holding out on me."

"Waiting for my moment." Sitting up with a groan, he kissed Steve's shoulder and rested his head on the spot. "It's a gift, Stevie. You can always refuse and break my heart."

"Shut up," Steve laughed, elbowing him in the ribs, right in the same spot as earlier.

Eddie made a pained noise and fell back on the bed, clutching his side. Steve glanced at him and rolled his eyes. So he made a louder, wounded noise, gasping dramatically and going limp. When he got no response he opened one eye to find Steve looking at him, unimpressed. "No tears? I just died, asshole!"

"Oh, my darling, Eddie!" Steve gasped, throwing himself on top of Eddie with enough force to make him grunt. "Whatever will I do without you? It's as if the stars themselves have disappeared. The light and love of my life is gone! Woe is me."

"Okay, okay. And you call me dramatic."

"Maybe you're rubbing off on me."

"Maybe." Steve shifted so his back was pressed into Eddie's chest. "You be the big spoon tonight."

Well, who was Eddie to refuse? He quickly got comfortable, getting a leg between Steve's and throwing an arm over his waist. Kissing his neck, Eddie whispered, "night, sweetheart. Thanks for today, it's been amazing."

Steve hummed back, slotting their fingers together over his stomach. "You're welcome. And I'll keep your ring safe."

"It's your ring now."

The corner of Steve's mouth turned up. "My ring," he agreed softly before relaxing and falling silent.

Eddie spent a while brushing back Steve's hair, careful not to wake him up. He still found it hard to believe this was his life now. Seeing Metallica live with his boyfriend, Steve Harrington? It didn't seem real, even with the proof right there in his arms.

Of course, with that proof came the creeping exhaustion again. After a long and insanely pleasurable night, it didn't take long for Eddie to find sleep.

He was woken up the following morning by Steve nudging his ribs. Whining in displeasure, he pulled away. "What was that for?"

"Coffee?" Steve asked sweetly, kissing their still joined hands. Eddie wondered if he'd held on all night or if Steve had reinitiated the hold when he woke up. "If you go get some, I promise you a blow job?"

"Fuck, how can I say no to that?" Eddie sighed and slowly sat up, shaking his head to try and wake himself up faster. Steve helped, running his hands up Eddie's back to rest on his shoulders as he kissed behind his ear. "Okay, sweetheart, I'm going."

"Thank you."

Eddie rolled his eyes as Steve burrowed back under the covers and began yanking on some clothes. "You're supposed to be the morning person. Can't believe you woke me up. You're lucky I really like you or I would've shoved you off the bed."

"No, you wouldn't." He yelped in surprise, hitting the floor hard when Eddie did just that. "Asshole!"

"See you in ten!" Eddie snagged his jacket and quickly vacated the room before Steve could retaliate. He smiled as he pulled the collar up to his nose, it still smelled like Steve.

The breakfast area was quiet and Eddie didn't have to wait to get to the coffee machine. It looked a little watery but hey, coffee was coffee and with enough creamer, Steve wouldn't know the difference.

Luckily the room key was still in his pocket and Eddie juggled the paper cups in one hand, trying to fish the key out with the other.

"Holy shit!"

Eddie jumped, cursing as the key slipped through his fingers. By the time he'd picked it up, Tommy Hagen had moved to lean by the door.

"Was that you I heard last night begging for it? Knew you were into some freaky shit. What kinda girl you got in there?"

"I think we've already confirmed that girls aren't my style. As for who it is, well, that's just none of your business." Tommy's eyes slid to the door and Eddie realised he wouldn't be able to get inside without him seeing Steve. He had to get rid of him somehow. "What are you even doing here, Hagen?"

"Same as you I suppose. The concert last night? Not that it matters."

"Right." After an awkward pause, Eddie tried to get between Tommy and the door. "I would say it was nice to see you again but y'know. If you could just-"

Tommy put his hand on the door handle. "Wait, wait. We're still catching up! Come on, you're not gonna tell me who was desperate enough to crawl into bed with you? Some drunk from the show?"

Eddie had to bite his tongue. He so wanted to tell Tommy it was Steve, brag about it even. But he could never do that to Steve, especially not out him to this asshole. "Look, Hagen, I get it. It must be tough trying to hide it. Is Carol not doing it for you anymore? Don't come at me because I did what you're too scared to."

His face contorted with a mixture of anger and embarrassment before finally settling into a grimace. "It'll never be Steve though, will it?"

"You had your chance. Shouldn't have pissed away your friendship. Don't take your misguided regret out on me because I'm friends with him now." Eddie barely flinched when Tommy grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him in so they were nose to nose. All he felt for him now was pity. "You think beating the shit out of me will change anything? It's too late."

The door swung open suddenly and Eddie almost fell into the room. He stumbled backwards into Steve's chest as Tommy let him go and was immediately steadied. "I heard raised voices. What's going on?"

"Nothing. We're fine," Eddie reassured him, very aware of how tense Tommy was beside him. "Tommy went to the concert too. We were just surprised to see each other. Small world, huh?"

Steve looked unconvinced but relaxed slightly. "Didn't realise you liked Metallica, Tommy."

"Yeah, same here."

Eddie felt a stab of annoyance as he realised Tommy was staring. He couldn't exactly blame him, considering Steve was only dressed in a pair of sweatpants sitting low on his hips, his chest and neck covered in hickeys. Steve seemed to realise and cleared his throat, pulling Eddie slightly in front of him.

Tommy actually blushed as he shoved his hands in his pockets and looked down the walkway. "Whatever. It's not like we're friends anymore. Gotta say, thought you'd have better taste than Munson."

"Uh, I'm right here?"

"Fuck off, Tommy." Tommy sneered right back, leaving without another word. Steve glared after him and then ushered Eddie into the room, shutting the door with a heavy sigh. "Well, shit. We might've run out of good luck at last."

"Hey, you said you'd stick by me."

"I will but... fuck I hope he keeps his mouth shut. I'll talk to him, make him keep his mouth shut somehow." Steve put his hands on his hips, looking worried. This had the unfortunate - or fortunate for Eddie - effect of pushing his sweatpants down a bit more and revealing a tantalising glimpse of his crotch. Steve scratched his stomach and sighed again, completely oblivious. "Was he... checking me out or am I being egotistical?"

"He was most definitely checking you out." Eddie grinned and poked a particularly dark bruise just below Steve's collarbone. "Can't really blame him though. You're hardly decent."

Steve snorted and grabbed his hand. "I was more interested in keeping you safe."

"Aww, sweetheart, you're too much." Leaning in close, Eddie caught Steve's bottom lip between his own and bit down, drawing a surprised gasp out of him. "Speaking of Tommy, you ever have a crush on him?"

"No?" Steve looked surprised by the question but then his eyes widened in realisation. It looked like he was reliving something or maybe seeing a memory in a new light. "Well, shit. I had no idea."

"Probably for the best. If I never got my chance because you were dating Tommy I would still definitely hate you." Eddie kissed him once more, pressing a coffee into his hands. "You're favourite."

"You don't think we would've been friends regardless?"

"Maybe. It's not our fault we ended up meeting properly, it's the sheep's. So I suppose we would've hung out eventually. God, imagine Tommy being there too." Eddie gave a theatrical shudder and started hunting for his discarded clothes from the night before. "Nah, I would've hated you both."

"I think in any universe we became friends, I'd end up falling in love with you." Steve sipped his coffee, giving Eddie a moment to compose himself. He'd spoken the words so easily as if they didn't have the power to alter Eddie's viewpoint completely. "Eds?"

"You're telling me that even in some alternate universe that if you were dating someone else, like Tommy maybe, you'd still love me?"

"I think so."

"What if you never broke up with Nancy?"

He huffed a soft laugh, smiling over the rim of his cup. "Then we'd all be miserable. Besides, aren't we basically the same in any universe? Why wouldn't I love you in one if I knew you?"

"I dunno. Maybe you'd think I was a freak."

"You are a freak," Steve sneered, actually pulling off a convincing imitation of his King Steve persona.

For a second, Eddie was a little stung but he knew it wasn't real and shot back, "Aren't you the King Freak? Besides, you asked me out."

"And I don't regret it." Steve smiled his usual, bright smile and set down his coffee, holding out his hands to Eddie. "You know... we don't have to be out until ten and it's only half eight. I did promise you a blow job."

"Jesus Christ," Eddie laughed and took his hands, allowing himself to be pulled in close. "Think if I moan loud enough it'll piss Tommy off?"

"Don't talk about Tommy when I'm trying to undress you."

Eddie did not make obtrusively loud noises. In fact, he shoved his knuckles in his mouth to keep the noise down. It was one thing to have Tommy hear them but he didn't want the entire motel out for their blood, despite how heavenly Steve's mouth was. And god, it was perfect, Eddie's only complaint was that he couldn't last long and really enjoy it. But hey, he was doing better than when they'd first started.

Steve sat back and wiped his face, smiling lazily at Eddie as he tucked himself away. "Worth getting up early for?"

"Very." He grasped Steve's chin, stooping down to kiss him. "What about you?"

"Nah. I got what I wanted." He got up to kiss Eddie properly and then moved to finish his coffee, pulling a face. "Ugh, it's cold."

"We'll stop on the way back for more and some food?"

"Sounds like a plan."

It had gone midday by the time Steve pulled up in the trailer park. He was working an afternoon shift so only kissed Eddie goodbye inside the doorway before leaving, both trying to be quiet because Wayne was sleeping in the bedroom.

With nothing to do, Eddie snuck out his crafting supplies and set to work making new, stronger goblins. Just in case someone threw them across the room again.

Wayne joined him as the final touches were being added, only ruffling Eddie's hair as he passed but leaving him to concentrate. With the goblins set on the side to dry, Eddie shoved everything back into the box and joined his uncle at the kitchen table.

He drummed on the wooden surface loudly, grinning when Wayne frowned at him. "So... ready for your big night?"

"I think you're more excited for it than me."

"Gah, such an old man. I hope your conversational skills are better than this."

"Okay, okay, enough about me. How was the concert?"

"Good." Eddie ducked his head so Wayne couldn't see his shy smile. "I, um, gave Steve my ring. My mother's one." He showed Wayne his empty hand, glancing up to find him looking surprised. "I love him, Wayne. Like, so much it's fucking scary."

"Well, love is scary. When you showed up on my doorstep I was terrified. I didn't know how to raise a kid or how I was gonna afford everything. I like to think I did alright. It is scary but also so rewarding." Wayne squeezed his hand briefly and Eddie smiled. "And you deserve to love and be loved. I'm real happy for you, son."

"You've done plenty for me. Now it's your turn." Eddie slapped the table and sat up straight. "So, as the only person currently in a steady relationship in this trailer... can I offer you any advice?"

"Behave."

"When have I ever behaved?"

"Never," Wayne sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Steve is not ready for the day you move in with him."

"Hey! Rude."

"Finish your... orcs? I need to shower."

"They're goblins!" Eddie shook his head in mock disappointment as Wayne left him alone and then muttered to himself, "do they have tusks? No. Clearly not orcs. Unbelievable."

Eddie left Wayne to it for the rest of the afternoon, focusing on his latest assignment from Nancy. Of course, it was hard to think about gradient curves when his mind kept wandering back to Steve's talented mouth. He had to shake himself out of it several times.

He was finally saved by Wayne as six o'clock rolled around and he came over to Eddie, holding out two ties. "Which one do you think?"

Eddie rolled his eyes and took both of them, pretended to consider it for a moment and then tossed both on the table. "No tie. It's a date, not an interview."

"Might as well be the same thing at my age."

"You've got this, Wayne. Just... relax and take a deep breath, okay? She'd be crazy not to like you and you've got Dustin on your side. You're golden." Eddie kept up the reassurances as he grabbed his jacket and followed his uncle out to the car. He was being dropped off at the Henderson household to watch over Dustin during their date.

As they pulled up outside the house, Eddie had to fight to keep a straight face when Wayne produced some flowers from the back seats. He still caught Eddie's amusement and frowned at him. "Maybe you should get some flowers for Steve."

"Maybe." Eddie thought about that as they walked up to the front door and Wayne knocked. Would Steve like flowers? Probably. He made a mental note to ask Robin for ideas.

Dustin answered the door, beaming wide. "Mom's almost ready, she's finishing her hair. You better come in though." He dragged Eddie towards the couch and pulled out two movies. "Fast Times or Weird Science?"

"Uh-" He was distracted as Claudia appeared, fluffing up her curls. Jumping up, he walked over to her and leaned down to kiss her hand. "Looking as beautiful as ever, Claudia. Take good care of my uncle, okay?"

"Oh, honey, don't you worry." she patted his cheek when he stood up, her own slightly flushed. "Thank you for watching Dustin. Honestly, the trouble he gets into."

"Hey!"

Eddie pointed at him with a significant look. "Shh, butthead. Let the adults get on with their evening."

"Fine."

Wayne cleared his throat at handed Claudia the flowers.

"Oh, Wayne, these are lovely!" She said in delight, sniffing them delicately before hurrying into the kitchen to fill a vase. Eddie caught his uncle's eye and winked. "Shall we go then?"

"After you." Wayne held open the door for her and smiled at the two boys. "We'll be back in a few hours."

"Have fun!" Eddie walked them to the door and waved them away before turning to Dustin. "Alright, butthead, no opening inter-dimensional gates, you hear me?"

Dustin snorted. "Yes, dad. Come on, let's watch Fast Times."

"Why, so you can stare at Phoebe Cates?"

"J-just shut up and start the movie! I'll get the snacks."

Eddie sighed dramatically and grabbed the remote. "Suzie-poo would be most disappointed in you."