It was scary how quickly his friends noticed his new ring.

During band practice the next day, Eddie was sitting on a box tuning his original sweetheart when Jeff walked in. "Ah, I thought I heard your van coming down the street."

"Ha, ha," Eddie replied sarcastically, flipping him off. "Your baby sure appreciates the extra room. Don't get me started on Gareth's drum set. That shit's heavy."

"Well, when we're famous we can hire people to do it for us."

"That's the dream." Eddie refocused on his guitar, making sure it was tuned to perfection. After a moment he realised Jeff was staring at him and looked up again. "What?"

"New ring?"

"Oh, yeah." Eddie looked down at it too and shrugged. "Had to replace my old one since it... got stolen."

"Right," Jeff snorted and sat down across from him, strumming his guitar thoughtfully. "The one Steve's wearing? Saw it last Thursday. It's that serious, huh?"

"I guess."

After a moment, Jeff nodded and went back to his guitar. "You know, I think we're almost ready to play that new song live. There are still a few kinks to work out on the bass but I've almost figured it out. Next week?"

"Sounds good." Eddie smiled, grateful Jeff wasn't pushing. It was only when Michael joined him that he said, "I love him."

"Ugh, you have the worst taste." Michael threw a pick over which fell at Eddie's feet. "I mean, are you really Eddie Munson? I think you've been replaced."

"You're not wrong," Jeff put in with a laugh as Eddie's mouth opened in outrage. "The real Eddie would never say the word love. Especially not about King Steve. Remember last year when you told the entire school valentines day was a scam by the government to make money?"

"It's true! Valentines day is a load of bullshit created to fund the capitalist machine!" Eddie hissed as they both started laughing.

Gareth walked in and dropped some cables on the overflowing table with a roll of his eyes. "Who set Eddie off?"

Jeff waved him quiet and managed to get out, "No, no, wait a minute. You were conspicuously quiet this year. What did you do for valentines?"

"Uh, nothing. Why would I celebrate?" Eddie studiously looked down at his guitar, trying hard not to blush. Steve had come over for the day and spent it showing Eddie how to make his marshmallow cookies. He'd played stupid love songs all afternoon and had even gotten Eddie to dance with him again. He'd rather die than admit that to his friends. "Just shut up about the crack holiday and let's play."

They managed to get through a few of their songs without incident. Jeff was right, with a few tweaks their new one was sounding better. It was getting dark by the time they decided to stop for the night, feeling happy about their progress.

Eddie was drinking some water when Gareth came over to ask, "can I have a ride?"

"Got a hot date or something?" To Eddie's surprise, Gareth looked embarrassed. "Oh, who is it?"

"No one! It's just a call I gotta take."

"Uh-huh." Eddie grinned as he finished his drink, letting it go for the moment but was determined to get an answer during the drive. Gareth seemed fidgety as they left Jeff's but Eddie didn't say anything until he was looking through the cassettes. "So... what's so important about this call?"

"Nope. My question is more important." Gareth shoved a tape in the player and Judas Priest blasted through the speakers. Wincing, he reached over to turn it down and fixed Eddie with a steely glare. "Why haven't you told me about Steve yet?"

Eddie's stomach lurched. He gripped the wheel tightly and asked in the most casual voice he could manage, "what about Steve?"

"Eddie, man, come on. I'm not stupid. I know the shit you say isn't for show and you like guys. I also know something is going on between you and Steve. So..?"

"Quid pro quo?"

"Sure."

He took a deep breath, flashed Gareth a nervous smile and said, "yeah, we're dating, have been since the beginning of the year."

"Shit." Gareth slumped back, shaking his head. An awkward silence fell between them and Eddie nervously tapped the steering wheel. "I mean, what the fuck, Eddie?" He flinched, gripping the wheel tight. Gareth immediately backtracked. "No, I didn't mean that! I meant Steve. Seriously, I thought you'd have better taste."

He went from surprise to relief so fast he started to laugh. "You had me worried there for a second."

"Gah. Steve Harrington? Who are you and what have you done with the real Eddie Munson?"

"Jeff said the same thing," Eddie muttered irritably. "I get it, I have terrible taste, whatever. See if I care. Steve has a great ass."

"Uh, you can keep those thoughts to yourself."

"So you don't want to know how big his dick is?"

"I will jump out of the van." Gareth even touched the handle but he was smiling. "Now that I think about it, it's kinda obvious. The way you two look at each other is ridiculously sappy."

"No, it's not!"

"And he's wearing your ring! You got a new one too!"

Eddie groaned, flapping a hand at Gareth to make him shut up. "Fine, fine! He got me a new ring since he stole mine. Ugh, I'm stupidly in love with him too, okay? Are we done? I know I'm a pod person now, stop reminding me."

"At least you're self-aware enough to admit it."

"Moving on..."

"Does he seriously leave you love notes every week? What does he even say? Can I read them?"

"No!" Eddie glared at the traffic lights as he pulled to a stop. "I regret my admission. You're so nosy!"

Gareth just laughed but Eddie suddenly remembered his own line of questioning.

"So the phone call. Who is it?"

"Oh! Um..." Gareth actually blushed and looked out the window as he muttered. "You probably don't know them. His name's Will."

"Will?" Eddie was more surprised that it was a guy. Jesus Christ, he was blind. "I didn't know you liked guys."

"Yeah well, like you know, it ain't the easiest thing to talk about. Besides, I like girls too so it's easier to hide I guess."

"If you say so." Eddie glanced over at him and smiled. "Come on then, Will who?"

"Um... You won't know him. He doesn't even live in Hawkins anymore. Moved out to California last year and-"

"Hold on. Please tell me you're not talking about Will Byers?" They stared at each other, both surprised. So long that the lights apparently turned green and they jumped when the car behind them honked its horn. Eddie hastily started up the van and drove off in stunned silence. "Will Byers?" He asked in a totally normal voice.

"Come on man, don't freak out."

"Who said anything about freaking out? I mean, he's only fifteen years old!"

"Have you forgotten I'm sixteen?"

"Oh, right. I knew that." Eddie sometimes forgot how old he was compared to his friends.

"Besides, we're talking, mostly about dungeons and dragons. I just... think he's kinda cool is all. It's a shame his family left Hawkins, he'd be a great addition to the club." Gareth shrugged and stared out of the window. Eddie glanced over at him and sighed after a moment. "You think I'm crazy, right?"

"No crazier than me dating Steve."

"That is significantly worse."

"Shut up." Gareth caught his eye and grinned, the tension melting away instantly. "So you're... talking?"

"Uh-huh."

"Anyone else know?"

"No. So keep your big mouth shut." He laughed as Eddie made a noise of indignation. "I'm thinking of going out there this summer. Gotta convince my parents first though."

"Yeah, good luck with that."

"It's alright for you. Your uncle lets you do whatever you want."

"Within reason!"

"Dude, you used to sell drugs."

Eddie waved that away quickly. Wayne had not been impressed when he found out but Eddie had been adamant. The extra money he brought in was needed, especially in the winter to pay for the heating. So no, Wayne was not happy about it but they needed the cash.

Now a little older (and hopefully wiser), Eddie was making money less illicitly. Wayne could rest easier knowing Eddie wasn't in danger of being arrested. As long as he didn't make out with Steve in broad daylight.

Stupid homophobic laws.

One day, Eddie was going to marry the shit out of Steve and there was nothing they could do about it.

"What is with your face? It's like your sucking on a lemon or something."

"Huh? Oh, nothing. Just contemplating the unquestionable goodness of the government. Because y'know, we're evil or something for our homosexual sins."

"Yeah." Gareth sighed and slumped down in his seat. "You think it'll ever get any easier?"

"I hope so." One day he'd like to be able to hold Steve's hand - maybe even kiss him - in public without the fear of being lynched. "Until then, we got each other, right?"

"Right." Gareth bumped Eddie's shoulder gently as he pulled up outside his house. "Thanks for the ride, man." He leaned back in after hopping out, smiling at Eddie. "And I'm happy for you, seriously. Even if you're dating a jock."

"Thanks. Tell Will I said hi!" He laughed as Gareth flipped him off, hurrying inside.

Eddie stayed put for a moment, relief so sweet he felt lightheaded making its way through his body. Everybody knew. Well, everybody he cared about knew. And no one hated him. It was more than he'd ever thought possible. His friends really were awesome.

Smiling, he pulled away from Gareth's and started home.

His mood brightened even further when he saw a very familiar maroon BMW parked out front. Almost skipping inside in anticipation, he found Wayne snoring in his seat and Steve in the kitchen. He turned at the sound of the door, smiling as his eyes landed on Eddie who grinned back.

"How was practise?" Steve whispered when Eddie got closer.

He shrugged in response, leading Steve into the bedroom. As soon as the door closed their lips met in a proper greeting, Eddie's arms coming up around Steve's neck as his wound around his waist. "It was great," Eddie finally said as they broke apart. "What are you doing here?"

"Wayne needed help cleaning out the guttering. Something was stuck and making a racket up there. I only caught a glimpse of it, looked kinda like a raccoon but it could've been a mangy cat." Steve rolled his eyes as Eddie laughed into his shoulder to try and muffle the sound. "Either way, the thing is loose in the trailer park now so be careful out there."

"I wondered what that odd screeching was."

"Funny, real funny!" Steve yelped as Eddie grabbed him around the middle, trying unsuccessfully to lift him.

He did manage to get Steve off the ground but then his legs buckled and they fell back on the bed in a tangle of limbs. After a moment of shocked silence, Steve burst out laughing, hastily covering his mouth. Eddie huffed and sat up, brushing his hair back in annoyance.

"You might need to hit the gym before trying that again."

"You weigh like two hundred pounds!"

"Rude. I'm one-sixty-three."

"Either way, you're heavy." Eddie sat up, offering Steve a sarcastic smile. "Good thing I like 'em big."

"Oh my god, shut up."

"What's the matter, big boy? Don't go getting shy on me now."

Steve huffed out a soft laugh, lifting himself to kiss Eddie. "Mmm, I was making dinner. Should get back out there before it burns."

"You put the timer on?"

"Yeah."

"Then shut up and kiss me."

Steve shoved him away when the timer went off. Eddie was too amused to get annoyed as he rolled onto his side, watching Steve hurry out of the room shirtless to grab their food. After a moment he got up to follow, making sure to put his own shirt back on first.

Wayne woke up with a startled grunt when Steve cursed, dropping the red hot tray on the side and clutching his now blistering hand. Eddie was there in an instant, guiding his hand under cold water. "Shit, sorry, wasn't thinking."

"It's okay. How's the pain?" He grabbed the first aid, found some burn ointment and carefully dried Steve's hand to apply it.

"It's fine." Steve hissed when Eddie pressed into his palm. "Asshole!"

"Sorry, sweetheart," he cooed, wrapping a bandage around his hand. "Better?"

"Maybe a kiss?"

Eddie lifted his hand and kissed the back of it gently. "We'll let it breathe tonight, okay? You sit down. I'll serve dinner."

Steve sat with a sigh, smiling when Wayne came over and patted his shoulder. "So stupid. I haven't burned myself in years."

"Distracted?"

"A little." His eyes flickered to Eddie, color rising in his cheeks instantly.

"You might want to put a shirt on since we're eating at the table."

"R-right." Steve hurried off to put something on and Eddie shrugged unapologetically when he caught Wayne's eye.

"You boys are gonna be the death of each other."

"Hey! I'm just existing. It's not my fault I'm so distracting." He put a plate in front of Wayne as he sighed in exasperation. "Steve will be fine. He's been through worse, trust me."

Setting the other plates down, Eddie took his seat and a moment later, Steve rejoined them. He'd put on an Iron Maiden shirt that was a little tight around his shoulders but Eddie wasn't about to complain. As per usual, the food was fantastic and he ate his full, groaning as he sat back with a full stomach by the end of it.

He cracked an eye open as Wayne stood to clean up and made a noise of displeasure. "Come on, Wayne, we'll clean up."

"No. You boys go rest. Let me do something useful, will you?"

Eddie groaned but knew better than to argue. He glanced at Steve and shrugged. "Guess we're off the hook then."

"Thanks, Wayne."

"Least I can do after you got rid of that possum."

"Possum?"

"Yeah, I got a good look at that nose. Definitely a possum."

"Awesome," Steve replied faintly, looking mildly disgusted.

"Wayne you'll make him throw up. Steve isn't used to slumming it like us. He's from Loch Nora." Eddie waggled his eyebrows at Steve when he snorted.

"Actually, I'm from Dearborn Street now."

"Ooh, sorry." Steve threw a carrot at Eddie and it bounced off his cheek. "Ouch!"

"Dramatic."

"No food fights children." They both grinned sheepishly as Wayne picked up the carrot and sighed. "Go make a racket in the other room so I can have some peace."

"Come on Steve, let's go have loud and obnoxious sex to annoy the neighbours!"

"Keep it in your pants until I'm gone."

"No promises, Wayne!" Eddie pulled Steve into his bedroom, tugging him down on the bed as he sat. "So... All my friends know about us now. Gareth figured it out too."

"How'd it go?"

"I've been replaced with a pod person because the real Eddie Munson would have better taste." He laughed when Steve frowned, leaning in to kiss him. "Aside from that, it's cool."

"Pod person?"

"I'm too conformative, even I'm grossed out by it. Eddie Munson, a law-abiding citizen? Yuck."

"Right because getting arrested for selling weed was a much desirable life."

"I love to live on the edge."

"We both know that isn't true."

Eddie shrugged, sliding his hands under Steve's shirt to feel up his warm back. "Being gay is living on the edge, no? Could be arrested at any moment... beat up for looking at a guy wrong."

"Not exactly fun though."

"Mmm, but I did enjoy teasing you. Thought it made you uncomfortable."

"It did. Just not in the way you thought."

"Ah, yes, Steve Harrington jerking off thinking about little ol' me. I wonder if he still does it? Maybe I should sneak over and- hey, no!" He cut off laughing as Steve tickled him, squirming fruitlessly. "Steve, wait! I can't- I can't breathe!"

Steve stopped, leaning in to plant a firm kiss on his lips. "Shut up, Eds."

"Shutting up."

They lay side by side in the quiet and Eddie found he didn't want to look away. Steve's eyes were shadowed in the dark room but still so deep, full of an unending affection that made his heart swell. He couldn't help reaching out to run his fingers through Steve's hair, smoothing it back from his face.

"You ever thought about cutting it short?"

"Not a chance. I wasn't called Steve 'the hair' Harrington for nothing."

"Steve Hairington."

"Okay, I'm leaving now."

Eddie laughed, pulling Steve down as he made to get up. He didn't put up much of a fight, instantly going back into Eddie's arms, tucking his head under his chin. Eddie sighed and began playing with Steve's hair again, scratching his scalp and getting a pleased groan for his efforts.

Wayne knocked on the door, calling through, "I'm off, boys, See you tomorrow."

"Bye Wayne," They both responded together and then laughed. Eddie went back to petting Steve's hair as they heard the front door open and close, a car driving off a moment later.

After a while, he remembered his conversation with Gareth and tugged on Steve's hair to get his attention, bringing him out of his stupor with a displeased grunt. "What was that for?"

"When were you gonna tell me about Gareth and Will flirting at the arcade during spring break?"

Steve looked at him in surprise and slowly shook his head. "No, they weren't. They were talking about your game?"

"Oh, sweetheart." Eddie patted his cheek with a sympathetic smile. "We really need to work on your gaydar."

"I think it works fine, thank you. I got the guy I wanted."

"Completely oblivious. You and me both." Eddie had only recently realised what all those conflicting things Robin had said meant. She'd been telling him all along to go for it and he'd been too stupid - and scared - to see the truth. He owed her a drink (or several). "How much did Robin want to kill you?"

"She said if I didn't tell you she'd do it for me," Steve laughed softly. "I was on a deadline."

"I wouldn't have believed her."

"Good thing I worked up the courage to say something."

"Please," Eddie snorted. "Your way of telling me was to try and get me in your bed."

"And yours was admitting you jerked off thinking about me!"

"Hey, you admitted that first!"

"Fine, we're both idiots." Steve sat up, planting both hands firmly on Eddie's chest to keep him down. "But I win because I made the first move."

"'So theoretically there's this guy, right? I really like him but I've never been with a guy before.'"

Steve turned red. "Oh my god, I can't believe you remember that word for word."

"I remember almost everything about you, Steve," Eddie said seriously, dropping the mimicking tone as he squeezed his thighs. "I try to anyway."

"And I'm the obsessed one?"

"Too late. You're stuck with me now. And if I really wanted to hurt you, I would've done it when I had you alone in the woods... where no one could hear you scream." Steve laughed, not at all perturbed by the threat. "Granted, you could overpower me pretty quickly so I should be the one who's worried."

"You think I'm gonna hurt you, Eds?" Steve leaned down, baring his teeth but it only made Eddie laugh. He could never see Steve as truly threatening, at least, not towards him. Still, his breath caught when Steve's hands slid up his arms to pin his wrists to the bed. "Maybe I should keep you here, have you all to myself."

"As long as you feed me the good stuff, I don't care."

"Good stuff?"

"Mhmm." Eddie lifted his hips to press against Steve's, dragging him down against the bed with his leg. "I would live off your mac n cheese."

"Okay," Steve chuckled, kissing him quickly before realising his hold and sitting up. Eddie ran a hand up his back as Steve groaned and rubbed his neck. "Oh, fuck, I've just remembered some coursework I've gotta finish by the end of the week. I haven't even started it."

"Sweetheart, shh, you can do it tomorrow. It's late, come to bed."

Steve looked down at him and smiled. "How's Nance been?"

"A slave driver. But hey, if I graduate it'll all be worth it. Tomorrow's our last gig at The Hideout for a while. And since it's your birthday, I'm buying drinks?"

"Sounds like a plan. And it gives me the chance to talk with Gareth." This time, there was a hint of actual threat in Steve's eyes. Eddie was glad it wasn't directed at him. "Because if he hurts Will, I'll kill him."

"Alright, calm down there Rambo. No one is gonna hurt Will, especially not Gareth. Not that you're gonna do much damage with that hand." Eddie patted his cheek soothingly, smiling when Steve held his hand there. "Let's get some sleep, hmm? We can worry about coursework and exams tomorrow."

"Or... we could make out for a bit?"

Well, how could Eddie so no to that?