A/N: NSFW warning, nothing major just some fun.

...

Life post Hawkins High turned out to be very enjoyable.

Eddie had so much more free time to explore his interests. This meant he had a lot of new campaign ideas which would probably end up going to Dustin and his lyric book was so full an album actually seemed possible.

When he wasn't working he was either with Steve or Wayne and it felt strange, to see more of his uncle than before, even more so when he realised he wasn't technically living with him anymore. Legally, yes, his place of residence was still Forest Hills Trailer Park but he rarely spent the night there. Steve's house was slowly but irrevocably becoming their house. His Garfield mug and original sweetheart had even made the move, making it seem somewhat official. Even if they hadn't talked about it yet.

Eddie didn't mind. They didn't need to talk about it. Waking up with Steve every morning though was quickly becoming his favourite part of the day.

There was a downside he hadn't considered which soon became apparent. His friends were all busy with their lives too. He hadn't realised until after school was done how much he took their time together for granted. It was only their weekly band practice and shows now when they could all get together.

Aside from that though, Eddie was enjoying his newfound freedom.

And with the warm weather creeping up on them, he finally got to see Steve's sunbathing in action - even if he now wore his swim shorts since the house wasn't as private as his old one - Eddie really appreciated the view. Especially when he came home after working all day to find Steve on display.

After work one day he visited the trailer park to make good on his promise to Wayne and help plant some fruit and vegetables. He'd expanded the makeshift garden recently since the van didn't need the space anymore and had been waiting patiently for Eddie to come around and help.

Eddie spent the rest of the afternoon planting crops and spreading manure, burning the back of his neck in the process. When he was finally, mercifully done, Wayne rewarded him with some ice-cold, fresh lemonade, courtesy of the lemons he'd managed to grow. It was a little sour so Eddie added a couple of tablespoons of sugar when Wayne's back was turned.

"I got a letter from the prison the other day," Wayne said, rummaging in a drawer to pull out a letter and he handed it to Eddie. "Visitation request. Your dad wants to see you."

"Why?"

"Doesn't say. Probably because we haven't been down since last summer."

Eddie snorted and tossed the letter on the table. "Yeah, well, he wasn't exactly pleased when I told him I hadn't graduated again."

Which was an understatement. His father had belittled him for the rest of the visit, saying he was too stupid to make anything of himself and he'd end up in the exact same position in a few years. His inevitable future as a Munson.

"You don't have to see him."

"I know." Eddie sipped his drink, glad the sugar made it better. "I'm not like my father. I won't be like him."

Wayne sighed and sat down next to him, gripping his shoulder. "Listen, Eddie, he's your dad and nothing nobody can say will change that. But it don't mean you'll end up like him. You're already living a different life to the one he was at twenty, trust me. You are a better person than he'll ever be."

"So what, should I go and... tell him to leave me alone?"

"I ain't saying that but if it's what you want then tell him. Or don't go."

Eddie considered that, rubbing a thumb over his glass. "Maybe. I'll think about it."

"Alright." Wayne let the matter drop. "So how are you finding the record store, it's been a few weeks now?"

"Yeah. Quieter than the garage but more people." Eddie didn't mind the constant flow of customers. Most didn't want to make conversation anyway and even if any of the jocks from school turned up, they didn't cause trouble. Nobody wanted to be banned from the store for harassing him. The best part was spending his lunches with Robin and Steve since they coincided. "Better pay too."

"Well, I'm glad you're enjoying it."

"It's definitely different. I mean, I've talked about it with Steve but I don't know what I'm gonna do with my life."

Wayne smiled and patted his shoulder. "You're young, Eddie, you got plenty of time to figure it out. Enjoy your freedoms. I've noticed how much time you're spending at Steve's and certain... items missing?"

Eddie shrugged, trying to feign indifference but knew he'd failed when Wayne only raised an eyebrow expectantly. "Okay, fine, we're kinda... living together I guess? We've not talked about it yet though."

"Don't rush it if you're not ready."

"I know." he hesitated and glanced up with a shy smile. "I think I am though."

"I'm real happy for you, Eddie."

Eddie cleared his throat as he finished his drink and got up to wash their glasses. "Enough about me though. Has Claudia asked you to move in yet?"

She had not but Eddie knew from certain sources that it was incoming. Wayne refused to give any details other than confirming she hadn't asked. He was more tight-lipped than Eddie about his relationship, which did no good since Dustin was always giving him details.

Wayne was all but shoving him out of the door when he asked how their weekend away went. Eddie laughed and relented, hopping into his van with a cheery wave. Wayne returned it half-heartedly as he pulled away to go back to Steve's.

He hadn't even known Steve was home, thought maybe he was out for a run or practising basketball with Lucas (the two had been playing a lot more since the holidays had started). But when he'd gone into the kitchen to get a snack he caught sight of Steve in the garden and smiled, grabbing two glasses of cool water before joining him.

"Hey, pretty boy!"

Steve pushed his sunglasses up on his head, looking around with a smile. "Hey, handsome."

"Handsome huh?"

"Yep." He took the offered glass and drank deeply. "Good day?"

"It was alright. I see you've been busy."

"I've missed having a tan. Even if it's not complete anymore."

Eddie set his glass down and sat in the chair next to Steve. "You know, you could take them off." He nodded at the swim shorts Steve was wearing when he raised his eyebrows questioningly. "I won't tell if you don't."

"Wanna do it for me?" Still, Steve glanced around as Eddie hooked his fingers under the fabric and pulled it down slightly.

"Relax, sweetheart, no one's watching."

"Hurry up, Eds."

Eddie laughed but yanked down the shorts, trapping Steve's thighs but leaving him exposed. "Oh, you're already like this?"

"Eddie, you just have to look at me sometimes and my dick gets interested," Steve told him in a deadpan. "You literally have no idea how much I'm into you."

"I mean, I have some idea..." Eddie grabbed the sunscreen and squeezed some onto his hand before wrapping it around Steve's cock which was quickly reaching full hardness.

Steve sighed, relaxing back as his fingers trailed across Eddie's arm. "If I get a tan line of your hand around my dick, I'm gonna be pissed."

Eddie laughed, leaning in to kiss Steve. "Funny."

It didn't take long to have Steve hard and leaking in his hand, hips twitching upwards with each twist. Steve's breathing hitched as Eddie caught his bottom lip between his own and bit down gently. God, he could never get tired of listening to the noises Steve made. Honestly, he would record it if Steve let him, his own personal mixtape.

"You know, if someone is watching... they'd be one lucky person to see you like this," Eddie teased when he released Steve's lip, feeling his trembling breath. He trailed a finger down Steve's chest, circling his nipple. "So fucking beautiful."

"You wanna join me?" Steve tugged on his jeans and pulled him onto his lap. "Hey," he whispered, kissing Eddie chastely.

"Hi," Eddie returned with a grin, looking down to watch Steve undo his pants and sighed in relief as his erection was freed.

Steve held on to Eddie's thighs to keep him steady as he leaned back and pulled off his shirt. "Fuck, Eds, come here," he breathed, one hand knocking Eddie's out of the way to wrap around both of their cocks and the other pulled him closer, immediately latching onto his chest.

Eddie jerked when Steve licked his nipple, which was still sensitive from the recent piercing. "Careful, sweetheart." He tugged on Steve's hair, making him let go with a displeased whine. "I know you love it but they're still healing."

"So unfair."

"Couple more weeks." Eddie kissed Steve and thrust his hips to make their cocks slide together and redirect his attention. Steve's body was radiating heat from soaking up the sun all day, warming Eddie quickly as they pressed together.

"Close," Steve panted out. All Eddie had to do was yank back his head by the grip in his hair and sink his teeth into Steve's shoulder to have him tensing up, coming between them with a soft moan of Eddie's name.

"That's it, sweetheart, keep going," Eddie encouraged, wrapping his hand around Steve's to keep him stroking their cocks together, slick with his come and the sunscreen.

Steve tensed, sucking in a shaky breath and looked up at Eddie in confusion.

"You're not stopping until I come."

"Eds..."

"You know how to make me stop."

Steve nodded but didn't say anything so Eddie continued, keeping Steve's limp hand around them. Every whimper and jerk of his body had Eddie edging closer to his orgasm, finally letting go of Steve's hand to grab his shoulders.

"So fucking good, Stevie. You're amazing." His cheeks flushed with the praise, a crooked smile pulling at his lips that Eddie found irresistible and he leaned forward to kiss it. The sudden snap of pleasure as Steve's hips bucked upwards with a soft sob had Eddie rutting forward and spilling over his hand. He laughed breathlessly against Steve's lips, pulling back to brush a tear off his cheek. "Oh, sweetheart, you look so pretty when you cry."

Steve laughed too, another tear falling down his cheek that Eddie quickly caught. Without thinking he stuck his thumb into his mouth to taste the tear with a hum. "Oh my god, Eds. What the hell are you?"

He grinned back, pleased to feel Steve's cock twitch against his stomach despite how exhausted he looked. He leaned back to thumb Steve's shaft, rubbing the sensitive head in their come on his stomach and making him shudder. "I'm exactly what you want, aren't I?"

"Yes."

"Good." Eddie kissed him again before unsteadily getting to his feet, tucking himself away and grabbing his shirt. He took in the mess on Steve's stomach proudly and held out his hand. "Give me your ring. I'll go wash them. You should get cleaned up too."

Rolling his eyes, Steve handed the ring over and snatched up a towel. "I can't touch my dick right now, it's too sensitive."

"Want some help?"

The corner of his mouth twitched as he tried to hide a smile. "Don't tempt me."

Eddie leaned down to kiss him firmly. "I'll be inside when you're ready."

Inside he washed his hands, putting their rings in one of the many shallow dishes that had appeared around the house for specifically that use. The place really was beginning to feel like home.

Steve followed him a few minutes later, coming up and kissing the back of Eddie's neck as his arms slid around his waist. "You are amazing, Eds. I can't believe we just did that outside."

"Admit it, you're kind of a freak."

"King freak," Steve laughed into Eddie's neck.

Squeezing the arms around his waist, Eddie leaned back into the embrace with a sigh, his previous anxiety coming back to the forefront as he remembered his conversation with Wayne. It had been a nice distraction outside but now he was firmly back to reality. "Steve, can I ask a favour of you?"

"Sure."

"I'm going to visit my Dad next Wednesday. Do you want to come with me? I want to tell him about us and some other stuff. Honestly, I really want you there because I feel a hell of a lot braver when you are so..."

Another kiss to the back of his neck helped relax him. "Of course."

"Thank you."

"Should I be worried?"

"Only if you mention your surname."

"What, Steven Munson?" He asked innocently.

Hearing it sent Eddie's heart fluttering. It was a lot different to joke about now with several months together under their belt compared to a flirtatious friendship. "Would you take my name?"

Steve took his time answering before finally whispering, "Yeah, I think I would. Harrington doesn't bring good memories to mind. I don't want to be associated with my parents forever. Like you said; the name Harrington means shit. Although Munson... I could see it."

Eddie was too stunned to respond but when Steve started to pull away he grabbed his wrists to stop him. "Munson it is."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." He turned around so he could look at Steve properly and smiled, cradling his cheek. "I love you."

Steve's eyes fluttered shut as he leaned into the touch with a soft smile. "I love you too."

"God now wash your hands too."

"Mhmm, in a minute." Steve kissed his neck again, working his way up to Eddie's ear to whisper hotly, "I want you to rail me so hard tonight I'm feeling it for days."

Eddie choked on his spit, elbowing Steve when he only laughed. Sometimes he couldn't believe the words that came out of Steve's mouth and they never failed to make him blush. Eddie could feel his face burning.

"Yes?"

"Yes," Eddie rasped, snatching his glass to fill up. Once he'd downed it and the ache in his throat had subsided, he added, "brat."

"You love it," Steve replied smugly.

There was no point in denying it. God, he was so in love with Steve that it was sickening.

He was saved from embarrassing himself further when Max walked in. Her eyes slid from Eddie's red face to Steve's lack of clothes and lingered on the fresh bruises on his neck. She grimaced. "Why can't you two keep in in your pants? It's so gross."

"My house, my rules," Steve said simply, putting his hands on his hips. "If I wanna walk around naked, I will. Don't tempt me."

"Please don't." Max gagged and shoved past him to the fridge. "I have enough nightmares, thank you."

"See the thanks I get?" He sighed dramatically. "Keep you alive, give you a room for free and all you do is hate on me."

"Someone has to keep your ego in check. All Eddie does is feed it."

"Hey!"

Max only shrugged and slipped out of the kitchen, having secured her chocolate pudding.

Eddie tugged Steve close by the hem of his shorts and smiled when he raised an eyebrow. "She's right, you're showing off. Put some clothes on before someone sees your dick."

"Someone already has."

Ignoring him, Eddie made for the door. "Visitation is on Wednesday. Still okay to come?"

"Wouldnt miss it for the world." He glanced back to see Steve leaning against the counter and he smiled. "I've got your back, Eds."

He hoped that was true because when Wednesday inevitably rolled around, Eddie was far more nervous than normal about visiting his father. Wayne had asked if he needed to come along too but Eddie reassured him it would be fine. He knew his uncle and father didn't get along, especially after Wayne was awarded custody.

So he sat across from the row of plastic chairs which were still empty, separated from their side by the glass and glanced at the phone. He hated this place, always had. As far as he was concerned, this would be the last visit.

When Steve sat next to him, he relaxed slightly. "All good?"

"Could be worse I suppose. We could be on opposite sides of this." Eddie nodded at the empty chair across from them. "Suppose we wouldn't have known each other though if I was in prison."

"Who says you're the bad guy?"

"So what did you do?"

Steve hummed in contemplation. "Fell in love with a rogue, killed someone for them. But they ratted me out and here I am. Love was my downfall."

"How poetic," Eddie teased but his smile slipped away as a buzzer went off and the inmates filed in through a door a guard opened. His father sent Steve a curious glance as he sat down and picked up the phone and after a deep breath, Eddie grabbed his. "Hey, dad."

"Eddie, you got my letter."

"Yeah, kinda surprised though. I figured you didn't want to see your 'dropout of a son' after last year." He started slightly when Steve put a hand on his thigh, realising he was shaking and forced himself to relax. "I graduated though, hell, I'm even working."

"I'm proud of you, kiddo." He smiled and despite himself, Eddie felt validated by the praise. "Where have you been working?"

"Garage in town."

"Well, you already know your way around a car."

Eddie winced, remembering the brief time when his dad was between prison stints. He'd been about twelve and thankfully remained in Wayne's custody but his dad had gotten visitation rights. So while the other boys and girls played ball with their dads, Eddie was learning how to hot-wire cars.

Yeah, not his favourite bonding experience.

Within six months his dad was back in prison for grand theft auto and Eddie was left with yet more abandonment issues.

"Not exactly a skill I've put on my resume. Besides, I don't work there anymore, I got a full-time job at a record store now."

"Better than what I was doing at your age." His dad laughed heartily and Eddie rolled his eyes. He tensed up again at the curious look over at Steve. "No Wayne this time? Who is your friend?"

"Uh, no, Wayne couldn't make it and this..." Eddie glanced at Steve who smiled and gave a small, dorky wave. It made Eddie laugh and elbow Steve in the ribs gently. "...this is Steve, my close friend."

"Friend, huh?"

Eddie did not like the scrutinising look his father was giving Steve but this was why he'd come today. He wanted to put this behind him, get it all off his chest. "Yeah, my friend. Surprised? Maybe you wouldn't be if you'd been around more. Wayne certainly wasn't."

"I was trying to provide for you, Eddie. Your mother was draining our accounts and-"

"-And you went straight to boosting cars instead of getting a real job?" Eddie finished. "A crook and an addict for parents. Is it surprising it took me three attempts to graduate high school? I got lucky with Wayne. Without him, I'd probably be your cellmate. You made it clear last year you're disappointed in me so let me go all out; I'm gay, dad, in case it wasn't obvious. I've got a stable job, I graduated and I even stopped dealing. I'm an average Joe these days. Big disappointment, right?"

"Actually, you're the opposite."

That brought Eddie up short. "What?"

"I'm proud of you. If I'm honest, the best thing that could have happened to you was going to my brother." His father smiled and for once, it seemed genuine instead of belittling or sarcastic. "You look well, Eddie, happy. This boy treating you good?"

Eddie glanced at Steve who gave him a reassuring smile. "Yes."

"Alright, you let me know if that changes."

"What are you gonna do, boost his Beemer?" Eddie couldn't help laughing when his father shrugged. Even more so when he glanced at Steve to see him looking mildly offended. "Don't worry, he's not getting out for a few years yet."

A whistle rang, signalling their five-minute warning.

"Give the boy the phone," his father instructed and after a moment's hesitation, he swapped seats with Steve.

Now on the outside of the conversation, all he got was Steve's nods and affirmative hums whilst in the face of his father's unusually serious expression. "Of course," Steve said after another whistle and the people around them started saying goodbye. "Nothing to worry about, Mr Munson, I promise."

Eddie grabbed the phone quickly. "I told myself I wouldn't come back after this."

His father smiled knowingly. "So I'll see you in a few months."

When he held a hand to the glass, Eddie hesitated before mirroring him. "Bye, dad." And then he was gone, being shepherded back into the prison and leaving him alone again.

No, not alone. A warm, firm hand slipped into his and squeezed. Eddie sighed as his shoulders slumped and he squeezed Steve's hand back. "Time to go."

Steve stayed quiet on the drive back, letting Eddie think.

It wasn't that surprising really. Eddie hated saying goodbye, the finality of it. And his father - despite his many flaws - didn't seem hostile about his relationship. He glanced down at the hand resting on his knee and covered it with his own. "So how do you feel about visiting again in six months?"

"What kind of boyfriend would I be if I said no?"

"Uh, the worst?"

Steve laughed and lifted their hands to kiss Eddie's. "Exactly. Hey, you mind if we stop at the store? I promised to get some snacks for Dustin."

"If you get me some chocolate, sure." Eddie grabbed a basket and trailed after Steve, quickly realising this was more than a quick trip into the candy aisle when he started loading bread and cans in. "Hey, I'm not as strong as you, remember? Don't overload my basket."

"We should work on your arms."

"No."

"How about a workout with benefits?"

He was mildly tempted but still shook his head. "Not a chance. I'm no jock and you know it."

Steve added some milk with a roll of his eyes. "Whatever. It's a good thing I like your noodle arms."

Eddie's laughter quickly cut out when he saw Tommy Hagen standing behind Steve. Something in his expression must have worried Steve because he spun around quickly and then surprisingly relaxed. "Oh, hey, Tommy."

"Hey," he replied cautiously, for once not hostile. "Been busy? Haven't seen you since..."

"...since April?" Steve supplied. "But yeah we've been good, haven't we, Eddie?"

"Uh, yeah."

Tommy nodded, glancing at Eddie but said nothing. "Anyway, I'll let you guys get on so... yeah, bye." He quickly skirted around them and almost ran out of the aisle.

Once he'd turned the corner, Eddie rounded on Steve. "What the hell was that?"

"It's probably because of the talk we had after Indianapolis."

"Talk?"

"I didn't tell you?" Steve started down the aisle and Eddie hurried after him as he explained, "when he found out about us, I knew I had to say something to make sure he didn't tell the whole town. So I tracked him down and we spoke about it, well, everything really. I still feel bad about not realising how he felt all those years."

"How did you convince him to keep his mouth shut?"

Steve smiled softly as he placed some chips in the basket. "Despite how things are now, we used to be best friends. I don't know how deep Tommy's feelings go but there's enough there not to ruin my life. Which, y'know, I appreciate. It's a shame our friendship is completely fucked because I think he's starting to grow out of it."

"Tommy Hagen not being an asshole?" Eddie asked in disbelief but then realised how that must sound to Steve who had been in the same position. Sure enough, his expression fell and Eddie hurried to reassure him. "Well, if King Steve can redeem himself, I'm sure Tommy Hagen can too."

"Alright, Freak, shut up and grab your chocolate. It better not be expensive."

Eddie stuck out his tongue and snatched up his treat. "Don't make me regret falling in love with you."

Steve looked surprised and then beamed at him, cheeks flushing pink. "Let's get back to the car so I can kiss you."

They had promised to stop by the Henderson's on the way home and pulling up outside the house, both glanced curiously at the unfamiliar car. Eddie's confusion grew as Steve knocked on the door and they could hear some sort of wailing from inside. "Has Dustin taken up singing?"

"Maybe. He does look up to you."

"He's not touring with us if he sounds like that."

But Dustin was the one to answer the door, looking frustrated. Eddie could tell why immediately, the noise was a crying baby. "Ugh, thank god you guys are here. Please help me!" He dragged the two into the house and over to a rocking swing set up on the floor. "She won't stop crying! Mom and my Aunt Lydia went out ages ago. I said I could handle it but..."

Eddie snatched the shopping bag from Steve's hand and sat down heavily on the couch. "Not my baby."

"Eddie!"

"Sorry, butthead, I think this is more Steve's speciality."

"Babies suck." Dustin eyed the wailing baby in disgust. Eddie was starting to rethink his stance on kids too. The screaming was painful. "Why do people want kids?"

Steve rolled his eyes and gently picked her up, making soft shushing sounds. He sat down and began rocking her, singing a lullaby. Amazingly, the crying stopped. They stared at Steve in awe but he only had eyes for the bundle in his arms, a soft smile pulling at his lips.

Okay, Eddie could get behind having kids.

"You just have to know how to handle them, Henderson," Steve said softly. "She wanted some love, that's all."

"And he doesn't think he's mom material," Eddie whispered sarcastically. "Got that magic touch."

"You want to hold her, Eds?"

"Uh-" He froze as Steve turned expectantly and awkwardly cradled his arms to receive the bundle. Steve laughed and gently placed her in his arms, rearranging them to be more natural. "Cool. This is... totally fine."

"Relax, you got this."

When she continued sleeping, Eddie slowly relaxed back on the couch. He realised it was kind of nice and briefly thought about a future where he'd be holding his own kid instead. He glanced up and caught Steve's eye, smiling. "She's cute."

"Yeah."

Dustin sighed in relief and began rifling in the shopping bag. When the baby began squirming, Eddie kicked him. "Ow! Okay, okay." Dustin went into the kitchen instead and she settled down again.

Eddie looked down at her sleeping face and smiled, stroking her squishy cheek. "Shit, I don't even know her name."

"Amelia!"

"Dustin!" Steve hissed but Dustin only shrugged from the doorway, mouth full of Twizzlers.

"Hi, Amelia," Eddie whispered, ignoring both of them. "You're not so bad now you're quiet, huh?" He leaned in closer and kissed her head. "Hey, she's still got that new baby smell."

Steve leaned in too, smiling as he lifted his head. "Yeah, she does."

"You know... if Wayne and Claudia get hitched, she'll be my step-cousin. I could babysit sometimes. Good practice, huh?" He was mostly teasing because he didn't even know Amelia's mother. He laughed inwardly at the thought of her walking in the door and seeing two strangers with her baby.

Steve's expression softened as he brushed Eddie's hair off his shoulder, resting his cheek on the spot a moment later. "You're gonna be an amazing dad, Eds."

"You think?"

"Yeah. You're a natural."

At the sound of laughter outside, Dustin hurried over to take Amelia back. As soon as she left Eddie's arms the crying began again. "Yep. Never having one of these." And he gingerly put her back in the swing.

Claudia and another woman - presumably Lydia - walked in, momentarily surprised to see Steve and Eddie but then she hugged them both. "Hi, boys! What's brought you over?"

"Steve owed me candy," Dustin waved his bag victoriously, mouth opening in indignance a moment later when Claudia confiscated it. "Mom!"

"After dinner." She nodded as a timer went off in the kitchen. "Perfect." She turned to look at them with a warm smile. "Stay for dinner? The more the merrier."

Eddie glanced at Steve who shrugged. "Sure thing, Claudia. We'll even clean up."

She wouldn't hear of it, forcing them to stay seated after filling their stomachs. Steve even charmed Lydia into letting him hold Amelia again and he spent a while making her giggle and coo. Eddie watched in amusement as Steve pulled faces.

"He's a natural," Lydia told Eddie with a knowing nod. "My husband is the same. Amelia always quiets down as soon as he picks her up. It's like magic. His wife is going to be a lucky lady."

"I'm sure she will," Eddie agreed, knowing how lucky he truly was.

They made their excuses well after dark when Eddie couldn't suppress his yawns any longer. Claudia sent them home with the leftovers, Steve promising to bring her some baked goods soon.

Finally, blessedly home, Eddie fell onto the bed with a relieved groan. "I've never been so happy to be home," he mumbled into the pillow.

Steve scoffed from somewhere behind him. "Come on, Eds, get up and brush your teeth before you fall asleep."

He whined in displeasure when Steve grabbed his ankle and dragged him back so his feet hit the floor. "Don't wanna."

"Then you get no kisses."

Okay, enough incentive to get him into the bathroom. Eddie brushed his teeth with a pointed glare at Steve who laughed. He was rewarded with a sweet kiss once he'd finished. Shucking off his clothes before crawling into bed, Eddie swore he wouldn't be leaving the soft bedding for at least ten hours.

Steve switched off the lights as he left the bathroom, joining him a moment later. "Did you mean it when you called this home?" He asked quietly a few minutes later.

Sensing his hesitation, Eddie reached out to find Steve's face and weaved his fingers into his hair, just resting his hand there against his cheek. "Course I did, sweetheart. You're my home, right? Wherever you are, that's where I call home."

"But here, this house," Steve persisted. "This is your home?"

Eddie felt his stomach contract with unease. What if Steve wasn't ready for that yet? The thought of going back to the trailer and telling Wayne he needed his room back was awful. He hadn't slept there in months. "I-I mean, I guess? Look, it's not official or anything, you know that. If I'm overstaying my welcome or something just let me know and I'll stay over less or-"

Steve cut him off with a kiss and Eddie was relieved to feel his smile. "Shut up, Eds."

"Shutting up." He relaxed again, safe in the knowledge Steve wasn't about to kick him out.

"I only asked because I've been thinking about asking you to move in with me?" Steve said lightly and Eddie could feel the slight trembling in his body that made his voice waver. "I know it's only been like, seven months or whatever but we basically live together anyway. We could make it official?"

"I'd like that."

Now it was Steve's turn to relax. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

They fell silent in the aftermath of the confirmation and Eddie could feel the familiar bubbling warmth in his chest surge up again. Love. Real, profound and irrevocable emotions he felt for Steve. He realised this was it for him at that moment. No one else could ever compare to the man currently holding him.

"I love you, Steve, so much."

Something in his voice must have given away his train of thoughts because Steve was quiet for a time before responding, "I love you too, Eddie, more than anything."

The quiet conviction in Steve's voice cemented it in Eddie's head. He didn't care that it had only been months. He didn't care that he was only twenty. He knew how he felt and that Steve felt the same.

Eddie smiled and pressed a firm kiss to Steve's lips.

He'd finally graduated and now, his future was ahead of him and Steve Harrington - soon to be Steve Munson - was going to be there, every step of the way.