The rest of the year passed quickly and before Eddie knew it, they were preparing for the next New Year's Eve party.

Where the last few months had gone, he didn't know. Officially moving in with Steve had taken a couple of weeks, coinciding with Wayne moving into the Henderson household. Just like that, the trailer park was now in his past and watching the sign disappear in the rearview mirror for the last time had filled him with a momentary sadness, quickly replaced as Steve pulled up outside of his new home.

Their home.

Eddie could hardly believe his life now. It was utterly unrecognisable from the year before. Stuck in school, with no prospects and irrefutably single. Now though, he had a job, several possible options for his future and a high school diploma collecting dust in a box somewhere.

And he had Steve.

Arguably the most important person in Eddie's life (aside from Wayne of course). Someone who believed in and supported him and Eddie wholeheartedly returned that. He hadn't thought it was possible to love someone so much but he did.

"Eddie! Have you found the streamers yet?"

"No! You're sure you put them in Robin's cupboard?"

"Positive!"

Eddie huffed and stood on his tiptoes to check the top shelf again. His fingers skimmed a box but he couldn't quite reach it. He did managed to spin it but the force sent it skidding closer and it smacked into his forehead. Cursing, he grabbed the stupid thing and dropped it on the bed.

If he didn't get a kiss, his love was definitely taking a hit.

Eddie got his kiss - and several more - when he handed over the box. "Thank you."

"Better be worth it. The box attacked me."

Steve laughed, pulling out the streamers and considered the room. "I was thinking of putting them over the blinds and maybe across the to door? Or should I just wind them around the staircase?"

"Steve," Eddie said soothingly, coming over to hug him from behind and hook his chin over his shoulder. "I don't think the kids will even notice once you say there's beer."

"They get one each. That's it."

"Mhmm."

"I'm serious! It's all counted out so no one is sneaking extras."

Eddie got a good laugh out of that. "What if Jane magics some into the room?"

"...I'm locking the fridge."

Eddie managed to keep the fridge accessible. He threatened every single teenager as they walked into the house, promising punishment beyond death should they try to steal more beers. They were far too happy to be given even one to argue.

When Nancy and Robin arrived, Steve finally relaxed.

With the four adults chaperoning - even from out in the garden - everybody behaved. The occasional shriek of laughter over the deafening music wasn't much of a concern.

Eddie was quite happy to lounge in the cool night air and watch the fireworks, courtesy of the residents of Hawkins. He was more than happy to hold Steve's hand as he conversed with Robin about their latest job change.

A year at Family Video proved too much for both of them and now, they worked at the diner thanks to Steve's friendship with the owners. With his cooking now a mainstay, the place was becoming more popular by the day. He'd even put his studies on hold for a while, content to enjoy some freedom.

They had started to plan their road trip, Nancy and Robin now joining them. So much for loud sex and walking around naked. Eddie could live with the sacrifice though to make Steve happy.

The way things were going, the upcoming summer might be his only chance. Corroded Coffin had managed to secure a gig in Indianapolis finally and the exposure was more than they could have ever hoped for, even a little daunting. Seeing Steve in the crowd always helped calm his nerves. As soon as Gareth graduated, they were all but guaranteed to be hitting the road. A road trip with his friends and playing their music, Eddie couldn't ask for a better chance for their band.

'86 had been his year.

Eddie smiled as Steve handed him a drink and leaned in to kiss him. Almost a year together, give a few days. Eddie wouldn't have believed it a year ago yet there they were.

As the countdown started inside, Steve whispered, "I love you."

Eddie didn't hesitate to reply, "I love you too," and return Steve's smile.

Yes, '86 had been a good year but that didn't mean '87 couldn't be better.

As the timer hit zero, they shared a brief but warm kiss. Eddie still felt butterflies at the touch. He lifted the beer and toasted Steve's. "'87 baby."