cw: frottage, break ups

...

Steve woke up the following morning to a very stressed-out Robin. She was pacing back and forth in front of their couch, chewing on her lip in a way he hadn't seen her do since the night they had left Indianapolis. When he cleared his throat, she jumped and looked at him with wide, panicked eyes. "Everything okay?"

"Uh, yeah, totally!" She said in a falsely cheery voice, not putting him at ease.

"You sure? Because you're starting to freak me out over here."

"It's nothing. Well, it is, but…" She hesitated, still not meeting his questioning gaze. She looked relieved when someone knocked on the door a moment later, and Steve moved to answer it.

To his absolute surprise and delight, it was Kas. He smiled, kind of nervously, and held out a dish. Steve took it and found it was a pie. "Hey, what's this?"

"I promised you a pie once. Finally delivering."

"Oh, thanks. Do you want to come in?" Kas nodded and followed him inside. He still seemed nervous, but Steve put it down to this being his first time at his place. Robin was standing behind the couch, and she looked at Kas with some sort of painful expression that Steve couldn't identify. He paused, setting the dish down, and looked between them. "Uh, Rob? This is Kas. Kas, this is Rob, my best friend."

"Yeah, hi, Rob." Kas held out his hand, and after an awkward moment, Robin shook it.

"I need to go," She said suddenly, and she hugged Steve so tight he winced. "I'm so sorry, Steve."

Before he could ask what that meant, she was gone. He stared at the shutting door in confusion, mouth half open to call after her. When he remembered Kas, he tried to put it out of his mind and shrugged. "Sorry about that. She's not usually so… weird. Well, she is, but it's not normally concerning. I should call her."

Kas grabbed his hand before he could pick up the phone, and he held it tight. "I know what's wrong with Robin. You should sit."

Steve did, sinking onto the couch as his confusion grew. "You know her?"

"Yeah. Pretty well, actually." Kas sighed and joined him, taking both of his hands between his own. He looked down at them for a long moment before saying softly. "You're Steve Harrington."

Steve looked at him in shock. "I... Yeah. How did you know?" But Steve had a sickening feeling in his stomach that told him he didn't want to know the answer. Not with the way Kas was looking at him with such sadness. "Kas?"

"You're favorite flowers are sunflowers. Robin, your best friend, told me. She's dating my cousin, Chris. My daughter, Steve, you already know her. We've been dancing around each other for months and sleeping together the entire time. I suppose I should tell you my name since I know yours. I'm-"

"-Eddie Munson."

Steve knew it was true. Several seemingly unconnected pieces of information fit together so easily. Eddie knowing how upset he was when Charlie got hurt. The strudels story. The rockstar background. The apple pies. All of it.

Kas and Eddie... There has never been a choice to make. He was the same person. Holy shit, Charlie. Steve wanted to cover his face as his eyes started to burn with tears, but Kas - no, Eddie - held onto his hands tight. It felt like someone had slapped and stunned him into silence because he couldn't think of anything to say.

"I know," Eddie said, and somehow, it made Steve feel better. Surely, he'd been just as surprised when he realized.

"H-how long have you…"

"Last night. Robin confirmed it."

And that explained Robin's weird behavior.

"I wanted to be the one to tell you. Didn't want you to think about it too long before we could talk. Kinda worried you wouldn't want to see me." He said it half-jokingly, but it fell flat. Steve couldn't even manage a smile.

Eddie Munson. Someone Steve had thought about plenty over the past few months, someone he had refused to meet because it was unprofessional. Because he was teaching Eddie's daughter. Steve's hands spasmed again, but he couldn't break free from Eddie's grip. He didn't really want to, even if he had to.

"Charlie?" This time, he couldn't hold back his tears, and they burned as they slid down his face.

"She doesn't know. Well, she doesn't know it's you." Eddie brushed them away, hand lingering against Steve's face. "Going to have to find a way to break the news gently. She was really excited to meet you."

An almost hysterical sob left Steve, and he buried his face in Eddie's palm, lips pressed hard to his skin, almost in a kiss. It wasn't fair.

"Steve…"

"Just, shut up, Eddie. The more we talk, the quicker we get to the point." He glanced up to find Eddie frowning. "Or do you just wanna get it over with and go already?"

His frown gave way to surprise. "No, of course not."

"Then you better kiss me while you still can." Steve leaned in to press their lips together, the saltiness from his tears only adding to the bittersweet kiss. It jolted Eddie into action, and he pulled Steve closer. Not close enough, Steve climbed into his lap, desperate for more because he knew it was the last time. When they broke apart, he nudged their noses together and sighed. "You're an asshole for having a daughter."

"You're an asshole for being her teacher. You're really going to break up with me, huh?" Eddie's hold tightened around him, bringing him impossibly closer. "Nothing I can say to change your mind?"

"No. I'm sorry." And Steve was. It was the worst thing he'd ever had to do, letting go of the person he loved. But his other choice was what, quitting his job? Where did that leave them? He didn't want to depend financially on anyone, let alone Robin or Eddie. If they continued and someone reported him, he'd never get another teaching position. And where did that leave him? His parents. Steve could never go back there, not to his father's smug face and I told you so's.

Out of everyone Kas could have been, he had to be Charlie's dad. It felt like a cruel twist of fate. Steve had been hoping this time was different. It wasn't.

"Always ends the same," he said softly, kissing Eddie again. "And I really fucking love you."

"You're not making this easy."

"I know. So I need you to touch me."

Eddie hesitated, pulling back to search his face. "I don't want to hurt you."

"You're going to regardless. Stay a little longer, and give me one more good memory."

Something inside Eddie seemed to break at the words because he captured Steve's lips again with renewed vigor, hands moving from his sides to work on his belt. Despite the ache in his chest, Steve's body was still up for it, and he groaned as Eddie wrapped a hand around his cock, quickly bringing him to full hardness.

"Are you sure?"

He laughed, and Eddie's worried expression eased. "You're not leaving until I cum."

"So what do you want?" Eddie was stroking him slowly, not enough to bring him to orgasm but enough that his hips rocked forward, chasing the pleasure. A familiar arrogant smirk was pulling at Eddie's lips as he sank back into the couch, watching Steve. "Come on, Princess, there's gotta be something in that pretty head of yours. We've barely started. Or are you already too cock drunk?"

"Bedroom," Steve gasped, forcing Eddie's hand to stop. "Robin will kill me if we stain the couch."

"Lead the way."

Steve got unsteadily to his feet, shoving his cock back into his pants so he could walk better, and pulled Eddie up too. He wasted no time in dragging him into his bedroom and found himself pinned to the closing door, caught in a demanding kiss that made his legs tremble. If it weren't for the arm supporting him, he would've slid onto the floor.

As quickly as it started, it was over. Steve was left blinking in confusion as Eddie abruptly stopped and walked away to examine his desk. As he got his bearings, Eddie picked up his notebook Christmas gift and smiled. "Interesting read?"

"Very. I've got so many new ideas from it. You're an amazing writer."

"Was. Not so much anymore."

"I dunno. That song you're composing has words, doesn't it?" Steve wrapped his arms around Eddie and kissed his neck when he shrugged. "It's beautiful, with or without lyrics."

Eddie said nothing but chuckled when Steve squeezed his crotch. "Okay, big boy, get on the bed."

He did as he was told, scooting back to rest against his pillows. He couldn't wait for Eddie, though, and shoved his underwear down to free his aching cock with a groan. Fisting himself slowly, he watched Eddie kneel at the end of the bed and laughed when he grabbed his ankle and pulled, forcing him flat on his back. Steve could only smile when Eddie appeared above him. "Hi."

"So impatient."

"You're taking too long."

He knocked Steve's hand out of the way to take over. "Take off your shirt."

Steve did as he was told, sinking back again into Eddie's hold. "Mmm, you too." Eddie did, laughing when Steve immediately latched onto his chest, squeezing his pecs and tracing his tattoos. "Beautiful."

"That's you, Princess. Sorry, Steve."

"You can keep calling me Princess." Steve bit his lip, moving to undo Eddie's pants. "I like it."

"I know you do." Eddie shifted, getting closer as Steve pulled his cock out and sighed, eyes fluttering shut at the touch.

Steve wrapped an arm around him, forcing him to sit on his thighs. Eddie's warm weight was comforting, and Steve sat forward to kiss him, breath hitching as their cocks rubbed together. "Shit, that's good."

He let go so Eddie could take both of them into his hand and then wrapped his arms around his neck, keeping him close. It felt so good, trapped in Eddie's hand, feeling every movement, every twitch from both of them. He fumbled for the lube under his pillow, pouring on a generous amount, and the slick sound of his hand only added to it. Fuck he could even feel Eddie's piercings, his stomach tightening at the thought.

When he looked down, he almost came on the spot at the sight of their cocks pressed together, trapped in Eddie's ringed hand.

"I love you," Eddie whispered, kissing Steve's temple.

Steve nodded back, hand sliding down to join Eddie's, fingers interlocking in a tight hold. It only took seconds for Steve to spill between them with a stuttering gasp. Over and over, he whispered, "Love you," into Eddie's skin, pressing it in with kisses, determined to make it stay.

Taking over, he batted Eddie's hand out of the way to stroke his cock properly. It didn't take long to make him cum, too, rubbing a thumb over his piercings to make him shudder and groan, adding to the mess dripping onto Steve. He laughed breathlessly, capturing Steve's lips in another searing kiss that left him only wanting more.

"I'm sorry." The words slipped out without thought, a fierce ache replacing the lingering arousal fading from his limbs. "I'm so sorry, Eddie."

"Don't apologize."

Eddie kissed him again, letting his full weight fall on Steve, and they fell back, laughing. After a moment, they settled into something more comfortable, Steve resting his head on Eddie's chest as his hair was combed softly. Heart rate calming, he was lulled into a stupor.

Steve didn't want to talk yet, knowing when he finally did open his mouth, nothing good would come out. So he held Eddie a little tighter, trying to memorize the sound of his heartbeat and the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest. It was quite peaceful, and he'd almost fallen asleep when Eddie sat up. Steve frowned, lifting his head from where it had slid down to his stomach. "Where are you going?"

"You know I can't stay."

"Oh… yeah."

Eddie smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "The longer we put it off, the worse it's going to be."

Struggling upright, Steve just kissed him in answer. It took all his willpower to let go of Eddie and clean up, pulling his clothes back on in the silence that had fallen on them. Without a word, he led Eddie back to the front door and stood beside it, unable to look at him. "So this is goodbye then." He was surprised to be pulled into another embrace but accepted it willingly. Holding on tight, he frowned when Eddie laughed. "What?"

"You're going to break my ribs. Ease up a bit." His smile faded when he pulled back to look at Steve properly. "It's only because I love you that I'm letting you go. Otherwise, I'd try and convince you to keep doing this. I know you, Steve. Maybe not all of you, but enough to know I can't treat you like a secret. You deserve better, and I'm sorry I can't give you that."

"Eddie…" Steve's throat constricted, and he could only shake his head.

Eddie leaned down to kiss his hands and sighed. When he straightened up again, his eyes were bright with unshed tears, even as he smiled. "Goodbye, Steve."

He couldn't say it back, only managing a jerky nod, and he watched Eddie out of sight before closing the door, feeling numb. Barely two steps away, it opened again, and for one foolish moment, he thought it was Eddie. But no, it was Robin. She looked at him and, with a sad smile, opened her arms. No sooner was he in her embrace than he burst into tears.

By the time he'd cried himself out, it was getting dark, and he was curled up in Robin's lap on the couch. He focused on the stain on the wall, remembering how they'd been teasing each other, and it felt like a lifetime ago now.

"How are you feeling?" Robin asked softly, pausing from stroking his hair.

Steve only shrugged and sat up, head aching. When he looked at her, he only had one question. "You knew?"

Robin looked at him, the guilt apparent in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Steve. Eddie made me promise not to tell you. He wanted to talk to you about it first. I found out last night. We both did."

"How? I mean, it's been months."

"Your brownies. You gave him some, but they weren't from Steve this time. I recognized them, and so did he."

"He told me he loved me. He was going to introduce me to his daughter," Steve told her in barely more than a whisper. Because saying the words out loud was painful, and if he spoke them too loudly, it might rip his already wounded heart into pieces.

"Well, you would have had to get past Chris first," Robin joked weakly, and the corners of Steve's mouth twitched before he started to cry again. He was hastily pulled back into Robin's arms. "It's okay, Steve. You'll get through this. You both will."

He wanted to believe her so badly, but it was hard to with the wound so fresh. How was he supposed to just let Eddie go, pretend it had never happened, and then face Charlie on Monday? Fuck, how was he going to look her in the face and act like he hadn't been so close to being introduced as her daddy's boyfriend? All he could be was her teacher.

Robin let him go when he stood up but followed him into the kitchen. "Steve…" she started softly as he got out flour and eggs. "Steve, stop. No amount of baking is going to make this go away."

"Just wanna take my mind off it. Can you get the butter, please?" When Robin didn't move, he forced himself to smile, even if it felt like a grimace. "It's okay, Rob. I'm a big boy, and I'll get through this. I've got you, right? So please, the butter."

She relented and helped him. Soon enough, the smell of freshly baked goods filled the apartment and soothed Steve's ache. Again, like the night he had been thinking about Tommy, he threw himself into it and spent hours baking, filling the sides with different treats until Robin forced him to stop.

"That's enough."

"I haven't made any scones yet."

"Steve, look around." He did at the mounting piles of baked goods, hands starting to tremble in Robin's. "You need to stop before you hurt yourself or worse. We can pack these up in the morning and take some with you for the kids? Right now, I want you to go shower and then sleep."

"But-"

"Rest," She told him firmly, giving him a small push towards the bathroom.

He obeyed, showering in an automatic kind of way as his head filled with static. Too tired to think, too tired to feel. Exhausted, hands still smelling like bread, Steve fell into bed and found sleep quickly. Maybe because his bed still smelled like Eddie. Or maybe because Robin joined him a few minutes later, curling around his back like a protective blanket. Whatever the reason, his sleep was deep and interrupted, just what he needed, and he woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed.

Robin was still asleep and barely stirred as Steve carefully extracted himself from her hold and crept down the hallway back to the kitchen. He was startled to see the food piled everywhere, not realizing how much he had made. Robin was right; it was definitely more than enough, and he got to work putting everything into Tupperware.

When he reached the strudels, he hesitated. There was only one person they should go to, but Steve didn't have the strength to do it himself. So he put them in a container and stuck a note on the top.

'Eddie'

Robin could do it. She would be visiting them soon enough, no doubt. He shoved the container away and got to work on the cookies instead, planning to take them with him. All the kids loved his cookies, and he'd made several different types to keep them happy.

He was almost finished when Robin stumbled in, rubbing at her face, hair still a mess. She looked around at the piled Tupperware and sighed, walking over to hug him wordlessly. Steve smiled and hugged her back. "It's okay, Rob. I'm okay."

"You sure? Take the day off work or something. I'm sure the kids can go one day without you."

"And deny them all this?" Steve indicated the cookies, putting on his best smile. "I'll be fine."

She searched his face but seemed satisfied, letting him go after one last squeeze. "What about the rest?"

"Take some with you. Whatever you want. But those are for… well, they're taken." Steve pointed at the strudels, glad Robin only nodded and didn't ask questions after reading the paper on top. "I need to get ready."

He wasn't sure what to expect when he got to the school. Everything looked just the same but somehow different. He remembered how dull the world was after his breakup with Tommy his flight from Indianapolis. Hell, it wasn't until Eddie that he… he found something that could be real love. Tommy had been an addictive mess that Steve felt he deserved, but Eddie? Eddie was the sunshine, warm and bright, despite his dark aesthetics. He was everything Steve had ever wanted and now couldn't have.

"Hi, Mr Steve."

Steve closed his eyes, bracing himself for the impact, and turned to face Charlie, forcing himself to smile. Despite knowing it would happen, he wasn't prepared for how his heart shattered a little more at the sight of her familiar brown curls and big eyes, so much like Eddie's it was disconcerting. She was her father's daughter, and it was breaking Steve's heart.

"Hey, Charlie," he forced out, and then, smile becoming more genuine, he showed her the Tupperware. "What are you thinking today?"

Her eyes widened as she looked at them all, and her smile was beautiful when she looked at him again. "Any of them?"

"Any."

"Thank you, Mr Steve. You're the best."

Steve had to resist the urge to hug her. He was her teacher, not her friend. Certainly not a father figure, however much he wanted it. So he walked away, back to his desk, and was glad for the distraction in the form of Emily a few minutes later when she ran in, beamed at him, and proceeded to join Charlie around the cookie-laden desk. Soon enough, the whole class had arrived and was distracted.

One good thing about five-year-olds was that they distracted him so thoroughly the day passed in a blur of cookies and paintings. Steve felt at peace for the first time since Eddie had revealed his true identity to him.

Steve loved his job, and although he loved Eddie, he couldn't imagine giving this up. Even if a small part of him questioned what the other side might look like.