Four months passed by fast. Steve expected it to be slow, hell, even painful, but it wasn't. For once in his life, things went his way. With the new term starting, Steve was fully invested in the kids again and making sure they were ready for first grade. It was remarkable how smart they were and how easy to teach. It was one of his favorite classes to date.
Not least, because of Charlie. She was a shining star in his class, but maybe his opinion of her was biased. He tried not to show it because it was unfair to treat anyone as his favorite, and he hoped it didn't show. But he loved her. Because of Eddie. Because of how sweet and carefree she was. Because of everything, really. And as much as he didn't want her to leave his class, he couldn't wait for her to graduate so she could be something more for him if she wanted it too.
God, he hoped she did.
So it was with enthusiasm that he found the box of graduation gowns he used for the class' last day. It wasn't a real graduation, of course, but the ceremony was still fun. He even made them certificates.
Robin helped him decorate the cakes, and her smile was a little too knowing. "You seem real happy about this year's graduation."
"I get six week's break after. What's not to love?"
"Uh-huh. Not because a certain little girl won't be under your care anymore, and that means you can fuck her daddy again."
"Robin!"
She cackled, ducking a handful of flour he threw at her. "I'm just stating facts. You wanna ride that dick into the sunset."
"I'm ignoring you now. And you're cleaning that up."
Robin always helped him on graduation day; there was a lot to do. Even the small stage took a few hours to set up. This year, though, they had help. Steve thought it was only Chrissy joining them, so he was surprised and delighted when Charlie ran in with a box full of her now-famous cupcakes. All the kids loved them, so it was a welcome surprise.
"You're early," he told her, stealing a cupcake and grinning when she glared at him. "Are all these for me?"
"No. We made you something special. Daddy's got it."
"Daddy?" Steve turned when the door opened again, and there was Eddie, all big smiles and tight clothes. He looked gorgeous in his usual black attire, hair tied back again, and carrying a large dish. He brought it right to Steve and set it on his desk. Looking down at it curiously, Steve saw it was pie, and immediately, his mouth was watering. "Wow. It looks good."
"Just good? Oh, Steve, we spent all evening slaving over this. Don't tell me it's just good." Brazenly flirting with him when Charlie was mere feet away. Steve glanced at her nervously, but she was busy trying on gowns with Robin. "She loves you, y'know. Charlie, I mean. I'm sure you know Robin loves you. But Charlie? Man, she's head over heels for you. If I introduced you as my boyfriend, I don't think it'd be a problem."
Steve tried not to look too pleased. So, instead, he rolled his eyes and hip-bumped Eddie out of the way so he could get back to the half erected stage. "Bring those covers over?"
Between the four adults, everything was ready with time to spare. Steve actually had time to sit and drink a coffee before the other kids arrived, and then it was all hands on deck to get them dressed up and their families seated. The ceremony went by fast, Robin calling out their names and Steve handing over a paper flower bouquet and certificate before sending them to the other side of the room for photographs with Chrissy.
It was the after-party that zapped all his energy. He had to deal with overwhelmed children high on sugar and emotions, saying goodbye. Half of them burst into tears just trying to say the words to him. Not that Steve was any better. He hugged them all tightly, gave them boxes full of treats, and then had to pull himself together to talk to the parents.
One by one, they left until only Charlie remained. Steve sank into his chair, hidden behind the mountain of gifts on his desk.
"Daddy, am I never gonna see Mr Steve again?" Charlie's voice floated over from across the room, sounding slightly upset. Steve peered around the side of his desk in time to see Eddie crouching down beside her.
"'Course you are, babygirl. He's going to be at Auntie Chris' wedding, isn't he? And I'm sure we'll see him before then, too."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. Isn't that right, Mr Steve?" Eddie looked over at him, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course," He called back, and Charlie visibly relaxed, even smiling. "Who else will help me eat all these chocolates and pie?"
"Pie!" She ran over to look at it and then at Steve eagerly. "Now?"
"Not now. You've had enough sugar," Eddie warned.
Steve gave her an apologetic shrug and whispered loudly, "Sorry, can't overrule Daddy."
"So unfair," she muttered, stomping away to play with some of the toys, ignoring the both of them.
It was only then that Steve realized Robin and Chrissy were missing, and he stood up to double-check that, yep, they were gone. Eddie looked around, too, confusion giving way to amusement, and he chuckled. "Ditched us to go make out somewhere. You got a backroom?"
"Just the toilets. Ugh. Let's not check."
"Fine with me." Eddie stood up with a groan and brushed himself down. "Not that we can talk."
"Shh!"
Eddie laughed, glancing pointedly at Charlie, but she was far too busy building a Lego tower to pay them any notice. He walked over to Steve's desk and skimmed his fingers over the piles of chocolates, best teacher mugs, and thank you cards. "Quite the haul."
"You should see my mug collection at home."
"World's best mom. Out of curiosity, why mom?"
"Oh," Steve laughed, and he pulled out his phone to show Eddie a photo of the party. "These are the kids I told you about—the ones who play DnD. I've known them since they were kids. It's kind of an in-joke with them. They call me their mom."
"Cute."
"Wait until you meet them; they're anything but cute. And I'll bet money on them thrashing you at DnD."
"Challenge accepted. Give me a date and time."
Steve knew they would freak out when The Eddie Munson turned up to their next session. It reminded him that despite Eddie just being Eddie to him, to the outside world, he was someone completely different. Which also reminded him, in turn, of the conversation he'd had with Robin about fucking rockstars, making him chuckle. At Eddie's questioning look, he explained. "You are the second and third rockstar that I've slept with. Robin thinks I'm a magnet for them."
"And who was the first?"
"Dunno. Some guy in a club years ago. We were both out of our minds. Don't remember much about him, but he bragged about being a rockstar, trying to impress me probably."
"Sounds like something I would've done. Especially if someone as pretty as you walked into the room. I would've tried every trick in the book to get you." Eddie squeezed Steve's hand with a soft smile but quickly let go at the sound of a door opening.
Robin and Chrissy had returned, and they looked like a couple of deers caught in headlights when they found Steve and Eddie grinning at them. Robin surreptitiously smoothed her hair and asked nervously, "What?" making them both laugh.
Eddie blew her a kiss before calling, "Time to go, babygirl! Let Mr Steve close up for the day, okay?"
"Okay!" She ran over and hugged Steve tight, smiling up at him. "Please come see us?"
"I will," he promised, glancing up to smile at Eddie. "But your daddy's right. Time to go home. I gotta clean this place up."
"Bye, Mr Steve." She squeezed him extra tight before letting go to take Eddie's hand.
"See you soon," Eddie promised, and Steve nodded back, watching them leave. Chrissy kissed Robin goodbye and left moments behind them.
The darkness that seemed to creep into the room in their absence was quickly diminished by Robin's arms around him as she hugged him from behind and hummed softly. "Ride that dick into the sunset, cowboy."
"Shut the fuck up and help me clean."
It took most of the day, but finally, the room was spotless, and the desks and chairs were stacked up against the wall, making it look far too big. Steve hated this day every year. Locking the door behind him with finality, he exhaled, shoulders slumping with the ache of sending all those kids out into the world, never to teach them again.
"I need some ice cream. Do you still have your Scoops ID?"
"Duh. As if I'd give up my fifty percent off. Even if that picture should be burned." She laughed and linked her arm with his, guiding him back to their apartment. "You should get highlights again. They were very becoming."
"Ask Chrissy if Eddie likes blonds."
"I think he likes pretty boys named Steve Harrington."
Steve rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. Graduation had finally arrived, and with it, his freedom to be with Eddie as long as Charlie accepted it. Steve tried not to think about her rejecting the idea. It was too painful to think about. Instead, he discussed wedding preparations with Robin, who seemed eager to discuss what kind of boutonnière she should wear.
Arguing between the pros and cons of the different shades of blue took far longer than Steve would have thought possible, and they only stopped when they reached Scoops—despite it not being the one they had worked in, not much had changed despite the years and location. Even the garish uniform was almost identical to Steve's old one. Experiencing a strong sense of deja vu as they approached the counter, he slid his card onto the counter with Robin's.
The teen working stared at their old ID cards blankly, scratching at a spot on his chin. "Damn. These are old school. You must really like ice cream, huh?"
"Yes." Robin snatched them back with a grimace. "Can we have a Mint Flare and Triple Decker Extravaganza now? Pint-size, please."
"Sure. One moment." He disappeared out back, and as soon as their eyes met, they both burst into quiet laughter.
"God, I don't envy him."
"Remember when Erica would come in every day and demand free samples? I kinda miss it. Things were a lot simpler then."
"I don't miss being broke and stuck at home."
"Same. I'd much rather be broke and living with you." Steve hip-bumped her and grinned. "How long until I lose you?"
"Move in with Eddie, and you won't. I'll be just upstairs."
Tempting offer, but there was one small hitch. "Charlie?"
"Loves you."
"As her teacher. Not a parent."
"Yet." Robin winked, returning her attention to the employee as he backed out of the store room with two pints of ice cream. As Robin took them, Steve smoothly paid and winked at her. "Hey, this was my treat!"
"You get the next one. I'll pick something expensive."
The ice cream had slightly melted by the time they got home, but Steve didn't mind. It made it easier to get through the whole pint. Feeling sticky and gross, he was sprawled across the couch with Robin as she lazily flicked through the TV channels, finding something to watch. She gave up after a few minutes with a huff and tossed the remote to Steve, bouncing it off his tender stomach.
"Ouch."
"Bite me."
"I would if I could move." He bared his teeth in a half-assed snarl, which only made Robin laugh. Settling on a show about werewolves that he was sure was meant for teenagers, they soon found themselves engrossed and searching for more episodes. It was only the stickiness growing worse that forced him up towards the bathroom to wash. When his razor landed in the sink, he glared at Robin's reflection. "Why?"
"I'm not supposed to say anything, but I think you'll want to look your best tomorrow. Get rid of that fluff under your nose."
Interest piqued, Steve grabbed his shaving cream and raised his eyebrows at her as he applied it. "What's tomorrow?"
"Wait and see."
She turned to leave, and he called after her, "I don't like surprises!"
No response. Sighing, he took her advice and shaved. He trusted Robin, and she was yet to lead him astray. Some inkling at the back of his brain also told him it had something to do with Eddie. Excited, a little nervous, and pleased with his shave job, Steve felt ready to face tomorrow.
Less so when he saw he had a text from Eddie when he sat down to finish the school year's paperwork.
Kas - [3:47 PM]
Not to be overeager or anything but…
Charlie's graduated now.
Steve snorted and typed his reply.
Princess - [4:13 PM]
Definitely overeager. Good thing I like you.
I have paperwork to finish tonight.
Tomorrow?
Kas - [4:15 PM]
Tomorrow.
Love you, Princess.
Princess - [4:15 PM]
I love you, too.
Sighing, he put his phone aside to concentrate on his work. The last hurdle before the end. After this, he would have to start preparing for next year's kids. It went by so fast, but surprisingly, this year, he might be able to keep one.