The sound of the game horn made Eddie flinch and internally he groaned as everyone started cheering. He tried to make himself as small as possible in his uncomfortable seat on the bleachers. Why on Earth had he agreed to come watch the stupid basketball game?
Because when Steve Harrington looked at him with those big brown eyes of his all pleading, he couldn't say no.
Speaking of Steve there he was, running into the court with the rest of the team. Eddie only had eyes for him though and yeah, maybe it was worth it to see Steve in those tiny shorts and basketball jersey.
Definitely worth it when Steve looked directly at him and winked.
Although several girls around him shrieked, Eddie knew it was all for him and smiled in return. They had to be careful but Steve was throwing it all on the line tonight.
King Steve in his element.
It was a sight to behold.
By the time the game ended, Eddie was itching to grab Steve and find the nearest, private space they could inhabit. But he had to wait. Steve sent him a meaningful look and Eddie nodded back, eager to stay put. He hoped Steve didn't shower. God, he looked gorgeous with his flushed face, floppy hair and sweat-shined skin.
As the auditorium slowly emptied, Eddie remained seated. After fifteen minutes - the last two of them being alone - the doors opened and Steve slid inside. His face lit up as soon as his eyes landed on Eddie who could feel his own smile stretching across his face. He bounded down the stairs into Steve's open arms.
"Congrats on the win."
Steve hugged him tight, actually spinning him around and Eddie laughed, the sound echoing in the empty hall. Steve smiled as he set him down again, tired but happy. "Thank you for coming, it means a lot."
"I keep my promises, Steve." Eddie kissed the underside of his jaw, smiling when he shuddered. "Still running high on those endorphins, huh?"
"Well, I kinda ditched the others to hang with you. I'll have you know I'm missing out on a party that's bound to have killer babes." Steve slung an arm over Eddie's shoulders as they headed for the side door leading out the back of the school. Since everyone was crowded around the well-lit parking lot to congratulate the team they could easily escape in the dark to Eddie's van across the street. "I hope you'll make it worth my time."
"Is that all I am to you?" Eddie placed a hand over his chest and pulled a pained expression. "I thought I could change you, King Steve."
"Don't call me that!" Steve laughed and somehow managed to pull him closer, pressing a kiss to his temple. "We don't have to do anything, I'm happy to just hang out. I like you Eds, more than just sex."
"Don't let the girls hear you saying that."
"I don't care." Steve tilted his head back and yelled, "I love you, Eddie Munson!"
"Steve!" Eddie slapped a hand over his mouth and looked around fearfully. His pounding heart calmed when all he saw was the deserted field. "You maniac!"
"It's true!" He laughed, taking Eddie's hand to hold. "I don't care who knows."
"Did you smoke something in the locker room?"
Steve stopped, tugging on Eddie's hand to bring him to a halt. "I meant it, Eddie."
"Meant what?"
Steve suddenly looked shy but his voice was steady as he repeated, "I love you."
Eddie would've been less surprised if Steve had punched him.
"It's cool of you don't feel the same," He hurried on, misreading Eddie's silence. "I know we're supposed to be casual about this whole thing. I just thought-"
"Give me your jacket." He cut across the ramble and Steve frowned but did as he was asked and slid the letterman off, handing it over. Eddie put it on and spun around once. "What do you think?"
"I- I think it suits you." Steve spluttered.
Eddie laughed, hiding his face in the collar and breathing in Steve's smell. "Like seeing me wearing your name, Harrington?"
"Yeah, I do." He whispered, almost like a secret.
Surging forward he kissed Steve and took his hand again. "I love you too, by the way. Let's forget casual, hmm?"
"Sounds perfect." Steve's smile made Eddie feel lighter than air as he tugged him towards his van.