Eddie liked to touch.

It was something Steve noticed right away as they began their friendship after Vecna. He would always sidle close, throw an arm around his shoulders or just insist on touching him in general. At first, Steve had been unnerved by it but now he craved the contact.

So when Eddie strolled into Family Videos one boring Thursday afternoon, Steve was secretly thrilled. Maybe not so secretly when Robin nudged him and laughed. Ignoring her, he continued replacing the tapes dutifully pretending not to have noticed Eddie.

Sure enough, a few moments later a warm hand rested on his shoulder and squeezed. "Steve," Eddie leaned down, his curls brushing against Steve's face and he could smell his coconut shampoo. "We still on for tonight?"

"'Course we are. Go pick a movie, nothing gory."

"Such a killjoy." Eddie mock sighed in disappointment but let him go and wandered off down the aisle.

Steve watched him study the boxes for a moment before remembering he was supposed to be working and continued restocking the shelves. Robin waggled her eyebrows when he returned to the counter. "Date night?"

"It's not a date."

"You two hang out alone in his trailer almost every night and you're telling me nothing's happening?"

"Correct."

"Don't buy it."

Steve smiled and shook his head. Nothing did happen. Sure, Eddie often ended up pressed to his side, Steve's arm draped over him as they shared snacks and beers. But it was platonic, right? Steve remembered how warm Eddie's hand had been against his thigh two nights ago and how much he wished he'd moved it higher until...

Not platonic.

He was pulled from the memory as the real Eddie dropped a tape on the counter. "How about this?"

Steve looked down at the cover, Poltergeist.

"Dude, I said no gore."

"This isn't gore it's horror!" Eddie smirked and leaned closer, fingers dancing across the back of Steve's hand. "Don't worry, Stevie. I'll hold you if you get scared."

Ignoring Robin he rang Eddie up. "I'll grab some beers on my way over."

"Sounds perfect, later losers!" And with a wave of his hand, Eddie was gone.

"Five bucks he kisses you tonight."

"Robin!"

Steve was still feeling nervous when he knocked on Eddie's door hours later, wondering if he did want to do that. Did he? Steve didn't have to ask himself that. Yes, he wanted to kiss Eddie. The door swung open to reveal his new - and admittedly obvious - crush. Eddie grinned and took the beers, setting them on the table before pulling Steve close and leading him to the sofa.

"I promise, this one isn't as scary as The Exorcist."

So that was a lie.

Steve spent most of the movie hiding his face in Eddie's hair, practically on his lap by the end of it.

"Steve? You can come out now, the credits are rolling."

He peeked out and sighed in relief, finally relaxing his tensed shoulders. "Thank fuck. Why do you make me watch these stupid movies, Eds?"

"I like it when you jump in my lap like a scaredy cat. As if you haven't fought inter-dimensional monsters before." Eddie laughed and carded a hand through Steve's hair. "You're so strange."

"That was different! I had to protect the kids and myself!"

"I love how you always put them first."

Steve glanced up to see if Eddie was still joking and became aware of how close they were, noses bumping with the movement. He searched Eddie's face but saw no signs of discomfort, just his easy smile. "I'd put you first too."

Eddie frowned, hand dropping from Steve's hair to grab his chin and give him a little shake. "Don't. You won't be doing me any favours by sacrificing yourself for me."

"Maybe I can't live in a world where you're gone." The words slipped out without permission and Steve gripped Eddie's arms tightly, afraid he'd pull away. "Eds, tell me you feel this too."

He closed his eyes and sighed, expression becoming pained but it soon cleared as he met Steve's gaze. "Of course I do, Stevie. Why do you think I touch you so much?"

"It's not enough."

"Say it then."

"Kiss me." His voice came out wrecked, barely a whisper but Eddie heard and surged forward to press their lips together.

He knocked Steve back on the sofa with the force of the movement, mouth urgent and insistent and Steve felt like he was drowning in Eddie. He wanted to climb inside his mouth and live there. Finally, they broke apart for air but Steve kept his hold around Eddie's neck, barely allowing an inch between them.

"Holy fuck," Eddie laughed breathlessly. "Now I understand why all the girls want you."

"Shut up."

"Nah I'm never gonna stop bragging about this." Eddie leaned down to kiss him then began trailing kisses across his cheeks, nose and forehead before finally his lips again. "Steve Harrington wants to kiss me!" He sang in a silly voice.

Steve scoffed and shoved at his chest lightly. "Not anymore I don't."

"Oh? In that case..." Eddie plucked Steve's hands from his waist and pulled away. "...I better stop touching you."

"No!"

"No?" Steve realised he sounded desperate but his embarrassment disappeared as Eddie cupped his cheeks and nuzzled their noses together. "Oh, baby, don't be shy."

"Please don't stop touching me."

"Never," Eddie promised, sealing it with a kiss.