Eddie should have known better than to bet against Steve, who had the most competitive personality he'd ever encountered, despite knowing Dustin and Erica.

But he'd opened his big mouth, taunted Steve a little, and now he would pay the price. "I bet you can't take the Hawkins Tiger champion in a one-on-one game." Stupid. Because Eddie regretted it the moment Steve's eyes lit up.

"Oh, you're on Munson."

"And when Sinclair beats your ass, I want my video debt to be cleared. C'mon, I know you can do that."

"Ugh, fine. And if I win…" Steve leaned forward, bracketing Eddie in his chair. "…you owe me a dinner. Home cooked. Wayne's burgers?"

Eddie had no idea how to make them, but he agreed. How hard could it be?

And then Steve steamrollered Lucas. Eddie was sure the game had been fixed, but Lucas was adamant he had a cramp, which was why he played so badly. Whatever the reason, he had lost, fair and square.

"Alright, Eddie, make sure those onions are nice and fine." Wayne watched him closely and didn't look surprised when Eddie cursed, pulling back to suck on a bleeding finger. "You are a menace, boy."

"I can't cook."

"Mhmm." Wayne helped bandage his finger and sighed. "What's this all about then?"

"Steve won a bet. He wants homemade burgers."

Wayne gave him a knowing look, one Eddie ignored. "You ever gonna confess to that boy?"

"Nope."

"You're an idiot."

"Thanks, Wayne. So what's next?"

The burgers didn't turn out too bad. One of them got a little burnt, but Eddie kept that one for himself so Steve wouldn't know.

Eddie had just finished setting the table when Steve arrived, Wayne having made a timely exit ten minutes ago with a slap on Eddie's back and wishing him luck. Eddie felt he needed it because this was starting to feel more and more like a date: stupid bet and his big mouth.

"Smells good," Steve complimented as he walked in, giving Eddie a big smile. He sat down and looked at Eddie expectantly. "You're as good as your word, Munson."

"Don't call me Munson when I've just spent hours slaving away for you." Ignoring Steve's laugh, he put a plate before him and bowed. "Eat up, my liege."

"Thank you."

\It didn't take long to devour the burgers. Wayne's recipe was amazing, and Eddie was surprised but glad to find that they tasted as good as if Wayne had made them himself. Which wasn't so far from the truth, but Steve didn't need to know that.

"These are really good. Wayne helped, didn't he?" Steve's expression was all too knowing, so Eddie didn't bother answering when he got up to clear away the plates. "Well, thanks."

"Anytime."

Steve hesitated but got to his feet. "Hey, one more thing?"

"Sure?" Eddie didn't move when Steve stepped closer, heart rabbiting in his chest when Steve cupped his face because surely this wasn't going where he wanted it to. Apparently it was, because Steve kissed him. Brief, warm, and electric. Then it was over, and Steve stepped back, smiling sheepishly.

"Sorry, I had to do that. Just once."

"I-I, uh, you can do it again?"

Steve laughed but obliged, and their second kiss was longer, better. It left Eddie with an odd, soaring feeling he hadn't felt in a long time. "Okay. First, wow. Second, this isn't a joke, right? Like, another bet or something?"

"No, of course not! I… like you, Eddie. A lot."

Steve's expression was so honest that Eddie believed him immediately, and he found himself smiling. "Cool, because I like you too. A lot."

"So… you want to go out sometime? Hey, I'll even clear your debt."

Eddie's smile softened, and he grabbed Steve by the collar, pulling him in for another kiss. "Sure, Steve. And make good on that promise, okay?"

"I always do."