billy being so embarrassed about the fact he needs to wear glasses especially when reading, like he's an old man or something and just refuses to wear them regardless of how bad his headaches get and then staying the night at steves only to find out that steve wears glasses and he looks so good in them and theyre a really thick black frame that stand out against his face and billy cant stop staring and then the next time he spends the night he sheepishly puts his own pair on
“We’re not- no, stop. It’s not like that. Sure, when I first met Steve, like years ago, I had a crush on him. But- but not now.” Eddie looks around the room. Some of their friends have raised eyebrows, some are avoiding eye contact, while others stare in disbelief. He really really wants this conversation to end. “Y’know, I’m with- um, with…”
Oh no.
Eddie’s staring at the man he’s dating. The man he’s been dating for two months. The man whose name has suddenly evaporated from his goddamn mind. Shit.
“Darryl?” The man in question supplies with a very unamused expression.
“Yeah,” Eddie fumbles, throwing his hands out like obviously it’s Darryl.
Mike snorts from somewhere behind Eddie. He hopes Dustin elbows him directly in the ribs.
“And, and I liked Eddie,” Steve pipes up. “At one point. But-but not… we’re not…” he awkwardly motions between them and it’s not helping.
But Eddie thinks he hears tires squealing because Steve just admitted he’d liked him at one point. When did that happen?
“Wait? Y-you did? Uh,” Eddie takes a step closer to Steve and tries to lower his voice. “When? When was this?”
“Uh ohhh,” Gareth murmurs.
**
“What?” Steve pulls back flustered and nervously glances around.
“Right,” Eddie smiles. “It doesn’t matter. Who cares- if it was, uh, a year ago… or like six- months? Or? S-sooner? Recently? Whatever,” he waves the thought away. “Anyway, we’re not… this isn’t…”
“Right.” Steve says before glancing at Darryl. “He’s…you- uh, he’s yours. Um, not mine. You two-, um, are perfect for each other.” That might sound more believable if Steve’s voice didn’t pitch so high on the word ‘perfect.’
“Yeeeaaah,” Darryl says as he pushes himself to his feet. “I think I’m gonna go.”
Eddie takes a nervous step forward. “Are you sure?”
“Yep, I’ll talk to you later.” Darryl sighs, gives Jeff a small wave and leaves the living room headed toward the front door.
And Eddie thinks he’s supposed to follow him. Should probably run and stop him. Tell him there’s nothing going on with Steve but…Eddie’s still stuck on the whole Steve liking him thing.
“Dude?” Gareth says.
“What?” Eddie asks a smidge too defensively.
Jeff leans forward in his seat. “Go after him?”
“Right,” Eddie clears his throat, lifts his right foot but something is stopping him from moving forward. He’s standing with his feet apart hesitating.
This is stupid. He knows that. But…
He takes the chance and glances at Steve. The man is standing still, arms hanging by his sides with his eyebrows pinched together. Eddie doesn’t understand how he can look so breathtaking, even after a day of swimming and dealing with Hellfire at his house.
“Dude!?” Dustin yells out immediately pulling Eddie’s attention.
“Right,” Eddie shrugs before finding momentum again and moving toward the hallway.
But…still.
He pauses again before losing sight of the living room, and turns to glance at Steve, one more time. He doesn’t know what he’s looking for. Maybe a sign or a nod, something that says there’s a chance, but Steve gives him nothing.
“Be right back,” he huffs and heads to the door but something stops him. He’s only an arms length away from the exit. He should go outside. Darryl is probably at his car. But. “Fuck,” he murmurs, shakes his head and stomps back to the living room.
“What the hell?”
“Eddie!”
The room erupts in noise but Eddie needs just one more look. Just in case.
“Go!” Someone else yells and Eddie can’t take it anymore.
“SHUT UP!” He yells, squeezing his fists at his sides and scrunching his face up. He needs them to be quiet so he can think.
When he hears Steve sigh, his eyes open to immediately lock on the shade of hazel he’s had too many dreams about. The sight makes him swallow hard, and grasp at the thin wisp of hope that’s wiggling around in his chest.
“Will, uh, w-will you be here when I get back?”
Steve chuckles softly, “This is my house.”
“Duh, ok.” He ignores the room of eye rolling and keeps his attention on Steve. “Be right back.”
****
Steve is incredibly uncomfortable. He doesn’t really understand how or why that happened but now he’d like to pretend it never did. There might’ve been a chance it would’ve blown over without his or Eddie’s interference but here they are.
And now, Eddie apparently wants to talk to Steve about it. That’s not weird at all. Hopefully Steve didn’t make things difficult for him and Darryl. Darryl’s a good guy. Not someone Steve would hang out with necessarily, but Eddie likes him so that’s good enough.
He can hear Dustin and Mike whispering on the couch to his right, and feel Jeff or Gareth (or both) eyeing him behind his back, so he decides to slip out of the room.
He keeps himself busy in the kitchen, ignoring the fact he overhears his name float in from the other room every once in a while. When he finally hears the front door open and close he almost sighs in relief. He wants to get whatever this is over with.
The sound of shuffling feet gets louder before he hears Eddie speak. “Hey.”
Steve looks up, keeping a tight grip on the sponge he’s using to wipe down the counter. “He ok?”
“Uh,” Eddie glances over his shoulder toward the door. “Probably not. Since I just broke up with him.”
“W-what?”
“This is crazy, and, whatever, but-“ Eddie takes a nervous step into the kitchen, closer to Steve. “I lied, uh, earlier. Aaaand I’m kinda hoping you were too.”
Steve cocks his head trying to piece this puzzle together.
“I’m just saying,” Eddie takes a couple more slow steps toward Steve. “That when- back in the-“ he juts his thumb over his shoulder. “In the living room, before. I said that I had had a crush, y’know, on you? When I met you?” Steve nods. “But then you jumped in, right?”
“Yeaah?”
“So, um, the part you-, that you said about having a crush on me too? I was curious,” Eddie’s close enough to the kitchen island that he drags his fingers across the top, cutting his eye contact from Steve. “When was this?”
Steve winces at the pitch Eddie’s voice hits. “I don’t know,” he mumbles.
“Ok, makes sense. Um, but- could it be now?” He rushes through the end of the sentence.
“Wha-why?” Steve is starting to feel nauseous.
“Y’know, cause… I just broke up with my boyfriend and I’m kinda in love with you.” Eddie presses his lips together and shrugs.
“Oh,” the word slips out on a sigh.
“Yeah, so, uh, if maybe you felt that way now, like right now, that would be great…for me. And you, hopefully.” He’s rubbing his thumb aggressively against the edge of the counter. Steve’s pretty sure he’s going to dig a groove into the Formica.
“Ok?”
“O-ok? Is that an ok like…ok? Or an ok like…yeah, ok!”
“What’s the difference?” They sounded the same to Steve.
“Well the first one is like- ok.” He shrugs with a sigh. “But the second one is like- yeah, I am, ok?”
“What?”
“Forget it,” Eddie waves his hands. “Let’s start over.” He takes a deep breath, moves around the island, and reaches his fingers out slowly to grab Steve’s fingertips. “Steve, I’m terrible at this. If you can not tell. But I think you’re one of the best people in my life. I never,” he pauses and shakes his head. “I didn’t think I would ever have a chance. And maybe I still don’t.” Steve squeezes Eddie’s fingers. “Or maybe I do…but, if there’s a small microscopic chance that you feel that way right now, I had to try.”
Steve drops his eyes to their fingers and tries to hide the massive smile threatening to spread across his face. He kind of wants to swim in the way he’s feeling right now but also wants to push Eddie onto the countertop and rip his clothes off. He takes a steadying breath before flicking his eyes back up to Eddie’s.
“So, you’re saying you’re single now?”
“Uh, yeah?”
“Cool, so I can do this?” Steve uses his free hand to hook into one of Eddie’s belt loops and tugs him closer. Their hips are mere inches apart now.
“Uh,” Eddie shudders out. “Yeah?”
“What about this?” Steve unhooks his finger to glide around Eddie’s hip to his lower back. He then presses gently and moves forward to bring them together.
“Um,” Eddie gulps hard before making a tiny squeak and nodding.
“Awesome, and if I kissed you…? That would also be ok?” Steve dips his gaze to Eddie’s lips and wonders how red he can make them.
“Wh- yeea?”
“Great,” Steve says before immediately moving in and crushing their lips together.
gen z has to reckon with its radicalization problem. you are not a morally pure and superior generation of youth come to save the world, your men and boys are radicalized at an unprecedented level and you ignore it because it’s too hard to address but you have to. these boys are in your classes, they date your friends, you know them and you cannot continue to pretend this is an “old white guy” problem
girls are contributing, too. the coquette aesthetic, the “i don’t want to girlboss i want a man to pay my bills”, girlmath girljob girlmoney. it’s a joke, it’s clothes, it’s whatever, i get it but it is driving a mentality of traditional gender roles and you know you’re joking but your boyfriend doesn’t. your kid brother doesn’t. you have to stop this shit it is a contributing factor
i dont consider myself a 'fashion guru' by any means but one thing i will say is guys you dont need to know the specific brand an item you like is - you need to know what the item is called. very rarely does a brand matter, but knowing that pair of pants is called 'cargo' vs 'boot cut' or the names of dress styles is going to help you find clothes you like WAAAYYYY faster than brand shopping
this also goes for aesthetic or -core titles. 'y2k tank top' is going to get you resellers and fast fashion brands advertising to people looking to meet a current trend. 'thin strap crop tank top' is going to get you a diverse group of results and not upcharge you to hell and back
additionally, shop second hand when you can, second hand and thrift sites typically organize clothes by the cut and color. theyll be more affordable than a depop seller curating you a style to sell you
Steve goes to a gay club for the first time alone. He and Robin, they'd talked about it since moving to Chicago, but every time they made plans he got cold feet.
But on a random, rainy Saturday with Robin back home in Hawkins, he decides fuck it, puts on his sluttiest jeans and polo, and goes to the damn club. He's sick of being nervous--he's going to make out with a guy for the first time tonight.
The club is crowded, loud, sweaty, the energy a pulsing wave. He's overwhelmed immediately, but it's invigorating. He pushes towards the bar, orders a beer, then cozies himself against the nearest wall.
He sips his drink and watches beautiful men dance and kiss and play, and he wants to be part of it, get out there, find his own person to get close to but--
What if none of this is for him? He feels out of place in his clothes, with his hairstyle, an old version of himself that doesn't belong in this world.
There's a swell of sound at the bar, and he glances over, expecting drunks or fighting. Instead, he sees a guy who makes his plans to leave slip straight from his mind.
He's unlike any other person there, even within his group. Long, curly hair, visible tattoos, ripped black jeans, a faded black t-shirt under a big leather jacket. He moves with purpose and grace, obviously uncaring about fitting in.
Steve can't stop watching him, transfixed. He buys another beer, settles back against his wall. He knows it's weird, but can't bring himself to care. Not when it's helping him feel more comfortable in his own skin.
The guy, he's vibrant, the brightest spot, his laughter reaching Steve even over the pounding music.
He's beautiful.
The lights flash, illuminating his face and recognition hits Steve like a fist. It's Eddie Munson, former freak of Hawkins High.
Steve's spine straightens, chest tightening. He can't believe--I mean there were rumors about Eddie in school, but he's here, right now, in Chicago, and Steve--Steve--
He abandons the remains of his beer, rushing out the door.
---
Steve goes back the next night.
He doesn't mean to; didn't have any plans to do it, but the clock turns to 9 and he pulls on the same slutty jeans, this time with an old blue t-shirt a size too small.
It's not because Eddie could be there again, he reassures himself as he shows the bouncer his ID. It's not like he wants to see him or has been thinking about him nonstop. No, it's because tonight's the night he finally makes a move. He needed a test run to find his footing, but now--
Eddie's at the bar. His hair is pulled up, loose tendrils around his face. No jacket this time; the rolled up sleeves of his black t-shirt showing off his wiry muscles, the swirling ink of his tattoos. Something low and hot clenches in Steve's stomach.
There's no way he's going to be preoccupied with Munson tonight. He came here to flirt and dance and maybe get lucky, and he'll ignore Eddie. He will.
Steve orders a beer, sits at the bar this time, his eyes lingering on black ink and pale skin. No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to tear his eyes away from the ease and assurance Eddie moves with. He's so unafraid to take up space, it's intoxicating.
He loses track of Munson when he orders a second drink, his face no longer immediately visible in the crowd. Disappointment sinks his stomach until a voice to his left says, "You better be planning to buy me a drink, pretty boy."
The voice is low, oddly melodic, and he turns to find Eddie Munson's sparkling brown eyes gazing down at him. He's surprised, hides it, says, "Sure. What are you having?"
Eddie's mouth opens, but his eyes narrow. "Wait--Steve Harrington??"
"Um." His mouth goes dry. "Munson. Hi?"
"I--uh--wouldn't think this was your scene." Eddie shifts back, puts distance between them, and Steve hates it. Hates that Munson thinks the space is necessary, hates that he used to a person that made people feel that way.
"Yeah, well. A lot has changed since high school."
"Is that right? Surely not this much."
"Wouldn't you like to know."
Eddie's eyebrow lifts, but his mouth is a tight line. "Have a cigarette with me."
Steve nods and follows him out a side door into a narrow alley. Eddie pulls out two cigarettes, hands one to Steve. There's something about the cold politeness that sends a fizzle of disappointment down his spine.
"What brings you here?" Eddie asks.
"To Chicago or to this club?"
"Don't be cute."
"Can't help it." He smirks and Eddie rolls his eyes. "I moved to Chicago three months ago with my best friend, Robin. I'm at this club trying to explore my bisexuality."
Eddie's in the middle of taking a drag, splutters on the smoke. "Holy Shit."
He shrugs, knows he's blushing. "What can I say? I've spent the last few years learning about myself."
"And one of the things was that you like dick?"
"Looks like it."
'Well, goddamn, Steve Harrington."
"Impressed?"
Eddie licks his lips, steps closer. "Maybe I am."
"I aim to please." Steve lets himself grin.
"I bet you do," Eddie's voice goes even lower, and heat dances deep in Steve's stomach. "Wanna dance?"
"Thought you'd never ask." Steve blinks up at Eddie from under his eyelashes.
They go inside and join the bodies packed on the dance floor. At first, they keep their distance, dancing and laughing with an arm's length between them, but it's not long before they're drawn together, arms twining, legs pressed together. Their eyes lock, Steve can't look away, wouldn't even if he wanted to. Eddie's hands go to his waist, pull him closer.
"You're gorgeous, Harrington," he says it with his lips pressed to Steve's ear, goosebumps spreading across his skin.
"Yeah?"
"Can I tell you a secret?"
"Of course."
Eddie's mouth presses closer. "I used to have the biggest crush on you in high school."
"Fuck, Eddie," he says. "That's so--"
"Weird?"
"Fucking hot, dude."
"Can I tell you another secret?" Eddie's voice is all rumble.
"Course,"
"I can't stop thinking about kissing you."
"You could do something about it."
Eddie smiles, eyes going darker, almost predatory. He leans in, their breath mingling, Steve's hitching.
"You sure you want me to?" Eddie asks, mouth barely brushing Steve's.
"Please," and it comes out like he's been punched.
He thinks the kiss will be hard, hot, but Eddie's hand is gentle as it cups the back of his head, slowly pulls him in. It's a soft meeting of mouths, almost tender. His head is swimming, blood thrumming low and hot and sweet. He parts his lips and then all he can feel, taste, sense is Eddie.
It cracks something inside him, and his fingers dig into the fabric of Eddie's shirt, eagerly licking into his mouth. It must crack something in Eddie too, because he's hauling Steve impossibly closer until his legs have to wrap around Eddie's waist, or they're falling.
They break apart with a breathless laugh, both red cheeked and bright eyed. They don't move apart, instead they dance and make out until the music stops and the lights come up.
Eddie twines their fingers together as they walk to the exit, Steve sweaty and elated and a little head over heels.
Out on the sidewalk, basking in the cool air, Eddie stops him. "Can I--uh, take you for a drink? Or back to my place? I don't--not to assume, but I--"
"Both. Anywhere," Steve laughs. "I don't want this night to end."
Eddie's smile is brilliant, heart stopping. "Your wish is my command."
Death Is Temporary I’ll Love You Forever @bogwitchlesbian - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
andulkaphoto
vaporwave
annaxmalina
dededos
areudirty
