A fanworks challenge focused on Corroded Coffin.
The Corroded Coffin Fest Spreadsheet
Next Event: June Microfic: Knot June 2026
Upcoming 2026 Event Schedule
Here's a sneak peek of our upcoming events currently scheduled for 2026! This includes our main event, The 3rd Annual Corroded Coffin Fest in July! And we've got another round of Bingo coming in May! To offset these two larger events, I've flanked them with microfic challenges.
Here are the current prompt post(s) already up for current/upcoming events. Go check them out:
A Million Words and Counting...
June Microfic: Knot
3rd Annual Corroded Coffin Fest
The rest of the full posts with all the specifics and guidelines will drop on the dates listed.
There would be no events without your participation - so, thank you all!
I hope to see you all during these upcoming events, and if you've never joined one of our events before - welcome! We'd love to have you join in on our fun!
for @corrodedcoffinfest million words celebration!
also on ao3
rated t | 2248 words | no cw | tags: established steddie, band breakup, birthday party, marriage proposal, grieving a loss of a future that never was so the future that was meant to be could exist and other such dramatics
🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻🔺🔻
There’s a million reasons that things didn’t work out for them. They argued about everything, had no money, their van broke down too much, and they never quite understood what sound they wanted as a group to name a few.
But they wanted it. God, did they want it.
Wanting it wasn’t enough.
Eddie always thought if they wanted it bad enough, and worked hard enough, they’d get there. Turns out, you need a lot more luck and hope. And talent. That, too.
He’s not an idiot, or oblivious. He knows they’re good for Hawkins, maybe even Indiana. But they aren’t “go to California on a dream” good. They probably never will be.
And now they won’t.
Steve wraps his arms around him from behind, kissing his neck and then his shoulder, resting his nose against his pulse.
“You should come to bed, babe,” he whispers.
He’s right. He’s barely slept for days, and getting into bed and cuddling up to Steve will help his morose mood. It’s just that he’s twitching to grab his guitar and write something. He’s dying to get in his van and drive to Gareth’s house a mile up the road and come up with a new plan that’s doomed to fail. It’s a habit now, one that’s going to take a while to break now that they aren’t a band anymore. Not officially, anyway.
“Eddie? You okay?” Steve asks, voice louder now, laced with concern. He picks his head up, but Eddie quickly reaches back to tug him back into place.
“Don’t let go,” Eddie tells him. “Stay.”
And because Steve is an angel, and Eddie doesn’t deserve him, he does. He doesn’t ask any questions or try to say anything to make him feel better. He doesn’t push him towards the bed to try to make him sleep. He just holds him.
Eventually, Eddie turns in his arms and cups his face, kissing the corner of his mouth and giving him a small smile.
“Can I play you something?” Eddie asks.
Steve grins. “Always.”
He plays for a while. Too long, going off the yawns Steve tries to hide after a few songs. He’s slowly sinking down into the bed while Eddie strums and hums, occasionally pausing to write in his notebook.
Eddie plays until Steve’s asleep, light snores coming from where he has his face buried in the pillow. When he looks up, he finally notices Steve wearing his cropped Corroded Coffin shirt.
It makes him cry. He’s quiet about it, not wanting to wake Steve and see that worried look on his face again.
He wishes things turned out better for them. He wishes that Steve was visiting him on tour instead of sleeping in a trailer he promised he’d never come back to. He wishes he could say he accomplished what he set out to do, just one time.
—
He writes songs often, but the inspiration isn’t there. It’s harder without Gareth banging on his drums, trying to find any beat that works with the melody Eddie has in his head. They could try Gareth coming up with a beat first, but that’s just not how they do things.
How they did things.
Eddie looks around the record shop. He doesn’t mind this job. The owner’s pretty cool, knows a lot about every genre of music. He plays guitar and bass, too. Sometimes on payroll days, he sets aside some time to jam with Eddie after they lock up.
It’s fun as far as minimum wage, unskilled labor goes.
Jeff comes by every Friday when he’s done with his classes, flips through the new releases, even if he doesn’t like the artists. He just likes shooting the shit with Eddie. They’ve always been like that. Even when they argued about band stuff, they’d find common ground with something else.
Gareth practically lives at the trailer on Sundays, a desperate attempt to escape his own house. His grandparents visit every Sunday and turn it into a miserable place. Eddie doesn’t mind. Steve gives them space for hours before he usually yells for them to come eat. He always gives Gareth a long hug before he leaves, like he knows that Gareth’s grieving, too.
Frankie mostly makes Eddie come to him, but he doesn’t mind. He knows it’s because he had a falling out with his parents and doesn’t want to step foot back in Hawkins if he can help it. He’ll go wherever he has to to see his friend.
But it’s tough not getting together anymore. He wishes they could all just hang out, not as a band, without the pressure, without the commitment. He wants them to be friends again, real friends.
He just doesn’t know how to make that happen.
—
“Cake is in the oven. Wayne will be here in ten to help me set up the tables and chairs. Robin’s got beer. Don’t ask me how,” Steve shakes his head as he runs down his checklist for Eddie’s birthday party. “Dustin might be late. Said he’s bringing his girlfriend and she takes forever to do her hair.”
“Sounds familiar,” Eddie teases, wrapping his arms around Steve’s waist and kissing his neck. “You want any help?”
“It’s your birthday, you’re not allowed to help.” Steve turns to kiss his cheek. “You should go get changed, though. Pretty sure Gareth said he was coming early to avoid his grandma asking if he’d found a wife yet.”
“But he doesn’t even have to lie anymore!” Eddie groans, throwing his hands up. “Fine, fine. I’ll go. You wanna help me?”
“You don’t need my help to get dressed,” Steve rolls his eyes.
“But I could use help with…other things…” Eddie wiggles his brows and winks. “You said for my birthday we could-“
“I know what I said. I meant after your party,” Steve’s face is bright red as he looks back down at his list. “Plus, I’m not wearing that under these clothes. I’ve got too much to do still.”
Eddie smacks a kiss to his lips and rushes off to get ready for his party.
Everyone’s coming.
Even Frankie.
It’s not the first time they’ve all been together since the band broke up, but it’s the first time it’s happening under Eddie’s roof. It feels like there’s more potential for something to go wrong here.
It’s the biggest party he’s ever had for himself, but 30 is a big number according to everyone who cares about him. There’s a cake that Steve made sitting on the table surrounded by cards and gifts from everyone who loves him.
Jeff, Gareth, and Frankie are all standing together on the porch. They’re not arguing as far as Eddie can tell.
He joins them hoping it stays that way.
“There’s the birthday guy!” Jeff slaps his shoulder, nearly spilling the soda in his cup when he does. “Heard we’re cutting the cake in a few minutes.”
“Yeah, Steve’s got a pretty strict schedule for that apparently,” Eddie rolls his eyes fondly. He’s never been much for a schedule, but it makes Steve happy and he’s a big fan of that. “Enjoying the party? Need anything?”
Gareth snorts. “It’s your party. We don’t need you to take care of us.”
“I know, but-“ Eddie freezes. He swallows back the sudden lump in his throat.
The final thing, the one thing out of the millions of things that ruined their band, was no doubt that Eddie could be a little overbearing and overprotective about them. He wanted things to work so badly. He pushed on things he shouldn’t have because he thought it was best for all of them. He turned down things that the others wanted to do because he thought it wouldn’t be right for their sound. He fought with Frankie to protect Gareth, he fought with Gareth to protect Jeff. He fought with Steve to protect all of them.
In the end, he tried to be too in control.
Happens to all the greats, right? It’s just not a good story when you aren’t great first.
“I know.” He says again. He gives them a smile before he rushes off to find Steve. They don’t stop him. He’s sure his realization was written all over his face.
When he finds Steve, he’s pacing the kitchen floor, Wayne trying to calm him down about something quietly. It’s a bit unnerving for a birthday party, especially when everyone’s outside.
“Steve?”
Steve’s head snaps up and over to Eddie, eyes widening comically. Wayne mumbles something about idiots and walks out the back door to rejoin the party.
“Hey. Everything okay? Cake in a few minutes,” Steve says, plastering on a fake smile. Eddie steps closer, watching the way Steve’s hands are shaking as he tries to shove them in his pockets.
“I’m good. Are you okay?” Eddie cups the side of his neck, searching his face for any other clues about what could possibly be wrong. Could he be sick? He mentioned a headache yesterday, but he seemed fine this morning.
“I’m good! I promise,” Steve reaches up to wrap his fingers around his wrist, smile changing to something more comforting and real. “Are you happy?”
The question isn’t entirely unusual, but it still makes Eddie worry again.
“Of course I am. You brought everyone I love together and made my favorite cake. And we’ve got naked plans tomorrow. How could I not be?” Eddie tries to push his worry away as Steve leans in to kiss the corner of his mouth.
It’s probably nothing. Steve’s a bit worried that the weather won’t hold up for them and he doesn’t want everyone in the house, so maybe that’s what he’s so riled up about. Wayne was probably just offering to help bring stuff inside if the storms start earlier than they’re supposed to.
“Good. That’s all I want,” Steve kisses him again before he leads Eddie back outside.
He brings him over to the cake and yells for everyone to come sing. He didn’t think people did that for adults, but he goes along with it because it’s entertaining watching a bunch of mostly tone deaf adults try to sing together. He’s beaming by the end, almost forgetting he needs to blow out the candles until Steve nudges his arm.
When he blows them out and turns, Steve’s not there.
Well, he is there.
He’s just not standing up.
He’s on one knee, holding a very simple silver band. Everyone around them is quiet.
“I knew you weren’t just throwing a birthday party!” Eddie laughs, leaning down to tug Steve up off his knee. It’s his bad knee, because he’s an idiot. “You’re gonna hurt yourself.”
“I’m fine,” Steve rolls his eyes. “Let me say this.”
Eddie grins at him. “Carry on.”
“I know life’s been different than what you wanted. You hoped to be the next big rock star and it didn’t work out. You didn’t wanna stay in Hawkins. You probably didn’t even think you’d end up with me, but here we are,” everyone laughs as Steve smirks. “I think we’ve got a pretty great thing going here. Even when it’s not perfect, and when we still hope for more, we’re together. That’s enough for me. And I’m hoping that maybe that’ll be enough for you, too. We can’t file the papers to make it legal, but Wayne’s already got a speech ready for us to get married right here in this backyard someday if you say yes.”
Eddie wipes a stray tear from his cheek. “You have to ask me first.”
“What?” Steve’s brows raise before he realizes. “Oh. Right. Eddie, will you please spend forever with me? Wherever that may lead us?”
“Yes. Of course I will. I’d follow you anywhere.”
Everyone cheers. They kiss. It’s like a movie if movies ever showed the kind of love they have.
“Best birthday ever?” Gareth claps him on the back. His girlfriend is standing off to the side. She looks like she was crying. “Guess that puts more pressure on me, huh?”
“Guess so. Surprised you needed any,” Eddie jokes, turning to give him a hug. “Surprised she’s waited this long.”
“I’ve got a way with my hands, what can I say?”
Jeff playfully shoves him and fake gags. “Sure you do. Congrats, Eddie. Steve’s been stressed about this for months.”
Eddie turns to see Wayne hugging Steve close, patting his back.
“He should’ve known I’d say yes,” Eddie smiles fondly as he turns back to them.
“He’s just worried about tying you down for real,” Frankie says as he steps closer. “You’ve never been much for staying in one spot forever.”
“I don’t mind if it’s with him,” Eddie admits. He’s not even lying.
Saying yes doesn’t really change anything for them. They’ll wear rings, have a little ceremony in their backyard, maybe they’ll refer to each other as husbands with their friends. But they’ve already been living together for years, seen each other through so much. They make plans together, they pay bills together, they struggle and win together.
He doesn’t think he’d have that if he had become a rock star. Sure, Steve supported him while he tried. He probably would’ve stuck around for a while if they’d made it. But who knows what would’ve happened a year down the road. Two.
There’s a million reasons why things didn’t work out for the band.
One of them is so he could have this life, this future with Steve.
Prompt: Knot | Word Count: 586 | Rating: E | CW: Sexual Content | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: AU, Omegaverse, Alpha Eddie, Alpha Steve, Alpha/Alpha, Freak 4 Freak
Eddie wants to know what it's like.
He can't really know, he knows that. He's not an omega. His body isn't going to give, not in that same way, but the desire to take has slowly scrambled his brain. It's all he can think about. And he needs to find someone, some other freak, willing to try to knot him. Now.
He scans the options from his spot at the end of his high table. Eyeballing every alpha that walks by, he knows they are all no good. Not for this, not for anything. There's nobody in this senior class he'd let anywhere near him.
Then, his eyes catch on a familiar head of hair.
Well, maybe one.
But he's not an idiot. Steve Harrington isn't gonna fuck another alpha. Especially not one that's such a freak. Not when he has all the omegas in their class throwing themselves at his feet. The stink of them is a cloying cloud that follows Harrington everywhere he goes.
Eddie flexes his ass, clenching, squirming in the cafeteria seat. This is ridiculous. He is a freak. At least his cock is, as it's currently getting all horny over another alpha.
Steve lifts his head from his tray, nose flaring, swiveling like a goddamn owl until his eyes lock on Eddie's. A knowing smirk curls on his lip.
Well, fuck. Just kill Eddie now.
Eddie gets cornered outside the school in the alley between the buildings, and it's fucking stupid. Everybody knows not to corner another alpha, especially not one their age. Young, dumb knotheads. All of them.
But Steve Harrington didn't seem to get that memo, and Eddie melts back against the brick. He doesn't want to fight Harrington. He wants to fuck him.
Correction: He wants to be fucked by him.
Eddie spreads his legs tilting his hips upwards. It's obscene, and forward, but Harrington seems to react to it positively.
"Yeah?" Eddie asks, and Harrington's eyes are blown wide as he scents him, extensively.
"Yeah. Let's go."
Steve wraps a big hand around both their cocks, stroking hard as Eddie looks around this very plaid room.
"Fuck," Steve says, "I love your cock. You gonna pop? Let me feel your knot against mine?"
God, he's a freak, too.
Eddie nods, frantically. Absolutely. He still wants. But they can start here.
He feels the beginnings of Steve's knot, and it just fuels his own.
Somehow, Steve's hand fits around them both, and he's jacking them both off, hard. Knots sliding together, getting bigger, catching against each other in a way that Eddie's never felt before.
Fuck.
Eddie comes, making a mess all over both of them. Steve follows, and they are just absolutely slick with it as Steve squeezes both of their knots, gently pulsating his grip. Eddie comes again. Groaning.
Eddie's knot starts going down first, and when Steve feels it, he loosens his grip, allowing his own to deflate as well.
Flopping onto his back, Eddie slings his forearm over his eyes.
Steve does the same, arm brushing Eddie's.
"That what you wanted?"
Eddie laughs, the sound vibrating throughout his chest.
"What?" Steve asks.
"I wanted you to knot me."
"But you're not — oh."
Eddie's humiliated. He rolls onto his belly. He can't look at Steve.
The hand touching his ass cheek startles him, and he jumps.
Steve's wet thumb brushing against his hole is like lightning shooting up his spine.
"You think it's gonna fit?"
Eddie laughs, unhinged. Wouldn't you know it? Freak finds freak.
If you want to write your own, or see more entries for this challenge, pop on over to @corrodedcoffinfest and follow along with the fun! 🦇
written for the @corrodedcoffinfest June microfic challenge
prompt: knot | wc: 586 | pov eddie | rated: T | tags: pre steddie, background robin/chrissy, eddie has a crush on steve, subtle flirting, eddie hates camping - until steve changes his mind | also on ao3
Eddie made a lot of bad choices in his life but this one might be his worst yet. Letting Chrissy talk him into a fucking camping trip with Buckley and Harrington, a whole damn weekend spend out in the wild, sleeping in tents and all, ugh.
There's a reason why Wayne looked at him like he'd grown a second head when he told him about the trip, knowing too well that his nephew is not made for the outdoors. They tried that once, when Eddie was 12, and agreed to never do it again for both their sakes.
He should’ve stuck by that, but here he is now, sitting uncomfortably on a log, swatting at mosquitoes, feeling bored and itchy and useless. He offered to help the girls get the cooler from the van (‘No, Eddie. We do not have to hunt or fish for food,’ thank fucking god for that!) but got the hint when Chris said they're fine on their own.
So he sits there and mopes, watching Steve pile up twigs and newspaper scraps to build a fire, and as much as he hates to admit it, is impressed by how quickly he gets it started.
"Where d'you learn that?" he asks honestly curious, his heart skipping a beat when Steve turns to him with a proud, gorgeous smile.
"Oh, uh. Summer camp. When I was 13," he replies and shrugs it off like it's nothing.
Of course. Fucking rich kids and their fucking fancy Summer time activities.
"My parents went on a trip to Paris and didn't trust me to stay home alone."
No, actually? Fuck Steve's parents for going on vacation without him.
"What, like, some boy scout thing or something? Where they teach you how to tie knots and stuff?" Eddie jokes and Steve laughs, says "Yeah. Something like that."
Seemingly satisfied with his work, Steve takes his attention away from the steadily crackling fire and sits down beside Eddie.
"Had my first kiss there, too," he fake-whispers, leaning in like he's sharing a secret the trees and birds around them aren't supposed to hear.
Eddie's ears are burning, but it's definitely from the heat of the fire, not because Steve is suddenly so close now, their knees are touching.
"Oh, really? Did you sneak into the girls' quarters at night?" Eddie laughs weakly, feeling just a tiny bit jealous for reasons he’s not willing to give any thought right now.
"Hell no!” Steve huffs out, “The counsellors threatened to put anyone they caught breaking the rules on cleaning duty. Do you know how nasty the wash rooms were? Scarred me for life, man." Steve shakes his head and scrunches his nose in disgust, then his lips curl up into a cheeky grin. "Luckily, I didn't have to sneak out." Steve winks at him and it takes Eddie a second to get what he’s implying. "His name was Alex."
Oh, okay. Yep. That’s- great.
"Sounds like you had a lot of fun," Eddie says, acting casual when on the inside, he's having a minor (major) crisis.
"Mhm, yeah. Learned a lot at camp."
Steve stands, picking up some logs to feed the fire with, looking back over his shoulder when he suggests, "I could show you, while we're here."
Eddie swallows roughly.
He has the sinking feeling Steve is not talking about showing him how to start a fire, or how to tie a knot.
And suddenly, the thought of sharing a tent with him doesn't seem so horrible anymore.
rated e, 18+, minors dni | 586 words | no cw | tags: friends to lovers, a/b/o dynamics, alpha Gareth, omega Jeff, knotting, feelings confessions (in their own way)
🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢🪢
This is the fourth time and he still wonders when Jeff will just find an actual alpha to mate with. It’s not that Gareth cares about getting his dick wet and his knot locked, but it’s Jeff. He’s one of his best friends. At some point they’ve gotta call this quits so they can bond with someone.
Jeff sighs against his chest. Gareth’s arms tighten around him.
He’s asleep. At least, he thought he was asleep. Gareth’s knot started going down a few minutes ago and he didn’t budge. Normally, when he’s aching for it as bad as he is at the start of his heats, he whines until Gareth fucks him again. Knots him again. This time seems different.
“You awake?” Gareth whispers.
There’s no answer.
Jeff’s dick twitches against his stomach.
“You’re awake. C’mon,” Gareth pats his back. He wants to get up and at least get a quick rinse in the shower before Jeff needs him again. “Let me get the ice pack for you.”
Jeff groans and rolls off of him. That’s different, too.
Gareth’s brows crease as he sits up and looks down at Jeff. He’s not as sweaty as he should be. His nipples aren’t swollen like they get during his heats. He’s not curling into a ball the second Gareth needs some space. He doesn’t even seem bothered that Gareth needs some space.
“Did your heat pass already?” Gareth’s never seen him this calm after one knot. It usually takes three or four before he’s sated enough to sleep for a while. “After just one?”
“No.” Jeff opens one eye for a moment, then both eyes, before closing them again. “Just needed your knot.”
The words technically make sense. Gareth recognizes the meaning of those words in that order. He just doesn’t know why Jeff is saying them to him right now. Or what he actually means by them.
“Right. Because of your heat?” It comes out as a question because Gareth’s suddenly completely unsure about what’s happening. He rewinds, completely backtracks to the events leading up to this.
Jeff called him this morning and asked if he could come over. Jeff said to bring his usual supplies and plan on staying a couple days. Jeff said nothing about his heat.
He didn’t smell like his heat, either. Just his usual green tea and honey smell. None of the burnt sugar that sharpened the air around them when he was at the start of his cycle.
“Jeff.”
“Hm?”
“Are you not— is this not—“ Gareth rubs his face with a sticky hand, wincing when he remembers where it was only an hour ago. “You’re not even having a heat.”
“No.”
It’s simple. Gareth is about to have a panic attack.
“So why am I here?”
“Because I called you?” Jeff opens his eyes again and sits up, one brow raised at Gareth’s shocked face. “I wanted your knot, I asked for your knot, you gave me your knot.”
“Because I thought you needed it!” Gareth stands from the bed, ignoring the slick and cum drying on his dick and stomach. It’s the least of his problems.
“I did!” Jeff argues.
“But why?”
“You’re such an idiot sometimes. Seriously.” Jeff leans over and tugs on his hand, pulling him down until his face is only an inch away. “Why do you think?”
Gareth blinks.
“Oh.” He laughs. “Oh.”
Jeff rolls his eyes and falls back on the bed. “Oh.”
Steve watches Eddie try to fix his hair after they see a concert.
Steve sits on Eddie’s desk chair and watches across the hallway as Eddie wrestles with a wide toothed comb at his bathroom sink. He’s feeling good—tired, but not like the night should’ve been over hours ago—and despite the drying sweat and sobering up, he thinks he’d be happy just endlessly hanging out, drawing lines up and down Eddie’s body with his eyes, zoning out to the tendons in his hands.
Eddie had backcombed his hair earlier, because he wanted it BIG for the concert. That was good—he and Eddie had stayed at the edge of the pit. He’s a natural wall, and Eddie lit up like a dog chasing a car as he got to shove people. When Steve found a loose shoe and handed it to a tall guy, Eddie had caught his eye and beamed at him like he was being useful and fitting in. It’s easy, somehow. He was worried, looking like himself, in line at the thing, but there were other guys who looked regular too, and he’s not that preppy these days. Dressing for monster guts had changed him.
Eddie’s using oil on the knots in his hair. If he just got in the shower and used conditioner it’d go better, but Steve’s not going to suggest that because then he would have to find something else to look at while he simmers pleasantly under the echoes of their night out. Eddie’s gonna have to shower anyway, he’s not going to want to go to sleep with all the cooking oil in his hair, but that’s later. Maybe Steve can time it so he suddenly has to piss when Eddie’s in there and then maybe they can hang out, like he and Robin do, with the curtain shut tightly but trusting each other to be cool.
Watching Eddie work at his hair is not like watching Robin get ready, though. He doesn’t stare her down from wherever he can and catalogue the cut-out of her body like he does to Eddie—like he could take scissors and take him and put him on top of whatever picture he wanted to.
He could make a whole book of Eddie. Cut-outs of any second like a freeze frame in a movie and he could—
“Jesus FUCK!”
Steve jumps up and has to take a few breaths, watching Eddie’s frustration—boiled over; pasta water all over the stove—before he can swallow down his heartbeat and go into the bathroom.
“Alright. I’m taking over,” he declares, Coach style, like he never does with his friends but Eddie just gives him big eyes and holds the comb out. “Take off your shirt.”
Eddie eyes get even bigger but he does, flinging it across the hallway to the corner where his laundry basket is buried under dirty clothes. Maybe later Steve will declare something about that too.
Steve surveys the bathroom and takes Eddie’s wrist for no good reason, guiding him into the kitchen with its big sink.
“Run the warm water,” he says, lingering until Eddie nods, and even then he waits until the air gets awkward before he lets go. “Not too hot.”
He grabs conditioner and a towel, folding it to cushion Eddie’s naked back against the counter.
“How do you want me?” Eddie grins, toothy—funny. Steve wants to bend him face down and fit his hips to his ass, sink his fingers in his hair. That’s how.
“Face up, I’ll be careful.”
Eddie lays himself back, waiting, and Steve’s mouth fills with spit with anticipation.
Corroded Coffin Fest Pop-Up: A Million Words and Counting...
A million words. Six zeros behind that one.
The theme for this surprise pop-up event is Million, which is the number of words we have now surpassed as a group for our Corroded Coffin Fest Events! Look at that! Amazing work, everyone.
(I've had this event in my drafts for months just waiting for us to hit this milestone, and now we have! 🎉)
This event takes place for 11.5 days (roughly 1 million seconds!) from right now until June 12th.
You can interpret the prompt in any way you'd like, as long as you've focused on one or more members of Corroded Coffin.
GUIDELINES:
Please tag us here at @corrodedcoffinfest when you post your entries so we can reblog them!
There is no word limit for this challenge.
You'll get a comment from this blog with a "🎉" when it's been checked and added to the queue.
Submissions can be connected to other prompts or works, but they should still be able to stand alone.
Feel free to use the ao3 collection after you've been reblogged here!
All submissions should include any pairings featured, a rating and any content warnings (CW) or tags that you think are appropriate. Also include the the song you chose! (Whoops, no required song for this one, lol.) All explicit material needs be under a cut. Headers make my life easier, and a sample of one could look something like this:
Prompt: Million | Word Count: 3421 | Rating: T | POV: Gareth | Relationships: Gareth & Eddie | CW: None | Tags: Famous Corroded Coffin, Record Deal
For the artists! Art is definitely welcome! Any entries for the prompt must be focused on at least one Corroded Coffin member, and fit the prompt and guidelines.
Please submit your entries between now and 11:59 PM EST on June 12, 2026.
For this event, you must use the word knot in your fic, in any context of your choosing, and it must be exactly 586 words.
You are welcome to submit as many fics as you'd like during the month, but each entry must be separate, standalone, and fit the exact word count.
I will check each entry through wordcounter.net.
Please use this tool before hitting submit on your entries! Your word processor/ao3 will very likely have a different number. Whatever wordcounter.net says is gospel, to make the playing field even for everyone.
Anything that is not exactly the word count will not be reblogged or counted for this event. Please double check you work before posting so I don't have to message you, causing delays. Thanks!
This event takes place from June 1-30, 2026.
You can interpret the prompt any way you'd like, as long as you've focused on one or more members of Corroded Coffin.
GUIDELINES:
Please tag us here at @corrodedcoffinfest when you post your entries so we can reblog them!
There is a strict 586 word count for this challenge.
You'll get a comment from this blog with a "🪢" when it's been checked and added to the queue.
Submissions can be connected to other works, but they should still be able to stand totally alone.
Feel free to use the ao3 collection after you've been reblogged here!
All submissions should include any pairings featured, a rating and any content warnings (CW) or tags that you think are appropriate. All explicit material needs be under a cut.
Headers make my life easier when doing our masterlists, and a sample of one could look something like this:
Prompt: Knot | Word Count: 586 | Rating: T | POV: Eddie | Relationships: None | CW: None | Tags: Eddie is all tied up.
FOR THE ARTISTS:
Art is definitely welcome, but it also needs to have a limiting factor, like the strict word count on the fic entries.
So, for this challenge, your piece must be monochromatic. Pick one color and go for it to make a piece that somehow fits the word knot!
Please submit your entries between now and 11:59 PM EST on June 30th.
Decades Blackout
29 Total Prompts Completed
Bingo x 6
68,897 Words
Apple's Masterlist:
what do you say? by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Patsy Cline | Song: Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray | Word Count: 939 | Rating: T | CW: Mention of Previous Suicidal Ideation, Accident | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Eddie/Unnamed Woman, Pre-Steddie | Tags: Future Fic, Eddie Munson Lives, It's Just Been Hard, But Steve's Here Now
your hubris will get you by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Dean Martin | Song: Hey Brother, Pour The Wine | Word Count: 1422 | Rating: T | CW: Underage Drinking, Language, Mention of Parental Abuse | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Pre-Steddie, Eddie & Corroded Coffin | Tags: Set During S2, Eddie Gets An Unusual Payment, Steve Harrington Has to Kill His Buzz, Heist Fun
safe and loved by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Buddy Holly | Song: Brown Eyed Handsome Man | Word Count: 686 | Rating: T | CW: Loss of Parents, Bad Parents | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie, Eddie & His Parents, Eddie & Uncle Wayne | Tags: Time Jumps, Eddie's Mom Was Right Most of the Time, Just Not All The Time
all this aggravation ain't satifactioning me by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Elvis | Song: A Little Less Conversation | Word Count: 431 | Rating: T | CW: None | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth/Goodie (Freak) | Tags: Band Practice Takes An Unexpected Turn, Eddie and Jeff Shouldn't Have Left Them Alone, They Know Better
time, doesn't it give some perspective? by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Sam Cooke | Song: A Change Is Gonna Come | Word Count: 876 | Rating: T | CW: Mention of Past Drug Use, Addiction, Previous Loss | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth & His Daughters, Background Gareth & Eddie | Tags: Future Fic, Set in Tuesday's/Wildflowers 'verse, Formerly Famous Corroded Coffin, Questions Are Coming Soon, And Gareth's Gonna Have To Learn How To Answer Them
when the wind catches your feet by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Van Morrison || Song: Wild Night | Word Count: 5525 | Rating: E | CW: Storms, Tornadoes, Injuries | POV: Steve | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: Storm Chaser AU, Modern Setting, Getting Together
let me wander in your garden by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Led Zeppelin | Song: Houses of the Holy | Word Count: 1500 | Rating: E | CW: Teen Sex, Unplanned Pregnancy | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth/Di (OC) | Tags: AU, High School Sweethearts, Twenty-Five Minutes is Plenty of Time
In He Goes by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Nina Simone | Song: Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood | Word Count: 813 | Rating: T | CW: Language | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Pre-Steddie | Tags: S4, Episode: The Dive, Eddie Runs, Until He Doesn't
you can have your cake, and eat it too by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Bob Dylan || Song: Lay, Lady, Lay | Word Count: 691 | Rating: E | CW: Oral Sex | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth/Di (OC) | Tags: Future Fic, Long Term Relationship, Gareth Likes What He Likes
Important Business by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: The Beatles | Song: Two of Us | Word Count: 1100 | Rating: T | CW: Language, Underage Drinking | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Eddie & Gareth, Jeff & Goodie | Tags: Set Right Before S1, Eddie Acquires Something Important, Gareth's Along For The Ride, Friendship
Here You Come Again by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Dolly Parton | Song: Here You Come Again | Word Count: 8143 | Rating: T | CW: Steve's Canon Injuries | POV: Eddie, Steve | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: Canon Divergence, Time Skips, Steve Harrington Keeps Turning Up Like a Bad Penny, Eddie is Forced to Deal With Him, Happy Ending
good trouble. by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Kris Kristofferson | Song: Closer to the Bone | Word Count: 1206 | Rating: T | CW: Past Loss | POV: Goodie (Freak) | Pairing: Goodie & Steve Harrington, Jeff & Goodie, Past Jeff/Chrissy | Tags: Post S5, Goodie's on a Mission, Steve Harrington is Also There
gonna take that as a yes by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Black Sabbath | Song: Hot Line | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: E | CW: Sexual Acts, Mild Come Play, Light Praise Kink | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: Established (Loosely-Defined) Relationship, Mutual Pining, Idiots in Love, Premature Ejaculation, Freak 4 Freak, Bitchy Steve, But Eddie Loves It
if you must by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: AC/DC || Song: Hells Bells | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: T | CW: Language, Mention of Weed & Beer | POV: Steve | Pairing: Pre-Steddie | Tags: Pre S3, Scoops Ahoy, Steve Finds Himself in A Predicament, An Unlikely Hero Emerges
Two Gunslingers by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers | Song: Two Gunslingers | Word Count: 3665 | Rating: E | CW: Sexual Content | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth/Goodie (Freak) | Tags: Future Fic, AU, Bar Band Corroded Coffin, Road Trip, Eddie & Jeff Leave Them To Work Out Their Differences, In Their Get Along Van, Frenemies to Lovers
like a life preserver by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Hall & Oates | Song: Adult Education | Word Count: 393 | Rating: T | CW: Language | POV: Steve | Pairing: Established Steddie | Tags: Set Post S2, Steve's An Outcast, He Doesn't Much Mind
you'll learn things they don't teach in school by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Dwight Yoakam || Song: Pocket of a Clown | Word Count: 1015 | Rating: T | CW: Bad Dads | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Eddie & Gareth, Eddie & Wayne, Eddie & His Dad (Off Screen) | Tags: First Meeting, Eddie's Got Daddy Issues, So Does Gareth, Good Uncle Wayne Munson
we'll light up the house of a thousand guitars by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Bruce Springsteen || Song: House Of A Thousand Guitars | Word Count: 1952 | Rating: T | CW: Mention of Previous Deaths, Past Plane Crash, Minor Mention of Previous Drug Addiction | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Eddie & Gareth, Eddie & Jeff, Eddie & Goodie, Background Steddie | Tags: Future Fic, Set in Tuesday's/Wildflowers 'verse, Formerly Famous Corroded Coffin, Jeff and Goodie Had A Lot of Guitars, Now Eddie and Gareth Have To Do Something With Them
Going to a Town by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: George Michael | Song: Going To A Town | Word Count: 7225 | Rating: T | CW: References to Canon Character Death, Grief | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth & Steve, Gareth & Wayne, Referenced Potential Steddie | Tags: Set At The End of S5, Gareth Goes Back To Hawkins, And Finds a Home There
never be the same again by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Blondie | Song: Bermuda Triangle Blues | Word Count: 916 | Rating: T | CW: Plane Crash, Mention of Deaths | POV: Gareth's Mom (Carolyn, Mama Jones) | Pairing: None | Tags: Set in Tuesday's 'verse, Famous Corroded Coffin, Their Boys Have Been In A Plane Crash, The Not Knowing Is Torture
always want more by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Lenny Kravitz | Song: 5 More Days 'Til Summer | Word Count: 1200 | Rating: T | CW: Loneliness, Shitty Hawkins | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: Future Fic, Set Post S4, Eddie Munson Lives, Hawkins Wants Blood From A Turnip, Bittersweet, Happiness Comes In Small Doses
i'll show you mine, if you show me yours by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: R.E.M. | Song: Nightswimming | Word Count: 3148 | Rating: E | CW: Unsafe Sex, Semi-Public Sex | POV: Jeff | Pairing: Jeff/Chrissy | Tags: Pre-S4, A Chance Meeting, Skinny Dipping, First Time, Loss of Virginity
last in, first out by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Counting Crows | Song: Omaha | Word Count: 758 | Rating: T | CW: Language | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth & Corroded Coffin, Gareth/Di (OC), Background Steddie | Tags: Future Fic, The Band Finishes A Long Tour, And Finds Themselves At A Crossroads
for however long it lasts by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: The Cranberries | Song: Free to Decide | Word Count: 5144 | Rating: M | CW: Implied Past Sexual Assault (Nothing Graphic), Implied Body Image Issues | POV: Jeff | Pairing: Jeff/Chrissy | Tags: Pre-S4, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship/Love, Friends With Benefits, Good Listener Jeff, Sneaking Around, There Had To Be Reasons Vecna Chose Chrissy
four seasons of loneliness by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Boyz II Men | Song: 4 Seasons of Loneliness | Word Count: 2828 | Rating: M | CW: Grief, Canon Deaths, Loss | POV: Jeff | Pairing: Jeff & Goodie, Prior Jeff/Chrissy, Jeff & Goodie & Gareth | Tags: Post S4, Time Skips, Friendship, Jeff Has Lost More Than Anyone Knows, Angst with a Hopeful Ending
it's never good optics by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Sublime | Song: Smoke Two Joints | Word Count: 1487 | Rating: T | CW: Mention of Previous Deaths, Previous Drug Use | POV: Steve | Pairing: Steve & Erica, Steve & Gareth, Steve & Corroded Coffin, Steddie | Tags: Future Fic, Set in Tuesday's/Wildflowers 'verse, Formerly Famous Corroded Coffin, Steve Has Realized It'll Never Be Over, The Crash Was Just The Beginning
feeling richer by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Sheryl Crow | Song: Easy | Word Count: 599 | Rating: T | CW: Language | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: Future Fic, Established Relationship, Eddie Munson Lives, And Most Importantly Loves
Loaded Up and Truckin' by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Free Space (Tracy Chapman) | Song: Fast Car | Word Count: 4377 | Rating: E | CW: None | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: AU, Smokey and the Bandit Inspired, Road Trip, Trucking, Corroded Coffin Boys, Schemin' and Dreamin', Strangers to Lovers, Meet Cute, Love at First Sight, Happy Ending
Come As You Are by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Nirvana | Song: Come As You Are | Word Count: 8858 | Rating: E | CW: Past Trauma | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: AU, Omegaverse, Meet Ugly, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Alpha Eddie, Omega Steve, Knotting, Happy Ending
‘cause with the birds i’ll share by @hullomoon | Prompt: Red Hot Chili Peppers | Song: Scar Tissue | Word Count: 1141 | Rating: T | POV: Eddie | Relationships: None | CW: None | Tags: Canon Divergence, Post Season 4, Reunions
i’ve never been in love like this by @hullomoon | Prompt: Free Space (Garth Brooks) | Song: Shameless | Word Count: 1006 | Rating: T | POV: Steve | Relationships: Steddie | CW: None | Tags: Serenades
you gotta get with my friends by @hullomoon | Prompt: Spice Girls | Song: Wannabe | Word Count: 1990 | Rating: T | POV: Steve | Relationships: Steve & Corroded Coffin, Steddie | CW: Drug Use (Weed) | Tags: Canon Divergence, Pre-Season 4
i learned who i was by @hullomoon | Prompt: Alan Jackson | Song: Chattahoochee | Word Count: 930 | Rating: T | POV: Jeff | Relationships: None | CW: Underage Drinking, Underage Drug Use (Weed) | Tags: Post Season 3, Slice of Life
my heart thrown wide open by @hullomoon | Prompt: R.E.M. | Song: Near Wild Heaven | Word Count: 1598 | Rating: M | POV: Gareth | Relationships: Gareth/OFC | CW: None | Tags: Sexual Content, Break up, Angst with a Bittersweet Ending
through oceans away by @hullomoon | Prompt: Pearl Jam | Song: Oceans | Word Count: 1379 | Rating: E | POV: Eddie | Relationships: Steddie | CW: None | Tags: Touring, Mutual Masturbation, Phone Sex
Thanks to those of you who found inspiration in the music over here at @corrodedcoffinfest! Everyone who participates in any way makes these events what they are.
This event had 46 total entries from 5 unique participants: 45 Fics, 1 Pieces of Art & 0 Other Works were submitted. We had 8 Bingos and 1 Decades Blackout! (Be on the lookout for the individual masterlists of everybody that finished at least one bingo, they'll be coming soon!)
I've updated the big spreadsheet with these newest entries, bringing our current total from all events to 798 and tipping us over a collective 1 Million Words! (Currently at 1,075,596 to be exact!)
And don't forget to check out our ao3 collection!
Decades Bingo: 1950s
what do you say? by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Patsy Cline | Song: Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray | Word Count: 939 | Rating: T | CW: Mention of Previous Suicidal Ideation, Accident | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Eddie/Unnamed Woman, Pre-Steddie | Tags: Future Fic, Eddie Munson Lives, It's Just Been Hard, But Steve's Here Now
your hubris will get you by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Dean Martin | Song: Hey Brother, Pour The Wine | Word Count: 1422 | Rating: T | CW: Underage Drinking, Language, Mention of Parental Abuse | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Pre-Steddie, Eddie & Corroded Coffin | Tags: Set During S2, Eddie Gets An Unusual Payment, Steve Harrington Has to Kill His Buzz, Heist Fun
safe and loved by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Buddy Holly | Song: Brown Eyed Handsome Man | Word Count: 686 | Rating: T | CW: Loss of Parents, Bad Parents | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie, Eddie & His Parents, Eddie & Uncle Wayne | Tags: Time Jumps, Eddie's Mom Was Right Most of the Time, Just Not All The Time
all this aggravation ain't satifactioning me by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Elvis | Song: A Little Less Conversation | Word Count: 431 | Rating: T | CW: None | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth/Goodie (Freak) | Tags: Band Practice Takes An Unexpected Turn, Eddie and Jeff Shouldn't Have Left Them Alone, They Know Better
time, doesn't it give some perspective? by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Sam Cooke | Song: A Change Is Gonna Come | Word Count: 876 | Rating: T | CW: Mention of Past Drug Use, Addiction, Previous Loss | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth & His Daughters, Background Gareth & Eddie | Tags: Future Fic, Set in Tuesday's/Wildflowers 'verse, Formerly Famous Corroded Coffin, Questions Are Coming Soon, And Gareth's Gonna Have To Learn How To Answer Them
Decades Bingo: 1960s
when the wind catches your feet by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Van Morrison || Song: Wild Night | Word Count: 5525 | Rating: E | CW: Storms, Tornadoes, Injuries | POV: Steve | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: Storm Chaser AU, Modern Setting, Getting Together
let me wander in your garden by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Led Zeppelin | Song: Houses of the Holy | Word Count: 1500 | Rating: E | CW: Teen Sex, Unplanned Pregnancy | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth/Di (OC) | Tags: AU, High School Sweethearts, Twenty-Five Minutes is Plenty of Time
In He Goes by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Nina Simone | Song: Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood | Word Count: 813 | Rating: T | CW: Language | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Pre-Steddie | Tags: S4, Episode: The Dive, Eddie Runs, Until He Doesn't
you can have your cake, and eat it too by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Bob Dylan || Song: Lay, Lady, Lay | Word Count: 691 | Rating: E | CW: Oral Sex | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth/Di (OC) | Tags: Future Fic, Long Term Relationship, Gareth Likes What He Likes
He's So Fine by @starsanddiamond | Prompt: the Chiffons | Song: He's So Fine | Word Count: 1558 | Rating: M | POV: Eddie | Ship: Steddie
Important Business by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: The Beatles | Song: Two of Us | Word Count: 1100 | Rating: T | CW: Language, Underage Drinking | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Eddie & Gareth, Jeff & Goodie | Tags: Set Right Before S1, Eddie Acquires Something Important, Gareth's Along For The Ride, Friendship
Decades Bingo: 1970s
New Kid in Town by @starsanddiamond | Prompt: Eagles | Song: New Kid in Town | Word Count: 2143 | Rating: M | POV: Eddie | Ship: Mungrove
Play the Game by @starsanddiamond | Prompt: Queen | Song: Play the Game | Word Count: 1655 | Rating: M | POV: Eddie | Ship: Mungrove
Still the Same by @starsanddiamond | Prompt: Bob Seger| Song: Still the Same | Word Count: 1880 | Rating: M | POV: Eddie | Ship: Mungrove
Here You Come Again by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Dolly Parton | Song: Here You Come Again | Word Count: 8143 | Rating: T | CW: Steve's Canon Injuries | POV: Eddie, Steve | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: Canon Divergence, Time Skips, Steve Harrington Keeps Turning Up Like a Bad Penny, Eddie is Forced to Deal With Him, Happy Ending
Dreams by @starsanddiamond | Prompt: Fleetwood Mac | Song: Dreams | POV: Eddie | Ship: Mungrove | Rating: M | Words Count: 3031
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by @starsanddiamond | Prompt: Elton John | Song: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road | Words: 1636 | Rated: M | POV: Eddie | Ship: Mungrove
good trouble. by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Kris Kristofferson | Song: Closer to the Bone | Word Count: 1206 | Rating: T | CW: Past Loss | POV: Goodie (Freak) | Pairing: Goodie & Steve Harrington, Jeff & Goodie, Past Jeff/Chrissy | Tags: Post S5, Goodie's on a Mission, Steve Harrington is Also There
gonna take that as a yes by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Black Sabbath | Song: Hot Line | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: E | CW: Sexual Acts, Mild Come Play, Light Praise Kink | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: Established (Loosely-Defined) Relationship, Mutual Pining, Idiots in Love, Premature Ejaculation, Freak 4 Freak, Bitchy Steve, But Eddie Loves It
if you must by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: AC/DC || Song: Hells Bells | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: T | CW: Language, Mention of Weed & Beer | POV: Steve | Pairing: Pre-Steddie | Tags: Pre S3, Scoops Ahoy, Steve Finds Himself in A Predicament, An Unlikely Hero Emerges
We've Got Tonight by @dreamwatch | Prompt: Bob Seger | Song: We've Got Tonight | Word Count: 1.6k | Rating: M | Pairing: Eddie/Nancy | Tags: Past Steddie, Loneliness, failed relationships, one night stands, weddings
Two Gunslingers by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers | Song: Two Gunslingers | Word Count: 3665 | Rating: E | CW: Sexual Content | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth/Goodie (Freak) | Tags: Future Fic, AU, Bar Band Corroded Coffin, Road Trip, Eddie & Jeff Leave Them To Work Out Their Differences, In Their Get Along Van, Frenemies to Lovers
On the Border by @dreamwatch | Prompt: Eagles | Song: On the Border | Word Count: 2k | Rating: M | CW: driving under the influence, mild sexual content | Pairing: Eddie/Steve | Tags: Police Officer Steve Harrington, fondling, grinding, roleplay, Corroded Coffin boys are home for the summer, driving under the influence, don't be like Eddie, things were different back then, established steddie
I’m In Love With My Car by @dreamwatch | Prompt: Queen | Song: I'm In Love With My Car | Word Count: 815 | Rating: T | CW: None | Pairing: Eddie/Steve | Tags: Post S4, Everybody Lives, The Bimmer belongs to all of them now, not S5 compliant
Rhiannon by @dreamwatch | Prompt: Fleetwood Mac | Song: Rhiannon | Word Count: 732 | Rating: T | CW: none | Pairing: Matty(Freak)/OC, Matty & Gareth | Tags: Fatherhood, enduring friendships, big families, parenting, pure fluff
Decades Bingo: 1980s
like a life preserver by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Hall & Oates | Song: Adult Education | Word Count: 393 | Rating: T | CW: Language | POV: Steve | Pairing: Established Steddie | Tags: Set Post S2, Steve's An Outcast, He Doesn't Much Mind
you'll learn things they don't teach in school by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Dwight Yoakam || Song: Pocket of a Clown | Word Count: 1015 | Rating: T | CW: Bad Dads | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Eddie & Gareth, Eddie & Wayne, Eddie & His Dad (Off Screen) | Tags: First Meeting, Eddie's Got Daddy Issues, So Does Gareth, Good Uncle Wayne Munson
There's something in the air in Hollywood by @alicetallula | Prompt: Madonna | Song: Hollywood | Medium: Art | Pairing: Sapphic Steddie | Process: Done using ink pens, colored pencils, gel pens, alcohol markers, graphite pencils and Photoshop for the background, bokeh effect, the jewelry and belt, the bow in Stevie's hair, the musicians gear, the leather texture on Eddie's pants and harness, the glitter pattern on Stevie's outfit, for Eddie's tattoos, the light and shadows effect, and for the prompt title
we'll light up the house of a thousand guitars by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Bruce Springsteen || Song: House Of A Thousand Guitars | Word Count: 1952 | Rating: T | CW: Mention of Previous Deaths, Past Plane Crash, Minor Mention of Previous Drug Addiction | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Eddie & Gareth, Eddie & Jeff, Eddie & Goodie, Background Steddie | Tags: Future Fic, Set in Tuesday's/Wildflowers 'verse, Formerly Famous Corroded Coffin, Jeff and Goodie Had A Lot of Guitars, Now Eddie and Gareth Have To Do Something With Them
Going to a Town by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: George Michael | Song: Going To A Town | Word Count: 7225 | Rating: T | CW: References to Canon Character Death, Grief | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth & Steve, Gareth & Wayne, Referenced Potential Steddie | Tags: Set At The End of S5, Gareth Goes Back To Hawkins, And Finds a Home There
never be the same again by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Blondie | Song: Bermuda Triangle Blues | Word Count: 916 | Rating: T | CW: Plane Crash, Mention of Deaths | POV: Gareth's Mom (Carolyn, Mama Jones) | Pairing: None | Tags: Set in Tuesday's 'verse, Famous Corroded Coffin, Their Boys Have Been In A Plane Crash, The Not Knowing Is Torture
Decades Bingo: 1990s
always want more by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Lenny Kravitz | Song: 5 More Days 'Til Summer | Word Count: 1200 | Rating: T | CW: Loneliness, Shitty Hawkins | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: Future Fic, Set Post S4, Eddie Munson Lives, Hawkins Wants Blood From A Turnip, Bittersweet, Happiness Comes In Small Doses
i'll show you mine, if you show me yours by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: R.E.M. | Song: Nightswimming | Word Count: 3148 | Rating: E | CW: Unsafe Sex, Semi-Public Sex | POV: Jeff | Pairing: Jeff/Chrissy | Tags: Pre-S4, A Chance Meeting, Skinny Dipping, First Time, Loss of Virginity
last in, first out by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Counting Crows | Song: Omaha | Word Count: 758 | Rating: T | CW: Language | POV: Gareth | Pairing: Gareth & Corroded Coffin, Gareth/Di (OC), Background Steddie | Tags: Future Fic, The Band Finishes A Long Tour, And Finds Themselves At A Crossroads
for however long it lasts by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: The Cranberries | Song: Free to Decide | Word Count: 5144 | Rating: M | CW: Implied Past Sexual Assault (Nothing Graphic), Implied Body Image Issues | POV: Jeff | Pairing: Jeff/Chrissy | Tags: Pre-S4, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship/Love, Friends With Benefits, Good Listener Jeff, Sneaking Around, There Had To Be Reasons Vecna Chose Chrissy
four seasons of loneliness by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Boyz II Men | Song: 4 Seasons of Loneliness | Word Count: 2828 | Rating: M | CW: Grief, Canon Deaths, Loss | POV: Jeff | Pairing: Jeff & Goodie, Prior Jeff/Chrissy, Jeff & Goodie & Gareth | Tags: Post S4, Time Skips, Friendship, Jeff Has Lost More Than Anyone Knows, Angst with a Hopeful Ending
it's never good optics by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Sublime | Song: Smoke Two Joints | Word Count: 1487 | Rating: T | CW: Mention of Previous Deaths, Previous Drug Use | POV: Steve | Pairing: Steve & Erica, Steve & Gareth, Steve & Corroded Coffin, Steddie | Tags: Future Fic, Set in Tuesday's/Wildflowers 'verse, Formerly Famous Corroded Coffin, Steve Has Realized It'll Never Be Over, The Crash Was Just The Beginning
feeling richer by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Sheryl Crow | Song: Easy | Word Count: 599 | Rating: T | CW: Language | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: Future Fic, Established Relationship, Eddie Munson Lives, And Most Importantly Loves
Loaded Up and Truckin' by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Free Space (Tracy Chapman) | Song: Fast Car | Word Count: 4377 | Rating: E | CW: None | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: AU, Smokey and the Bandit Inspired, Road Trip, Trucking, Corroded Coffin Boys, Schemin' and Dreamin', Strangers to Lovers, Meet Cute, Love at First Sight, Happy Ending
‘cause with the birds i’ll share by @hullomoon | Prompt: Red Hot Chili Peppers | Song: Scar Tissue | Word Count: 1141 | Rating: T | POV: Eddie | Relationships: None | CW: None | Tags: Canon Divergence, Post Season 4, Reunions
i’ve never been in love like this by @hullomoon | Prompt: Free Space (Garth Brooks) | Song: Shameless | Word Count: 1006 | Rating: T | POV: Steve | Relationships: Steddie | CW: None | Tags: Serenades
you gotta get with my friends by @hullomoon | Prompt: Spice Girls | Song: Wannabe | Word Count: 1990 | Rating: T | POV: Steve | Relationships: Steve & Corroded Coffin, Steddie | CW: Drug Use (Weed) | Tags: Canon Divergence, Pre-Season 4
i learned who i was by @hullomoon | Prompt: Alan Jackson | Song: Chattahoochee | Word Count: 930 | Rating: T | POV: Jeff | Relationships: None | CW: Underage Drinking, Underage Drug Use (Weed) | Tags: Post Season 3, Slice of Life
Come As You Are by @thisapplepielife | Prompt: Nirvana | Song: Come As You Are | Word Count: 8858 | Rating: E | CW: Past Trauma | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: AU, Omegaverse, Meet Ugly, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Alpha Eddie, Omega Steve, Knotting, Happy Ending
my heart thrown wide open by @hullomoon | Prompt: R.E.M. | Song: Near Wild Heaven | Word Count: 1598 | Rating: M | POV: Gareth | Relationships: Gareth/OFC | CW: None | Tags: Sexual Content, Break up, Angst with a Bittersweet Ending
through oceans away by @hullomoon | Prompt: Pearl Jam | Song: Oceans | Word Count: 1379 | Rating: E | POV: Eddie | Relationships: Steddie | CW: None | Tags: Touring, Mutual Masturbation, Phone Sex
Card: 1990s | Prompt: Pearl Jam | Song: Oceans | Word Count: 1379 | Rating: E | POV: Eddie | Relationships: Steddie | CW: None | Tags: Touring, Mutual Masturbation, Phone Sex | Read on ao3
For @corrodedcoffinfest
Eddie thought touring would be fun. Who wouldn't want to travel around the world, be showered with booze, drugs, and groupies? Except Steve isn't there. He's been with them for all their tours, taking on seasonal jobs so he could spend the rest of the year traveling North America with Corroded Coffin. It's their first international tour and Steve isn't able to join them. He found a new job that he genuinely enjoyed, but he didn't have enough PTO saved up. Having PTO felt like a fake thing that grown ups always talked about as a way to make conversation. Still, Eddie had to accept the fact that he'd be Steveless for three months.
Their last night together had them staying up as late as possible, kissing and fucking like they never would see each other again. Eddie had hickies littered all over his thighs. Steve drove them to the airport and stayed until they boarded. He slyly kissed Eddie on the neck as they hugged.
The tour has been fun. He and the guys couldn't believe that they were actually in Europe. They didn't have much time to go sightseeing, but they tried to make time to go on a little adventure at every stop.
Eddie dealt with missing Steve by writing letters. He didn't send all of them, god knows half of what he wrote wouldn't make sense. He did send some however, and he was delighted when Steve sent some back. He's surprised, the first time the concierge hands him a card. He assumes it was from their manager or the venue owner, but he recognizes Steve's loopy scrawl anywhere.
Dear Eddie,
I can tell that you miss me something awful. I feel the same way. You aren't missing much here. Work has been good. Do you remember Dylan from work? He's been taking me out with his boyfriend so I don't mope at home. Robin and Dustin plan to come down next weekend and I know that'll help too.
You're halfway through your tour! I'm impressed with everything you and the guys have done. I know you think the tour isn't the same without me, but please have fun. If this is your only shot, I don't want you to feel like you missed out.
Sending all my love from across the ocean,
Steve
P.S. Enjoy the little gift <3
He opens the envelope again and a polaroid falls out. Steve's wearing a black jockstrap, Eddie's cutoff Metallica shirt, and his hair is messed up like after they've fucked.
"Fuck," Eddie groans. He sets the photo down long enough to shuck his jeans off and send a quick thanks that Gareth is out at a bar. He grabs the photo again, and spits into his other hand. He slowly strokes his dick. He's not in a rush, but he knows he doesn't have time to stretch his hole.
They don't really do sexy outfits. The jockstrap is one of the few things they have, purchased after Eddie admitted that he had a locker room fantasy. Steve must have felt it was important to bring out the big guns.
Eddie gazes at Steve's bulge and the way the black straps frame his thighs. They're thick with muscle and he thinks about how Steve likes to squish his head with them when he's going down on Steve. Pre-come is leaking steadily, encouraging Eddie to go faster. The slick, wet sounds fill the room and Eddie adds his breathy pants to the mix. He wants to bury his head in Steve, whether his cock or ass, he isn't picky. He wants to fuck until their limbs are jelly.
But Steve isn't there, so he has to settle for his image. When he comes he pulls his dick away from the photo, not wanting to get come on it (just yet).
He sets the photo aside and takes big gulping breaths.
—
It continues like that for the rest of the tour. Roughly once a week Steve will send a letter with a photo (nudity sometimes included!). Eddie keeps up with writing his own letters, writing down horny fantasies that he hopes someday to fulfill. The guys tease him after they find one of the photos. Luckily it's one of the fully clothed ones, but it would serve them right if it was a full nude. They know the trip has been hard for Eddie and he can't fault them for a little teasing since they're just thrilled that Eddie feels more like himself.
After their last show, Eddie flops down on the bed. For their final night they splurged and got separate rooms and Eddie plans on using it to the fullest extent. He picks up the phone and carefully dials a number he knows by heart.
"Hello?" Steve says groggily.
"Hi, sweetheart," Eddie replies.
"Eddie!"
Eddie smiles, hearing the warmth in Steve's tone.
"We did it baby, the guys and I survived our first world tour."
"Congrats," Steve yawns.
"Anddddd. I have my own hotel room tonight. I know it's probably not the best time, but if you're in the mood…"
Steve groans. "Eddie, it's been months since we've really gotten to hear each other. Fuck yeah I'm in the mood."
Eddie pulls his boxers down and grabs his cock. "I've already got my dick out, so you better hurry up." He hears the phone drop and then a drawer open and shut.
"I've got lube and a dildo," Steve says eagerly.
"Oh, you wanna be dicked down tonight?"
"Please," Steve moans.
"Alright," Eddie adjusts his grip. He won't really do much until Steve has got the dildo in. "Use one finger, keep it a tease. Does your hole even remember what it's like to have anything in there?"
Steve snorts. "I fucked myself like last week. If anything, it forgets what's like to have your dick inside it."
Eddie squeezes his dick. Steve always looks so good when he's fucking. It's why he suggested the dildo tonight. He won't be able to see but he sure as hell will hear. "Fine, if it hasn't been that long why don't you use two."
"Sir yes, sir," Steve teases.
Eddie doesn't hear much more for a few minutes. Only some gasps from Steve and a squelch of lube.
"How are you doing?" Eddie asks. He's taken to slowly stroking his cock.
"Good. I think I can put the dildo in now."
"Whenever you're ready, let me know," Eddie replies.
It takes half a minute and then Eddie hears, "Ready," loud and clear.
"I know you can fuck yourself real well baby. But know, that if I was there I would be fucking you into the mattress, get your knees up by your chest." Eddie strokes his dick faster now. He wishes he could tell how fast Steve was going so he could match his pace. "It's been so long since we've fucked. Do you think you would last long or shoot off as soon as I sinked my dick into your hole?"
Steve whines. It sends a zip of desire through Eddie and makes a home in his lower half.
"What about you? You like this tight hole so much, do you think that as soon as you feel it around your dick you won't come?" Steve snarks back.
Eddie groans. Steve isn't wrong, he doesn't usually have the same stamina as Steve. If he plays dirty, it's all over for Eddie.
"Come on. Fuck me harder," Steve teases. "I know you can do it."
Eddie moves even faster, hips starting to hump the air. Steve's groans of his name sound farther away. He's probably set the phone down so he can use both hands. When Eddie comes, it's all over his stomach and chest. He takes big breaths of air and listens as Steve's heavy, sharp breaths mean he's coming.
"Was it worth it Steve?" Eddie finally says when their breathing gets back to normal.
Steve laughs. "Totally. I can't wait for you to come back."
Eddie rolls on his side. He'll regret it later when he finds the wet spot. Right now, he wants to pretend that he's curled up next to Steve. "I'll be back soon. I love you."
CCF Bingo Card: 1970s | Prompt: Fleetwood Mac | Song: Rhiannon | Word Count: 732 | Rating: T | CW: none | Pairing: Matty(Freak)/OC, Matty & Gareth | Tags: Fatherhood, enduring friendships, big families, parenting, pure fluff
Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night
And wouldn't you love to love her?
It happened so fast this time he nearly didn’t make it. Matt’s a dad. Again.
Lily was fine, not her first rodeo, and sure, she was older - a geriatric pregnancy, a term that she has banned from ever being spoken in her presence again - but even at forty-one it was a relatively low risk pregnancy.
“That’s the last one,” she said, flushed and tired, as the midwife handed over their new addition.
They said that after the last one. And the one before that.
He’s sitting outside the nursery waiting to show his boys their new baby sister. Because finally, he has a little girl. Or Lily has back up, whichever way you want to paint it. Now he just has to wait for them to show up.
“Matty!”
Matty looks up to see Gareth charging down the corridor. He’s barely out of his seat before he’s been pulled into a bear hug.
“Congratulations, man!” Gareth pulls back with a final clap on Matty’s back. “Jeff's on his way. Eddie said it’s a girl? Really?”
“Really.” He walks Gareth to the window of the nursery and points at a swaddled baby in a tiny pink hat.
“Oh, man, look at her. Thank God she looks like her mother.”
“Hey!” Matt laughs. She looks like practically ever other baby in the nursery right now, but she’s beautiful and she’s theirs and he’s so happy.
“How’s Lil?”
“She’s good, fucking exhausted, but good. We’re gonna need help with the animals though.”
“Yeah of course, man,” Gareth says. “Steve and Eddie are on their way with them. Little fuckers are bouncing off the walls, I think Eddie’s pulling out the last of his hair.”
Yeah, he’s not surprised, he’s been living with those four little assholes for years, they’re a nightmare when they’re not hopped up on sugar, and there’s no way they haven’t spent the last twenty three hours eating absolute crap. But fuck it, they’re Eddie’s problem for the next few days.
“You got a name yet?”
Matty sighs. “No. We had a list, but...I don’t know. Now she’s here, they don’t feel right. They don’t feel like…special enough. Does that sound stupid?”
Gareth gives him the fondest smile. “No, man, I don’t think that sounds stupid at all. She’s your little princess.”
Fuck, she is. He has a little princess now. He’s going to spend the rest of his life protecting her, keeping boys away from her, far, far away from her. Or girls. If she likes girls, then they’re not allowed anywhere near her either.
But maybe one day someone will meet his impossibly high standards, and he’ll walk her down the aisle, and maybe she’ll have her own baby, and he’ll be a grandfather, and—
Jesus, what is he doing? She’s only two hours old.
“Yeah. She’s my little princess.”
They stand shoulder to shoulder, staring at his daughter, watching her sleep. He’s wet eyed and sniffly and he’s so happy. He can’t wait to take her back up to Lily.
“Rhiannon,” Gareth says.
Matty gives him a confused frown. “Fleetwood Mac…?”
“No, I mean yeah, obviously, but no. It means queen. It’s Welsh. I don’t know a name that means princess. But queen is even better, right?”
“Rhiannon.” It’s perfect. His little queen. “Yeah, I love it. Lily will love it.” He throws an arm around Gareth’s shoulders and pulls him for a side hug. “You’re not just a pretty face.”
“Thank you for saying I’m pretty.”
They giggle like they’re schoolboys again, and not men entering their forties with families and mortgages and jobs they hate. Just a bunch of kids fucking around in a garage, playing their instruments badly, and laughing so hard they cry. He’s lucky to still have them in his life. Most people lose those friends, people drift and change, but not them. Fucking solid. Always.
“Dad!”
Nate comes running down the corridor to him, Dylan and Sean walking behind, both too cool for school, but he doesn’t miss their excited smiles.
“Hey, little man,” he says scooping Nate up into his arms.
Eddie and Steve are behind them, Joel fast asleep in Steve’s arms. That kid would sleep through the apocalypse.
He leads the boys to the window.
“Which one is mine?” Nate asks.
Matty points to his little girl.
“There she is. That’s your little sister. Her name is Rhiannon.”
CCF Bingo Card: 1970s | Prompt: Queen | Song: I'm In Love With My Car | Word Count: 815 | Rating: T | CW: None | Pairing: Eddie/Steve | Tags: Post S4, Everybody Lives, The Bimmer belongs to all of them now, not S5 compliant
The machine of a dream
Such a clean machine
With the pistons a pumpin'
And the hubcaps all gleam
At the best of times there’s fuck all to do in Hawkins, but that's especially so now that it’s some kind of post apocalyptic hellscape. All their favourite hangouts and haunts are either at the bottom of a ravine or they got bulldozed to make way for something shiny and new. Steve’s mind drifts to Starcourt, in all its concrete and glass glory. It makes him shudder.
They’re all jobless, waiting for summer to be over. Waiting to head off to college, waiting for school to start up. Waiting to hear back from applications to shitty jobs no one wants. Waiting for friends to heal.
His parents are being clingy, nearly losing their son in the ‘earthquake’ was a shock to the system, so bringing friends round to his place is getting tougher. They want to meet them, feed them, hang out with them, and that’s all well and good but right now his friends are as worn out and shellshocked as he is. Robin looked like a robot on the fritz the last time his mom got her hooks into her. They mean well but he needs the distance. His friends need a sanctuary.
Blessed be the bimmer.
Before spring break Steve got great pleasure from chewing out the boys for treating him like Hawkins premier taxi service, free of charge of course. Now it’s everyone’s hiding place, motel room, dining room. Need a private place to cry for half an hour? Call Steve. Need to hide from overbearing parents? Steve’s bimmer, at your service..
They got into the habit, post Vecna, post apocalypse, post hospitals, of using the bimmer as some kind of therapists office on wheels. A refuge with shiney hubcaps. It works for everyone, so it works for Steve.
There’s been a lot of change in three years. The kids have graduated, which, Jesus fucking Christ, how did that even happen? They’re off at college now, freshmen. Good for them. Steve would have graduated college by now if he’d been good enough to get in anywhere. A sobering thought that he quashes with another swig of brandy from the fancy little flask Eddie carries with him. And Steve’s the poseur, apparently.
“Ooh, turn that up.” Eddie’s fingers waggle at the stereo, inches from the dial, but the fucker would rather just get Steve to do his bidding. (Steve always does). “And give me that,” Eddie grabs the flask from him, “you’re driving.”
Steve leans forward and turns the radio up. “I’m not driving right now.”
“Hardy ha, Steven. Last thing you need is Callaghan out here waving his fruity little flashlight in your face.”
There’s no chance of that up here. The kids used to call it Weathertop, the highest point in Hawkins, somewhere that’s perfect to hide when you just want to run from the world.
No one really knows why they’re still in Hawkins, what the pull is after all these years, but there’s something. It’s over, but it never really feels that way, too many reminders of people they’ve lost dotted around town. Eddie looks like he’s going to puke every time he sees a cheerleader. But still they stay.
A new song starts on the radio, and Eddie screeches, “Off, off, off!”
“You know, you could just do this yourself,” but Steve still flicks the radio off, and they sit in the quiet of a summer night in Hawkins.
“Yes, but I like having a knight in shining armour to do these things for me.”
“You’re so fucking weird.”
“Thank you for noticing.”
They listen to the crickets and watch the shimmer of street lights from all across town, and Steve contemplates just how long he can keep up the premise of staying in Hawkins for others when he’s the one that’s too scared to leave.
A rumble behind them announces the arrival of Eddie’s old van, safely in the ownership of a better driver. He can’t drive anymore, and even if he could, well Steve would still ferry him wherever he wanted to go. It’s a treat, doing things for Eddie.
Jeff and Gareth climb out of the van, and wave lazily at Steve and Eddie. They’re nice guys, Steve likes them, not least because they look out for Eddie. They like to get a little bimmer therapy from time to time, too.
The rear doors open and they climb in, and the complaints begin: Gareth’s dad is up his ass all the time about college, and Jeff’s mom wants him to go back to church, and then there’s his job…and Steve let’s them talk themselves out. They’ll smoke weed, and pick through Steve’s tapes, and laugh a little before they head home.
“I love your car,” says Eddie, and Steve knows he doesn’t mean the metal and the leather.
It’s been good to them, their little hideaway on wheels.
Card: 1990s | Prompt: R.E.M. | Song: Near Wild Heaven | Word Count: 1598 | Rating: M | POV: Gareth | Relationships: Gareth/OFC | CW: None | Tags: Sexual Content, Break up, Angst with a Bittersweet Ending | Read on ao3
For @corrodedcoffinfest
Gareth knew that a relationship would be hard to hold onto on the road. He's read countless interviews by artists he's loved about how it's fun and easier to have casual flings. He's in his twenties, the band is hot, and he knows how to show a woman a good time. Hell, he's indulged in flings more than once. Then he met Megan. It was after their Seattle show, Eddie had already left with Steve, and Jeff and Les were getting ready to go to a bar. She'd been hanging out in the mouth of the alley trying to light her cigarette. He'd pulled his own lighter out and while she smoked they started to chat.
He ended the night in her bed and left with her phone number.
Gareth hooked up with her whenever they were in Seattle and as more time was spent talking instead of having sex he wondered what a relationship with her would look like. He asked her out near the end of one of their phone calls. She laughed and said yes.
For the next two years, they met up when they could. Gareth flying to her during the small breaks from touring and recording. She coming down to Indiana when she could swap shifts with someone. They talked in small snatches. Gareth called in phone booths, hotel rooms, and his own line, racking up phone bills that he was glad he could afford to pay. It was blissful and wild and something he didn't think he could have. Maybe he could prove everyone wrong. He could have a relationship and make it work.
—
Gareth thrusts harder as he pinches Megan's nipple. He's orgasm is close, but the look on Megan's face let's him know she's no where near.
"Hey, do you want to try something," Gareth pants.
Megan cups his cheek. "This is okay."
Gareth frowns and slows down. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, come on." Megan replies. She grabs his arm and flips them over, readjusting before beginning to bounce. She looks stunning, long black hair swishing and tits bouncing. It's the fastest way to make Gareth come. It isn't until after he's come and she returns from the bathroom that he realizes she didn't come.
—
Gareth starts to pay more attention to what Megan isn't saying and doing. Their phone calls become shorter. He knows it's partially his fault. The band has more travel days on this leg of the tour and stops are few and far between. It takes until near the end of this leg for Gareth to notice her talking less during the call. Megan responds when he asks something, but doesn't tell him about her day or her plans.
"Hey, I'm gonna be back in Seattle at the end of June," Gareth begins, "I'll be in a hotel. I can swing by your place or you can come check out my room." He sounds silly saying it. He's never second guessed when it comes to making plans with Megan.
"I can come by the hotel. Sounds fun," Megan replies.
"Great, see you then," Gareth pauses. "Love you."
"Love you too."
He stares at the phone as the dial tone rings.
—
Gareth lands in SeaTac and gets a cab to his hotel. He calls Megan when he gets to his room. When Megan arrives, she grabs Gareth and pulls him into a kiss. They crash into the bed. Clothes come off and soon they're fucking. It's been a few months since they've seen each other in person and Gareth's trying to catalog all the changes.
Megan's hair is shorter, just below her shoulders. There's a dark bruise on her thigh, probably from her last softball game. She only put on eyeliner and mascara. Gareth wonders what changes she sees when she looks at him. Does she notice the scar on his arm from when he had to break up a bar fight and caught the wrong end of a bottle? Or the little stick and poke tattoo Eddie did when they were stuck on the tour bus for two hours while a car crash was being moved off the highway.
Gareth comes and kisses Megan as he pulls out. He ties up and throws away the condom. She scoots up near the headboard and Gareth crawls back onto the bed. He kisses her inner thighs as he makes his way to her cunt. He feels a warmth of satisfaction as he listens to her breathy gasps and uses his mouth and fingers to make her come.
—
It's his last day in Seattle and Gareth thinks there's something Megan isn't telling him. She's been more distant on this trip. Usually they stay up late, talking and fucking, and wake up at noon before they find the nearest restaurant where Gareth can eat his body weight in seafood. He wants to explain it away as just it being a longer time since they last saw each other. He knows she loves him, she still tells him so. But he's wondering if love is enough.
Megan is back at the hotel room. They've been making out on the bed for awhile and she grabs his shirt to take it off. Gareth takes her shirt off and then cups her tit. She's wearing a plum colored bra and he snakes his hand around to unclasp it. He kisses down her neck slowly, hands grazing her arms and waist. Her hands are pressed to his stomach, teasing along the edge of his jeans.
Gareth moves lower and slips a nipple into his mouth. Megan gasps and places her hands on his head. He sucks and lightly bites, working it until it's peaked. He leaves a trail of kisses in the valley of her breasts as he make his way to her other nipple. He gives it the same treatment. He stops when she pulls his head back.
They quickly take off their pants and underwear. Gareth grabs a condom and throws it on the bed. He lays down on the bed. Megan crawls over and slowly lowers herself until Gareth can grab her thighs and get his mouth on her.
Gareth likes when he eats Megan out like this. He feels the power in her thighs as she tries to hold her position and the shake of the headboard as she grips it. He's focused on licking her cunt, thumb finding her clit, rubbing alternate to his licks. She whispers Gareth's name and he feels her thighs tremble. She's not quite ready to come, but he knows Megan can't hold the position any longer. He gently grabs her thighs again and moves her around so she's on the bed. Her face is pink, sweaty hair sticking to it. He grabs the condom packet and rips it open. Gareth looks at her as he rolls the condom on.
He presses big, wet kisses to her stomach before he shifts up and enters her. They're slow. It's not the fast fucking of reuniting, but the slow push and pull of goodbye. He spent the first time memorizing the changes and now he's staring at Megan trying to remember everything like he won't get this chance again. When Megan comes, she curls up towards him. Gareth moans her name breathlessly and grips her shoulders tight when he comes.
—
It's been a few hours, Megan's had a cigarette and the TV is on low.
"Are you happy?" Gareth asks.
"Like, right now, or with life?" Megan asks.
"I mean with us."
Megan looks at Gareth with a small frown. "I mean it's fine."
What does she mean by fine? "Yeah, but when was the last time you were happy with us?" Gareth asks.
She shrugs. "I don't know, I've not really thought about it."
"Do you like what we're doing?"
"Why are you asking so many questions?"
Gareth huffs. "I just feel like you've been more distant. I don't know if it's because of my schedule or something happening here. I care about you."
Megan shifts so she's sitting upright. "I care about you too Gareth, but I don't really think about these kinds of things."
Gareth's stomach clenches. "Do you still want to date?"
"I don't know," Megan admits.
He's glad she doesn't say no immediately, but is it any better that she doesn't know what she wants?
"Is there anything I can do?" Gareth asks. It's a little needy, but he just wants to know if there's a way to repair this or if they have to let it go.
Megan reaches out and places a hand on Gareth's arm. "Not really. Maybe we just don't work anymore?"
Gareth knows this happens all the time. He's watched Les and Jeff get their hearts broke, but now that it's him, he's frozen.
"I should have told you I wasn't feeling quite the same, but Gareth it happened so slowly I didn't really realize it. I still like you, I still care for you. I just don't think I'm at the same level as you anymore."
"What do we do now?" Gareth asks, voice barely above a whisper.
"I can go home, give you some time to process. You can call me tomorrow and let me know how you feel."
Gareth shakes his head. He watches as Megan puts on her clothes and gathers her things. She walks back to him.
"If this is the last time I see you, I just want you to know I've really loved being with you." She presses a kiss to his cheek.
Bingo Card: 1990s || Prompt: Nirvana | Song: Come As You Are | Word Count: 8858 | Rating: E | CW: Past Trauma | POV: Eddie | Pairing: Steddie | Tags: AU, Omegaverse, Meet Ugly, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Alpha Eddie, Omega Steve, Knotting, Happy Ending
Also available on ao3.
It's sweltering. Eddie lifts his shirt, wiping his face. He knows he's only got about three or four good hours left to get this project finished, before he's gotta head home. Hunker down and ride this out.
He stinks. He can smell himself inside the shop, and that's saying something.
Eddie has never enjoyed his rut. Not as a teen right after he presented, and definitely not now that he's got a business to run, with paying customers waiting. It's an annoyance. An inconvenience. And if he could, he'd just skip it. Being a beta sounds pretty damn nice to him.
Unfortunately, he can't change shit about his life, never has been able to, but he promised Wayne he'd get more done before closing up. That much he can make good on. If he's gonna be out of commission for the next three days, he's gotta get ahead.
Problem is, Eddie's never been ahead a day in his life.
Eddie catches the movement from just outside the shop, making him curious. There's a man loitering around, jacket slung over his arm, working his fingers against each other. Eddie's hackles rise, and then go down again.
This guy doesn't look mad. Nor is he slinking around, being shady.
He looks like he's patiently waiting for something. Eddie definitely doesn't have any appointments scheduled, and he doesn't see any cars in need of attention.
"Can I help you?" Eddie hollers. No matter how good looking this guy is, Eddie doesn't have time for anything else. He can't add anything to his plate. He's got maybe an hour before he'll be unfit to be around the public.
Not that Eddie's ever really fit to be around the public. But that's how he likes it. Eddie would prefer it if he never had to actually interact with the customers at all.
This dude included. Maybe especially this dude, because he looks like another alpha. A preppy motherfucker. That's just asking for trouble today. And Eddie? Eddie's been in enough trouble to last a lifetime. He's on the straight and narrow now.
He did his time, and he's never going back inside.
"Just waiting," the guy calls back, not budging. As if he's stuck to the concrete under his feet.
"For what?" Eddie shouts.
"You, I think."
And then he wiggles his fingers in Eddie's direction. A little taunt of a wave if Eddie's ever seen one. Eddie bristles.
He's not buying whatever this dude is selling. He puts down his socket wrench, and steps outside the garage. When he does, it's not his own smell that fills his nose. Nor the familiar one of the garage. His safe haven. His home away from home.
No, now it's him.
Omega.
Fuck. That's not. He's not doing that. Not again.
He's a confirmed bachelor for a reason. He tried the love thing once. Didn't work out so good. And he paid the price for getting entangled like that. Now, he's quite alright with being a lone wolf. Wayne's the only pack he needs.
Eddie yanks down the garage door, slamming it to the concrete, twisting the handle, and jamming his key in the lock. He's left every light on, and his music playing. Wayne's gonna gnaw on his ass later.
Worth it. Because right now, he's leaving. Eddie damn well ain't looking for trouble. Trouble has always been able to find him easy enough as is.
"We're closed," Eddie says, giving this omega a wide berth.
"I'm not here for the shop. I'm here for you," he says, falling in step with Eddie as he heads towards the van.
"For what?" Eddie says, whirling around, holding up his hand, desperate to put some distance between them. Defensive. Suspicious. He doesn't need no more trouble. "Who the hell are you?"
"Steve," he says, cocking his head to the side like Eddie's an idiot, "I moved in recently."
Steve nods down the block. It's too vague to pinpoint where he means. Eddie hasn't exactly been scoping out the other businesses on the street. He keeps to himself. It's smarter to mind your own goddamn business.
"And?" Eddie asks.
"I've been catching whiffs of you all week. Today, you were strong enough to lead me here."
Eddie laughs, kind of meanly, "You sure you ain't an alpha? Hunting people down because they smell good? Like some kind of pervert."
Steve laughs, like he isn't offended by this accusation, holding up his hands. A sign of coming in peace. Eddie doesn't feel peace at all.
"I wasn't expecting someone so surly," Steve says, but seems absolutely unbothered that Eddie is clearly very bothered.
"Yeah, well. Here I am. I'm surly on a good day, and this ain't a good day. Now, I gotta go," Eddie says, making a move towards his driver's door.
Steve slides forward, closing in on Eddie again. He's even taller than Eddie realized. Bigger. As tall as Eddie is, and definitely sturdier. An outlier of an omega.
"You smell good."
"I smell like motor oil and multi-generational disappointment. Move," Eddie says, and Steve smiles, barely stepping to the side, as he grins like an idiot. Eddie doesn't return the gesture.
Eddie's never been cornered by an omega before. It's fucking bizarre.
Steve lifts his chin, takes a deep breath, sucking in a lungful of air through his nose. Like he's trying to catch even more of Eddie's scent. It feels invasive. Intrusive. And Eddie does not like intrusiveness.
"You're going into a rut."
"The fuck is that to you?" Eddie snaps. What a freak.
"You want some help?"
Eddie slams the van door, and Steve curls both of his hands around the open window frame, hanging on. Maybe he's a prostitute. He doesn't look like one, with his stupid, little polo shirt tucked into his jeans, but Eddie doesn't fucking know. You can't judge a book by its cover, and all that shit.
There ain't no way in fucking hell Eddie would ever fall for whatever this trap is. He wasn't born yesterday. He's been around every block, and he ain't going down that road again for love nor money. Definitely not for omega pussy. The State of Indiana can fuck right off.
"No means no," Eddie says, turning over the key, jamming it into reverse. Steve lets go, and Eddie kicks up gravel as he peels out.
Five days, and a whole lot of chaffing later, Eddie's back at the shop. That was the worst rut he's ever had, and he's had some doozies. Now, he's slid under a pickup with a leaky oil pan, and about two extra days behind on work. Of course he is.
"Hey, uh, you…under there," a voice calls out.
Eddie creeps out from under the truck and it's Steve. Fucking Steve. The pushy omega.
Steve is squatted down. Smiling awkwardly. Eddie pulls off his mask, and now he can smell him. He's throwing off a whole lot of confusing scents.
Mainly shame.
So, probably not a prostitute.
Eddie is still flummoxed by that interaction they had, but he wouldn't have forgotten his scent. It was burned into his nose for days. Eddie blames it for his horrendous rut, honestly.
"Hi," Steve says, "uh, I think I owe you an apology."
Eddie waves him off. It's fine. No harm, no foul.
"It's fine," Eddie says.
"It's not. I don't even think I got your name before I tried to lure you into bed," Steve says, looking sheepish.
Eddie laughs, more amused today than he was the other day. Not being on the precipice of going into a rut will do wonders for his general disposition.
"I'm Eddie," Eddie offers.
"Well, Eddie, I'm sorry. And embarrassed. I'm not usually so…"
"Forward?" Eddie supplies.
"I was gonna go with whorish, but forward is sure nicer."
Eddie laughs.
"It's fine. Never been stalked by an omega before. That was a new one."
Steve smiles, "Yeah, well. I'm not exactly conventional. I didn't even know I was going into heat. I wasn't due. Not that I'm regular. But still. You just," he says, looking away, "you smelled so good. And apparently that means I thought it was a good idea to do whatever the hell that was. Sorry."
Nobody ever tells Eddie he smells good. Off-putting, yes. Good? No. This guy's nose is clearly malfunctioning.
"It's fine, I mean. It happens. Probably. Not to me. But I know you didn't really want me. You don't even know me. You can do much better than this."
Steve huffs out a rueful laugh.
"I don't know about that," Steve says, eyes cutting away. Scent giving off distressed omega, which is alpha kryptonite, at least to Eddie. That's why Eddie tries to just keep his distance.
But that's not an option today.
Honestly, though. Is Steve nuts? He's gorgeous. Eddie has the urge to reach out and squeeze his hand, but his hands are greasy, so he stops himself. However, Steve looks so pale and clammy, Eddie changes his mind and does it anyway. Hands will wash.
He gives Steve's hand a squeeze, and Steve squeezes back. His hand is far too warm.
"It's really fine."
Steve sags, like a relief has washed over him. Eddie laces his fingers with Steve's, holding on. Pressing their wrists together awkwardly. Trying to soothe him. Eddie's not good at this. Comforting omegas. Comforting anyone. He's out of practice, if he was ever in practice in the first place.
But Wayne would have his ass if he didn't at least pretend to act like the gentleman he's most certainly not.
"Are you okay?" Eddie asks.
"Yeah. I'm just fucked up. My body," Steve says, and he reaches up and wipes his free hand all the way down his face. "I think the other day threw me into some kind of temporary rejection sickness. From an alpha I didn't even know the name of, and chased down like a lunatic. How fucked up is that?"
Eddie swallows.
Steve keeps talking.
"They warned me things would go fucking haywire if I didn't find someone, anyone, to mate with. That time was ticking. That I was too picky for my own good. That this is my own fault. If I'd just take a knot, everything would settle down. Like I'm some sort of ancient, old hag at forty-one for not being mated."
Eddie moves closer, touching Steve's cheek with his other dirty palm. Steve doesn't seem to mind, not with the way he leans into it.
"You're definitely not an old hag."
"And you're not so surly now," Steve says, and Eddie laughs.
"Yeah, well. Let's keep that between us?"
Steve nods.
"I'm sorry I was so forward," Steve says. "I'm unconventional. Just ask my parents and my doctors. It's a nice way of saying I'm a freak."
Eddie smiles, "Well. That makes two of us."
Steve grins at him. So, Eddie continues.
"There's nothing wrong with waiting. It's smart. I didn't get mated, but I got real close once. It was a bad idea. Beyond bad. And when the dust settled, I knew I'd never do it again. Not getting yourself into that position is smart, Steve. You've been smart."
Steve nods, "I'm not even looking these days. Maybe I was being picky at first, and then I just got used to being independent. Perhaps to my own detriment. But I swear I've never acted like I did the other day. I'm so embarrassed."
"Don't be," Eddie says, "biology is fucking weird sometimes. No hard feelings."
Steve nods, and pulls his hand out of Eddie's and Eddie lets him go. Steve looks exhausted.
"Thank you, for not taking advantage."
Eddie's heart squeezes.
"Not that I wasn't willing, I was, but that definitely wasn't me. Not the normal me, anyway."
Eddie nods. Steve's surprise heat probably zapped him, just like Eddie's rut did. Eddie's not really one for company, or for an audience while he works, but, well. A sucker is born every minute. Eddie has always been proof of that.
And he wouldn't mind getting to know the real Steve. He seems like an okay dude after all. So, Eddie makes an offer.
"Listen, I got some more work to do, but if you wanna hang out around here you can."
"Yeah, definitely," Steve says, smiling like Eddie's really offered him something, so Eddie rolls out his office chair, the nicest thing they've got around here, so Steve can sit right next to the pickup slides back under.
And Steve talks, asking Eddie questions. About the shop. About his life. About everything. He tells him that his parents didn't expect an omega son, and kinda fucked him up about it for a long time. By the time he'd gotten his head on straight, he was already old by unmated omega standards. Set in his ways.
It snowballed from there.
Eddie knows a thing or two about things snowballing out of your control.
And when Eddie rolls out from under the vehicle again, oil pan fixed, oil changed, Steve's got color in his face, at least more than he had earlier, and Eddie kinda feels like he's made a friend.
In perhaps the weirdest way possible. But still. Having Steve's company wasn't half bad.
When he's locking up for the night, Steve standing nearby, Eddie looks at him, "Friends?"
Steve smiles, "Friends. Definitely."
"Need a ride home?"
"Nah, I'm right over there," Steve says, and Eddie quickly realizes he meant that. Because Steve walks right next door to the small house. It's been empty for a long time, until it wasn't.
Steve.
He wasn't gesturing towards downtown, he was nodding next door.
Eddie guesses that means they're neighbors. That explains why Steve must have thought he needed to smooth things over.
They're gonna be in the same vicinity, like it or not.
Eddie thinks he might like it.
After that, Steve Harrington is around on the regular. Eddie finds he doesn't mind. He even misses him being around when he goes missing for a few days in a row, always coming back looking like he's been wrung out. Migraines, he says.
He also suspects that Steve wasn't experiencing rejection sickness, but isolation sickness. Eddie's a loner, but Steve Harrington is alone. He has a beta best friend across the country that he talks about, but that's it.
He's starved for companionship, for touch, and Eddie likes a project. Always has, always will.
Steve always disappears as soon as any other alpha turns up. After the first few times of getting what was clearly unwanted attention, he made it a habit to slink off into Eddie's office and hide until Eddie's alone again. If he hears Wayne's truck pull up out back, it's like he vanishes into thin air.
Just like he just did, moments earlier. Eddie was mid-sentence.
Eddie doesn't really get it. He's gorgeous. But it sure explains why he doesn't have an alpha if he hides from every one he crosses paths with. Eddie's sure there's more to that story, there has to be, but he hasn't pressed Steve to explain why he's so isolated from the world.
That's fine. Eddie hasn't explained all his damage either.
Eddie hears the back door open and close.
Wayne scents the air.
"Okay, kid. I gotta ask if you're not gonna tell me on your own. That omega smell is all over this shop, what's going on?" Wayne asks.
"I've told you. That's Steve," Eddie answers, bent over the car that's pulled into the shop. A customer reported a clanking noise that Eddie's trying to pinpoint.
"Steve, who I've never seen hide nor hair of, not even once."
"Yep. Lives next door. I've told you that."
Wayne makes a noise of disbelief, and Eddie turns his head to look at him.
"What? You think I'm lyin'?"
Wayne shakes his head, but it sure looks like he doesn't believe Eddie.
"No. Just. What's he after?" Wayne asks.
"Nothing. Company," Eddie says, "A friend. I'm his friend."
"And you're sure he's not looking to bring you trouble?" Wayne asks, and Eddie shakes his head. He's pretty sure that's not the case. But his mind obviously thought that, too, at least at first.
"He's not."
Wayne nods.
"Fine, you sure you're not, you know, courting him, then?"
Eddie laughs, "No. We're just friends."
"And yet he hides from me," Wayne prods.
"He hides from everyone. You ain't special, old man."
"Doesn't seem like he hides from you," Wayne says pointedly, but Eddie doesn't take the bait. Just goes back to working on the car.
Steve is allowed to pick and choose who he wants to interact with, and if that list is so short that it's only Eddie, well, then so be it.
"You really don't have anybody? No mate? Boyfriend? Girlfriend? Nothing?" Steve asks one night. All the extra shop lights are turned on so Eddie can work late into the night. Steve must have seen him working, because he wandered over an hour ago. Now Eddie's being grilled.
No good deed goes unpunished.
"Nothing. Really," Eddie says.
"Crazy," Steve mutters, but if Steve doesn't have someone, Eddie doesn't know why Steve thinks Eddie should.
"Why? You don't have anybody either. It's not a requirement," Eddie banters back, and Steve laughs, rolling around in Eddie's office chair that he drags out whenever he comes to visit.
If it low-key smells like omega, like Steve, all the goddamn time now, Eddie pretends to ignore it.
"You're just nice, is all," Steve says. "Kind."
Eddie cackles, "If you say so."
The next day, Eddie's patching a tire while Steve organizes a filing cabinet. Eddie didn't ask him to, but if he wants to, well, he can knock himself out. It's nice. Being together, but not feeling the urge to fill all the quiet spaces.
"Eddie?" Steve says, speaking for the first time in an hour, as if he could read Eddie's mind and just wanted to prove him wrong. It makes Eddie smile.
"What's up?" Eddie asks.
"I'm gonna go home. I don't feel good," Steve says, and that gets Eddie to look at him.
Fuck, he doesn't look good.
Eddie stands without realizing he's doing it.
"Here," Eddie says, leading him to the dirty couch in the corner of the office. Steve sits next to him, and Eddie pulls his face closer, until his nose is buried into Eddie's neck, Eddie's hand pressed to Steve's forehead. He's burning up.
It's weird. It's been so long since he's touched anyone like this. He doesn't really understand why Steve, who is so standoffish with the rest of the world, has taken to him. Eddie thought he'd made himself scary and unapproachable. With his hair, and tattoos, and outwardly surly disposition. Steve Harrington just doesn't care about any of that, apparently.
"Better?" Eddie asks after a few minutes. Steve nods, pulling back and resting his head on Eddie's shoulder for a brief moment, before pulling away. Eddie's not his alpha, but he is an alpha.
And if he can help him feel better, he will.
Eddie discreetly scents him. Smells like regular Steve. Now that he's confident that Steve's not in danger, he encourages Steve to go home and rest.
"Go home. Take a nap. I'll bring dinner over after I close. Deal?" Eddie asks.
"Deal."
"Wayne made fried chicken!" Eddie shouts, kicking Steve's front door closed with his foot as he balances the bowls of food covered in foil.
Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, corn, rolls. The works. If Eddie didn't know better he'd think Wayne was trying to woo Steve. Well, maybe he is. Woo him out of hiding.
Steve comes in, and he's riper than usual.
Eddie can't pinpoint what's going on. His first instinct is heat but Steve smells like this all the time. There should be a much bigger change.
"You feeling any better?" Eddie asks, and Steve raises his hand, rotating it in a wishy-washing movement.
"Eh," Steve says, and Eddie's not gonna overstay his welcome. Not if he doesn't feel good. If he's got a migraine, he doesn't need Eddie's loud ass here.
"Eat, I'll see you when you're feeling better," Eddie says, and Steve nods.
Steve doesn't show up. And keeps not showing up. By day seven, Eddie's officially worried sick.
Eddie makes his way over after he closes the garage, and grabs the spare key from the top of Steve's door frame.
In case of emergency. Eddie deems this as such.
"Steve?" Eddie calls out, and there's no answer, so he climbs the stairs, and he smells him before he sees him.
Pushing open the door, Eddie can see that his nest is full of Eddie's things. The whole room smells like oil, sweat and a hint of gasoline. It's. Well, it's a lot.
Under that, Eddie can smell Steve. His sweat, his slick. Eddie flares his nostrils, closing his eyes as he breathes deep. Steve's curled up in the middle of it, hair so wet it's clinging to his forehead, his neck. Curling around the edges. Eddie's never seen him look like that.
"Steve, are you okay?" Eddie asks, and Steve jolts.
Eddie holds up his hands, "Hey. You're okay. It's just me. You haven't come by in a week. I was worried."
Steve nods his head, laying it back down on his pillow, "It's bad this time. It'll let up eventually. Or I'll die. I don't have a preference at this point."
Steve might not have a preference, but Eddie sure does. Steve's not dying on his watch.
"Can I do anything for you?"
"Could I scent you?"
Eddie doesn't mind him doing it, but it feels like he's overstepping. He barged into Steve's house, and now into his nest? While he's in heat? He is in heat, Eddie thinks, but he just smells like Steve always smells.
Still, what choice does he have? Steve is suffering.
"Okay," Eddie says, shedding his jacket.
He sits down awkwardly on the edge of his bed, and assumes Steve is gonna scoot over and press his nose into Eddie's neck.
Eddie was wrong.
Steve crawls around until he's got his nose pressed into Eddie's groin. Where he smells strongest. He's not touching him, but he's close.
Fuck. Eddie's got control. He's not a young pup. But this is asking for a lot.
Steve's fingers grip Eddie's forearm, and the skin on them is pruny, and Eddie knows why. He can't think about that.
Steve's resting his head on Eddie's thigh now, and his purr is vibrating them both.
"That's it," Eddie says, petting Steve's hair.
"I'm tired," Steve says.
And Eddie imagines he is.
"Are you in heat?" Eddie asks.
Steve shrugs, "Always kinda am, I think," he mumbles. That explains a lot. The lack of change in his scent, the fact that he always makes himself scarce around other alphas.
He trusts Eddie. Eddie swallows. Tightening his grip on Steve's shoulder. Fuck. Steve's really gotta develop a plan before it gets this bad again. This can't keep happening. Not like this. It can't be good for him. You aren't meant to always be in heat.
"You're gonna have to line something up for next time," Eddie says gently.
Steve groans at the suggestion, his scent souring around the edges.
"I know you don't want to, but this feels dangerous."
This time, Steve nods ever so slightly
"I know. They're getting closer together and longer. Kinda all the time, on some level."
They definitely are if Eddie's never been able to tell the difference. It feels like Steve must always be on the way into or on the way out of a heat.
Fucking hell.
"It'll be okay. It'll be better. You'll see."
Now that Eddie knows, Steve has stopped hiding it, and Eddie realizes his migraine problem has been greatly exaggerated.
He doesn't have a headache problem, he has a heat problem.
And another fucking heat is already ramping up. Eddie feels like Steve's last one just ended days ago. He can smell the difference now that he knows Steve's pretty consistently in a low-grade heat at best.
"Steve."
"Don't even," Steve says, sitting down at the table.
Eddie's never seen anything like it. He's given him undershirts, and once, his sweaty handkerchief. The last time the shop rag truck came around, Eddie looked in the barrel and realized he really didn't have that many to send out to be laundered. Like, they'd all up and walked away. When the uniform truck came a week later, that's when Eddie realized someone had helped themselves to his stinky things.
Seeing his nest just confirmed it.
He orders more shop rags, and another set of uniform shirts. He'll just have to take at least one home every night, and then bring them back in when it's time for them to send them out to be laundered if he wants to keep them away from Steve's sticky fingers.
Steve clearly wasn't lying when he said he liked Eddie's scent, even if Eddie thinks that's kinda nuts. Eddie doesn't smell good.
Still, Steve needs to find heat help. And sooner rather than later.
And it's not gonna be Eddie. Not that Steve has come onto him again, or asked for that, he definitely hasn't, and Eddie's not about to offer. If Steve didn't try to get anything out of him in his nest the other day, he's pretty sure they're totally past that weird first encounter.
Which is good.
That'd be too messy. And Eddie's not looking for messy. He likes Steve and he doesn't want to fuck up a good thing. They're friends. Great friends, now.
Still. Dude needs laid.
And, well, maybe Steve is being too picky. A heat service, anything, might calm his instincts down. Something is haywire and in overdrive. He can't go on like this indefinitely. He needs a fucking knot. Dirty, greasy shop towels ain't gonna cut it.
But Eddie's definitely not gonna be another person in Steve's life to insist that Steve's doing something wrong with his own body.
"Are you a virgin?" Eddie asks a week later when Steve's only in a mild heat, not the full throes.
Steve laughs, "No? Where'd you get that idea?"
Eddie chuckles. Fuck, he doesn't know. It was stupid.
"Sorry, I don't know. Ignore me," Eddie says, taking a big bite of his sandwich.
"I've never been knotted, but I've had sex. Plenty. I'm not celibate. I'll have you know I was a babe in my youth."
Eddie nearly chokes, and tries to recover with even a trace of dignity. It's impossible. Steve's laughing.
He's still a babe now.
"Just never took a knot. Despite all the alpha whining I had to endure as they tried to cajole me into it."
"Never?" Eddie asks.
"Never," Steve confirms. "I just. I dug my heels in, just because I could. I'm stubborn. And then it went on for too long, that just letting some random alpha knot me seemed stupid. When I find one I think is worth it, if I do, then I'll do it. I'm not a prude. Furthest from it. I like sex. Love it. Am good at it, thank you very much," Steve says, and Eddie laughs. Fond.
"But being tied to some asshole alpha just to get my pussy filled wasn't my idea of fun."
Eddie nods. Fair enough. It's not like he has room to talk. It's been years, nearly twenty, since he's done it himself. There's a vulnerability to it, from both sides, and Eddie's just not into doing that with random omegas he can pick up in the bar on the bad side of town.
But Steve's never gonna meet the one, because the only person he ever interacts with, as far as Eddie knows, is Eddie.
Steve continues. "And right now it feels too dangerous to have casual sex. I'm in a drought, man. Dire times, indeed. But I'm always giving off the scent like I'm in heat these days. Alphas react to that. Well, most of them do, anyway."
It's pointed. It's not that Eddie hasn't reacted. Steve smells good. Always. Of course he does. But Eddie can control himself, and eventually he'd decided that that's just what Steve smells like. Eddie didn't fucking realize he was just always in some level of a heat. That's insane. Nobody lives like that.
Except Steve, apparently.
"I'm not scared of alphas. I know you think I am. But I know I can hold my own. I'd just rather not have to, you know?"
Eddie nods, and brushes his fingertips against Steve's wrist. Lightly marking him.
Steve brings his wrist to his nose, and inhales.
"How long have you been having this many heats?" Eddie's never seen someone have this many. It cannot be good for him.
"Since about the time I moved here. I mean, I was already having them way too often. But there were clear breaks, you know? Now, not so much."
Eddie hums in disapproval.
"Have you ever been in love?" Steve asks, as if that's the next logical part of this conversation. Maybe it is.
Eddie nods curtly, "Once. You?"
Steve shrugs, "It was always pretty one-sided."
"You just weren't that into them," Eddie confirms, or so he thinks. Steve shakes his head.
"No, they weren't that into me. Story of my life."
Eddie can't imagine how that could possibly be true. Steve's a catch. How he hasn't been caught is beyond Eddie's comprehension. If Eddie was in the market…and yeah, that's not a road he's gonna go down. Not now. Not ever.
"Then they weren't worth your love," Eddie states, and Steve smiles, but it's sad around the edges.
"I wish I believed that. I believe in love, at my core. I want to give love, and have that person want me to love them. I want to be someone's mate. Someone's whole world."
Eddie feels his gut twist with guilt that he's blatantly ignoring the fact that he could love Steve. Does love him. Eddie's just not a good partner, or alpha. Hell, if you ask some people in this town, he's not even a good person.
Steve deserves better.
"Anybody would be lucky to be loved by you," Eddie says.
"Yeah, sure," Steve says, like he doesn't believe a word Eddie's saying. It frustrates Eddie.
"No, really. The luckiest."
Steve smiles at him, and Eddie returns it.
"C'mon. It's time for lunch."
The next time Steve comes into the shop, Eddie can smell him first, then he sees his shoes.
"Steven. What can I do for you today?" Eddie teases from under the car.
"You think it's the knot I need or just a big ol' load of alpha come?" Steve asks out of the blue, so fucking bluntly, that Eddie nearly bangs his head on the undercarriage of this car he's working on.
Fuck. Well. That's an image.
"Eddie? Are you listening?" Steve questions.
"I'm listening," Eddie confirms, "I mean. I don't know. Which one is less horrifying to you?"
"Definitely the latter," Steve says, moving to sit down cross-legged by the car. Tilting his whole body nearly in half, so he can see Eddie. "Options I've come up with so far: One-night stand. Hooker. Sperm bank."
Eddie tinkers some more, but isn't really doing shit. He's far too distracted.
"What do you think?"
Eddie swallows, "The last one."
"Yeah, I think so, too."
The universe hates Eddie. Because they are still talking about this.
"The sperm bank said I'm too old, which, rude. I wasn't trying to get pregnant, and I explained that to them," Steve bitches, feet up on Eddie's desk, as he eats his burger. Steve had brought lunch and bad news. "They looked at me like I was some kind of pervert."
"Well, that is rude," Eddie agrees, shoving a handful of fries into his mouth.
"I guess I'll have to get black market street sperm," Steve says, and Eddie swallows a bite so big that it scratches his throat, giving him a moment of fear that he's gonna choke to death.
"Don't do that," Eddie quickly says, once he's dislodged it from his throat.
"You have a better idea?" Steve asks.
Well, fuck. If it means they can stop talking about this, Eddie will make a donation to the cause.
"I mean, I could jerk off in a cup. If you want. At least you'll know it's, you know, sanitary," Eddie says, blundering over his words. Sanitary? What the fuck. It's the most insane thing he's ever said, he's certain.
Steve laughs, like he's delighted that Eddie had to force those words out of his mouth. Asshole.
"Sanitary," Steve repeats, taunting him.
"You know what I mean. Don't do anything illegal. That's a bad idea. I've got come. Like, what am I doing with it?"
He sounds like a fucking idiot, but Steve is just staring at him. Looking far too hopeful.
"You really would?"
And even if he knows it's a stupid idea, Eddie nods.
Eddie squeezes his knot, milking another load out of himself into the little plastic cup. This is insanity. Purely chaotic behavior that they're both participating in right now. Eddie has lost his mind right along with Steve.
He draws it up into the baster Steve had given him.
It's still warm when he delivers it to Steve's door. Standing on his porch, waiting for the weirdest hand-off in history.
Steve waves him inside, damp hair plastered to his forehead. Eddie follows, but wasn't prepared for Steve to hike up his leg onto his kitchen chair, sliding the baster up the leg of his shorts, and well. Fuck. Steve's head is tilted back, throat exposed, and Eddie wants to bite.
Eddie wants to bite him more than he's ever wanted to bite anyone. Stupid fucking instincts. They've only ever gotten him into trouble.
He needs to get out of here. The smell of Steve this deep in heat, mixed with the scent of Eddie's own come now coating Steve's insides is too much.
"Better?" Eddie asks, and Steve nods, pulling the plastic out of himself, bringing it to his nose, giving it a sniff, before he licks the end of the empty baster.
"Jesus fucking Christ, Steve," Eddie says, and his dick is rock hard again. He's gotta be too old for that to be the case, at least outside of a rut, but goddamn if it ain't pressing against his zipper painfully right now.
"Figured it couldn't hurt," Steve says. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. See you soon, hopefully," Eddie says, and then rushes out the door, and back across the lawn.
If he jerks off in the garage bathroom like he's a teenager again, that's his own goddamn business.
Steve reports that it helped, but that it was only a temporary improvement. Knot. He needs a knot.
Eddie isn't jealous. He isn't.
Together they look at all the heat services around, trying to find one that seems promising and on the up and up.
Steve has a binder spread out in front of him. Eddie looks over his shoulder. Alphas. Lots and lots of alphas. All vetted. All perfectly safe options.
The best heat service in the state. Expensive. Very expensive.
Eddie hates them all.
"How do I pick one?" Steve asks, thumbing through the pages, like he's disinterested.
"By smell?" Eddie suggests. Eddie thinks that's what you're supposed to do.
Steve scratches at a sticker on the sheet, and Eddie wrinkles his nose. Scratch and sniff alphas. What has the world come to?
"Not that one. Gross," Eddie says, reaching down and flipping the page.
Steve scratches the next one. Worse. It's worse.
"They all smell bad," Steve huffs.
"They can't all smell bad."
"Well, they do!" Steve snaps.
Eddie reaches down and takes the book, flips to the front, and then the back. There. An index. Full of different top notes and the pages they can be found on. Some are obviously far more common than others. There are 24 entries under coffee.
"Cedar?"
"No."
"Whiskey?"
"No."
"Fresh cut grass."
"I'm allergic," Steve says haughtily.
"Well, what smells good to you then, your highness?" Eddie asks, and Steve looks up at him, giving him the look.
Eddie rolls his eyes.
"Well, I'm so sorry my stinky garage notes aren't commonplace," Eddie banters back, and Steve laughs, snatching the book back. Slamming the binder closed, pushing it away.
"I'm not doing this. I don't want to."
Eddie wants to shake him, "Steve. You're gonna hurt yourself."
Steve crosses his arms across his chest, and man, is he a stubborn fucker. He looks like a petulant child, not a middle-aged man with the first streaks of gray in his hair. Eddie's been going gray since he was twenty-two. The stress, Wayne said. Now, his dark hair is peppered with wild, wiry grays that never want to mind.
"What do you want? Me to knot you?" Eddie asks sarcastically.
Steve looks up at him with those big eyes.
Well, shit.
"Steve."
"I mean, ideally, yes. But no means no," Steve repeats back to him. "You've already gone above and beyond. And I'm so grateful. Being friends with you feels like I have an alpha in my corner, without all the stress of finding a mate."
Eddie pulls his hair out of his bun, re-doing it, just for something to do with his hands. He'd do it. Fuck. Of course he'd do it for Steve. He's just scared to death it's gonna ruin the one friendship he has these days. Sure, he has friends. In theory. Out in the world, living their lives. But actively here? Every day? It's just Steve.
And he likes that it's Steve.
"I'm always in your corner," Eddie says.
"I know," Steve answers, with a smile. "Please pick one for me."
Eddie picks up the book, and scans the scents. There's one entry under asphalt.
Eddie flips to that page and hands it over. Steve scratches the sticker, and gets a whiff. It's fine.
"Okay," Steve says. "Number 52 it is."
Eddie sits outside the back side of the garage, smoking a cigarette. He can see Steve's house from here. Mr. Asphalt showed up five minutes ago.
Worry churns in Eddie's gut. He hopes this works out for Steve. That it's a good experience, and that it helps him.
Eddie's stubbing out his cigarette when he hears Steve's screen door snap closed.
Mr. Asphalt is walking back across the lawn, and pulling away. That was fast. Too fast.
Steve comes down the steps as soon as he's gone, and Eddie slinks back into the shop, so he won't be caught spying.
When Steve appears in the open overhead door, Eddie plasters on a fake smile, "Well?"
Steve shakes his head, and Eddie feels relief, and then feels guilty about that.
"No?" Eddie asks.
"No," Steve confirms.
"We'll find a different one," Eddie suggests.
Steve shakes his head, "No. I'll be okay. I'm not doing that again."
And there's no way Eddie can make him.
Steve picks up a socket wrench, and flips it in his hand. Over and over. A nervous habit. He'll fiddle with anything, Eddie's found.
"I'll do it," slips out, Eddie's mouth betraying him.
Steve stills. Staring him down.
"If you want me to. I'd do it. For you."
"I want you to," Steve says quietly.
Eddie nods.
However, Eddie cannot in good conscience go through with this without coming totally clean with all his darkest secrets. All those binder alphas have been thoroughly background checked. Eddie hasn't.
He wouldn't pass one, if he was.
"I'm an ex-con," Eddie blurts out. "I did two years in my early twenties. I'm not dangerous."
Steve just nods along, non-plussed. Eddie doesn't get him. He really doesn't.
"Okay," Steve says.
"Okay?" Eddie questions.
"I know you're not dangerous, Eddie. I do know you. We've spent months getting to know each other. Anything that happened in the past doesn't change how I feel about the version of you I've gotten to know. And, for the record, I've never felt safer with anyone else in my entire life."
Eddie swallows.
"Do you want to tell me what happened?" Steve asks. "You don't have to."
And, yeah, Eddie does.
"I'm my father's son," Eddie says, "even if I swore I'd never be. I was so cocky about it. That I'd never wind up in prison like him. And yet," Eddie says, looking down. "I had an omega that I really loved, and we wanted to get mated. At least I thought so. My omega's ex-boyfriend had an issue with that. He made sure I got pinched for dealing. A set-up. I sold weed to an undercover cop. They said it was within 500 feet of a public park. I couldn't even see it around the corner. I fucked up."
"I'm sorry," Steve says, stepping closer, fingers brushing against Eddie's tattooed neck. Eddie had done everything he could to keep people away from him after he got out, and yet. Here's Steve.
"I fucked up. I've never forgiven myself for becoming just like my old man instead of like Wayne. I've tried hard to fix that since I got paroled. I'm done. Free and clear, now. Have been for a long time. But it was rough. I couldn't get a job. But I had to have a job for my parole to not get revoked. So, Wayne quit his union job. Cashed out his retirement, and bought this garage."
Eddie gets choked up just thinking about it, let alone talking about it.
Steve is looking in his eyes, right up close. It's kind of intense. Still, Eddie needs to continue.
"We made it work. And those four years were hard," Eddie says with a sigh, "I think the two in prison were easier. You can't convince yourself you're free on the inside. Outside, though? It was just an illusion. I was searched all the time. They wanted to find something. Anything. To send me back. He still had connections, and a vendetta against me. All for falling in love with someone who was never really mine in the first place."
Steve presses his nose into Eddie's neck, and Eddie's hand finds Steve's back, clutching.
"You don't realize how much freedom you have until you're subjected to warrantless searches all the goddamn time for years, at all hours of the day and night."
Steve rumbles against Eddie's chest, throwing off a calming scent that Eddie soaks up, greedily.
"After four years of going from home to the garage and back again, and that's basically it, it was a habit. And I never changed it."
"Understandable," Steve says, cheek brushing Eddie's neck.
"I just wanted to be left alone," Eddie admits.
"And then here I came to bother you," Steve says, fingers grazing the other side of Eddie's neck.
"And then here you came to show me that letting people in isn't so bad," Eddie corrects.
"Mmm," Steve hums against Eddie's neck, sending vibrations through his body, straight to his dick.
"So, if none of that scares you—"
"—it doesn't," Steve interrupts, and his scent says that's true. One of them is distressed right now, and it's not Steve. "Take me home."
"But you're not…" Eddie starts, but he is. He always is. There's constant heat around the edges of Steve's scent, and Eddie shouldn't at all be surprised by that by now.
Eddie takes Steve's hand in his own, and doesn't let go, even as he has to lock up the shop one-handed.
They're doing this.
Steve's body is unreal. Eddie's never seen an omega like him before. Solid, hairy. Honestly more hairy than Eddie's ever dreamed of being. He's an omega, but still extremely masculine in a way that Eddie is definitely digging. Thick thighs that have wrapped themselves around Eddie's hips. Squeezing.
Splayed against the bedding, Steve looks more at peace than Eddie's ever seen him. Eddie runs his hands over Steve's warm, too warm, chest.
"You sure you still want this?" Eddie asks, sweating dripping down his brow. He's showing restraint. "With me?"
He's nervous.
It's not that he's never done this, it's just been a while, and Steve's never. There's pressure to perform, to get it right.
Pressure to hope that this will actually help Steve, and not just be a bad idea that they dove headfirst into together too fast.
Steve nods, breathing ragged, throwing off so much horny scent that Eddie's drunk on it. On him.
Eddie's let someone in again, and he's terrified. They haven't discussed this enough. Eddie knows that. He's doing it anyway, and if he gets burned again, well, fuck.
"Okay, sweetheart," Eddie says, nudging the head of his cock against Steve's opening. Easily sliding into Steve. He's so slick, so open and ready, that Eddie groans at the sensation. Steve clutches at him, bearing down, as he makes a noise that should make Eddie come immediately. Somehow, he doesn't. That's a minor miracle. But he knows it's not gonna take long. Age, be damned.
Eddie tries to rein himself in as he's thrusting deeper, once, twice, but doesn't take much longer before he's feeling his knot start to catch. He'd be more embarrassed if it didn't feel so good.
Steve keens, squirming, lifting his ass off the bed.
"Sorry, this is so fast," Eddie apologizes, and Steve makes a dismissive noise. "Not a great first experience, I know. Last chance to back out."
"God, no. Fuck. Just do it," Steve whines, and fuck. Eddie's gonna.
Eddie's knot pops past Steve's rim one more time, and that's it. Locked into place, Eddie comes harder than he can ever remember coming in his whole fucking life. Steve's leaning forward, arms wound around Eddie's neck, pulling him close, as Steve mouths at Eddie's neck. Smelling. Tasting.
Blunt teeth grazing Eddie's mating gland.
They are playing with fire here, but maybe they always have been, Eddie realizes.
Eddie comes again, body spasming as Steve clenches around him, pulsing. Steve's so tight. Eddie's instincts are to bite him, to claim him, to keep him forever. He won't, but he's not gonna make it out of this without some additional damage.
Just what he needs. More of that.
Steve's fever breaks, and he's soaked. Trembling, and Eddie pulls him close. He's cooler than he's ever felt any time Eddie's ever touched him. Maybe he has always been running a low-grade fever. Fuck, that'd be awful.
"That's it, sweat it out," Eddie whispers, brushing his lips against Steve's forehead.
The next round is more comfortable, and Eddie tries to shove back the feeling that they are having actual sex here. This time isn't as urgent, it's just learning to move with each other. And they move together damn good.
Steve's no shrinking violet. Not that Eddie really thought he was, but he's an active participant, as into this as Eddie is, and that just fuels the fire burning inside Eddie.
Round three is filthy, Steve running his mouth about getting bred. It should terrify Eddie. It doesn't. It won't happen, they've likely missed their window for that happening on its own by years, even without all the issues Steve's reproductive system clearly has.
Eddie's okay with that. He's never felt the urge to have pups of his own. He's always been far too scared he'd repeat the cycle again.
Steve whines loudly as Eddie eats him out. Steve riding his face, Eddie with two fingers buried in Steve's cunt. The amount of slick might drown him, but at least he'd die happy. Steve's clutching at the headboard, grinding down, and when he comes, the extra slick he releases coats Eddie's face.
Steve pulls up and Eddie licks his lips, still holding onto Steve's thighs.
He's never had sex like this. Not even close. How the fuck was Steve not locked down by someone in the past twenty years? It's absurd. Any alpha worth a damn should trip over their own knot just for the chance to worship Steve.
Steve crawls off, and flops next to Eddie, and Eddie reaches down and takes his hand into his own.
Steve's heat has broken. Honest to god, broken. For the first time since Eddie's known him. Eddie feels relief for him as they rock together one more time. Because they want to. He smells different, and Eddie almost feels like he's meeting Steve for the very first time.
Eddie's knot catches, and they're tied together once more.
Steve turns his head, nudging his neck towards Eddie's mouth. Eddie runs his tongue over the swollen gland, and Steve sighs. His scent is still heavy, but much less horny.
It smells a lot like pack.
Like love.
As if Eddie's found a home again.
Eddie moves to suck on the swollen bulge, and it bursts in his mouth. Eddie freezes. He wasn't anywhere close to biting him.
"I'm sorry," Steve says, fingers pressing into Eddie's back, like he's scared Eddie's about to bolt. How? They're tied together. And what the fuck is he sorry about? This is on Eddie. Maybe he was being too rough. Too careless.
Eddie needs to spit or swallow, and he can't exactly ask Steve which he prefers. He pulls back and meets Steve's eyes. Trying to find out what he should do, what Steve wants him to do. If he spits it out, if he doesn't follow up on the broken gland with a bite, it will likely eventually heal.
They do get broken sometimes. Accidents happen, sexual or otherwise.
Or, he can swallow, bite him, and complete the bond.
"I want you," Steve admits, like it costs him a lot, eyes big and damp, "but I know you said you don't want a mate. No means no. Spit it out."
Eddie growls, a low rumble in his chest. All Eddie wants is Steve. He's just fucking terrified of that. But now he's far more terrified of not having him.
Steve's eyes fall soft and hooded. He touches Eddie's cheek. "Okay. I hear you, honey. Alpha. Yes. Swallow."
That's all Eddie needs. He swallows, then tilts Steve's neck and bites him. For real, and with purpose. Steve keens, clamping down on Eddie's knot, making Eddie come again.
Eddie runs his hand over Steve's hair, over his face, thumb brushing his damp cheek. Eddie presses his own cheek to Steve's, sure his own is wet, too.
Then, Eddie pulls back, tilting his head to the side. Offering. It's not needed for the bond to take. Most alphas don't want marked up like that. Eddie's not most alphas, and thinks it can only make their bond stronger if Steve wants to bite him back.
Steve sinking his teeth into Eddie's neck sends a flood of relief through Eddie's system. A release of tension he didn't even know he was holding, has maybe always been holding.
He comes again. Into his omega. Into his mate.
Steve is his, for real. Forever. And he is Steve's.
Eddie never thought he'd be anybody's anything.
"That's it, sweetheart," Eddie says, throat working hard around the words, still feeling Steve's teeth clamped down, "Make me yours."
Steve growls.
Unconventional, most definitely. Eddie smiles.
Steve is latched on pretty good, and Eddie refuses to rush him.
They've got all the time in the world now.
One Year Later
Eddie changes the rim on a car that drove a little too far on a flat tire. The whole place stinks of burnt rubber.
Until it doesn't. He smells Steve before he sees him.
"Hey, sweetheart," Eddie calls out, and Steve walks his way. Leaning down to kiss him.
Steve moves around the shop with confidence now. Waiting on customers of all kinds, taking on a huge share of the business end of the garage. Wayne was relieved. One, that Steve was real, and good, and not just more trouble knocking at Eddie's door demanding to be let in.
But also for the help. He needed it. The bookkeeping is not Eddie's thing, but Steve's good at it. He's already collected on some overdue accounts, just using his blunt directness. Eddie's impressed.
Steve Harrington takes no shit. Not from Eddie, and not from the customers. Not now that his heats have leveled out to a very normal amount for an omega his age.
And Eddie knows without a doubt that while they were both scared to jump into this thing, because the baggage they've both carried around for decades is heavy and cumbersome, that they made the right decision. Together.
Eddie has a mate.
He has Steve.
And he loves Steve, just how he is. There's no box Eddie would ever want to shove him into. This is the omega he wants. Loves. The one that's perfectly Steve, just as he is.
Eddie's happy. It's weird, still foreign and novel. That he's allowed himself to be happy with Steve, guilt-free. The past, the past. The future, wide open.
As Uncle Wayne would say, good things come to those who wait.
