He has bewitched me body and hole

30s | she/her | certainly NSFW | multifandom & random stuff | lost in the Upside Down | sidekick-hero on AO3 | icon by @firefly-party

[sidekick-hero]

💫 Sandy, she/her, 30s💫

writing tag ✍️ My AO3

🌈 Multichapter Fics 🌈

Suitcase of Memories (55k | explicit | co-written with @legitcookie)

Boy meets boy. Boy meets boy again. And again, so they decided to go on a date about it. But as they grow closer, Steve's insecurities threaten to pull them apart before they can even begin. Will fate intervene?

I wore his jacket for the longest time (58k | explicit | co-written with @legitcookie | Sequel to we pass the ghosts that haunt us later) 

Steve has made some bad choices in the past, choices that have cost him his marriage, and even worse than that, Eddie. The man he didn't realize he was in love with until it was too late. Now Steve must pick up the pieces of his life and figure out how to become the man he wants to be.

It's a story about love lost and love found, about the importance of friendship and family, and most of all, about second chances and how it's never too late to change.

I'll keep you like an oath (may nothing but death do us part) (20k | mature)

When Steve's grandmother dies, he finds out that he can only get his inheritance - half a million dollars - if he marries someone. It's her way of forcing Steve to live a heterosexual life. Sucks for her that gay marriage has been legalized since she wrote her will. Sucks for Steve that he doesn't have a man or woman in his life to marry.

Cue Eddie Munson, roommate and best friend of Robin's girlfriend Chrissy and the guy Steve has had a crush on for years. What could possibly go wrong?

I’m tired of asking to settle the debt (18k | explicit)

5 times Eddie warms Steve's hands and that one time Steve returns the favor.

Or: What if Steve and Eddie had met before the events of season 4? What if they kept bumping into each other because it was meant to be?

hold me close (I’m shaking apart) (WIP (2/3) | 15k | explicit)

It all came down to one simple truth: Steve Harrington was not at all what Eddie expected him to be, and it was confusing him to no end.

Or: Steve asks Eddie if he wants to experiment. Eddie wants so much more, but he takes what he can get and tries to not let it break his heart.

Dear Future Self (14.5k | explicit | pwp)

After the events of March '86, Eddie pines for his new friend, the former king of Hawkins High. Too scared to make a move, he has resigned himself to a life as Steve's friend and nothing more. That is, until one hot summer day, a naked guy appears out of nowhere in Steve's bedroom.

The naked guy is him from the future, and he says he's here to help Eddie pull his head out of his ass. It turns out that he and Steve are a happy couple in the future.

And as if that wasn't enough, he also offers to teach Eddie how to properly fulfill Stevie's needs. Sexy shenanigans ensue.

tangled with what I never said (4.1k | mature | angst with a happy ending)

And they were roomates.

🌈 Series 🌈

Modern AU - Teacher Steve and Musician Eddie (11k in 5 parts | rated T to explicit)

Just some snippets from the life of Teacher Steve Harrington and Wedding Band Singer turned Rockstar Eddie Munson.

Runner Steve Verse (14k in 2 parts | explicit)

Steve starts running to get out of his head. He finds that maybe he's been running towards something (or someone) all along.

🌈 One-Shots 10k+ 🌈

to the rhythm of eternity (18k | explicit)

The last two years Steve and Eddie have been doing the long distance thing when Steve visits Eddie in London for Christmas and falls in love with the city as well.

Emotional Motion Sickness (16.5k | explicit)

Steve's first night at a gay bar turns into something he never expected. He accidentally stumbles into a theme night - Kink Night - and discovers something new about himself.

🌈 One-Shots 5-10k 🌈

Would you fall for me? (8.8k | explicit | Porn with plot)

One-sided enemies to lovers au inspired by that cake scene in red, white and royal blue.

I'm down on my knees (I wanna take you there) (8.5k | explicit | Porn with feelings)

"I liked... how it felt when you held me by the throat. Just. Feeling your hands, knowing that I could let go and you'd got me. I felt, I dunno, safe? That's what I liked about it, I think."

Sequel to Emotional Motion Sickness.

Will you cleanse me with pleasure? (8.4k | explicit | PWP with tentacle love making)

Steve thinks it’s safe to say that he knows everything important about Eddie when they finally decide to move in together.

Everything, it turns out, except that Eddie sneaks out of the house in the middle of the night at least once a week.

he's all that I've got (don’t take that sinner from me) (8k | explicit | open but hinted at happy ending)

Eddie is on the run after still being blamed for the murders in Hawkins, but he can't run away from Steve.

Part 2: take you with me (mature | 2.1k)

The way you touch, the way you taste (7.1k | explicit | PWP)

Gareth, Jeff and Freak hire Steve to take Eddie's virginity on his birthday. Eddie takes Steve's heart in the process. Entry for the sub Eddie week.

You know I'm a show off (I would let you get some) (6.4k | explicit | PWP)

Eddie's neighbor is the hottest man in existence, so when he finds him washing his car in the shortest shorts known to man he can't stay away.

Love from the other side (6.2k | mature)

Steve works in the emergency room, where he has lost several patients with gaping wounds on their necks, the blood drained from their bodies. It's only because of Eddie, who is a vampire himself, that Steve doesn't end up like them, but what will he do when it's Eddie who needs help?

Part 2: sink you teeth

we were meant to be (we live happily in my fantasy) (5.6k | explicit | PWP)

Eddie is a Big-Shot-Rockstar and Steve is the escort he hired to get people off his back. Too bad he fell in love with him.

When I open my eyes to the future I can hear you say my name (5k | explicit | PWP)

Even after almost a decade together you can still discover new kinks.

Will the man become the monster, or the monster become man? (5k | explicit | PWP)

Beauty and the Beast AU with a twist: What if, once a month, the prince turns back into the beast?

🌈 One-Shots 1k-5k 🌈

I’ve got to get you out of my mind (and back into my arms) (4.7k | explicit | PWP)

Every once in a while, Steve and Eddie like to spice up their sex life and go out to play.

Lay all your love on me (4.6k | explicit | porn with feelings)

Steve feels lonely on Valentine's Day '87 and a certain metalhead sets out to change that.

wear me like a locket around your throat (4.5k | explicit | PWP co-written with @yournowheregirl)

It doesn't really matter why, the fact remains that Eddie is making Steve a little bit feral, and the animal part of his brain demanded that he do something about it.

And that's why he bought Eddie a fucking collar, of all things.

tell me it's love, tell me it's real (4k | explicit | PWP co-written with @yournowheregirl)

The infamous piano scene from Pretty Woman (1990).

Carry You (4k | teen)

Written for @steddielovemonth, prompt: Love is letting someone take care of you.

Eddie is living the rockstar life, but it comes with a prize. When he reaches a point where he can't go on like that, will he finally let Steve carry him?

Part 2: Dear Steve (teen | 2.3k)

we tangle endlessly like lovers entwined (3.4k | explicit | Porn with feelings)

It's canon Steve likes to hold hands during sex.

Safe Haven (3.2k | teen)

Eddie finds a hurt wolf in the woods and takes him home. He has no idea that there is more to this particular wolf than it seems.

Part 2: Eat you alive (wc: 1.8k | mature)

Drowning In You (3.2k | teen | co-written with @legitcookie)

Steve and Eddie spend some time swimming at the quarry. At night. In just their underwear. As you do.

on the tip of my tongue, on top of my thighs (2.8k | explicit | PWP)

Eddie may be a little obsessed with Steve's chest. Okay, drop the a little.

The road to hell (2.8k | mature | demon!Steve crack fic)

Based on the prompt: It’s a bit awkward that you managed to actually summon a demon; almost as awkward as that demon being your ex spouse.

He was sweet like honey (2.7k | explicit | PWP)

Steve loves mint chocolate chip ice cream. Eddie loathes it. But Steve has an idea how he can change Eddie's mind.

will you take me home (2.7k | teen)

Robin wants to adopt a cat, so why does Steve end up with one, too?

Rooting for you (2.6k | explicit)

Steve screwed up, no way around it. Fucked up big time.

In his defense, he didn't know that Eddie was in love with him. How could he have known? For all intents and purposes, they were just two horny guys hooking up.

safe & sound (2.5k | teen)

What happens when Steve meets Eddie Munson, who has just failed his senior year for the first time, during one of his nightly drives?

are you still mine? (2.4k | teen)

"He kissed me," Steve blurts out, and to Robin's credit, she doesn't react except for her hand on his to twitch in surprise. She makes a questioning sound in her throat, clearly waiting for more.

So much (for) Stardust (2.3k | teen)

A scene from an upcoming fic Pickup Note with @thefreakandthehair and art by @firefly-party. Steve can't sleep and Eddie takes him stargazing.

the past, the future, through death my arms are open (2.1k | mature)

second part to are you still mine? where Steve remembers another moment from their shared past where Eddie has been there for him even when he didn't ask for it

will you find me in the stars (2.1k | mature)

In every life, in every universe, they will find each other again. What’s a lifetime if you measure it in eternity?

true colors (2.1k | explicit)

Eddie's heart is beating for Steve but it takes Steve a bit to understand what it is saying.

Slaying Dragons (2.1k | gen)

Eddie was six years old when he first met Steve, not that he would remember it until much, much later.

Blinded by you (2.1k | teen)

The one in which Eddie is a hot mess but Paramedic Steve doesn't mind.

Crutch (2k | mature)

Steve loves Eddie, he really, really does. He just can’t say it.

Louder (2k | explicit | PWP)

While laying in bed, the two of them can't help but overhear their upstairs neighbors going at it rather loudly. Eddie turns to Steve after a while, and asks, You wanna fuck louder than them to establish dominance?

(I just) died in your arms (1.9k | teen | co-written with @legitcookie and @yournowheregirl)

"Hey, Steve, hi. You're probably wondering what I'm doing here." Eddie smiles nervously. When Steve just blinks at him, he takes that as a cue to continue.

"Funny story, actually," He laughs. The lack of sleep must be kicking in, which always makes him feel a little drunk and giddy. "There's this really annoying pipe in my room that's slowly driving me crazy, and I really, really, really need to get some sleep, man. I might even start crying if I don't get some soon. So, I was wondering... Could I crash in here?"

Someone New (1.7k | teen)

After Vecna, Eddie thinks he lost something vital, the one thing that made him Eddie. Steve teaches him that that's not true.

Butterfly Effect (1.5k | mature)

Eddie Munson is bad at feelings, but Steve makes him talk about them anyway, at least in metaphors.

Your scent (it clings to every blanket, sheet and pillowcase) (1.5k | mature)

Life after March '86 is very different from life before. For one thing, he never almost died before. Nor did he ever have anyone accuse him of murder, never mind murders, as in plural.

But then again, he didn't have Steve Harrington before either.

Until I found you (1.5k | mature)

Steve reminds Eddie that you can't buy happiness, you find it in each other.

You got a fast car (1.4k | teen)

"If we leave now, we can be in Indiana before midnight," Steve hears himself say, the decision already made, because the alternative is blood and pain and sorrow.

something about us (1.4k | teen)

What starts out as one of the worst nights of his college life turns into something else when Steve meets Eddie while being banned from his dorm room in the middle of the night thanks to some asshole setting off the fire alarm.

when we were made it was no accident (1.2k | teen)

Steve and Eddie just started dating, it's all new, it's all fragile and most of all, it's still a secret. So when they have a soundcheck coming up, they can't both be late because they can't make themselves to leave the bed, can't they? (part of @thefreakandthehair and @firefly-party and mine project pickup note)

we can be heroes (1.2k | gen)

Love makes Steve brave. And Steve loves fast and hard.

Once those two things become a certainty in Eddie's mind, other things fall into place.

When it rains and shines (1.2k | teen)

written for the stwg daily prompt kiss in the rain

only soul I ever saved (1.1k | explicit)

With Steve, Eddie can be soft. Obediant and sweet. With Steve, Eddie can be a good boy.

hate to be lame (1.1k | mature)

Eddie and Steve are spies working for competing agencies. They make it work.

Somehow, I just want you more (1k | teen)

When Chrissy sets Eddie up for a blind date he did not expect to find a ghost from his past waiting for him.

🌈 Drabbles (<1k) 🌈

I want you to want me (921 | teen)

let the impulse to love and the instinct to kill entangle to one (918 | teen)

Connoisseur of Comfort (652 | gen)

Grow back your sharpest teeth, you know my desire (548 | explicit)

Show them (Baby I'm yours)  (534 | explicit)

Sugar, I got a taste for you now (480 | explicit)

Okay, so I'm the dragon. Big deal. (442 | gen)

always on the tip of my tongue (387 | teen)

Deflated. Devoured. Defiled. (311 | explicit)

hole-in-the-wall (404 | gen)

love bites (404 | mature)

mine (404 | explicit)

Ahoy Sailor! (404 | mature)

My arms belong around you (509 | mature)

Like real people do (846 | gen)

that ultra-kind of love (you never walk away from) (509 | teen)

Let Go (509 | explicit)

Anything for love (790 | teen)

moonlit bonding (388 | teen)

blow my candle (290 | explicit)

Strangers Passing (380 | teen)

Sir Lancelot (482 | teen)

On top of the world (616 | teen)

Along for the ride (510 | teen)

[augustjustice]

you wanna feel how it feels (let's exchange the experience) 9/?

start here | Part 8 | AO3

Rating: E (overall; T for this section) | 4.7k for this part of the chapter

Tags: Bodyswap, Friends to Lovers, Slowburn, Getting to Know Each Other, Steve Harrington Has Absent Parents, Good Parent Wayne Munson, Disabled Eddie Munson, Disabled Steve Harrington, Class Differences, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Bisexual Eddie Munson

Summary: After the Spring Break from hell, Eddie and Steve become fast friends, with a possible hint towards something more…except they’re never quite sure what the other is actually thinking. But maybe, just maybe, walking a mile in each other’s shoes can lend them some much needed insight.

Notes: The following morning, Steve gets an abrupt awakening. Then, he and Eddie face their next big challenge: making conversation with an unsuspecting Wayne Munson.

It's been a helluva year for me so far. But I've finally found myself with some much needed free time and managed to finish the first scene of the next chapter! Since it crossed the 4k mark, I figured I might as well go ahead and share a long-awaited update. My focus is back on this fic for the summer, so hoping I'll be able to share another scene soon!

A knock on the door pulled Steve from sleep with a jerk, startled to be woken up by anything other than the sound of his own alarm clock. 

“Up and at ‘em, boy!” Wayne Munson’s familiar, gravelly voice called out. “Yer ride’s here!” 

As Steve blearily blinked open his eyes, it took a minute for reality to fully catch up with him. After all, it wasn't that unusual to wake up and find himself staring at the bizarrely named band posters plastered all over Eddie's walls, his prized guitar mounted beside them. 

“What ride?” Steve muttered, confused, as he sat up. 

Because, last he checked, he was basically the unofficial taxi service around here. At least, as far as Robin and the kids were concerned. Hell, Eddie too, now that he’d taken to bumming rides to school from Steve. 

Not that Steve minded. He already had to stop by Forest Hills to pick up Max. What was one more? Eddie and Robin could make all the soccer mom, car pool jokes they liked, but he hadn’t exactly seen either of them turn down the offer to get driven around.  

Steve reached up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes…and a long, dark curl fell forward, tickling his skin as it brushed against his cheek. Now fully awake, he yanked his hand back, wide-eyed as he finally registered the silver rings on his fingers, the tattooed cluster of bats flying across his pale forearm. 

Realization hit him like a mack truck.

“Oh, God,” Steve groaned, collapsing back onto Eddie’s worn mattress and throwing an arm over his eyes, pressing that black inked skin close and flattening Eddie’s bangs to his forehead in the process. “Come on, seriously? It’s not over yet?”

He had totally been hoping he and Eddie would wake up this morning and everything would be back to normal. Like suffering through a–obviously pretty bizarre–24 hour head cold that ran its course, came and quickly went. 

So much for positive thinking. Steve should have known better, after dealing with whatever fresh hell the Upside Down had thrown their way year after year. 

Resigned to another day of Hawkins’ weirdness, he sat up and started climbing out of bed. The sudden movement made Eddie’s abdomen twinge, clearly still agitated from yesterday’s basketball game. 

Steve gritted his teeth, that stinging pain stirring up visions dripping with the vivid, sticky red of Eddie’s exposed blood and bone and muscle, an aching souvenir for all the gaping wounds that the doctors had to stitch back together later.

Grimacing, he pressed a firm, soothing hand to his stomach, like he could make up for all the times he’d missed out on offering that kind of touch to Eddie himself. 

You're still here, Steve thought forcefully, patting Eddie’s side. The same words Steve had comforted himself with night after night sitting by Eddie's hospital bed, waiting for him to wake up. He felt a little strange thinking them when Eddie wasn't actually in the room with him…not exactly. The scars still felt like a reminder, though. 

You're still here.

That was one upside to this whole thing–Steve getting the chance to put up with the pain in Eddie’s place. It was the least he could do, really, after Eddie had sacrificed his body to protect them all. 

As he stepped up to the dresser, the ache beginning to ebb away, he found himself caught up by something else entirely–the reflection of Eddie’s bare chest in the mirror. Steve couldn’t quite keep himself from staring, lips parting involuntarily. 

Thanks to that shower at his place yesterday, it wasn’t like this was the first time he’d gotten up close and personal with his crush’s body since this whole thing started. Hell, before that even, given the weeks he’d spent helping Eddie out after the hospital released him. 

Still, there was a luxury in being able to just…look. More than the fleeting glances he did his best to avoid. Like back when he’d often found himself on shower duty, standing just outside to make sure Eddie didn’t slip before helping him wrestle into his favorite Black Sabbath shirt, lifting his arms over his head still a struggle. And way longer than the peeks Steve currently stole any time Eddie’s shirt rode up while they sprawled out together in his bed, the metalhead’s tongue sticking out of the corner of his mouth in concentration as he rolled them a joint to share.

The truth was, Steve had always been into it, watching his crushes. Not in, like, a creepy way–he wasn’t out here peeking through girls’ bedroom windows or anything, thank you very much. Even if Nancy had teased him mercilessly back when they were together, just because one time he mentioned she looked cute when she was sleeping.

He just…really liked feeling close to the people he cared about. Girlfriends, teammates, the munchkins he babysat for, his platonic soulmate of a lesbian best friend. 

I mean, of course he did–who wouldn’t? 

But this…this was closeness on a whole other level. Like Eddie, however unknowingly, had opened up his ribcage and let Steve crawl inside, tucked him away safe and sound beneath his skin. And Steve had done the same.

As much as it might have annoyed him that they were still stuck in Hawkins’ latest whacky predicament, Steve could admit, at least here alone in Eddie’s bedroom…a part of him liked it, too. At least a little bit. 

So he let himself enjoy the opportunities their newfound intimacy opened up while he had the chance. Like being able to stare, uninterrupted, and map the dark lines of the tattoos on Eddie’s skin he’d only ever glimpsed before. 

Eddie was usually so covered up in his layers upon layers, getting to see that much bare skin? Well, that was a rare treat.

So first, Steve brushed a thumb over the creepy puppet guy on the inside of Eddie’s arm, before dragging his gaze up to the spider crawling along his chest. His eyes dipped lower, then, taking in the torn impressions of some kind of demon thing–Steve only recognized the shape for what it was because Eddie had mourned its loss in the aftermath. 

Eddie’s scars broke up everything, lighter than even the pale skin that surrounded, raised slightly to the touch. They matched the patches up Steve's own sides and back except tenfold, spreading across the entirety of Eddie’s stomach and chest. 

Steve knew the metalhead had been shy about letting him see them, but he’d meant what he said. All the sight did was remind him how brave Eddie had been–stupidly, stubbornly, painfully brave–and, just like the twinge in his side, how lucky they were he’d made it back to them in one piece. 

But Steve found himself soon distracted from the scars by the glittering nipple ring winking up at him. 

The fact that he could actually feel the weight of that silver piercing, the gravity of it, as it tugged on Eddie’s remaining nipple? Was seriously trippy. The sensation alone had Steve licking at his bottom lip, fingers itching to touch it all over again. 

He held off, though. It didn’t feel right, not without Eddie there. Even if they had agreed to…scratch all each other’s itches, Steve was pretty sure that wasn’t code for ‘go wild and fulfill all your secret dirty fantasies.’ 

But…man. He gave himself a mental pat on the back for not giving in when it was right there, tempting him like crazy. 

Steve shook his head, determined to stop checking Eddie out and finally focus. “Get it together, Harrington. Jesus.”

After all…he needed to get ready for school. How Steve felt about the idea of that was pretty obvious–his annoyance written all over Eddie’s face in the mirror, nose crinkled in disgust.

Letting out a long sigh, he squared his shoulders. 

As much as he dreaded sitting through another boring, endless day at Hawkins High–an experience Steve thought he had finally put in the rearview mirror for good–it was important.

Because Eddie was going to graduate this year, and there was no way in hell Steve would do anything to mess that up. 

So, he got to work.

First things first–hair. While a few long strands had already wriggled out of the loose bun Steve slept in overnight, he was careful as he freed the rest of Eddie’s usually unruly locks.

Steve couldn’t help but let out a pleased giggle at the dark curls that cascaded down around him, shaking his head and making them bounce. 

Apart from the face mask, the shower he’d taken at his own house yesterday had been (mostly) quick and routine. After all, with years playing sports under his belt, Steve was well-practiced at hopping in and out just long enough to get the grime and sweat off.

But once Eddie had dropped him off at the trailer last night, Steve relished the opportunity afforded to him. He’d headed straight to the bathroom to give Eddie’s hair the time and attention it really deserved–treating it to the expensive conditioner and curl defining cream he’d smuggled out of his own stash, his touch delicate as he dried each lock with an old t-shirt and not a towel. 

Just that tiny bit of TLC had done the trick–Eddie’s curls were looking fuller and healthier already. 

And Steve wasn’t done there. 

Picking up the water bottle he’d stashed on Eddie’s dresser, he gave his hair a quick spritz. Next came the mousse, which Steve applied liberally. Honestly, it felt nice, working his fingers carefully through those long tresses, helping to shape it. 

For the finishing touch, he whipped out another can of his trusty Farrah Fawcett hairspray, a foolproof method to make sure Eddie’s bangs held. 

Finally flipping Eddie’s hair back into place, Steve turned his head back and forth, admiring every angle of those dark, shiny waves. Eddie would be shampoo commercial ready in no time, if Steve did say so himself. 

“All they needed was the Harrington magic touch–and I’ve still got it.” 

Congratulating himself on a job well done, Steve turned to the closet.

Although this was the first chance he’d had to actually dress Eddie, he still stuck pretty close to the metalhead’s signature style. Not that the messily folded stacks of concert t-shirts in various shades of black really left him that much of a choice. 

Still, the dark denim jeans he pulled on were a tiny bit tighter than Eddie usually wore them. Steve recognized the pair immediately, the same ones the metalhead threw on every laundry day. He had long ago noticed they perfectly clung to what little ass Eddie had.

The Iron Maiden shirt he’d picked out was so worn, it felt ridiculously soft between his fingertips. But the way it stretched across Eddie’s chest, plus the fact the sleeves had been ripped off at the shoulders, had way more to do with Steve’s choice than anything else. 

Steve pulled it over his head in a slow slide, careful not to wrench Eddie’s side or muss up his curls in the process. 

Once the makeshift muscle shirt was in place, he flexed impulsively, curiosity getting the better of him. The movement made the weird little dragon dude on Eddie’s upper arm ripple in the mirror. 

Steve gave Eddie’s bicep a squeeze. “Huh.”

For a guy who flailed around like such a noodle man most of the time, he was surprisingly toned. 

Now dressed the part, Steve grabbed Eddie’s leather jacket and battle vest. Despite the fact that the layers were going to cover up the gun show, he shrugged both on, committed to completing the look. 

The weight of the denim draped over him felt comfortingly familiar from Steve’s time tromping through the Upside Down in it, the vest his only shield. 

Steve had returned it–with a tinge of reluctance, not that he was ever gonna mention that part out loud to anyone but Robin–back when Eddie got out of his stint in the hospital. A homecoming present he handed over on the drive to Eddie and his uncle’s newly commissioned trailer. 

Slung over his shoulders now, the fabric still smelled so strongly of Eddie. Not that everything didn’t for Steve at the moment, what with their whole…situation. 

But the mixture of Old Spice and weed smoke wafting up to his nose was practically Pavelow–Paylo–that little guy with the dog and the bell that Dustin was always going on about. It helped, basically, having it wrapped around him again. Made Steve feel…safe, if he was being totally honest. 

So he kind of got it, the title it had earned, in that moment. 

Battle vest. 

Wearing it, Steve felt like maybe he could pull this off, get through a whole day of school as Eddie. 

After snapping the last of the metalhead’s accessories into place, Steve gave himself one final once over in the mirror, smoothing down some of Eddie’s errant flyaways. The conditioner and hairspray certainly helped, but hair care and maintenance wasn’t an overnight kinda thing. It took effort, not to mention patience. 

At least, Steve guessed, if they ended up stuck like this for a while, he’d have plenty of time to keep working on that. 

He tried to squelch the anxiety that flared in his chest at the thought. 

“Brace yourself, Harrington,” he muttered to himself, “it’s just like a big game. You just gotta…keep your head in it. At least until the clock counts down, and that final buzzer sounds.”

Steve could just imagine how annoyed his favorite metalhead would be if he could hear him. 

Tainting the sound of my very own voice with sports metaphors again, Harrington!

Steve shook his head, a peel of laughter bursting out of him at the image. The force of it was so strong, Eddie’s teeth briefly flashed at him in the mirror, his dimple peeking out. It wasn’t quite Eddie’s usual cackle, but close, and, even though he hadn’t managed to get it out of his actual crush this time, the sound was still enough to send warmth spreading through him.

He seriously needed to get ahold of Dustin’s camcorder before everything was said and done. Record some of this for leverage, to tease Eddie with after the fact. 

Shooting Eddie’s reflection one parting wink and a finger gun, Steve grabbed that famous lunchbox of his and went out into the hall. 

As he stepped into the living room, voices pulled his attention to the kitchen.

Eddie was there already, talking animatedly with Mr. Munson as they waited for his “nephew” to join them. The older man looked on in amusement while Eddie chattered away, his gestures broad and theatrical in a way Steve’s never were. 

…Well. Except for when he was majorly pissed about something, or trying his damnedest to get a point across to Robin or Dustin. 

Lucky for them, Mr. Munson didn’t know Steve that well. Sure, they were friendly enough when they ran into each other at the trailer, and the way Steve’d helped out during Eddie’s recovery seemed to shake off any suspicions the older man initially seemed to have about the Harrington name. But while Eddie’s uncle had never been anything but kind to him since, they weren’t exactly buddies or anything, not close enough for him to notice if something about “Steve” seemed slightly off. 

He did catch the sound of Eddie’s Reeboks, however, and turned to Steve as he crossed the small space towards them.

Mr. Munson gave him a nod, voice gruff but warm, “Mornin’, son.”

And even though the words weren’t meant for him, not really, the open, fatherly affection in them was enough to throw Steve. He was struck by the simultaneous, conflicting need to straighten up proudly and duck his head, uncharacteristically embarrassed. 

That confused feeling only grew stronger when Steve saw the way Eddie’s expression faltered as his uncle’s gaze slipped away, something that had to be homesickness briefly crumpling his borrowed features. 

The look made Steve’s chest ache, like Eddie’s longing was echoing inside him. He felt a flash of guilt that he’d enjoyed how warm and parental Mr. Munson sounded, even for just a second.

“Uh, yeah. Hey, Uncle Wayne,” Steve greeted awkwardly, crowding into the cramped space with them. The smile he gave Eddie came way easier. “Stevie.”

With him now in arm’s reach, Mr. Munson gave Steve’s back a warm pat. Steve stiffened, shooting Eddie a pleading look he hoped screamed, Help me out here, man! For a second, he almost wished swapping bodies had come with a bonus side effect of being able to read each other’s minds.

…Almost. Robin would probably kill him if he “combined” like that with someone other than her. 

Fortunately, Eddie could read him well enough even without superpowers. 

Dropping into a bow, he loudly declared, “And my greetings to you, good sir!”

Steve suppressed the urge to shake his head. Now if Eddie could just work on being subtle, they might actually get somewhere.

Mr. Munson darted a narrow-eyed look at “Steve.” 

“You been hangin’ around here entirely too much.”

Steve felt as though Eddie’s heart had sunk into his stomach, choked by sudden fear. Maybe Mr. Munson hadn’t been as cool having a Harrington in his home as he’d thought.  

“Been spending so much time with Ed’s startin’ to rub off on you. Spittin’ image of him, just then.”

As Wayne went to refill his coffee mug, turning away from them, Steve shot Eddie a pointed look. 

Sheesh. I hope you’re happy with yourself. 

He could practically hear the, Lighten up, Harrington, no need to get your undies in a twist. The old man barely even noticed, that came along with the metalhead’s answering shrug. 

Maybe Steve hadn’t been that far off the mark with the whole mental link thing.

But he was quickly distracted from the thought as, now that he was closer, he fully registered what Eddie was wearing where he slouched against the Munsons’ counter.

A black polo–the darkest Steve owned, no contest, and one he had honestly completely forgotten about–with the leather bomber jacket he’d gotten at The War Zone slung over it, and a pair of dark wash jeans to tie it all together.

Steve gave Eddie a pointed once over, raising an eyebrow. “That’s…new. You, uh…definitely look a little bit different, Harrington.” 

Unable to help himself, he reached forward, curling his fingers into the collar of the dark polo. 

“Jesus, man, where’d you even find this?”

“Oh, what, this old thing? Ya like?” Eddie grinned, all teeth, clearly enjoying the fact that Steve couldn’t exactly call him out on it in front of his uncle. “Just a little something I dug out of the back of my closet. You know, there’s all kinds of interesting shit back there.” 

He’d already had to put up with Eddie finding that stupid ass Scoops uniform. God, Steve could only imagine what other embarrassing stuff he’d dig up, snooping around his room unsupervised.

What was next? His porn stash? 

Sure, he knew under his mattress wasn’t the most creative place to hide it. But Steve hadn’t exactly planned for the possibility his crush would wind up basically living in his house totally alone. 

All the leather and chains in those skin mags he’d picked up on his and Robin’s gay little excursion to Indie were bound to raise a couple questions. The tips of Steve’s ears burned just picturing it. 

And the devilish smirk Eddie was still sending his way? Didn’t exactly help, when it came to pumping the brakes on his runaway thoughts. 

“You know, just thought I’d, uh–take a page out of your book.” Cocking his head and rocking forward on his heels, the metalhead swayed close to Steve, shooting him a wink. “What, man, don’t tell me you don’t think tall, dark, and handsome works for me?” 

Steve really thought he should have been immune to Eddie invading his space, especially when he looked just like him–but the way he flustered automatically proved that wasn’t true. 

“Oh, is that what you’ve been doing, boy?” Mr. Munson directed the question to Steve, looking slyly amused–probably, Steve thought, at his “nephew’s” speechlessness. “Coulda fooled me.” 

Fortunately, before Steve was forced to respond–he didn’t think he had it in him to try and good-naturedly bicker with Eddie’s uncle the way the metalhead always did–Eddie offered a much needed distraction.

Because being up close and personal was clearly bringing certain things to his attention, too. In an abrupt, cartoonish show of shock, Eddie widened Steve’s eyes, the pair of them going big and round and so, so hazel in the early morning light. 

He still looks like a total Bambi, Steve thought affectionately. 

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Eddie flailed, arms pinwheeling through the air before he finally pointed an accusatory finger at the top of Steve’s head, “What the hell’d you do to m–to your hair?”

It was Steve’s turn to preen, his smile smug. Fluffing the curls with one hand, he tossed Eddie’s hair back and forth, biting back a giggle while the metalhead gaped at him in horror. 

Man, that really was as fun as girls always made it look. 

“What do you think? Cuz, I gotta say…personally, I think your advice worked like a charm. I mean,” his grin turned cocky, “you are the hair care master, after all.” 

Eddie spluttered in disbelief. “Christ alive, man! Like that, I–you look like some kind of uh, uh–well-groomed, yappy little lap dog!”

Mr. Munson snorted, covering up the sound quickly with a cough–although, given the coffee he’d been sipping, maybe it was only partially an act. 

This time, Steve was the one gasping in outrage. “Uh, I so do not! The curls totally look pretty like this!”

Eddie’s borrowed cheeks flushed a deep crimson–whether from anger, or embarrassment, or even bashfulness, it was hard to say. 

But, well…he always did say flattery worked on him. So, Steve bet on the latter and hoped for the best. 

“Come onnnnn, you know you like them,” he needled, sing-song. Then, Steve hit Eddie with a lethal combination–a pout and a heavy dose of those doe brown eyes of his, well aware how irresistible they were. 

Eddie barked out a disbelieving laugh. “Rest assured I know no such thing, man.”

“Seriously? You can’t pay me even one tiny little compliment after all my hard work?” He pinched his fingers together in demonstration. “I mean, I thought you, you know, gave up all that mean, high school shit and were working on being super nice now.”

Though he was partially teasing, saying the words still made Steve swallow hard. 

He knew he could be plenty bitchy when he wanted to be–Robin and the kids reminded him often enough. But the truth was, Steve really was trying to do better. And–however accidental it might be on Eddie’s part–he didn’t want to leave Mr. Munson with a bad impression, end up risking the older man’s hesitant tolerance of him.

In spite of Steve’s pleading, Eddie still looked seconds from throwing a bombastic Munson tantrum–flailing arms, stomping feet, the works. 

But instead, he shut his eyes tight for a brief moment, shook his head, and sucked in a deep breath. 

“Yeah, well, first of all–I wasn’t that much of a dick in high school. Absolutely not so much I’ve gotta run around, constantly trying to atone for my wicked ways,” Eddie insisted, eyes blinking open to catch Steve’s, hazel meeting brown. And, like the night before when he’d said Steve didn’t compare to the Billy Hargroves and Tommy H.’s of the world, some small part of Steve, grateful and relieved, gave a flutter. “And second–you can do whatever you want with your hair, Eddie boy. No need to consult little ole me.” 

Even Steve could read between those lines–Eddie’s words said one thing, but his emphasis spoke for him, loud and clear. 

Mr. Munson gave a contemplative hum, expression considering. “Definitely different, son. But, s’pose you gotta try new tricks every once in a blue moon.” 

The older man reached out, giving Eddie’s newly defined curls a fond ruffle. Steve managed not to dodge his hand, still feeling a swell of pride at such open, paternal support...even as his inner voice shrieked about Eddie’s uncle mussing up all his hard work. 

“See?” Steve shot Eddie a pointed look. “M-my Uncle Wayne likes it.” 

“So he says. But I’m pretty sure you once told me he complimented your sixth grade buzzcut, too, and we’ve all seen how that turned out. Yearbook photos tell no lies, Eds.”

“No way, it wasn’t that bad,” Steve argued, remembering the picture well. “I was a totally adorable kid, all big ears and chocolate button eyes.”

Eddie sputtered, actually rendered speechless this time. Steve watched him silently mouth chocolate button eyes, his current, far lighter eyes wide with disbelief. Mr. Munson looked between the pair of them, amusement plain on his face.

“But, uh, speaking of school…” Steve shoved up the sleeve of Eddie's leather jacket, letting out a frustrated huff when he registered that the Casio watch he’d thoughtlessly slapped on wasn’t working. Still busted, no doubt, from the involuntary dip Eddie had taken in Lover’s Lake. 

Reaching out, he tugged Eddie’s arm towards him instead and checked the time. 

“That’s what I thought.” Steve gave him a quick pat on the shoulder. “We better get a move on. Don’t wanna risk any of us being late.” 

Wayne let out an amused huff. “‘Spect that’s the first time you’ve worried ‘bout being punctual in your whole damn life, boy.” 

Finally recovered, Eddie simpered, looking like a cat who’d just caught the fattest, juiciest bird. 

“All my good influence, sir.” He laid a hand over his chest in mocking sincerity. “A regular Boy Scout, me.” 

“Yeah, yeah,” Steve rolled his eyes, steering the smirking metalhead out of the kitchen. “Let’s go, Harrington!”

But that strong, now increasingly familiar hand clapped down on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. 

“Hold your horses there, boy,” Mr. Munson said, quiet but firm. “Lemme talk to ya for a second.” 

Steve shot Eddie a panicked look, but the expression Eddie sent back was equally as helpless. Still, he took his final, reluctant steps out onto the porch, having been plainly dismissed from whatever private father-son chat Eddie’s uncle had in mind. 

Only years of practice kept Steve from shifting on his feet uncomfortably under Mr. Munson’s careful, measured stare, the older man looking him over from head to toe. Countless memories washed over him, the many times he’d been called into his father’s office for a reprimanding just out of the sight of his friends playing through his mind on a loop. 

“Now, son, I’ve never said nothin’ about how you fix your hair, and I don’t intend to start. But…” Mr. Munson cast a quick glance toward the trailer’s closed front door, “don’t go changin’ to suit somebody else, ya hear? Just keep on bein’ you. For the right sorta person–that’ll be plenty enough.”

Steve got it, better than he ever had before. Why Eddie had always marched to the beat of his own drum–why he felt like he could. Having somebody else in your corner, ready to defend your choices, no matter what the outside world might say or think? It felt…really nice, even if he was just borrowing the feeling for a while. After all, Mr. Munson’s pep talk was for Eddie, not him.

“No, no way I will,” Steve hurriedly assured him. “I promise.” 

And that was a promise he felt sure of making, even if he was doing it on the other boy’s behalf. After all, who could Eddie even want to change for? Nobody came to mind.

“Good man.” With a nod, Mr. Munson gently herded Steve out onto the porch. “Now go on, git. And take care, boys. Try not to land in any hot water.”

Eddie threw an arm around Steve’s shoulders, grin shit-eating. “I’ll keep an eye on him for you, Mr. Munson. As the golden boy of Hawkins, I consider it my sworn duty to help a citizen in need.” 

“Oh my God, dude, shut up,” Steve complained, giving him a shove.

Shaking his head at their antics, Mr. Munson gave the pair a final wave, then let the door shut behind him.

Taglist below! As always, if you’d liked to be added or removed, please just let me know:

@tinytalkingtina @eriquin @spectrum-spectre @grimweathers @highkingpenny

@yesdangerpls @vthx @queenie-ofthe-void @pearynice @felixir-of-moths

@stevesworldxx @themellowyellowmomma @xxfiction-is-my-realityxx @anne-bennett-cosplayer

@sidekick-hero @thefreakandthehair @hbyrde36 @lingeringmirth @too-efn-old-to-be-here

@ellietheasexylibrarian @sharingisntkaren @a-lovely-craziness @soaringornithopter

[spider-mann]

Joe Keery as Steve Harrington STRANGER THINGS 5.07 | "The Bridge"

[horsecockharrington]

So unreal...

[strangerthingsreversebigbang]

2025-2026 Stranger Things Reverse Big Bang Round Up (1 of 2)

i wrote my heart in a sheet of paper (and i gifted it to you)

Art by @starthecozy | Fic by @ataliagold

Rating: Teens & Up | WC: 8,600

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley, Chrissy Cunningham

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Background Robin Buckley/Chrissy Cunningham

Summary:

"Eddie shuffles closer to him. Knows he shouldn’t, knows he should steer this somewhere neutral, somewhere more distant, something more akin to just checking in on a friend but he can’t, he can’t. Not when Steve’s looking bashful, not when he’s awkwardly picking up a bit of paper again and folding it anxiously, not when he smells like the sea on a summer’s day and honey-sweet all at once.

“Seriously Steve, this is cool. Maybe you could make something for a campaign? Figurines are expensive, and honestly some of these are better. We could paint them, too.”

Steve looks up at him then. Really looks, and Eddie’s heart gallops in his chest at the sight of those warm brown eyes.

“I made them all for you,” Steve murmurs.

In the wake of Vecna's defeat, with his friends busy with the aftermath, Steve takes up origami, tries to heal his scars in his big empty house , and falls in love with the alpha that comes to visit him daily.

Eddie."

Sweet Like Sugar

Art by @lady-lostmind | Fic by @stevesscoops

Rating: Explicit | WC: 3,015

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson

Summary: After a fight at a club leads to them getting thrown out, Eddie puts Steve in his place and reminds him he’s not going anywhere.

Robin Red Breast

Art by @little-annie | Fic by @starshideyourfics

Rating: Teens & Up | WC: 4340

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Chrissy Cunningham, Robin Buckley, Chrissy Cunningham's Parents

Pairing(s): Robin Buckley/Chrissy Cunningham

Summary:

Once upon a time, in a far off kingdom, there lived a beautiful maiden…

Chrissy was born to marry a prince. Her mother prayed daily for a daughter, a babe with rose petal lips and dark lashes, one who would grow up graceful and delicate, lovely enough to catch the eye of the king's son. And when she did, she was locked away in a tower for safekeeping with all she could ever need in her new home.

Everything except companionship.

And she was so lonely until her father brought her a gift.

After This Life, I’ll Find You in the Next

Art by @cxwzkeys| Fic by @anonymustelid

Rating: Mature | WC: 3297

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Robin Buckley, Nancy Wheeler

Pairing(s): Robin Buckley/Nancy Wheeler

Summary: In which Nancy Wheeler, vampire, keeps seeing a familiar face across time...

Ye Olde Meet-Cute

Art by @penny00dreadful | Fic by @hbyrde36

Rating: Explicit | WC: 7994

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley, Chrissy Cunningham, Jeff, Gareth, Freak

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson

Summary: Eddie had been planning his Ren Faire outfit for weeks. The thrifted poet shirt, the hand-embellished vest, the leather bracers he'd tooled himself. He looked good and he knew it.

What he hadn't planned for was the blacksmith.

Shirtless, sweat-soaked, and hammering molten steel like it was nothing, the man was, without question, the most devastatingly attractive human being Eddie had ever laid eyes on.

Straight boys don't look like that

Art by @nomadic-wolf | Fic by @medusapelagia

Rating: Mature | WC: 9000

Warning(s): Graphic Depictions of Violence

Character(s): Jason Carver, Eddie Munson, Wayne Munson, Jason Carver's Parents

Pairing(s): Eddie Munson/Jason Carver

Summary:

Eddie hates that, ever since he started high school, Jason has slowly become a bully. He misses the kid who used to play with him in the church backyard. Even more, he misses the shy boy he once fell in love with.

No matter how much it hurts, it’s too late to go back to how things were. Things are different now, and Eddie can’t wait to finally leave Hawkins and all its bigoted inhabitants behind.

But when Jason drunkenly calls him in the middle of the night, all Eddie can do is answer.

Good Intentions

Art by @hellfireloserclub | Fic by @dame-zoom-a-latte

Rating: Explicit | WC: 29046

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): The Party (Stranger Things), Jonathan Byers, Argyle (Stranger Things), El, Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Female OC

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Argyle & Jonathan Byers, Steve Harrington & The Party, Eleven | Jane Hopper & Eddie Munson

Summary:

Jonathan is forced to cast Steve for his capstone project -- a movie that's a loose retelling of their Upside Down misadventures.

But while Steve and Eddie are busy flirting (unknowingly) on set, other plots are brewing.

A Very Reasonable Bargain

Art by @droolovacoco | Fic by @yesdangerpls

Rating: Teens and Up | WC: 8871

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Wayne Munson

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington & Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson

Summary: The first time newly-minted Knight Harrington attempts to stop the thefts on the southeast road from Loch Nora through Forest Hills, he is… somewhat less successful than he may have hoped, if the dust on his derriere, swollen egg on his forehead, and empty coinpurse on his belt are anything to go by.

Pas de Trois

Art by @mission2mordor | Fic by @beritybaker

Rating: Explicit | WC: 11,867

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington, Tommy Hagan, Robin Buckley, Chrissy Cunningham

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Tommy Hagan/Eddie Munson, Tommy Hagan/Steve Harrington

Summary: Eddie performs his senior capstone, and a certain new stagehand has caught his eye. Things would be less complicated if they didn't both have a history with Tommy Hagan.

Friends Who Kill Together Stay Together

Art by tombfiends | Fic by @neuronary

Rating: Explicit | WC: 5502

Warning(s): Graphic Depictions of Violence

Character(s): Robin Buckley; Steve Harrington; Nancy Wheeler; Robin Buckley's Parents; Keith (Stranger Things); Jason Carver; Steve Harrington's Parents; Background & Cameo Characters

Pairing(s): Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington

Summary: Steve and Robin murder some Russians together. And then it spirals. They're having fun, though!

you are that space that's in between

Art by tombfiends | Fic by @turinspeachjam

Rating: Teens and Up | WC: 5968

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Chrissy Cunningham, Wayne Munson, Henry Creel

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington & Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson & Chrissy Cunningham, Eddie Munson & Wayne Munson, Steve Harrington & Robin Buckley, Steve Harrington & Wayne Munson

Summary:

Steve is awoken to the sounds of someone wandering through his forest. When he tries to send the interloper on their way, he discovers that another human has slipped through right under his nose. Reluctantly, he agrees to help find this missing person, if only so he can get to the bottom of what is hiding in his forest.

---

Eddie doesn't normally go traipsing through the woods, but it was the last place anyone had seen Chrissy, so on he went. He runs into some guy named Steve who insists that there's no way Chrissy could be in the woods. Eddie, not to be deterred by some weirdo with leaves in his hair, insists on completing his mission. Color him surprised when Steve offers to help.

To Keep a Man Awake at Night

Art by @kaspurrcat | Fic by @lovelylittlegrim

Rating: Explicit | WC: 57,843

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Robin Buckley, Chrissy Cunningham, Wayne Munson

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson

Summary:

“Bada-boom!” Dustin smacks a card down on the table in front of Eddie.

Nose wrinkling, Eddie picks up the card. “What is this?” 

“The answer to your problems. It’s a paranormal research club here on campus." 

Mike groans. “Dustin, no.”

~

Weird things keep happening in Wayne and Eddie’s new place. Fortunately Dustin knows someone that can help. Unfortunately that someone is Steve Harrington.

Eddie doesn’t know who the bigger skeptic is: Steve, the guy who doesn’t believe in ghosts. Or, Eddie, who doesn’t believe in Steve.

Fit

Art by @nomadic-wolf | Fic by @hullosweetpea

Rating: Teens and Up | WC: 3,026

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Jonathan Byers, Steve Harrington, Nancy Wheeler

Pairing(s): Jonathan Byers/Steve Harrington/Nancy Wheeler

Summary: Steve, Nancy, and Jonathan and their unusual relationship as an omega/alpha/omega triad.

Lux Animae

Art by @kaspurrcat | Fic by @just-my-latest-hyperfixation

Rating: Mature | WC: 26,847

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Eddie Munson; Steve Harrington; Robin Buckley; Chrissy Cunningham; Jason Carver; Andy Harper; Joyce Byers; Jim Hopper; Principal Higgins; Wayne Munson

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson; Robin Buckley/Chrissy Cunningham (background); Steve Harrington & Robin Buckley; Eddie Munson & Chrissy Cunningham

Summary:

They say that, when you meet your match, you feel it.

Sure, a true Lux Animae is a hard-earned thing - a bond that must be forged and shaped and toughened in the fires of battle over and over again, and, if done right, will last a lifetime and longer. Still, many people claim that they sensed it, even long before the ceremony.

It is, after all, the magic that does the choosing, and the magic knows. Knows who is destined to complete you, who will fight and cry and bleed for you and draw out your full potential like no other can. So, when you meet them, you’re supposed to feel it. You just need to know what to look out for.

A tingle, some say. A warm, heavy buzz that fills your veins the moment you lay eyes on each other. An electric spark, zapping through your body like a current upon that first careless touch, letting you know that this is the start of something bigger, something stronger, something more profound than both of you could possibly imagine.

The only thing that Eddie feels when Steve Harrington steps on his foot is pain.

You I Can't Deny

Art by @arelliann | Fic by @ok-peepaw

Rating: Explicit | WC: 42826

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Chrissy Cunningham, Wayne Munson, Jason Carver

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley/Chrissy Cunningham, Eddie Munson & Wayne Munson, Steve Harrington & Robin Buckley, Chrissy Cunningham & Eddie Munson

Summary: By the time Steve Harrington graduates high school, he and his childhood best friend Eddie have hurt each other beyond repair. All of their good memories have been swept away in one afternoon of screaming, social pressure, and hurt feelings. Years later, when their new best friends start dating, Eddie and Steve reluctantly agree to try to get along for their sake, forced to confront the fact that neither of them are over it. The boys find that being vulnerable is hard, feelings are complicated, and that memory persists longer than they'd like. Can they let go of their pride and acknowledge what they once meant to each other, or are they doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past?

Take My Number, Harrington

Art by @hawkinsleather | Fic by @waldos-writing

Rating: Teens and Up | WC: 5,709

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley, Original Characters

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson

Summary: Steve hosted a late night talk show in Chicago in the 90s and on one special evening, they have Corroded Coffin's Eddie Munson as one of the guest stars!

In the worship of the night

Art by @waldos-art | Fic by @queensilber

Rating: Explicit | WC: 4,732

Warning(s): No Warnings Apply

Character(s): Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson

Summary: Eddie Munson is stuck in group therapy and it might as well be his own personal hell. Little does he expect the young Pastor Steve Harrington to notice his misery and deciding to turn this night into one of the best of Eddies life.

I've never seen you fall so hard

Art by @justtoomuch | Fic by @salamandergoo

Rating: Teens and Up | WC: 6,051

Warning(s): Creator Chose Not to Use

Character(s): Jonathan Byers, Joyce Byers, Will Byers, Jim “Chief” Hopper, Steve Harrington

Pairing(s): Jonathan Byers & Joyce Byers & Will Byers, Jonathan Byers & Steve Harrington, Jonathan Byers/Steve Harrington

Summary: Jonathan Byers is just trying to get back on his feet after fighting a monster in his own home and recovering his missing brother. Steve Harrington helping with home repairs was not on the agenda

I just wanted to say (I can't get enough of your face)

Art by @lady-lostmind | Fic by @sidekick-hero

Rating: Explicit | WC: 16,070

Warning(s): No Warnings Apply

Character(s): Steve, Eddie, Robin, Vickie, Dustin, Jeff, Gareth, Grant

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley/Vickie (minor)

Summary: Steve and Eddie are both famous musicians. They're also madly in love, but they can't let anyone know. At least, not outside of their trusted group of friends. Steve's public persona has to be straight. And single. Available.

It's fine. Until it isn't, so Steve decides to end the charade. Eddie and him just have to finish their parallel cross-America tours first. Then, they can love each other the way they want: loud and proud.

Or: Steve and Eddie count the days before they can make their love public. That doesn't mean they can't be dorks in love in secret and drive their friends (mostly Robin) crazy.

Just A Love Bite

Art by @lady-lostmind | Fic by @beritybaker

Rating: Explicit | WC: 14,334

Warning(s): No Warnings Apply

Character(s): Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson

Summary: Steve gets dragged along to a Corroded Coffin concert. Eddie Munson becomes obsessed with him.

Ain't going backwards, won't ask for space

Art by @all-tea | Fic by @nomadic-wolf

Rating: Teens and Up | WC: 3212

Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Character(s): Jonathan Byers, Steve Harrington

Pairing(s): Jonathan Byerse, Steve Harrington

Summary: Jonathan was honest when he told Steve that he didn’t like him. Really he was. But after saving someone’s life… well it was hard to pretend the animosity was there anymore. It was especially hard to be against Steve while they were actively in flux with the military. There were approximately three days between the upside down blowing up and when they were allowed to leave. -- The time between the final battle and the finale and how Steve and Jonathan grow closer.

My European Summer (A Guide to Surviving an International Roadtrip with two Losers and the most Beautiful Woman in Italy)

Art by @janie-bean | Fic by @cxwzkeys

Rating: G | WC: 22,697

Warning(s): No Warnings

Character(s): Robin Buckley, Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Original Female Character

Pairing(s): Robin Buckley x OC, Steve Harrington x Eddie Munson

Summary: Robin Buckley's plans are easy; travel to Paris alongside Steve Harrington. Since before taking the plane, the plans change and keep changing until the end. What seems to be a terrible road trip finishes not only as a road trip of their lives but also as a romance for both of them.

Lavender Thread

Art by @hawkinsleather | Fic by @mugloversonly

Rating: T | WC: 3,170

Warning(s): Graphic Depictions of Violence

Character(s): Eddie Munson Eleven | Jane Hopper Wayne Munson Dustin Henderson Steve Harrington Original Female Character(s) Henry Creel | One | Vecna Chrissy Cunningham

Pairing(s): Eleven | Jane Hopper & Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Eleven | Jane Hopper/Maxine "Max" Mayfield, Eddie Munson & Wayne Munson, Dustin Henderson & Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson & Original Female Character(s), Henry Creel | One | Vecna & Eddie Munson, Chrissy Cunningham & Eddie Munson

Summary: Every tattoo Eleven's ever had have been done by Eddie. When he doesn't charge her for the newest one, his receptionist questions why. The answer is simple really, El saved his life. A free tattoo is the least he can do.

To Be Caught Staring

Art by @nomadic-wolf | Fic by @kallisto-k

Rating: G | WC: 5,993

Warning(s): No Warnings

Character(s): Jonathan Byers, Steve Harrington, background Joyce Byers - Character, Background Will Byers - Character

Pairing(s): Jonathan Byers/Steve Harrington, Past Steve Harrington/Nancy Wheeler - Relationship, past Jonathan Byers/Nancy Wheeler - Relationship

Summary: Jonathan was just trying to survive a TV appearance with his mom and brother. He didn't expect Steve Harrington to be there, and certainly not for him to be watching Jonathan like a hawk. Who knew a couple awkward interactions and dinner invitations could lead to something more?

Your Voice and Mine

Art by @whataboutthefish | Fic by @kayleeofcamelot

Rating: E | WC: 15k

Warning(s): Chose Not to Use

Character(s): Henry Creel, Eddie Munson, Gareth, Jeff, Unnamed Freak (his name is Doug), Chrissy Cunningham, other characters mentioned

Pairing(s): Henry Creel/Eddie Munson; Gareth & Jeff & Eddie Munson & Unnamed Freak, Chrissy Cunningham & Eddie Munson, Background Chrissy/Gareth

Summary: Eddie hates him. With every fiber of his body and every wavy hair on his head he hates him. Henry fucking Creel. Who’s up at the stage of The American Music Awards, accepting the prize that should have been Corroded Coffin’s. And that’s not enough. The man has the audacity to throw shade at them. And Eddie is not someone to take that lightly, so when the opportunity arises, he quips back.

A routine they have perfected over the years their little feud has already been going. And they would have kept going for many years more, if not for the fans of both bands catching on. When the situation escalates and both band leaders are forced to work on a song together for a publicity stunt, the tension between them lights a spark which, in turn, lights a fire.

between home and somewhere far away.

Art by @kaspurrcat | Fic by @thefreakandthehair

Rating: E | WC: 22.8K

Warning(s): No Warnings

Character(s): Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley, Chrissy Cunningham, The Party (Stranger Things), Background & Cameo Characters

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Background Chrissy Cunningham/Robin Buckley

Summary: Gym Teacher and Hockey Coach Steve Harrington meets Eddie Munson outside of a Dunkin Donuts. As any New Englander knows, it's the beginning of a beautiful thing.

Just Let Us be Three Tonight

Art by @alicetallula | Fic by @kallisto-k

Rating: G | WC: 4,752

Warning(s): No Warnings

Character(s): Jim "Chief" Hopper, Joyce Byers, Wayne Munson Additional Tags: Established Relationship, Throuples | Triad Relationships, Slice of Life, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Not Karen Wheeler Friendly, Brief mention of her, House Shopping, Cuddling & Snuggling

Pairing(s): Joyce Byers/Jim "Chief" Hopper/Wayne Munson, Joyce Byers/Jim "Chief" Hopper, Jim "Chief" Hopper/Wayne Munson, Joyce Byers/Wayne Munson

Summary: Hopper loves waking up next to his partners when he can, but he can't help thinking sometimes they should take the next step. Still, they've got enough on their plates until a lack of family meals and a dining table prompts him to voice one of his desires.

Following Your Lead

Art by @monologichno | Fic by @tinytalkingtina

Rating: T | WC: 4.7k

Warning(s): No Warnings

Character(s): Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington, Murray Bauman

Pairing(s): Steve Harrington / Eddie Munson

Summary: Eddie is forced to choreograph a duet with new troupe member Steve Harrington. He's not pleased at having to share the spotlight, but the universe has a surprise in store for both of them.

Don't Look Back

Art by @artgroves | Fic by @jo-harrington

Rating: M | WC: 20k

Warning(s): Major Character Death

Character(s): Eddie Munson, Chrissy Cunningham, Henry Creel/Vecna

Pairing(s): Eddie Munson x Chrissy Cunningham

Summary: Eddie Munson wakes up alone in the Upside Down is given the chance to save Chrissy Cunningham. There's just one catch. (A contemporary retelling of the Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.)

Unsinkable

Art by @alicetallula | Fic by @medusapelagia

Rating: T | WC: 13k

Warning(s): No Warnings Character(s): Chrissy Cunningham, Billy Hargrove, Gareth (Stranger Things), Heather Holloway, Original Characters

Pairing(s): Chrissy Cunningham/Gareth/Billy Hargrove

Summary: The Titanic is the most luxurious ship ever to cross the Atlantic, and having a first-class cabin on its maiden voyage isn’t something Christine Cunningham expected when her aunt told her she was to marry William Hargrove and move to New York.

Billy isn’t thrilled either. His preferences don’t include pretty girls, but if he wants to inherit his father’s fortune, he’ll have to marry Chrissy.

Gareth Emerson doesn’t have these kinds of problems. He’s a musician who boards the Titanic after a lucky hand of cards and soon meets the most intriguing couple he has ever encountered.

The journey might have been pleasant, if it weren’t for the massive iceberg waiting in the middle of the ocean.

Collection | Ask The Mods

[ataliagold]

we were always the sea

@steddiebbang 2026 project announcement - team #004

Artist: @wolvesbane-butstranger

Beta: @sidekick-hero

🌊🌊🌊

With his musician dreams on the rocks, a penniless Eddie finds himself taking on work in the most unlikely of places - on board a superyacht.

He expects the captain to be a stuck up, arrogant asshole. Steve Harrington turns out to be many things - haunted, withdrawn, but perhaps the kindest man Eddie has ever met.

What he doesn't expect is for that captain to change the course of his entire life. 

🌊🌊🌊

Snippet:

He's shirtless. Dozing in the morning light, eyes closed. Skin gold and radiant in the sun, spattered with moles. His waist lean, his shoulders broad, his chest covered in a layer of hair.

Against the railing, Eddie's hand squeezes. Hard.

There's only one person on board that he hasn't met yet.

Which means this man, the most attractive man Eddie has ever seen, the man that's got him frozen and sweating and listening to his own heartbeat thud in his ears, is his captain.

Steve.

Dumbly, he takes a few steps towards him.

And promptly kicks over the tray of dishes he'd deposited by his feet.

Glass clunks and something shatters, and Eddie curses, dropping to his knees and trying to brush it up. What a fucking great first impression, he curses in his head. That glass was probably worth more than a month's salary, you fucking idiot.

There's footsteps. Eddie feels a bead of sweat roll down the back of his neck. Great, he's probably coming over here to yell, to tell me I'm fired on day fucking two of this job, to tell me I'm a useless -

"Hey, careful, don't cut yourself on that."

Oh, his voice is soft.

Eddie pauses in his efforts to sweep up the glass in his hands. Swallows thickly, then looks up.

Fuck.

Close up, Steve is even hotter than Eddie had first thought.

Honey-brown eyes, thick tousled hair, jaw square and strong and - and he's squatting down in front of him, gently batting Eddie's hands away from the glass with his much larger ones. "This shit is sharp, we should get some gloves or something."

"Sorry," Eddie splutters. "I kicked it, sort of…forgot I put it there, I was looking at - at the view, at…" He flaps a hand towards the sea. "You can take it out of my wages to replace it, or whatever -"

Steve shakes his head. "No, that's ok. Don't worry, it was just an accident. You're Eddie, right? I'm sorry, I should've come and found you and introduced myself, I figured I'd let you settle in a little first. I'm Steve. Steve Harrington."

A little shakily, Eddie takes the hand offered to him.

It's warm, grip firm but gentle.

"Um….hi," Eddie croaks, kicks himself internally, remembers to snap his mouth closed again.

"Hi," Steve says with a soft chuckle.

Unbidden, Eddie's eyes flick to his.

Steve's eyes are kind, but despite the small smile tugging on his lips, Eddie can see the sadness there.

The captain lets go of his hand and pushes himself to his feet again. "There, think that's most of it. I'll get Lucas to bring the broom up here and make sure there's nothing left. I'll see you around, Eddie." With that, he turns back to the net at the bow, walking away from Eddie.

Eddie's only a man, and apparently a very weak one when it comes to Steve. He can't help but stare at the captain's ass as he walks away - it's not his fault it's hugged so well by his little blue shorts.

Steve's gait is slightly uneven, he notices. A little hitch in his step, like his right leg doesn't quite want to cooperate.

Finally, he drags his attention away. Grabs the rest of the dishes and makes a swift, ungraceful exit from the deck back into the stairwell.

God, he's so fucked.

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

I’m blindsided by authors using ai in their works. how can readers and writers tell if the writing is ai generated?

I’m gonna assume writers know whether or not their own works are ai because they either write them themselves or have ai write for them.

but as for readers (or writers who read other writers’ works), no, you can’t tell unless the writer themself says their works are ai generated. anything else is witch hunt, speculations and possibly wrongful accusations — all of which harm the writing community as much as ai does, if not more.

so if at any point you think an untagged work is ai and if that bothers you, quietly click away. but you can never know for sure based on vibes. because everything ai writes, a human writer does. that’s what ai was trained on and what it was trained to mimic.

I’ve already talked more about this here, here, here. and more on my other blog @writingdose here and here.

[littlepagodatree]

You can notice certain telltale signs in some of the writing, such as short sentence stacking and usage of "not x not y but z" structures. But you have to be familiar with AI writing styles to be able to notice that.

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

I’ve been writing “not x, not y, but z” way before gen ai became a thing. I’ve read works that have “not x, not y, but z” in them, and I’ve read those works way before gen ai became a thing. I’ve also been using em dash way before gen ai became a thing, and I’ve seen em dash used in so many written works way before gen ai became a thing. I know for a fact some human writers actually prefer short sentence stacking too.

every “ai telltale” is something humans write before, otherwise ai wouldn’t have been able to mimic it in the first place. because it needs human-made works to mimic on.

when I say ai witch hunt, speculations and accusations harm the writing community as much as ai does, if not more, “not x, not y, but z” and em dash are one of the main things I’m talking about.

[seananmcguire]

As I saw someone say recently, when you start declaring "obvious tells," from punctuation to sentence styles, to be proof of AI, what you're actually spotting is trace amounts of the original source material.

[just-my-latest-hyperfixation]

The King's Gift - chapter 11

Read it on AO3

Start from the beginning

Chapter art by @house-of-the-moving-image

For now, he can take his time.

For now, he can pretend that tomorrow isn’t looming over them like a blade, ready to come down and destroy all they’ve been hoping and fighting for.

For now, he can touch and kiss and hold Eddie and slowly take him apart. For now, he can make sure that every single moment they have together counts.

Tag list:

@steddieas-shegoes @thefreakandthehair @thisapplepielife @runninriot @sidekick-hero

@penny00dreadful @tinytalkingtina @pennyplainknits @steddie-island @arelliann

@starthecozy @after-the-end-times @matchingbatbites @qomrades @yesdangerpls

@battythejester @ellaelsinore @eriquin @alexmundaythrufriday @sheldarp

@dam28lh @xjessicafaithx @grtwdsmwhr @swishyclang @bumblebeecuttlefishes

@lumoschildextra @simascreams @sadiea20 @gloster @kiwiwthegayone @micheledawn1975

[house-of-the-moving-image]

A King's Gift - Chapter Eleven

A story about a reluctant hero, a cursed king, and a love that transcends space, time, and maybe even death itself.

[ Access the fic on @just-my-latest-hyperfixation 's AO3 !!!!!!]

You can start reading from the beginning using this link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/75595066/chapters/197680161

Tag list:

@steddieas-shegoes @thefreakandthehair @thisapplepielife @runninriot @sidekick-hero

@penny00dreadful @tinytalkingtina @pennyplainknits @steddie-island @arelliann @starthecozy @after-the-end-times

@matchingbatbites @qomrades @yesdangerpls @beingmissbatty @ellaelsinore @eriquin @alexmundaythrufriday @sheldarp

@dam28lh @xjessicafaith @grtwdsmwhr @swishyclang @bumblebeecuttlefishes @lumoschildextra

@simascreams @sadiea20 @gloster @kiwiwthegayone @micheledawn1975 

*DIRECT LINK TO CHAPTER 11 COMING SOON*

[xxfiction-is-my-realityxx]

Is this love? (also on ao3)

Relationship: Steve Harrington/ Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington, Minor Rovickie

Words: 4,682 / 18k

Chapters: 3/8 (rest is done and ready to post)

Rated: M

Tags: Platonic Soulmates, Romantic Soulmates, Modern AU, Soulmate AU, Miscommunication, Fluff, (teeny tiny bit of smut in a later chapter), Cuddling & Snuggling, Stobin is Codependent, Steve has bad parents, Slow Burn, Soulmarks, Stobin gets a cat -> go to ao3 for more tags

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

written for @steddieexchange for @brvss316

Thank you @otternil, @mission2mordor and @swishyclang for betaing!

When Steve gets thrown out of his parents' house and crashes with Robin, his platonic soulmate, they both hatch a plan on what they want to do next. Moving into a big city next to Eddie, Dustin's friend. Steve has a weird feeling around him, and they become good friends. Just friends, right?

A story about Stobin's friendship, Steve's (romantic, of course. Who said that?) absolutely-not-attraction to Eddie and a little tabby cat.

It's 6pm on a Saturday when his parents find out (from their nosy Neighbour Mrs. Dorothy) that he kissed a boy, they basically threw him out. They don’t care that it wasn’t him who initiated the kiss.

He doesn't have a lot to pack - his clothes, photos of Robin and the kids and his favourite stuffed animal, ironically named Robbie, who he got as a child and had to hide from his parents since he was 10. He texted Robin immediately after his mom was done yelling at him about how he was embarrassing the Harrington name and what the neighbours would think.

When he runs down the stairs at 8pm and out the front door, his parents don't even say goodbye. He refuses to let any tears fall even though the lump in his throat threatens to overwhelm him. Even the sky is mad. Thick droplets immediately soak him the few steps to his car.

As he's driving over, he's rubbing his thumb over the tiny letters that take up some space on his forearm. The arm still stings where his dad had grabbed him.

I’ll be there in ten.

He types to Robin at a red light while the wipers work overtime.

Drive safely. You know a hot cocoa is already waiting for you. 🫂😘 Steve reacted to the message ❤.

As he's taking his things out of the back of the car, the door to Robin's parents’ house opens. His best friend appears with a worried gaze, backlit by the light from the hallway, shining like some angel in the dark. He hurries over, letting his things fall to the ground, and throws himself into her arms. The moment they collide, the dam breaks and he cries. Somewhere in between his hiccupping breaths, they move inside and go to Robin’s room. Not separating once, their hands forming a line between their hearts. Pulling him onto her bed and into her arms once again, Robin keeps his head over her heart, threading her fingers through his hair and presses a kiss to his head. His arms tighten around her back.

Everything that's been repressed over the years just pours out of him like a dam breaking. He cries and cries and cries.

He doesn’t even know what exactly he’s crying about anymore when his breaths finally even out and deepen again.

“It wasn’t even good.” He sniffles.

“What?”

“The kiss. It was so bad. Didn’t even make it 5 seconds before I ran off. Now I can’t even tell if I’m into guys or not. It was awful!”

“Oh, Steve.”

“It couldn’t even be a good kiss that resulted in my parents throwing me out.” He starts giggling.

“He just shoved his tongue in my mouth, and he tasted like garlic. Definitely not soul mate material.” He gags.

“Ewwwww! That’s disgusting. I’m impressed you lasted 5 seconds.” Robin retches.

“I’m impressed too, if I’m honest.” He snorts and loosens his arms to throw himself backwards into her pillows. Curling towards him, Robin smiles and grabs his left arm where it lies on his stomach. She pulls the sleeve up to trace his soul mark when she sees the red handprint on his forearm. At least a feeling of content flows through him when their soulbond lights up at the soft touch.

“Was that your dad?”

“I guess…”

” I’m going to kill him.” Her eyes are furious and she makes a move to sit up but Steve grabs her and pulls her back down.

“I admire your confidence in the idea that you would win a fight against him.”

“Oh, trust me. I got enough rage inside of me to reduce that pathetic excuse of a man to a pathetic pile of patheticness.”

“Are you sure you’re studying English literature?”

“Shut up. I couldn’t think of something more fitting for your ‘so-called’ dad."

Steve sighed. Robin always managed to make him feel better; lighter, and not as if the whole world was resting on his shoulders. He snuggles into her side.

“I love you, you know that?” It wasn’t the first time he said it, and it wouldn’t be the last time.

Robin gasps and touches her forehead with the back of her hand dramatically. “THE Steve Harrington loves me? No way!!”

“Yes way.”

She links their pinkies together. “I love you, too.” She rolls her eyes. “Obviously, dingus.”

(continue on ao3)

tagging who I think would be interested in this <3

@wynnyfryd @carolperkinsexgirlfriend @hotluncheddie @steddieas-shegoes @sidekick-hero @firefly-party @just-my-latest-hyperfixation @dartlekey @maikaartwork @lavenderstobins @al-at-once @steddiehands86 @stoersignalart @beingmissbatty @literallyidontwannadothis @keaganz @thefreakandthehair @donttellunclesam @ataliagold @scoops-aboy86 @brvss316 @mission2mordor @keerypng

[strangersteddierthings]

Part One Part Two Part Three

I would like to put a little disclaimer here that I am not a medical professional, having only ever gone to the school of Grey's Anatomy, and I am not going for medical accuracy. I am doing the Hollywood thing where the injuries look horrifying and brutal and the protagonist will be "better" in 3-5 business days.

Robin wipes her hands on her jeans for what is probably the seventh time in just as many minutes. She's not even sweating; the airplane is pretty cold, actually. She's just nervous.

She's the closest she's been to Steve in years, and she's still on the plane in the air. They've just announced that everyone needs to be in their seats and buckled up. She's so close.

It's the only thing repeating in her mind.

She's so close.

It's the only thing she can allow herself to think about because all her other thoughts drift into mild violence. Like how she can't wait to hug Steve, followed by punching his arm until it's numb.

He was her soulmate, her worse half, her partner in crime! They'd talked about getting married for the tax benefits and to be able to buy a house together. How could he just leave her like that?

Not that she can ask him right away. When Dustin had called and given her Steve's location, he'd said something about Jane saying that Steve might be experiencing memory loss. It's concerning, for sure. It means a brain injury, right? She's not a doctor but she thinks Steve hitting his head really hard could cause memory loss.

She hopes it's temporary. Like when she had to have her wisdom teeth removed and forgot she'd already graduated high school; she'd been panicking about a test she needed to study for, her mom told her.

The plane lands, and she exits quickly. She packed light, and by light, she means her purse as a carry-on. She'd shoved three pairs of underwear and socks in it before bolting out the door. Nothing else was as important as catching the nearest flight. Bethany had driven her to the nearest airport with minimal questions asked, and Robin is so thankful.

Bethany knows about Steve. Kind of. Well, not really, but she knows about a family member who up and vanished from Robin's life. Knows that Robin was very close with him and very hurt by the loss, but nothing else.

It's strange to think about, now. Bethany and her have been together for three years, now. Robin hadn't thought about Steve in a real way in almost all that time. Yet, here she was, dropping everything and rushing to his side like he was still the most important person in her life.

Was he?

Her hand clenches hard on her purse strap.

She certainly jumped into action like he was. Years without thinking about Steve Harrington and one mention sends her moving. She doesn't regret it, though. She hopes she won't come to regret it.

It's been seven years. Who is Steve now? Will she- will they even get along as the people they are now? Has she made a mistake in getting here so quickly; in not waiting for Dustin and Jane? Too late to worry about that now.

Despite the Hilton being so close, Robin still hails a taxi to take her to it.

She enters like she belongs and no one questions her. If she happens to time it when the person at the counter was busy with someone, that's her secret to keep.

Finding room 314 is easy enough.

Gathering the willpower to knock is entirely different.

It's finally settling in her mind that she halted her entire life to go chase a ghost.

She should have waited for Jane and Dustin. Their flight is supposed to arrive in four hours. Or, well, four hours after Robin's flight was scheduled to land. But Robin's flight was delayed leaving, so it might be sooner. Or, later, if their flight is also delayed.

She forces herself to take in a deep breath, releasing the air in her lungs slowly. It's not often these days that she starts to spiral like this; like she used to as an awkward teenager who was unsure of her place in the world.

"Okay," she whispers to herself before quickly rapping on the door. It's either now, or hours from now when Dustin and Jane finally arrive.

The time between knocking and the door opening is infinite and filled with anxiety, but also not long enough. Once the door is open, Robin doesn't think that any amount of time could truly have prepared her for seeing Steve Harrington again.

He looks terrible.

She's seen him beaten and blooded before -walking the halls of Hawkins high after Billy Hargrove got him, from Russians because he egged them on so they'd leave her alone, when he was almost eaten alive by demobats beneath Lovers Lake, the battle against Vecna- but he's never looked this haunted before.

His hair, what remains of it, is longer then she'd ever seen it on him but that fact is quickly overshadowed by the shaved portion of his head, where she can see the evidence of stitches recently removed. There are healing bruises along his jaw, above his eye, peeking out beneath the sleeves of his ill-fitting shirt.

There is a scar along his jaw, older and more healed than the rest of him, but he didn't have that scar the last time she saw him. He's got facial hair grown in awkward patches around the scar tissue. The tip of his left ear is gone. His nose is noticeably different, crooked like it's healed wrong.

He's gone through a lot these last seven years, by the look of it.

"Robin," Steve warbles her name out. Robin may still be in shock at seeing him for the first time in years, but that shock doesn't go both ways, she realizes. Steve just looks relieved, even as his face crumples up and his eyes fill with tears, and then she can't see anymore because he's hunching in on himself to pull her into a hug. His arms go under hers and he shoves his bruised and battered face into her neck and he lets out a sob that rips out her heart.

"Oh, dingus," Robin breaths out as she returns the hug. Too harshly, given the pained noise that Steve squeaks out when she squeezes him in her arms. She loosens her hold immediately but that just makes Steve hold her tighter, like he's afraid she'll let go.

She lets him cling to her. Lets him decide how long this hug will go. She's surprised to find that it never reaches the point of awkward. She kind of expected it to. It's certainly a longer hug than she would entertain for anyone, even her mom. Eventually Steve does pull back, stepping back into his hotel room and pulling her in after him.

"Thanks for coming," Steve says. He's not looking at her now. Instead, he stands before her with his head tilted slightly to the side, hand lifted but frozen in mid-air. He looks a little surprised for a moment before dropping his hand back down.

"Uh, you're welcome," Robin says. She's fairly certain he was about to run his hands through his hair - a nervous habit, she remembers- but there is no hair on that side of his head.

A silence falls, and this is awkward. Neither of them seem to know how to proceed, what should come next. Should she find somewhere to sit? There's a desk with a chair at it. She could turn that around to face towards the room and sit there. The other option is plopping down on the edge of the bed, but as she eyes it, it becomes clear it's not really an option. The pillows and blanket of the bed have been arranged to what must be the most comfortable position for Steve to sit in. And sit it must be, because the pillows are stacked far too high for any sort of laying down to be taking place.

"Um, sorry for the mess," Steve says, which pulls Robin's attention from scrutinizing his bed and back to him.

"No, no, nothing to be sorry for," Robin flaps her hand in the air, a poor attempt at waving off his apology.

"Still, I should," he says, gesturing towards the rumpled bedding and then immediately wincing.

"You should get back into the bed and stop hurting yourself? Yeah, sounds like a good idea. Glad to see you're capable of those," Robin snarks, surprising herself after the words have already left her mouth. It sounds so harsh and rude, speaking to a near stranger that way.

But Steve huffs a soft laugh, and even softer smile pulling at his lips. "Yeah, yeah. You wanna pull up the chair, then?"

Something loosens in Robin, then. She hasn't offended him. Of course, she hadn't. This man, however older and different he might look, was still Steve Harrington. That had to mean something for them.

Steve settles himself back into the bed with several pained noises that Robin pretends she didn't hear. Once he's settled, she does as he suggested and pulls the desk chair over to his bedside.

The blink at one another before Robin decides one of them needs to take a step, so she asks, "What happened?"

He looks guilty when he answers, "I don't know. Not- not really. I was caught in a fire, I guess. Or, well, they guess. The paramedics and the doctors and the police. Said they found me in the stairwell, couple floors down from fire; the best guess is I tripped or fell or- something while trying to get down. Got trampled by everyone else trying to escape."

"And this?" Robin asks, fingers already reaching out to run along the shaved bit of his head.

"Brain was swelling. They couldn't- doc said it was a long shot, a risk, but they had to try. Cut out a piece of my skull to make room from my brain or something. Guess it worked."

Robin swallows thickly. It worked. Thank fucking God it worked. It's settling in now, what all this really means. All his injuries. Steve could have died. Steve could have died, and they would never have know.

She's realizing, now, that Steve could have been dead for years by now, and they would never have known. They stopped looking. They moved on.

"Thank for coming, by the way," Steve continues the conversation, oblivious to the epiphany happening inside Robin's mind right now. "I- when El, sorry, when Jane talked to me, she said- she implied- that we don't talk much, anymore. So. I guess... well, she said you guys would come. That I should stay here because you'd come, but I guess a part of me wasn't sure. So, thanks."

"Steve," Robin's heart is breaking, and she's sure that he can hear it happening in her voice. "Of course I'd come."

Steve doesn't look like he believes her. She can see the doubt clearly on his face.

"Dustin and Jane will be here soon, too," she goes on, wanting to convince him. "Or, well, as soon as one can dependably get here when relying on an airline to keep their schedule," -Steve snorts at that and she counts the win- "but they're coming. And we- well, we haven't really told much of the rest of the gang. We started to, a whole phone call chain, but we, um, we didn't know how this would go."

Steve nods and then his face quickly crumples. He's not crying and his voice isn't watery, but he's clearly upset when he says, "I- I'm sorry, Robbie. I don't even- I don't know where to start. I don't even- I don't remember."

"Hey, it's- we'll figure it out, okay? Whatever you're missing, we'll figure it out," she tries to sooth but she can't tell if it lands. She's not sure she even believe it, so how can Steve? Still, she reaches out and takes one of his hands into her. It's scarred and rough beneath her own smooth hands. "There's nothing we haven't been able to overcome together, right?"

Steve squeezes her hand as an answer but doesn't agree verbally. Which is fair. There was something, seven years ago, that happened. Something that Steve must have been sure they couldn't overcome together.

Taglist: Full

@voidaxolotl @stedestielfrattficlover @mensch-anthropos-human @eriquin @otimaybe @chocolatesoulhoundfestival @bluesonglight @emitowrites @sidekick-hero @yesdangerpls @sageclipse @graham-cracker-guillotine @cinematicnomad @lizardweirdo @a-drop-of-magic @thewickedkat @micheledawn1975 @living-la-vie-en-rose @grtwdsmwhr @bumblebeecuttlefishes @bloodstainedthesnow @lexilexipoowhereareyou @corrodedheartsclub @hold-your-invisible-horses @steddiefication @whoamaybeicant @cherryrulestheworld @readerlev @motherofpirates @dolphincliffs @munsonfamilyband @havunneulanen @tinaa-aas @fuzzyduxk @r-a-t-p-a-t-t-o-o-t-i-e @illburnyouontheceiling @platinum-sunset @cringe-culture-is-dead-99 @glitterytyrantchopshop @prince-geo @missmagillicuddy @ollieolive @raleighrox @marklee-blackmore @ellaelsinore @foolishness-and-confusion @regle-side2 @xek-xek @my-brain-soup @blackpanzy

[djobriens]

joe keery + white tank = perfection

[meroszdraws]

Steve makes the first move and runs away like a dumbass.

[house-of-the-moving-image]

A King's Gift - Chapter Ten

A story about a reluctant hero, a cursed king, and a love that transcends space, time, and maybe even death itself.

[ Access the fic on @just-my-latest-hyperfixation 's AO3 !!!!!!]

You can start reading from the beginning using this link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/75595066/chapters/197680161

Tag list:

@steddieas-shegoes @thefreakandthehair @thisapplepielife @runninriot @sidekick-hero

@penny00dreadful @tinytalkingtina @pennyplainknits @steddie-island @arelliann @starthecozy @after-the-end-times

@matchingbatbites @qomrades @yesdangerpls @beingmissbatty @ellaelsinore @eriquin @alexmundaythrufriday @sheldarp

@dam28lh @xjessicafaith @grtwdsmwhr @swishyclang @bumblebeecuttlefishes @lumoschildextra

@simascreams @sadiea20 @gloster @kiwiwthegayone @micheledawn1975 

*DIRECT LINK TO CHAPTER 10 COMING SOON*

[just-my-latest-hyperfixation]

The King's Gift - chapter 10

Read it on AO3

Start from chapter 1

Chapter art by @house-of-the-moving-image

“What are you looking at me for, boy? Look at him. Look at what you chose.”

The barbs on his throat tighten, cutting off his air supply, and more blood trickles down his neck. There’s more vines in his hair now, twisting his head around until he can’t do anything but turn his head and meet Eddie’s eyes. There’s tears in them, too.

“It hurts, doesn’t it?” Vecna says. The vines on Steve’s arms and legs pull, and his body jerks forward. Closer to Eddie, closer to the edge. “It hurts to see all you care about in the world being ripped from you, destroyed while you are forced to watch. You could have spared yourself this pain, but you chose to be stubborn. You chose to stay and fight and still it hasn’t changed a single thing. Still it has brought you here. So watch.”

Tag list

@steddieas-shegoes @thefreakandthehair @thisapplepielife @runninriot @sidekick-hero

@penny00dreadful @tinytalkingtina @pennyplainknits @steddie-island @arelliann

@starthecozy @after-the-end-times @matchingbatbites @qomrades @yesdangerpls

@battythejester @ellaelsinore @eriquin @alexmundaythrufriday @sheldarp

@dam28lh @xjessicafaithx @grtwdsmwhr @swishyclang @bumblebeecuttlefishes

@lumoschildextra @simascreams @sadiea20 @gloster @kiwiwthegayone @micheledawn1975

[wynnyfryd]

a long and winding miracle

M | 692 words | written for the @steddiemicrofic April prompt ‘long’ | established relationship, middle-aged, slice of life

—

Steve looks up from brushing his teeth; spots Eddie literally pulling his hair out in front of the mirror on his side of the double vanity—a sort of common occurrence these days, ever since his gray hairs started “doubling like fuckin’ fruit flies” some time around his 40th birthday. Eddie hates it when he says so, but Steve likes them, the silver-white halo of frizz when he stands in front of the light. Makes him look all wild and sparkly. Just like he’s always been.

He slides down to Eddie’s side of the counter and slots in behind him, wraps his arms around his waist, enjoying the give as Eddie sighs his weight against him.

“Go away,” Eddie pouts. “I’m despairing.” But his hands move to pull Steve tighter around him.

Steve laughs softly, lifts a pretty silver coil from the mess of Eddie’s curls, watches it catch the light from the sconce. “It’s so long now,” he marvels.

“It’s so gray now,” Eddie frowns.

“I like it.”

“Ugh.” Eddie flaps a disapproving hand at their reflection. “Easy for you to say, with your perfect ‘silver fox hot dad’ thing—” Steve cracks up at that, doesn’t think much of the thin salt-and-pepper swoops at his temples. “—meanwhile I’m halfway to looking like goddamn Buzzo.”

“The Melvins guy?” Steve twirls another curl, darker, softer, just behind Eddie’s ear. “He’s hot, though.”

“Do not discuss the Melvins with me unless you’re trying to get your dick sucked.”

“Oh?” Steve drops a kiss to his shoulder. “So I shouldn’t name my favorite albums in order or—?”

Eddie spins around so fast it’s almost impressive, for a guy who’s due for a knee replacement any day now. He doesn’t even wince when he kneels to the floor in front of Steve and shoves his nose into his crotch; P.T. must be working.

“Yeah?” Steve smiles, watching Eddie nuzzle his dick.

“Mmhm.”

Steve gathers fluffy spirals into a ponytail at the crown of his head, careful not to let his fingers snag on the more tangle-prone grays. Holds him at arms length so he can get a better look. Eddie’s eyes slip closed, and Steve admires the sight before him: the crows feet, the forehead lines, the deep, sun-worn grooves around his mouth that make him look a bit like Wayne, the faint blush on the bridge of his nose, the sun spot on his cheekbone, the dimpled scars dotting the hollows where he picked his skin to shit the first time he tried to give up smoking. Steve loves it. All of it. Every wrinkle, every scratch, every receding follicle. What a joy to grow old together. What a long and winding miracle.

“Cute that you think you’re even gonna make it that far,” he murmurs, watching Eddie sink deeper into a comfortable haze. “You’re already half asleep”

Eddie blinks up at him, eyelids straining, jaw fighting the yawn he so clearly wants to let out.

Steve tugs his hair a little firmer at the crown; Eddie’s whole face pinches. “Oh, my god, just let it out.”

Eddie opens his mouth to quip ‘let what out?’ and says, “Let wha-aaaaaaaa oh goddammit.”

“Ha!”

“Shut up.” Eddie laughs up at him, but his head tips back and his eyes drift shut again. “Okay, fine. I am maybe, slightly, potentially—”

“—totally exhausted? Up since 5 A.M.?”

“—a smidge! sleepy. But I don’t see what my being awake has to do with your dick sliding into my mouth, anyway.”

“Oh, yeah?” Steve hardens his grip; gives a long pull on Eddie’s hair.

—

Later, sated and sweaty from his hairline to his kneecaps, Steve says, “Really glad you got too impatient to make me list those albums earlier.”

“Why, ’cause you never knew them?”

“Rude.” Steve flicks him gently on his good knee. “I knew them.”

“Uh huh.”

“I did! I just, like—”

“—forgot them the second you were asked to recall?”

“Yeahhh.”

“Yeah, I know, baby,” Eddie yawns. “I’ve done trivia with you before.”

Oh, my god. He tucks a curl behind Eddie’s ear; kisses his forehead. “Go to sleep, old man.”

His snores lull Steve to sleep.

[just-my-latest-hyperfixation]

The King's Gift - chapter 9

Read it on AO3

Start from the beginning

Chapter art by @house-of-the-moving-image

“Steve?” he whispers. His breath is warm on Steve’s face where the night air is cold, his eyes bright where the night is dark. Here. Happy. Alive. “What are you doing?”

And Steve knows without a shred of a doubt what he needs to do.

He tilts his head. Their noses brush.

“Hey,” Eddie mutters. “What's that?”

And then he's jumping to his feet and Steve’s lips land on nothing. When he turns, Eddie is already at the edge of the tower, hands bracketed on the battlements and staring out into the night in awed curiosity. If Steve felt annoyance or disappointment at the interruption, it immediately makes way for anticipation. Careful not to trip over their blankets, he stands and hurries to join Eddie in his spot.

“Oh, good,” he says. “It's starting.”

Tag list:

@steddieas-shegoes @thefreakandthehair @thisapplepielife @runninriot @sidekick-hero

@penny00dreadful @tinytalkingtina @pennyplainknits @steddie-island @arelliann

@starthecozy @after-the-end-times @matchingbatbites @qomrades @yesdangerpls

@beingmissbatty @ellaelsinore @eriquin @alexmundaythrufriday @sheldarp

@dam28lh @xjessicafaithx @grtwdsmwhr @swishyclang @bumblebeecuttlefishes

@lumoschildextra @simascreams @sadiea20 @gloster @kiwiwthegayone @micheledawn1975