Coping mechanisms-my boys
Reader Henderson x Eddie x Steve
Summary : A chaotic morning, a rough diner shift, and a surprise D&D debut with Eddie’s Hellfire Club lead to laughter, revelations, and a night wrapped up in the warmth of a brand-new throuple.
Warning: Polyamory / Throuple, Sexual Content, Workplace Harassment, Fluff , First Time Playing D&D, Found Family, Domestic Fluff
The next day I wake up to the strong smell of coffee in the air Steve is up in eddies kitchen already sipping on a hot cup of his own perched on the edge of the island watching as I sit up stretching as eddies arms are wrapped around my waist holding me tightly his breathing steady as he lets out a groan not wanting me to get up.
“ morning “ I mutter quietly running the sleep from my eyes “ good morning princess “ Steve smirks “ no work today? “ I look up at him sleepily as he shakes his head “ its Wednesday I always have them off” he moves next to me placing his cup on his knee.
“You still got work” he frowns slightly as I nod “ afraid so” I grumble “ eddies got school too” I look down at him giggling as he opens his eyes “ ugh I don’t want to go” he grumbles sleepily his voice deep and gruff “ you have to go” I sigh “ you have hell fire today “ I look down at him running my fingers through his wild messy curls “ ughhh” he grumbles burying his head into my chest making me giggle more “ how about we join you at hell fire tonight “ I look down at him smiling “what really” he looks completely shocked sitting up more now “ yeh” I smile.
“ I mean Dustin said I should join you guys” I look up at Eddie “ he said I need more hobbies than riding Steve in the back of his car and smoking” Steve choked on his coffee his face turning bright red Eddie chuckles, still watching me. There’s something softer in his eyes now, like he’s touched even though he’s trying not to show it. “So… you’re really coming? You’ll play?”
I nod, suddenly feeling a little shy now that the moment’s real. “If it’s okay with you.”
He sits up dramatically bouncing on the sofa “ yeh of course “ he smiles widely now fully awake “ I’ll make your character sheets and everything i promise you’ll love it” he jumps up off the sofa getting himself ready to go “ I’ll come join you after work yeh” I smile as Steve rests his chin on my shoulder “ I’ll come pick you up hm” he smirks his hot breath hitting my neck “ yeh please “ I smile “ and maybe pay a visit during my break “ I glance up at him giggling at his bright red face.
Eddie’s already halfway through getting dressed, bouncing around the room like a kid on sugar. “You’re gonna love itI swear. And Dustin will lose his mind when you show up. I’ve already got ideas for your character. Maybe a rogue. Or a warlock. Ooooo or a druid! Do you wanna shapeshift into animals?”
“Eddie,” Steve says, amused, “breathe.”
He throws a shirt over his head, then spins back toward me with an excited grin. I just smile at him, cheeks warm. “Looking forward to seeing you in your natural habitat.” He grabs his bag and keys with a final wink before heading for the door. “Meet you in the drama room after school. Don’t be late or Dustin will call you a casual.”
As the door shuts behind him, I feel Steve shift against me, arms sliding around my waist from behind as he presses his chin back onto my shoulder. “He’s so cute when he’s excited,” I murmur. “Yeah, it’s sickening,” Steve mumbles, but I can feel the smile in his voice. “You okay about tonight?”
I nod, leaning back into him. “I’m nervous. But… like, good nervous.” He presses a soft kiss behind my ear. “You’re gonna be great. And if anyone gives you shit, I’ll hex them.”
“You don’t know how to play,” I laugh “Doesn’t mean I won’t try.” He chuckles.
“ come on let’s get you to work” he smirks at me taking my hand “ good thing I kept spare clothes in your car isn’t it” I giggle walking out with him seeing the neatly folded uniform in the boot “ always so prepared” Steve teases as I quickly get changed into the striped button up top and short skirt I then tie my hair up in a high ponytail putting on some lip stick to top it off “ thought you were a waitress not a stripper “ Steve smirks looking me up snd down “ yeh I am but the better I look the more tips I get” I get into the passenger sheet smiling like an idiot as Steve drives off.
Steve keeps one hand on the wheel and the other resting casually on my thigh, his fingers drumming a lazy rhythm against my skin. The morning sun is just starting to creep through the clouds, casting that golden, sleepy light across the quiet streets of Hawkins. The windows are cracked, letting in the summer air that’s already starting to feel heavy with heat.
“ god I hope today’s a good day” I sigh resting my head in the back of my seat “ I’m sure it’ll be great” Steve pulls up out side the diner “ want me to walk you in” he teases “ I think if Karla sees you again she’ll go crazy “ I giggle “ just come for my break ok and bring something I can smoke “ I kiss his cheek gently before climbing out the car my skirt riding just enough to flash my lacy red underwear as I walk away making Steve stare for little longer till i disappear behind the doors of the diner.
As soon as I get through the door the morning rush starts Karla is stood behind the counter barking orders into the kitchen while I put my apron on “ morning Karla” I smile as she looks at me “ morning y/n busy day today” he pushes a list of tables waiting for coffee towards me as I fill up a flask with hot coffee and start doing the rounds.
I move swiftly between booths topping up mugs with a practiced smile on my face even when the group of truck drivers slap my ass as I turn away from them I still keep quiet rushing back to the counter for my next orders.
I’ve just dropped off a plate of pancakes at a table of a young couple with a toddler who instantly tried to feed the pancakes to the floor but I quickly catch the plate stopping it from slipping off the table I give a sharp smile pushing the plate to the centre of the table before turning away again.
I turn away to return to the counter only to nearly collide with Karla who is holding two plates one of eggs and bacon the other with pancakes her face screwed up in a frown her cigarette hanging out between her lips “ tables nine’s food is getting cold” she snaps thrusting the plates into my hands “ yes sorry” I sigh quickly taking them to table nine where mr wheeler sits with his daughter holly “ it’s about time” he grumbles under his breath lowering his news paper to the table “ sorry mr wheeler we’re really busy today “ I sigh putting the plates on the table “ mhm” he groans as I top up his coffee and freshen up holly’s cup of orange juice “ enjoy” I smile and then away to clear another table.
As the morning and the lunch rush draw to an end my feet are killing me, my pony tail is starting to fall out from the heat. I finally get a second to lean against the counter and rest my feet before Karla pushes a wet cloth towards me “ tables six needs wiping down then you go on break” she lets out a puff of smoke with each word
As I walk towards table six the door opens and Steve walks in sun glasses propped up on his head a brown bag in hand “ heya Karla” he smiles walking towards the counter “ if you’re not here to buy anything Steve you can get out” she snarls rolling her eyes “ I’ve brought a peace offering “ he pushes the bag to her in it are her favourite lemon bars from the bakery up the road and a pack of cigarettes.
She peers into it a smile playing on her lips “ fine” she sighs “ y/n” she calls out to me as I turn round finally noticing Steve giving him a big smile “ go on break” Karla instructs as Steve walks to me taking my hand pulling me out the door
He leads me towards his car that’s parked in the far corner under a tree his grip on my hand warm and combing as he pulls me into his lap in the front seat his hands on my hips holding me against his chest. “ rough morning “ he asks his voice low and soft as he draws gentle circles against my lower back “ hell” I sigh resting my head against his shoulder “ I’ve been groped, grabbed , sworn at and spat at so many times” he sighs “ oh baby” he sighs “ need me to start a fight “ I look up at him giggling “ no I just need this right now” I gently kiss his cheek smiling sweetly at him.
“ I brought you something “ he smirks his breath hitting my neck as I sit back to look at him again “ what is it “ I smile beaming at him as he pulls out a can of coke, a joint and a blue raspberry lollipop as I see it my eyes light up letting a gasp escape me “ you’re officially my favourite person Today” I wrap my arms around his neck kissing him passionately “ only today?” He teases his eyes flicking down to where my skirt rides up showing my lacy underwear where his hands slide up grasping the sides of my ass “ what do i need to do to be your favourite for the whole week” i giggle shaking my head “ bring lemon bars for Karla everyday “ “ hmmm ok” he smirks as I kiss him passionately letting his hands explore my body running up the back of my shirt as I grind myself across the bulge in his trousers.
“ stevie” I look down at him running my fingers through his hair my cheeks flushed “ I need you so much right now” I flutter my eyelashes pressing a kiss to the crook of his neck “ please “ I mutter my hot breath hitting his neck causing goosebumps to form “ before I have to go back” I look at him as his head leans back a groan escaping him “ god you know I can’t resist you “ he chuckles looking at me through his eye lashes his lips crashing into mine hands running up and down my back leaving light marks along my back
Then he leans back, brushing a thumb along your cheek. “You know,” he murmurs, “we’ve got all the time in the world after Hellfire tonight. I’ll take you somewhere quiet after. Just me you and Eddie . No Karla, no truckers, no diner smell.” You smile, forehead resting against his. “Promise?” “ i promise “ his voice is hushed as he peppers kisses across my face.
I stay curled into his arms the joint perched between my lips as I relax the rest of my break head nuzzled into the crook of his neck occasionally putting it between Steve’s lips letting him take a drag his head falling back as the high sinks in.
I go back into the diner smoke clinging to me the lollipop pressed into my cheek as I smile at Karla who stands behind the counter sipping on a coffee the diner is calm and quiet just waiting for the chaos of rush hour to hit.
“ your break good” Karla smirks walking round to pull my skirt down to cover my ass “ it was perfect “ I giggle looking at her my cheeks flushed “ you’re not as messy as you usually are” she smirks as I shake my head “ i know “ i perch on the counter swinging my legs “you’re a lucky girl” she takes her place back behind the counter “ and he’s a lucky guy” i add looking back at her smiling sweetly.
I hop off the counter just as the first dinner customers start to shuffle in; old couples who always order the soup, kids with sticky fingers, teens skipping school.
Just the usual Hawkins crowd.
I slip back into the rhythm, topping up drinks, wiping tables, scribbling orders, my body moving on autopilot, but my mind somewhere else. Every time I stop too long, I can still feel Steve’s fingers on my thighs, the ghost of his breath on my skin. I’m floating through the rest of my shift on a buzz.
The crowd dulls down again and I see Steve pulling up outside a small smile spreading across my face as I wave at him “ y/n” Karla calls across to me pulling my attention to her “ yeh” I smile sweetly walking towards the counter “ go clock out early I can close up tonight “ she looks out to Steve “ have fun” she teases as I shake my head “ thank you Karla I’ll see you Thursday “ I hang up my apron and rush out the door.
“ you’re out early” Steve smiles through the window at me “ Karla let me go early” I giggle climbing into the passenger seat “ you ready to play dnd” I look at him eyes fixed on him “ yeh guess so” he chuckles slightly “ can’t believe I’m doing this “ he mutters shaking his head “ hey we’re doing this for Eddie” I take his hand gently in mine stroking my thumb against it “ anything for him” he chuckles driving off towards the school.
“ god I never thought I’d come back here” I sigh looking at the old school building “ yeh well here we are” Steve smirks looking at me “so many terrible memories “ I glance at him “ you used to be a dick” I mutter as Steve parks “ yeh I know” he scoffs “ good thing I changed huh” he looks at me taking the keys out the ignition “ come on” he climbs out smiling as I follow him into the school building heading towards the old drama classroom where hellfire is held.
As I creek the door open I see Eddie already sat back in his throne the boys gathered around the table, Dustin is the first one to notice me as he jumps up “ y/n” he beams running to me hugging me tightly “ you came” he smiles as I hug him back “ hey dusty “ I giggle ruffling his messy curls he steps back taking in my work uniform “ you could have changed” he frowns slightly looking me up and down as I shove him “ shut up” I walk further into the room Steve following behind me.
Eddie jumps up from his throne knocking dice off the table as he runs to me picking me up into his arms and twirling me around making me squeal “ so glad you guys came” he beams his wild curls falling into his face as he puts me down “ you ready to play” he asks looking between me and Steve “ think so” Steve sighs a small smile on his face as Eddie runs his hand over his cheek “ oh come on Stevie you’ll do great” he mutters quietly as Steve blushes becoming flustered “ come I’ll introduce you to the rest of the party “ Eddie pulls us both to the table where everyone is sat.
Eddie is buzzing with energy as he bounces of the spot “ everyone this is Steve and y/n the newest member of the party” he smiles between us “ meet Gareth and Jeff and of course you know the others” he gestures to each member
“now your characters” he smiles grabbing pieces of paper “ y/n you are nyx the rogue race tiefling, class rogue, alignment chaotic neutral background charlatan, your skills deception sleight of hand persuasion and stealth.” He looks at me smiling “ signature moves sneak attack flirt distraction combo” he passes me the paper where there’s a drawing of my character with a deep description
I read; Nyx is sly, silver-tongued, and lives for the thrill of the con. She’s equal parts femme fatale and chaotic goblin, she’s a mirror of my quick wit, ability to read a room, and gives off general hot-girl energy. She carries poisoned daggers hidden under thigh straps and always has a snide comeback locked and loaded. She flirts with danger and bards.bellow that is a list of personality traits, Flirts to avoid fights, Steals things “just to see if she can”, Always looks suspiciously hot, even while hiding in a bush this makes me giggle slightly glancing at Eddie “ very good” I smile kissing his cheek while no one else is looking making him turn bright red as he turns to Steve.
“ steve your character is Ronan wolfboy vane you’re a shifter class ranger alignment neutral good you have a wolf companion called storm he only listens to you, you are a relatively mysterious character and extremely protective of the party especially nyx Dual-wields short swords or uses a longbow depending on the situation. When storm is on the field, they fight like a synchronized pair you go left, he goes right. Tracks enemies like a bloodhound. No one hides from him for long.” Eddie smiles as Steve stares at the paper in surprise “ this is sick man” Steve smiles
the image is of Ronan standing tall, lean but rugged built like a man who’s lived outside more than in. He has matted, dark brown hair that falls in loose waves just past his ears, often tucked beneath the hood of his battered cloak. His eyes are an unnerving amber, reflecting light in the dark—more beast than man when the rage hits. A faint trail of claw scars stretch across his neck and right shoulder, always visible when his armor shifts.
I look over Steve’s shoulder at the paper smirking “ he’s hot” I tease as Steve turns to me “ so’s she” he chuckles looking at the drawing of nyx “ glad you appreciate my work “ Eddie wraps his arms around my shoulders smiling widely “ now let’s play” he plonks down onto his throne as I sit next to him and Steve.
You’re thrown into a dark forest ambush. Bandits. Five of them. Eddie rolls behind the screen, smirking wickedly. “Nyx,” he calls, “you’re up first. You’re perched in a tree. You see the glint of a dagger at your thigh—an opening. What do you do?”
You smirk and lean forward. “Nyx grins. She flips the dagger in her hand, eyes the tallest bandit, and drops from the branch, aiming to land behind him. Stealth attack.”
The boys cheer. Eddie throws the dice. “That’s a nat 18 with your bonuses. It hits. Roll damage.”
“Eight plus sneak attack damage five more.”
Eddie groans dramatically. “He’s down before he even turns. The others look around in panic.”
Steve whistles low. “Damn. Okay. Ronan’s up?”
Eddie nods. “Your wolf, Storm, growls from the shadows. You see a bandit lining up a shot on Nyx’s back.”
Steve’s face tightens as he gets into it. “Ronan whistles low—Storm leaps. I move in with both short swords, one sweeping low, the other aimed for the chest.”
By the end of the first combat, your party has obliterated the ambush, and everyone’s laughing, hooting, Dustin banging on the table like it’s a drum. Eddie’s wide-eyed with joy. “Okay okay okay, we might actually have the dream team here.”
You feel giddy. Steve leans over to whisper, “You’re killing it. Rogue was the right move.
“You’re doing great, ranger boy.”
The game continues late into the evening. More fights. More puzzles. Your characters banter. Nyx flirts. Ronan broods. Storm mauls. The boys are completely invested. Even Gareth, usually stoic, cracks a grin when Steve and you roleplay a scene where Ronan and Nyx argue about a stolen bottle of wine.
By the end of the session, Eddie stands dramatically, arms spread. “And thus ends Chapter One of the Cursed Campaign.”
I smile wildly looking at Eddie clapping “ that was incredibly “ I giggle as Eddie stares at me slightly shocked that both me and Steve actually enjoyed it “ wait you really liked it” he asks “ uhhh yeah of course we did” Steve grins brushing a stray hair out of eddies face “ that was the mist fun I’ve had in like forever “ I squeal excitedly “ I told you you’d like it” Dustin teases pushing against my shoulder
“ it was a great session” Jeff smiles “ you brought a great performance to the game “ he chuckled looking better the three of us “ what’s going on” Gareth asks his finger pointing between us “ is something going on” he asks eyes squinting as I blush violently “ wait something is going on” Dustin stares in disbelief
Gareth leans forward in his chair as Eddie picks up the dice putting them in his pocket trying to distract himself from the awkward silence that’s swallowed the room “ wait” Dustin mutters again “ are you guys a thing” he asks hesitant for a second “ all three of you” Gareth adds sitting back again
“ ok yes” I step forward face bright red “ we’re all dating” I smile as I look at Dustin “ I swear I was gonna tell you it’s all very new “ he stares at me in disbelief “y/n” his face is very serious “ I told you not to date my friends” I stare at him “ oh come on dusty if I followed that rule I would be single forever” I frown as he turns to Steve and Eddie
Steve awkwardly rubs the back of his neck “ listen dude we’re not playing her about we actually like her” he smiles at me as I blush more “ yeh we’re a perfect throuple and if you didn’t want me to start something with her you shouldn’t have brought her to me” Eddie smirks looking at Dustin as he stares speechless “ ugh fine date my sister just don’t traumatise me” he groans rolling his eyes as he helps pack the dnd game away.
After packing away I pull Dustin to the side “ you ok” I ask my voice low and worried “ mhm” he mutters “ dusty you can’t lie to me” I look at him “ I’m fine I just wish you told me “ I nod “ I’m sorry” he hugs me “ if it had to be anyone I’m glad it’s those idiots out of anyone” he chuckles making me laugh “love you dusty” I look down at him smiling sweetly “ love you too sis” he looks up at me as I mess up his curls again “ you coming home tonight “ he asks an understanding look on his face “ I might sleep at eddies again” I look at him “ they help me dusty I can actually sleep the nightmare don’t come” I smile as he smiles at me “ good it’s about time you feel better” he hugs me again before he leaves.
Eddies trailer is quiet when we get back the adrenaline from the dnd game still thrumming through me “ you guys were incredible “ Eddie beams as he plonks himself down on the bed I soon join him resting my head on his chest “ it was more fun than i expected “ I giggle placing a gentle kiss on his jaw “ thank you for including us” I smile as Steve pitches next to me his hand running through the back of my hair “ it was great Eds really” he smirks.
“ I really liked the give you have your characters you really made them feel like you” Eddie smirks “ I love that” he says a little quieter watching as Steve pulls me back into his arms peppering kisses along the back of my neck
“ I don’t feel like being alone tonight” I glance at him “ can we stay here again” I ask “ please “ he nods “ it’s fine no one else is gonna be here there’s plenty of space sweetheart “ he sits up again as his and brushed my lower thigh “ great” I kiss him gently my hand stroking his cheek as he leans in more a deep hum escaping him.
The moment lingers, quiet and soft, as Eddie's lips brush mine again slow, thoughtful, like he's trying to memorize the way it feels. Steve’s arms wrap more securely around my waist, grounding me in the comfort of them both. For the first time in a while, everything feels still. Easy.
Eddie breaks the kiss with a lazy grin, his eyes flicking between us. “I could get used to this,” he murmurs, voice a little rough around the edges.
“You say that now,” Steve chuckles, his lips still against my neck. “Wait until we’re hogging all the blankets.”
“I sleep like a rock, man. Steal ‘em if you want I’ll just pile on hoodies,” Eddie says, flopping back on the bed with a dramatic sigh. “Seriously though, I’m glad you guys are here. Makes the place feel... less empty.”
“ it’s nice” I smile looking between both boys who lazily stare at each other eyelids heavy smirks on their faces “ I could get used to this my boys, a warm bed after a fun day of drinks and dnd” I flop back down onto the bed
“ your boys huh?” Eddie chuckled curls falling into his face as he props himself up on his elbow “ I like the sound of that” he smirks pulling me closer his hand settling warm and steady on my hip, thumb stroking lazy circles like he’s not even thinking about it. Steve shifts closer behind me, his leg brushing against mine, the heat of him sinking into my back.
“Yeah,” I murmur, my voice softer now, like the room itself has lowered its volume. “My boys.” I place a kiss on eddies jaw as Steve lets out a quiet hum of approval, lips brushing the back of my neck . “Guess that makes you our girl, then.”
Eddie grins at that, leaning forward just enough to kiss the tip of my nose. “Our girl who absolutely annihilated her first Hellfire session. Kinda proud, not gonna lie.”
“Kinda?” I tease, tilting my head up at him.
“Fine,” he smirks. “Very proud. Happy?” I smile, but my chest feels warm in a way I can’t laugh off. “Yeah. I’m happy.”
The three of us don’t say much after that. The adrenaline from the night slowly bleeds into a comfortable quiet, broken only by the hum of the fridge in the kitchen and the creak of the mattress when one of us shifts. Eddie starts tracing lazy shapes on my thigh; Steve’s fingers tangle in my hair.
It’s not long before Eddie’s breathing deepens, his curls brushing my cheek as his head tips forward. Steve presses one last kiss to the side of my neck, and I close my eyes, letting the weight of both of them anchor me in place.
I fall asleep in the warmth of my boys embrace they hold me all through the night even when Steve is snoring and eddies hair falls into my face tickling my cheek I still stay close finding comfort in the little things most would find annoying.
