Archive of Our Own

Bees were temperamental creatures with their habitat. Steve went to great lengths to maintain his hives. It took lots of care, which he had in bucket loads, to keep them buzzing, honey producing, and happy through the harsher winters in Indiana.

Summer was his time to shine. The Farmers Markets throughout a twenty mile radius of Hawkins had taken to his honey and beeswax products last year like his own tiny swarm of supportive new customers. They had urged him to set up a website to be able to purchase from him year round.

Seasonally he sent out an Email, ‘What’s the Buzz’, to let people know about the process and products he had been perfecting for them this summer, and it was finally here. Harrington Hives would be bringing local honey, beeswax balms, salves, and candles as well as honey forward loaves and pastries to the markets this year.

The night before kicking off the summer marathon of markets had him restless. What had started out as a hobby, something to occupy him on his off days from the fire department had slid under his skin and occupied his brain. He still worked his three 12 hour shifts per week, the smaller counties in the area often supported each other with fire and EMS calls. His off days were dedicated to furthering his ‘simple life’ passions as Robs lovingly put it.

Robin had teased along the way. He bought a small piece of land with a ranch style home after his parents had sold their suburban mansion a few years ago. It was on the outskirts of town further from the sprawling suburbs but not quite into farming territory. It had pushed him to make a decision about staying in Hawkins and what he envisioned for himself.

Apparently that vision included a schnauzer-looking mutt he found limping on a backroad the week after moving in. Archie was the first of his critter endeavors. Nursing the dog back to a healthy weight and a stable stride ignited something in him. The tenacity of Archie was stubborn and boundless- Steve was won over by the scrappy mutt.

Then came the hen coop. Robin had the honors of naming his gals. Henrietta, Gertrude, and Dotty were his egg laying ladies. Archie kept a watchful eye on their coop through out the day, and when Robs stopped by she always made a pit stop to compliment the hard working hens.

Next he got in his mind that he wanted to try his hand at small scale bee keeping. He joined reddit groups, and some local forums to learn from and support others in this off beat hobby. Was this what his parents thought their son at 28 should be doing? Absolutely not.

He wasn’t settled down, barely even in the dating scene, but he had a homestead he was proud of. It kept his anxiety at bay and he always had a guest room open for friends in need. Steve’s mind raced as he tried to settle his thoughts and get a few more hours in before packing up his truck and heading closer to Indianapolis.

***

He and Robin made the move to Chicago after she graduated from Hawkins High the year after Steve. He was piggybacking on her adventure of being accepted on a full ride scholarship to Loyola. Although times had changed Hawkins was still pretty far from what Steve would call progressive.

The pair were an odd duo- a friendship initially built on hating all the same customers coming in to their service industry minimum wage job. Further solidifying when Robin came out to him, with him a few months after asking Robin, ‘I can like both right?’, answered with a warm smile and a pithy ‘Yeah Dingus don’t break your brain.’

The city had been a much safer and more anonymous place to test out the waters and find what he was really into. Sculpted pecs, masculine forearms, and throaty growls revved his engine in the same butterfly inducing way soft curves and breathy moans did.

Steve spent time working in a city fire house when he wasn’t quite sure what else he wanted to do besides help people. The training was strenuous and challenging in a way that felt similar to basketball try-outs. Friendly competition and wanting to succeed. When he felt his time winding down in Chicago and the sprawling Midwestern planes pulling him back he got a hold of Hawkins Fire Chief Hopper and was enthusiastically offered a position at their station.

It had taken years for Steve to start to blossom into things he loved. Beyond the insecure and validation seeking teen he had been. Rough lessons lead him to softening his own edges. Lessons that made him feel secure enough in himself to rent booth space at farmers markets and share his hard work with other honey inclined folks. And not give a fuck that ‘the Harrington boy only peaked in high school.’

His phone buzzed around 5am sleep evading him most of the night. A text from Robin lit up the screen,

‘Baby boooy I know you’re up, Vickie and I can’t wait to stop by the booth today and christen the summer season!’

He smiled to himself. Robin spotting Vickie at a predominantly lesbian bar in Andersonville shifted her entire high school experience, literal hours of shifts worked together had her and Steve dissecting every one of their interactions- because Vickie hadn’t just been nice and complimentary of her she had been flirting the entire time. ‘See Robs, I knew she liked boobies too.’

The two quickly became inseparable during their grad school. Vickie and Robin moving into downtown Hawkins proper upon graduating. Leading a valiant effort to infuse culture into their hometown with an antique store and auction house set up.

He texted back as the early morning sun just started shining through, Archie grumbling at the foot of his bed from the movements of wakefulness.

‘If you bring me coffee I will kiss you on your stupid face. Truck is mostly packed, doing morning chores and heading out in under an hour.’

A fast response came through,

‘Ew pervert, I’ll provide coffee if you promise to keep your lips to yourself. Why ya so obsessed with me?’

He chuckled as he slid out from under his blankets and tossed yesterday’s jeans on, giving Archie a thorough rump rub and heading out to feed the hens and check on the bees. Archie hot on his heels to help, do his business, and know food was soon on his docket too.

***

Steve went through his mental checklist as he latched the trunk. One last glance had him knowing it was as prepared as he’d ever be. Much more prepared with one summer under his belt. He no longer felt like a novice on the Farmers Market circuit. He finished the last dredges of coffee in his mug, knowing Robin would come through with some fresh caffeine once she and Vickie showed up.

He set the mug on the porch railing, kissed Archie goodbye- he was usually a good booth buddy but Steve wanted to navigate today solo, keep things as smooth running as possible, and hopped into the driver side.

His bluetooth connected effortlessly as 90s tunes made their way out of the stereo. He headed west to a populous suburb closer to downtown Indy and enjoyed the full sunrise.

***

Moving to downtown Indianapolis shortly after finally graduating high school had Eddie working at a few seedy bars. Slinging drinks, meeting an array of people, getting to listen to shitty bands, and on slower weekends getting to play in his shitty band. It was freeing.

One regular, Bart, who was gruff but always tipped well had warmed up to Eddie and their shared love for heavy metal bands. He set Eddie on the path to welding school. The night courses kept Eddie entertained and occupied in a way high school never had and immediately after Bart offered him an apprenticeship- the rest, as they say, was history.

Eddie loved working with his hands. Being a metalsmith felt like a natural progression for him a constant challenge to perfect his craft and learn new techniques. One thing that he knew would keep him busy this summer, outside of his metal craft works and commissions, was sharpening knives. It was a skill his Uncle Wayne had taught him.

Wayne had been on the Saturday Farmers Market line up near Hawkins for decades now, since the inception of said market coming up on 20 summers of service. He had built a loyal following over the years that kept his pockets supplemented outside of the factory work he did. This year he was passing the torch to Eddie.

The big electric grinding wheel was already loaded in his van, along with some finished metal work lawn ornaments. He was afraid to bring smaller jewelry pieces since he’d be spending most of his time focusing on the knife sharpening task at hand. Knew the care that went into the craft. Well taken care of knives could last a lifetime.

So, yeah, was this early hour usually a time he was up until and not one he was getting up at? Absolutely. He wanted to carry on Wayne’s legacy and that was more important to him than having to set multiple alarms.

Stuff packed the night before to win him a couple extra minutes of sleep had him rolling out of bed, tying on his trusty black bandana over his unruly curls, brushing his teeth and heading out the door. Still rubbing the sleep from his eyes he blasted some Iron Maiden and headed closer to Hawkins.

***

Steve smiled as he pulled up to the lot. Parking his truck behind the spot his booth would belong. Sliding the card table from the back seat he set to work getting his space set up the way he had perfected last summer.

Spreading a cutesy eyelet patterned buttercream yellow table cloth as the base for his goods he kept his stuff sectioned off. Local honey front and center, one side with the freshly baked blueberry honey loaves and banana honey muffins. The other side with the beeswax balms for over worked hands, cuticles, and heels along with the chapsticks and candles. All of the products emblazoned with the logo Will had worked up for him.

A line drawing of a dog looking an awful lot like Archie with a dotted bumblebee path creating a heartshape around him, bee balanced on his nose ‘Harrington Hives’ in a delicate font above the design. He loved it. So much in fact he had the picture tattooed over his left ribs tucked over his heart.

His booth was coming together as more and more small businesses and farmers filled out their own spaces. Some familiar faces from last summer, had Steve waving and catching up. The booth across from him had a van screeching into the parking space noise blasting from the unrolled windows breaking into the quiet of the morning.

Steve furrowed his brow at the display. These farmer market mornings were his sanctuary – who was disrupting his vibe before the crowds came?

His phone buzzed with a text,

‘Stevie, me and Suzie are coming down from Indy to wander the market and then go visit my mom- Henderson house dinner tonight? You know you’re always welcome!’

He smiled at Dustin’s text. Loved that all those years ago when he got caught up in a hazing incident that his penance was a babysitting afterschool program that gained him Dustin and all the kids who came along with him.

He looked up at the now quiet van and the owner as he unloaded large metal yard sculptures and started setting up some kind of machinery. From afar the guy looked like the type he was drawn to in Chicago. Tattoos, sculpted arms, and long hair- a grungey bad boy aesthetic. Not to say this man was even into other guys, but Steve knew what he looked like, not the usual bait for a guy like that.

In the time Steve had been ogling the man he had set up small speakers and started streaming more pounding baselines as he set up his booth. A market veteran with hand made soap, Patti, stopped by Steve,

“Well that’s new.” She said looking disapprovingly at the booth across from him.

Steve smiled and shrugged he hated being a part of the gossip on this circuit, but absolutely loved to hear it all, and Patti knew it all.

“Want me to go over and ask him to turn it down?” Steve asked as Patti continued to glare daggers.

The man looked up at that moment and threw a wave their way. Steve’s brain tripped over the word cute, at the little finger wave.

“Stevie if you wouldn’t mind, I just don’t want this to become a bad habit if it isn’t addressed.” She folded her arms over her chest.

At this point he felt unbothered, it sounded like a song Dustin liked, he had gotten into metal after Steve graduated high school and Dustin started idolizing the guy who ran his dungeons and dorks club. By osmosis his car collected CDs of Black Sabbath, Metallica, and T.Rex (a good compromise that Steve genuinely loved) to support Dustin’s youthful interest in rock music.

He got up, “Patti I’ve got it, no problem.”

She followed close behind hoping to have something to report to the other gossip hounds on how the interaction goes and who this newbie is. Steve’s aware, he got the full experience last year in his first summer.

“Hey man.” Steve smiled and paused, the guy was setting up the electric outlet he needed for the contraption he had setup.

Steve raised his voice, “Uh, Hey man!”

The guy looked up, big brown eyes catching his own, a familiar face Steve couldn’t quite place.

“Well, well, well if it isn’t King Steve.” The smooth voice carried out.

Eddie fuckin’ Munson.

Once a target for Tommy Hagan, but someone who always caught Steve’s eye, even in a peripheral way. The theatrics and anti-authority attitude had sparked something in his hormonal body back then. Honestly he was the first guy that really tripped up Steve’s brain. So bullying and avoidance were the way he handled his stupid teenage feelings towards the guy.

Patti cleared her throat and butt in front of a momentarily speechless Steve, “Excuse me, young man, just this is a family friendly market, and it’s so peaceful and early- if you could cease this noise pollution for the surrounding booths- we’d all appreciate it.”

Steve brought his hand up to stifle a laugh, Eddie followed the movement tampering down his own laugh.

“My apologies ma’am, I was just bumpin’ some tunes to set up to.” He responded.

“This isn’t a rave, not trying to be fun police, it’s just not the setting for that here.”

He proceeded to turn off his music with a sheepish expression. As Patti made her exit.

He met Eddie’s eyes again, “Uh, she makes really decadent artisanal soaps?”

Eddie burst out laughing. “I’m sure they’re a delight Harrington.”

Steve chuckled, “I wasn’t expecting you here but now that I think of it Saturday's I always saw Wayne.”

“Yup, steppin’ into some pretty big shoes.” Eddie said while finishing his set up.

“But he’s okay right?” Steve followed up.

Eddie looked a little confused, “Yeah just taking on less these days, uh, he never brought up seeing you here though.”

Steve rubbed the back of his neck, “I’m across the way,” stupidly pointing back at his booth, “The honey and beeswax products.”

Eddie’s eyes lit up, the charisma almost contagious, “Oh did you drop off honey for Wayne over the winter when he had that awful cold?”

“Sure did.”

“He passed some along to me when I inevitably caught the same damn cold babying him and making him soup, it was fucking medicinal, man!” Eddie complimented.

Steve lightly blushed under the praise. Waiting a beat, “Hey I know it’s been years but, especially if we’ll be seein’ each other around, um, sorry.”

Again met with a slightly confused expression on the doe-eyed man.

He pushed forward not wanting to back off once he started, “Sorry for how I acted toward you in high school, like I know we kinda moved forward with our shared time in Dustin’s life, but I just wanted to officially apologize for how I acted.”

Eddie blinked at him, “Water under the bridge man, actually you kinda redeemed yourself in some way, I know it was a little late, but you pulling Tommy off of me saved me from a pretty gnarly concussion.”

Steve cleared his throat feeling ashamed, “The fact that it even got that far is testament enough of what a shit can I was.”

Eddie walked toward him in the flowy way he had about his movements and held out his hand. “Truce? Start over? Dustin still talks about you at our monthly campaigns I host at the bar in Indy, thinks you hung the moon.”

Steve clasped his hand in the other man’s, “Likewise Munson, I’m pretty sure our combined efforts turned him into the Dusty he is today.”

They shook hands, “Steve Harrington purveyor of honey and beeswax goods, and fire man.”

Eddie snorted, “Fire man? How the fuck do I compete with that?”

“This is supposed to be a do over, introduce yourself to me!” Steve teased back.

“Eddie Munson, metalsmith, heavy metal connoisseur, the most metal, and for the summer knife sharpener- so you better not piss me off.” He leveled Steve with a serious face.

The two broke out in laughter.

“Well nice to meet you The Most Metal Eddie,” Steve dug a beeswax chapstick from his pocket and handed it to Eddie, “Welcome to the whacky world of Farmers Markets, word to the wise stay away from Brenda who does the homemade dog treats.” Steve winked and headed back to his booth since go time was upon them.

Eddie shook his head, felt like he was still in some weird dream state, twisted the cap on the chapstick breaking the adorable label seal and popping the lid off. Swiping it over his lips notes of honey and lavender hit his senses, he wondered if Steve’s lips tasted the same way.

He slid on his safety goggles and finished up getting the equipment ready pushing the thought of high school jocks in shining armor out of his head.

***

The crowds were out in droves today. The beginning of summer had people in the mood to peruse, spend, and enjoy themselves. Steve was already dipping into his restock pile from the truck.

“Yo did someone order an iced almond milk cutest boy at the farmers market?”

Steve whipped his head up, finished the transaction with a customer and pummeled Robin with a hug. She held the hand holding his coffee up in the air, “Careful butt head you’re gonna spill your own drink!”

She tutted at him as he grinned still squeezing her ribs.

“Have I told you I love you recently?” Steve asked while taking the proffered drink.

“Only daily, and it’s likewise- hook me up with one of the muffins please.” She made grabby hands at the pastry, unwrapped it, and handed half to Vickie.

“Hey Stevie, your stuff is going fast today.” She smiled warmly and popped the muffin into her mouth.

Between customers the three chatted, Steve’s eyes had a moment to wander across to Eddie’s booth, also with a small line and waiting list signed up for his services. Robin caught his movement and glanced in the same direction.

“Who’s doing the knife sharpening wasn’t that Wayne’s gig? I mean he looks like if someone asked you your type that’s the drawing they’d come up with.” She gave him a teasing shoulder nudge.

Steve glared at her, “Uh it’s Eddie.”

Robin and Vickie exchanged a look, “Wait that’s Munson?” Vickie said.

Steve nodded.

Robin followed up, “Like most likely your male sexual awakening, Munson, all the Chicago boys were poor imitations of Eddie Munson?”

“For fucks sake Rob.” Steve groaned under his breath.

She lifted both her eyebrows at him in the same moment Dustin and Suzie appeared.

“Dustybuns!” Robin screeched.

Hugging him and his long term girlfriend, Steve and Vickie following suit.

Steve stepped back to man a small line forming at his booth.

***

Dustin vaguely remembered Eddie would be taking on Wayne’s services at the Farmers Market but hadn’t really connected it putting him and Steve in the same place.

He left Suzie to catch up with Robin and Vickie and made his way over to Eddie.

“Eddie the Banished sharpening knives to be as sharp as his tongue!” Dustin said in one of his DnD voices.

Causing Eddie to look up and cackle, throwing his head back.

“Ah hey man, didn’t realize you’d be stopping this way!” He said while re-wrapping a set of knives he had completed.

“Not to be a dick but we were stopping by for Steve, and who did I happen to remember’s here too? You!” Dustin grinned easily.

“Little ‘ol me? Well don’t you know how to make a boy feel welcomed, by letting him know he was an after thought.” Eddie was just taking the piss with Dustin knowing how to rile him up.

“An after thought? Nay, kind sir, a happy accident!” Dustin replied.

Eddie snickered while he got another set of knives ready to sharpen.

“He stopped by the booth earlier, I got accosted by some soap maker.”

Dustin laughed, “That would be Patti, Steve had some wild stories about her last summer. Stay on her good side.”

“Alas, that advice is a little too late my friend.” Eddie joked, knowing the woman was just one more in a semi-authority figure line-up of people who didn’t like him based on his looks…and music.

Eddie took a gulp of water and rubbed the back of his neck, “Yeah Steve actually apologized for his behavior in high school, was kinda twilight zone strange.”

“Told you he was a good guy. It definitely took time, but not the douchebag he was before he started volunteering the after school program, kinda shocked he hadn’t before this- I figured since the two of you crossed paths over teen me, my favorite dads.” Dustin nodded.

Eddie pulled him in for a one armed hug. “I gotta get back to this so I finish up in time, but it was good seein’ya Dusty. Next week is the campaign, are, you, READYYY?” Eddie ended his sentence in a wrestle mania voice.

Dustin shook his head and headed back across the way.

Eddie’s eyes followed seeing Steve’s group of friends around him , not for the first time, wondering what made Steve seem so magnetic to the people in his life.

***

First market of the season was officially under wraps. Steve had his stuff packed away, one lonely blueberry honey loaf was left of the perishables, he saw Eddie still packing up his van and walked over.

“Hey how was day one?” Steve asked as he approached.

“I can’t believe I’ve gotta do this every Saturday, Wayne totally conned me, also Brenda stopped by before she left, I didn’t realize it was dog treat Brenda that you warned me about- lady’s got a mean grip on her when she grabbed my ass.” Eddie made a disgruntled face.

Steve absolutely lost it, knowing exactly what Eddie meant about that grip.

“Trust me man, it’s not a one time thing, your gotta dodge her wandering hands from here until the end of summer.” Steve’s eyes crinkled as he smiled, “Uh, here, to make up for some of the craziness of the day, only one left and trust me I don’t need extra coming home with me.” Steve handed Eddie the loaf.

Eddie took the offered food, who was he to turn up his nose at home baked goods. “Thanks Harrington. It was cool running into you, how many of these do you attend?”

“I go to a Thursday one closer to Muncie, this Saturday one, and Every other Sunday I hit up the one closer to the Dunes, lotsa tourists. Keeps me busy enough between these and my actual job.” Steve fiddled with the hem of his shirt.

“Do you even sleep, man?” Eddie’s wide animated eyes met Steve’s.

“Ha, who needs it? I like staying busy, idle hands and all that, once fall hits and the circuit here quiets down I can count on Robs wanting to attend every pumpkin-ish and horror adjacent farm and fest in all of Indiana. Once that ends I’m ready to hibernate.” Steve rocked on his heels, feeling under a microscope for Eddie.

“Ah, yes, King Steve, idle hands are the devil’s workshop. Can’t see you getting up to anything too devilish.” Eddie winked at him.

“Nah man just gotta take care of my Hens and Archie, never a dull moment at Casa Harrington.”

Eddie chuckled, he liked this laid back Steve, “You’re in Indianapolis though, right? Just hitting this market on Saturday’s?” Steve asked not wanting the interaction to end quite yet.

Eddie removed his bandana and blew his bangs off his forehead, “Yeah, yeah, got some big commissions coming up, this gig, and I still do a monthly campaign for the nerds who’ve stayed close. Will even comes up from Chicago for it.”

Steve watched the movement, always had loved Eddie’s stupid metal head hair, wanted to touch it. “I remember now, they said something about doing a dinner in Hawkins, you know you’re welcome too.”

Eddie smiled, genuinely, dimples out in full force, “King Steve allowing a lowly jester to come dine with him?”

Steve snorted. “Only for the entertainment value.”

“Oh, I’m wounded!” Eddie made a big deal of pretending to take an arrow in the heart.

“Alright drama queen I gotta head back, catch ya next Saturday?” Steve asked one eyebrow raised.

“With bells on babe.” Eddie flourished a bow his way.

Steve shook his head at the ridiculousness of Eddie's mannerisms.

“See ya then.” Steve saluted and grabbed his keys from his pocket heading to his truck.

***

Once in his van Eddie unwrapped the loaf for nourishment on his way back to Indy. The first bite lit a symphony of flavors on his tongue. He knew he’d devour it before he got home.

In the same moment he regretted not asking Steve for his number, to text and thank the other man, maybe annoy him a little, only so he wouldn’t forget about Eddie through the week.

Would it have been weird to ask for his number?

He’d see Dustin, Will, and Mike this Friday and try to get a discreet feel for what Steve’s social life looked like.

He turned up his music and let his thoughts get carried away by the face melting guitar solo.

***

Steve stopped by Mrs. Henderson’s house, declining dinner, but happily grabbing leftovers and dessert on his way to the station. It was shaping up to be a long day, he knew it would be, kicking off his summer season followed by an overnight fire shift.

He was lucky to have Robin and Vickie live close enough that on his three long shifts one of them was always willing to let Archie out and feed him when necessary. He had brought the dog for a long walk between gigs, it was good for him to also stretch his legs and allow his mind to self indulgently wander back to Eddie.

“Steve I love you man but, shit-“

“Dustykins, language!” was hollered from the kitchen over the sound of running water and soapy dishes.

“-sheesh, Ma, I’m 24 years old I think I can swear! The amount you’re working, when was your last date dude?” Dustin asked while popping the last bite of a freshly baked snickerdoodle cookie in his mouth.

Suzie swatted his arm, “Leave Steve alone. No heckling, his bees make the best honey in the county, what do you do Dusty? Huh?”

Steve smiled at her, had always liked what an insanely smart firecracker she is, “Yeah Dusty, the fuck do you do? But seriously man, don’t worry about me, between Archie, the bees, and my egg layin’ ladies- I just cant think of a whole lotta people who’d want to take that on.”

Dustin’s eyes went wide, “They’d take it on for you, because you’re a catch!”

Steve blushed, feeling squirmy under his friends easy affection, “Dusty, you’re my best friend, so like kindly fuck off about it?”

Dustin’s smile widened, “I’m telling Robin you said I was your best friend.”

Steve sighed, “Alright what are we reverting back to twelve?”

Suzie giggled, “Between you and Eddie you always bring the inner middle schooler out of my Dustybuns.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

Dustin sat arms crossed over his chest, “Yeah actually Eddie did say you two talked today. Uh that you cleared the air? Something to that affect.”

Steve nodded, “Yup, not much else to say, just it was kind of nice catching up.”

Dustin snapped his attention to Steve, “nice, like ask him on a date, nice?”

Steve rolled his eyes, “No like absolve myself of my high school guilt nice and appreciate having a sort of friend to see on Saturdays.”

“For the record I always felt you two would get along. I’ve never met two people who care so much about their hair and inner circles well being. He’s planning a sick campaign for Friday, we still on to crash at yours next Saturday? Will can’t wait!” Dustin was off zooming from one topic to the next in the span of a breath.

“You bet, it’s why I’m picking up tonight to have the full weekend off for you guys. I gotta get going, I mean Hop loves me, but he’s a stickler for lateness. Gimme the goods your mom set aside for me, would’ya?” Dustin wandered to the kitchen to grab aforementioned leftovers.

He handed them over as Steve raised his voice, “Thanks again Mrs. H the guys at the station will be lucky if I share!”

Giving Suzie a quick hug he slipped out the door off to work.

***

The week went by in it’s usual progression, Steve’s work shifts were thankfully uneventful- he even got to go to a camp event and be fawned over by kids aged 3 to 5 about being a fireman and the shiny truck it was the kind of thing that kept a smile on his face for days.

Friday night rolled around with a slight anticipation to see Eddie again the next day, he knew the kids were up in Indy for their campaign, he remembered catching the tail end of theatrics Eddie put into orchestrating a well thought out game when they would run over time at the club in high school. No doubt he had honed that skill into adulthood.

Steve settled on the cushioned bench on his front porch. Chores done, truck packed, loaves cooling, and Archie panting in the creeping summer heat on the cushion next to him. It was moments like this he wished he had someone to share it with.

He had extracted some fresh honey earlier in the day from his hives and spent the afternoon tending to his wildflower garden, curated to be pollen supporting with bee balm, coneflowers, and shasta daisies. He had this slice of open land on his property that made his mind wander to goats.

Knowing Robin would encourage any endeavor with cute animals he had kept this idea to himself until he was really truly ready to make that kind of commitment.

***

The next morning rolled around with Steve waking up slowly, giving Archie a thorough tummy rub, “Who’sa distinguished fella, those eyebrows and mustache are unbeatable Arch.”

Cooing his affection at the waggly spoiled dog. Scooping him into his arms baby style and planting a wet kiss on the dog’s face. Archie happily returned the favor licking the side of Steve’s cheek as he got out of bed and placed the mutt on the floor.

“Ya wanna come with me today, bud? I know Patti missed you last week.”

The nubbed tail was wagging in double time as they made their way to feed the hens. Archie yapped excitedly as if he had understood Steve’s question.

Morning rounds done and fresh eggs gathered Steve boiled some for egg salad sandwiches, not thinking too hard when he made an extra one placing them in his cooler. Packed up the pastries and had Archie jumping into the passenger side of the truck.

“Alright co-pilot, time to abuse your cuteness for sales today.”

Archie cocked his head in response and urged Steve to roll the window down partially to stick his nose out. And the two were on their way.

***

Eddie was struggling when the morning came aggressively early after the insane campaign, and drinks that had followed. His bleary mind remembering a conversation with Will from the previous night.

He had brought up seeing Steve while smoking a cigarette with Will, a habit both of them had cut down on, but still indulged once in a while with.

Will studied his face when he had brought up Steve.

“He’s a really decent dude, when I moved to Chicago we overlapped for a few months there when I got into grad school at Columbia. He insisted on showing me the ropes in Boystown, didn’t want anyone taking advantage of me.” He smiled softly to himself.

“Huh, a mighty protector? I can’t imagine that many straight guys who would do that, even for their little brother figures.” Eddie had mulled over.

Will gave him a strange look, “Steve’s Bi.”

Eddie’s world shifted. “Oh. That makes more sense?” The end of his sentence tilting up in a questioning tone.

Will whole heartedly laughed.

“Yup, and if I recall Steve had a type when it came to guys.”

Eddie knocked shoulders easily with Will, “and if I was curious about this type?”

Will stubbed out the butt of his cigarette and tilted his head thoughtfully, “Expressive, tattoos, longer hair, usually liked guys who seemed to take charge. But ya didn’t hear it from me. Honestly it’s been years, so what do I really know?” his eyes danced in a very knowing way.

Because what he hadn’t told Eddie was on an uncharacteristically sloppily drunk, post break-up, night out with Steve, Steve had confessed to pulling pigtails with Eddie and that the bullying had been a misplaced defense mechanism when he realized he thought the other man was pretty.

Eddie read the other boys features, “There’s more? Right?” He asked.

Will snorted softly, “What am I a Steve expert?”

“There’s no way when you were a teen you weren’t a little in love with him.” Eddie stated remembering the glances that Will always gave Harrington.

Will laughed, “The guy literally beat an upper classmen up for calling me a fag. It was puppy love, uh, maybe hero worship? As you recall I like my men blonde, beefy, and super into going to comic cons with me.”

Eddie laughed brightly clapping a hand on Will’s shoulder and heading back into the bar.

His foggy morning brain wanted to supply, at one point I may have been Steve’s type, in another world it could’ve been me picking him up at a bar. He groaned as his fourth alarm went off and pulled himself out of bed.

***

Steve was fully set up by the time Eddie’s van rolled into his spot. Archie was chewing on an elk antler contentedly by his feet as Steve watched the other man get out and start carrying his lawn ornaments out.

He looked up and waved at Steve, ran back to his van, and headed in Steve’s direction with two coffees.

“Hey.” Voice coming out scratchy Steve could tell the man was a little worse for wear this morning.

Eddie cleared his throat and continued, “I don’t know what you like, but I wanted to bring something as a thank you for the loaf you gave me last week, I fuckin’ demolished that thing on my ride home.” He chuckled.

Steve beamed under the praise of his baking. “If you’re offering me caffeine you’ll never get rid of me. Rough night with the party?” He asked.

Eddie snorted, “I haven’t drank like that in a while, closing in on 30, and having more than a couple beverages- it’s a cruel reminder I’m gettin’ older.”

Eddie would be lying if he said he hadn’t texted Dustin to ask what Steve liked. The quick answer had been, dairy alternative and you’re good.

“We’ve got an Americano with vanilla syrup, or an Almond milk latte with toffeenut.” He held both cups out.

Steve reached for the latte, “Good choices- almost what I’d order for myself, gimme the latte please.”

“A noble choice King Steve.” As he handed the drink over.

Steve rolled his eyes, Archie realizing they had company, dropped his bone and padded over to the men.

“And who is this small gentleman?” Eddie asked as Archie gave a gruff woof.

Between sips Steve gestured between the two, “Archie, Eddie, Eddie, Archie.”

Eddie set his Americano down and crouched to the dogs level. Archie immediately approached with the attention and stood on his hind legs, front paws resting on Eddie’s knee. Using both hands Eddie rubbed the dogs ears eliciting a low grumble.

Steve watched Eddie’s nimble fingers moving, he had never been so jealous of his dog.

“Not gonna lie, you’d strike me more as a Golden Retriever or Labrador owner.” Eddie said as he continued to give Archie the full rub down. Earning himself a thumping back paw when he found a spot.

“Ha maybe in some other life? I found Archie a few years ago after I moved into my place he was limping on a backroad when I got off shift, brought him straight to the vet. The doc told me the injury didn’t look like he had been hit by a car, but rather someone tossed him out of a moving one. Fuckin’ garbage humans. So he’s been with me ever since.” Steve smiled as Archie barked and hopped into his lap.

Eddie stood back up, “Actually that sounds more fitting, King Steve collecting strays.”

Steve laughed. “If anyone’s royalty in this equation it’s this spoiled little mutt.” He hugged Archie and set him back down to chew on his bone.

“Fuck I gotta get set up, but thanks again for the pastry.” Eddie flashed a full on smile at Steve, eyes crinkling at the corners. It made Steve’s mouth go a little dry.

“Anytime man, I’ll catch ya later I’m sure.” Steve said as Eddie headed back to his booth.

Not long after Patti approached, “Well at least he learned some manners, no music blasting upon his arrival.”

Steve laughed, “Yeah I think we got our point across.”

“Do you know him outside of here? You know I have a gay nephew a nice clean cut boy, if you were looking to date?” Patti needled him.

Steve almost choked on his latte.

“Nah Pat I’m good, thanks though. Eddie and I went to high school together, it didn’t click immediately when we saw him last week.” He didn’t want to give her too much for the rumor mill.

She tapped her knuckles on his table still glaring towards Eddie.

“Want a muffin?” Steve slid the baked good towards her.

“Thanks sweetie. It’s just you’re too young not to be putting yourself out there.” She said thoughtfully.

Steve smiled it felt bittersweet when people commented on his aloneness.

“Patti I’m so busy I barely even notice.” He gave her a reassuring smile.

“Well you’ve still got my number from last summer, right? In case you change your mind about my nephew- he’s a handsome young man.” She peeled the liner from the muffin.

Steve nodded, “Yes I do, but you know how busy summer’s get, between doing this and my job, there’s not much time for anything else.”

“You know what, when I was first started dating Robert, god rest his soul, it didn’t matter how busy I was- I got butterflies whenever he called, always had time or made time to get to see him. Think about it, okay?” She waved him off and headed back to her soaps.

Steve felt a little off kilter after the interaction, I mean shit, it was a Saturday at the Farmers Market- not time for deep thoughts. He shook off the feeling, looking forward to the welcome distraction of customers coming through.

***

The day was coming to a close, Archie getting the adoration he deserved from customers and passerby’s alike. The great thing about these early start Farmer’s markets was that they were over by early afternoon.

Steve was packing up his truck but still saw Eddie finishing up some knives. A few stragglers standing around watching him work and chatting aimlessly enjoying the beautiful day.

Steve grabbed the sandwiches he had packed, still with a slight chill on them from the cooler. He walked over to Eddie’s booth just as the other man was packing up the last knife he had been working on.

The older man smiled at Eddie. “Bless your heart boy, don’t tell Wayne but I think these knives have never looked better!”

He shook Eddie’s hand appreciatively and headed out.

Eddie turned his gaze to Steve, “Well bless my heart.” He said in a fake southern drawl pulling a snort from Steve.

“Here I packed an extra one this morning figured we could use some sustenance after a busy day.” He handed the wax paper wrapped sandwich to Eddie. Classic egg salad with sweet pickles on home made sourdough bread.

Eddie unwrapped it and took a huge bite in front of Steve mmmm-ing appreciatively around his mouthful. Steve’s blood rushed south at the sound pooling in his gut.

“Relax man it’s just egg salad.”

Eddie’s eyes went wide, a little mayonnaise on his upper lip, “Just egg salad? Nay, King Steve, this is like top fuckin’ tier, delicious.”

“You’re probably just starving, gotta bring snacks with you, rookie mistake.” Steve shrugged off the compliment.

“I’m not even fucking around, why is it sandwiches always taste better when someone else makes them? I swear even just the eggs taste better.” Eddie went on, taking another bite.

“No I totally agree, for some reason Robin makes the best PB&J, mine never come close. I’ll pass the compliment along to the girls about the eggs though.” Steve smiled.

Eddie paused, “Why would Robs and Vickie need to be complimented on the eggs?”

Steve burst out laughing, “No, no, my hens- Henny, Gertie, and Dot.”

Eddie started to laugh too, “Wonders never cease man.”

Steve reached up swiping the mayonnaise off Eddie’s face, blooming red across the other man’s cheekbones from the contact. Steve wiped it on his jeans looked up and simply stated, “Mayo.”

Eddie stood feeling dumbstruck. Shy smile stretching over his face. “Did you just mother me Harrington?”

Steve nodded, “Um, yeah, looks like I did,” He pushed his hands into his jeans pockets and continued, “ Dustin, Mike, and Will are coming over for dinner tonight- most likely Rob and Vick too, they had a big auction today. You’re more than welcome to stop by too. Meet the gals, see the bees.” He hoped it sounded nonchalant.

Eddie devoured his last bite of sandwich, “Actually was gonna pop over to Wayne’s this afternoon, maybe could stop by after?”

Steve beamed, “Let me give you my number and you just text and let me know.”

“Whoa, forward, a formal invitation from King Steve.” Eddie joked.

“I will legit take it back if you don’t quit it with the King shit.” He gave him a flat stare.

“Nah can’t rescind the offer once it’s made big boy.” Eddie smirked.

He grabbed Steve’s phone and entered his number. Texting himself to have Steve’s as well.

“I’ll be in touch my liege.” Doing another silly bow in Steve’s direction, Archie jumped up to meet him half way and lick his face, causing Eddie to startle and Steve to chuckle.

“Serves you right!” Steve said as he headed to his truck Archie in his shadow.

It wasn’t until he was in his car he saw Eddie put his contact as ‘Most Metal Eddie’. He smiled to himself already feeling a little bit gone on the whimsical feeling Eddie Munson provoked in him.

***

He had done a perfunctory clean up once he got home. Made sure the guest room was made up with an extra air mattress as well knowing at least Mike and Will would crash, and possibly Dustin if he didn’t feel like driving back to his childhood home.

Steve had the grill fired up for burgers when the boys arrived, he glanced at his phone and had a new notification from Eddie.

‘Gimme the deets pretty boy, where’s this castle located? I’ll head over in 20.’

Steve texted back quickly giving him the address,

‘if by castle you mean single level ranch masquerading as a mini-farm, you got it in one, Mr. Most Metal.’

A fast reply shot through,

‘Mr. Most Metal? I think I like the formality.’ With a cheeky winking emoji.

Steve huffed a laugh as the boys came around back.

He heard the van on the gravel driveway.

Will perked up, “Is that Robin and Vickie already? Thought they’d be on the later side.”

Steve piped up, “Actually it’s Eddie, I invited him when we were at the market today, he was stopping by to see Wayne, and I figured if he was already in Hawkins he may as well spend some more time with you nerds.”

“Eddie’s here?!” Dustin screeched and ran toward the front of the house, Archie zooming after him.

The two came around the house, Dustin with an easy arm slung over Eddie’s shoulder motor mouthing away about something from their campaign last night. Eddie’s eyes twinkled when they landed on Steve.

Steve in a bee patterned short sleeve button down and slightly too short cut off jean shorts. Tonight just might kill him.

Steve spoke up, “Thanks I needed a hand with the babysitting tonight.”

A round of groans and protests from their adult children rang out, “I guess it’s not babysitting if we’re their parents.” Eddie threw back causing Steve to laugh and more protests from the other three.

Eddie slid next to Steve and whispered, “Just call me Daddy.”

Steve choked on his beer.

Eddie patted his back, “Easy big boy.”

***

Dinner conversation had flowed easily.

Burgers placed to the side for Robin and Vickie when they arrived had Steve placing some dishes in the sink, Eddie followed him in hands full of more silverware.

“Thanks again Steve, two Harrington home made meals in one day, I’m gonna end up sticking around, just like Archie.” The dog cocked his head upon hearing his name.

“I mean who knows what you get up to in Indy, don’t want the only person Brenda gropes more than me to get scurvy.” Steve joked.

Eddie fake shuddered upon the mention of Brenda and her wandering hands.

“So do I get the pleasure of meeting the hens?” Eddie asked while setting the silverware on the counter.

“Yeah but I’m gonna put you to work. Follow me?”

***

Steve lead him out to the coop.

“Good evening ladies!” Steve sing-songed as the chickens gathered around knowing food would be coming.

He handed Eddie the pellets to toss to the birds, “M’lady I’m but a humble feed servant to you egg laying queens.”

Steve giggled watching the girls gather around Eddie like the pied piper of hens. He had grabbed the leftover watermelon to give to them as an extra evening treat.

Offering it to Eddie to hand feed Dot the most outgoing of his trio.

“Look Harrington, I’m a chick magnet.”

Steve rolled his eyes, “awful pun Munson.”

Robin snuck up behind them, squeezing Steve’s waist causing him to jump.

She snickered to herself as Eddie and Steve turned to her.

“Buckley, what’s up?” Eddie said while Steve slapped Robin’s arm.

“Ouch Stevie, stop the abuse. Eddie good to see you!” Robin leaned in to hug Eddie.

“Careful Steve or I’m replacing you as bestie.” She glared at him pulled away from Eddie.

“Robin I literally have cheeseburgers waiting for you and Vickie, would you rather I feed ‘em to Arch?” Steve shot back.

Robin leaned towards Eddie, “Ooh mom’s mad.”

The two laughed as Steve turned to head back to the house.

Robin turned to Eddie, “I love ruffling his feathers, it’s basically my life’s calling.”

Eddie laughed, “Yeah he seems easy to get going, kinda fun?”

“Munson, I live for it! C’mon lets head back or he really will be a petty bitch and bite into my food.”

Eddie snickered, had never really observed the codependent friendship of Robin and Steve up close. Seeing Steve in his comfort zone tonight paired against the high school bully and the babysitter of the kids were like all these small parts summing up to the man he was today. Like his own National Geographic study on Harrington.

Back inside Robin and Vickie spun an entertaining tale about their auction today. Robin gifting Will a vintage painters palette that had made it’s way into her shop.

Mike whined about how everyone babied Will,

“Well if you were grateful I’m sure people would do nice things for you too Wheeler.” Steve quipped.

Mike tutted at Steve, “I’m plenty grateful.”

Eddie jumped in, “Watch your tone.”

Robin and Vickie exchanged a glance and laughed, “They really are your kids!” Vickie giggled out.

The whole group breaking into laughter.

Steve streamed ‘Stand by Me’ on the TV popcorn made and fresh baked brownies offered up.

“Steven, you know what would make these better? Vanilla ice cream.” Dustin said mouth full of chocolate.

Steve glared at him, “I’m sorry, I’ve fed you and made up your beds, consider Hotel Harrington closed to comments for the night.”

“It was just a thought.” He responded.

“Ya gotta voice all your thoughts Dustybuns?” Robin said grabbing the popcorn from an affronted Mike.

Steve stood up and stretched, Eddie tracked the lithe pull of the other man’s body.

“I’m gonna let Archie out be back in a bit.” He announced to the room.

Eddie stood as well. “I should head out soon, cool if I join ya?”

Steve smiled and nodded his head towards the door.

“Later nerds imma leave after, catch ya all soon I’m sure. Little Byers until next campaign!” tipping an imaginary hat to the group he followed Steve out to a chorus of goodbyes.

“I didn’t get to say it earlier, but Steve, you clearly put a lot into,” he did a sweeping gesture, “all of this.”

They were wandering the perimeter as Archie sniffed along the path.

Steve smiled to himself a small thing barely there. “It makes me happy to see the progress.”

“You take pride in caring for the things you love.” Eddie said, oddly introspective.

“Yeah man, you get it.” Steve agreed.

Eddie nodded, he did get it. A fleeting thought entered his mind that maybe one day he could be one of the things Steve cared for.

Pushing the thought away as they rounded to the front of the house close to his van.

“Well this is me. Today’s been great.” Eddie said.

“Yeah, it has been, hasn’t it?” Steve gave him another soft smile. “Thanks for coming by Eddie.”

Steve leaned in no hesitation and gave the other man a firm hug. It caught Eddie off guard before his body caught up to the interaction and hugged Steve back.

“Catch ya next week?” Steve asked.

“With bells on pretty boy.”

***

The next couple weeks fell into a pattern of silly texts through the week between himself and Eddie, small musings, and comments about day to day life between Saturdays. Each Saturday morning sparking a whole swarm of butterflies in Steve’s stomach. He was so far gone on Eddie growing with each interaction.

He was greedy for it wanted to bottle up their time together.

Robin stopped by his house, under the pretense of helping weed his garden, which turned into Steve weeding his garden and Robin looking very fashionable in a wide brimmed hat eating pumpkin seeds.

“ So it’s now been a month of markets, and you’ve seen him outside of that setting on two occasions, I know you two text, so what gives? What’s got you acting so timid, ask the man out already!” Robin nudged him with her shoe to make him stop and give her his full attention.

He sighed, “He’s been in the same orbit as us for literally a decade. I don’t want to mess up the tentative thing that feels like it’s unfolding. Not to mention I was an epic douche to him in high school-“

Robin cut him off, “-which you’ve apologized for. You feed him every Saturday, he knows your coffee order, what’s the harm in asking him out?”

Steve uprooted a weed and threw it at Robin. “I rest my case, you have no reason, you’ve resorted to physical violence.”

“I’d hardly call throwing dirt at you physical violence Robs.” Steve retorted.

Robin grabbed the watering can and upended it on Steve. He got up, “I’m counting to three to give you a head start Rob. One, two..”

Robin screeched and ran as Steve gave chase to her got the hose and opened the spray all over her.

“Dingus! You started this!”

“Well you escalated it!” Steve yelled back.

The two let out a fit of giggles like a couple of kids.

Once they calmed down they laid out in the sunny spot on the front porch to dry out.

“I just don’t want you holding yourself back from something that could be really good for you.” Robin said quietly moving her hand close to Steve’s while they interlocked their fingers.

A barely audible response slipped from Steve, “ Thank you.”

What Steve didn’t know is Robin discreetly snapped a candid photo of a water and sun soaked Steve and sent it off to Eddie.

No caption attached. She had gotten his number while she was on an antique quest for some old instruments Eddie wanted for décor.

The response that came through shortly after,

‘Robbie you’re playing with fire.’

She responded, ‘Hmm and I thought it looked more like a water fight?’

Eddie sent an eye roll emoji back.

***

Steve was stopping to grab some groceries he was on meal duty for the firehouse tonight working his long Saturday to free up his schedule for next weekend’s monthly post-campaign Saturday sleepover.

He was still riding the high of seeing Eddie that morning. The man had looked stupidly good in an old band tee with the sleeves cut off and hem riding just a little too high. It was like being teased all morning trying to keep his gaze respectful.

A hand was reaching for the same can of crushed tomatoes he was.

“Oh, sorry, lost in thought.” Steve turned to the person.

Wayne smiled, “Me too kid, how are ya?”

“Really good Wayne, how’s your summer going?” Steve asked the older man.

“Even better now that Eddie seems to be in Hawkins more and more lately. Seems like the two of you have hit it off, going on and on about your chicken coop, and bees, usually it’s all music and DnD outta that one’s mouth- or some obscure awful horror movies.” Wayne gave a knowing glance.

Steve blushed, could feel the heat in his cheeks, Eddie talked about him to Wayne? It made him feel like his skin was too tight.

“It’s been great reconnecting with him, I mean getting the chance to get to know him.” Steve stuttered out like a nervous middle-schooler.

Wayne chuckled, “That boy’s a menace, but he sure has enough enthusiasm and charisma to make ya forget about it. Well I’ve gotta be off, cookin’ dinner for a lady friend tonight- freeing up my Saturday’s has really opened my social calender.” He winked at Steve and headed to check out.

Steve pulled out his phone and texted Eddie,

‘Ran into Wayne, apparently his social calender is way more filled than mine.’

Eddie responded speedily,

‘That dirty dog, yours and mine both, Babe.’

Steve chuckled, Robin’s comments still floating in his head, not sure the timing was right yet.

***

Eddie sat at his work bench brainstorming designs for a custom piece, trying to get concepts drawn up and sent to the client, so they could start the process in full.

The text from Steve about Wayne came through pulling a chuckle from him. He flipped over to his and Robin’s texts and pulled up the picture of Steve she had sent unbeknownst to the other man.

It made Eddie feel equal parts giddy and like a stalker looking at the photo. Steve Harrington was creeping his way under his skin each passing week it was getting harder to ignore.

He pulled his bowl and grinder out looking forward to smoothing the edges of his mind with a nice high. He packed the bowl and took the first hit, smoke filling up his lungs in a familiar way, holding it and letting it out slowly. The skunky weed invading his senses.

He had cut down tremendously on smoking weed but something about the ritual around it was so comforting. He thought it might help push King Steve out of his mind.

He resigned himself to go out and get laid tonight. Next week was the campaign then dinner at Steve’s place. Maybe he could fuck these feelings out of his system? It was getting out of hand.

No way a guy like Steve ‘The Hair’ Harrington could be gone on Eddie Munson. Right?

***

The next week came up quick. Steve had a big summer pasta dish planned for their dinner, a fresh and bright spring greens salad with mixed berries , nuts, and goat cheese, as well as making his homemade sourdough into garlic bread. Knowing he could pick up the goat cheese and berries at the Farmers Market in the morning.

He felt mildly left out knowing the guys were together in Indy being a herd of dorks, Mike had sent a text that evening of Eddie, Dustin, and Will with their tongues out and positioning their fingers like devils horns.

Steve had sent back a pic of him and Archie doing their best impression.

Eddie had grabbed Mike’s phone to see the picture, “Uh-uh not fair, Harrington and his dog. That’s playin dirty!”

Dustin laughed brightly. “Dude ask him out already! I just want my parents to get together!”

Eddie leveled Dustin with a stare, “It’s an art form Dusty, you wouldn’t know you’ve been dating the same person since you were thirteen, you’ve got no game.”

Dustin faked fainting over the table, “Eddie lethal shot man! I’ll have you know she falls more in love with me with each passing year!”

Mike snorted, “Mystery of the universe.”

Will giggled while finishing off his G&T.

Eddie really had gone out last week. Fully intending to pull someone. Tie them up real pretty and fuck them until they sobbed and begged to come. But no one at the bar was Steve, and his silly jokes, and his soft smiles, and his goddamn gravity defying hair.

He couldn’t follow through. He was so far gone on Steve the thought of anyone else didn’t compare.

“Alright who’s up for a round of victory shots?” Will hollered as he headed to the bar.

***

The morning Market had Robin and Vickie stopping by on their way to a wedding in Indy, making tonight’s dinner really a boys night. July was coming up fast, next weekend was the fourth and an off weekend for both market’s due to all the fests and parades in the area.

Eddie had a steady line of customers signing up for his services and dropping off dull knives to be sharpened. Steve watched, the two men barely had a moment to catch up aside from a quick coffee hand off before the droves of people were coming through.

The man hard at work had his black bandana tied like a headband today, long hair pulled high into a messy bun. Steve wanted to pull it. He had packed them an Italian sub sandwich to share and had made green tea lemonades sweetened with honey to have with their lunch.

He had left Archie at home today the humidity and heat index rocketing even though it still felt too early for this kind of heat. Steve knew he’d set up the sprinkler for Arch when he got home.

Lost in thought between customers a man appeared in his peripheral vision. It was Tommy Hagan, Carol at his side, a stroller of two cookie cutter children and one still attached to Carol on her hip.

“Well the rumors are true, color me shocked, Steve Harrington has amounted to become some hippy bee keeping fag!” Tommy yelled at him laughing harshly as he said the words.

Steve took a deep breath willing himself not to rise to the bait, he made eye contact with Carol who was popping her gum and half ignoring Tommy’s tirade.

“Look at him just take it Carol, told ya he would, probably what he likes.”

Steve wasn’t sure when Eddie had made his way over, didn’t realize some passerbys had started staring.

He cleared his throat, “Tommy your insults have matured about as much as you have, which isn’t saying much because this is the shit you’ve been using since middle school.”

Tommy grabbed a jar of honey and tossed it from hand to hand.

“You’ve made your point Tom, lets go.” Carol said in a bored tone.

Eddie piped in, “This the kinda example you set for your kids?”

Tommy narrowed his eyes, “We bring’em to church, I’m sure you’d burst into flames if you even tried to enter one. Really Harrington? You’ve got Munson coming to your defense? It really must be catching.”

The man purposefully fumbled the honey and dropped the jar on the pavement sending the glass to shatter.

“Whoops.” He said in a joking tone.

Eddie grabbed Tommy by the collar of his polo, “I think it’s in your best interest to leave. Now.” Eddie growled.

As the men were distracted Steve had unscrewed the lid of another jar upending the sticky sweetness on Tommy’s hair, “Here ya go sweetie, don’t act like I don’t remember practicing kissing in fifth grade- Hey Carol, hope he got better over time.”

Eddie howled with laughter.

Enough of a crowd had gathered to pull the attention of the park security guard who hurried over, “There a problem gentlemen?”

Steve shook his head, “No sir, one of my jars fell just need to clean up the glass to keep everyone safe.”

He shot a sharp glare at Tommy, as Carol dragged him red faced and spluttering toward the parking lot. The crowd slowly dispersed as the tension drained from the moment.

Eddie knelt down to help gather the glass, “Careful I don’t want you to get cut.” Steve said quietly.

Eddie bent further to lock eyes with Steve, “Hey I’m sorry that happened today, but King Steve, you’ve still got it, you made him look like such a fool.”

Steve gave him a private smile, “Thanks for having my back Eddie.”

“Any time Steve, any time.”

The second the words left his mouth Eddie realized how true they were.

He shook his head trying to shake the thought away, “I’ve gotta get back over there, those knives wont sharpen themselves.”

“I’ve got some food to share before I leave today, but I’m heading out quick, since I wasn’t able to secure my usual dog let out people.” Steve said.

“How dare your people be together and going to a wedding, inconvenient.” Eddie fake scoffed, pulling a chuckle from Steve.

The two men stood up, as Steve discarded the glass and poured water over their hands to rinse away any residual honey stickiness.

“You took the words right out of my mouth. Now get back to your booth before Brenda tries her hand at the sharpening wheel.”

Eddie whipped his head back and saw Brenda lurking by his booth. “What’s the under over I get through this interaction with no manhandling?”

Steve smirked, “Minimal, but good luck.”

***

Even with the stressful event Steve set Eddie’s half of the sandwich and iced green tea lemonade on his work table before going to buy the goat cheese and fresh assorted berries from a local farm booth to bring home.

“Head over whenever Eddie. I think the kids were hanging by the quarry and cooling off before coming to dinner. But you’re welcome to head over before them.”

Eddie looked up, looking adorably geeky in his safety goggles, “You got it Stevie, I’ll send you a text when I’m on my way.”

The nickname sliding from Eddie’s lips made Steve’s heart trip.

Patti leaned over by Steve’s truck as he finished packing up, “I know I said that boy seemed like trouble, but word travels, nobody treats one of our own that way- I’m glad he came to help.” She handed Steve a small wrapped package,

“Here’s a little something to help you relax in the tub later, it’s a lavender and chamomile CBD bath bomb, my nephew helped me come up with it, he’s still available, although I think you’ve got your sights on someone else. See kiddo? Doesn’t feel like you’re too busy when they fit into your life so easily.” She smiled knowingly at Steve.

“Thanks Patti, I’m not quite sure what it is yet but it does feel natural, have a good fourth. I’ll see ya in two weeks?” he leaned in and gave her a hug, she was a nuisance but Steve couldn’t help but like her.

She patted his back firmly and let go, “See you then Steve.”

***

As promised the sprinkler was in full force with an excited Archie running through the water, tongue lolling out of his mouth happily. Steve’s phone buzzed a text from Eddie,

‘Need me to pick anything up Stevie?’

The thought of some time spent just him and Eddie before the hooligans showed up, it settled somewhere between his ribs.

He sent back,

‘Nah just you and your haircut stuck in the 80s should be fine.’

Eddie texted a quick devil emoji along with the Wayne’s World head banging gif.

Steve snorted a small laugh and went inside to get everything prepped for dinner, busy work to keep his nerves at bay before Eddie showed up. He’d literally seen the man hours ago, why was he nervous?

Steve heard Archie bark before he realized Eddie must have arrived. He headed out onto the front porch to see Eddie crouching, then promptly knocked on his ass, by 30 pounds of scruffy wet dog. Completely unaffected wrapping his arms around Archie and rubbing him down. Eddie’s giggles erupting over the ridiculous mutt.

“Beware of dog Munson, he’s the protective sort.” Steve said from the porch as Archie tried to crawl up to Eddie’s face and lick him senseless.

Steve walked over to them and bent down to pick up a wriggling Archie, and put a hand out to help Eddie up.

“Long time no see King Steve, thanks for calling your loyal army off of me.” He leaned close to give Archie one more pat on the head.

Eddie’s shirt and pants were covered in wet dog.

Steve grabbed a towel from the porch drying Archie as he looked up at Eddie, “Uh, welcome? Wanna borrow some dry clothes, we can toss yours in the laundry.”

Eddie looked down at himself only just seeming to realize what a mess the dog had made him. “Y’know what? That sounds lovely. I know my color for every season is black, but I have it on good authority that I look ravishing in a pop of color every now and then.”

“I’m willing to put the theory to test.” Steve said as he lead them into the house.

Eddie hung in the entryway as he went to grab a change of clothes.

Folded in a neat pile, “Here’s some dry stuff for you, when you come out just gimme your stuff and I’ll have it washed before you head out.”

Eddie smiled taking the small stack as the bathroom door snicked shut between them.

Immediately Steve heard Eddie laughing. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t done it on purpose. Eddie emerged in an obscenely yellow shirt with large black font emblazoned on the front read, ‘My grandma thinks I’m the Bees Knees” . Steve cackled, throwing them both into a fit of giggles.

“I think this is just what I needed after the run in with Tommy at the market this morning.” Steve got out once his laughing had died down.

“What? To embarrass me? I usually do enough of that on my own.” Eddie joked.

“No way man, you swooped in all debonair knight in shining armor shit today, thanks again.” Steve smiled as he took Eddie’s dirty clothes and headed to the laundry room.

“ No big deal Stevie, but I’ve gotta ask, this shirt-“

Steve didn’t even let him finish, “-Take it up with Robin.”

“Ah, say no more.” Eddie smiled, “Does the theory hold?”

Steve scanned Eddie’s outfit of his choosing, “I guess your good authority was right.”

“Say it Harrington!” Eddie crowed in happiness.

“The pop of color suits you.” Steve mumbled.

Eddie held his hand up to cup his ear, “I’m sorry, what was that?”

Steve huffed out a put upon sigh, “You look ravishing, ya happy now?”

“Elated.” Eddie beamed.

They headed back out to the front porch with a couple of beers, to shoot the shit and wait for the rest of the group.

“You smoke weed King Steve?” Eddie asked procuring a joint he had in his previous pants pocket.

“Occasionally.” Steve smiled and grabbed a lighter from the patio table, intended for citronella candles, but also the stray joint.

“Would you like to?” Eddie lifted on eyebrow in a challenge.

Steve smiled, “Sure, let’s get a little cross faded, that pasta is going to taste beyond.”

Eddie settled the joint between Steve’s lips, Steve stared at the other mans eyelashes as he lit the joint for him. Steve took a deep hit holding it and letting it out with a small cough, sipping his beer to offset it and handing the joint to Eddie.

It was mesmerizing watching the other man toke up and let out smoke rings like an adorable chimney. Steve was fucked.

“ I’ve been spending so much more time back in Hawkins. I wanted to leave the second I could, and now I’ve got this strange itch under my skin to come back.” Eddie said after a couple of sips of beer, looking out at Steve’s flowers and hives.

Steve comfortingly knocked his arm against Eddie’s. They traded the joint back and forth for another round. “Chicago was fun for a while, but I think a part of me always wanted to be back here, especially once Robin and Vickie decided to settle down here, not to be dramatic but I’d follow Robs to the ends of the earth.”

“I’ve noticed, you two never?” Eddie’s question trailed off, letting out another cloud of smoke.

“Nope capital ‘P’ platonic but she’s more family to me than my parents could ever muster.” Steve drained his beer. Turning down another hit wanting to stay comfortably where he was for when the others arrived.

Eddie leaned his weight into Steve’s side enjoying the shared companionable silence. Draining his own beer, pinching off the end of the joint, and heading towards Steve’s garden.

Steve watched him and followed awhile after, everything feeling like a warm static in his brain. “Are you defacing my daisies Munson?”

Eddie turned and gave a cheeky smile, “Kneel.”

Steve cocked his head but played along, balancing one knee onto the ground he looked up expectantly.

Eddie took a small floral wreath from behind his back, “A crown for King Steve.” He said placing in gently on Steve’s hair, hands skimming down his face, along his jaw line, fingers feather-light on his neck.

He closed his eyes and basked in Eddie’s attention.

The moment there and gone as music blasting and gravel crunching came from the drive way announcing Dustin, Mike, and Will’s arrival.

Eddie let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding and helped pull Steve back up. Steve held onto the other mans hands a beat longer and pulled him in for a hug, “Thanks for my crown, Eds.”

Eddie’s heart sang, what the hell was he supposed to do with all of his feelings?

“What up losers, we’re starving!” Mike yelled as he slammed Dustin’s car door behind him.

“Mike, the fuck respect my things!” Dustin whined after him.

Eddie leaned close to Steve, “Looks like the kids are home.”

Causing the two men to chuckle and greet their friends.

Will came around and saw them standing close, “Nice flower crown Steve.”

Steve looked to Eddie and blushed.

Eddie wanted to devour him.

***

Steve had volunteered to work the fourth. It notoriously sucked. A lot of his coworkers had little kids to bring to the fireworks, so he did the right thing and picked up the weekend. He knew he was in for Idiots with fireworks and poor decision making skills.

Hopper had a date, finally getting the courage to ask out Joyce, so Steve was the most senior fireman on duty.

He sent Will a quick text,

‘Hope you mom has a nice date, Hop shaved his mustache, he looks like a different person’ with a laughing emoji.

Will replied,

‘I’m kinda rooting for the guy, he’s by far the nicest in her line of suitors, c’mon Hop!’ with the praying hands emoji.

The evening was just beginning sky only flirting with darkness, the big professional firework shows hadn’t even begun when the first bell rang for an emergency. The crew rounded up and headed out to a BBQ in Steve’s old Loch Nora neighborhood. Something about a grill exploding and the siding of the house catching fire.

He took a deep breath knowing that this was the first call of a very very long twelve hours. The first call set the tone for his 7pm to 7am shift, it was nonstop.

Their fire squad was called to the next county over for a dry field that caught fire. Sometime between calls closer to proper night and firework shows, Eddie had sent him a picture of a display off in the distance of his apartment. Steve texted back,

‘I wish I could look at that and think ooh pretty, but as far as today goes I’m like ooh shiny fire hazard.’

Eddie responded,

‘ I’ve been meaning to ask, they still do those fireman calenders?’ with a winky face and fire emoji.

Steve sent back a middle finger emoji and pocketed his phone.

He stayed in contact with Lucas and Max who had transplanted to the West coast Max had also gone into fire science and was working her way up at a southern California fire house, a text came through from her,

‘Fuck the fourth man.’ Accompanied with a picture of her soot streaked face and wild red hair.

Steve cackled and sent a picture of the scorched field from earlier,

‘Fully agree.’

‘Also hear you’ve been a total lame ass and need some heckling asking Eddie out. Go for it mama bear!’ Max sent through.

‘Maxine quit butting into my love life, who told you?’

‘More like what love life? And Dustin told Lucas, they gossip more than old ladies I fuckin swear.’

‘Ouch, harsh Mayfield.’

‘We literally run into burning buildings, grow a pair. Also call me to actually catch up, but next week, when this horrendous holiday is over.’

‘You got it mad Max.’

He took the moment of calm to stuff a PB&J into his mouth as the bell started blaring again, coming up on two in the morning he knew the hits would keep coming tonight.

***

Turns out the call was in the trailer park, with a toddler unaccounted for, the truck pulled up to a whole trailer in dark plumes of smoke, Steve spotted who must be the owner looking rightfully distraught,

“They’re still in there, he ran in for her!” She screamed. “My baby!”

Steve’s eyes went wide knowing the kind of smoke inhalation that can come from going into a burning structure without the proper equipment,

“ma’am who’s in there? I need to know how many to look for.” Steve said calmly trying to get details and jump into action.

“Two, my baby- Avaaaaa” she sobbed.

Steve turned to his team and called out the shots to get the gawkers to back up, a lot of times in housing like this explosions happened easily with the electrical, he secured his helmet and headed towards the trailer as the door burst open.

A large cloud of black smoke erupting from it in the wake of the man trying to get out. Steve ran to him and literally pulled him down the steps. Arms full of a crying toddler- the tears were a good sign it meant she was responsive. He tackled them out of the way moments before the trailer sparked another round of fire blasting the door clean off the hinges.

Paramedics immediately evaluated the kid as Steve sat with the man and helped him upright, noticing for the first time it was Wayne.

“Wayne, can you hear me okay?”

He said getting in front of the older man, he had a confused look on his face as he started to cough, he pointed to his ears and at a loud decibel repeated, “Ringing.”

The rest of his crew were managing the flames and getting the area secured and the fire under control, luckily it hadn’t spread to the other homes.

Steve nodded as he checked him over, waving the paramedics his way once the toddler was checked over and advised to take the ambulance to the larger county hospital.

He poured water onto a rag from the truck and wiped down Wayne’s face, the coughing had subsided but he was clutching his left arm. Steve helped him up right slowly walking him to the ambulance.

One paramedic caught his eye, shaking his head, “Fuckin’ fourth of July.”

Once Ava and her mother had been loaded in the ambulance the paramedic evaluated Wayne, “Looks like at the very least an ulnar break. The ambulances are spread thin tonight, anyway fire can get him to the hospital?”

Steve looked back flames well under control, he looked over to a weary Wayne,

“Hey Wayne could I drive you to the hospital and get ya checked out? We’d need to take your car.”

Wayne in a daze patted his pockets and handed Steve the keys. Steve took out his phone to send a text to Hopper, he knew this wasn’t protocol but the night had been such a mess, he felt confident in his team being able to hold everything down until he got back, the clock was inching closer to 4am.

It had simultaneously felt like the longest and shortest twelve hour shift.

Hop texted him a thumbs up and Steve escorted Wayne to his car.

“Pretty heroic man.” Steve said.

Wayne gave him a tired smile with a rough voice from the smoke, “Knew the little girl was still in there, stupid rogue fireworks, fuckin teenage boys.” He grumbled.

“Wanna call Eddie?” Steve asked.

Wayne shook his head, “The boy worries too much, maybe could you once we’re there.”

Steve nodded as Wayne rested his head against the window and closed his eyes,

“You got it Wayne.”

***

Wayne had been checked in as a priority. The nurses making a big deal over his rescue effort having already seen the toddler about 20 minutes before they arrived. He was getting the hero treatment he deserved, and was being escorted to X-Ray within minutes.

Steve pulled out his phone and stepped outside,

The ringing went through to voicemail. It was a bad hour for a phone call, on his second try a groggy voice answered,

“Hey pretty boy are you drunk calling me? Aren’t’cha workin?” The words slurring together sleepily.

“Hey Eds, don’t freak out-“

“-Well, shit now I’m up.” He cleared his throat.

“There was a fire at the trailer park.”

“Shitshitshit, is Wayne okay??” Voice mounting with fear.

“Yes. He will be perfectly fine, but he was a real hero tonight and literally carried a little girl out of a crispy trailer, looks like maybe a break in his forearm, he’s in X-Ray as we speak.” Steve said.

Eddie took a sharp breath, “I’m on my way which hospital?”

“lemme reiterate he’s okay so don’t speed or drive with too heightened emotion, I want you to be safe, got it?” Steve said invoking a gentle calmness in his tone.

Another audible breath, “Yes, got it, clear, what hospital?”

“We’re at county the one just west of Hawkins, I’ll stay with him until you get here.”

“Thanks Stevie it means a lot to me, Wayne’s all I’ve got.” Eddie said in a small voice so uncharacteristic for him.

“That’s not true, you’ve got me, and the party, and your band- you’ve got all of us Eds.”

In a watery voice, “Thanks, I gotta get it together. I’m on my way sweetheart.”

Steve was pretty sure it was just the sleep talking that the pet name came through but it made his insides melt hearing Eddie call him that.

***

Eddie was using a lead foot on the way, knew Steve said Wayne was doing fine and to take his time, be safe, but it just felt so urgent.

He walked in the hospital lobby and spotted Steve on his phone in the waiting area. He looked up and met Eddie’s eyes.

Eddie walked over to him in long strides,

“Wayne’s out of X-Ray they already checked his lungs, he’s got some ringing in his ears from the explosion-“

Eddies eyes widened, “-Explosion?!”

“But overall they say aside from the break he’s doing great. He saved that little girl’s life tonight.”

He saw the still frantic look on Eddie’s expressive face, clearly in his sleep clothes or whatever was closest to grab from his bed his tattoos looked even more stark in the hospital lighting.

Steve leaned in and wrapped his arms around Eddie’s neck, pulling him in for a firm, grounding, hug.

Eddie wrapped his arms around Steve’s waist and let out a deep exhale, resting his face in the apex of Steve’s neck and shoulder. He felt the warmth of tears before hearing the man softly cry.

“Shh. Hey I’ve got you, I’ve got you. Wayne is literally hero status. The nurses are spoiling the shit out of him”

Eddie squeezed harder, Steve turned his head and rested his lips against Eddie’s temple, “He’s safe Eds.”

They could’ve stayed that way for seconds or hours Steve had no concept of time.

They broke apart as the nurse approached, “Wayne’s settled in his room. Seems like he’ll need a cast, but no surgery- you must be Eddie. He’s been talking about you, want to come see him?”

Eddie covertly wiped his eyes and nodded. “Yeah I’d love too. What a mad man.”

The nurse smiled, “Between you and me all Ava can talk about is ‘ mister Wayne and I played hide n seek, mister Wayne carried me from the big bad wolf house’ . He’s got a fan for life.”

Eddie chuckled, Wayne really was one in a million.

Steve clasped Eddie’s arm, “I have to head back to the station. Gonna take Wayne’s car, I’m off at 7, please keep me posted, yeah?”

Eddie leaned in for one more hug, “Sure thing sweetheart.” He whispered close to Steve’s ear.

Maybe it hadn’t been a mistake?

***

Steve’s eternity shift finally came to an end. He felt like he ran a marathon. He was able to get Hop to follow him as he dropped off Wayne’s car, and caught a ride back to his own truck at the station.

“Sorry I had to text you on your night off, how’d the date go?”

Hopper made a noncommittal noise.

“That good?” Steve teased.

“You little gossip hound, it went great, best date since my ex wife. It had been a long time coming. Just happy she finally said yes.” There was a rosy color pinking his cheeks as he steadfastly kept his eyes on the road.

“What about you and Munson?”

Steve snapped his head towards Hop, “How’d you-“ at the same time they both said, “Will.”

Steve chuckled. Max was right they really were worse than old ladies.

“I kept thinking it was maybe one sided, but after today I need to make a move, I think I’ll regret it for the rest of my life if I don’t even try.” Steve sighed.

“Hey kid, love is patient.”

“Sometimes I’m afraid of letting myself want things.” Steve said quietly.

Hopped took a breath, “It’s 730 in the morning Harrington, but to be frank I get it and kept to myself for over a decade after Diane and I divorced, maybe I needed that time, or maybe I was scared. Don’t let yourself be scared, got it?”

“Thanks Hop.”

He texted Eddie letting him know Wayne’s ride was safely home, keys in the glove box. No response made him think maybe Wayne was being discharged.

Steve scooped Archie up from Robin and Vickie’s apartment and helped himself to some of the sweets from the local bakery they had on their kitchen counter before making his way home to spend a lifetime in bed once his hen and bee rounds were done.

***

It was three in the afternoon by the time Steve awoke. Dehydrated and starving, he blearily looked at his phone and saw three missed texts from Eddie,

‘Thanks for dropping off the bat mobile.’

‘in case you were wondering we’re home and in mostly one piece, Wayne is totally fine but super tired.’

‘Stevie are you okay? I’m boooored.’

The last text was time stamped at 245pm. Steve sent a quick,

“Hi bored I’m Steve.’

Eddie replied immediately, ‘The worst.’

‘Sorry totally passed out when I got home, I’m starving, if I were to call in a pizza wanna pick it up and bring it over? You can choose your half for toppings.’ Steve sent hoping to stay lazy for a while longer.

‘You’ve got yourself a deal- it’s gotta be from Vito’s because I don’t fuck with JJ’s Indiana Deep.’

‘Who do you think I am? A barbarian?’

Eddie let out a laugh, ‘you’re right, King Steve would never slum it at JJ’s, make mine pepperoni?’

‘Alright wise ass should be ready in 15.’

Steve had just enough time for a quick shower to really rinse and scrub the shift from his skin. His exhaustion lifting once he felt clean again.

Toweling off his hair and slipping into his tried and true summer cut off shorts and a comfy tee he heard a knock at the door and a barking Archie alerting him to his visitor.

Steve opened the door to Eddie with an armful of pizza.

“Hot and ready for ya Stevie.”

Steve rolled his eyes and gestured Eddie in.

“What no tip for your pizza delivery guy?” He asked in a teasing tone.

Steve grabbed the box from Eddie’s hands and set it down on the nearest flat surface, he closed the distance, and placed his palms on either side of Eddie’s face.

He memorized the lines on the other mans face, closed his eyes and leaned in to initiate a slow and soft kiss, devolving into something messy and needy. Eddie groaning into it and letting his fingertips wander under the hem of Steve’s tee.

He placed his hand flat on the center of Eddie’s chest and moved back. Grinning, “There’s your tip.”

He winked, grabbed the pizza and headed into the kitchen Eddie steps behind him.

“You play dirty Harrington, I just spent hours in the hospital thinking how I’d ask you out on a date in Indy this upcoming weekend after the market.”

Steve tapped his finger to his chin. “Ask, I have a feeling I’m a sure thing.”

He opened the pizza box and took a huge bite from his half. Eddie grabbed his free hand. “Steve I think you’re the bees knees, wanna grab dinner and go to a comedy club with me Saturday night.”

Steve nodded, “More than anything.” He swallowed his pizza and took a deep drink of water. He pulled Eddie in again and kissed him senseless.

“Ya good with reheating the pizza in a few? I’ve got another idea on my mind.”

Eddie felt dumbstruck and followed Steve. Hands still entwined, to his bedroom. They stumbled through the door kissing with hands wandering. Steve whined as Eddie let his hands drift up Steve’s shirt, pushing the cotton over his head.

He pinched Steve’s nipple while deepening the kiss to all tongue and control. Absolute filth in the best way.

“Get on the bed sweetheart.”

Steve obeyed eagerly, laying on his back, hands pulling for Eddie. Eddie stayed out of reach and pulled his own shirt off. “Hands behind your head.” He told Steve, who complied easily, as he knelt over him. Eddie’s knees spread wide on either side of his hips holding himself above Steve.

“Good job.” Eddie said as he watched Steve squirm with the subtle praise.

He popped the button on Steve’s jeans and unzipped his fly, “This okay?”

Steve nodded, “Yes, please.”

“Oh, please? Someone has good manners.” Eddie grinned this was everything Steve was perfect.

He let his fingers trace over the unexpected tattoo on Steve’s ribs, it was his business logo, so sentimental it made Eddie ache for him. Steve’s stomach quivered as Eddie’s fingers trailed down again.

He lowered his weight on the man below him and started kissing a trail along his throat, grabbing his wrists and pinning them over his head. Steve moaned at the contact of Eddie’s weight on his lap, pressing his hardening length up to gain some friction. He wanted so much.

Eddie rolled his hips meeting the movements. “Stevie you look like a dream.”

“Eddie, Eddie please.” Steve begged.

Eddie smirked, “keep your hands up here, and don’t come until I tell you to, think you can do that for me baby?”

Steve whined, “Yes.” He hissed between his teeth.

Eddie kissed down his chest, pausing at his hip bone to leave a beautiful purple bruise with his mouth. He lowered the other mans pants and box-briefs in one fluid motion.

He got up, Steve at a loss of his body warmth, and removed his own pants, settling back between Steve’s legs. He kissed his thighs, that had been on display in those cut offs before, he was obsessed.

Finally he kissed up Steve’s full length, “Fuck Stevie, you weren’t just called King for that mansion you grew up in, huh?”

Steve chuckled, “Really? That’s what you’re going with?”

“Sweetheart, you’re huge and I am lucky.”

Eddie swallowed him down as Steve cursed on his exhale, curling his toes at the tight, wet heat of Eddie’s mouth.

Eddie started bobbing his head in full, twisting his wrist following the upstroke and suckling the head. Steve was a wreck above him, whining at the sensations, clasping his hands to his headboard to keep from grabbing for Eddie. He had to be good so he would get permission to come.

Eddie pulled off and held the base of Steve’s cock, “Sweetheart you’ve been so good for me, come in my mouth when you’re ready.”

Steve felt overstimulated in such a pleasant way. Eddie let go of his cock and swallowed him to the base, hollowing his cheeks and creating delicious suction.

“Eds, Eddie, I’m gonna come!”

Eddie hummed around his cock, collected saliva on his fingers and pressed into Steve, who came hard and immediately with the contact.

Panting above him as Eddie swallowed his release down.

“Can, can I touch you now Eddie.” Steve had a slight pleading to his tone.

“Yeah baby, you did so good.”

Steve pulled him up and into a deep kiss, tasting himself in Eddie’s mouth. He grabbed lube from his bedside table and pushed Eddie’s underwear down to show his straining erection.

He squeezed a small amount of lube in his hand and wrapped his hand around Eddie with a firm grip stroking base to tip and twisting at the head. Eddie moaned into his ear as Steve repeated the motion faster kissing the hinge of the other man’s jaw.

“I’m gonna-“

“-Come on my stomach Eddie, mark me please.” Steve begged as Eddie spilled over his hand, coating the other man in his release.

He rested his weight to Steve’s side and slid his fingers through his cooling come on Steve’s abdomen. It was one of the hottest moments of his life.

They laid in the afterglow kissing lazily until Eddie got up to grab a wet towel and wipe Steve off.

“Stay over on Saturday?” Eddie asked.

“You’d have to kick me out.” Steve replied as they got dressed and preheated to oven for their half forgotten pizza.

***

Eddie had to leave that night, wanting to keep an eye on Wayne. The week’s text messages were constant, Steve hoped Eddie realized he wasn’t a casual kind of guy. He was counting down the days until Saturday.

He had stopped by the antique shop on Thursday and told Robin about the longest shift of his life, leading to some of the best sex of his life she fake gagged but looked insanely happy for him.

“Steve I’m just proud of you for making a move, Archie deserves his nuclear family, not to mention all the kids you and Eddie have basically co-parented since they were teens.”

“Um, that being said can Archie hang with Auntie Robs and Vickie this Saturday? Eddie asked me out on a date in Indy, and I think I’ll spend the night.”

“Oooh she’s easy. “ Robin teased, “Of course Archie’s always welcome, we’ll stop by and feed the hens in the morning too, don’t worry, have fun, no rush to get home, get dicked down good.” Robin pinched Steve’s forearm on the counter.

He pulled his arm away, “Ew Robin.” Steve made a face at her, “But also thank you.”

She cackled at his discomfort as a couple of blue-haired old ladies shot them a look of disapproval. “I hope they know I’m the owner and they have no manager to complain to.”

She whispered to Steve spurring on another round of laughter.

He smiled at his best friend, “Alright I’ve got some honey to harvest and pastries to bake, I’ll drop some off with Archie on Saturday, thanks again, give Vickie a hug from me!”

***

Saturday rolled around, Steve packed an overnight bag to add to his truck before heading to the Farmers Market. Spending the whole day with Eddie had the butterflies in full force.

He did his methodical booth set up waiting for the other man’s van to come rolling in, he caught up with Patti, and informed her of their official date- She beamed at him, he knew every single small business at the market today would know about the date before the day was over. He didn’t care, nothing could deflate how happy he felt.

Eddie pulled in with barely anytime to spare before customers started walking through. He brought over Steve’s coffee and leaned in for a kiss.

“Cutting it close this morning?” Steve asked.

Eddie shrugged, “Y’Know just stress cleaning, I’ve got this really cute boy coming by today and want him to be equal parts impressed and welcomed in my space.”

Steve’s heart stuttered, “Nothing to worry about, I have a feeling he’s already thoroughly impressed.”

Eddie blushed, “I gotta set up sweetheart.”

Steve leaned in for one more quick kiss before the day kicked off.

Yeah there was a promising air surrounding today.

***

The day had been beyond busy, Steve had even sold out of his candles and balms thanks to a bachelorette party that came through. He was packed up and ready to go in record timing.

Eddie seemed to have made quick work of clean up as well.

Dustin texted,

‘I hear my dads are finally getting together, just wanted to make it clear that I support this in full.’

Steve snorted and responded, ‘You do realize you’re 24 and not actually my kid?’

‘Better than any dad I ever had.’ Came through fast.

‘Dustybuns, don’t make me cry before my date!’

Eddie walked over, “Okay let me send you the address, but you can follow me if you try to keep up.”

“Munson, is that a challenge?” Steve asked, up for some friendly competition.

Eddie shrugged, “Might be.”

He walked slowly backwards, then turned and sprinted to his van.

Steve hollered behind him, “Unfair that’s cheating!” As he dashed to his truck.

The ride was fairly easy running into minimal traffic. Getting himself to Eddie’s apartment shortly after two. Eddie was waiting for Steve by his van.

“Hey Stevie,” Eddie smiled warmly at him, “Grab your stuff?”

Steve felt silly for the blanket of nerves that fell over him now that he was in Eddies domain.

He grabbed his back pack and slipped it on. “Yeah all ready.”

“C’mon nerd I’m on the top floor lets head up.” He slipped his hand into Steve’s and lead the way. The simple gesture alleviating Steve’s nerves almost immediately.

Steve walked in to the industrial looking loft apartment with exposed brick, walls lined with band posters, a corner dedicated to his guitars and amps, a vintage record player, Steve didn’t know where to look first the entire living space was Eddie.

“Permission to snoop Stevie.” Eddie said as he made a sweeping gesture to his living space.

Steve grinned and set down his bag, “What time’s the comedy show?” He asked.

Eddie fiddled with his skull ring, “ 7 but where I want to bring you for dinner is a little far from the venue so we should leave around 5.” He added thoughtfully.

Steve slipped into his personal space and kissed Eddie. “That sounds good, cool if a grab a shower?”

“Yeah you go ahead first and I’ll take one after.” He kissed Steve’s cheek and pointed him towards the linen closet and bathroom.

Steve smelled all of Eddie’s bath products, had a small thrill in him to smell like Eddie. He toweled off when he was done and put some of his own product in his hair.

He came out to find Eddie at a drawing table, angled upward, while he was busy sketching away, and hadn’t realized Steve was behind him.

Steve snuck a look over his shoulder and Eddie startled, “Whoa must’ve been in my own world.”

“Whatcha workin’ on?” Steve asked.

“Personal commission, it’ll be a wedding gift, but Gareth is proposing to his girlfriend in September and I want to get this custom ring perfect.”

Steve looked at the craftsmanship and line work, “This is beautiful Eddie, I mean I love your large pieces, but this is such delicate work.”

Eddie shrugged off the compliment. “It’s just in the drawing phase Stevie.”

“You put yourself into what you care for too, it’s all over that page.” Steve wanted to make sure Eddie knew Steve saw him.

Eddie blushed, “Just like you do with what you care about.”

Steve leaned over and blew a raspberry against Eddie’s cheek to break the seriousness of the moment.

Eddie pushed his chair back, “You little punk!”

He picked up Steve and tossed him on the couch, following by kissing him while tickling him, Steve trying to push him off while giggling.

Eddie leaned back and caught the time, “Okay I’m gonna shower, you’re welcome to set your bag in the bedroom and get ready and we’ll head out shortly.

Steve had asked Robin what to bring for first date attire, he had fitted black jeans and a breezy linen short sleeve button down dark grey top to off set the heat. He borrowed a blow dryer, not ashamed that for his peak volume he had to put the work in. He wanted to look good for Eddie.

Eddie came out of the shower with his towel sling low on his hips, “Cat got your tongue?” he quipped.

Steve raked his eyes over Eddie’s body. He had permission to stare, and a lot was on display.

“Sweetheart, I’ve gotta get ready to wine and dine you, don’t look at me like that.” He groaned.

Steve gave a flirty smile, “Allow me to vacate the room for you Lord Munson.”

Eddie laughed, “Fuck off King Steve.”

***

Their conversation flowed naturally dinner was a divine experience of farm to table foods. Steve even got to chat with the Chef that was fully interested in his hives and bee keeping, he had taken Steve’s card and discounted their bill in promise of Steve dropping off honey samples the following day.

Eddie looked good he had braided his hair and wore it over his shoulder, Steve couldn’t take his eyes off the mans animated dark brown eyes, wicked dimples, and expressive mouth. Tonight was a slow wonderful torture.

Eddie slipped his hand into Steve’s as they walked to his van to head to the comedy venue.

“I was afraid that chef was gonna whisk you away Stevie, I was about ready to fight for your honor.”

Steve threw his head back and laughed, “Nah I just think they were into my bees.”

Eddie narrowed his eyes at Steve, “You really didn’t notice?”

Steve paused their walk and looked at Eddie, “Nope, was too busy noticing you.”

“Fuckin’ smooth.” Eddie shook his head tips of his ears pink.

***

The comedy club was an experience, Eddie’s aside comments were funnier than anything the couple of stand ups had to say. It was good to know they could make their own fun.

“Ready to head back to mine Stevie?” Eddie asked as the show was coming to a close.

Steve leaned in and kissed him, “Yup I’m ready.”

On the drive back Eddie had pointed out some neighborhood landmarks. The two men trudged up the stairs.

“So usually this would be the point in a first date I’d get home and spiral about 90 percent of the things I said through the course of the evening.” Eddie stated as he unlocked the door.

Steve chuckled, “Would you like privacy to spiral or would you like to fuck me into your mattress? Because there wasn’t a damn thing you said tonight that you need to rethink, very successful date if you ask me.”

Eddie took a sharp breath in at the suggestion, “I think I’ll take the fucking you option? Would hate to pass that up.”

Steve beamed and pulled Eddie to his bedroom kicking off shoes along the way. Eddie flipped on the light,

“what are your thoughts on blindfolds?” Eddie asked.

Steve pretended to think. “I’m into it but I also want to see you.”

“How about blindfold for foreplay and we’ll lose it later?” Eddie hedged.

“Very agreeable.” Steve smiled and crowded Eddie’s space, “Let me undress you first though, yeah?”

Heavily making out and removing clothing until the two were panting in their underwear, Eddie grabbed a black satin scarf from his bedside table, “On the bed.”

Steve kneeled on the bed allowing room for Eddie to come behind him and secure the blind fold. The material felt cool against his skin, and the anticipation had goosebumps prickling his arms.

Eddie secured the tie, “Comfortable?”

“Yes.” Steve replied quietly, he trusted Eddie fully, and realized in that moment how much it meant.

Eddie kissed down his back and lowered his underwear. “lay on your stomach for me sweetheart.”

Steve moved to obey, excited for whatever Eddie had planned for next. He kissed down Steve’s spine and lightly bit his left cheek, eliciting a surprised hiss from Steve. He kissed and groped the curve of the other man’s ass.

“Stevie, can I rim you?”

Steve honest to god whimpered. “Yes, please Eddie.”

“Since you asked so nicely sweetheart.”

He licked a long strip opening Steve up and buried him in the task of making Steve a shaking mess.

His tongue entered him and got him nice and wet, fingers following only once Steve was begging prettily.

“More, Eddie, please , add more.” Steve whined.

Eddie started scissoring his fingers and adding a third, “You look so beautiful for me, totally wrecked Stevie.”

Steve moaned into the pillows.

“Please, please, please, I need you in me.” He whispered.

Eddie kept his promise and untied the blindfold.

Steve turned to look at him, eyelashes a little wet and pupils blown, “Let me ride you?”

Eddie groaned in response. “Holy shit, how are you perfect?” he leaned back into the pillows and helped Steve position himself over Eddie’s body.

Steve grabbed the lube and ran it over Eddie’s cock in a firm grip, slowly lowering himself on the other man.

Giving himself a moment to adjust, “Sweetheart, I need you to move.”

Eddie held his hips and guided him gently to a starting pace, until Steve adjusted and was ready, setting a hard and fast rhythm that had Eddie bucking up to meet his movements.

“I’m not gonna last Steve.” Eddie groaned out as Steve guided his hand to his hard cock, Eddie stroked him rough, pulling out a string of swears.

“Eddie, Eddie, I’m so close.” Steve spilled over his hand and Eddie pumped into him a few more times before filling him up.

Steve collapsed over him the two men sharing breath more than kissing, worn out and satisfied.

Eddie rolled Steve off him gently and grabbed a warm wet towel to clean them up. He blasted the AC unit and the two snuggled into bed.

Bodies facing each other in the darkness Steve said quietly, “I’m not a super casual guy, so you’ve gotta let me know of we’re not on the same page, if I let it go farther it’ll break my heart.” laying himself bare.

Eddie slipped his hand onto the dip in Steve’s waist, “I am so far gone for you Steve.”

“Okay, good, same. Eddie will you be my boyfriend?”

“So official King Steve. Yes your highness, I’d taste poison food for you. That’s the level I like you.” Eddie said feeling bold in the shadows.

Steve rubbed his thumb over Eddie’s cheekbone, “Every insult I threw at you in high school was because I thought you were pretty and I didn’t know what to do with that feeling, and I’m so sorry.”

Eddie made a wounded sound and pulled Steve in for a deep kiss. “Water under the bridge my king. Now who’s gonna break who’s heart?”

Steve kissed his forehead, “Hopefully neither.”

Their breathing evened out shortly after, dreams pulling them under.

They woke in a tangle of limbs and Steve knew he was in love.

***

The next month moved quickly time spent between Hawkins and Indy, Eddie slowly moving some welding and metal work pieces into Steve’s work shed.

The party gave them a respectable amount of shit about Dustin’s parents finally getting together, Steve couldn’t be happier, Archie couldn’t be more spoiled.

Mid August was torturously humid, Eddie had stopped by Wayne’s to fix his air con unit and make sure he was taking care of himself. Wayne offered Eddie a freeze pop when he arrived,

“You used to love these in the summer.” He smiled.

“Wayne these were my favorite, jeez nostalgia much?” He chuckled.

“You and that boyfriend spending an awful lot of time together, such a waste of gas between here and Indy.” He nudged the conversation.

“we’ve only been official about two months.”

“You’ve been dancing around it since end of May, but between the two of us, we know you’ve been carrying a torch for longer.” Wayne observed.

“Wise and all knowing Wayne, I just wanna see how this unfolds, my lease isnt up until October, who knows what happens between now and then.” Eddie said, trying to be practical.

Wayne nodded and lit his cigar. Humming under his breath. A car pulled up with Patti in the driver seat, Wayne got up and patted Eddie’s shoulder,

“Got a date, catch ya later kid.”

Eddie caught Patti’s eye and it took all his strength to keep from laughing.

Life was so damn weird sometimes.

***

Farmers Market season was coming to a close, schools well back into session and September underway, Steve counted this summer as maybe his most successful so far, with his hobbies and in life.

Robin slid up to his booth on the last Saturday with coffee in hand. Her own little tradition. She, Vickie, and Eddie spent a lot of time together- Vickie wanted Eddie to sell his metal works in their shop, mainly she wanted to expand the antique and auction house to another warehouse building on the same strip for an art gallery. Their own little bohemian artist set up in Hawkins Indiana.

It made Steve smile, seeing his friends gather their hard work into success.

“Penny for your thoughts Stevie?” Robin asked.

He cut into one of the croissants he made only to share amongst the business owners for their last day of market and drizzled it in honey handing half to Rob.

“I think I’m just really happy, content, right now.” Like the feeling snuck up on him.

Robin smiled, “You know Eddie talks about moving forward with the gallery space in Hawkins.”

“Yeah he doesn’t know it yet but most of his metal work tools have made their way back to my place, this past weekend while he had shows with Gareth I outfitted the shed with insulation and electrical so he could have it as his own work shop.” Steve caught Robin’s eye.

“Steve Harrington you’re a romantic and a catch, ask that boy to move in.” She squawked at him.

“That’s the plan.” Steve scooped up Archie and let Robin break him off a piece of croissant.

He kissed Archie between his ears and his whole body screamed, family, with Robin and Eddie in his line of vision.

***

Eddie was unloading all his framed band posters and picking which ones he wanted in his work space and which would go best in the media/reading/new campaign gathering room.

“You sure you’re okay with these bad boys going up on the walls in here?” Eddie asked.

He was moving in the weekend before Halloween. Steve was floating. He’d never felt so comfortable in a relationship, ever.

“Absolutely, as long as you’re still okay with us researching goats for the spring?” He needled the question.

“Are you kidding me Stevie, goats are metal as fuck.”

Eddie’s dimples were on full display as they brought in the last of his boxes.

“Dinner with the party over at Rob and Vickie’s tonight, and then we’ll take Wayne out tomorrow?” Steve asked.

“Perfecto Sweetheart.” Eddie said laying on their bed next to Steve. Taking a moment to relax.

Steve turned towards him and kissed down his boyfriends throat.

Eddie swallowed thickly, “We can be late to dinner, yeah?”

Steve smiled against his neck, “Yeah, sure.”

Eddie flipped them so he was on top of Steve, the two smiling like lunatics at each other.

“You’re never getting rid of me sweetheart.”

***