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funnylittlelad · 1 year ago

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Shelter From The Storm - Steddie

Page Five

<< Page Four | Series Photo Album | AO3 | Page Six>>

summary: Jack eyes Chrissy carefully. Chrissy smiles at her, but Jack doesn't return it.

“Who are you?” She asks.

“I’m Kacey’s aunt. My name is Chrissy.”

“Oh. Why are you sitting here?”

“Jack,” Eddie scolds.

Chrissy chuckles.

“It’s okay, Eds,” she tells him, “Eddie and I went to school together. I was just saying hello .”

Jack’s face twists into something akin to anger, but not quite so intense.

“That’s Daddy's name for Eddie. You can't use that,” she tells Chrissy matter-of-factly.

wc: 11.1k

series tags/notes: Steddie Dadfic, single dad!Steve Harrington, Music Teacher!Eddie Munson, girl dad Steve, Jewish Eddie, Steve's parents are The Worst, mentions/talks about past abuse, complicated family dynamics, pretty Steve-centric, implied past suicide, talks about illness and death, Fluff, angst, mutual pining, slow burn.

page warnings: talks of death, dead parents, implied past suicide, and descriptions of a funeral

Steve is confused to find Eddie’s van missing from the Mordor Music parking lot. He’s expecting to be greeted by Max, Jack, and whatever customers are loitering around. Instead, Jack plays the keyboard with her headphones on. There’s a new dragon sticker on the left ear. A couple of people browse the sections near the front of the store. Eddie leans against the counter flipping lazily through a magazine. When Steve catches his attention in his peripheral vision, Eddie smiles up at him.

“Hey,” Eddie greets brightly.

“Hey, how'd you get here today?” Steve asks curiously, still searching for Max despite realizing her car wasn't outside either.

“I drove,” Eddie answers.

“Where’s your van then?”

“Oh,” Eddie’s face flushes as his smile gains a shy quality, “I got rid of it. That little red beauty out there’s mine.”

Steve laughs, assuming Eddie is joking. Eddie doesn't laugh, he just continues his shy smile. Steve's laughter dies on his lips.

“Did something happen to it?” He questions, not understanding why Eddie would have gotten a new car.

“No, nothing happened. I just realized that it wasn't exactly the best thing to haul Jack around in. Figured it was about time to get something more kid-friendly,” Eddie shrugs.

He’s so casual as he blows Steve’s mind. Steve’s heart has a vice grip around it. Eddie got a new car for Jack. Eddie got a new car for Jack.

“I can't believe you drive a Chevy,” Steve teases, trying to reign in the tsunami of emotion hitting him.

“Hey, I happen to like my car!”

“Let me make you dinner tonight.”

Eddie blinks in surprise then grins.

“Got yourself a deal, Harrington.”

A few days later, Steve finally gets the time and nerve to call up the Prestons. He has their number from the only time Jack went to their house. The line rings for a while. So long that Steve thinks it’ll either go to voicemail or someone’s on the line so he’s stuck in a purgatory of trills. Right when he’s about to hang up, someone answers.

“Hello?”

“Oh- um- Hi, I’m looking for Kathy or Bert Preston,” Steve says.

“This is Kathy. May I ask who’s calling?”

“Yeah, this is Steve Harrington, Jack’s dad. Our daughters are friends, they're in the same class,” he informs her.

A beat of silence.

“Right, what can I do for you, Steve?” She inquires in a professional tone.

“Jack told me that Kacey is having a birthday party, but her invitation got lost in the mail. I figured I’d give you a call and get the details to make sure that doesn't happen again,” Steve keeps his voice even, but stern enough to let her know he’s on to her shit.

“Ah, y-yes, Jack’s invitation. I have another for her here. I’ll send it with Kacey tomorrow,” she says.

“Great, I’ll still take down the details just in case. You know how kids can be,” Steve presses.

“Of course,” she sighs.

Steve writes down the details, glad he ended up with the non-confrontational Preston. He thanks her curtly before hanging up. When he tells Jack he got it straightened out and that she’ll be able to go to the party it makes the call worth it. It’s this weekend at the local bowling alley. Steve curses when he realizes he works this weekend. There's an event at the college on Saturday and he took up the extra shift for the overtime pay.

He doesn't hesitate to pick up the phone after Jack is in bed. The number is dialed easily and then the line is ringing.

“How’d you know I was just thinkin’ ‘bout you, handsome?” Eddie asks as he answers the phone.

Steve’s face instantly splits into a smile.

“It's easy, you’re always thinking about me,” he retorts.

“Got that right. How's your night?”

They spend a while just talking. Steve listens eagerly to Eddie's day, asking questions here and there. One of the things Eddie loves most about Steve is how engaged he is when Eddie speaks. Most people listen, but Eddie tends to talk a lot and fast. The other person getting lost mid-conversation isn't unheard of by any means. Not Steve, though. No, Steve makes sure he’s following, asks for clarification, and will even tell Eddie to slow down if he needs him to. Eddie has never felt so heard.

“So, you remember that birthday party Jack was talking about?” Steve asks.

“Yeah, the one with the asshole parents,” Eddie answers, only sounding a little bitter.

“That’s the one. It's this Saturday-”

“You work this Saturday, right? Need me to take her?”

Steve grins to himself. Eddie knows how much Steve hates asking so he always offers when he can.

“Yeah, if you don't mind. It’s only for a couple of hours. You can tell them you’re her uncle or something,” Steve tells him.

Eddie’s heart sinks a few inches.

“Her uncle…” He trails off.

Steve grimaces as he hears it.

“I’m sorry, I didn't mean… I just didn't know if you’d want the attention of telling them we’re together,” Steve sighs and runs a hand over his face.

“C’mon, Stevie, you should know from high school that I can handle a little attention,” Eddie teases.

“Okay, okay, fair enough. I don't care what you tell them, as long as Jack’s having a good time.”

“Hey, what if, afterwards, we head over to Wayne’s for dinner?” Eddie asks before he can talk himself out of it.

“You… You want us to meet Wayne? Are you sure, I know meeting the family is kinda... Big.”

“I’ve already met yours,” Eddie points out.

Steve licks his lips nervously, glad this is over the phone. He wouldn't be able to hide his anxiety from Eddie if he tried.

“Yeah, you did. Uh- s-sure, yeah, let’s do that. I’ll be out of work at four-thirty,” he agrees.

“If you don't want to, it's okay,” Eddie says, poorly masking his disappointment despite his best efforts.

“It’s not that I don't want to, I swear. I guess I’m worried,” Steve admits, never hiding the truth from Eddie.

“About what?”

“How he feels about you dating someone with a kid. I don't want him to think I’m trapping you or something,” he answers.

“I promise you he doesn't think that. He just thinks that I’m crazy about you two, which I am. You worry too much about what other people think,” Eddie assures him softly.

Steve sighs, shoulders relaxing a bit.

“I know,” he groans, “it’s hard not to. It feels like I’ve had eyes on my back ever since Jack was born. I know what people thought of me in high school, y’know? No one thought I could do anything other than sports. I want to prove that I can do this so badly, Eds.”

“You already have a thousand times over.”

“I love you,” Steve sighs.

“I love you too. Get some sleep, if you don't wake up on time Jack definitely won't,” Eddie orders lightly, the smile clear in his voice.

“Okay, okay,” Steve gives in, “Dream something sweet for me, Eds.”

“Guess I’ll see you there then, Stevie.”

Eddie picks up Jack that Saturday morning. Steve gives him her seat for the day. Eddie’s car gives her enough room to buckle herself, which she’s very happy about.

“I have a surprise,” he tells her as they head to his place.

“Is it a puppy?”

“No, not a puppy,” he laughs.

“What is it then?”

“I’ve been practicing doing braids.”

“Can you give me some for the party?” She all but squeals.

“I sure can.”

They spend the next half hour with Jack on the ground and Eddie on the couch. He has a comb between his teeth, a spray bottle on the couch on one side of him, and hair gel on the other. Jack watches TV from where she sits between Eddie’s knees. He’s careful not to be too rough as he wrestles her hair into twin braids. The struggle pays off when Jack delights in her appearance.

Their drive to the bowling alley is filled with music. Eddie shows Jack what real music sounds like. She doesn't seem overly impressed, much to his dismay. The bowling alley itself is bustling. It takes Eddie a minute to find a parking spot. Jack hops out of the car and bounces on her heels as she waits for Eddie to come around. Her vans are beginning to fray. Her little light-wash denim jeans are cuffed at the ankles because they're just a tad too big. A heather gray Roann County Community College sweater keeps her warm. Eddie’s flannel that he cushioned her head with what feels like ages ago is layered over the sweater. A blue band-aid covers her chin. According to her, she scraped her chin chasing dragons. She got hurt but it’s okay because she's tough.

Inside the bowling alley is a mess of children running around screaming. Eddie helps Jack get her bowling shoes on, carrying her sneakers around for her. She runs off to join her friends who all turn to hug her. When her friend with the Birthday Girl button says she likes Jack’s hair Jack beams.

“Thanks! Eddie did it for me,” she tells her friend happily.

“Who's Eddie?” Her friend asks.

“Him and my daddy are in love. He teaches me how to play music and a really cool dragon game,” she boasts.

Eddie can't help smiling as he eavesdrops over the clattering of pins. He decides to take a seat near where the parents are. The way they're looking at him keeps him from integrating entirely. Instead, he just grabs himself a soda and sits on his own at a table meant for two. He watches Jack have fun with her friends. Even if the parents of the other kids are being rude, he’s glad he brought her.

“Eddie Munson?” A somewhat familiar voice chimes.

Eddie’s attention snaps up from where the kids are bowling. Chrissy Cunningham stands next to his table. She’s in jeans and a light purple sweater. Her blonde hair covers her shoulders, bangs still brushing along her eyebrows.

“Shit, Chrissy, hi,” Eddie greets in surprise.

“I didn't expect to run into you here. Are you here for Kacey’s party?” She asks pleasantly.

“Yeah, I’m here with the little redhead down there,” he points to where Jack is making funny faces at her friends.

Chrissy chuckles at the sight.

“Can I?” She gestures to the seat across from him.

Eddie nods encouragingly. Chrissy takes the seat and leans her elbows on the table.

“How are you related to her?” She looks at Jack again.

“I’m not. She’s Steve Harrington’s kid,” he tells her with a smile.

Chrissy’s eyes widen in recognition.

“I thought she looked familiar. Wow, she really looks like Sarah. How did you end up with her?”

“Steve and me, we’re together actually.”

Chrissy’s head snaps to look over her shoulder. She spends a moment searching before looking back at Eddie with an apologetic smile.

“Don't let my sister hear you say that. I’m happy for you, though,” she says.

“Your sister?”

“Kathy, she’s Kacey’s mom. She and her husband are… Well, they’re old-fashioned,” she explains.

Eddie nods in understanding. His eyes dart to the woman in question. She’s by the presents acting busy. When Eddie’s eyes meet hers, only for hers to snap away he knows she was watching them. He catches the other parents' stares as his eyes travel back to Chrissy.

“You don't gotta sit here and talk to me. We kinda got an audience,” he nods to the side toward the poorly covered stares.

It’s a reflex from high school. Give everyone an out so they don't get hurt just by associating with him. A habit he thought he broke. Chrissy peers over to the rest of the party and sighs.

“I can spare a few more minutes.”

Eddie smiles. His mouth opens to ask how she's been, but he never gets the chance. He’s interrupted by Eddie! Eddie! Eddie! as Jack races up to him.

“Hey, there, trouble. What’s up?” He greets her as she stops next to him.

Jack eyes Chrissy carefully. Chrissy smiles at her, but Jack doesn't return it.

“Who are you?” She asks.

“I’m Kacey’s aunt. My name is Chrissy.”

“Oh. Why are you sitting here?”

“Jack,” Eddie scolds.

Chrissy chuckles.

“It’s okay, Eds,” she tells him, “Eddie and I went to school together. I was just saying hello.”

Jack’s face twists into something akin to anger, but not quite so intense.

“That’s Daddy's name for Eddie. You can't use that,” she tells Chrissy matter-of-factly.

“Jack, you're being rude,” Eddie warns her.

She ignores him entirely. As if she didn't run over here for him to begin with.

“Jack is a pretty name,” Chrissy tries to change the conversation.

That might have worked for any of the other kids. Jack’s more stubborn than Steve when it comes down to it. She won't be derailed. Not that easily.

“Do you love Eddie?” She questions.

Eddie chokes on air. Chrissy chuckles lightly, not phased by Jack at all.

“No, we're just friends,” Chrissy answers.

“Good, ‘cause he wouldn't like you. Him and Daddy are in love,” Jack informs Chrissy.

She does it loud enough to inform the rest of the party too. Eddie clamps a hand over her mouth, but it's too late. Jack gives him a furious look. He returns it with a stern one.

“I’m gonna let go and when I do you’re gonna stop being rude to Chrissy. Then you’re gonna tell me what you needed when you came over here,” he tells her evenly and raises his eyebrows, “okay?”

She nods the best she can behind his hand. Eddie lets go and Jack exhales sharply through her nose.

“Ron said you can't be my daddy too. I told him you can, but he said having two daddies makes me a freak,” Jack explains clearly upset by it.

The word echoes in Eddie’s head. It starts off in Jack’s voice but quickly devolves into the mixed-together voices of high school bullies. Freak. An anger that burns a specific way lights in his chest. It’s the kind of anger that moves one to action. It's the kind of anger that causes a parent to protect their child.

“Which one is Ron?” Eddie asks, scanning the room.

Jack points out a little blond boy who’s talking to his mom. The boy points over at the two of them and his mother looks over with disgust. Eddie’s stomach sinks and he sighs. He looks back at Jack’s frustrated expression.

“Ron’s an idiot. Having two people that love you doesn't make you a freak. You having fun otherwise, sweet girl?” He smiles tightly.

“Yeah, but I don't think I like bowling that much,” she answers.

“That's okay, you don't have to. Just go have fun with your friends and if anyone wants to call you a freak, show them a freak,” Eddie tells her and gives himself devil horns with his pointer fingers while sticking his tongue out at her.

She giggles and nods.

“I love you the mostest,” she says.

The air is knocked from Eddie’s chest. He’s a puddle on his chair, an absolute mess. He has no oxygen in his lungs. He’s just a heart slamming against his chest and emotion sitting right behind his eyes. Jack just smiles expectantly at him, unaware of how she just took him apart.

“I- I love you the mostest,” he responds, voice thicker than he'd like.

Satisfied with his answer, Jack bounds back to her friends. Eddie blinks at the space where she just was for a moment longer. When he looks back at Chrissy she’s smiling warmly at him.

“You two are really sweet. She seems really taken with you,” she comments.

“Ye- yeah, sorry she got mean. We’re- uh- working on that,” he breathes a chuckle.

“Don't worry about it,” she waves him off.

Movement catches Eddie’s attention from the corner of his eye. A few of the parents are gathered around Kathy talking. A couple of others still sit at their table, shaking their heads at whatever scene is brewing. Eddie frowns when a couple of glances meet his eyes from the huddle.

“So, how did you and Steve… reconnect?” Chrissy asks.

Eddie sets his eyes back on her. He opts to ignore the other parents entirely. They can talk whatever shit they want about whatever that little asshole Ron told them.

“We have some mutual friends, but we didn't really cross paths again until I started teaching Jack guitar back in May. He’s a really great dad, y’know? Even when he was killing himself at the quarry, he made sure Jack got to her lessons,” Eddie smiles fondly as he talks about Steve.

Chrissy smiles softly in return.

“You teach music?”

“Oh- yeah, I actually own Mordor Music. It’s over by Benny’s.”

“Wow! Eddie, I didn’t know you didn’t…,” she trails off guiltily.

Eddie breathes a laugh.

“Sell drugs anymore? I haven't in a few years. Wised up, started teaching guitar at the rec center. Eventually built up enough credit, and my uncle cosigned a loan with me to get her off the ground. It’s been… Well, it's a dream, truth be told,” he divulges.

“I’m really happy for you, Eddie. After the way high school was for you… I was honestly a little worried about where you’d end up. I’m glad to see you doing so well,” she tells him honestly, eyes warm and kind.

“Thanks, yeah, I was a little worried too,” he admits with a wry chuckle, “Anyway, enough about me. What have you been up to? Any little Carvers running around yet?”

Chrissy’s smile drops into a grimace. Her eyes go down to her fingers. She toys with a charm bracelet around her wrist.

“No, definitely not. I guess you can say I wised up too,” she answers.

“Glad to hear it. I always thought you deserved better than him.”

Chrissy’s big eyes shine with gratitude as they meet Eddie’s again. Her mouth opens to speak, but she never gets the chance. Someone clears their throat beside them. Kathy stands over them with Ron’s mother at her flank. Chrissy sighs like she was expecting this. Eddie can't say he’s especially surprised either.

“You brought Jack Harrington, right?” Kathy asks.

“Sure did,” Eddie answers.

“Right, well she’s saying things that are confusing the other children,” Kathy informs him, crossing her arms.

Eddie snorts at the thought.

“You don't think she was confused when she was told her family makes her a freak?” He challenges.

“Frankly, I don't want her scaring the others with whatever satanic things you get up to in your store,” she retorts.

“Are you joking? You really think Jack is gonna scare-” Eddie turns to look at where Jack is by her friends around the bowling screen.

Right when Eddie, and therefore the others, look over she scowls at a few of the kids. She makes two little devil horns with her fingers, screws her face up as she sticks her tongue out at them, and makes a growl-like noise. The kids actually look startled. Eddie sighs and runs a hand over his face.

“Alright, we’ll go,” he concedes.

Chrissy watches helplessly as he pushes away from the table and shoves past her sister. He makes his way over to Jack, an unpleasant anticipation churning in his stomach. Her shoes are gripped tightly in his hands.

“Jack,” he calls to her.

She ceases her freak show to look at him. He waves her over. Jack happily darts over to him, bowling shoes clicking until she hits the carpet. Fuck, he doesn't want to tell her they have to go. How does he explain that her friends' parents are homophobic and he has a reputation that will always haunt him at least a little bit in Hawkins?

“Listen, I will answer any questions you have in the car, but right now we gotta go, okay?” He smiles at her.

Her eyebrows furrow, but she nods. Eddie helps her out of her bowling shoes and back into her vans. He tosses the bowling shoes onto the counter on their way out. They get a few feet into the parking lot before Eddie’s name is called behind them. Chrissy jogs up with an apologetic frown.

“I’m so sorry. I tried to reason with her, but she- they-” she sighs, not knowing how to say it in front of Jack.

“It’s alright, Chrissy, it’s not your fault. Feel free to stop by the store anytime,” he smiles reassuringly.

She just nods and lets them go. The car is quiet at first. The clicks of their seatbelts fill the air briefly, then the thrum of the engine until they fade away to background noise, and then the sound of Jack picking at the fabric on her seat. It isn't until he pulls out and starts driving that Jack says anything at all.

“Eddie?” Her voice is small, smaller than he’s ever heard it.

“Yeah, sweet girl?” He glances at her in the rearview mirror.

She wears a frown and her impossibly dark eyes swim in sadness.

“Did I do something wrong?” She asks.

It’s enough to break him. His grip goes white knuckle on the steering wheel. He hates all of those assholes right now. He hates them for being grown adults and taking their own prejudices out on a child. He hates them for letting their opinions of him influence their opinions of Jack. Most of all, he hates that Jack has to experience any of it.

“No, you didn't do anything wrong, I promise,” he tells her softly, “the people there were just… being mean.”

“Is it because I told them that you’re like my other daddy?” She asks, voice low and guilty.

Jesus, this kid is going to take him out entirely. His heart aches. Steve told him to be as honest as is appropriate for a six-year-old. Well, he’s seriously struggling to figure out where that threshold is.

“Jack, do you remember how I told you some people have two moms and some have two daddies?”

“Yeah.”

“And you know how most of your friends have a mom and a daddy?”

“Yeah.”

“Some people think that kids should only be allowed to have a mom and a daddy. They get upset when they're reminded that some kids don't. Sometimes that means they get mean, but it's never your fault. It’s their fault, you understand?” He looks at her through the rearview mirror once more.

“I understand,” she confirms.

“Do you have any other questions?”

She doesn't answer. She just continues picking at the fabric of her seat. Eddie has never known her to be shy or hesitant. He really truly hates those parents right about now.

“Jack?” He checks.

She lets out a small uh-huh.

“Can you tell me how you're feeling?”

“I wish you and daddy were both my daddy,” she admits quietly.

The sentence hangs heavy in the air for a moment. Eddie stops breathing. Tears burn the corners of his eyes. He never knew he could love someone as much as he loves Jack.

“Can I tell you a secret?”

She nods.

“I do too,” he admits.

“Hop said you make us better. I heard him tell Daddy he’s happy you're with us now,” she tells him far too casually for the weight of her words.

“Y-yeah?” Eddie croaks.

Is that even possible? Is it even possible for Hopper to like Eddie?

“Yeah… Can we watch Leia again when we get home?” She asks.

Eddie chuckles wetly, fighting back falling into shambles as he drives.

“We sure can. What d’you think about swinging by the grocery store and getting all the snacks we can carry first?”

She cheers enthusiastically. They do just that. Eddie sticks Jack in the back of a cart and runs her down the aisles while she laughs hysterically. When they get to the snack aisle he lets her take point on what they get, although he does ask her to grab a few specifics.

They get back to Eddie’s and change into pajamas. For Jack, that means one of Eddie’s old t-shirts. After spreading their haul out on the coffee table, Eddie pops in the movie, and they settle on the couch together. Jack mindlessly cuddles into Eddie causing a smile to melt onto his face. It’s how Steve finds them. On the couch together in a food coma in the late afternoon.

As quietly as he can, he cleans up around them. The entire time he smiles to himself. Jack is on top of Eddie’s chest, her face buried into his neck. Eddie has his arms around her like last time. It warms his heart. He loves seeing Eddie and Jack together. After everything is tidy, Steve gets in the shower. The last time he showered here Eddie’s scent clung to him for days. He wouldn't be mad at that happening again. The shower is pleasant enough, even if his mother’s voice haunts his thoughts.

Eddie is awake when Steve comes back out. Jack is sleeping alone on the couch. It’s the first time Steve gets a good look at the shirt she's in. The old and somewhat faded Hellfire Club shirt seems right at home on her. Eddie is brewing a pot of coffee in the kitchen. Steve wanders in wearing a pair of Eddie’s sweats and one of his Mordor Music shirts. Eddie smiles at him as he walks in toweling off his hair.

“Hey,” Steve smiles.

Eddie plants a quick kiss on Steve’s lips. Only a second of contact, but it still leaves Steve a little breathless.

“Hey,” Eddie smiles.

“How'd it go today?” Steve asks.

Eddie’s smile falters. Steve’s heart sinks. A million terrible thoughts cross his mind at once.

“Coffee?” Eddie answers by asking.

Steve nods. He doesn't push because he knows this isn't a distraction. Eddie gets them mugs and makes their coffees the way they like all while Steve watches patiently. When their coffee is done, they take a seat at the dining table. Eddie sighs and dives into what happened at the bowling alley. Steve remains calm, asking a question here and there. Mostly he nods so Eddie knows he’s listening. His eyebrows are set into a stern line.

There's a quiet moment that passes between them when Eddie finishes. Steve sighs shakily.

“My dad died."

“When did you find out?” Eddie asks Steve with worrying eyes.

“About an hour into my shift. My mom called. He went last night in his sleep. Services will be held this week,” he answers numbly.

Steve has trapped himself in a cycle of self-loathing. His first thought when he got the news was I can’t believe the bastard got to go peacefully. The guilt hit him instantly. It was nauseating to the point that he had to hide in a bathroom for twenty minutes. What kind of person thinks that? What kind of person wishes their father suffered more as he died?

“Will someone be able to watch Jack during the services?”

The question takes Steve off guard. He furrows his brows at Eddie.

“You can’t?” He asks with concern.

Now it’s Eddie’s turn to furrow his brows at Steve.

“Stevie, I’m going with you,” he says.

“You really don’t ha-”

“Nothing you say will convince me not to go.”

Steve smiles sadly at Eddie. He’ll never know how he got so lucky.

“I’ll ask around. If I can’t find someone I’m not going to go. I’m not bringing Jack to that,” he decides out loud.

Eddie nods in agreement with that sentiment. He chews on his lip for a moment.

“We don’t have to see Wayne today, it’s alright. He’ll understand,” Eddie says.

“I’d still like to, if that’s okay. Let’s just maybe not mention my dad dying.”

Eddie offers Steve a warm smile. He offers his apartment to them for the night or the weekend, or however long Steve needs to deal with all of this. Steve smiles with a touch of relief as he agrees. Almost as if he wanted to ask, but wasn’t sure how. Eddie is so very tempted to say they can stay forever, but he knows it isn’t the time. Jack is excited to see Steve when he wakes her. The happiness dies down when she’s told where they’re going. Her wide inky eyes shine at Eddie.

“We’re going to see your daddy?” She asks him.

“Yep, but I call him Uncle Wayne. He’s real excited to meet you,” Eddie smiles.

“He knows about me?” She wonders at the notion.

“‘Course he does. I don’t shut up about you,” he chuckles.

Jack grows a wide smile at that. Steve helps her back into her clothes from earlier. Eddie changes into dark jeans and a Metallica hoodie that's seen better days. He shrugs Steve’s work coat over the hoodie. They double check they have everything and head to the door. When Eddie opens it, they realize Jack is still standing in the center of the living room. She seems unsure and nervous.

“Everything okay, princess?” Steve checks.

“Is Uncle Wayne mean like daddy’s parents?” She asks nervously.

Eddie gives her a soft, reassuring smile.

“Uncle Wayne reminds me a lot of your daddy,” he says, “He’s nice, hard-working, and he cares a lot about people. You got nothing to worry about.”

She nods tentatively. After another second of consideration, Jack reaches into the left breast pocket of the flannel she wears. It's huge on her, the bottom sways around her ankles, and the sleeves are rolled up. She produces a black bandana from the pocket and holds it out toward them.

“I wanna wear my bravery bandana,” she announces.

Steve nods dutifully and goes over to her. He folds the bandana and ties it around her head. Her two fiery red braids sit on her shoulders. Eddie beams at her and she beams right back. Without any more hesitation, Jack bounces out of the apartment. Steve laces his fingers through Eddie’s as they follow behind her. Eddie places a quick kiss on Steve's temple before letting go of his hand when they reach Eddie’s car.

It's a tiny gesture, but it's one that keeps Steve tethered to the earth. It's a tiny casual expression of love that he's craved from every relationship he's had, but never received. He always seemed to be so much more affectionate than the girls he dated when he was younger. It left him feeling inadequate and insecure. Eddie can't seem to touch Steve enough, though. Every time he does Steve’s entire being soothes to a calm. Whatever storms whip around them cease for a moment and there's only where their bodies are touching. Eddie’s hands on Steve are shelter from the storms.

The ride to the trailer park isn't long. Eddie vibrates with anticipation. He’s full of excited anxious energy as he gets closer to his worlds colliding. Steve notices and chuckles lightly.

“You look like you're going to pee your pants,” he teases.

Eddie flashes him a smile.

“Just can't wait for all my favorite people to be in the same room.”

“Does Uncle Wayne like the little guys too?” Jack asks curiously.

“No, he’s more like Hopper and Grandpa Buck,” Eddie answers her.

“Grumpy,” she nods in understanding.

Eddie howls a laugh. Steve chuckles and shakes his head. Forest Hills welcomes them with the open arms of trees whose leaves have been stripped by the oncoming of winter. Jack studies the scenery with wide eyes. She takes in every last detail she can. They park next to Wayne’s car before all climbing out. Jack holds her hand out for Steve’s. He takes it without hesitation and leads her in following Eddie.

Knocking doesn't even cross Eddie’s mind. Wayne knows they're coming. He swings the door open, singing out hello! as he enters. Wayne immediately gets up from where he holds a beer on the couch. Eddie steps forward confidently, pulling Wayne into a hug. He pulls away to find Steve and Jack lingering behind. They remain close to the door, Steve seeming unsure and Jack seeming curiously cautious.

“Wayne, this is Steve, the hair I told you about. And this,” Eddie makes a silly scrunched-up face at Jack to elicit a smile, “little menace is Jack.”

“It's nice to finally meet you two. Eddie doesn't talk ‘bout nothing else anymore,” Wayne smiles and holds his hand out.

Steve takes it into a firm shake with his free hand. Pink tinges the tops of his cheeks at Wayne’s words. He offers his own smile to the man.

“It’s really nice to meet you too, Mr. Munson,” Steve says.

Wayne makes a face.

“Just Wayne, kid.”

“Sorry- Wayne,” Steve’s smile turns sheepish.

Wayne watches Eddie with Jack. They make silly faces at one another. A few of Eddie’s expressions are visible on Jack’s face. Wayne wears a small smile as he watches his nephew with this funny little kid. Jack spots a mug on Wayne’s shelf that looks like Garfield’s head complete with a lazy smile. Her eyes go wide in awe and she runs up to it. The three men chuckle as she points it out to Steve with a look, Daddy, it’s Garfield!

“Tell you what, help me serve up the stew and you can use Garfield for your drink,” Wayne offers.

Jack agrees enthusiastically. She promptly abandons Steve and Eddie to follow Wayne. Steve and Eddie smile at each other. Eddie is relieved to see Steve has relaxed. He slings an arm over Steve’s shoulder and leads him to the dining table. They settle in, always touching each other in some capacity. Jack comes up, walking carefully for once, with a bowl of stew in her oven-mitt-clad hands. The old green oven mitts reach her elbows. She places the bowl on the table in front of Eddie with a proud smile. Wayne brings over another bowl and places it in front of Steve. Then they retrieve their own bowls.

“Is it alright if I give her apple juice?” Wayne asks Steve from the kitchen a few feet away.

Steve gives an appreciative nod.

“Just no coffee or alcohol,” he replies light-heartedly.

“Shoot, those were gonna be my next suggestions.”

They chuckle and Wayne goes to retrieve Jack's juice. Jack happily slurps up her stew. Honestly, Wayne Munson is a damn good cook. It’s easy to become one when you’re poor and want to make the best out of every meal. You find ways to make everything taste good or you eat some really bad food trying.

“Y’know, I think I remember your father,” Wayne says to Steve as he comes back.

Steve stiffens. Eddie tries to communicate with his eyes to back off the topic, but it gets lost in translation. Wayne sits at the head of the table. Jack sits across from Steve and Eddie, not bothering to pay attention to their conversation.

“Uh- oh, really? H-how did you know him?” Steve asks.

It’s a stupid question and he knows that. Everyone in Hawkins knew the Harringtons. His dad is the one that got out only to come back to help reshape his hometown. Really, he just wanted to buy cheap property to build houses and drive up property values.

“He tried buying Forest Hills a while back. Would’a left a lot of people without homes, including us. Luckily, we got him to back off. Always thought he was dick, no offense,” Wayne explains gruffly.

“Trust me, none taken. He was a dick,” Steve breathes a laugh.

Wayne’s eyes flicker to Steve, then Eddie curiously at the was. He doesn't say anything about it, though.

“Glad to see you’re nothin’ like him,” he comments with a nod.

Steve smiles, shoulders slumping in relief. Eddie pushes the conversation forward by asking about Wayne’s day. Dinner goes over really well. Steve and Wayne find common ground on work-related things, both having worked hard labor. They also relate with funny stories they have from raising a curly-haired troublemaker. Eddie’s cheeks glow red as Wayne tells stories from his childhood. He mentions how Eddie often had bandaids all over him like Jack does, much to Jack’s delight. Jack seems to love finding out the ways she’s like Eddie just as much as Eddie himself does.

Then Wayne brings up when Eddie started learning guitar. Of course, this topic immediately intrigues Jack.

“He definitely wasn't playing two instruments after a few months,” Wayne snorts.

“Hey, not all of us can be tiny musical geniuses,” Eddie defends.

Steve smiles at Eddie calling Jack a genius. He tends to think so too, but it's nice having someone else to back him up on that.

“D’you still have that old guitar you wrote on after I told you about Woody Guthrie?” Wayne asks him.

“Sure do. Hung it above my couch a few months ago. You gotta come over to mine soon,” Eddie answers.

“The dragon guitar?” Jack asks curiously.

“That’s the one, sweet girl,” Eddie smiles.

“I like playing that one,” she says offhandedly.

Wayne’s eyes are hot on the side of Eddie’s face. Eddie stares at Jack for as long as he can while she eats. He can see Steve’s eyes flickering between the two of them in his peripheral vision.

“You… You let her play it?” Wayne asks in a curious, but cautious manner.

Steve’s eyebrows furrow. Eddie closes his eyes and sighs. He finally looks at his Uncle. Wayne watches him with a sort of dumbstruck look.

“It’s not a big deal,” he shrugs.

“Ed-”

“Can we not right now, Wayne?”

Wayne sighs but nods. Steve’s face displays his utter confusion at the exchange. He doesn't inquire any further. Eddie doesn't seem to want to talk about it. He knows he will when he’s ready to. Wayne turns the conversation to Jack. A nice neutral topic that loves the attention. Especially when the attention is on her musical skills, her favorite topic.

“Actually, Stevie, I wanted to talk to you. There’s this competition of sorts coming up and I think Jack could stand a pretty good chance. I mean, she'd be on the younger side so she'd be going against some bigger kids- but I think she can do it,” Eddie says.

“Has she really been playing guitar for long enou-”

“Oh, no, it’s for piano,” Eddie informs him.

“She's only been playing piano for a few months,” Steve points out.

“I know, but she’s a natural. I’m not really qualified to say, but I’d call her a prodigy.”

Steve’s eyes widen and go to Jack. She smiles proudly as she swings her legs under the table. He’s always known Jack is smart as a whip, likely smarter than him. To hear her called a prodigy, though. That’s a heart-swelling proud parent moment. Steve Harrington’s daughter, a prodigy. Shit, maybe he is doing something right.

“What d’you think, Jack? Would you wanna play piano in a competition?” He asks her.

She nods wildly with wide excited eyes. A wide grin breaks out across her face. Steve loves when she smiles like that. All big and truly happy. Eddie cheers.

“That’s our girl! She’s gonna eat the other kids for breakfast,” he beams.

Jack makes chomping motions with her mouth with a dramatic om nom nom sound. Wayne watches Steve go all gooey when Eddie says that and holds in a chuckle. In the first fifteen minutes, he could tell this is the real deal. Certainly, the realest deal he’s known Eddie to have. He silently wonders how much he should save up for his suit.

A little later they move over to the couch. Steve and Wayne each sip a beer. Eddie refuses even the one knowing he has to drive back with Jack in the car. Jack herself is curled up between Steve and Eddie. She makes sure she’s touching both of them in some capacity. Her head rests against Eddie’s side. He has an arm around her, hand holding Steve’s on the other side of her. Her feet rest on Steve’s lap, his free hand gently holding her leg. Despite the nap earlier, she seems a little sleepy. The stew was warm and filling, enough to knock Steve out if he let it.

“Daddy?” Jack says, voice thick with sleep.

“Yeah, princess?” Steve answers.

“Can we stay with Eddie tonight?” She asks.

“Sweet girl, you can stay with me any night you want,” Eddie tells her tenderly with a smile.

Jack makes a satisfied little noise and cuddles deeper into his side. Eddie gives her a look that only a parent could give their child.

“Don't tell her that! She’ll never want to go home,” Steve chides.

Eddie shrugs playfully.

“Oh well,” he says with a smirk.

Steve rolls his eyes as he smiles in amusement.

“I need to use the potty,” Jack announces.

Steve goes to get up, but Wayne simply tells her which door it is. Jack hops up and heads over on her own with no issue. Steve watches in surprise.

“She doesn't usually like to go alone when she’s somewhere new,” he explains to the Munsons’ curious expressions.

“The three of you seem to fit together real well,” Wayne comments casually.

Steve’s face lights on fire. Eddie simply beams at his uncle in delight.

“It’s strange seeing a kid that reminds me so much of you,” Wayne continues, raising his eyebrows briefly at Eddie.

“Yeah, at least it's only the good parts,” Eddie jokes in return, “She’s a really good kid.”

“She must be if you finally got rid of that god-awful van,” Wayne huffs a laugh.

“I can't believe that thing was even still running,” Steve adds.

“Running is being kind. I was ready to put it out of its misery myself,” Wayne says.

“Leave Van-nessa alone. She served me faithfully for years and I won't allow this slander,” Eddie protests.

Wayne and Steve laugh at his dramatics. Jack comes back out and whines about missing what's funny. Which, of course, only makes them laugh harder. She plants herself right in front of Wayne with her fists curled on her hips. Her eyebrows knit in such a way that truly makes her look like a mini red-headed Steve.

“Is it okay if Eddie is ours now?” Jack asks.

Wayne’s eyes soften and a warm smile crawls onto his face. She looks up at him with big inky eyes. He gestures for her to climb into his lap. Steve expects Jack to have reservations since Wayne is new, but she doesn't. She crawls right onto his lap like she’s known him forever. Wayne looks at her over her shoulder as she leans back into his chest.

“What if he’s both of ours? You think you can find it in yourself to share him with me?” He asks sweetly.

Jack examines him for a moment. She nods eventually. It’s a slow, but intentional act.

“Can he stay with us, though?” She checks.

“Yeah, sweetheart,” Wayne chuckles, “As long as I still get to see him.”

“I’m not a dog, y’know,” Eddie pipes up indignantly.

“You smell like one,” Jack teases with a scrunched nose.

Wayne lets out a belly laugh. Steve can't contain his own.

“Jack, you’re supposed to be on my side,” Eddie whines.

“Sorry, Eddie,” she giggles.

“You’ll have to make it up to me, sweet girl,” Eddie tells her and taps his cheek.

She rushes over and climbs up onto Eddie’s lap. She plants a big wet kiss on his cheek. The kiss lands right on a dimple since he can't stop smiling. Wayne lets out a decades-old sigh that brings with it an overwhelming relief he’s only dreamed of. As he watches Eddie with Jack and sees how Steve looks at his nephew, any worry fades away.

He knows Eddie will be okay. Eddie will be okay because he has Steve and Jack. Eddie will be okay because he has a family. Eddie will be okay because he's a dad now and it fits him like a glove. Wayne rests easy knowing that Eddie has everything he always hoped he would.

There’s a pretty big misconception about the Harringtons. It could be because about 60% of Hawkins claim to be Catholic. Steve’s family fell into the other 40% who say they're Protestant. There are no big stone churches with tall stained glass windows and the swaying scent of incense. There's no mass in a droning priest’s voice that lulls you to sleep or communion in sight. No, it's just a bunch of sad people in a room talking like the body down the hall was ever a good person.

The house is tastefully catered. Steve expected no less from his mother and her newly bolstered fortune. Everyone in attendance wears expensive clothing that creates a stark contrast between everyone else and Steve and Eddie. Eddie’s in the funeral suit he’s had since high school. It's dulled and some of the buttons are loose, but it still gets the job done. Steve wears a Goodwill suit that's just a tad boxy on him. Eddie swears he makes it work, though.

Walking in is hell. Steve holds Eddie’s hand tightly as too many sets of eyes turn toward them. In a blink, he’s overwhelmed by faces from his past looking to give him condolences and ask how he's doing. None of them ask about Jack. Something Steve is too busy trying not to drown to notice, but Eddie can't not notice. Steve struggles to answer when he’s asked how he’s been and what he’s been doing.

“I work at Roann County Community College now,” he tries to answer.

It always inevitably leads to questions about him being a professor. To which he cringes and corrects them. They’re all too polite to say out loud what their faces tell him they're thinking. At first, it's only family friends that don't dare to ask. They're close enough to the Harringtons to know they're powerful allies to have. They're far enough to see them for the kind of parents they really are. The first of the relatives spots him as he and Eddie make it into the living room. His mother sits on the couch being comforted by some aunts for her crocodile tears. Steve isn't convinced she's felt a genuine emotion in her life.

“Steven, geez, it’s been too long. Your mom says you're living on your own now. Good for you kid,” an older second cousin he can't fully remember the name of says to him.

“Y-yeah, I’ve been on my own since high school,” Steve replies with a hint of confusion.

“Really? Aren't you Mr. Independent? Who's this?” He nods toward Eddie as if Eddie couldn't speak for himself.

“Oh- This is Eddie, my partner,” Steve introduces, watching the man’s expression carefully.

His eyebrows shoot up to his slicked-back hairline. He nods.

“Hey, it’s the 90s, y’know, I’m with the times,” he chuckles earnestly.

“Right, uh, it was good seeing you,” Steve smiles tightly and gives him a pat on the upper arm.

He ducks out of the room to the kitchen for some air. He digs his palms against the edge of the counter. Eddie’s lean tender hands find Steve’s waist as he rests his chin on Steve’s shoulder.

“You doing okay, Stevie?” He murmurs.

“I don't know,” Steve sighs honestly.

“Can you turn and look at me?”

Steve turns in Eddie’s hold until his lower back meets the edge of the island. His clouded honey eyes meet Eddie’s warm coffee ones. Eddie can see the vortex of emotion consuming Steve. He desperately wants to save him from it.

“We can leave whenever you want,” Eddie reminds him.

Steve nods slightly. He takes a measured breath to settle himself.

“Did I tell you what my first thought was when I found out he died?” He asks quietly.

Eddie shakes his head lightly.

“I wished he suffered more.”

Eddie sucks in his bottom lip. He doesn't blame Steve. He can't blame Steve. What he worries about is how he can convince Steve to forgive himself.

“After everything he’s done to you, I would be more surprised if you didn't wish for that,” Eddie assures him.

“What kind of person does that make me, Eds?” His voice is desperate and broken.

Eddie sets his eyebrows into a stern line. He doesn't quite scowl, but his lips are set in such a way that lets Steve know he's being serious.

“A reasonable one. Steve, this is the same guy that beat you senseless- to the point where you couldn't play basketball anymore. He kicked you and your hours-old daughter out on the street without a second thought. The fact that you even came to the funeral makes you a better man than me, that’s for sure,” Eddie says with a clear earnestness for Steve to really understand.

Steve offers him a small smile. He gives Eddie a nod.

“You’re right,” he agrees, “about most of that.”

“I'm serious, Steve. We can leave at any time. Don't make yourself stay if you don't want to, okay?”

“Okay... I think I want to see him.”

Eddie exhales slowly through his nose as he nods. Despite appearances and satanic rumors, he’s never been good with dead things. He even avoids horror movies when he can. Not because he gets scared, but because he gets queasy. Death twists in his gut leaving an uneasy sway in his steps.

“Yeah, ‘course. Lead the way,” he says to Steve.

He can feel Steve’s hand in his, but he can't feel his own feet moving. Eddie can't feel the hardwood beneath his boots. He can't feel the dry warmth of the forced air heating. He can't feel the eyes attached to his back and where his hand holds Steve’s. He can feel Steve's hand, though. He can feel how pathetic he is in the back of his throat.

There have been plenty of funerals in the past fifteen years. Eddie has been no stranger to the melancholy gatherings by any means, but this is different. The hallway stretches out as they make their way down it. His heart races in his throat as the open door draws near. Beyond that threshold memories wait for him with emotions he typically does well to beat back. This is different, though. This is too real, too familiar. The dark clothes, the table with an assortment of food to pick at, and even Steve’s mom’s crying form on the couch evoke his grandparents' sitting shiva. Eddie’s chest tightens, his breath shortens, and suddenly it's everything to keep his head from spinning.

“Eddie? What’s wrong?” Steve asks quietly with furrowed brows.

Eddie didn't even realize he stopped walking. He’s glued midway down the hall, hand holding Steve back from progressing. Steve isn't upset, though. He’s worried. Eddie blinks and clears his throat.

“Uh- Maybe you should go in without me. Y’know, get your closure and everything,” he suggests as he recovers.

Steve gives Eddie a once-over with a small frown. Ultimately, he nods and lets go of Eddie’s hand. Eddie watches him slip into the room. Once Steve is out of sight, he paces further down the hall and dodges into the bathroom to collect himself. Some splashes of cool water are enough to ground him back to the present. He catches his breath as he stares himself in the eye in the mirror. God, he looks like shit. He looks ready to drop dead himself.

He ties his hair back into a bun with a spare scrunchie before scrubbing some more water into his face. Then he dries off with a nearby hand towel and sighs. He spots a small window above the toilet and gets a primal urge from the bad teen still stuck inside of him, rattling against the bars of his cage.

“Fuck it,” he mumbles under his breath.

Steve stands with his back against the closed door for a moment. He keeps his eyes on the ground in front of him. With a steadying breath, he finally gazes up. There is the lifeless form of his father. He’s done up in a suit with makeup to make him look like he wasn't whittled down to nothing before the end. The casket is nice and glossy where it sits half open against the opposite wall completely surrounded by outlandish flowers. If Steve didn't know better, he'd think what should have been Jack's inheritance went toward the flowers in this room alone.

Steve can barely recognize his father without the distasteful glare on his face. As he inches closer slowly, he swallows the lump that's formed in his throat. Relief bubbles up in his chest with each step forward. This is real. He’s really gone. Steve never has to worry about what tricks or traps his father may pull again. He doesn't have to worry about him bothering Jack. Selfishly, he’s glad he gets to see a world without his father in it. He’s glad Jack gets to grow up in such a world. One slimy asshole down.

Still, as he looks down at the body that was his father tears well up. His vision blurs. Steve wasn't always seen as the jerk kid who never did as he was told. His father wasn't always an asshole that withheld every ounce of emotion from him in the name of toughening him up. The years were short, but they were there.

They were filled with moments Steve remembers being happy in, he remembers laughing and feeling loved. That's the father he’s finally allowing himself to mourn now. The one that died when Steve turned double digits and his father decided it was time he learned how to be a man. Apparently, violence is how you do that. At least, that's what he taught Steve. A single tear gets away from him before he’s furiously rubbing at his eyes. Despite those good memories, he’s glad he never has to deal with the likes of John Harrington again.

“Good riddance,” he mumbles to the corpse in the casket.

Steve expects to find Eddie waiting for him in the hallway, but he doesn't. The hallway is vacant of everything except the noise from the chatter in the gathering room. As he stands there for a moment, eyes bouncing around in search of his anchor, he smells it. Cigarette smoke. He follows it further down the hallway until he reaches the bathroom door. There's a moment where he considers just walking in, but there is a chance it's not Eddie, no matter how slim. So, he knocks. On the other side of the door, he can hear a scrambling, a tumbling, and a not-so-subtle fuck.

“Eddie?” Steve checks softly.

“Steve? Uh- just a minute,” Eddie’s voice responds.

Steve doesn't wait, though. He slips into the bathroom quickly so as to not let too much of the smell out. Eddie is frantically dabbing his shirt with a wet hand towel, the window above the toilet is open, and a pack of cigarettes sits on the sill.

“Were you seriously smoking a cigarette in here?” Steve snorts.

Eddie whips around with a guilty, but startled expression.

“I’m so sorry. I don't usually-”

“Do you have any more?”

Eddie blinks for a moment.

“Uh- y-yeah.”

That’s how Steve and Eddie end up sharing a cigarette in the bathroom. The window is open, the fan is on, and they both sit on the tile with their backs against the wall. The cigarette passes between them easily. Eddie ashes it in the toilet here and there. They go a while without speaking. Just smoking together, letting the nicotine and each other's presence calm their nerves.

“I didn't know you still smoked,” Steve comments after the first cigarette is out and Eddie is lighting a second.

“I don't often. Just when I need to take the edge off,” he answers as he passes the newly lit cigarette to Steve.

“You really didn't have to come, Eds.”

“It’s not that… Okay, it’s kind of that, but there was no way in hell I was letting you come alone,” Eddie tells him.

“Are you okay?” Steve asks with genuine concern.

“I’m the one that's here for you, remember? Are you okay?” Eddie counters.

“I’m more okay than I thought I’d be,” Steve shrugs.

Eddie inhales through his nose and exhales through his mouth as Steve takes a slow drag.

“I’m less okay than I thought I’d be,” he admits, playing with his rings.

Steve’s eyes travel to him. Those warm worried eyes.

“What's wrong?” He asks as he passes back the cigarette.

“I’ve been to funerals, y’know. It’s not really that, but I haven't been to one for someone’s parent since… I think it just got to me more than I thought it would,” Eddie sighs.

“Since what, Eddie?” Steve pushes gently.

“Since my mom’s funeral. When I was a kid. I’ve never really been good with death since seeing her like that… I can usually suck it up, but I dunno. It just really came back today,” he explains.

Steve takes Eddie's ring-clad hand in his firmly. His thick hand swallows Eddie’s lean one in warmth.

“I’m sorry. I didn't know she… Can I ask how?” Steve’s voice is barely above a whisper.

Eddie swallows every lie he’s told about his mother’s death before. She was sick. Well, she kind of was. It was an accident. No, it wasn’t. Not really, they all know that. It was something heroic. He likes to imagine that. It was his dad’s fault. In a lot of ways, it was.

“Yeah, I don't really talk about it. She- um- there was a bad interaction with a couple medications she took and…,” he clears his throat, “Well, I found her a few hours later when I got home from school. My dad was at work all day.”

Steve doesn't take his eyes off Eddie. Eddie doesn't move his eyes from the tile between the scuffed toes of his boots.

“Fuck,” Steve breathes, “Eds, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be, really. It's been over a decade, I’m okay. Today is just… a day,” he assures Steve.

“You can talk to me about it, y’know, if you ever want to. Even if you just want to talk about her. You can tell me these things. You don't talk a lot about your past beyond Wayne. I mean… I know about your dad, but I dunno…,” Steve trails off as he struggles to express his thoughts.

Eddie’s big brown eyes swimming in affection turn to Steve. He takes him in for a moment. His hand grasps the nape of Steve’s neck and drags him in. It’s a quick chaste kiss, but it's enough to leave Steve breathless. Before he knows it, Eddie is back to sitting upright. Instead of straightening himself out, Steve opts to rest his head on Eddie’s shoulder.

“Jack actually reminds me of her,” Eddie breathes out a small laugh, “Not all the time, but sometimes. Mostly when she's playing music.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, she gets this crease between her eyebrows when she's focusing really hard on learning something new. I remember my mom looking like that all the time when she was learning new songs on the guitar,” a small smile plays at the corners of his lips as he reminisces.

“Is she why you learned?”

“She taught me the foundations. I taught myself the rest.”

“What was her name?”

Eddie pauses momentarily before chuckling. He shakes his head.

“Believe it or not, Sara, but not with an h,” he answers.

Steve lets out his own light chuckle. A beat of silence passes between them. It's comfortable, but more questions nag at the back of Steve’s mind.

“How old were you when it happened?”

“Ten. Moved in with Wayne at twelve. I- uh- is it okay if we stop talking about this? It’s not that I don't want to, it's just a lot,” Eddie says tentatively, "but maybe some other time."

“Yeah, of course. We don't have to talk about anything you don't want to talk about,” Steve promises him.

Eddie plants a kiss on the top of Steve’s hair.

“I really love you, Stevie.”

“I really love you too, Eds.”

They finish the second cigarette and exit the bathroom. The smell of the smoke clings to their clothes and hair, but they don't care. The bathroom no doubt smells like it too, but that's not their problem. Steve’s Aunt Liv, one of the ones that were comforting his mother before, corners them as they reenter the crowd. She gives Steve a sympathetic smile on her approach.

“Steven, how are you doing? It’s been so long since I’ve seen you,” she greets softly.

“I’m good, Aunt Liv. How are you?” Steve keeps it polite.

“I’m good, I’m good. Your mother was telling me you’ve been visiting more. I’m really glad. I know getting your own place is exciting and you’re probably living out your twenties, but… Don't forget about family, okay?” She smiles tightly.

She means well, really she does. He knows that. What he knows doesn't matter, though. Red-hot anger pushes steam out of his ears. Eddie’s hand tightens around his own, the rings biting into his skin.

“Living out my twenties?” Steve questions.

“Yes, look, I remember what it's like at that age-”

“I’m sorry, Aunt Liv, but you don't know- or remember- shit,” Steve scoffs.

“I wasn't 24 that long ago,” she argues clearly offended.

“Sure, but you weren't raising a child,” he counters.

Utter bewilderment crosses her features. She shakes her head.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

Steve furrows his brows and stares at her like she’s stupid. It’s a look Eddie has seen on Jack plenty of times. Eddie realizes what's happening before Steve does. He gives Steve’s hand a little tug.

“Steve, I don't think she knows,” he says.

Steve exhales sharply through his nose and shakes his head in frustration.

“Know what?” She asks.

“I haven't been living out my twenties. I’ve been raising my child,” he tells her.

She just blinks at him in disbelief. Her mouth opens and closes a few times.

“Your child? When did you-”

“What did she tell you?” Steve demands.

Hearing the official story is almost too much. In the story his parents told everyone, Jack doesn't exist. No, Steve left home because he didn't want to live by their rules. Then he stopped visiting and left his poor parents alone. Aunt Liv was flabbergasted when Steve told her what really happened. It sets him off. His eyes find his mother where she still sits on the couch. She accepts condolences and dabs her eyes with a tissue. Before he knows it, Steve lets go of Eddie’s hand and marches over.

He steps up onto the coffee table. Eddie watches where he still stands near Aunt Liv with wide eyes. The room quiets as everyone looks curiously at where Steve stands on top of the coffee table. He stares down at his surprised mother.

“So, it’s come to my attention that there's been a misunderstanding,” he announces to the room.

“Steven, what are you doing?” His mother hisses.

“It seems some of you think that I moved out of my parents’ house and ditched them. I’m so sorry for any confusion. What actually happened is that I had a kid on my eighteenth birthday. So, naturally, my parents kicked me out that same day,” he explains loudly to the crowd, “Funnily enough, they never even tried to reach out until my dad was dying. If you have any questions, I’m sure my mother would be more than happy to answer.”

Steve steps down from the coffee table. He doesn't bother sparing his mother another look. Eddie watches him with a wide smile as everyone else looks on in varying degrees of shock. Steve takes Eddie’s hand and leads him the hell out of there. He doesn't speak again until they're back in his BMW.

“I think I lost my cool,” he sighs, staring at the worn emblem on the steering wheel.

Eddie bursts out laughing. Steve jumps a little but eventually chuckles along.

“That was the most badass thing I’ve ever seen you do,” Eddie says wondrously.

“It did feel pretty badass,” Steve smiles at him.

“Steve?”

“Yeah?”

“I want you to move in with me.”

The entire world comes to a standstill. Steve studies Eddie’s genuine face. A million thoughts race through his head at once. A thousand possible problems come up. A hundred reasons not to right now flit by. There would be so much more to work out before it could actually happen, but Steve knows it's what he wants.

“Okay,” he breathes.

“Okay?” Eddie echoes.

“Okay, I mean we’ll need to talk about it more, but I want that too.”

Eddie’s lips capture Steve's in a warm kiss. It's slow-moving but sweet, like molasses. His rings nip at Steve's neck. When they part, Eddie keeps his forehead pressed against Steve's.

“Let’s go get our girl and head home, yeah?” he says.

“Yeah,” Steve smiles.

Some tension rolls off of Steve’s shoulders as they park in front of Wayne’s trailer. He can't wait to see Jack. Eddie detects this and smiles softly after him. When they enter Jack is tying Wayne to his armchair with a jump rope. Wayne smiles lazily at them as they enter. There's a hockey game on the television.

“Uh- what's going on here?” Eddie asks slowly.

Jack beams up at them. Her hair is loose and wild today but is now covered in a pirate hat made from newspaper. Her band-aid is gone leaving a scabbed scrape exposed on her chin.

“I’m a pirate and Uncle Wayne is my prisoner!” She tells him gleefully.

Eddie shrugs.

“You need help with the knot?” He asks.

Jack nods eagerly. Steve snorts at them. When Eddie’s hands take over the jump rope Jack bolts over to Steve. He scoops her up like always and they fold into each other. She smells like her usual coconut and lavender, but there's something else now. There’s something spiced that floods Steve’s belly with butterflies because it reminds him of Eddie. Whatever tension he still holds in his shoulders melts away as Jack nuzzles into his neck.

Steve is the one to untie Wayne before they leave. Jack and Eddie fight him on it, but Steve is a seasoned parent who can resist the whines. Wayne walks them out to the car. He gives Jack a kiss on the top of the head before she gets in. Steve is surprised to receive a hug with as much fatherly gusto as the one Eddie received. Then their little family is heading home together. Maybe it's not official yet, but it's a thought Steve finds he really really likes. They're heading home.

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