#steve is a single dad

[totallynotawes]

I'm reading a ST fic, Steve is a single dad and have a daughter (who's also Nancy but she didn't want the kid). It's starts as a harringrove but it's very toxic, a Dead Dove: Do Not Eat, a slow burn fic, Steve falling for Eddie.

But I have it as Steve POV but I'm thinking about doing as Sophie (Steve's daughter) pov. What would y'all like?

[steddierecs]

i'll find my soul as i go home by oakenorcrist

Word count: 26,417 (ongoing) / 4/5 Rating: T

Relationships: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Chrissy Cunningham/Barbara "Barb" Holland, Minor or Background Relationship(s), Eddie Munson & Wayne Munson, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington, Chrissy Cunningham & Eddie Munson

Characters: Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Wayne Munson, Original Female Character(s), Chrissy Cunningham, Barbara "Barb" Holland, Eleven | Jane Hopper, Dustin Henderson, Claudia Henderson, Murray Bauman, Joyce Byers, Jim "Chief" Hopper, Background & Cameo Characters, Robin Buckley

Tags: Romance, Strangers to Lovers, Writer Eddie Munson, Baker Steve Harrington, POV Eddie Munson, Single Parent Steve Harrington, Chrissy Cunningham & Eddie Munson Friendship, Falling In Love, Alternate Universe - Small Town, 90s, Good Uncle Wayne Munson, Developing Relationship, Steddie Big Bang 2023 (Stranger Things), Twin Peaks References

Summary:

Eddie Munson has had a rough go of it -- broken-hearted and uninspired, he decides to leave everything behind in San Francisco and spend some time with his uncle in a small town in the mountains. Little does he know that there he will find not only the peace and rest he's so desperately needed but also everything he never knew was missing from his life up until this moment.

steddie bigbang project #215

[runninriot]

Four Stockings make a Pair

written for @steddieholidaydrabbles day 24

prompt: Stocking | rated: G | wc: 998 | tags: Eddie & Wayne Munson, single dad Steve, feelings realisation

part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | AO3 (+bonus epilogue)

   "Wayne, I'm back! Brought a little surprise for you!" Eddie calls out, feeling just a bit guilty when his uncle happily pokes his head into the hallway only to stop dead in his tracks.

   "How was- Oh. Hey, Robbie!"

Wayne hobbles towards them and, despite leaning heavy on one crutch, opens his free arm for the little girl that runs straight at him.

   "Grandpa Wayne! Why didn't you tell us you hurt your foot? We would've visited you a lot sooner, right dad?"

Something about their interaction makes Eddie's chest feel tight, hits him with a hint of jealousy but also makes his heart grow three sizes because it's nice to know that his uncle has people here that care for him when he's not around.

   "Hey, Wayne. Sorry to barge in like that. We, uh, we met Eddie at the community centre and-"

Watching Steve fumble for his words, awkwardly standing in the doorway like he's feeling caught, is almost too much to handle. But as endearing as it is to watch his pretty face turn pink, Eddie has mercy on him.

   "Robbie and I were craving your famous hot chocolate, so I invited them over."

Wayne shoots him a look that feels like a silent agreement to 'talk about this later' before he turns back to the girl with one of those rare smiles he doesn't give out freely.

   "Is that so? Well, we better make some then. Why don't you two get set in the living room while Robbie and I get on with it. You wanna help me, sweety?"

   "Yesss! Can I, dad?"

When Steve agrees, she takes Wayne's free hand and carefully leads him in the direction of the kitchen while telling him all about her afternoon.

   "We saw Santa today! He was so nice. And we took a picture with him and I told him what I want for Christmas!"

When Eddie and Steve enter the living room, Eddie's eyes immediately fall on the Christmas tree Wayne must've put up while he was gone - so much for resting his leg. Next to the tree, over the fire place, he notices four instead of only two stockings hanging from the mantelpiece and it makes him wonder if maybe Wayne was planning on sharing his little secret, had Eddie not already found out about it today.

It's hard to realise what he missed out on while being too focused on his own life. He could've visited sooner, more often - Wayne keeps telling him it's fine but Eddie still feels bad about only making his way back home twice a year.

   "I'm sorry, Eddie,” Steve starts after a moment of awkward silence, “This must be so weird for you."

   "Nah, you're good. I guess I was just surprised Wayne hasn't told me about it."

   "Maybe he thought you wouldn't approve? I told him we haven't exactly been friends back then, because I was kind of a dick," Steve says bashfully and that startles a laugh out of Eddie.

   "What? No, Harrington. You were fine. Your friends, they were assholes but your only fault was that you were too cool to hang out with someone like me."

Now it's Steve's turn to laugh and it's a beautiful sound Eddie wants to hear more of.

   "Oh, shut up. You were waaay cooler than me!"

This goes back and forth for a while, with them bantering and play fighting with each other like friends, like it's never been any different between them. How it could’ve been all those years ago.

   "So, uh, you and Robbie. Why did you move back to Hawkins? I always imagined you'd make it into the big city, somewhere far away from here."

It's an instant mood killer, Eddie can tell by the way Steve's smile falters and his shoulders drop. But it's too late to take it back and he really wants to know.

   "Uh, you know. Sometimes life doesn’t turn out to be what you wanted it to be. Hawkins seemed like a good idea to get away from... everything. Until I realised that I had no one left here."

There's a sadness in Steve's voice that breaks Eddie's heart. He has to fight the urge to pull him into his arms, doesn’t know if he’s allowed to.

   "Then Wayne kinda... found me. I had just moved back and everything felt wrong. I was ready to just give up but then this stranger came into my life out of nowhere, asked if I needed help and- that's how we ended up becoming fam- friends."

His little slip-up doesn't go unnoticed and it makes Eddie feel all warm inside.

   "Wayne's always had a weak spot for strays,” he jokes, “Took me in when my life was falling apart, too. He's the best. I'm glad he found you."

Eddie reaches out for Steve’s hand, takes it in his. It’s not a hug but he hopes it still offers some comfort.

It should feel strange, to have Steve and his daughter invading in his home, fitting right in where it had always just been Wayne and him. Somehow making it feel... complete.

Making it hard for Eddie not to drown in the flood of emotions resurfacing from where they've been buried for a long time.

He thinks about Robbie's wish and wonders, if there's a universe in which he could be that person.

They let go of their hands when they hear Robbie and Wayne enter.

   "Eddie, look! I made mine with whipped cream. Like yours!"

And, yeah. He's already too deep, he can feel it.

The rest of the day goes by in a haze and when it's time for Steve and Robbie to leave, Eddie isn't ready to let them go.

   "Wanna spend Christmas with us?"

The question is out before he can think it through.

   "If- if that's okay? I don't-" Steve looks at Eddie, seems unsure.

Again, it's Wayne who saves them both.

   "We'd love to have you here."

[fuctacles]

Dress to impress (the kindergarteners)

I couldn't sleep so here's more Stevie for @steddiemicrofic | "dress" | G | 350 | no cw | transfem Steve (tho interpret how u want), teacher Steve, single dad Eddie, child OC | more microfics

As soon as the classroom doors open, Steph starts receiving compliments on her dress for the day. She finally got a new one, just in time for fall and a new student's arrival; nothing makes a special day more special than an eye-catching garment.

When she hears a particularly loud gasp, she turns around to meet two unfamiliar faces. 

"Dad, look at this dress! Is this my new teacher? Tell me she's my new teacher!" 

The man coughs to hide his amusement. 

"Miss Harrington?" 

Steph nods and comes up to properly greet them.

"You must be Drake and his dad, right?" 

"Yep!" The kid smiles wide. "You look like an elf."

"Thank you!" she laughs. "That's a big compliment."

"Yeah! Dad says elves are the prettiest race in the Middle Earth!"

"Yeah? Your dad sounds like a big reader," she says, glancing at the man who, despite his dark, cool-dad clothes, smiles somehow bashfully. 

"He is! He reads me aaaaall kinds of books!"

"That's awesome," she nods, not faking her approval. "What's your dad's name?"

"Oh!" The boy startles when he's suddenly reminded about his manners. "This is my dad, Eddie Munson," he points to the man. "And I'm Drake Munson," he points to himself. 

"It's so nice to meet you guys. I'm Stephanie Harrington, but you can call me Miss H. or Miss Stephanie." She shakes both their hands. "Ready for your first day?"

The boy hums thoughtfully before turning to his father. 

"Hey, Dad?"

"Yes, kid?"

"Remember you owe me a first-day gift?"

The man sighs in that exasperated yet fond way, making Stephanie smile.

"I do."

"Can I get a dress like Miss H. has?"

The eyes of both adults snap up to stare at each other, gauging a reaction. Slowly, Eddie turns back to his son.

"We can get you a different one, copying someone's dress is a bad etiquette. But we can ask her where she got it, so we know where to look."

Steph smiles again, breathing with relief. How she loves a supportive parent like that. 

Especially with such beautiful eyes to match.

[meidui]

steve and natasha + looking to each other

[runraerun]

Art by @racketti (his commissions are open!)

Easy as 123

**Updates every Monday going forward**

AO3 | Beta’d by: @dame-zoom-a-lot | Rating: E | Warnings: Referenced Child Abuse, minor character death, domestic violence flashbacks | Tags: Single!Dad Billy Hargrove, Billy & Max having a good relationship but they’re still siblings who fight like cats and dogs (he’s trying his best okay don’t call CPS on him just yet!), Famous Steve Harrington, Horn Dog Billy Hargrove, Plot with Porn, No Upside-Down AU.

Summary:

At first Billy had hated the stupid kids show, with its bright pastel palette and mind-numbing repetitive songs—how everyone is just so goddamn cheery all the time! But the more episodes he’s been forced to consume, the more get gets used to it. Hell, he’s even started looking forward to it.

The fact that the host, Mr. H, looks like sex on legs makes the whole thing a little more palatable. Billy could watch that dude file taxes and he’d still be entertained. But you can’t blame Billy—dude’s a total knock-out.

“I wish Mr. H was my daddy,” Max says wistfully from across the couch.

And shit, that makes two of ‘em.

Or, Billy’s living life as, essentially, a single dad to a six-year-old Max who’s obsessed with Mr. Roger’s style kids show that Steve hosts. So when the famous Mr. H comes to town for a Meet & Greet, Billy’s gotta take Maxine, right? For her sake. The fact that Billy’s got a total hard on for the guy’s got nothing to do with it.

Tag List: (message me to be added or removed from this list/if you want to only be alerted for Steddie works, or a Harringrove works, etc.)

@stervrucht @dame-zoom-a-lot @lawrencebshoggoth @themoonagainstmers @morallyundefined @thepossummoldypasta @wheneverfeasible @lifelessstar @sanctumdemunson @bookworm0690 @mamakitty187

[piratefishmama]

hey uhm. No upside down AU, with a side of school reunion single parent Steve Harrington attending with his daughter cause he couldn't find a sitter at such short notice and in comes Eddie Munson, the once upon a time local drug dealer now 5* local mechanic and part time dive bar rockstar who's great with kids hanging out in the corner playing some dumb game with all the kids whos parents also couldn't get sitters, and clearly that corner is the most EXCITING corner in the whole place cause Eddie's there having a blast with a bunch of kids rather than interacting with people who never understood or interacted with him back in highschool.

and despite having so many people vying to say hello to him, so many people wanting to catch up with the king, Steve just finds himself drawn in to his daughters shenanigans with the ridiculously pretty guy he once dubbed a freak cause said Freak lights up like christmas when he sees him, all teeth and dimples and a far too charming

"Steeeeeve Harrington! His royal highness graces us lowly peasants with his presence!! Come my little adventurers, bow before your king."

even his daughter mocks a little bow, and it's the cutest fucking thing Steve has ever seen in his LIFE.

[spicycinnabun]

They were in the middle of a conversation about Eddie’s new job at the music center. Eddie was gesticulating wildly as he talked about one of his students—apparently, the boy was going to be the next Kirk Hammett—when Steve noticed a familiar shade of red on Eddie’s index finger.

Steve grabbed Eddie’s hand without thinking and lifted it to eye level. There was a gash, bleeding sluggishly. “You’re hurt,” he said, frowning. “Paper cut?”

Eddie laughed, surprised. “Oh, shit. Didn’t even feel that. Must be.”

Steve tutted. His paternal instincts immediately kicked in as he fished a bandaid out of his jacket pocket.

He carried those around daily now, along with Kleenex and hand sanitizer. Kids got dirty or hurt almost every hour of the day. It was ridiculous.

Steve tore the wrapper off and carefully applied the Band-Aid. It was pink. Hello Kitty.

Eddie twitched in his hold, but he didn’t pull away. “Stevie—” he started, just as Steve, still on autopilot, brought Eddie’s bandaged finger to his lips and kissed it.

Eddie made a noise, and Steve froze when he realized what he’d done.

“Uh,” Steve said eloquently. He dropped Eddie’s hand like it was on fire and stepped back, blushing profusely. “Sorry, I’m so used to doing that for Jackie, I wasn’t even thinki—”

“Hey,” Eddie interrupted him. He sounded incredibly amused.

Steve wanted to die. He could hear the smirk in Eddie’s voice, knew it was as wide as ever, and he couldn’t look up and face it.

“It’s okay. Thank you. My booboo feels better.”

“Oh, fuck off,” Steve said, laughing and hiding his face behind his palms. “Oh my god.”

Eddie gently grabbed his wrists and pulled them away, ducking his head to meet Steve’s eyes. “Afraid I can’t do that. You’ve treated my wound. We’re bonded now, and I must repay you for your kindness.”

“I hate you.”

Eddie’s eyes twinkled. He tilted his head. “Can I take you out for a milkshake?”

Oh…?

Oh.

“Yeah.” Steve zipped up his jacket. Straightened it. Tried to scrape up a single ounce of the coolness he still possessed. “I want a burger, too. And curly fries. And we can't be too long because I have to pick Jackie up at six. She’s on a playdate.”

Eddie’s grin softened. “Of course. Your wish is my command, sweetheart. If I may?”

Steve nodded, slightly confused, until Eddie snagged his hand and held onto it as they started to walk. It didn’t help chill Steve out, especially when Eddie squeezed, and he felt the Band-Aid flirt along the skin of his pinky knuckle.

[steddieas-shegoes]

bear hugs masterpost

read and subscribe on ao3!

art by @mcdadarts

chapter playlists by @vecnuthy

beta read by @thefreakandthehair

september 27th - prologue and chapter 1 september 30th - chapter 2 october 3rd - chapter 3 october 5th - chapter 4 october 7th - chapter 5 and chapter 6 october 9th - chapter 7 october 11th - chapter 8 october 13th - chapter 9 october 14th - chapter 10 and epilogue

[imthursdaysyme]

While I love Steve having a kid that's a nerd, my favorite is if his kid is just like him. He's popular even at 7, he's extroverted, funny, and charming albeit a little strange. He loves sports and struggles in math and doesn't really get english and gets scolded when he laughs in history—sue him he thought it was funny—and has a tendency to get detention but also is somehow a teachers pet all at once.

He has a tendency for feminine things, makes it his own with earrings and the occasional pink flower print shirt.

He begs steve to not work on the car until he gets home from school, cause even at 5, he would rather climb over the fence and run home by himself then learn his dad worked on the cool car without him.

He loves driving and cooking and dancing and loves swimming—aunt Robbie calls him a variety of aquatic animals instead of his name; minnow, fish, stingray, tigershark. Anything went.

They look alike and act alike to the point robin laughs and claims Steve just cloned himself, Eddie says that the kid is actually just Steve brought to the future through time travel. Steve laughs, he loves it ofc but he's never pushed or forced it, it just happened that way.

But there's also times, where Steve sees his son, so like him with big tears in his eyes trying to be tough. Or when all he wants is to sleep in the bed with Steve when he has a nightmare, wants his dad to kiss everything better, when he so easily seeks affection or struggles with school to the point he's getting stress migraines at 9, sees him try so hard to do his best and do what he does well. Sees him fail.

And when Steve sees this, he wonders if maybe he wasn't a bad kid. Didn't need to be tougher, manlier, smarter—better—to deserve love.

Just. Like. Steve seeing that he didn't need to be anything other than what he was. That he has no idea how his parents didn't love him bc how could he ever not love his kid? Just like its okay for him to be how he is and have a kid that a like him as well bc he's pretty great

And like. Its just that idea that Steve could only “heal his inner child” with a kid that's different then him or a girl is kind of sad that it's only that what if him and his son go to every game and constantly have grease on them what then.

[fantasticallyfruity4]

You know how people have started telling their kids “if you get lost go find a goth/punk person” bc (rightfully so) like this wild cultural shift has led to us being seen as safe, trustworthy responsible ppl?

Okay

Well

It got me thinking about punk Steve (again. Of corse) and this being a single dad! Eddie steddie meet cute.

I don’t know what’s funnier. Eddie telling little Max and Dustin that if they get lost they should look for someone who looks like him/his friends, someone goth/punk/metal. Or his kids doing it on their own volition. Bc the housewives with their little strollers always give their dad dirty looks and mean sneers in the grocery store but the people who look like their dad and his friends are always nice to him.

However it goes, one day Steve’s at the super market and he feels a small hand tug on the bottom of his battle jacket and a small voice say “excuse me mister?”

And he looks down and this little pippy long stockings kid is looking up at him with a wobbly lip and tears in her eyes and he’s like instantly on alarm and panicked.

“Hey friend, what’s wrong? Are you okay? Where’s your mom?”

“I got lost and I can’t find my daddy and my brother”

“Hey, that’s okay, we’ll find them together. Insta gonna be okay. What do they look like?”

“Uuuh. My daddy looks like you. But with more hair”. And Steve snorts a laugh because yup, that makes sense. Usually parents tell their kids to stay a million miles away from him at all times. Corse this kid is a punks baby. “What’s your bother look like? He got hair like you? What’s his name?”

“Dustin. He’s got brown hair and a big dumb hat”.

Steve snorts. “Think your funny?”

And the little girl giggles. Cool. Good. Mission accomplished.

“So we’re looking for dad and Dustin. Dustin’s got a big dumb hat and dads wearing a jacket like me, yeah?” And she nods. Cool. Okay that’s easy to find. “And what’s your name?” “I’m max”. “That’s a cool name max. I’m steve”

And so Steve and the little girl make a couple laps around the grocery store calling out for Dustin, and finally, finally, they hear panting and squeaking rubber and “max! Oh my god max! You scared the crap out of me!” And this- oh. This gorgeous metal head is running up to the girl and pulling her into his arms, mumbling a string of “don’t scare me like that again” and “I’m sorry baby I’m so sorry baby” and “I was worried sick”.

Sure enough there’s a little kid, bout the same height as max in a big dumb hat next to him.

Metal head dilf finally puts max down whose now hugging dustin who looks just as distraught at their dad was, and the metal head finally takes Steve in.

A glint catches in his eyes.

“You find this nice man to help you?” He asks. And she nods.

“Oh man, thank you so much I’m so sorry for the trouble” he apologizes. Steve just chuckles. “Hey it’s okay, I’m just glad we found you guys. Was getting worried for a few there. I’m Steve” Eddie takes the hand Steve extended. “I’m Eddie, I swear to god I don’t usually loose my kids” and steve laughs. “Hey, it happens to everyone, don’t sweat it. She’s okay, you’re okay, everything’s alright, yeah?”

“I still feel so horrible for the trouble. Is there anything I can do? Please let me atleats buy you a coffee”

Steve looks at his watch. He wishes he could. “I’ve gotta get to work, im really sorry, im already cutting it close since, you know” “oh, oh my god im so so sorry”

Listen. Listen. Steve’s no saint. And there is clearly a lack of a wedding band on this guys hand and 99% of the time if a kid is at a grocery store it’s with their mom. And some of those patches-

Steve’s gotta try.

“Hey, I really have to jet but um, here’s my number. Make good on that coffee some other time?”

“Yeah, yeah absolutely! Absolutely. Thank you, so much again. You’re a lifesaver Steve” Eddie smiles taking the small paper Steve just wrote his number on. (A cocktail napkin from a gay club in indie he just happened to have in his pocket, a god ordained way of making sure they were both on the same page.

[totallynotawes]

Need help! I been working on this stranger things fic for 6 months now and I'm on my 3rd draft. So with this said, I been doing it as a No Upsidedown au. But now I don't know if want to continue no upsidedown or have the upsidedown and everything exist.

Fic summary: Steve is a single father of a little girl. He accidentally (literally) knocked Nancy up and got her pregnant. She doesn't want the baby so Steve kept the child and is going through life as a single dad.

[steddierecs]

you carved the space for my sadness to be seen for once (hold on to me) by ohstars

Word count: 100,897 (incomplete) / 15/? Rating: M Trigger and content warnings: PTSD, bad parents, suicidal thoughts

Summary: Steve doesn't have much anymore. He's alone, without a true support system, and he's just been through the most traumatic experience he can't even talk about. And now, somehow, he's supposed to raise a baby. Broken and confused, Steve has to build a life from nothing but an empty house and corrupted mind for him and his daughter. With the help from the chief, and as he collects more people, it'll get easier, sure, but he's accepted he'll always have a blackhole deep within his soul.

Well... Until Eddie Munson worms his way in, that is.

[runninriot]

Santa's Secret

written for @steddieholidaydrabbles day 23

prompt: hot chocolate | rated G | wc: 998 | tags: Eddie & Wayne Munson, single dad Steve Harrington

part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | AO3 (+bonus epilogue)

Eddie can’t wait to get out of the suit that’s been suffocating him for the past three hours. He’s still sweaty and his hair is a mess after wearing the wig and fake beard combo for so long but he feels better once he’s changed back into his regular clothes.

Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, Eddie stops for a moment. He looked so different dressed as Santa, could’ve been fooled by his own reflection wearing that costume. There’s no way Steve actually realised it’s him. Maybe what Eddie thought he saw in Steve’s eyes wasn’t recognition, but confusion.

They haven’t seen each other in years and apart from that, it’s not like they’ve ever been… close. Sure, Steve probably knew of him – they’ve both been somewhat popular in high school, although for very different reasons. But still. It was silly of Eddie to think the smile he gave him was one of familiarity. More realistically, it was just a silent thanks for how he handled the little girl’s nervousness, brought a smile to her face by playing into her childlike wonder.

And that’s okay.

In the end, Eddie did have a great time pretending to be Santa for a while. He’ll never tell Wayne, though, unless he wants to hear his old man tell him ‘I told you so‘.

With his shift done, Eddie strolls around the still brimming main hall of the community centre, looking at a stand with wooden figurines where a beautifully carved dragon caught his eyes.

He’s so fascinated by it, that he doesn’t notice the person coming up to him, until a hand taps his shoulder lightly.

When he spins around, he finds Steve standing next to him.

   “So, what brings you back to this shithole?“ he asks through a laugh, casual, like it’s normal for the former King and King of Freaks to have a conversation.

   “I, uh,“ Eddie stammers, staring at Steve a little star struck and maybe a little more in love because there’s that smile again and it’s blinding like the fucking sun and this time, he doesn’t have the Santa suit to blame for the fucking heat spreading in his face.

    God, grow up Munson. You’re an adult. Behave like one.

   “I’m visiting my uncle.“

   “How is Wayne? I was a bit worried when I realised that-“ Steve leans closer to whisper in his ear and Eddie’s heart stops for a moment. “-Santa sent someone else to cover for him.“

There are a million thoughts running through Eddie’s mind – since when are Steve and Wayne on first name basis? So Steve did recognise him? And why’s it so fucking hot in here?

   “You were great, by the way. I’d have lost it at some of the parents. They can be worse than their spoiled little brats sometimes.“

Eddie chuckles nervously, shrugs his shoulders and waves a hand at Steve who moves back slowly but stays close, so close Eddie catches a hint of his cologne, mingling with the Christmassy smell of oranges, and cinnamon, and apple tea, and it makes him dizzy but not in a bad way.

“Robbie wouldn’t shut up about Santa,“ Steve winks at him, “said he’s the coolest, even cooler than the tooth fairy. And let me tell you, that’s a real compliment.“

They both laugh and it feels so light and freeing; Steve makes it seem so easy to fall into conversation with him.

   “She’s a sweet kid and she loves you a lot, I can tell.“

    Loves you so much she’s wasting her Christmas wish on your happiness, Eddie thinks fondly, biting his tongue not to accidentally spill their little secret.

   “Yeah, well. She doesn���t have much choice. She’s stuck with me, since her mother decided to-“

   “Dad!“ a voice calls from somewhere behind them and when they turn, they see Robbie running up at them.

   “Speaking of the Devil,“ Steve sighs amused before opening his arms to catch her.

   “Who’s your friend?“

   “This is Eddie. We’ve been to school together. He’s grandpa Wayne’s nephew.“

    Grandpa W-hat?

Eddie must be having a stroke. Or maybe something’s wrong with his hearing because… WHAT?

Steve must realise something when he notices Eddie’s confusion, because he suddenly blushes a deep shade of red and smiles awkwardly at him.

   “S-sorry, I thought you knew that, uh-“ Steve takes a deep breath before he continues, “Your uncle has been helping me out a lot when I moved back to Hawkins a few months ago. You know, uh, setting up the house and watching Robbie when I had to go to interviews and couldn’t find a babysitter. He, uh, he’s been a real help. Robbie’s obsessed with him. Aren’t you, baby?“

   “He’s awesome! And he makes the best hot chocolate in the world! With little marshmallows and sprinkles on top!“

Eddie feels like he’s been hit by a truck, feels betrayed by the man he’s been looking up to his whole life.

   Wayne Munson, you son of a potato farmer, are living a secret life where Steve’s daughter calls you grandpa?

    Oh, Eddie’s going to have a field day confronting him with that.

   “Right?! The best hot chocolate ever! I always have mine with whipped cream on top,“ Eddie answers equally enthusiastic, doesn’t even have to pretend despite his inner turmoil because that little girl’s smile is infectious.

While listening to Robbie’s happy babbling, Eddie watches Steve from the corner of his eyes. He still looks a bit like a kid caught stealing cookies, but slowly relaxes, and that’s good, but-

Wayne definitely has some explaining to do. His uncle has always been a fucking saint, can’t not offer his help when he feels like someone’s in need of it. But it being Steve of all people, really messes with Eddie in a weird way he can’t really explain.

He needs to know more.

   “How about we all go to Wayne’s together? I’m sure he’ll be delighted to see you. What do you say?“

[fuctacles]

<< 3

The bouncer eyed Max with distaste that only worsened when she flashed him her backstage pass with a smile. Steve rushed her inside, eager to leave the scrutinizing gaze. True to Eddie's word, the weekend concert filled the bar to the brim with colorful individuals—metalheads, punks, and ones Steve didn’t know the name for. He had to forcibly steer Max away from two girls with mohawks who waved at her with smiles of delight.

“Hey!” Max protested, but Steve deposited her near the bar, unwilling to listen.

“We’re here to see Eddie’s band, not make friends twice our age,” he reminded her, at which she rolled her eyes but nodded with disdain anyway. “Great.” He waved down the bartender and as soon as they got the cokes he ordered, he pulled Max towards the stage. Not only was he eager himself to get the special treatment, but also knew she would flip if they didn’t make use of their backstage passes.

He found a scary-looking guy fiddling with one of the huge speakers and waved the pass hanging from his lanyard. The man motioned at the door labeled with a do-not-enter sign, but Steve hesitated long enough for Max to push it herself and pull him in. To his relief, the backstage was simple - a short corridor that led to an open space for performers, with painted signs pointing towards the ‘stage’ and ‘emergency exit’. The exit doors were open, a faint smell of smoke drifting in.

“Mad Max!” Gareth yelled as he saw them, raising his hand for a high five, which Max eagerly slapped. “Eddie’s out smoking,” he informed, motioning at the open door. 

Steve nodded, instinctively moving toward them, leaving Max to the huge bowl of nachos the rest of the band was snacking on. He knocked on the open door not to startle the man, but he did a surprised double-take at him regardless.

“Harrington!” he exclaimed, a smile brightening his features. “You came!”

“Well, yeah.” Steve frowned, leaning his shoulder on the wall next to him. “You invited me.”

“Still.” Eddie shrugged against the brick. “I’ve invited many guys who never showed up.”

There was a piece of information in this sentence, laid so thick Steve was already ashamed of missing it, but he couldn’t quite grasp it. 

“Want a smoke?” Eddie asked, turning more towards him. It was then that he took in Steve’s outfit, his eyebrows shooting up. “Max did a good job, I see,” he commented, his lips quirking with something Steve couldn’t decipher. He needed some straightforward information so he wouldn't be kept guessing. 

“Duh! 'Course I did.”

“Mad Max!” Eddie’s face splits into a wide grin when Max’s face peeked behind Steve. He raised his hand for a fist bump that she quickly reciprocated. “Good to see someone in the family has some taste.”

That was Steve’s opening. I like you, my taste can't be that bad.

He couldn't say it, but Max seemed to have similar thoughts because she spoke up for him.

“Steve has his moments. He's good at picking his company." She smiled her little devil smile before quickly retreating.

“Max!”

Eddie was cackling beside him, the cigarette pack he was trying to offer getting crumpled in his hand. Grumbling under his breath, Steve snatched it away from him to pick one out himself.

“She’s a delight,” Eddie wheezed, fishing for a lighter in his pocket, which he flicked on for Steve to take a drag before slipping it back in. He inhaled a smoke of his own and let Steve simmer in his embarrassment for a couple of seconds.

“I’d say we reached a friend territory. Don’t you think, Mr Harrington?”

Steve hummed in a vague agreement, not ready to look at the man just yet.

“Soo, as a friend asking a friend, I have a burning question,” he said, ashing his cigarette between their feet. “Who’s Billy?”

He heard that one quite often, and while it got easier to answer each time, it always left him uneasy. 

“Max’s brother, he died in the mall fire,” he said his usual spiel, but as Eddie’s mouth opened to offer his condolences, Steve added on something he rarely shared. “And my ex.”

Eddie’s mouth clamped shut. He chewed on his bottom lip and took another drag of his cigarette, patient. 

“Max convinced community services I was a family friend she felt the most comfortable with," Steve added, leaning heavier against the brick wall. "It was hard to get custody since I wasn’t a family member, but the fact that she already knew and trusted me worked in my favor. That and biting all the foster parents."

Eddie coughed out a surprised laugh. His brown eyes were huge and dark in the moonlight.

“So you took custody of your boyfriend’s sister?”

“Stepsister,” he corrected, a knee-jerk reaction at this point. “And I don’t think he’d call me a boyfriend.” He let the silence stretch between them for a second too long. “Even if I wanted.”

“Huh,” Eddie huffed, despite himself. His cigarette was almost finished, but he took one last stubborn drag from it. “Well, I’m bisexual, so you’re safe with me,” he assured, dropping the butt before squeezing Steve’s arm comfortingly.

Slowly, painfully slowly, to convey his intentions, Steve slid his hand over Eddie’s fingers.

“Always nice to find another queer in this shithole,” he said softly, eyeing the man. He gripped the hand on his shoulder, lips forming on an exhale the way that always made Billy look. Eddie was no different. His grip tightened for a millisecond.

“Steve,” he said. A warning, a question.

“Yeah,” Steve answered in reassurance or a promise. Eddie leaned in, dangerously close, but the world around them was dark, safe for the light coming from backstage. His lips radiated warmth against Steve’s ear. Not quite touching, but almost there.

“I can be early next Tuesday,” he offered, voice shy despite his rock star persona. Steve couldn’t help his smile.

“I’d like that,” he said, turning his head to watch Eddie’s pupils dilate in surprise. Their lips bounced heat off of each other with every stuttered breath.

“I can’t hold them off any longer, it’s time to perform, guys!” a screeching teenager’s voice interrupted them. Eddie broke into a wide grin and Steve followed, both of them leaning against each other and snickering at the image of a little redhead girl holding off three grown metalheads from getting their lead guitarist to the stage.

“Okay!” Eddie slapped his hands together. “Let’s get this show on the road!” he exclaimed, ushering his band members toward the stage door like he wasn’t the one stalling them just seconds before. Steve hesitated, hovering behind, but of course, Eddie noticed and motioned both of them towards the door. “C’mon. You can watch from the sides.”

Max didn’t feel the hesitance Steve did, barrelling past him as soon as Eddie’s offer rang out. The man cackled, reaching for Steve to pull behind them.

The actual backstage was a lot to take in. The lights were pointing at the band, the maintenance guy was eyeing them with displeasure, and in just two steps they would be visible to the tipsy audience in front of the stage.

Eddie squeezed Steve’s hand before dropping it and skipping towards the center.

“Hello, freaks,” he croons into the mic and the audience responds with cheers. He smiles in that crooked self-satisfied smirk and Steve’s eyes are glued to his face. “Are you ready to wreck this place?!”

The audience cheers as the first beats of a song start and Eddie backs away from the mic to start aggressively strumming on his guitar. The song must be a recognizable one, considering the crowd's reaction, the cheers intensifying and bobbing to the rhythm.

The music was loud and unapologetic and while it wasn’t Steve’s usual taste, the freedom of it was intoxicating. Besides, Max next to him was banging her head happily, and it was always great to see her like that. He found himself bopping to the beat.

His most taxing activity at the moment anyway was watching Eddie move around the stage. His arms flexed sinfully as he played his guitar, hips swaying to the beat. His hair was all over the place, sticking to his face under the bar’s lights. It was like Steve's garage but cranked up to a hundred.

As the “Should I Stay” cover started playing, Eddie’s eyes found Steve’s, sending him a wink. He was too stunned to avoid Max elbowing him painfully in the ribs.

The show went on, with Steve going back and forth between enjoying the music and frothing at the mouth to his kid's music teacher. Then suddenly the gig was over and Eddie was crowding at him, sweaty and grinning, the guitar in his hand.

“Hi,” he breathed hotly against his cheek like they hadn’t already greeted each other an hour ago. “How was the concert?”

“Really cool,” he smiled back dopily, his tongue loose from the intoxicating vibe of the venue. “The lead guitarist is kinda hot.”

Eddie’s eyebrows shot up, his bravado stuttering while Max groaned next to them. Thankfully, Steve was behind the script enough not to freak out while Eddie gathered his bearings.

“Really?” he mused, his smile reappearing. He gently nudged Steve backstage. “I’ve heard he’s single and more than eager to date single dads.”

It took Steve an embarrassingly long moment to process Eddie’s words, but when he does, his smile turns shy.

“I could make us lunch on Tuesday? Before practice?” he offers sheepishly.

Eddie smiles back, wide and satisfied, and his hand sneaks towards Steve’s, squeezing.

“Sounds like a date.”

Steve grins back, giddy anticipation filling his ribs. 

tags: @blasvemous @wheneverfeasible @phantomcat94 @dreamercec @theohohmoment @ellieslapdancer @hellowhatthehellisgoingonhere @steddiefication

[queenie-ofthe-void]

Tiger Club (part 1)

Steddie || ~2.1k words || rating: M || tags: single-dad steve harrington, teacher eddie munson, teacher chrissy cunningham, eddie and chrissy are best friends, steve harrington is dustin and max's dad, dustin and max are twins, meet cute, humor and fluff

~~~

Eddie’s not usually a teacher to bitch about his job. He loves getting his little kiddos excited about reading and story-telling, and surprisingly, teaching is just as fulfilling as he’d hoped it’d be.

This year, however, he drew the proverbial short straw for extracurricular activities. When he was asked to coach soccer he supposes he could’ve politely declined instead of gagging in the middle of the teacher’s meeting, embarrassing the new Principal and causing the history teacher to actually vomit. Empathetic vomiting– Eddie’s a teacher and he’s still learning something new every day.

Does he really seem like the kind of guy who coaches sports? No, of course not. He’ll leave that to the gorgeous and talented math teacher Ms. Cunningham, and the unbearable meathead Phys. Ed. teacher Mr. Carver, who won’t stop drooling over her like a jock peacocking for the head cheerleader. A relatively adept assessment since Chrissy coaches the Little Tumblers gymnastics team and Jason coaches Tiger Cubs basketball.

Regardless, because of Eddie’s little stunt, he’s been relegated to alternating his after school hours between Tiger Club, and detention. The two most boring extracurriculars for kiddos and teachers alike. All he does is wait for parents to pick their kids up, and they’re either too busy demanding to know why they’re child is in detention, or screaming for them to get in the car, to stop and say well hello Mr. Munson, thank you for watching little Joanie today. The small consolation to his predicament is he alternates each week with Ms. Cunningham.

When Chrissy started at Hawkins Middle last fall, Eddie knew exactly what to expect: an ex-high school jock turned girl’s sportsball coach, hoping to relive the glory days. Someone who’d be cocky, self-righteous, and bitchy.

To his surprise, she turned out to be quiet and withdrawn, separating herself from the rest of the staff. He’d thought she’d warm up soon enough, but when she still hadn’t made any friends by winter break, Eddie decided to do something about it.

He adopted her as one of his sheep– a practice of gathering misfits he’s continued into adulthood. She looked skeptical when he first invited her out for happy hour, wary after weeks of Jason’s obnoxious flirting. 

Two margaritas later, he’d learned Chrissy had come out to her family who’d then promptly disowned her for her sinful ways. She moved out, got her degree, and took the first job offered to her at Hawkins Middle.

Eddie couldn’t be more grateful for her presence in his life. Chrissy is his other half and she seems to feel the same. She’s not cocky or arrogant, although she’s definitely bitchy, but in a way which perfectly matches him. Chris knows how to take him down a peg, and he knows how to lift her up. They balance each other inside and out.

The other staff, however, see them as an odd pair solely because of their severely opposing aesthetics. Where Eddie’s etched in hard edges and dark colors, donning leather jackets and a myriad of old concert t-shirts, Chrissy flows in soft lines and pastels, garnered in sundresses and cardigans with the occasional jersey for game days. 

Many of the staff also love to gossip about a possible secret relationship between the pair– opposites attract and all of that nonsense– which actually works well for them. Better for everyone to think they’re sleeping together rather than the rural people of Indiana discovering queers working around their young, impressionable children. 

From their first happy hour, they’d started the Friday tradition of swiping dating apps and bitching about their love lives over margaritas and nachos. It’s one of the best parts of Eddie’s week.

And it’s Friday, which means they should be huddled in their corner booth right now, one shot of tequila each under their belts. But here he is, standing outside next to the jungle gym at 4pm waiting for the twins to be picked up by their dad. 

Go figure the guy’s late. Again. 

According to Chrissy, this guy Steve has been late every day this week– and it’s only the first week of school. He’s probably one of those parents who thinks teachers work to serve them, like they don’t have their own lives outside of school. It’s Friday for shit’s sake, he’s hungry and he needs a smoke.

“Chris, this is ridiculous. Detention ends at 3:30, same as Tiger Club. Are we just going to keep letting this guy get away with this?” Eddie’s fingers twitch towards the vape in his back pocket. Obviously he doesn’t smoke in front of the kids, but they’re supposed to be gone by now.

“Eddie, just relax, okay? He’s a nice guy, and it sounds like he’s a single dad with a chaotic job. Try to cut him some slack.” She gives him a reassuring smile, knocking her elbow into his side. “Don’t worry we’ll get some salsa in you and you’ll be good as new,” she snarks.

He shoots her a seething glare but she just smiles at him and smoothes out her sundress against the summer breeze. As Eddie crafts the perfect retort– it was going to be a really good one too– a maroon BMW SUV pulls up to the curb.

Fucking finally, Eddie thinks. If Chris isn’t going to say anything to this guy about his chronic tardiness, then he will.

They both start towards the car when a tall woman with a dark blonde bob and a pale freckled face steps out of the driver’s seat. She’s wearing a cropped Hozier t-shirt and oversized cotton overalls covered in pins. Eddie notices a small white, pink, and orange flag next to a pin of a cartoon ghost with boobs that just says “boooooobies”. He likes her already.

Eddie turns to ask Chrissy who this mystery woman is, but it seems she’s also clocked the pins.

“You’re not Steve,” Chrissy shouts. She winces as the woman arches her brow at the abrupt outburst. “I just mean that Steve has been here every day, and that’s his car, but you’re not Steve. I mean, obviously you’re not Steve, you’re you. You know you’re not Steve, you don’t need me to tell you that.”

The following silence is solid and impenetrable. Eddie’s never seen Chrissy this flustered before. Her bambi eyes shine wide and bright, paired with a hot pink flush climbing up to her ears. She’s fiddling with the buttons on her lavender cardigan and it seems like she can’t decide if she should stare directly at the woman in front of her, or very intensely in absolutely any other direction.

Not-Steve’s growing smile and matching blush tells him maybe he’s not the only one who’s noticed Chrissy’s little crush.

Interesting.

Just as Eddie steps in to save his friend from mortal anguish, he’s interrupted by high-pitched screeches from the playground.

“Auntie Robbie,” the twins cry in unison. It’d be creepy if they weren’t so goddamned adorable. 

“My munchkins!” The kids crash into her, the three of them falling to the ground in a heap of limbs. “Oof okay let’s make sure you don’t take me out before I can get you twerps home.”

He only knows of the twins from what Chrissy has told him this week, since she gets to see all of the incoming sixth graders, whereas Eddie teaches seventh and eighth grade. Working with younger kids is great, don’t get him wrong, but the available reading material for his literature units only gets better with age.

The curly-haired boy scrambles up to collect his Minecraft hat from where it’d fallen off in the scuffle. He’s small, hyperactive as all hell, and missing his front teeth, which Eddie can only tell because of the kid’s unbridled megawatt smile. 

While the boy raves about his school day, the young red headed girl rolls her eyes at his antics, but it’s easy to spot the fondness underneath. Her two copper braids are adorned with small butterfly clips, matching the fake butterfly tattoos on her left wrist. In contrast to her more girlish accessories, she’s wearing a Hawkin’s Hospital softball team shirt which has to be a men’s medium, at least. It’s been tucked into her hot pink shorts, but it drowns her nonetheless.

In short, they’re both absolutely adorable.

When Eddie turns his attention from the kids, Chrissy’s finishing gently explaining the pick up times. Thank God.

“Yeah, sorry about that,” Robin sheepishly replies. “His shifts have been really hectic this week and he’s on call today so–”

“Wait,” the girl interrupts. “Does that mean he won’t be home for dinner?” She moves to stand away from the mess of tangled limbs, scowling to hide the obvious hurt in her eyes.

“Max, honestly I’m not sure. I know he’s trying really hard to change his shifts, so hopefully it won’t be forever. Okay?” The reassurance seems to ease a bit of the tension in Max’s shoulders and scrunched brow. “But to make up for it, we’re going to have dinner at Aunt Nancy and Uncle Johnny’s house. I think the Sinclairs will be there too.”

“Ooooooo,” the boy teases, a shit-eating grin on his face, “Lucas will be there!”

“Shut up, Dustin!” Her fingers reach up to fidget with the small heart pendant on her necklace, while a light blush coasts across her freckles.

“Okay kiddos that’s enough, let’s get you out of here so your wonderfully patient teachers can actually start their weekend,” Robin replies, smiling while coaxing the twins towards the car. “I’m sorry again for being late, I swear it won’t happen again.”

“Totally cool, don’t worry about it,” Chrissy replies, a little too casually. The scarlet that invaded her chest and ears has receded to a dusting of pale pink on her cheeks. Robin’s smile grows wider as the two women stare at each other, cartoon hearts and flying babies in diapers wielding bow and arrows floating around their heads. 

Eddie clears his throat– loudly.

“OH, right,” Robin starts. She reaches up to fiddle one of her many pins as she finally notices Eddie’s presence. “I should let you get back to your, to your uhh, him, I mean.”

“Mr. Munson! He’s just Mr. Munson.” Eddie can actually see the wheels in her brain spinning faster than they can take off. It’s cute, he’s just trying not to feel a little slighted. “He’s my coworker. My friend, actually, he’s my best friend, Eddie.”

“Oh,” Robin says again, more relaxed this time. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry if you’ve had to wait for Steve too.”

“No, I’ve been doing detention, but I’m sure I’ll get to meet him next week. I’ve heard a bit about him from Chrissy. Chaotic work schedule, single dad, twins,” Eddie says, gesturing to Max and Dustin talking amongst themselves.

“Yeah,” Robin absently draws the word out, eyes roaming over Eddie top to bottom.

Surprisingly, he feels himself blush. He’s not even into women but damn has it been awhile since he’s been checked out so blatantly. One of the many queer struggles he and Chris have bonded over is how difficult dating is in Bumfuck Nowhere, USA. So other than the occasional weekend fling in the city for Eddie, and one five-month long-distance relationship for Chrissy, neither have seen any recent action.

Sue him for getting flustered at being so obviously ogled, even if she is clearly into Chrissy. That just leaves Eddie wondering why he’s being visibly raked over by a random lesbian.

“So, Eddie, you said you’ll be here next week, yeah? When Steve’s here for pick up,” she asks, with innocent curiosity in her voice but a glint of something suspicious in her eyes.

“Umm yeah,” he says, very eloquently, “I did just say that.”

“Good! I’ll make sure Steve’s definitely here next week to grab the kids. He should meet all of his kids’ teachers.”

Before Eddie can correct her– he’s not their teacher– Robin shoots him a coy smile and a wink while turning to leave. The kids say their goodbyes, scrambling into the car, and as it pulls away from the curb Dustin rolls down his window to wave as they drive off.

Eddie stands in stunned silence next to his unusually quiet best friend, the two slowly processing the whirlwind of whatever the fuck just happened.

“Well,” Chrissy says, a shell-shocked smile on her face, “I guess we have something to talk about over margs.”

“Yeah,” he agrees, still reeling after the odd interaction, “I guess we do.”

~~~

Part 2

full story on ao3

thank you @carolperkinsexgirlfriend for all the beta work!!