moni

part 1 / part 2

There was already enough to worry about your freshman year of high school. Dustin was just happy he had a good group of friend to be by his side through it all. Plus, his best friend Mike’s sister was going to be their English teacher, Lucas assured Dustin it would be a walk in the park. They were so wrong.

"Mike your sister is seriously scarier than I remember from before she went to college." Dustin huffed, throwing his backpack on the couch in the Wheeler basement.

"Seriously, Mike! It's the first day and we already have homework due by the end of the week!" Lucas exclaimed, rummaging around his bag for the sheet that contained the details to the homework. Max and Jane coming down the stairs not too long after, clearing off the coffee table, to start on their work.

Mike rolled his eyes at their exasperations, looking to Will for some leveling. Will sighed, shrugging. "I got to say I'm with them on this one, I thought she would take it easier on us. I mean she babysat us for the the entirety of elementary school, and like half of middle school."

Mike groaned, and Dustin jumped in. "That's it! That's exactly it! This is payback for all the times we were shitheads!"

"Jesus H. Christ, I have to buy like a lifetime supply of apples to make up for all the shit we did!" Lucas rubbed his hands over his face.

"You dickheads need to stop being so dramatic its literally just a 'What I Did This Summer' essay." Max finally chimed in, Jane nodding along beside her.

"Homework is still homework, Mayfield." Dustin snarked back.

"And, she's the only teacher that gave us homework." Lucas added, matter o' factly. "Not even Will and Janes brother gave us homework!"

"Well, it's probably because he didn't have to deal with us as much." Will supplied, trying to defend the other Wheeler.

"Pota-toe, Po-tato." Dustin huffed, opening his notebook to a blank page to start the essay. "Speaking of teachers, did Argyle let you guys hold his class pet? The bearded dragon, what was it's name Lucas? Wasn't it like a vegetable, or something?"

"It was pineapple!" Lucas supplied, moving to sit next to Max, using his phone to try and take a picture of what she already had written on her paper.

"The art teacher that got up on the desk was actually kind of entertaining." Will added.

"His hair was too long." Mike added, grabbing a Rubik's cube off the counter before he sat down.

"I liked his hair." Will smiled, "I think he's gonna be a good teacher, I'm glad I convinced you guys to join."

"I can grow my hair longer, and better than he can." Mike grumbled from the floor beside Will.

"I liked Mr.H's hair better." Jane added quietly.

"Oooohhh, yeah, I totally agree, Jane!" Max nudged her, as the two whispered something else to each other.

Lucas rolled his eyes, "Alright, his hair was decent, at best."

"Someone's peanut butter and jealous." Dustin mumbled under his breath, narrowly dodging the figurine Lucas chucked at him.

"I have a feeling he'll be giving us a lot of homework too." Mike added.

"Eh, I know he seems the type, but maybe he'll go easier on us, 'cause we're freshmen." Lucas shrugged, Will hummed in agreement.

The group worked diligently until dinner time, parting ways, with a majority of their essays close to being done.

-

The next week, Dustin waved down Lucas and Max as he locked his bike into the rack, waiting patiently by the front doors.

"Is that a- Weird Al shirt?" Max asked as they approached. Lucas stifled his laugh behind his hand.

"Yes, his biopic is coming out soon! The one starring Daniel Radcliffe! Also, don’t be jealous, because I actually have taste, Mayfield." Dustin huffed, as he turned to walk into the school.

"If that what you'd like to call it, sure." Max grinned, as they followed Dustin to their first period.

"Weird taste, I'd say. Get it, Max? Because, it's Weird A-" Lucas nudged at Max's side.

"Yes, Lucas, very funny." Max snarked, as she set her bag down by her desk.

The party shared first period together, which was English. Then, half of them went to Math with Mr.Byers, and the other half went to Argyle, for science. Then vice versa. They then shared art together, then lunch, after that half of them went to PE, and the other half went to band. For their final class of the day they shared history.

Dustin watched Mike almost doze off in first period, and quickly kicked his seat, so his sister wouldn't give him a weeks worth of detention, in only their second week of school. 

The group walked out of first period, grumbling about another assignment, parting ways down the hall. Max, Lucas, and Dustin had Argyle, and Mike, Will and Jane had Mr.Byers.

The groups passed each other in the halls, Lucas quickly repeating to Will what the lesson was about, and Mike doing the same for Dustin.

They regrouped in Mr.Munson’s class for Art. Aprons were placed on each seat, and Mr.Munson was setting out fabric paint, and markers in the middle of each table as everyone walked in. Everyone filed to their seats as soon as the bell rang, Mr.Munson stood before the class, explaining that this period they'd be decorating their aprons for the year. "Put whatever you want, be fun, be creative, but "make it school appropriate"." Mr.Munson rolled his eyes, as he used air quotes, and a mocking tone for the last sentence. He took a deep breath, before bringing his hand up to his mouth, leaning in closer to the class for a stage whisper. "Or, don't, I'll pretend I didn't see it." Mr.Munson clapped to dismiss the class, and then moved behind his desk to work on some sketches.

Dustin walked up to Mr.Munson’s desk about halfway through class. He cleared his throat to get the mans attention. Mr.Munson looked up, eyes scanning over Dustin’s face, then landing on his shirt. "Is that a Weird Al shirt?"

Dustin nodded wordlessly, ready to defend himself.

"That's bold, I respect it." Eddie nodded as he spoke, looking back at Dustin now, who was beaming at the comment. "How can I help ya, kid?"

"I was wondering if you had anymore puffy paint." Dustin asked, handing Mr.Munson the empty bottle. Mr.Munson nodded, as he grabbed his keys, and moved into the storage room. Dustin heard him rummaging around, before he came back out with a new bottle of yellow puffy paint, handing it off to Dustin, sending him back to his desk to work.

Dustin took a step back, watching curiously from the slight opening, as Mr.Munson knocked on the connecting door to Mr.Harrington’s room, before Mr.Harrington appeared. Dustin watched as the two conversed, jumping slightly when he felt someone kick his leg.

"Dude! What are you doing still standing? Will needs the puffy paint." Mike whisper-shouted from his chair.

Dustin grumbled, sparing one last glance at the storage room, just as Mr.Harrington was shutting his side, and Mr.Munson was walking back into the room, bright smile on his face. "I was observing!" Dustin hissed back, sliding the puffy paint across the table to Will.

"What exactly could you be observing?" Lucas asked, reaching for the red fabric marker.

"Mr.Munson was in the storage room-" Dustin started, in a quiet tone, glancing to the desk where Mr.Munson sat.

"Yeah, duh, he doesn't just carry all his extra art supplies in his apron pockets." Max added, taking the red marker from Lucas, before he could cap it.

"If you would let me finish." Dustin groaned, "He went back in there after he got me the puffy paint, and knocked on Mr.Harrington’s door."

"Maybe he needed to borrow something?" Will suggested, with a shrug.

"That's the thing," Dustin looked around the table, holding his friends attention now. "He came out of the storage room, empty-handed!" He whisper-shouted.

"What are you getting at?" Mike questioned.

"Nothing, nothing, I'm just observing." Dustin replied, hands up in mock-innocence.

"Mr.Harrington is probably just still showing him around, he's practically the school's welcoming committee." Max added, handing off the purple puffy paint to Jane.

"Maybe, I say we just stay observant, maybe we can hang around after the bell, stall a little bit, see if Mr.H comes by, for Mr.Munson." Dustin finished, casting one more glance to Mr.Munson.

When the bell rang, the group was slow to clean their area, purposefully mixing up caps, and calling out the other to fix it, slow to wipe down their table, the markers kept somehow rolling off the table, until it was just the six of them, and Mr.Munson in the classroom.

Mr.Munson finally moved towards the table, "Hey guys, lets try and get a move on it, so everyone can get to lunch on time, here I'll help."

The party was quick to try and refuse his help, all six talking at once, spewing out different excuses.

"Alright, alright, I'll just wait by the door." Mr.Munson exclaimed, "But, please try and pick up the pace, I-"

"Munson, I told you to meet me-" Mr.Harrington stopped, looking between them, and Mr.Munson.

"Hang on, Mr.H. I got a couple student still cleaning up." Mr.Munson turned away from them, and made his way to Mr.Harrington. "You can just put the tools on this back counter over here, we'll put them up when the room clears."

Dustin turned to look at his friends, gesturing towards the two teachers. "I told you!" He mouthed.

They finished quickly, and ran out the door, nearly being knocked over by Mr.Harrington who was carrying a 2x4. "Woah, let's try to be careful, and watch where were going. Almost got you guys with this." Mr.Harrington instructed softly.

"What's with the wood?" Lucas asked.

"Mr.Munson asked me to help him put up hooks for your classroom aprons." Mr.Harrington answered with a smile, as Mr.Munson came out to grab the 2x4 from him.

"You guys should get to lunch before all that's left is mystery meat." Mr.Munson butted in, giving the crew a pointed look.

The group nodded, rushing down the halls. "No, I told you!" Max slightly shoved Dustin, as they rounded the corner. "Mr.Harrington is just really, really nice."

"Max does have a point, I overheard Nance telling my mom how much of a help Mr.H was when she was setting up her classroom. He spent the entire afternoon helping her rearrange all the desks until she was satisfied." Mike added, grabbing a lunch tray. "Mom thinks he’s a real dream boat too." Mike added with an eyeroll.

"I think they would be cute together." Jane added, after they got their lunches, and found a table.

"Who?" Will questioned, as he handed off the cherries from his fruit cup to Mike.

"Mr.Munson, and Mr.Harrington." Jane replied matter o' factly.

"Jane, don't be ridi-" Lucas was cut off by a swift kick to his shin, by Max.

"No, I think she has a point. They make for a cute bromance." Max nodded reassuringly to Jane, before taking the pickles from Lucas' sandwich.

The group fell into an easy discussion afterwards about the latest campaign Will was working on.

--

Eddie was biting his lip raw, watching Steve hold the board in place, drilling it in place, spare screw held between his lips. Eddie tried to imagine what his flexed arms must've looked like under the stupid knit sweaters he wore . Eddie didn't even register Steve calling for him, until he turned to face him, waving a hand in front of his face. Eddie jumped slightly, apologizing.

Steve smiled, holding out his hand to Eddie that held the screws he didn't use. "Could you bring over the hooks now?"

Eddie took the spare screws from Steve's hand, and went back to his desk to grab the hooks they would use. Eddie waited patiently beside Steve, handing him each hook as he needed it.

Once all the hooks were up, Steve started helping Eddie place all the student aprons in their appropriate sections. Steve took a step back, hands on his hips as he admired the work. "We make a good team, Munson."

"I owe you like a weeks worth of lunch, Harrington. I'm useless with power tools." Eddie joked, moving to clean up the saw dust on the ground, Steve following with the dust pan. Eddie really wasn't bad with power tools, growing up and helping his Uncle Wayne with all the repairs the trailer ever needed, but how could he say no, when Steve looked so eager to help. He had ran to their shared supply closet, and pulled out his new drill to show Eddie, the second Eddie mentioned needing to put up racks in his room.

Steve now kneeled down in front of Eddie, holding the dustpan in place as Eddie swept the dust in a neat pile. Steve looked up at Eddie as he continued their conversation. "Does it have to be lunch? I can go for a couple dinners." Steve smiled up at him.

Eddie had to constantly remind himself they were in a school setting, whenever Steve was in compromising positions like this, and saying suggestive things like that to Eddie. Steve was just being a bro, a bro that happened to have the most beautiful hazel eyes Eddie had ever seen, hair that he constantly stopped himself from running his fingers through, and a face that has now made it’s way into Eddie’s sketch book. Eddie was looking too into it, he was sure that was the case. Still, Eddie couldn't stop the blush that crept up his neck. Eddie really needed to keep his cool.

"I don't mind doing dinner, Harrington. We should think about inviting the rest of the teachers in our hall too!" Eddie was quick to add, "Nancy, Johnathan, and Argyle all seem pretty close to us in age. It would be cool if we all went out together, y'know some staff bonding time! You could bring Buckley too!" Eddie finished, as he swept the pile into the dustpan gently.

Eddie tried not to think too much of the way Steve deflated at the suggestion. "Yeah, staff bonding sounds fun." Steve sighed as he stood, walking to drop the pile in the trash. "Any suggestions?" Steve asked, as he stood by Eddies desk.

"My friend Gareth mentioned this bar downtown, we could see if everyone wants to do that?" Eddie answered, moving to place the broom back in the storage room. "I'll ask Johnathan, and Argyle, if you ask Nancy, and Robin."

"Sounds like a deal, let's do it after the first month of school, as like a celebration, maybe we can turn it into a monthly thing." Steve suggested.

"I like that idea, I'll be sure to mention it to the guys when I talk to them." Eddie responded.

"Hey, I don't mean to cut this short, but I have to run and finish up some copies before next period." Steve explained, as he walked towards Eddies closed door. Eddie nodded in acknowledgment, and waved as Steve ran out.

Staff bonding, really, Eddie? Eddie groaned to himself, plopping down on his spinny chair.

***

the kids are introduced now! this part feels a little shorter than the rest, sorry :( i hope you guys are liking this as much as i like writing it, i can’t wait to upload more. thank you again for all the notes :)  i am having an awfully hard time coming up with a title hahaha

part 1 / part 3

When Steve made his way back to his room, Mr.Munson was waiting, propped up against the door, until he noticed Steve bounding down the hallway. "Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you waiting, Mr.Munson."

"Eddie, call me Eddie." Eddie smiled, and Steve fumbled with his keys, because why were his hands suddenly clammy?

"Eddie." Steve repeated, finally getting his classroom door open. "You can call me, Steve."

"Where do you run off to for lunch? I came over here after my fourth period, hoping we could've grabbed lunch together too." Eddie questioned, as he moved through Steve's room, observing the work on the walls.

Steve willed the heat creeping up his face away, as he took a seat at one of the desks in the middle of the room, map of the school in hand. "I normally have lunch in the band room, with the music teacher, Ms.Buckley."

Eddie paused, looking at Steve over his shoulder. "Oh? Is Ms.Buckley your.."

Steve snorted, shaking his head. "She's just my roommate, and her chairs are more comfortable than the staff lounge."

Eddies shoulder dropped slightly, and he turned on his heel to sit in front of Steve now. Eddie propped his elbows on the table, scanning Steves face with a mischevious grin. "Noted, if I ever need an embarassing story on you for blackmail, I shall call Ms.Buckley."

Steve feigned hurt, placing his hand on his chest. "What would you ever need to blackmail me for?"

"I'm not sure yet, but I've got my eye on you, golden boy." Eddie grimaced playfully, raising two fingers at eye level, before moving them in Steve’s direction.

Steve shook his head, and rolled his eyes at the nickname. "Whatever you say, Munson. Now, do you want the rundown of this place or not?"

"Oh, do tell, Stevie, do tell." Eddie rested his chin on his hands now, leaning closer over the desk.

"Okay, so," Steve started, pushing the paper towards Eddie, watching his eyes move across the paper. "We are here," he marked the paper using his red correcting pen, with a star between his and Eddie's rooms. Eddie nodded, watching Steve's hand move over the paper. "Ms.Buckley, Robin, my roommate, is in this far off corner."

"That room is huge." Eddie commented, looking at the scale of it compared to the others. "Does she just teach marching band? What kind of instruments does she have?"

"Mmm, it's not just marching band, theres percussion, and beginners band where she hosts students from the middle school, she has music theory, and just last year she started a course for students that want to learn how to play guitar. Do you play anything?" Steve questioned.

Eddie nodded proudly, "Sure do, my friends and I started a band when we were in middle school, and played all the way til we graduated."

Steve tilted his head in interest, giving him a smile, "You should show me your skills sometime." Holy shit, why did he say that?

Eddie raised his brows at Steve. "Oh yeah? Are you interested, Harrington?" Holy shit, why did he say it like that?

"I mean- I mean like show me and Robin. Yeah, we would, we would like to see." Steve began, eyes darting back towards the paper, "Hey, did you know the Olympics used to actually award medals for art?" Steve breathed out quickly, trying to steady his heart rate. "From 1912 to 1948, they gave out medals for sculptures, paintings, and music!" Steve continued to ramble, using his hands to emphasize his point. "The art had to be Olympic-themed, of course, and-" Steve stopped himself, feeling the heat evident on his face, under Eddie's amused gaze. "Sorry," Steve cleared his throat before he continued, "across the hall from us is Ms.Wheeler, she teaches English. She's great, very kind, and the students highly respect her."

Eddie nodded along, taking his bottom lip between his teeth to hide his wide grin, following Steve’s finger as it moved along the map, “At the end of this hall is Argyle, and don’t ask me for his last name, since he started he insisted everyone just call him by his first name. He’s the science teacher. Next to his room, is Mr.Byers, he’s the math teacher for our hall.”

Eddie leaned over the paper some more, to try and get a mental image of where each class is, tongue darting between his lips as he tried to concentrate.

Steve picked up on Eddies confusion as he squinted at the map. "C'mon, I have a feeling you’re more of a visual learner." Steve offered, as he stood from his seat. Eddie nodded wordlessly, letting Steve usher him out of his classroom.

-E-

Eddie and Steve walked down the empty hallways, as Steve pointed out a couple classrooms to him. Eddie waited behind Steve, as he knocked on Ms.Wheelers door. Eddie could hear the crisp click-clack of her heels, as she made her way to the door. She opened the door, face relaxing when she seen it was only the two. "How can I help you, Mr.Harrington?"

"I hope we weren't interrupting anything too important, I wanted to introduce you to the new art teacher." Steve stepped aside, so Eddie could step forward and offer his hand to her.

Nancy gave him a warm smile, shaking his hand. "Ms.Wheeler, but you can call me Nancy, well, as long as there's no student around." She added.

"Eddie Munson, and you can call me either, Mr.Munson feels a little too formal to me. Still getting used to it." Eddie said with a scrunch of his nose.

Nancy glanced at Steve, with a teasing smile on her face. "Another Argyle on our hands, I see."

Steve laughed at the comment, so Eddie assumed he should too. "It was nice meeting you, Eddie, I'm usually in the staff lounge for lunch if you ever want to talk." Nancy waved as the two walked away from her room.

"Next, we'll see Mr.Byers." Steve added, as he ushered Eddie down the hall. Steve gave a crisp knock on the door, waiting patiently with his hands behind his back. Mr.Byers opened the door, looking between the two of them. "Hey, what’s up?."

Steve repeated the same speech he gave Nancy, stepping aside to let Eddie step forward and introduce himself. Steve waved to Jonathan, as the two took a left to continue down the hall to Argyle's room. Steve knocked again, waiting for Argyle with a smile. "This guy's smile is so contagious," Steve leaned back to speak to Eddie.

Eddie nodded, and watched as the door opened, Argyle listened deeply to Steve, who motioned towards Eddie. Argyle turned his attention to Eddie now, clasping Eddie's hand between both of his, with a soft shake. "So nice to meet you, man. Come by during lunch some time, and I’ll introduce you to my bearded dragon too." Eddie grinned, holding his gaze, and repeating the same introduction he gave to Nancy and Johnathan.

Argyle brought two fingers up to his head, and gave Eddie and Steve some type of saulte as they left, easy smile still on his face.

Steve continued down the school halls with Eddie, now practically shoulder to shoulder. Eddie had to pretend his entire body wasn't screaming at the contact. Steve is his coworker after all. "We're making our way to the music room now, I'll show you where the staff lounge is on the way over." Steve continued as they made their way through the lunch room together. Steve pointing out their emergency exit route, and where the staff lounge is tucked away at. "If we have time I'll show you my trick on how to unjam the copy machine." Steve leaned into Eddies to whisper. Eddie was so sure Steve could see the obvious color rushing to his cheeks.

Steve held open the door to the staff lounge for Eddie, Eddie walked around the room, observing the decorated bulletin boards. Eddie's eyes gravitated towards a picture of Steve during spirit week, posing in front of his room door, dressed in a navy blue sailor uniform, red neckerchief tied loosely around his neck, red and white striped shirt underneath.

Eddies snort caught Steves attention. Steve moved closer, standing behind Eddie, following his gaze until it landed on the picture of himself. "Oh God, I can't believe they still have this one up." Steve groaned, face flushing.

Eddie laughed at his expense. leaning in closer to the board to really get a good look, trying not to zone in on the way Steves arms looked, as he crossed them over his chest in the picture.

"I lost a bet with Robin my first year, and she made me wear an embarassing old work uniform during spirit week, from a job we had back in college." Steve explained, trying to avoid Eddies gaze. "I bet she's the one that makes sure this photo stays up, at least it’s not the one where she made me wear the hat that goes along with the uniform."

"Why did you still have the uniform?" Eddie teased, scanning the board, trying to find more pictures with Steve in them.

"Believe it or not, it's because the uniform shorts, fit me better than any pair of shorts I've ever owned." Steve joined in on the laughter, face still flushed.

Eddie frowned playfully as he turned back to Steve. "This picture only shows your waist up! I was robbed of the full experience."

“Shut up, Munson.” Steve shoved him softly, smiling before returning his gaze back to the board, and grabbing Eddie's attention as he pointed to another picture. "Naturally, I had to up my game my second year." Eddies gaze stayed on the photo, not sure he could look Steve in the eyes after seeing this one. Steve was dressed as Tom Cruise in the Risky Business movie. The form-fitting black blazer, paired with the Ray-Bans, and his charming smile, Eddie was sure his face was just as red as Steve’s now.

"Get it? I'm Tom Cruise in Risky Business." Steve smiled, as Eddie turned to him. Steve stepped away from Eddie, bringing up his closed fist to his mouth, before he began, "Just take those old records off the shelf," Steve threw his head back dramatically as he sang, before continuing with a soft head bang to enunciate the lyrics. "I sit and listen to them by myself." By this point, Steve had cut himself off with his own laughter.

Eddie had to put his face in his hands to hide his flushed cheeks, as he laughed. "Aw, c'mon it's not that bad of an impression, is it? Robin thinks I kind of look like him? What do you think?" Eddie looked up through his hands, as Steve took off his glasses, and slowly turned his head from side-to-sides.

Eddie bit back his smile, nodding in agreement, he's starting to reconsider how good this job will be for his health, if his heart rate is going to be beating this fast every time Steve’s around.

Steve beamed at him, coming around the table in the middle, and holding the door open for Eddie again. "We'll come back to the printer another day, sorry I got distracted, we gotta get to Robin's class before the bell."

Eddie followed Steve, as they walked down the hall again, Steve explaing that she was teaching her guitar class right now. Steve knocked, waiting patiently, he shot a quick reassuring grin back to Eddie, before the door opened. "Dude, couldn't you wait til the ride home to tell me how it went with-"

Steve was quick to cut the woman off, with a frantic hand, before he stepped to the side, putting Eddie in view. Eddie watched curiously, as the two seemed to have a conversation with their eyes, before the womans gaze landed on him. She held out her hand to Eddie, her stare intense, as she shook his hand. "Robin Buckley, nice to meet you."

"Eddie Munson, I'm the new art teacher." he gave her his warmest smile, out of all the people he met today, he knew this ones approval mattered. "I have a question for you, Buckley."

Robin raised a brow, her face pulling together in confusion. "What is it?"

"I was wondering if you had any more pictures of Steve in that sailor uniform." Eddie asked with a mischevious grin growing across his face. "I'd love to see them."

Robins face softened, as she mirrored his expression. "I actually have one of us on our first day at ol' Scoops Ahoy, right on my desk-"

"Okay, okay, this was such a bad idea. Don't you have a class to teach, Buckley?" Steve cut in, pulling Eddie away by his shoulder, face flushed in embarrassment.

Eddie and Robin laughed at Steve’s expression, Eddie waving to Robin. "We'll continue this conversation another time." Eddie called out to her, as the two continued back to their rooms.

"I have a whole album on my phone worth of embarassing photos of Harrington, call me if you need anything!" Robin shot back, before closing the door.

Steve and Eddie stayed by their room doors talking until the bell rang. "Thanks for the tour, golden boy." Eddie smirked, bumping Steves shoulder. "And, for the serenade, never knew how badly I wanted to be Rebecca De Mornay." Eddie added with a hand over his heart, jokingly.

Steve waved a dismissive hand, bashful smile adorning his face. "Happy to help," Steve continued as he pushed off his door, "the serenade was part of the VIP Tour package."

Eddie laughed softly, fiddling with his classroom keys. "I hope I'm the only one that's been able to afford the VIP Tour package, Harrington."

"Trust me, Munson, it's one of a kind." Steve replied, reaching for his own classroom keys now. "One of a kind, much like your teaching style."

"Hey, getting on tables really gets their attention, you should try it sometime, Harrington." Eddie defended, as Steve stepped fully into his classroom, and Eddie could still hear his laugh.

-S-

Steve waited patiently outside Robins door after school, twirling his car keys. Robin came out shortly after, bounding down the halls with Steve in tow. The two made it to Steve’s car, Robin ranting about her new students, and just buzzing with excitement about the new year ahead. "Alright, Steve-o, spill."

Steve rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "He seen the Scoops picture, so he mustve seen the Tom Cruise picture too, right?" Robin inquired. Steve nodded slowly, knowing her next question already.

"Steve, please tell me you didn't do Risky Business." Robin pleaded, eyes wide with anticipation, as she awaited Steve’s answer. Steve let his head rest against the steering wheel. Whispering his reply so quietly Robin couldn't pick up on it. "I can't hear you, Stevie."

Steve blew out an exasperated breath he had been holding in. "I did Risky Business."

"Steve, oh my god." Robin burst with a load laugh, swatting at the air, as Steve grumbled about how it 'always worked in college'.

***

ahhhhhh sorry it took so long, i have part three ready to go later tonight, or tomorrow afternoon. anyways, there's about thirty pages of this fic so far sitting on my laptop, and i'm working on getting it to ao3 but this is my first time ever participating in like fandom things? so its taking me a little longer to get used to consistent posts, and responding to comments and tags. BUT!!! i love seeing your thoughts and tags and comments they all mean so much thank u thank u thakn u <333 -i'll fix any errors int he morning-

(also i hoped i tagged everyone that wanted to be tagged, i never mind doing tags :D )

part 2 / part 3

***

Steve remembers it clear as day. It was the first day back to school, he had carpooled with his roommate Robin, and after clocking in at the office she walked him to his classroom. Robin ran ahead, her detailed eye catching something before Steve's tired eyes could process it. She was standing in front of the room right next to Steve’s that was vacant last year.

As Steve got closer, she was pointing at the sign on the wall next to the door. Steve squinted trying to read the wording, Steve quietly repeated the words as his finger moved across the sign. "Mr.Munson, Art."

Steve turned to Robin, as she wiggled her eyebrows at him, as they moved to the next door. Steve shook his head at her as he fumbled for his classroom keys. "Let's hope he's cuter than the Mr.Howard we had when we started." She snorted.

Steve smiled, playing it up. "Hey, Mr.Howard was a proper GILF."

"Steve, please tell me you did not just call Mr.Howard, a grandpa you'd like to f-"

"Language!" Steve hissed, as they made their way inside his classroom. Robin cackled, as she slid past Steve, throwing her lunch in his mini fridge.

"See you at lunch, dingus!"

Steve sighed to himself, but couldn't hold back the smile on his face.

Steve immediately got to work, placing down the syllabus they'll go over today in each of his classes.

-

"Alright, you can now put those papers in your backpack, please don't forget to get them signed and turn-" Steve was cut off by a crashing noise coming from his new "neighbor". Steve looked over to the shared door of the storage room curiously, now hearing the faint voice of this Mr.Munson.

Steve excused himself and grabbed his keys, opening up his side of the storage room door, crossing the small storage room, and putting his key in the knob to open up Mr.Munson’s side. Steve pushed the door open slowly, and peeked his head around the corner, eyes widening at the sight.

The man had dark, long, curly hair, black pants, black t-shirt, some white sneakers that had colorful paint splatters, and was wearing a cream colored apron, adorned with various pins and messy paint splatters, tied around his slim waist. He was standing on top of one of the tables, on a tangent about conformity, and how freeing art is.

Steve was captivated. He was stuck in the stupid storage room doorway, unable to take his eyes off the man. Steve was pulled from his trance as he heard his name.

"Mr.Harrington? What are you doing here?" the student seated closest to the storage room called out.

Steve stood up straighter, feeling the eyes of the class, and now Mr.Munson on him too.

Steve paused, unable to pull together the right words. He made eye contact with Mr.Munson as he dropped down from the table, making his way to Steve.

"Mr.Harrington! Nice to finally put a face to the resident golden boy.'' Mr.Munson smiled slyly, sticking out a ring clad hand for him to shake. He was so much better to look at up close, Steve thought.

Steve took Mr.Munson's hand, breath catching in his throat at how cold his hand was compared to Steve’s.

"Mr.Munson, nice to meet you. Sorry, I really didn't mean to interrupt, my students noticed the crashing noise, and wanted me to come make sure everything was okay over here." Steve explained.

"How sweet, isn't that sweet guys?" the class chorused behind Mr.Munson in agreement, Steve felt heat rising to his cheeks at Mr.Munson’s words. "Nothing to worry about over here Mr.H, I just accidently knocked over a chair when I was climbing on to the table to give my lecture."

Steve nodded slowly, lots of questions bouncing around in his head. "Well, alright then. I’ll let you get back to it, sorry to disrupt." Steve gave him a sheepish grin moving back into the storage room as he started to shut the door, Mr.Munson’s ringed finger grabbing on to the frame before it shut completely.

Mr.Munson half stepped into the storage room, catching Steve off guard. "Hey, is your prep period also sixth period?" he asked in a softer tone than he used in front of the students.

Steve nodded, not trusting his voice to give a verbal answer.

"Sweet! Do you mind if I join you in your classroom? I’d love a formal introduction to Hawkins High, from the golden boy himself." Mr.Munson smiled, watching Steve's face as he waited for an answer.

"Oh! Yeah, we can do that. I'll see you then."

"Can’t wait, Mr.H."

Steve finally shut Mr.Munson’s side of the storage room door, and ran a hand through his hair before returning back to his class.

-

Eddie remembers it clear as day. He was being walked in by the principal to his new classroom, on the first day of school. Eddie’s hands were full of a box with his own personal art supplies, and knick-knacks for his desk. Eddie paused in the doorway of his new room, to admire the sign next to his door that read ‘Mr.Munson, Art’. Eddie listened to the principal as he set his stuff down on his desk, eyes scanning the room, and ideas of how he already wants to rearrange the tables.

“And, this is the storage room you will be sharing with Mr.Harrington."

Eddie gave him a bemused look, so the principal continued. "He’s the history teacher, been with us for three years now. Staff favorite, student favorite, even parent favorite. The ladies up front call him our resident golden boy." the principal laughed.

Eddie gave a fake smile, rolling his eyes as the principal turned around to exit this room, eddie following. Pfft, Mr.Harrington, golden boy, probably just some washed-up jock that peaked in high school, trying to relive his glory days, eddie thought to himself. Eddie snorted thinking about their resident golden boy, probably overweight and balding.

The principal turned at the sound of it, making Eddie stop in his tracks. "What was that?"

Eddie shook his head, clearing his throat. "Nothing, Mr.Smith, just allergies acting up." The principal nodded in agreement, before continuing his explanation of how to fix the printer if it's jammed.

They entered the office just as two people were exiting. Eddie caught a glimpse of the first person, she bounded out too quickly, heading down the main hallway towards the classrooms. The man behind her really caught Eddie's eye, as he walked out. Back turned to Eddie, as he held a hand up waving a farewell to the receptionists up front. "Bye Steveee.'' They all chorused. Eddie watched from the windows of the office, as this man followed down the same hallway as the girl from before. He wore khaki slacks, a white collar peeking out under his dark brown knit sweater, rolled up neatly to his elbows, chestnut brown hair, shorter on the sides, pushed back, swooping upwards at his neck, small strands falling over his face in a perfect curve. His glasses slid down the bridge of his nose ever so slightly, as he looked down at his watch, continuing his stride down the hallway.

Eddie thinks he's in love. He needs to know who that was. Eddie turns to the principal, who was leaning on the counter as the receptionist spoke to him.

"Well, Eddie, it turns out we just missed Mr.Harrington." the principal tsked, as he grabbed a folder from the receptionist. "I don't know if you saw him as we walked in, I was too busy going on about that darn printer."

Eddie nodded slowly, registering the words he just heard. Mr.Harrington was not some washed up, balding, overweight ex-jock.

Mr.Harrington was breathtaking.

Mr.Harrington is golden.

--

"-that is what i love about art, art is so freeing. i can be anyone I want to be when I've got that brush in my hand. the canvas is a mirror of our emotions in this class." Eddie continued as he walked around the class, deciding he needed to play up the theatrics. He went to a vacant desk that would soon hold the students' supplies, and mounted the stool, kicking off of it to get him swiftly standing on the desk. The metal stool clanged and clashed as it hit the floor, making a few students flinch. Eddie chose not to acknowledge the fallen chair, he was on a roll.

He now stood over the students, and continued his speech, moving his hands more freely as he spoke. "-conformity tries to keep us caged in, an enemy of creativity, it's complete bul-"

"Mr.Harrington? What are you doing here?" Eddie whipped around at the students' question, eyes scanning for Mr.Harrington, finally landing on his head peeking out of the shared storage room. Eddie jumped off the table, moving on auto-pilot, as he crossed the room to reach Mr.Harrington.

"Mr.Harrington! Nice to finally put a face to the resident golden boy." Eddie smiled slyly, sticking out his hand for Mr.Harrington to shake. Mr.Harrington took Eddie's hand, Eddie basked in the warmth of the golden boy, not wanting to be the first to let go.

"Mr.Munson, nice to meet you. Sorry, I really didn't mean to interrupt, my students noticed the crashing noise, and wanted me to come make sure everything was okay over here." Mr.Harrington explained, Eddie watched the way the words formed around his mouth, captivated, hearing his voice for the first time.

Of course he was only in here to inspect the crash, Eddie would expect nothing less from the resident golden boy, there's no way he's real. Eddie holds Mr.Harrington’s gaze, as he speaks again. "How sweet, isn't that sweet guys?" the class chorused behind Eddie in agreement. Eddie thought he saw Mr.Harrington’s cheeks turn a faint shade of red, and all Eddie wanted to do was keep praising him. "Nothing to worry about over here Mr.H, I just accidently knocked over a chair when I was climbing on to the table to give my lecture."

Eddie saw a flash of confusion behind Mr.Harrington’s eyes at the explanation, before he spoke again. "Well, alright then. I’ll let you get back to it, sorry to disrupt." Mr.Harrington flashed him an apologetic smile, and Eddie almost melted. He watched as Mr.Harrington retreated back into the storage room, before his body caught up to his thoughts, and he was reaching out grabbing the door frame, before Mr.Harrington could close it.

Eddie half stepped into the storage room. "Hey, is your prep period also sixth period?" please be the same, please be the same, please be the sa-

Mr.Harrington nodded, and Eddie's smile grew, before he spoke. "Sweet! Do you mind if I join you in your classroom? I'd love a formal introduction to Hawkins High, from the golden boy himself."

"Oh! Yeah, we can do that. I'll see you then." Mr.Harrington finally spoke, using a softer tone.

"Can’t wait, Mr.H." Eddie smirked, before he turned away, ready to get back on the table and continue his lecture.

-

Steve paced around Robins room during their lunch, walking from wall to wall of her spacious music room. "Hey, dingus, come sit and eat, you're gonna get the chipotle ranch from the wrap on my carpet!"

Steve stopped in his tracks, glaring playfully at Robin, before he made his way back to her office, throwing himself down on one of the bean bags.

Robin's office was a real safespace for Steve. She didn't like the bright overhead lights schools normally have, and with the actual music room being so big, there was like three rows of lights, over the entire room, so she decked out her little office that was off to the side, in fairy lights, so there's a soft yellow glow always, she keeps her own music playing quietly over her speaker in the office, and she added two bean bags for the two to sit on while they eat lunch.

"I never want lunch to end." Steve groaned, curling up on the bean bag. Robin laughed as she plopped down next to him, peeling her orange.

"Only 179 more days left in the school year, stevie." Robin said sarcastically, "What’s got you so nervous anyways, these new freshmen intimidating you?"

Steve rolled his eyes, but let out a huff of a laugh. "It’s not the kids, it's Mr.Munson." Steve mumbled, picking at the lettuce inside his wrap.

Robin ooooh'ed melodically, sitting up to look at Steve. "Is your crush on Mr.Munson, worse than the crush you had on the GILF, Mr.Howard?"

Steve laughed, "I never said I did!"

"Steve, this morning you called him a GILF."

"Shut up, Robs." Steve stuck his tongue out at her, throwing the foil of his wrap at her playfully.

“Anyways, what’s so bad about the new guy?” Robin asked, as she picked the tomatoes out of her lunch Steve packed.

“He’s hot, that’s what the problem is.” Steve grumbled.

“So, just admire from afar, like I do with the English teacher.” Robin shrugged, finally taking a bite of her wrap.

“He’s hot, and he wants to spend our prep period together.” Steve repeated.

Robin winced, patting Steve’s shoulder. “Ah, I see the problem. Well, good luck with that, wish I could offer you some more sound advice, Stevie. But, every time Ms.Wheeler is even using the copy machine in the staff lounge when I’m in there, I short circuit, and start rambling in another language.”

Steve laughed harder than he should’ve at his best friend's misfortune. “Thanks for the pep talk, Robin, but I only speak one language. So, hopefully, Mr.Munson likes history facts.”

Robin rolled her eyes watching Steve get up from the bean bag, double checking his watch, and putting his glasses back on. “Before you ask, yes, your hair looks fine.” Robin assured, as Steve paused in front of the door.

“How many times do we need to go over this, fine is not great!” Steve exasperated, mumbling about needing to run to the restroom to fix it, as he left her office.

*****

part 2 now up!!!

part 1, of a short wip i have going right now based on a tiktok i watched of a teacher talking about how her students started shipping her with the art teacher, and now they’re work wives.

One weekend the two go up because a friend they made on one of their many trips is raving about the live music they'll be having on Saturday. Robin begs Steve even though it's only been a week since they were last up there, and Steve agrees reluctantly. The two pile into Steve's car after work, and make the drive.

When they arrive they immediately feel underdressed. The energy in the bar feels different, and it's definitely not the usual crowd. The two share a confused look, not thinking too much of it before, making their way to the bar, shoving past lots of leather and chains. They order their usuals, and fall into easy conversation.

A cute girl approaches Robin, so Steve keeps to himself, listening in on their conversation when he can. Steve isn’t eavesdropping, honestly, he’s making sure the girl will meet his standards for his best friend. "My name's Nancy, I manage for the band that's playing tonight," Steve remembers hearing very clearly. He looked over at the girl, with her shoulder length, head of curls, a few pieces being held out of her face with clips, she wore a leather skirt, with a band tee tucked in. Steve read the name "Corroded Coffin'' across the top of her shirt, and suddenly his interest was piqued.

He leans over Robin, catching the girl's attention. "Did you say you're the manager of the band playing tonight?" Steve asked.

The girl nodded with a proud smile. "Mhm, they pulled out quite the crowd, I scoped this place out a month ago before I booked them, this isn't their normal scene." Steve and Robin nodded in agreement doing another once-over of the crowd gathering near the small stage. "They don't look much like your guys' style either. You guys stuck out like a sore thumb," Nancy had said with a small laugh, looking over Steve and Robin's clothing. "What brought you guys out here? Or did you get caught in the middle of this." She had inquired.

“Word to mouth," Steve had answered simply.

Robin continued, "A friend we made here called and raved about who was playing tonight, didn't tell us the genre, we just like live music. We love a good show."

Nancy nodded, sipping her drink before speaking again, "Well, Eddie sure does put on a show." As if on cue, she nodded towards the stage, Steve looked over, and saw the hottest man he thinks he has ever seen. Long curly hair, a band shirt similar to the girls, but his was cropped, the tightest jeans in the entire club, Steve is sure.

Steve couldn't even think straight as the man approached the mic, a wide smile as he greeted the crowd, and Steve was a goner once he saw that dimpled grin.

Steve got up mindlessly, leaving Robin and Nancy to continue talking, moving with the crowd as the band played through their first song. It was definitely different from the music Steve was used to, he didn't know if it was the music he was captivated by, or just the man performing it.

Steve moved closer and closer to the stage, as if the man on stage had some magnetic pull on him. Before he knew it, Steve was at the front of the crowd, not letting his eyes leave Eddie on stage, by their third song Steve is sure Eddies noticed him, not sure if the heat he feels rushing from his neck to his face is from the alcohol in his system, or the man's intense gaze.

Before their last song, Eddie addressed the crowd, announcing they were doing a cover of an ACDC song. Steve nodded along as if he knew who ABCD or whatever they called were. Eddie was putting his all into this last song, throwing his head back as he belted out some of the lyrics, taking his mic off the stand, and dragging the cord along, as he moved to the edge of the crowd, swinging his electric around to his back. Steve could feel his breathing stop as Eddie was now in front of him, singing to the crowd over Steve, rocking his entire body along to the music.

Steve was frozen in place, not being able to do anything but look up at Eddie from where he stood at the end of the lifted stage. Steve's breath hitched when Eddie looked down at him, Steve could see something in his eyes, asking for something, so Steve nodded pathetically.

Eddie gave him that same smile, before he cupped Steves face with one hand, slotting his fingers through Steve’s hair, pulling roughly so Steve was craning his neck, Eddie leaned down, pressing his forehead against Steve’s, their noses touched and the only thing separating their lips, was the mic as Eddie sang the lyrics into Steves flushed face.

"Let me put my love into you, babe! Let me cut your cake with my knife!" Eddie sang the chorus with a wicked grin, giving Steve's hair another rough tug, as he pulled their faces apart, and finished the rest of the song from the middle of the stage.

Steve's ears were ringing, as his body went into autopilot, moving away from the stage as the song ended, making his way back to Robin at the bar.

Robin had a goofy smile on her face, Nancy still seated next to her. "Enjoy the show, Stevie?" Robin teased. Steve nodded, still trying to bring his mind back to reality.

Nancy laughed from beside Robin, "I did tell you that Eddie is quite the showman."

—

hiii enjoy another short blurb from my drafts because I have so many wip’s rn

(bonus: robin thinks this was a “planned attack.”

"That was a planned attack-" "Robs, what-" "No no Steve listen, she said we stick out like a sore thumb, so we are easy to notice, out of all the people she comes to in the bar its us, normies, and then her band, the one person that gets any attention from the leading man, is literally the only other normie here!"

One lazy night, the boys are up in Steve’s room, laid out on his bed, passing a blunt between the two of them as they stared up at Steve’s ceiling. finding comfort in the presence of each other, Steve had reached for Eddies hand that laid between him, and laced their fingers together. The boys would throw out comments between moments of silence, (Stevie, this wallpaper is a f-cking eye sore).

Steve had turned on his side now, watching Eddie inhale deeply, the way his cheeks hollowed, and rounded out again as he held the smoke. He watched as Eddie closed his eyes, letting the weed burn in his throat, and rolled his head out over Steve’s pillow, to blow the smoke up towards the ceiling. Steve hadn't even realized he was white-knuckling the sides of his jeans with his unoccupied hand.

Steve closes his eyes, moving to lay on his back again. He needs to get his breathing back under control, because right now, the only image he can see behind his eyelids is Eddie between his legs, jaw locked, like he cant stop giving him head, lips stretched out around Steve’s big-

Steve shakes his head, willing himself to open his eyes. He turns his head, just as Eddie is mindlessly holding out the blunt for him to take. Steve takes it with a shaky hand, glad Eddie doesn't notice, as he brings it to his lips, taking a long drag, letting it out with a sigh.

"What's on your mind, sweets?" Eddie had asked, eyes closed, free hand drumming his fingers over his torso.

Steve paused, taking another hit, counting in his head before he released. "Just thinking about how I've never chain-smoked before, I'm so new to all this."

Eddie let out a quiet laugh, "Chain-smoke? Steve, do you mean shotgunning?"

Steve looked at Eddie, pout evident on his lips. "What? What's shotgunning?"

Eddie was now reaching for the blunt in Steves hand, "Can I just show you?"

Steve had nodded slowly, turning his body to face Eddie. "Course, you can, is it like when you blow out those O-shaped rings?"

Eddie shook his head, letting go of Steve’s hand, sitting up on his knees, Steve’s eyes following him closely. Steve watched as Eddie put the blunt in his mouth, holding it in place, as he moved closer to Steve, pushing his shoulder back so Steve was laying on his back again.

Steves mouth fell open slightly, as Eddie slowly put a leg over his thighs. Steve looked up at Eddie with pleading eyes, as Eddie leaned over his torso, and used a hand to hold Steve’s jaw in place, as he used his thumb to drag his chin down, opening Steve’s mouth more, before moving said hand to lay flat against the bed, right beside Steve’s head.

Eddie used his other hand to pull the joint out of his mouth, brows furrowed slightly, as he held the smoke in his mouth, before he leaned in and released the smoke in Steve’s open mouth.

Steve, who had seemed to have slipped into a state of shock the second Eddie put his hand on his jaw, was brought back to reality as he felt the burn of the smoke hit the back of his throat, and the faintest touch of Eddies lips against his. Time moved in slow motion for Steve, as if Eddie had let his lips linger on his for a beat too long, before Eddie was sitting up slowly, as Steve turned to the side blowing the smoke out.

Steve had to close his eyes again, to make sure he wasn’t having some super vivid weed-induced daydream. But, when he turned towards where Eddie sat, opening his eyes again, being met with Eddies intense gaze, looking at Steve as if he was pondering something. Eddie sits up a little more, holding the blunt out to Steve. “Wanna try now?”

Steve had to dig his nails into his palm until he was sure he had drawn blood, before he replied. “Can I?” He asked as he grabbed the almost roach, from Eddies hand.

Eddie nodded simply, leaning back on his palms, as Steve sat up. “Lay em on me, big boy.”

Steve had let out a soft laugh, at the nickname, trying to ease the nerves. He brought the blunt to his mouth, inhaling deeply, moving it away from his face, as he leaned into Eddie.

Steve’s mind was racing, no way this was just straight-bro activites, no way, he could never have imagined Tommy H partaking in shotgunning with him, so Steve hesitated, didn't even let his lips slightly touch Eddies, as he blew the smoke into his mouth.

Steve couldn’t even grab Eddies face, and he so badly wished he could've, he wanted to grab Eddies face, and keep their lips pressed together, passing smoke back and forth. Steve wanted to discard of the blunt and grip Eddies hair so he could pull on it roughly, and hear the sweet sounds he would make for Steve, and Steve only.

But, Steve hesitated. Steve hesitated because Eddie was straight, and they were just two friends, just doing what friends do, apparently.

Steve pulled back as soon as the last of the smoke left his mouth, looking for any sign of regret on Eddies face, as blew the smoke out of his mouth with a sigh.

"You did it wrong, Harrington." Steve looked at Eddie, confused as Eddie sat up straigth again.

"Let me show you how it's actually done."

"Eddie, the blunts practically all filter now, you won't even be able to-"

"Steve, give it to me." Steve handed over what was left of the blunt, to Eddie, putting his hands up in defense.

"See, Eds, theres no way-" Steve cut himself off watching Eddie pinch the end, as he brought it to his lips, inhaling, as he used his other hand, to grab the side of Steves face, and pull Steve so close to himself, their chests were flush with eachothers, and Steve was worried eddie could hear his rapid heartbeat.

Before Steve could even give it another thought, Eddie was slamming his lips into Steves, if Steve hadn't been so shocked by the sudden action he wouldve realized there was little to no smoke in Eddies mouth to begin with.

Steves body finally caught up to his brain, and he deepened the kiss, bringing one hand up to the nape of Eddies neck, and the other gripping his waist. Eddie hummed against Steves mouth, and hooked his other arm around Steve, still holding his face in the other.

Steve was the first to pull away from the kiss. “I wish I would’ve started chain smoking sooner.” Steve said in between breaths, as Eddie moved lower to kiss along his neck.

Eddie sighed sitting up, rubbing at his temple. “Steve, it's called shotgunning. SHOTGUNNING!”

-

eddie drooling over steves arms, as he watches steve use the cocktail mixer thingy. steve would be so so so into bartending too, like the whole doing tricks with the mixer, sliding drinks down the bar, and suuuuuch a flirt to make those extra tips. steve with the towel rag thing thrown over his shoulder i am swooning. steves unifrom would include a white polo that he always bought a size too small to accenuate his arms.

IF i make it a modern au, eddie could like cyber stalk the bars instagram page or something, and see all the behind the scenes clips of steve being steve, him and his coworker robins attempts at learning new serving trick together, but steve not being tagged in any of the pictures and Eddie goes like ALL out, goes through all the followers bringing his phone super close to his face to look at all the profile icons, going through all the comments of the videos/pictures that steve is in, even going as far to go through all the likes.

He couldn't even stand up straight as he greeted his students, yawning as he greeted each student, leaning his entire weight against the door frame, getting a worried look from the English teacher, Nancy, as she caught his eye from down the hall, he gave her a small gesture, and a tired smile, hoping she'd understand it meant they could talk at lunch.

Steve was apologizing for his yawning the entire day, and sure enough come lunch there was rapid knocking just as the last kid had walked out, he was greeted by Nancy, and Robin, the music teacher.

"Steve, you look like death! Nance, you weren't kidding!" The two of them both took seats, in the closest student desks to Steve, who was mumbling out responses as he laid his head on his desk.

"Okay, spiiilllll." Nancy dragged on, drumming against the desk excitedly. Steve sat up, with another yawn, as he took a long sip from his coffee.

"Geez, did Eddie get home from tour, and forget it was a school night, you two must've had fun!" Robin wiggled her eyebrows at Steve, as Nancy giggled behind her hand.

"Ha-Ha, Buckley. But, sort of, NO- Not in the way you two think, get your head out of the gutter, Wheeler!" Steve pointed a stern finger at her, as she gave him a suggestive look. "He greeted me when I got home, we finished our fun pretty early, actually, I was ready to sleep like a baby." Steve recounted, as a blush began to run up his neck, at the thought of Eddie last night.

He cleared his throat as he continued, "Eddie, still jet lagged, got the great idea to invite his old bandmates over, and instead of practicing in the soundproof studio that we recently added, because it "wouldn't be the same, Stevie!", they practiced heavy f-cking metal, until 4 in the morning, in the garage, which is directly under our bedroom.”

The two girls let out laughs, and gave Steve a sympathetic nod. "So, I didn't get a wink of sleep, didn't even have time to pack myself lunch." Steve sighed as he looked at his watch, seeing he wouldn't have enough time to run into town to grab anything either.

The two girls stood, talking at the same time, "I packed some extra lunch," "You can share with me, I can't promise it'll be good, though.”

Steve stood with the girls, nodding along, as they made their way to the door to walk down to the teachers lounge. As Steve opened the classroom door for the girls, he was greeted by none other than the reason for his lack of sleep.

"Hey Sweetheart," Eddie greeted with a sweet smile, Steve groaned playfully, rolling his eyes, as the girls walked past the two of them, whispering to eachother.

"Oh! Don't forget how thin these cheap walls are, Munson!" Robin called over her shoulder, as Nancy let out another laugh. Eddie flipped her off, as he followed closely behind Steve into his classroom.

Steve sat back on his rolling chair, looking up at Eddie as he stood in front of Steve's desk. Eddie swayed back and forth, hands hidden behind his back. "I figured you probably didn't get much sleep last night-"

"Oh really? What gave it away?" Steve scoffed, taking off his round glasses, and setting them to the side.

"Well, you were grumbling all morning and threw all of your discarded outfit choices pretty roughly at my sleeping head today." Eddie listed off. Steve let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head, humming in response. At this, Eddie moved his hands from behind his back, showcasing a brown bag. "So, I thought what better way to repay my honey, than to bring him a greasy lunch full of love."

Steve reached out happily, knowing he couldn't stay grumpy when Eddie was giving him those eyes. Steve began eating, as Eddie moved around Steve's desk, taking a seat on the desk in front of him. He messed with his rings, as he watched Steve hum satisfied as he took his first bite.

"I figured you didn't have time to pack a lunch, and couldn't have you surving on coffee the whole day." Eddie continued, and Steve gave him a fond smile, nodding as he swallowed.

"You saved me from eating whatever leftovers Robin had cooked up, and was going to share with me." Steve laughed, "Last time I ate what she made me, I had to use my precious Sick Days!"

Eddied joined in on the laughter, before hooking his heel around the arm rest of Steves rolling chair, and pulling him closer, so Steve was slotted between Eddies legs, Steve let Eddie pull him, resting his elbows on his thighs, as he continued to eat his burger.

Eddie began combing his fingers through Steves hair, humming along to a instrumental they came up with last night. "Missed you, missed us." Eddie said softly, as Steve finished his burger, throwing the wrapper back in the bag, and moving closer into Eddies touch, snaking his arms around Eddies waist. "Maybe you should've used more of those precious Sick Days, so you coulda stayed in bed with me."

Steve smiled, feeling his cheeks flush. "Couple more days, and then you'll be able to bug me all of Winter break, my love." Eddie sighed, cupping Steve's face, making him look up at him. Steve kept his eyes shut, soft smile on his lips. Eddie kissed both of his eyelids, then his nose, then his cheeks, before placing one lasting kiss on his lips. He pulled away, causing Steve to whine, chasing after his lips. Eddie smiled lovingly, pressing his lips to Steves again.

The two lazily kissed as Eddie sat on Steves desk, until the bell rang, and when Steve stood and tried to pull away, Eddie pulled him closer, bringing Steve's bottom lip into his mouth, Steve giggled, pulling back softly, not being able to fully talk. "Babe- Mph, I- have to open the-mMpH the door."

Eddie shook his head, humming disapprovingly. "Five more minutes", he begged against Steves lips, keeping his arms hooked around Steve’s waist.

"They'll start knocking", Steve protested, once Eddie released his lip, and leaned up to kiss the mole on Steves exposed neck.

"Let them." Eddie mumbled, and Steve realized he wouldn't win this battle, so he stood there, wrapping his arms over Eddies shoulders, as Eddie lazily kissed along his jaw, out of love, not looking to go any further, more of I missed you kind of kisses, because he missed being home, in Steve’s arms.

The knocking started, just as Steve suspected. Only getting louder, as Eddie protested. "Steve! Open up, my sister told me Eddie's here!" Steve could hear Mike yell through the knocking, he sighed, as he pulled away, and went to open the door.

"Michael, we talked about this- It's Mr.Harrington, to you, during school hours!" Steve corrected, Mike rolled his eyes as Steve used his full name. As soon as the door was opened fully, the kids started piling in.

Dustin, and Mike running up to Steve's desk, to bombard Eddie with questions about tour, and if the kids begged Steve to let Eddie talk about tour, instead of prep for their final (Mr.Harrington, this is geography, technically, it would work perfectly! I teach History, Lucas! Are they not the same thing?), no one had to know.

Steve really only gave in, once he finally looked at Eddie (oh, cmon Stevie, you'd get to sit back and rest for a class period). So, Steve sat back, and watched fondly as Eddie talked animatedly to the class, asking Steve to display each city Corroded Coffin played at, as he spoke about it, rating the city on his “Munson Scale”. Was it educational? No. Was it useful information? Also, no. Was it entertaining? Yes.

Steve tried to lay his head on his desk, and get in a quick 30-minute nap, but was too captivated watching his Eddie entertain his students, he couldn't focus on anything, not even feeling tired anymore.

The fourth week, Steve walked through the door, holding it open for a slightly older woman, some soccer mom, rather fit, probably on her way to zumba class, who had a fluffy Pomeranian in tow. Steve greeted the woman, as he held the door, asking if he could pet the dog that was licking at Steve's freshly polished shoes. She happily agreed, and kept trying to make small talk with Steve as he squatted down, giving the fluffy dog all of his attention, much to the woman's dismay. When they left he walked up to Eddie, who greeted him. "Looking extra happy today, Steve," Eddie had added, as Steve repeated his usual order. Steve nodded, as he watched the older woman continue across the street with her dog. 

"Course, I am. Did you see how cute that dog was?" Steve had replied. 

"Seemed like the dog's owner was just as interested in you, as you were the dog." Eddie suggested. 

Steve shook his head bashfully, before replying, "Not my type." At this Eddie had raised his eyebrows, as he turned away from Steve. 

After some silence, Eddie threw in "Mine either." Steve smiled at that, taking his drink from Eddie, as Eddie sent him off with his normal farewell. Steve made it to the door of his building before looking down to see what Eddie wrote this time: "Teve". Steve had a dopey smile on his face, the entire way up to his office, excited to show Robin this week's edition. 

The fifth week, Steve and the rest of the firm had been swamped all week with a big case, Steve, and the others had no time to get their fixes of caffeine, so his boss, Nancy, sent Robin, with the company card, to get everyone their normal orders. Robin said she'd go to the closest cafe, and be back as soon as possible, as she wrote down the last order, which was Steve's usual. 

Robin was back in thirty minutes, two cup trays in hand, and two brown bags of pastries on her forearms. Steve was the first up, taking the load off of Robin, thanking her profusely. Robin spent the next few minutes, reading off names, as she handed out everyone's order. She let out a laugh as she picked up the last cup, apologizing for interrupting Jonathan and Nancy, as she handed Steve his drink. 

Steve looked between her and the cup, before he finally saw what she was trying so hard to stifle her laugh over. Written once again in big bold letters: "Styve". Steve had sighed, putting his head against the conference room table, because he knew if he looked up at Robin he wouldn't be able to hold back his laughter. 

The sixth week, Steve had a day off that Nancy insisted he take, because of all the extra hours he put in the week before working the case. Eddie watched from inside, as a maroon Bimmer pulled up in front of the shop, and when the driver stepped out, his jaw went slack, as he recognized the perfectly styled hair, Ray Bans shielding his hazel eyes from the bright sun, dark blue polo, and blue jeans hugging his body in all the right spots, not much different up top, but more laid back than his usual business attire. 

Eddie watched as Steve pulled open the door with one hand, and took his glasses off with the other before he stepped in, a welcoming smile spread over his face. He kept eye contact with Eddie as he walked up to the counter, hooking his glasses into the opening of his shirt- and holy f-ck did he leave those buttons undone on purpose. 

Eddie couldn't stop staring at the chest hair peeking through from the open area of his polo, Steve's simple gold chain glistening against the natural light that seeped into the cafe. He followed from where the chain sat on his neck, to the two moles that stood out on Steve's neck, to Steve's lips that were moving as he spoke, but Eddie couldn't hear a thing he said, all the way up until their eyes met. Steve's eyes were so warm, and inviting, crinkling slightly as he smiled. 

Eddie was finally coming back to his senses, as he reached for his marker, lips moving faster than his brain before he asked, "Is that all, big boy?" He watched as Steve stilled, and Eddie finally came to his senses. "Oh! I mean, Uh, I mean is that all, sugar?" Eddies eyes widened again, as he felt his cheeks flush red. shaking his head. 

Steve let out a soft chuckle, nodding. "Yeah, you got it, two sugar, three cream, please." Eddie nodded firmly, turning away from Steve as he started brewing a fresh batch, it would take longer to get his order out, but at least it meant he could look at Steve some more. 

Eddie cleared his throat. "Sweet ride you have out there," turning to look at Steve again, who had his arms crossed over his chest, and oh my g-d, Eddie wanted to bite him. 

Steve smiled, nodding proudly at his car, "Sure is, sweet Stacy, the only woman I can handle in my life." Steve added with a quiet laugh. "Even better view under the hood." I wish I could get a view under your hood, Eddie turned back around as he heard the coffee start dripping.

"Missed ya last week, did you get tired of seeing my gorgeooousss face?" Eddie teased, feeling more confident now that he wasn't facing Steve. "Had to send down your assistant for your usual." Eddie put emphasis on “assistant” in a posh accent. 

Steve laughed, shaking his head. "Robs is more than my assistant, she's shadowing me and the firm for school, but is labeled as an assistant for now." Steve spoke proudly of Robin too, it warmed his heart. 

Eddie remembers when she came in, wild look in her eyes, emphasizing the drinks were for her boss, as she walked up to the counter, repeating each order carefully, and triple checking they were all correct with Eddie. Eddie remembers sulking around that Friday as 8 o'clock had passed, and Steve had yet to show up. He had thought Steve had been offended by the silly misspellings of his name, and went to go find a different cafe. 

He remembers the way his breath hitched as Robin read out the last order, Steves usual. Eddie had stood up straighter, asking her for names on the order to confirm his theory. Normally, he'd send off an order like this with just the order tags, and let the group figure out who had what order. But, he needed to know for his own ego, that this coffee was for Steve. 

Eddie waited anxiously as Robin read through all the names, until she finally got to the last order. "Annnd, Steve for the Large coffee three cream, two-" "Sugars." Eddie had finished for her. As Eddie and his co-worker finished the eight drinks, he called out Robin's name at the pick up counter. 

Robin rushed over, but Eddie stalled wanting to get some more out of her. "Do you work up the road? With Steve?" 

Robin had nodded, "Mhm, I'm his PA, they've been swamped with work this week, boss figured everyone needed the quickest pick-me-up. How do you know Steve?" 

Eddie smiled, reaching under the counter to grab a brown bag, and start throwing in a couple of pastries. "Steve's a regular, for me. I recognized the order, and had to ask since he wasn't in today." He finished, as he handed two bags of pastries over to Robin. She shook her head, insisting she pay for them. 

"No, no, no. Steve always tips more than his basic drink even costs. I'm just paying it forward, you said they were hard at work, figured some sweets would brighten the mood." Eddie smiled. 

Robin huffed, still throwing a $20 into the tip jar, before she walked out, while Eddie wasn't looking, insisting "It's what Steve would do!"

Eddie laughed to himself thinking about the encounter. "Reminds me, thanks for the pastries by the way, the team loved them." Steve had said, as Eddie was pulled out of his memories. 

Eddie smiled up at Steve, as he was adding a lid to his drink. "Anything for my favorite regular." Eddie handed off the drink at the pick-up counter. Steve smiled, handing Eddie a $20 this time, as their hands brushed, taking a sip of his drink. 

"Perfect, as always." Steve sighed, as he waved at Eddie, putting his glasses back on. "See you next week, Eddie!" He called over his shoulder. Eddie waved, continuing to watch him as he walked to his car. 

This time, Steve looked at his cup, before he opened his car door, in big bold letters, again: Steev. Eddie was blessed with seeing Steve’s reaction this time, pulling a loose strand of hair in front of his face to hide his fond smile, as he watched Steve throw his head back, and let out a deep laugh, before shaking his head and getting into his car. 

The seventh week, Steve came in at 8AM sharp, Eddie watched as Steve stood by the door, blue jeans, and a maroon sweater, one hand on his hip, and foot tapping impatiently, the other hand cupped around his mouth, as he called out to someone down the road. Steve turned to open the door, making a motion with his hands, as he ushered in six grumpy teenagers. 

Eddie's eyes widened seeing the group, and how any of this dynamic makes any sense. He watched amused as Steve finally let the door swing shut behind him, putting his hands up in an attempt to get all the talking at once to stop. He was talking to them in a hushed tone, something about needing his weekly fix, before they hit the road. 

Steve finally stood up at his full height, walking up to the counter, greeting Eddie with a smile. Eddie raised a brow, giving Steve a serious look. “You got six baby mommas you didn’t tell me about?” Steve’s eyes widened and he shook his head furiously, until Eddie began to laugh it off. “Kidding, Steve.” 

Steve smiled, before explaining. “I used to babysit them when I was in high school, guess my impact on them was so memorable they can’t seem to let me go.” Steve shrugged, sarcasm dripping from his voice, trying to stifle a laugh. 

The boy with a simple baseball cap, scoffed from behind Steve. “That’s a lie, we keep him around because he drives us everywhere, and gives out decent Christmas gifts.” He added, giving Steve a shit-eating grin. 

“Can it, Henderson.” Steve had mumbled, flicking back the kids cap softly, so that it fell off his head. Eddie snickered to himself watching the exchange. 

“Alright, so I’m assuming the usual, what about your children, Steve?” Eddie asked. Steve smiled at the remark, and moved aside to allow the kids to order. Steve monitored from the side, as the teens all began throwing orders at Eddie at once. “Large Caramel-“ “Mike, you do not need a large!” 

“Lucas, you can’t ask for that much sugar!” 

“No, El, they have normal pastries, and that’s it, they don’t serve cereal.” 

“Henderson, if you don’t stop questioning the poor worker about their dairy substitutions.” 

“Will, please do not get something iced, it is 42 degrees outside.” 

“Max, you can’t just order four shots of espresso, while I am standing right here.” 

The kids finally decided, content with their orders, moving on to find a table to fit all of them. Steve sighed, running a hand through his hair again, as he approached the counter again. “Did ya get all that?” He joked. 

Eddie nodded confidently, before putting a hand to his chest. “I’m hurt you would even question my ability, Steve.” Steve laughed, apologizing to Eddie again for the bombarding, promising to leave a hefty tip. “No worries, Steve. It was entertaining watching you go all “Mom Mode” on them.” Eddie said before turning to start on the orders. 

Ten minutes later, he called the gang over to the pick-up counter. The teens rushed over grabbing their respective drinks, before moving back to the table they picked out in the corner. Then, it was just Eddie holding on to Steve’s drink. Steve reached for his drink, thanking Eddie again for his patience.

“So, what’s the occasion?” He had asked as Steve sipped his drink. Steve smiled fondly, as he turned to look at the kids bickering amongst themselves. 

“Taking ‘em to a convention outta town, that they won’t stop talking about. I don’t want to bore you, it’s kind of nerdy.” 

“Try me.” Eddie said a little too quickly. 

“It’s a Dungeons-“ 

“The D&D convention in Chicago?” Eddie finished for him. Steve nodded, smiling at Eddie. “I wanted to go so bad, but couldn’t find a cover for my shift, no one ever wants the openings.” Eddie groaned, as Steve gave him a sympathetic nod. “Sooo. Who's the DM of the group?” Eddie asked, leaning over the counter to peer at the kids again. “I’m guessing it’s either Red, or the one that schooled you earlier.” Eddie added with a laugh. 

Steve shrugged, so he turned over to the kids and asked for Eddie. To Eddies surprise, it was the kid that had spoke the least out of the group, in the time they were there. “Oh, it’s Will!” Steve clarified for Eddie. The two continued with small talk until Eddie got another customer, so Steve went to sit with the kids. 

For the rest of the time, Eddie watched how Steve interacted with the teens, enjoying hearing some of the banter, (“Wait, Steve why is your name spelled like that on the cup?” “Like what?” “S-apostrophe-T-V-E! (S’tve)” “He threw an apostrophe in there today?!?”), and being confused by some of the inside jokes. Eddie had the biggest grin on his face, as Steve made all the kids say their thank you’s as they walked out the door. Steve waved at Eddie as he followed the kids out, and for the rest of the day Eddie couldn’t wipe that smile off of his face. 

The eighth week, Steve strolled in, wearing his usual work attire, today he wore a deep brown, fitted suit, white button up, and a matching tie. Eddie greeted him before he got to the counter, Steve smiled in return. Before Eddie could pull out a cup, Steve held up a hand, making Eddie stop in his tracks, as Steve rummaged around the inside pocket of his suit. Shortly after, he pulled out a red colored, felt bag, with a string tie. 

He held it out to Eddie. Eddie snickered, giving Steve a confused look. “What? Gonna pay in Castar today? Is that what you got in there? Some elvish coins.” 

Steve mirrored Eddie's confused expression, “Castar? Elvish coins?” 

“Wait- you don’t- I mean- you didn’t read Lord of the Rings in high school?” Steve’s furrow of his brow grew deeper. Eddie shook his head, waving it off, another time, he thought. 

“Open it.” Steve had finally said, smiling as he took his bottom lip between his teeth. Eddie slowly pulled the string on the bag, revealing a custom D&D dice set. Eddie's jaw dropped, as he pulled one out, rolling it between his fingers, holding it up to the light, inspecting the gold numbers, striking in contrast to the swirled deep reds, oranges, and black. Eddie's smile grew even wider, as he dropped the piece back into the bag, closing it back up and finally making eye contact with Steve, as a deep blush spread across his cheeks.

“I felt bad you were stuck at work, when you seemed like you really wanted to go to that convention. So, I asked the kids, what would be a good gift from a place like that. They suggested uh, character figures? I think it was? But, we realized I didn’t know much about your campaign? So, we settled on a custom set, I got to talk to the artist as she drew the numbers on your set. Sorry, I realize I’m rambling now.” Steve could feel the blush rushing from his neck to his cheeks, as he looked away from Eddie's intense gaze. Eddie still was at a loss for words so Steve kept talking. “I realize now this might be a little weird, I mean I’m just another customer, and you don’t even know how to spell my name, and- and oh, I don’t even know what I was thinking- y’know what let’s just forget I did-“ 

“Take me out.” Eddie blurted, cutting off Steve’s uncertain rambling. 

“What?” Steve had finally looked back at him. 

“Take. Me. Out.” Eddie said slowly, more clearly. He had crossed an arm over his torso, and was playing with a loose end of his hair, and he tried to read Steve’s expression, so he continued talking. “I don’t care where, I just need it to be soon, before I throw all my decency out this window, and jump the counter right now to climb you like a tree.” 

Steve had let out a hearty laugh, as he nodded along. “Beat me to it, I was going to ask you out when you handed me my coffee today, I was just too excited to give you your gift first.” Eddie couldn’t contain his smile anymore, hanging on to every word Steve spoke. “I should be off today around 4, I’ll pick you up here, don’t worry about anything, I’ve already got it all planned.” Steve had assured, watching Eddie turn away to start his usual. 

“Already all planned?” Eddie had called over his shoulder, in an attempt to hide his blushing, “You were so sure the dice would win me over?”

Steve nodded confidently, the same warm smile on his face. “Sure was, the kids said the dice would for sure win you over.” At this, Eddie let out a fond laugh, thinking about Steve and his council of teenagers.

Once Eddie finished, and handed off the drink, Steve held it up eye-level, and his smile grew wider as he read the big bold letters: Stevie. The ‘i’ dotted with a heart again. “I really like this one, got a nice ring to it.” Steve commented, locking eyes with a blushing Eddie again. “I’ll see you at 4, Eds.” 

After their date, they go on another, and another, and another. Steve's visits to the cafe become more frequent, even if he isn't buying a coffee, he'll grab a pastry, or drop off the same thing he made himself for breakfast, for Eddie to eat too (Stevie, I already told you, I can just eat a chocolate croissant! Just wanted an excuse to see you, you were up too early this morning). When Steve would come in for just a coffee though, it was always the usual, despite Eddie trying countless times to get Steve to expand his tastebuds, letting Steve taste all of his drinks he made for himself (A coffee, iced?!? Isn't it supposed to be scalding hot? Stevie, I promise it's good, just try it. Eds, I am not drinking anything iced, it is 22 degrees outside). 

Eddie still continued to misspell Steve's name, even as their relationship continued to grow. Steve thought it would stop some time soon, I mean theres only so many ways you can misspell Steve, and have it still be Steve. 

Steve should not have doubted Eddie, because once Eddie ran out of ways to spell Steve, he just started using random S-words: Soda, Sticky-Note, Sicklecell, Synonym, Saturday, Stranger, Shark, Shrink, Shirt, Ship, Sailboat, and on, and on. 

Eddie remembers the look Steve gave him as he read the first name that wasn't some variation of his own name. (Sicklecell? Really, Eds?). As the months went on, Eddie became their personal delivery boy for the firm, he had a growing bond with Robin, who he learned was Steve's closest confidant. 

Eddie would deliver drinks whenever Steve would rant to him in passing about a big case taking up everyones free time. Eddie loved having an excuse to go to Steves work, he loved dropping off Steves coffee last, watching the way he eagerly turned the cup around until he could see what Eddie wrote that day, seeing the way his eyes lit up as he laughed at whatever was written.

Making Steve smile quickly became Eddie's favorite thing to do. 

-

major thanks to @harringtonscoded for the variations of S-words once eddie ran out of ways to spell steve idea, i loved it sm <333

also thanks for all the love on this series, i have so many more little one shots prepped for this barista eddie x lawyer steve, i just love writing these two happy and in loooveee the duffer brothers should take notes about all this love and happiness

Eddie would pull Nancy away into the kitchen after they announce they’re dating, and he would lean in close and go, “Okay, let’s the cut the crap, Nance.” Nancy would look at him so confused, as she leans against the counter, thinking they were just coming in here for snacks for movie night.

“Let’s talk about Steve Harrington.” Eddie would continue. Nancy would raise her brows, as she turned towards Eddie. Eddie would reach into his back pocket and pull out a measuring tape he stole from Wayne’s tool box. “Okay, now you don’t have to say anything. I’m gonna slowly start pulling on this tape measure, and you just tell me when to stop.”

Nancy’s eyes would widen, as she chokes on her own saliva, before she clears her throat. “Eddie!” She would exclaim in a hushed whisper, shaking her head at the idea.

“Nance, please! Okay, I’ll start slow, here we go.” Eddie would start, his tongue would dart out resting against his top lip as he watches carefully as the numbers slide by.

Nancy would shake her head at his antics, deciding to open up the bag of pretzels she grabbed off the counter when they came into the kitchen.

“Okaaaaay, still going,” Eddie would announce, as he passes three inches, Nancy would roll her eyes amused, as Eddie continues pulling. Eddie watched as six inches passes by into seven inches, and Nancy still wouldn’t say anything.

“Oh my g-d! You bitch! Seriously?!?” Eddie would look up at Nancy bewildered. Nancy would throw her head back, laughing at Eddies expression, before she starts walking out of the kitchen.

part 2

-

Despite getting the same server everytime he went, and ordering the same thing every time he went, the barista still found a new way to misspell "Steve", but had no problem pronouncing it correctly every time he called it out, with the biggest grin on his pretty face.

Steve went in once a week, Friday's 8 AM sharp, right before work, it's the closest coffee shop to the law firm he works at. He would leave his car with the parking garage staff, and walk to the cafe. The first time Steve came into the shop, he was greeted by him, the barista that now helps him once a week, and continues to misspell his name, with a smile.

That stupid, pretty dimpled smile of his, with his hair always up in a messy pony, showcasing the neckalces that sat on his exposed neck, loose strands framing his face, some black band tee, hugging his biceps, and torso perfectly showing off his tattoos on his forearms, and his apron tied tightly around his waist. He had greeted Steve as he entered, "Welcome in, M' Eddie, what can I get started for you?"

Steve had got a rather simple order, "Large coffee, two cream, three sugar, please." Eddie nodded along, marking the cup accordingly.

"Name?" Eddie had asked him, looking at Steve through his lashes.

"Steve." He smiled, with a firm nod. Eddie hummed in response, as he continued to write on the cup.

"Anything else, I can grab ya?" Eddie questioned. Steve glanced at the display, then shook his head. "Just the coffee, please." Eddie nodded, double checking the total. "Alright, that'll be $4.86." Steve opened his wallet, pulling out a ten, and handing it to Eddie. "I won't need the change, thank you." Eddie smiled, putting the rest in the tip jar, and turning around to start on Steve’s order.

About five minutes later, as Steve had wondered around the cafe, he heard Eddie call out his name. He met Eddie at the pick up counter, Eddie handed him his drink, smiling. "Have a nice day, Steve." Eddie had said, emphasizing Steve's name. Steve thought nothing of it, and gave Eddie a warm smile, before he was out the door, and on his way to work.

It wasn't until Steve had got into his building, made his way up in the elevator, greeted the receptionist, then greeted his PA, Robin, then sat his coffee down on his desk, before he seen how Eddie spelled his name. Written in big bold letters, across the order tag: Stebe. WITH A B. Steve had looked at his drink quizzically, letting out a small laugh, even calling Robin in to show her.

The next Friday, Steve went in again, greeted by Eddie with a smile, ordered the same large coffee, two cream, three sugar. "Enjoy the last drink?" Eddie had asked, with a taunting grin, as he took Steve's cash. Steve would nod, and put the change Eddie gave him back in Eddie's tip jar. In five minutes, Eddie would call out Steve's name, loud and clear again, hand Steve his drink with a smile, and send him on his way.

Yet again, Steve had made it all the way to his office again, before he looked at how Eddie had wrote his name: "Stiev", with the dot of the 'i' drawn as a heart. Steve had called Robin in again, to see the new way of the barista spelling his name. This variation got a deep belly laugh out of Robin. Steve laughed softly, and kept his cup turned toward him the rest of the day, new name on display.

The third week Steve went in, greeting Eddie as he approached the counter, having their normal exchange. "You don't get all gross walking all the way over here from wherever you work”, Eddie had asked, after he took Steves order.

Steve laughed, and told him he works only a couple buildings away, and liked to get in his fresh air, before being swamped with paperwork for the day. Eddie nodded wanting to speak with Steve longer, but not wanting to keep him from his work any longer. He called out Steves name again, same smile, and same farewell.

This time Steve looked at his name as he stepped into the elevator, letting out an amused breath through his nose, as he read: Stephe. He flashed the cup to Robin, as he made his way to his office, earning another laugh from her, and a threat that she was going to change the display of his name on the office door. Friday was becoming Steve’s favorite day of the week.

-

Steve and Robin had just been let go from Family Video, for apparently "spending more time watching movies, than doing their job". If they didn't want them watching movies, they shouldn't have put a display TV in the store. Now, the two were driving around downtown looking for any help wanted signs. "I don't get it, Robbie! I laid down all that Harrington charm, you'd think she would have hired us right on the spot!."

"Steve, if that was what you called 'charm', I'm starting to really understand why you can never land a second date." Robin snorted from the passenger seat. "That poor barista, probably threw out both of our applications, after that pick up line you used."

"It was a classic! You just don't-" "STOP!" Steve slammed on his breaks, causing the car behind them to speed around, flipping them both off. "Robin, you can't do-"

"I seen the big ol' help wanted sign, and didn't want us to miss out on this momentous opportunity." Robin shrugged, as Steve parked along the sidewalk.

Steve grumbled back a response under his breath, as they both exited the car, making their way towards the Record Shop. "Hey, lighten up! This job might be 'life changing'! What if we find the love of your life here!" Robin joked, as she jabbed at Steve's side.

"Robin, if we get hired here, and it leads to me finding the 'love of my life', I will give you my car." Steve added sarcastically, as he opened the door for Robin.

-

It has been two weeks, since they both got hired at the Record Shop. Max, Lucas, and Dustin have visited a couple times. Max was excited, because she presumed she would be able to use Steve's discount to get all the tapes she could imagine for her Walkman. Steve, and Robin both loved the place, the owners were a really cute old couple, Roy and Tammy, they got to play whatever they wanted over the store speakers while they worked, see all the new releases, wear their own clothes as a uniform. Steve and Robin had even come up with their own game behind the counter, where they would try and guess what a customer was going to buy, based on what they were wearing. They even had a little tally going on in the backroom. Robin was much better at Steve than this guessing game, leading by seven points.

Today, Robin asked Steve if he was fine running the shop on his own, she had plans to get coffee with this girl from the Bookstore across the street from the Record store. Her name was Nancy, and she had been in quite a few times since the two have gotten hired, constantly asking Robin her thoughts and opinions on certain tracks. Robin's been smitten ever since. Steve had agreed, wishing her luck, as he hung up the phone.

Steve got to work today, wearing his favorite yellow sweater, some light wash jeans, and his white chucks. It was a Thursday, inventory day, Steve had forgotten that was today, when he had so easily agreed to let Robin take the day off. Steve huffed, and cursed Robin in his head, as he brought yet another box up to the front counter. He sighed when he took a seat at the counter, as he laid his head down on the cool counter, enjoying a split second of bliss, before the door was practically kicked open, letting the bell that hung over the door ring louder than normal. Steve shot his head up, sitting up straighter, as the person walked in.

"Ohhhh Roooyyy, you know what today is! Metallica just dropped a new album, man!" The stranger called out as he walked directly towards the labeled section, not even glancing at the counter. "Also, whats with this pop garbage over the speakers, man!" Steve took this time to watch him, as he sifted through the various album covers, as his ring clad fingers pulled out an album to marvel at, before placing it back. He watched as the man, stuck his tongue out as he moved to the next row, and how he shook his long hair out of his face, and continued to search. Steve stared at the vest that covered his back, and the way his jeans clung to his legs, chain looped across the first two loops of his jeans, and the neatly folded black hankerchif sticking out of his back pocket.

Steve stood from the counter, running a hand through his hair, as he went to approach the stranger. The man hummed a tune softly under his breath, that Steve was unfamiliar with. Just as Steve was going to clear his throat to get his attention, the man let out an exasperated sigh, before yelling, "Roy! Did you fall in the back again?" The man quickly turned around, running right into Steve's chest.

They both let out gasps, the stranger from shock, and Steve from the blow. As the two regained balance, the man laughed. "Holy shit, man, say something next time!"

Steve, now even closer to the stranger, could not find any words. Too busy, scanning his features up close, getting lost in his pretty brown eyes. Steve shook himself out of his thoughts, before clearing his throat. "M'sorry, was trying to catch my breath again over at the counter when you walked in."

"Wow, didn't realize I had that kind of effect on strangers, let alone hot strangers. What's your name?" The man smiled slyly, as he looked up at Steve.

Steve felt the heat rush to his cheeks, trying to hide his reaction, as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Uh, Steve. Roy isn't in today, but it is inventory day, so any new releases, I'm in the middle of putting out right now." Steve turned away from the man's intense gaze, clearing his throat as he turned away, walking towards the counter again. "I'm sorry, normally they're out by now, 'cause I have my coworker to help, but they're gone today." Steve continued to explain, as the man followed him to the counter where the boxes were stacked.

"S'Fine. Need a hand?" The man asked, as Steve opened up one of the boxes.

"No, I couldn't ask you to do that, I'll just hurry up, try and get you your album sooner." Steve said quickly, as he went to lift another box onto the counter. The man reached out, and put his hand on Steve's shoulder, stopping his frantic movements. Steve felt his whole body heat up from the touch alone.

"As much as I'd love to see you all sweaty, theres no need to do all that. I seriously don't mind, I've helped Roy and Tams a couple times anyways." He explained, as he took the box from Steves hands. "The names Eddie, by the way."

"Eddie." Steve quietly repeated to himself, as he opend the other box that Eddie had moved on to the counter. "Sooo, do you come around here often?"

"Are you flirting with me, Stevie?" Eddie looked up from the box in front of him, giving Steve that same smile from before.

"No- I just- Well-" Steve tried to quickly get out, as Eddie let out a melodic laugh.

"I'm joking, you walked right into that one." Eddie shook his head, as he turned away from the counter with a stack of new albums ready to put them in their respective section. Steve was still a blushing mess, wondering how any person could have this effect on him.

He was taken out of his trance by Eddie calling for him from across the store. "Steve, is this fucking ABBA playing?" He questioned, as the opening note to "Dancing Queen" played through the store.

Steve nodded, as he moved closer to where Eddie stood, with another stack of albums in his hand. "Yeah, why?"

"S'Nothing, I just thought Roy let you guys play your own music, while you worked." Eddie continued, as he moved past Steve to grab some another stack.

Steve stood their confused, watching Eddies back as he walked to the counter. "He does?" Steve replied, confused as to what Eddie was getting at.

Eddie let out another laugh, as he walked back over to Steve. "You're funny, dude. Seriously, that's hilarious." Steve looked towards Eddie again, giving him a quizzical look.

"What did I say?" Steve asked.

Eddie stopped in his tracks, and looked up at Steve. "Wait, wait, wait. You're not kidding? You seriously play ABBA while you work? Holy shit, I think I need a minute." He placed down the stack of albums, on a nearby counter, before he literally doubled over in laughter. Steve huffed as he set down his albums as well, walking close to Eddie, with both hands on his hips.

"What's so funny about it?" Steve questioned as Eddie continued to laugh. Steve tried very hard to keep the bit going, as he listened to Eddie's infectious laugh.

Eddied sounded out of breath as he replied. "You just don't look the type, maybe some Bee Gees, Journey, I don't know, even Tears for Fears."

"Huh? What's so shocking about it? What's not to like?" Steve continued to question, as Eddie started laughing again. "Youuu can dance, youuu can jiiive." Steve began to sing along, making Eddie laugh even harder, swatting his hand at nothing in an attempt to get Steve to stop.

The two let out a long sigh as the song conlcuded, Eddie shaking his head as he looked over at Steve, who whistled along to the final notes. "I'm going to make it my personal mission to show you some real music, Steve."

Steve rolled his eyes at the remarks, as he walked back over to continue putting away his stack.

The two finished fairly quick, throwing playful banter at each other the whole time, and Eddie continued to judge every single choice Steve made for music. By the time they finished, it was just in time for Steve to close up shop. He sighed, as he moved from the back room to lock up the front door, and flip the sign from "Open" to "Closed". He turned back to face Eddie who had made himself comfortable, sitting at the stool behind the counter, examnining the wall of posters that Roy had Steve and Robin put up.

"Lemme pick the music now." Eddied requested, as he hopped off the stool, walking over to Steve. Steve smiled, shaking his head. "Sorry, store’s closed, sir. You'll have to get going."

Eddie groaned, throwing his head back. "Stevie! Please! I will fall over and d*e right on this store floor, if you don't let me choose one song to play for you." Steve tried to stifle his laugh, with the back of his sleeve, shaking his head. Eddie rolled his eyes, letting out a big sigh before throwing himself on the floor. Steve let out a gasp, crouching over Eddie

"Dude! I was joking!" Steve exclaimed, as his eyes scanned over Eddies face. Eddies face broke out in a wide grin, as he opened his eyes, bringing his hand up to pat Steves cheeks.

"I knew you'd come aorund, Big Boy." Eddie pushed himself back up, quickly moving over to the section labeled "Rock". Steve still recovering from the nickname, watched as Eddie picked up an album, from the "D" section. Eddie turned on his heel, running over to the stores record player, carefully placing the pin, over his desired area.

Steve listened as the opening notes played through the store. He watched as Eddies smile grew, as he began nodding along to the beat. He finally turned to help Steve up from the floor. "I Speed at Night by Dio." Eddie announced, as Steve listened carefully. "I figured I'd ease you into my kind of music, I think this one is pretty mellow, mainstream for this genre." Eddie continued.

Steve shoved Eddie playfully. "I don't listen to mainstream music." At this, Eddie laughed again. “Also, I would not consider this ‘mellow’.” As the song continued.

"Steve, every song you played made me think we were just listening to the Top 50 Hits radio station." Eddie replied.

"You suck." Steve sighed, as they let the song play out.

Two hours later, Steve and Eddie were sat across from each other at the counter, a box of take out placed between them, that Eddie had ran down the road to get, insisting he buy Steve dinner. The only light left on in the store, being the single lamp, that hung over the counter, illuminating the two boys' animated conversation.

The new Metallica album, Master of Puppets, played lowly in the background, as Eddie stood up and reenacted a portion of his story, Steve watching closely, as if Eddie held the Sun in his hands, while he continued to eat from their shared box.

The boys were interrupted as they heard the door rattle, and quiet voices, as the bell above the door rang out. Steve stood quickly, Eddie close by his side, Steve held his breath, anticipating the worst, until he heard it.