hazel eyed steve truther

Steve sputters. Shoot, that's right. He's heard the girls gushing about the new priest in the halls. His long hair and dark, pretty eyes. The dimples in his smile. He tries to look beyond the ornate screen, but all he can make out is a shadowy figure.

“Wanna try again?”

“Don't talk to me like that,” Steve bristles. “My dad's chairman of the school council, he'll-”

“Ah,” the priest hums. “That makes you Mr. Harrington. I've heard all about you. You're captain of the swim and basketball teams.”

“That's right,” Steve huffs. “I've been busy. Those competitions are important.”

“More so than your immortal soul?”

Silence falls.

“You resent this, don't you?” the priest asks. “Coming here, laying yourself bare before a stranger. You think it's beneath you.”

Steve doesn't answer.

“You do know,” the man sighs, “that out of the seven cardinal sins, pride is the vilest, right? Because it keeps us from accepting guidance and help?”

Steve's nails dig into the bench. The stench of sage makes his head throb.

“You know that, if we do not confess our sins, we are inviting evil into our lives? Have you been tempted by evil, Steve?”

Steve's stomach sinks. Suddenly, he's seven years old again, getting caught while spacing out at Sunday school.

“Yes, father,” he admits. “I've been having … strange dreams.”

He can't bring himself to go into the details.

How all of the dreams feature the same man. How he can never recall his face once he wakes. Just the way his eyes burn - past flushed, naked skin and straight into your soul. How his fingers end in wickedly sharp nails that leave burning trails of pure, wanton lust all across your body. How his voice makes your blood boil and sends your head spinning, forcing you to heed his every command.

Kneel. Open wide. There's a good boy.

How some wicked, twisted part of him looks forward to these dreams.

The priest hums.

“Just as I feared. We have to act quickly to ward off the forces trying to lead you astray, and I need you to follow my every instruction. Can you do that?”

Steve nods. Remembers the man can't see him.

“Yes, father.”

“There's a good boy,” the man purrs. Something forbidden coils low in Steve's abdomen. “Now, you will kneel and pray for forgiveness. And tomorrow, you'll come back here. We have a lot of work ahead of us, if we want to bring you back on the right path.”

Wayne is reading the newspaper and Eddie watches him absentmindedly while chomping down another pancake, trying not to make too much of a mess with the syrup dripping everywhere.

Sometimes Eddie forgets how much time has passed since he first showed up on the trailer’s doorstep, how much he’s grown since then. But as he takes in Wayne’s features, he finds a reminder in the new lines he discovers on his uncle’s face, little signs of age that make his heart grow and sink at the same time.

It hits him then, out of nowhere, how much of his life Wayne has given up for Eddie. To raise him and help him become the man he is today. How much love he poured into his upbringing, despite all the trouble he put him through.

He’s more than just his uncle; he’s a friend, a father figure, the only worthy connection tying him to the Munson name. And for all the struggles Eddie’s early childhood entailed, he couldn’t have been luckier than to end up right here.

Wayne was always accepting of all of his choices, even the ones he didn’t condone or understand. Always making sure Eddie knew he’d have his back no matter what.

Even when Steve eventually came into the picture and Eddie was sure this would be where he’d draw the line and send him to hell, Wayne once again proved there was nothing in this world that could change his unconditional love for him.

Thinking back on it now, Eddie can’t even remember why he was so scared to introduce Steve as his boyfriend. Why he ever doubted that his uncle would do anything other but embrace the fact that Steve was now part of their unconventional little family. Treating him like a son, just like Eddie, like it was the easiest thing to do.

And it makes him wonder, how a man who has so much love to give never ended up with a family of his own.

   "Can I ask you something?”

Wayne looks up from his paper with raised brows, waiting for Eddie to continue.

   “Did you ever regret not having kids?"

Wayne takes a long sip from his mug before he answers, "What do ya mean? I got you, son."

Eddie immediately chokes up, swallows roughly to regain his composure. It never not makes him emotional whenever he’s reminded that Wayne sees in him more than just a life-long burden, a blood relative that got dropped on his door step for him to take care of. Wayne always called him his own. Made him feel like it, too. But that’s not what this is about, not the point of his question.

   "That’s- not what I mean. Did you never, like, think about getting married? You know, find a wife, have a family, all that stuff."

Wayne sets down his mug and thinks for a moment.

   "Sure. I thought about it once or twice. Had a girl once, when I was younger, thought maybe she would be the one. But I guess it just didn’t happen. And then my priorities changed.”

Meaning he took up guardianship for Eddie. Put all his spare time and energy into raising a traumatized boy instead of following his own dreams.

   “Don’t you give me that look, boy. I chose to take you in and I haven’t had a single moment of regret for doing it.”

Eddie’s throat feels tight, nose and eyes burning with tears he refuses to spill.

   “But if you hadn’t, do you think your life would be... different?”

He doesn’t say better because he knows Wayne wouldn’t tolerate him even thinking that.

   “Who’s to say? I’ll never know and I don’t care. I’m happy with my life as it is. I have you. And Steve. You're my family, that's enough."

Eddie can feel tears trickling down his face, tries his best to subtly wipe his eyes before Wayne sees it, but of course he notices it.

   "Hey now. Where's all that coming from? Is this about you and Steve?”

He doesn’t know why he’s even surprised that his uncle instantly came to the right conclusion despite not having mentioned Steve’s name once. It’s not like he could ever hide anything from him; Wayne always knew what went on in his head.

   “It’s- nothing,” Eddie lies but knows the moment he says it, that there is no use to deny it. Wayne would never push but one stern look from his otherwise gentle eyes is enough to make Eddie crumble.

   “It’s just- One of Steve's colleagues from work recently became a dad and it's all he's been talking about."

It was one of the things Eddie often joked about after his secret was finally out. Telling Wayne he’d save him from becoming a grandpa, that he wouldn’t have to worry about Eddie accidentally getting Steve pregnant and having to take care of another abandoned child so he wouldn’t lose any more hair. Wayne did not appreciate his dark sense of humour, just rolled his eyes and told him to shut it but that never stopped Eddie from bringing it up.

But lately, the same subject has been haunting Eddie every waking hour of the day and in his sleep.

   “I see,” Wayne says and rubs his scruffy chin in thought. “So now you’re worried Steve feels like he’s missing out, is that it?”

Eddie wishes he could tell himself that he’s just jumping to conclusions. That it’s not as deep as he makes it. But he knows how much Steve loves kids.

They have a whole gaggle of now young adults to prove how good he is with kids, too, because the ones he’d been babysitting as a teen still worship him like he’s their own personal hero. Still regularly call and visit and ask him for advice and guidance because they know he’s always there for them.

And in the past, Eddie thought that this might be enough to compensate for something they’ll never get to experience first-hand. That the family bond they have with all these wonderful people around them would be all they need to make their life complete. But maybe he was wrong. Maybe it isn’t enough.

   "Did your boy ever say he wants kids?"

He did, once. But that was long before they started dating, back when they were just friends and Steve was still hung up on a past relationship with a girl he thought he’d marry one day, and have kids with, and be the good version of a father both of theirs never lived up to be.

They were still so young then, foolishly caught in the illusion that they’d had their future paths all figured out, unaware of the crossroad waiting for them down the line, offering a choice they hadn’t yet considered optional.

And then, suddenly and unplanned, friends became lovers, and everything changed. And maybe it was selfish of Eddie to think all these ideas Steve had of a perfect life would simply change with him. That falling in love with another guy automatically came with the acceptance that some things just wouldn’t be in the cards anymore.

But much like Wayne chose not to get married and start a family, Steve does have a choice. And it kills Eddie inside to think that maybe he wasn’t the right one. That maybe Steve will wake up one day and realise he wasted years on something that leaves him unfulfilled. He’s not bound to the circumstances he’s in, so what if-

   “What if he does? Maybe not right now but what if he changes his mind and realises he wants something he can’t have? Not with me.”

Wayne gets up and rounds the table, makes a come here motion with his hands and pulls Eddie into his arms the moment he stands. He doesn’t comment on the sob Eddie can’t hold back any longer, just holds him tight.

   “You listen to me, Eddie. If I know anything, then it’s that Steve loves you. I could see it in his eyes the first time I met him and I still see it now, every time I see you together. The way he looks at you? Like you’ve hung the fucking moon. And I’m sure, if there’s ever anything missing in his life, he’ll move heaven and hell to make it right, together with you.”

Eddie can probably count on one hand the times he’s allowed himself to cry in front of Wayne, and that was only shortly after his old life had fallen apart. But right in this moment, he needs it more than ever. Feels like a kid again, despite his 26 years of age, as he buries himself deeper into his uncle’s embrace and lets his soothing words sink in.

Wayne is right.

Whatever it is, whatever problems they face, Steve would always try to make it work, proved it time and again in the seven years of their relationship and even before.

   “But you gotta talk to him. Can’t just keep it to yourself and hope it all goes away. We both know it’ll eat you up and then you’ll just end up doing something stupid.”

Eddie sniffs but huffs a laugh, remembers that one time Wayne had to give him a buzz cut as a kid, because he acted on impulse when he couldn’t take the teasing anymore from the boys in his class that kept calling him ‘an ugly girl’ for having long, wavy hair. Took the kitchen scissors and cut it so badly, shaving it all off was the only way it could be saved.

It wasn’t the first time he’d let his suppressed feelings boil up and explode, not the last time either, but he’s older now, maybe even a little bit wiser, knows there’s no shame in asking for help if he can’t do it alone.

   “Thanks, Wayne,” Eddie mumbles against the old man’s shoulder, gives his uncle one last squeeze before he’s ready to let go again.

-----

One minute Steve’s bitching about hauling amps, the next he’s on the rug in the middle of the living room, dropping into a backbend that looks exactly like something out of a black-and-white training photo. His ribs stand out, his hair brushes the air, one hand wrapped around the heel of his opposite foot like it’s nothing.

Eddie is quite literally in shock at this.

“What on earth are you doing, Harrington?” Eddie manages, voice strangled.

“My back hurts,” Steve says, like that explains anything. “I’m stretching.”

“I’ve never seen someone bend that way, man,” Eddie says, because holy shit. “That’s not stretching, that’s… something else”

Steve blinks up at him from upside down. “Huh? We used to do this in class all the time.”

“Class?” Eddie echoes.

“Yeah, ballet?” Steve says it so casually Eddie almost misses it. “Danced for like eight years. Stopped before high school.”

There’s a ringing in Eddie’s ears. “You did what?” he says, strangled, because Steve Harrington, secret ballerina apparently, is already more than his crush-riddled brain can handle, and now all he can think is: if he can bend like that, what else can he do?

He drags his gaze away before he gives himself away completely, shoves his hands in his pockets and tries, desperately, to sound normal. “Cool, yeah.”

Steve’s sitting up now, looking at him with this curious little squint. Eddie squirms. “What?”

Steve huffs, rolls his eyes, and pushes to his feet. “Don’t be weird about it, Munson.”

“No, yeah, I’m not, I’m just— y’know.” He shrugs, hears himself babbling. “Ballerina Steve. Whatever.” He can feel the heat in his cheeks and turns away so Steve can’t see his face hiding under his hair.

From behind him, Steve lets out this half-laugh. “Wanna see something else cool?”

Eddie’s mind trips over itself. What else could he *possibly* have up his sleeve? “Uh. Okay. Yeah. Sure.”

He turns back around—

and Steve’s already moving, spotting some invisible point on the wall and snapping into a clean fourth position before Eddie can even process it. Then he’s turning, fast, tight pirouettes one after another, the kind of spin that should belong on a stage, not in the middle of a dingy living room. His shoulders stay level, his chin locked, feet whispering against the rug in quick, sure steps until he snaps to a stop like someone hit pause.

He’s a little breathless, hair mussed, wearing this self-satisfied smirk that hits Eddie like a truck. “Still just ‘whatever,’ or did I earn an upgrade?”

Eddie’s jaw works uselessly. Words have apparently left the building. All he manages, wide-eyed and bright red, is a breathy, “…cool.”

Steve laughs like that’s the funniest thing he’s heard all week, shakes his head, and claps Eddie on the shoulder as he walks past. “Knew you’d be into that,” he says, halfway under his breath.

Which character’s point of view do you prefer to write in: Eddie or Steve?

I prefer writing Steve’s POV. I enjoy Eddie’s too, but I’m more comfortable in Steve’s as that’s what I usually write.

Is there a character you haven't written for that you'd like to explore??

I’m hyperfocused on these two characters, so not reeeealy. I did do a Gator/Eddie fic and that was fun, I enjoyed writing for Gator. I would possibly like to try my hand at some other Joe characters such as Teacake, once I’ve been able to see Cold Storage (loved the book.)

Do you only write Steddie? (For Stranger Things or other fandoms)

Until recently yes, then I did a Gator/Eddie fic. I think they’re the only pairings I’d write for.

When you are planning your stories, do you go in with a word count in mind?

I go in with absolutely nothing in mind except a vibe!

How has your participation/relationship to the steddie fandom changed since you were last nominated?

I’m definitely more active in fandom events now. I used to have my own little corner and stick to it, not really participating in events etc because I’m shy. But now I’ve done a couple - a big bang, a reverse big bang, a zine, an exchange. And looking forward to more! I also started being a beta reader, and I’m enjoying that process too.

Do you think anything about your writing process or your characterization of Steve and Eddie changed since you were last nominated?

I don’t think so, no. My process has definitely been the same since the beginning in that there is no real process - I just have an idea and start writing it start to finish. I guess the only thing within my actual writing that is different now is that I write in present tense instead of past - I find it flows better and feels more in the moment and exciting.

What was the first steddie fic that you posted and have you reread it recently? How do you feel about it?

My first steddie fic was But You Love Me? …Always, it was just a simple little sick Steve/caretaker Eddie fic. I can’t reread my older fics, because I’ll pick up on errors and so many things I would want to improve on!

In your last nomination, you mentioned wanting to explore a modern au. Have you had the chance to write that story?

Yes! A couple, actually. There and Back Again, and we’ve been haunted since we both could know are both modern au’s. The first one done for the Steve Harrington big bang, where Steve, Eddie and Dustin travel to New Zealand (where I live!) to visit LOTR filming locations. The second one a paranormal investigator/horror au which I really enjoyed writing.

Is there another trope or idea that you’re wanting to write?

I’m currently really loving writing some omegaverse fics, I’ve always loved reading them but only recently started writing them. Other than that, I have a few ideas, still waiting for inspiration to strike for my next non-event longfic, but it’ll come!

Are there any steddie creators (writers, artists, editors, any fandom activity) that inspire you to continue to create?

So many. Some off the top of my head - starthecozy, who makes the warmest, coziest art.  Authors like katyawriteswhump, who writes omegaverse fics that make me kick my feet. thisapplepielife, who has written some of my favourite fics in the fandom - Take the Money and Run, All Across the Universe, and Tuesday’s Gone With the Wind. Azriel (Oonionchiver) who made me want to start writing fics in the first place (You’re Divine is my favourite fic of all time).  This fandom is loaded with talented people, and these are just a few - there’s so many more.

Which of your fics would you recommend someone read to introduce them to the steddie fandom? And is there a fic written by someone else you would recommend for a first time steddie reader?

I would probably recommend Love Like Ghosts, since it’s the closest I have to anything resembling canon. It’s very canon-divergant, but it picks up after the series 4 final and is the series 5 that I wanted…so a reincarnated Eddie, and Steddie galore! As for a fic written by someone else…as mentioned above, Take the Money and Run by thisapplepielife, or just dive right in deep and read You’re Divine by Oonionchiver.

Did any of your fics challenge you as a writer, and in what ways?

I’m lucky enough to not struggle much with writing fics. I don’t often get writer’s block, and I usually can just sit down and happily write a chapter. The words just flow, and I can’t explain why. I did try out some new things with There and Back Again, like including photos and messenger conversation formats, and formatting that stuff was difficult because I’m terrible at formatting. So that was a challenge for me!

How did you get the idea for Love Like Ghosts?

I wanted Eddie alive, and the whole fic built around it. That’s the only fic I’ve ever stopped writing and come back to much later. I left it unfinished for months, deleted it, and rewrote it from scratch. I also kept imagining these shadow creatures like Wolf and Fox, and so they clawed their way into this fic too.

When writing There and Back Again, what was something you didn’t expect?

How difficult the formatting would be! It drove me nuts.

What inspired god how lucky can a simple man be??

…Joe Keery in a cowboy hat.

What was your favorite part to write from god how lucky can a simple man be??

I loved writing the main fic We Made Universes Out Of Bitten Lips And Broken Hands, but other than that, looking at the series…I really liked writing Leaning Back On You for some classic Steve whump, steady hand not control was another because I liked the mirroring of Dustin’s first ride on his new horse vs Steve’s last ride on his retiring horse.

How do/did you feel writing Steve Harrington's Cat Cafe?

That was an easy one to write, because I wrote from Eddie’s POV just him being completely shook by how pretty Steve is…and I get it, Eddie. Also…cats.

What was the most difficult part of writing The Wreckage Of You I No Longer Reside In?

That was my first longfic and second fic ever, it was a long time ago now. I wouldn’t say it was difficult, more maybe that I didn’t quite know what I was doing, and I was very surprised by the reception to it - there were a lot of readers, and I felt like I had to churn out chapters very quickly.

Do you have a favorite scene and/or line from any of your fics?

I can’t narrow it down quite that much, but Love Like Ghosts is the fic I’m most proud of, and specifically the final four chapters of that is my favourite thing I’ve ever written. Wolf and Fox stick with me still, and I’m loosely planning some tattoos for them, because I don’t want to let them go!

Do you have any upcoming projects or fics you’d like to share/promote?

I’m going to be putting out oneshots for the we’ve been haunted since we both could know universe, mostly Steve, Eddie and Dustin investigating various haunted places. I have a piece in the Fables and Freaks zine which may have released before this is posted, otherwise it’s coming soon! It’s a charity zine focusing on fantasy/horror/sci fi stories featuring Steddie. I’m also looking ahead to the Steddie Big Bang and have a first chapter written for a potential fic for that.

Outside of these questions, Is there anything YOU would like to add?

Just thank you to anyone who has read, commented, or left kudos on my fics. I appreciate every single one. Also to all the Steddie writers and artists out there - this fandom is supportive and incredibly talented and I love seeing everything you all create.

Thank you to our author, @ataliagold, and our nominator! See more of Atalia_Gold's works featured on our page throughout the day!

The first sign is the look on Robin’s face. One second she’s laughing at one of Steve’s dumb jokes; the next she’s staring across the diamond, aghast. It has Steve whipping his head around to see what’s so shocking, and his eyes land on the screen just in time to see a version of himself doing the same, on a moment’s delay. A gaudy pink frame, made up of heart-shaped bubbles, surrounds the two of them.

Steve turns back to Robin, her eyes as wide as he’s ever seen them. That expression communicates two important things to him.

One: She does not want to kiss him. That’s nothing new, and it doesn’t bother him at all. If anything, he’s a little grossed out by the fact that he ever entertained the thought, even if the last time he did was a million years ago.

Two: They’re watching. Steve, they’re watching us. It’s a silent plea to make them stop watching. He knows how she feels, because there’s a chittering murmur starting up in the crowd, and suddenly he feels surrounded by strangers who are desperate to witness their embarrassment.

What Steve does next isn’t an idea—it’s more of a reflex. He turns away from Robin, and before he knows it he’s got his lips locked with the guy sitting on his other side.

He didn’t clock it until he was already yanking him in by the front of his shirt, but the stranger he’s kissing is a guy. Even though long curls tickle his cheeks, Steve has enough experience to know the difference in an instant. The problem is, he can’t bring himself to care—partly because the guy is starting to recover his wits, and instead of shoving Steve away and kicking his teeth in, he’s kissing back.

He’s a good kisser, too. A great one. As suddenly as he initiated the kiss, Steve loses control of it, and he fucking melts. He feels his shoulders droop as all the tension falls out of them. He somehow manages to cup the guy’s jaw with his palm, despite his arms going all numb and tingly like he’s been lying on them for a while.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Steve is aware of the fact that he basically just outed himself to an entire stadium full of people, many of them now laughing and wolf-whistling. That’s not what breaks the kiss, though. Instead, it’s Robin tapping him on the shoulder and gently clearing her throat.

“Uh, dingus? They’ve moved on.”

Steve isn’t the one to pull back, either. The stranger’s smirk disconnects from his lips and murmurs, “Wow. Turns out I love baseball.”

Eyes fluttering open, Steve spots an older man in the seat beyond him, suppressing a grin.

Robin leans across and says to the stranger, “Thanks for taking one for the team.”

Blushing, Steve mumbles, “Yeah. Thanks, man.”

“The pleasure’s all mine, big boy,” the stranger replies, still smirking.

The last couple innings go by without further incident. But as they stand up to leave at the end of the game, Steve feels a folded scrap of paper being slipped directly into his hand. He opens it slowly as the stranger departs with a coy look over his shoulder.

But he's not an idiot. Steve Harrington isn't gonna fuck another alpha. Especially not one that's such a freak. Not when he has all the omegas in their class throwing themselves at his feet. The stink of them is a cloying cloud that follows Harrington everywhere he goes.

Eddie flexes his ass, clenching, squirming in the cafeteria seat. This is ridiculous. He is a freak. At least his cock is, as it's currently getting all horny over another alpha.

Steve lifts his head from his tray, nose flaring, swiveling like a goddamn owl until his eyes lock on Eddie's. A knowing smirk curls on his lip.

Well, fuck. Just kill Eddie now.

Eddie gets cornered outside the school in the alley between the buildings, and it's fucking stupid. Everybody knows not to corner another alpha, especially not one their age. Young, dumb knotheads. All of them.

But Steve Harrington didn't seem to get that memo, and Eddie melts back against the brick. He doesn't want to fight Harrington. He wants to fuck him.

Correction: He wants to be fucked by him. 

Eddie spreads his legs tilting his hips upwards. It's obscene, and forward, but Harrington seems to react to it positively.

"Yeah?" Eddie asks, and Harrington's eyes are blown wide as he scents him, extensively. 

"Yeah. Let's go." 

Steve wraps a big hand around both their cocks, stroking hard as Eddie looks around this very plaid room. 

"Fuck," Steve says, "I love your cock. You gonna pop? Let me feel your knot against mine?"

God, he's a freak, too. 

Eddie nods, frantically. Absolutely. He still wants. But they can start here. 

He feels the beginnings of Steve's knot, and it just fuels his own. 

Somehow, Steve's hand fits around them both, and he's jacking them both off, hard. Knots sliding together, getting bigger, catching against each other in a way that Eddie's never felt before. 

Fuck. 

Eddie comes, making a mess all over both of them. Steve follows, and they are just absolutely slick with it as Steve squeezes both of their knots, gently pulsating his grip. Eddie comes again. Groaning. 

Eddie's knot starts going down first, and when Steve feels it, he loosens his grip, allowing his own to deflate as well. 

Flopping onto his back, Eddie slings his forearm over his eyes. 

Steve does the same, arm brushing Eddie's. 

"That what you wanted?" 

Eddie laughs, the sound vibrating throughout his chest. 

"What?" Steve asks. 

"I wanted you to knot me." 

"But you're not — oh."

Eddie's humiliated. He rolls onto his belly. He can't look at Steve. 

The hand touching his ass cheek startles him, and he jumps.

Steve's wet thumb brushing against his hole is like lightning shooting up his spine.

"You think it's gonna fit?" 

Eddie laughs, unhinged. Wouldn't you know it? Freak finds freak.