this kills me because we never really see Steve's scars and it drives me BONKERS
imagining a world where Steve actually has the scars from his fights. Eddie sees them -- first, the neck scar. Sees how red and angry it is against Steve's otherwise golden skin. Sees how the scar drags through his moles, disrupts the clean lines of his throat.
And all Eddie can think is what the actual fuck happened to Steve Harrington.
Lets not forget that post s4 the town has a billion cracks in the ground and chaos is reigning. Eddie looks at Steve limping around, deems him some kind of tragic hero as he watches Steve dote on a gaggle of teens -- some of which Eddie has taken quite a liking to in Hellfire.
He tries prodding Dustin.
Eddie walks up to Dustin one day, slams into the wall beside him, makes the kid jump. "What's the deal with Harrington's neck?"
Dustin freezes, eyes going wide, quickly darting away to the opposite wall. "Uh, what? I don't -- there's nothing -- he's just--" he turns, hands wringing his jacket. "I gotta -- uh -- bye!"
And Dustin just fucking runs off.
The only thing he can think of is that Steve did it to himself. And it freaked Dustin out enough that he's too scared to talk about it.
Which makes sense. Dustin practically worships the guy. He's probably terrified of losing him.
He goes to Family Video, lurks around the shelves, strikes up conversations with Robin. They've known each other through the fringes of Hawkins High social circles, so it's not that weird.
Though Robin is thoroughly confused why Eddie is constantly around now.
One day, he's leaning across the counter, talking to Robin about some music thing. Steve walks to the back. Eddie hesitates, decides this is his chance.
He looks up at Robin who is already staring at him, one brow cocked.
"So, uh, what's the deal with that scar on Harrington's neck?"
Robin blanches, eyes going wide. "Uh. It's, uh-- ya know, it's not really anything. I mean, what scar? There's no scar. What do you--"
Eddie looks at her, watches her frantically shake her head, her hands, mouth running a mile a minute.
"He just, uh -- he...fell? No, wait, uh --"
The door chimes, a customer walking in.
Robin takes the opportunity and runs. "Gotta go -- work!"
Eddie watches her retreating form, his theory feeling more and more valid with her freak out.
The thought settles like lead in his stomach. He shouldn't care this much, but he does. He doesn't want anyone to feel that way, to feel the need to --
So, Eddie makes a plan. Decides he's going to ask Steve to hang out. Going to talk to him, offer him support. Maybe tell him about his own fears, his own dangerous thoughts he's fought against.
Eddie is nervous as all hell because they've barely spoken to each other besides small talk. He's fidgeting like crazy, waiting in the parking lot of Family Video for Steve to go on lunch. His head snaps up at the chime of the door, eyes locking on Steve's profile, how the sun glints off his cheekbones.
Steve starts walking down the street and Eddie panics. Yells out, "Harrington!"
Steve jumps, turns immediately, eyes frantically looking around, fists clenched. He spots Eddie, his form slightly loosening. "Jesus fucking -- Eddie, what the fuck, man?"
Eddie blanches, walks toward him. "Yeah, sorry, uh. I just. I need --"
Steve softens, head cocked. "You good?"
Eddie sighs. "Yeah, man. I just -- do you wanna maybe hang out? Tonight? Or tomorrow if you already have plans? I -- yeah."
Steve's eyes widen slightly, sun shimmering on hazel streaks, his lips parted. "Uh, yeah. Yeah, that'd be great, actually. Tonight?"
Eddie nods vigorously. "Yeah. Yeah, tonight."
"I get off at 6, have to drop Robin off, but then I'm good. Did you have something in mind, or?"
"Yeah, yeah I have something." Eddie bounces on his feet, flashes a wry smile. "Pick you up at 6:30?"
Steve smiles, the sight damn near knocking Eddie off his feet. "6:30. Looking forward to it."
"See you then, sweetheart." Eddie stutters, realizes what he said. Watches as Steve's cheeks redden, how his smile grows soft.
Steve nods, walks off toward the diner on the corner to get lunch.
Eddie turns, walks back to his van, his chest full of frantic butterflies trying to escape. What the fuck. He checks his watch -- 2:00 PM.
"4 hours to plan. Alright, Munson. Let's do it." Eddie pulls off, mind already planning out the night. Thinking of what to say, what he can do to hopefully talk Steve off that ledge, give him some support.
Meanwhile, Steve is ordering burgers for him and Robin, his brain racing with thoughts of his date with Eddie that night. The thought fills him with warmth, prompting him to walk back into Family Video, fast food bag in hand. Makes eye contact with a confused Robin. And just blurts out, "Eddie just asked me on a date."
Robin's brows shoot up. "Oh."
They share a look. A beat passes. Robin nods. Steve turns, locks the door, flips the sign to closed.
The two of them power walk to the employee bathroom, immediately slump to the floor.
Robin grabs the food, starts picking at it, pointing a fry at Steve. "Tell me everything."
