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Eddie is equally very aware of when his touchiness is accepted, being tolerated, or unwanted entirely.

Has accepted he will always be the first person to reach out, to break that barrier when it comes to friends vs foes--and that, for multiple reasons, people simply do not want to touch him first.

Until Steve Harrington.

Steve has no problems giving a shoulder pat, a high five, a playful shove. Doesn't even seem to realize he's doing it, it's so natural.

Eddie has always invaded every space he's entered but Steve invades right back, uncaring of how close they sit in a crowded car, how Eddie is practically on his lap while Steve tries to provide directions to Jonathan, his hand tightening on Eddie's hip when they hit a bump.

Hooks his fingers in the belt loop of Eddie's jeans, hauling him towards some store Steve's determined to go, the act so smooth it feels natural to be towed by him.

Leans against him at parties, so close they're practically holding each other up.

The more comfortable Steve gets the more confident he becomes in his manhandling, and Eddie is far too delighted to ever call him on it.

Hopes, with everything in him, that Steve never changes. That the inevitable angry hick that'll look at them walking too close together and decides to call them a slur won't chase Steve off, won't cause forced space between them.

Won't evict Eddie from a home he didn't know he needed, until Steve opened his arms and invited him to stay.

(Does not expect Steve to sling said arm over his shoulders and press a kiss against his head when Tommy Hagan drives by, yelling some shit about Steve and fairies.

He doesn't even get to comment on it, too busy experiencing six million emotions as Tommy's car swerves wildly and near crashes before righting itself and speeding off, Steve snickering in his ear.

"ignore him," Steve says, voice amused, lips practically tickling Eddie's ear, "He's just jealous."

"I don't think that was jealously, Steve." Eddie says when he manages to find his voice, still too shocked to move, half concerned Hagan's going to come back.

Steve leans on him just a little bit harder. "Trust me, it was." He says, and his voice sounds different, for a second, like he's--like he's flirting, and Eddie can't really process that either, but makes a damn good attempt right up until the group catches up.

Steve let's him go to catch Robin up to speed, making fun of Hagan while he does it and for a second Eddie's left behind.

Then a hand reaches back, grabs the front of his vest.

Steve tugs once, without even bothering to look back and Eddie goes.