Let’s play a lovegame - Steve Harrington x f!reader x Eddie Munson- reality tv AU
Sumerry: The last few years had been a romantic massacre, deception after deception seemed to follow you and your best friend Robin, so when you woke up with the shocking realization that the both of you had drunkenly submitted a tape for one of the biggest dating shows currently out there its safe to say the both of you were mortified… until both of you got casted. And now the both of you were getting ready to unbark on this new adventure together. What connections could you make, and who could you meet along the way.
Warning: slight 18 and up content, involving heavy making out and sexual tension
Author's note: this was definitely a ride to make, I don’t know how I feel about it but I really hope you guys enjoy it. I haven’t been too active lately cuz college is genuinely killing me but I loveeeee writing so I hope that even though I’m tired my writing doesn’t reflect it. If you guys would want another fic with this plot but maybe make it spicier I would be so down for it. Hope you guys enjoy 🖤
Heaven's Love Paradise is a fictional reality tv love show, in this show we start off with 6 (slowly bring it more) contestants and each one is looking for love, each contestant must be 21 and up and they have to be prepared to partake in challenges and be subjected for votings. The public can vote and interfere/ break up couples if they don't like the pairings that have formed.
The van doors slide open and the villa looks like something ripped out of a dream someone rich had after watching too many dating shows. White stone. Glass walls. A pool shaped like a lazy heart. Fairy lights tangled through palm trees Above the entrance, the gold script sign reads:
Somewhere, a camera drone hums making You squeeze your suitcase handle tighter.
“Okay,” you mutter, “if I trip on the first step, just push me into the ocean and tell my mom I died, I rather die than have that be my reputation.”
Beside you, Robin snorts. “Please. If you fall im narrating that shit as if i was a sports comentator’”
“tragically y/n has taken a career ending injury"
You laugh, nerves loosening, you can see the front doors swing open. Inside, five strangers look up at once and suddenly it’s very real. Cameras. Microphones. The smell of citrus candles.
A girl with sharp eyes and perfectly controlled posture steps forward first “Hi,” she says, offering a hand. “Nancy.”
Her smile is warm but assessing, like she’s already writing an article in her head.
Nancy Wheeler- Journalist, 24, new york city
You she’s robins hand. “I’m robin and this is y/n, we’re from NY, this is already forming to be a great day i cant believe we ran into someone attractive straight away”
Nancy laughs, quick but genuine. Robin immediately lights up looking at nancy laugh at her joke
Leaning against the kitchen island, holding a beer muscle flexing under his shirt like greek god, hes tall with broad shoulders and soft eyes, it was obvious he was trying very hard to look confident.
He straightens when he notices you staring
He gestures awkwardly to himself
“Steve Harrington” he says a bit awkwardly
Steve Harrington, 25, gym teacher and baseball coach for middle and high schoolers, New jersey
There’s something slightly boyish about him must have been from what he's dedicated his life too
“Baseball coach,” he adds quickly. “Which sounds cooler than it is. It’s mostly yelling ‘run!’ at children and praying the motivational speech was corny enough to do some type of work on them.”
You grin. “Truly heroic work.”
He points at you with finger guns. “Thank you. Finally, someone respects the profession.”
Your eyes linger half a second too long.
He notices and his face turns pink slightly.
He was cute. Too cute for you to be able to just ignore it
Next to him, a quiet guy with a camera already slung around his neck gives you a small wave.
“Jonathan,” he says softly.
Jonathan Byers.- 24, photographer, california
“And I’m Chrissy!” a bubbly voice chirps. A blonde girl practically bounces over and hugs you like you’re old friends.
Chrissy Cunningham- 24, Indiana, professional dancer
“I’m so glad none of you are scary. I thought this was gonna be, like, hot people Hunger Games.”
Robin leans toward you. “Give it time.”
Later on the day, you’re all sitting cross-legged in a circle on the living room floor, drinks sweating in your hands. Music hums low. The ocean sighs outside the glass doors.
Stories spill out easy. Jonathan talks about photographing sunsets in California. Nancy vents about editors ruining her headlines and Chrissy rambling about missing her dog. Robin was now the one talking she was animatedly describing a disastrous NYU presentation that somehow involved a kazoo.
Steve bumps your knee with his. “Careful,” he murmurs. “If you laugh too hard, they’ll edit us into a rom-com montage.”
He tilts his head. “Depends. How's the light hitting me right now?”
“Youre bathing in natural sunlight, you literally look like some greek go-”
The words slip out and if you had the option of having the ground open up and shallow you whole, you would take it about now
You both freeze but he then smiles slowly “Well,” he says quietly, “that’s the nicest thing anyone’s said to me all day.”
Your stomach does a small backflip. Good you hadn't completely humiliate yourself
Across the circle, Robin is leaning closer and closer to Nancy, their shoulders brushing. Nancy keeps smirking at everything Robin says
Jonathan watches them slightly
The energy shifts. Warmer. Looser.
“Okay, okay. We HAVE to play Never Have I Ever.”
A mix of ground and cheers broke out
“Never have I ever…” Nancy starts, eyes glittering, “dated two people at the same time.”
Robin and Jonathan both drink.
Nancy laughs. “Interesting.”
Robin points. “Never have I ever had a one night stand”
Everyone screams and laughs surprised she had done that
Steve leans toward you. “This is where it gets starts getting real fun”
You clear your throat. “Never have I ever… had a crush on someone in this room already
Robin howls, and then takes a sip of her drink looking at nancy
On the other side sat Jonathan who also sipped his drink looking at nancy
Nancy just stared at the both of them, smiling slightly to herself, Nancy raises an eyebrow at both of them a chuckle escaping her lips.
You can feel heat crawling up your neck as Steve whispers, “Well. Guess we’re honest drunks.”
“Apparently,” you whisper back.
Then suddenly the lights dim and a spotlight appears by the stairs. A tall, sharply dressed man steps down like he rehearsed it in a mirror.
“Good evening, lovers,” he says smoothly. “Welcome to your first night in Heaven’s Love Paradise.”
The name hangs in the air a little heavy
“Tonight, you must choose a sleeping partner. Tomorrow you'll all be joining an afternoon brunch. And trust me… you’ll want to be well rested.”
He winks and just like that he’s gone, leaving before anyone could even really ask about tomorows
All of you broke into awkward giggles and quick side glances.
The Choices you all make suddenly feel much heavier
Nancy clears her throat and looks at Jonathan. “Hey… want to room together?”
He smiles like he hoped she’d ask. “Yeah. I’d like that.”
Robin watches them for half a second too long. Then she snaps back to cheerful. “Chrissy, sleepover vibes? I snore but like…trust me its part of my charm.”
Chrissy gasps. “Yes! We can braid each other’s hair!”
And just like that, it’s decided.
Standing in the hallway, just the two of you
He rubs the back of his neck. “So… uh… rooming buddies?”
You smile. “Yeah. rooming buddies"
The room was stunning but the sheets were already calling your and steves name, the both of you quietly got into your pajamas and turned the lights off.
Moonlight spills across the bed like silver paint. You’re both on top of the covers, inches apart, facing each other.
Talking about nothing and somehow everything all at once.
You both talked about your Favorite movies. Bad dates. How weird it is being watched all the time.
His voice gets softer as the night deepens.
“You’re easy to talk to,” he says.
“I’m glad it’s you,” he adds.
His voice was honest as he said this
Your shoulders brush and neither of you dares to move away.
Outside, the ocean could be heard, the wavez crashing gently against the shore could be heard
The both of you drift off to sleep. Excited for what's to come
———-———————————————————————————————————————
Morning in the villa arrives softly, the Sunlight spills through the glass windows in warm honey stripes, painting the walls a light shade of gold. For a second you forget where you are. But Then it hits you.
Cameras. Strangers. Steve.
You turn your head looking for Steve but you're only greeted by an empty pillow, you turn your head slightly checking the room for any sign of him but you have no such luck But then you notice the nightstand.
His handwriting is big and slightly crooked, like he pressed too hard.
making breakfast. come to the kitchen sleepyhead.
There’s a little badly drawn smiley face at the bottom.
You laugh into the pillow you could feel the butterflies in your stomach
You shuffle down the hall in socks, an oversized tee slipping off one shoulder. The villa is already alive with soft clanking and low voices.
The kitchen smells like cinnamon and butter.
Steve and Jonathan, side by side at the stove like an oddly wholesome cooking show.
Jonathan flips pancakes with quiet focus while Steve is aggressively losing a battle with a spatula.
“Why is it sticking?” Steve mutters. “It’s literally bread. How do you mess up bread?”
“Because you’re using too much heat,” Jonathan says calmly.
You lean on the counter. “Morning, Gordon Ramsays.”
And just stops. His smile spreads slow and soft.
“Hey,” he says, voice rough with morning. “You’re up.”
There’s something intimate about it. Your stomach flutters again. Annoying persistent.
At the table, Nancy, Robin, and Chrissy are already deep in conversation, heads close together
Robin waves wildly. “Sleeping Beauty's finally awake !”
Chrissy gasps. “We were about to send a search party!”
Nancy smirks. “Or assume Steve finally murdered someone with all the toxins those 3 pieces of burnt toast have let out.”
“RUDE,” Steve calls without turning around.
You sit down with them, chin in your hand. “So. Reports. How was last night?”
Chrissy beams. “Robin and I talked about life and skincare and we ranked all our celebrity crushes”
Robin nods. “Purely platonic. Zero romance. Ten out of ten friendship sleepover” She says it lightly, but her eyes flick to Nancy when she says it, no sense of subtlety
Nancy’s composure cracks just a little. A blush creeps up her cheeks.
“Oh,” she says casually, way too casually. “Yeah. My night was… good.”
Robin raises a brow. “Good good? Or just good?”
Nancy tilts her head. “Let’s just say… I’m still keeping my options open.”
She’s looking right at Robin when she says it.
Robin nearly chokes on her juice.
Jonathan watches the exchange from where he's at in the kitchen.
Then all three of them swivel toward you.
“And you?” Robin asks, wiggling her eyebrows. “Details. Gossip.”
You shrug. “Honestly? We just… talked. Like, all night. We talked about movies, our childhood, dumb stories. It didn’t feel weird or forced or anything.”
Nancy smiles softly. “Im sensing a growing romance”
Right then, a plate slides in front of you. Golden French toast. Powdered sugar and strawberries on the side.
Steve sits beside you, knee brushing yours.
“I remembered you said this was your favorite,” he says, trying to sound casual and failing spectacularly.
He shrugs. “Of course I liked hearing you speak yesterday”
You stab a bite to avoid combusting.
“You trying to bribe me into being your sleeping buddy again tonight?” you tease.
He leans closer. “Is it working?”
You bump shoulders. He bumps back. The air between you practically sparks like two wires touching.
Robin watches from across the table and mouths, oh my god, dramatically.
You kick her under the table.
Later, the pool water was glittered like blue glass.
Steve cannonballs in first, absolutely soaking everyone.
“You’re evil!” Chrissy shrieks.
You slide in after him, water cool against your skin. Soon it’s just you two floating near the deep end. Your conversations come easy.
You can talk about anything, Favorite songs, childhood dreams. It didn’t matter as long as you’re both just with each other
He asks questions and he expects answers, he loved hearing the sound of your voice
You tease him about his “soccer mom coaching voice.”
He laughs, head thrown back, and it feels like summer bottled into his voice. You realize you haven’t stopped smiling for like twenty minutes. Being around him made you so happy
Across the pool, tension could be cut with a damn knife, Nancy and Jonathan talked quietly while Robin floated nearby, pretending not to watch.
Nancy would drift closer to Robin while Jonathan drifts away.
That love triangle was bound to get ugly
Speakers hidden somewhere in the villa hum to life. All of you freeze. A smooth voice fills the air.
“Good morning, contestants. In one hour, please gather in the garden wearing evening attire. this event will change everything.”
Static then filled the villa leaving a strange silence in the air that was charged with energy
Steve blinks at you. “Evening clothes? At, like… noon?”
Robin groans. “I just got chlorine in my eye and now I have to be glamorous?”
Nancy’s already calculating. “Im kinda stressed .”
Chrissy whispers, “That did sound ominous.”
He grins. “Guess we’ve got a date with destiny,” he says.
You nudge him with your foot underwater “God you're so chessy” you smile at him
“Better not ditch me, sleepyhead.”
You hook ur pinky with his.
After the announcement the villa felt like backstage at a theater production, there were Doors slamming Hair dryers whining loudly and Robin shouting “WHO STOLE MY OTHER SHOE” like it’s a crime documentary.
You stand in front of the mirror, smoothing down your outfit for the tenth time.
Robin pokes her head in, eyeliner slightly uneven.
“If I die tonight,” she says gravely, “delete my browser history.”
“You don’t even have a laptop here and why would you be in a life or death situation here.”
“Bitch my anxiety is killing me right now, if i die burn the villa down.”
You laugh and loop arms with her.
The lawn looked unreal. Lanterns hanging from trees. White tablecloths fluttering. Roses and lilies piled into two centerpieces, and at the center:
The host's perfect smile never faltering.
Behind him, two chairs at separate tables.
Two men were already seated their Backs turned. Broad shoulders. Dark suits. Still as statues.
Everyone gathers in a half circle.
Steve stands close enough that your fingers almost brush.
Neither of you moves away.
“Good evening, lovers. I see that you've all brought your A game and that's great because tonight, your little paradise grows.”
Dramatic pause. “Please welcome our first bombshells.”
Robin mutters, “I hate that word so much.”
The host gestures grandly.
“These two new arrivals each get one immediate dinner date. They may choose anyone they like. No restrictions”
Steve stiffens beside you.
“Those not selected,” the host continues sweetly, “will watch from the terrace.”
Chrissy whispers, “oh shit”
“Gentlemen,” the host says, “turn around.”
And you feel like youre about to have a stoke “No way.”
You’re already moving before you think. You run across the lawn Straight into him.
Eddie Munson 27, musician, new york
He laughs, startled, arms wrapping around you tight. “Hey, sweetheart!”
You squeeze him “What are you doing here?! Weren’t you– weren’t you with–?”
He rubs the back of his neck, suddenly shy. “Yeah… we broke up a few months ago. Kinda messy. I, uh… panic-applied to this show at three in the morning.”
“They called me back the next day. I thought it was a prank.” He shrugs, crooked smile. “Guess not.”
There’s a nervousness in him you rarely see, it makes you soften instantly.
Robin rushes over and tackles him too. “YOU DIDN’T TELL US!”
The others approach, curiosity evident
Nancy folds her arms. “Friend of yours?”
Robin nods proudly. “One of our best friends. Like… this guy has been there with us through thick and thin. This dude is the funniest man ever, he's such a dumbass.” Robin teased
“Eh, it's accurate,” you add.
He clutches his chest. “Betrayed by my own people.”
Everyone laughs, Everyone except Steve.
You can feel a slight shift in the air almost like the temperature dropped two degrees.
You glance back at Steve and you notice that he was watching the two of you closely, his jaw clenched slightly and arms crossed, his eyes stuck on Eddie’s hand still resting casually on your waist.
The second guy steps forward.“Jason,” he says smoothly. “Jason Carver.” He looks like he was built in a lab for cologne commercials.
Jason Carver, 26, semi pro athlete, indiana
Chrissy nearly chokes on air. “Wait… Jason from highschool is that you??”
He grins at her like they share history.
“Gentlemen. Time to choose your dates.”
Steve steps closer to you
Eddie glances around until his eyes settle between you and Chrissy, His expression softens in that familiar way. The way he used to look at you during late night diner runs and terrible horror movies.
“You mind if I steal you for dinner?” he asks quietly.
He learned in close to you Like no one else exists and you could swear you felt Your heart stumble.
Before you can even process it, he says clearly:
Boom. Like a stone dropped in water. Ripples everywhere.
Robin’s eyes go wide. Nancy smirks. Jonathan hums softly.
Steve goes still a little bit Too still to be considered normal
Jason points next. “Chrissy.”
She looks torn but nods, walking over.
The host beams. “Perfect. Dates begin now.”
As people start moving, Steve steps into your path.
“That friend of yours, huh?” he asks.
His tone was light but his eyes they told a different story
“Yeah,” you say gently. “We go way back.”
You blink. “Summer before college started”
“Oh. Cool. Cool cool cool.”
Then he forces a smile “Have fun.”
Behind you, Eddie watches Steve and Steve watches Eddie.
And for a second it feels like they might say something until Eddie steps closer, offering his arm dramatically. “Ready, milady?”
Steve’s jaw ticks and you could tell he was about to pop
You almost laugh nervously from the tension alone.
“This is so weird,” you whisper to Eddie.
“Yeah,” he murmurs. “But hey its kinda fun.”
As you walk away, you sneak one glance back and you notice that Steve’s still staring.He has his Hands in his pockets and hes Trying to look unaffected. Hes Failing spectacularly.
If jealousy had a shape, it would be him standing there under the lantern light, watching you disappear with someone else.
The two small tables sit apart from the rest of the lawn, tucked beneath climbing roses an intimate in that suspiciously curated reality-TV way. The kind of setup that whispers kiss here for better ratings.
A waiter glides in and places plates down a gentle ease. He put down a creamy alfredo shrimp pasta. Steam rising with Two glasses of red wine catching the light like liquid rubies.
Across from you, Eddie slouches into his chair like he’s trying to look casual but failing adorably.
He tugs at his collar. “This is the fanciest meal I’ve had in, like… ever.”
“You look fine… dont worry”
“You clean up suspiciously well. It’s unsettling, I'm unsettled”
He grins. “Don’t say that. I have a reputation to maintain.”
You laugh, twirling pasta around your fork.
For a moment everything's easy. Familiar. You remembered all the Late night diner booths. With Sticky tables while it was just the two of you sharing fries. Just you and Eddie against all odds.
“So,” you say softly, “tell me everything. How did you even end up here?”
He shrugs. “Breakup spiral. Three a.m. application. Figured nothing would happen because I mean hello this is like one of America's biggest shows right now but clearly I was wrong.”
You tilt your head. He on the other hand didnt notice your look he was too focused on cutting his shrimp.
He hesitates and gives you a look, and You know that look. So you lean forward, gentler.
“Hey. We’re best friends. We tell each other everything, remember?I'm here for you.”
He exhales through his nose. “Yeah. Yeah, okay.”
His fingers tap the table once. Twice. Then:
“She thought… there was something going on between us.”
He nods and then sighs “She was jealous. Of you.”
You felt like your world was spinning “Jealous… of me?”
“Yeah,” he says quietly. “Said I talked about you too much. Texted you too much. Cared too much.”
Your heart does something strange. Not quite a skip. Not quite a fall. More like stepping off a curb it was Warm. Confusing and… Dangerous.
“I told her she was being ridiculous,” he continues, softer. “But she didn’t buy it.”
“And maybe… I didn’t argue hard enough.”
Your face goes hot, You immediately shove a forkful of pasta into your mouth. Carbs. Yes. Focus on carbs.
Eddie watches you with a slow, knowing smirk.
“Oh my god,” he teases lightly. “Are you blushing l/n?”
“No,” you mumble through noodles.
“You look like a lobster.”
You kick him under the table and he laughs, low and warm.
“Relax,” he says, softer now. “I’m not trying to make it weird.”
“Good,” you say quickly.“but it is a little weird.”
The air shifts.And He leans back, studying you.
“You know,” he says, playful but quieter, “if I’d known reality TV meant candlelight pasta dates with you, I would’ve signed up years ago.”
“Careful. That almost sounded smooth.”
“Don’t accuse me of that. I have an image remember.”
You smile but your eyes drift up toward the terrace.
And you notice him there, his arms braced on the railing, he was Watching you
From up here the garden looks almost faked, everything felt weird but maybe it fekt that way because he couldn't focus on much minus you, you were the only thing that mattered to him in that moment, you were like a star you looked radiant laughing.
Leaning in close to Eddie.
Steve grips the railing harder than he means to “Relax,” he mutters to himself. “They’re just friends. Friends. Totally normal. Chill.”
You laugh at something Eddie says. Eddie reaches across the table and he fucking Touches your hand.
Steve’s brain immediately goes into panic mode: sirens
He straightens and Jonathan sidles up beside him quietly.
“You good?” Jonathan asks.
“Yep,” Steve says immediately. Too fast to sound convincing
“Super good. Love watching my… friend… on a romantic pasta date with a guy who looks like he bangs models for fun”
Jonathan raises an eyebrow. “You’re jealous.”
“You’re literally crushing the railing.”
“okay maybe a little jealous.”
Eddie notices your gaze drifting upward. He follows it slightly and he notices Steve and he Sees the way Steve’s staring at you
He looks back at you and there's Something flickering in his expression. He didn't know what it was, maybe it was protectiveness or an intense instinct, maybe it was just plain old jealousy, he didn't know what he felt but he knew he didn't feel strongly about Steve.
“So,” he says casually, swirling his wine, “baseball boy seems intense.”
You nearly choke. “Don’t call him that.”
He leans forward, voice low and teasing.
Eddie studies you he Then glances at Steve again. “You deserve someone good,” Eddie says quietly.
“I’ll steal you back. Very dramatic. Probably involve a motorcycle ill put his ass to shame”
You laugh. “You don’t own a motorcycle.”
The intercom crackles again, sudden and sharp, scaring both you and eddie “Dates are now concluded. Please return to the terrace.”
Eddie sighs dramatically and raises his wine.
“To almost being classy.”
You clink glasses. “You did great. Very gentleman. Minimal table manners violations.”
The terrace fills with footsteps. Chrissy and Jason return mid-laugh. Eddie walks beside you, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets, shoulders brushing yours occasionally like it’s accidental. To everyone else it might have seemed that way but it wasn't
And Steve notices how the both of you slightly collide with each other
Before the silence can get awkward, Nancy claps her hands once.
“Okay, this is weirdly tense and I hate it,” she declares. “Champagne. Fireplace. Group bonding before we all kill each other.”
“Seconded,” Robin says immediately.
Within minutes, you’re all gathered around the outdoor fireplace. The flames flicker gold and orange lightly in the air making the now sunset sky look even more captivating, Someone pops champagne and Glasses begin being passed around.
Everyone sits in a loose circle on cushioned chairs and blankets. You end up between Steve and Eddie. Which to be honest felt like the universe was setting you up for failure, Robin across from you. Nancy beside her. Jonathan next to Nancy. Chrissy and Jason on the other side.
The air smells slightly of smoke and citrus, it was something electric.
Nancy raises her glass. “Let’s start simple. Introductions for the new guys. Age, job, basic stats”
“Jason. 25. Semi pro athlete. Indiana.” He flashes a movie-star smile.
Eddie salutes lazily. “Eddie. 27. Musician, new york”
You give yours. Then Steve. Then Robin. Then the rest.
The conversation was flowing naturally
Nancy leans forward “Okay. Now the messy stuff.”
Robin groans. “Oh no. She’s hosting.”
Nancy grins. “Jason. First question. Who here are you interested in?”
Jason doesn’t even hesitate.
“Chrissy,” he says warmly.
She blushes slightly from next to him
“And,” he adds, eyes sliding toward you, “Y/N.”
You nearly inhale champagne wrong you can feel Steve go still beside you.
Jason shrugs. “What? I have eyes.”
Steve mutters under his breath, “Yeah ok, congrats.”
Nancy smirks. “Bold. Okay. Eddie. Your turn.”
Everyone looks at Eddie with anticipation, He scratches the back of his neck.
“Uh… Chrissy seems sweet.”
Chrissy beams at his words “But…”
His eyes flicker to you gently, it was for a second but you noticed it immediately with your eyes meeting each other
It wasn't long enough but you felt your stomach flip at his sudden eye contact and you felt even worse knowing you had steves expecting eyes next to you
“…yeah,” he finishes casually. “Still figuring it out.”
Steve shifts in his seat, turning slightly toward Eddie.
“So,” he says, too casual, “you and Y/N go way back, huh?”
Eddie smirks. “Yeah. Ancient history. Like flip phones and bad eyeliner days.”
You groan. “Don’t expose that.”
“How’d you meet?” Steve asks.
“Summer before college started,” Eddie says. “We met at one of my shows, we had a karaoke type activity and she was the only person who signed up to sign with us”
“ I was so nervous that day, literally almost vomited”
“Thank god you didn't, it would have been a real pitch perfect moment for you .”
Steve smiles thinly. “Cute.”
He didn't think it was cute. He genuinely experienced love at first sight when he talked to you and now here comes this loser with some fame thinking all the past history between the two of you could win you over. Eddie clearly had a thing for you and it wasn't fair he had years to have you and he didn't.
“So you’re like… best friends?” Steve presses.
“Pretty much,” Eddie says. “Ride or die.”
Steve nods once. “Must be nice. Having so much history, so much time spent together, so many opportunities .”
Eddie tilts his head. “Yeah. It is.”
“Guess you wouldn’t get that yet,” Eddie adds lightly.
Steve laughs once. “Yeah, well. Don’t really need history to connect with someone, thats just an excuse people use”
“Sure,” Eddie says. “Sometimes you just click fast.”
“Yeah,” Steve replies. “Sometimes you do.”
They’re both smiling but it’s all teeth. Clearly there was no real warmth behind the smiles
Robin leans toward you and whispers, “Are they about to arm wrestle or kiss? I can’t tell.”
“Stop,” you whisper back.
Across the circle, another drama brews and this one involves your best friend
Robin scoots closer to Nancy
“So, Nance,” she says, playful, “hypothetically, if you had to rank who youre most attracted to who would be on your list”
Nancy laughs. “Trying to collect data on me?”
“Well you're pretty charming yourself,” Nancy says softly.
Robin feels like her heart is about to beat out of her chest, Jonathan’s jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. He stared into the firepit clearly annoyed
Nancy keeps leaning toward Robin. Shoulders brushing and Robin practically glows.
Jonathan finally mutters, “Oh please you call that flirting ”
Nancy looks back. “Jealous, Jonathan?”
Robin grins. “He sounds jealous.”
“I’m not jealous,” he repeats, clearly jealous.
Chrissy whispers to Jason, “its better in person than throught the tv.”
Jason nods. “Oh i know the shippers going crazy”
Back on your side, Steve leans forward, elbows on his knees.
“So what exactly do you do, Eddie?”
“And like ive mentioned i own a bad, were called corroded coffin i play the guitar and serve lead vocals. I also have a D&D club along with freelance odd jobs.”
Then: “You serious about finding love, or just here to put your name out?”
The question lands heavy.
You glance at Steve and then at Eddie noticing Eddie’s eyes sharpen just slightly.
“Serious,” he says. “Im here for what everyone is here for. love, wouldn't be here for any other reason”
Their gazes lock the Fireplace snapping between them
Steve smiles tight. “Good. Wouldn’t want anyone wasting her time.”
Eddie leans back, matching the energy.
“Trust me,” he says softly, "I'm never a waste of time.”
Silence breaks out after that and everyone feels it.
Robin stage-whispers, “Okay someone separate the boyfriends.”
“We are n-” both Steve and Eddie start at the same time.
Your heart is feels like its raising Because the way the two very different boys are looked at you made you feel like you could bust any second from all the emotion
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two weeks in the villa don’t pass like normal time, it somehow sprinted but also felt like an eternity. Things in the villa felt like a mix of reality and a complete fantasy because of the isolation from the outside world. Only having the people in the villa as your company was a challenge but its caused all of you to become weirdly close. The Days would blur into sunburnt afternoons and slow, nights. Laughter was an evident thing all through the villa, the laughter would echo off the pool tiles. The villa was filled with small moments that mixed together into a whole new level of sentiment, Stolen snacks at 2 a.m. Conversations that start as jokes and end as confessions.
Your attention was divided quite a lot currently
When you were with Robin and Eddie, it felt like a constant vacation, The three of you would steal floaties. Dared each other to jump off the rocks in the ocean pear
“Observe,” she whispers dramatically, pointing at you and Eddie wrestling over a pool noodle, “the rare aquatic worm in their natural habitat.”
She screams loudly and you laugh so hard you inhale water.
Being with them felt like a piece of home followed you to the villa, it was old sneakers, Familiar jokes and The kind of friendship that was too precious to break
When you were With Steve it was different it was softer, more delicate and felt like something entirely new
He would always bring you coffee before you even ask. He would remember the tiny things, stuff you had only mentioned once. He would always listen to you, he would really listen.
Sometimes you catch yourself looking at him and thinking, How do I already feel this safe with him? It was like you’ve known him forever. Like he was always meant to be in your life and now he had finally arrived.
He cared for you and he made that clear not only with his small actions but with how he treated you as well, He would tuck your hair behind your ear without thinking. He had his own pet names for you that he would only use on you, like when he would call you “sleepyhead.”
He would smile at you like you’re the only person in the room
It’s unfair, honestly nobody should be that naturally gentle and perfect
But it wasn't always paradise with Steve because the second he saw you and Eddie, the jealous monster would take over him, and you and Eddie would spend a considerable amount of time together too.
And that in itself was complicated for you too, because it had always been yours since the second you met. It wasnt a romantic possession, it was just… well there
He was your Best friend. yours.
The two of you have shared a lot of things in all the years you've known him, the two of you would share everything from fries to Three a.m. panic calls.
But now there’s this strange current under everything that feels like its slightly dragging the both of you in, its one that you both reject to even name. It started off with a brush of hands that lingers too long. Inside jokes that now sounded even heavier and lingering eyes that sometimes hold yours a second too long before darting away.
Before his ex, that tension used to exist. But then she came around and it just…vanished but now its back
And neither of you says anything about it, but it hums its low and constant.
Meanwhile, Eddie’s also been spending time with Chrissy. She was sweet, gentle and easy to be around
And they looked cute together, everyone thought so well minus Jason of course. This whole Chrissy and Eddie ordeal was driving Jason insane. Jason keeps swooping in everytime he notices eddie and chrissy spending too much time together, he would interrupt them for the most mundane or stupid things
He would see her and just break to convo to say “Chrissy, want to train later?” or “Chrissy, want a smoothie?”
Eddie would just watch in intrigue
Jason watches Eddie like he’s plotting a duel at dawn. It’s ridiculous. You love it.
And don’t even get started on Nancy's love triangle
Because Nancy had successfully manufactured the perfect love triangle and she refuses to acknowledge it. She flirts with Robin then she flirts with Jonathan. Robin turns into a flustered disaster while Jonathan turns into a quiet suffering poet. Nancy would just sip her drink like she didn’t cause three emotional earthquakes before noon. She didn't do it out of malice but she was as confused as ever.
The villa is basically a soap opera. By the time week 3 rolls around, everyone’s sleep deprived and drinking way more than we should. Which is exactly what the production wanted.
It's Breakfast hour and the Sunlights light on your skin, your Pancakes are warm and fluffy and your Coffee is scorching. You’re sitting between Steve and Eddie again, because apparently fate has a sense of humor.
Robin’s stealing fruit from your plate that decide her while Steve’s nudging your knee under the table.
Eddie’s telling a story about getting banned from a mall in ’09
Everyone talking over each other and for the first time in days it felt completely drama free
Then- CRACKLE. The damn speakers.
Every single person freezes as The host’s silky voice pours down from nowhere.
“Good morning, contestants. The public has been voting.”
Theres a Collective groan. “That’s never good,” Robin mutters.
“For today’s challenge,” the voice continues, “you will be participating in… Sexy Charades.”
Chrissy nearly chokes on orange juice.
Jason pumps his fist. “Let’s go.”
Nancy looks intrigued. “Oh this is going to be messy.”
“Pairings,” the voice says, “have been decided by the audience.”
Your stomach drops. Oh no.
“First pair: Steve and Nancy.”
You whip your head toward Steve.
Robin makes a scandalized noise. “Oh you have to be fucking me.”
Jonathan’s smile dies instantly
The voice continued “Jason and Chrissy.”
Jason grins like he just won the lottery while Chrissy gives Eddie an apologetic little look.
Eddie shrugs but his jaw tightens.
Robin turns slowly. “Well this is going to be the most awkward team up ive ever been a part in”
And then the last pairing.
Silence until Robin screams. “OH MY GOD.”
Steve goes very, very still. Beside you, Eddie looks at you and You look at him.
Same thought- Of course Of course the public did this. Because apparently millions of strangers looked at the tension between you two and went Yes. Let’s light that on fire.
“Well,” he says, low and teasing, “guess we’re putting on a show, sweetheart.”
Your face heats instantly.
Across the table, Steve forces a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Yeah,” he says. “Should be… fun.”
And just like that, breakfast suddenly tasted like shit. By the time you all drift toward the firepit, the sky has turned that dusky lavender that makes everything feel unreal, flames crackle low and steady fairy lights blink lazily in the trees.
A bowl sits in the center, filled with folded cards, the host stands beside it and when he sees we're all there he starts to speak “Welcome, lovers,” he says smoothly. “Tonight’s challenge is simple. A little game of sexy charades.”
Robin groans immediately. “I hate every word in that sentence.”
The host gestures to the bowl. “Inside are prompts. Positions. Situations. Interpret them however you like. Fully clothed, of course. Participation is optional…” He pauses, smiling. “…but those who sit out will be excluded from the reward.”
Everyone straightens at this, they knew they had the option to not do anything but not doing it would mean trouble for sure no one wants to be excluded and especially with a reward on the line
Beside you, Steve glances between you and Eddie he says casually “So I guess the best friends won’t be playing then, huh?”
It lands sharp and everyone knows Steve hated the idea of you and Eddie partaking in this together.
From beside you Eddie snorts before you can even react “Oh, you thought wrong, Stevie.”
Steve’s jaw ticks at the nickname but eddie doesn't care “We’re in it to win it,” Eddie says, bumping your shoulder. “Y/N and I never back down from a challenge.”
You grin. “Unfortunately true.”
Steve looked beyond annoyed and he was ready to argue in fact he wanted to argue. But before he can, music slides out of the speakers. The music was Slow and Sultry, they were clearly trying to set the mode it was ridiculous.
The host claps. “Let the game begin!”
The first names called out by the host are Jason and Chrissy.
Jason pulled a card. He read it and immediately he smirked towards chrissy causing her to peek and immediately turn pink.
“Ok ok i can definitely do that one.”
She starts pretending to hold a phone, flipping her hair, posing dramatically like she’s taking selfies, first the angles the imaginary phone down low where the only thing visible would be her tits, Beside Chrissy, Jason pretends to type with exaggerated swagger. By the time she angled the imaginary phone to her ass it was clear what she was acting out.
Nancy squinted at them slightly “Sexting?”
Everyone laughs. Chrissy hides her face in Jason’s shoulder.
Next up was Robin and Jonathan, They both look like they’re walking to execution it was evident neither was pleased to be doing this
Jonathan rubs his face. “We can’t skip, can we?”
“We can but we can kiss whatever the reward is goodbye”
Jonathan sighs and they both trudge to the center
Robin suddenly mimes riding something like a mechanical bull, bouncing dramatically and Jonathan, after a long sigh, awkwardly mirrors her.
Everyone stares at them “What is happening?” Jason asks.
Nancy: “Horse riding? I really have no idea”
Robin leans toward you and whispers, “Moo.”
You shoot your hand up. “Reverse cowgirl!”
They both point at you like you saved their lives.
“THANK YOU,” Robin hisses, sprinting back to her seat.
Your stomach tightens at that
They step forward and Nancy looks curious while Steve looks… tense.
His eyes flick down, then up.
And Something shifts in his expression
Nancy leans in. “What is it?” He shows her and She raises an eyebrow.
Steve leans in…and kisses her.
The kiss wasn't playful or dull, it was lustful, eager, a real kiss, his hands were on her waist. With an Intent, one would have expected the kiss to last a few seconds but the kiss was long and you could swear you heard The fire pops growing louder
Jonathan’s face goes tight.
Robin’s mouth drops open.
You can't stop your chest from aching, you try to look neutral, you try to smile. But your eyes give you away instantly.
And Eddie notices immediately, He leans closer to you and whispers “You okay?”
You nod too fast. “Yeah. Fine.” you don’t even dare to look at him.
He watches Steve a second longer, jaw tightening.
“Guess Harrington’s showing his true colors,” he mutters.
Steve pulls away from Nancy and scoffs. “It’s a game, man.”
“Sure,” Eddie says flatly.
Tension crackles and the host noticed so he called out“Next pair,”
You and Eddie step forward together. You were both too aware of each other and even more aware of the eyes of others on you
He reaches into the bowl, unfolds the card, reads it… then freezes.
“Oh you’ve gotta be kidding me,” he mutters.
Eddie leans closer, voice low. “Okay, rockstar… how are we playing this? Comedy? Bit? We can just decide not to participate”
At Nancy whos still flushed from her round and then at Steve
He had his arms crossed, his facial expression hard to read but it was clear he was still riding the high of that very real kiss.And he dared to look at you like he expects you to back out. Like you’ll play it safe.
In your head: So that’s how we’re playing? Fine. If Steve wants to pull a move like that…
Then you're not holding back either.
“Sit,” you tell Eddie quietly. “Right there. A little distance.”
He blinks. “Wait, you’re actually–”
He sits down and for the first time since hes been here he looked actually nervous. He had his hands on his knees almost like he didn't know how to relax
The song that was playing during nancy and steves kiss end and “Streets” by Doja Cat stars
Your pulse starts drumming in your ears in time with it.
You take one slow step forward, then another, a little sway of your hips, subtle at first. Testing the water.
The group immediately starts screaming.
“OH MY GOD–” Robin yells.
Chrissy hides behind her hands. “I can’t watch”
Nancy is laughing, shocked. “This has to be a bit”
You don’t break eye contact with Eddie not even onces when you reach him you let your hands land lightly on his shoulders, Just your fingertips, A teasing glide.
You lean in close enough for him to feel your breath, then pull back at the last second.
You circle him slowly, hips swaying with the beat, fingers dragging along the back of his chair. He turns his head to follow you like his unable to look at anything else.
His ears are red and his breath slightly heavy “Jesus Christ,” he mutters under his breath.
You smirk as you step between his knees. Slow and deliberate.
You were close enough that his hands twitch like he doesn’t know where they’re allowed to go.
He swallows. “Nope. Not even a little.”
“Im going to get clouser to your lap, okay?
“O-okay” he says face even more flushed than before
You slowly get your ass closer to his crotch and you roll your hips just enough to match the rhythm, it was controlled and smooth but you can feel the effects it had on Eddie already. Feeling your best friend semi hard under your touch should disgust you, but it didnt. Quite the opposite actually, you enjoyed knowing he was like that because of you
The group was absolutely loosing it.
Robin was screaming like it’s the Super Bowl.
Jason shouting “BRO” like its the only word he knows
Nancy fanning herself dramatically.
But Eddie doesn’t hear any of it.
He’s only focused on one thing. You
It was like the rest of the world disappeared and For a second, it stops feeling like a challenge, there was a shifts. His teasing grin fades and gets replaced with more intimate And that—that’s what gets you.
“Thats one hell of a lap dance” jonathan jokes loudly
You step back and Eddie runs a hand through his hair “Holy hell,” he breathes, staring at the ground. “What the actual fuck was that.”
Steve was not laughing, he wasn't doing anything that wasn't just Just staring his Jaw tight and shoulders stiff.
And suddenly this dumb little party game doesn’t feel like a game anymore
You and Eddie walk back to your seats.
Your pulse is still sprinting from the dance, Your skin still warm. Your brain still replaying the way he looked at you.
In your seat you can feel Eyes on you burning daggers straight through your soul
You glance up to look at whos staring you down and you werent shocked to see Steve.
Eddie notices too and instead of looking away…like a normal person he stares back.
Then Steve says, flat and sharp,”real intimate for people who are supposed to be just friends.”
Robin mutters, “Here we go…”
Eddie scoffs, leaning back in his chair like he’s bored.
“Oh, come on,” he says, voice lazy but eyes glaring “It’s just a game, man. Don’t you remember?” the Same words Steve used earlier.
Steve’s jaw tightens. “Yeah. Didn’t look like just a game.”
Eddie tilts his head. “You kissed Nancy.”
“Oh?” Eddie smirks. “How’s that?”
The air goes brittle You open your mouth to stop it but-
The host’s voice interrupts everything
“Well well well… what a show.”
Everyone groans but He continues, delighted “During that entire challenge, our lovely viewers were watching… and voting.”
Robin throws her hands up. “Can they stop voting on our emotional stability for five minutes?”
“For you see,” the host says, pacing slowly, “this show loves to keep you on your toes.” He gestures grandly “And since no one backed down from today’s challenge… the fans decided you all deserve a reward.”
“…or perhaps a punishment…You’re all going on a sleepover. Separate villas. Tonight.”
Chaos erupts between the small group
Chrissy gasps. “Wait, that's kinda cute!”
Robin: “If I get trapped with Jonathan again I'm suing.”
Jonathan already looks exhausted.
You glance between Steve and Eddie.
“There are three villas. The fans voted on who they want grouped together.”
“Group one: Jason and Chrissy. You’ll be heading to the Sweet Dreams Villa.”
Chrissy claps excitedly. Jason fist pumps. Eddie watches them but not in the same jealous way he had been doing this time it seemed like he didn't care
“Group two: Robin, Jonathan, and Nancy. You’ll be going to the Love Villa.”
Robin immediately: “Throuple therapy trip, that's great.”
Nancy laughs. Jonathan sighs like
The host now looks directly at you and you can feel your stomach drop to your feet.
You feel both of them look at you at the same time.
“…you’ll be going to the Passion Villa.”
Jonathan mutters, “That’s diabolical.”
You felt like your barin was gonna melt, this had to be some joke to these people. Passion. really?
They literally named it Passion.
Eddie lets out a soft, disbelieving laugh. “You’ve gotta be kidding me.”
Steve rubs his face. “This is insane.”
“Pack your bags! You leave in thirty minutes!”
Just like that, the host walked out happily while he left half of you suffering, Everyone started talking at once onces the host left
Robin grabbing your shoulders. “YOU’RE IN WAR ZONE.”
“I’m going to die,” you whisper.
“Probably but hey at least you're not with Jonathan.”
“Your beef with jonathan has to stop, you need to be honest with nancy about your feelings”
“I suppose… well see how tonight goes for both of us” with this she kisses your cheek and runs off to pack.
Steve finally exhales. “So… this is happening.”
Eddie smirks slightly. “Yup, try not to get too jealous, Harrington.”
Steve shoots back instantly, “Oh please you look like a walmart version of slash.”
You step between them before eddie throws a chair at him “Guys. Please. It’s one night.”
They both look at you softening instantly.
Two different boys and you were stuck in the middle.
About to spend the night in something called the Passion Villa.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The drive to the other villa was quiet and it wasnt the peaceful kind either, it was the kind where three people sit in a car pretending to look out the window while they bottle up their emotions as if one wrong word could lead to a spiral of conflict. The tension was horrible, it was still no match for Eddie who keeps tossing little comments your way, asking about the music on the radio, nudging your arm when he spots something funny outside.
You would answer him. You laugh with him and all that while very intentionally not looking at Steve.
By the time the car pulls up to the villa, the tension could probably power a small city. The Passion Villa is smaller than the main house but still gorgeous. It had Warm lights draped across the balcony. Plants spilling over the railings. Inside, you immediately start exploring.
There’s a living room with soft couches and big windows. A kitchen absolutely stuffed with snacks. Two bathrooms. Two bedrooms, The first bedroom has three full-sized beds lined up side by side while the second bedroom…
You push the door open to find a massive king-sized bed. The room had soft lighting. Candles. It was literally a room build to be fucked in.
“Wow,” Eddie whistles from behind you. “That room looks like a fun time”
You roll your eyes. “We are not fighting over that bed.”
Behind you, Steve mutters, “Wasn’t planning on it.”
You pretend not to hear him again.
Which makes his jaw tighten.
The backyard is what really steals your breath away. There was a medium-sized hot tub sitting under hanging lantern lights. Plants curl around the edges like a tiny jungle. The water glows soft blue under the night sky.
“Oh my god,” you say immediately. “I’m getting into that. Right now”
Eddie grins. “Knew you’d say that.”
You disappear into the bedroom to change. And you choose your most revealing bathing suit. It hugs every curve, perfectly fitted and it makes you feel confident. The bikini was by all means a borderline lingerie practically made for easy access but you didnt care If tonight is going to be catastrophic, you might as well look amazing doing it.
When you step outside again, the warm air brushes your skin. And both boys are already in the hot tub. Steve on one side, Eddie on the other their in Opposite ends.
They both look up when you appear.
And for a moment…they both forget how to speak. The lantern light catches your skin. The water reflects in your eyes. You look like you belong here, like this place was designed around you.
Steve is the first to recover “You look… amazing,” he says quietly.
Eddie just stares his cheeks pink and eyes wide.
You smile politely then step into the water. The warm bubbles curl around your legs as you slide in and without hesitation…You swim straight to Eddie. Leaving Steve alone on the other side. The silence that follows is sharp.
Eddie leans back against the edge of the tub beside you, long arms draped along the tile. His hair is damp and pushed away from his face, curls clinging to the sides of his neck. He’s grinning at something you said about the lights in the backyard.
You bump your shoulder into his, laughing softly.
Across the water Steve is staring. Not subtle about it either.
One arm hooked over the edge of the tub, jaw tight, eyes fixed on the way your body leans into Eddie. On the way you barely even glance in his direction. The water ripples with your movements as you slide a little closer to Eddie. Close enough that your knee brushes his thigh beneath the surface.
Eddie’s grin falters for half a second and color creeps up his neck.
And Steve notices. Of course he notices.
He exhales sharply through his nose. Steve lasts about thirty seconds without saying something
His mouth tightens “This.” He gestures between you and Eddie. “You’re just going to pretend I don’t exist all night?”
You shrug lightly and Eddie lets out a quiet laugh beside you.
Steve’s jaw clenches harder “Unbelievable,” he mutters.
You turn back to Eddie again like the conversation is over.
“So anyway,” you say sweetly, “I think tomorrow we should steal all the snacks from the kitchen. I saw a few we don't have in the main villa.”
Eddie is trying so hard not to laugh now but Steve? Steve is done.
“Are you serious right now?” he says sharply.
Before you can answer Eddie speaks.
“Maybe,” Eddie says lazily, stretching his arms along the edge of the tub, “if you hadn’t fucked everything up by kissing Nancy earlier… you wouldn’t be in this situation.”
The words land like a dropped brick and Steve’s head snaps toward him “What did you just say?”
Eddie shrugs, though there’s a spark in his eyes now.
Steve lets out a disbelieving laugh.
“Oh, that’s rich. That’s really rich coming from you.”
Eddie tilts his head “Meaning?”
Steve gestures between the two of you again “Meaning since when are you the relationship expert?” he shoots back. “You’ve been glued to her side practically since day one.”
Eddie scoffs “Relax, Harrington. It’s a game. Remember that? Thought you were the one preaching that earlier.”
Steve shakes his head “Yeah, funny how that works.”
Eddie’s eyes narrow slightly “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Steve leans forward more, voice sharper now “It means I’m tired of pretending this whole thing is innocent.”
Eddie frowns “Dude, what are you talking about?”
Steve points straight at him “You.”
Then he gestures at you “And her.”
Eddie blinks “Okay you’ve officially lost it.”
Steve lets out a harsh laugh “Oh please. Don’t act like I’m stupid.” he breathes and continues “You have a thing for her,” Steve says bluntly.
“And I’m tired of you both acting like you don’t.”
The words echo in the quiet backyard.
Eddie shakes his head immediately “That’s ridiculous.”
“Is it?” Steve fires back.
Steve leans back slightly, folding his arms “Alright then.”
His eyes flick to you then back to Eddie.
“Look her in the eyes right now and tell her you feel absolutely nothing.”
Eddie laughs nervously “Dude–”
Eddie turns toward you and Your eyes meet suddenly the air feels different. The teasing, The jokes, The comfortable banter you always had with Eddie shifts. His expression softens. His usual cocky grin disappears. His eyes search your face like he’s trying to find words that won’t come.
“Tell her,” Steve says quietly.
Eddie opens his mouth… but nothing comes out. His ears turn red and His gaze drops for a second before lifting back to yours again.
Steve slams his hand against the water.
“No, don’t,” Steve cuts in. “Don’t even try to deny it now.”
That’s when you’ve had enough you scream “Stop!” Your voice cutting through both of them.
The water sloshes as you shift upright, glaring at the two of them “Both of you!”
They fall silent and You look between them, frustration burning in your chest. “Do you seriously think this is some kind of game?”
Your gaze locks on Steve.“You made your choice,” you say, voice tight. “The second you decided to kiss Nancy.” The hurt in your tone lands harder than any shout.
You turn, starting to climb out of the hot tub. Water drips from your arms as you push yourself up but Steve grabs your wrist.
You freeze. His grip loosens slightly, but he doesn’t let go of you
“That kiss meant nothing.”
His expression softens in a way you haven’t seen all night “I was mad,” he admits. “I saw you and Eddie earlier and I… I lost it.”
Your brows knit together “What does that have to do with anything?”
Steve runs a hand through his wet hair “Because I wanted you to feel what I felt.”
Eddie lets out a quiet, incredulous laugh “That’s your defense?”
Steve ignores him. His eyes stay locked on yours.
The word hangs heavy in the air.
Steve exhales slowly “You’re the woman I’ve been waiting for my whole life,every single fantasy ive ever had about a “perfect women” fits you completely, you're amazing…” he says, voice rough. “And I panicked.”
He glances briefly toward Eddie.
Your eyes flick to Eddie instinctively and Steve continues.
“I know he does because he looks at you the same way I do.”
Now you’re really staring at Eddie. His face is bright red.
He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly.
You frown “Well?” you ask quietly. “You’re just going to sit there?”
Eddie laughs nervously “You want me to defend myself?”
He exhales, shoulders dropping slightly “No,” he says finally.
Eddie shakes his head “Because he’s right.”
Your breath catches and Eddie finally looks at you fully again.
“When I got here,” he says slowly, “I tried to focus on Chrissy. I really did.”
His fingers trail through the water absentmindedly “But something changed.”
Your heart pounds harder.
“I don’t even know when it happened,” he admits. “One day we were joking around and the next…” He meets your eyes again “You were all I could think about.”
Steve shifts slightly closer on your other side.
“I tried to ignore it. Tried to convince myself it wasn’t real.”
He lets out a soft, embarrassed laugh “Didn’t work.”
Your pulse roars in your ears.
“I can’t get you out of my head,” he says.
Not touching but close enough that you can feel the warmth of him beside you.Steve moves closer too Now both of them are next to you One on each side. Two confessions. Two sets of eyes fixed on you.
They were Both close enough that the heat from their shoulders mixes with the steam rising from the water. Both watching you like the next word out of your mouth might change everything.
“Say something,” Steve murmurs.
You blink hard, suddenly overwhelmed, and push away from the edge of the tub “Are you serious right now?” The words spill out sharper than you meant.
Both of them tense and You stand in the water now, running your hands through your damp hair, pacing the small space of the hot tub like a caged animal.
“You can’t just–” you gesture wildly between them “drop something like that on me and expect me to just… be okay with it”
Steve sits up straighter. “We’re not asking you to be okay–”
“Yes you are” you cut him off “You’re both sitting here staring at me like I’m supposed to choose something”
The word choice hangs heavy in the air and neither of them answer that silence makes your chest tighten even more. You laugh once, but it comes out shaky “How the hell am I supposed to do that?”
Steve opens his mouth and closes it again.Eddie rubs the back of his neck, looking suddenly unsure for the first time tonight. You point at him first.
“Eddie, you’re my best friend. You’ve been my best friend for years.”
“And you,” you say, turning to Steve, “you’re the guy I’ve been falling for since this stupid show started.”
Steve’s gaze drops for a moment, something vulnerable flickering across his face. You shake your head, frustration boiling over “So what exactly do you want from me here?”
The truth is already clawing its way up your throat before you can stop it “I love Eddie.”
Your voice cracks slightly as you keep going.
“I know I do. I’ve known him forever. He’s… he’s home to me.”
“And I’m in love with you too,” you say to Steve.
Now it’s Steve’s turn to freeze and you cant help but laugh again, this time almost hysterically “Great, right? Perfect situation.”
The hot tub water ripples as you climb out quickly, grabbing a towel from the chair nearby and wrapping it around yourself “This is insane.”
Neither of them moves for a moment and you start walking toward the house “i can’t do this.”
But you’re already heading inside, sliding the door shut behind you. Inside the villa, everything feels too quiet. The warm lights. The cozy couch. The kitchen stocked with snacks like this is just some fun vacation but your heart is still pounding as you walk down the hallway toward the bedroom, the single one where your bag is currently laid. You grab your bag and start throwing things into it.
“This was a mistake,” you mutter to yourself.
You came here for fun not to ruin two of the most important relationships in your life. First one of your best friends and then the only person you've ever felt an instant spark with just down the drain like it meant nothing, you were so upset you couldn't fathom how things got this bad. You felt like you could drown yourself in your own sorrows until the bedroom door swings open suddenly distracting you from your self pity. As the door opens Steve and Eddie step in almost at the same time.
Both of them were still damp from the hot tub just as you were and they both looked panicked.
“Whoa, whoa– what are you doing?” Eddie asks quickly.
Steve steps further into the room.
You zip the bag harder than necessary “Because this whole thing is a mess.”
Eddie moves closer “You’re leaving?”
“No,” Steve says immediately.
You finally look up at him “No?”
“No,” he repeats, softer this time. “You can’t just disappear.”
You laugh bitterly “Watch me.”
You try to walk past them with the bag but Eddie steps in front of you “Please don’t go.” His voice is quieter now.
“We didn’t say all that to scare you off,” he says and Steve nods quickly
“We said it because it’s the truth, it's just how we feel.”
Your chest tightens again “That doesn’t make it easier”
“I know,” Steve says And he actually looks like he means it, He runs a hand through his hair, pacing once across the room before stopping in front of you again “But running away isn’t going to fix it.”
You clutch the strap of your bag tighter “What do you want me to do then?”
Eddie speaks this time “Stay.”
You look at him and he shrugs awkwardly, but there’s something sincere in his eyes.
Steve nods “Stay here with us, please”
You stare at the both of them, “what is this, suddenly the both of you get along? What's going on”
Steve and Eddie both look at each other, clearly something went on that you weren't aware of and you had no idea where this was going but you would be lying if you said that it didn't intrigue you.
Steves the first one to break the tension “We just… we had a heart to heart” Steve says voice slightly going up
Eddie immediately chims in after “yeah we just.. we um came to an agreement” he says voice nervous just like Steve
You raise your eyebrows at him “An agreement?, and what exactly does that Intel? You stare at the both of them
Now you’ve ever been in a situation like this before but you weren’t naive either. Suddenly everyone makes a love confession and now they wanna play nice?
You stared at them with confusing seeking through your eyes, and they just started back, their expressions unreadable.
“You’re both being weird, either tell me what’s going on or im leaving” you say annoyed
“Okay okay calm down buttercup… look Steve and I just want to make it up to you” Eddie says as he makes his way over to your back. He moved slowly and steadily. You barely noticed it before you felt how close he was to you.
Steve looked at Eddie and then back at you “we know we’ve put you in a rough spot… we don’t want you to choose” Steve says now equally as close as Eddie. Now you had Eddie on your back and Steve in your front all while your borderline lingerie was the only thing covering you. A minute ago you wanted nothing but to leave so desperately that you hadn’t even considered changing but now that you found yourself pancaked in between Eddie and Steve you suddenly didn’t feel in a rush to leave.
“I-I don’t know what you mean” you say your voice soft almost coming out as a whisper
“Oh come on y/n you’re not naive you know what I mean” Eddie whispers from beside you
“Let us make it up to you, let us show you this can work” Steve says leaning in as well. You could feel both their breath on your skin and it was leaving you feeling ill. Their scents were intoxicating and you couldn’t help but feel inclined to agree to every single thing they said.
You tried to speak but nothing came out, only shuttered breaths falling heavy on your lips. Steve looked at Eddie and Eddie gave him small nod. With that Steve closed the distance between your lips.
A surprised gasp escapes your lips and Steve quickly stoped but the fuck me eyes you were giving him notified him that the permission was there to go further. You leaned in and fully embraced the feeling of Steve’s lips on yours. His lips were soft and he tasted sweet, it felt cheesy to say but it felt like fireworks went out when it finally happened. Unbeknownst to you that feeling would only get stronger when you feel Eddie's soft lips kiss the back of your neck.
Immediately you lean, you press your lower half on to Eddie and you press your arms on Steve’s chest. Eddie immediately responds by grabbing your ass while Steve gently cubs your breast.
You let out a quick moan and both men respond positively to it, they bring their body even closer until the both three of you were left pressed together breathing heavy and lustful tension filling the room.
“Jesus I… I can’t believe this is happening” you breathe out
“We can’t let you go” Eddie whispers from behind you
“If sharing you is what it takes to get you then I guess I can play nice with mister rockstar” Steve says leaving a wet kiss on your collarbone.
Both Eddie and Steve look at each other, tension was heavy in their stare towards each other, a month of bickering between the two watches over them now transformed into a common interest, you. And they both needed you desperately, they looked at you as if you were their prey and you were something they needed to concur.
You could feel it, you felt the way they needed you and with the thin fabrics barely covering all of you it was hard trying to resist the both of them… You had been tired of these games that they were playing, it was time you start a game of your own.
You break yourself out of their hold and you make your way to the bed sitting down in a corner of the bed, they both look at you and quickly they sit down next to each other in front of you on the bed. Steve and Eddie sit side by side across from you, shoulders almost touching. They both look at you like the answer to a question they’ve been asking for years Their eyes were expecting and you would be lying if you said you weren’t exited about this, but if they wanted you they would have to work a little harder, if they really wanted this they needed to show you their full extent of their need. The camera crew had long gone after they catched on the tension so now it was the 3 of you alone.
“So… boys I know you both say you want this but how can I really know this isn’t just… a spare of the moment decision?” You ask raising your eyebrows slowly at the both boys in front of you
“Sweetheart we promise you this is real, we would never hurt you this way” Eddie says reassuringly
“You’re the perfect woman, we would be idiots to do otherwise. You’re the prize” Steve says shifting looks between you and Eddie
“I see… but I need more concrete proof” you say
Steve’s brows knit together. Eddie lets out a small breath through his nose.
“What kind of proof?” Steve asks.
A slow smile creeps onto your face “If you two are really serious about this,” you say, voice calm but eyes challenging“then prove your loyalty.”
They both lean forward slightly.
You nod toward them “Kiss each other.”
Silence and then Steve blinks. Eddie turns his head toward him slowly. Their shoulders brush now “You’re serious?” Eddie mutters, half laughing.
You shrug lightly “You said you’d do anything. Unless that was just… a spare of the moment decision.”
Steve glances back at you. Your expression is innocent, but your eyes are daring him. He exhales “Well,” he says quietly, looking back at Eddie, “we did say anything.”
Eddie’s lips curl into a crooked grin, though there’s a flicker of nerves behind it.
“Guess we did, Harrington.”
For a moment neither of them moves. They’re close enough now that they can feel each other breathing. The tension is heavy in the air, their eyes meet again as it did many times before for this past month but it was a different type of tension now. Steve reaches out first, almost hesitant, resting a hand lightly on Eddie’s shoulder.
Eddie’s grin fades now being replaced by nervousness “Okay,” Eddie murmurs. “Okay.”
They lean in at the same time, a little clumsy about it, noses brushing as they figure out the angle. The first contact is brief. Barely a kiss at all. Just lips touching, uncertain and quick
Steve huffs a quiet laugh under his breath.
Eddie shakes his head slightly. “She’s gonna make us do it right.”
Steve glances at him again, and something shifts. The nerves melt into determination “Yeah,” he says. “Yeah, she is.”
This time when they lean in, it’s slower. Their lips meet again, softer but more certain. Steve’s hand slides up to the back of Eddie’s neck without thinking, fingers curling lightly in the curls there. Eddie lets out a small surprised breath against Steve’s mouth, and the kiss deepens just slightly, not rushed, not needy. Just… real.
It lasts longer than either of them expected. Long enough for the tension to now fully be at boiling point. When they finally pull apart, they stay close, foreheads almost touching, both of them breathing a little heavier.
Then they remember you and Both heads turn toward you at the same time.
You’re watching them with a satisfied little smile, you would be lying if seeing the both of them kiss didn’t leave you with a wet reminder of what just happened.
“Well,” you say softly, crossing one leg over the other “That’s a start.”
“Never again” they both say almost identically
Steve and Eddie are still sitting close together on the bed, both of them looking slightly stunned, You watch them for a moment, clearly pleased.
“Well,” you say softly, clapping your hands once like a satisfied director. “That was… impressive.”
Steve drags a hand through his hair, still trying to gather himself. Eddie glances at him and then quickly looks back at you.
“So…” Eddie says slowly, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. “Does that mean we passed your little test”
You tilt your head, considering “Oh, I would say you’ve both definitely passed.”
The relief on both of their faces is almost comical “But,” you continue, holding up a finger, “I didn’t say that would be the only proof I need.”
Steve groans quietly. “You’re killing me here.”
You slide off the bed and stand, smoothing your hands over your lap“I appreciate the effort,” you say sweetly. “Really. Loyalty like that deserves a reward.”
Both their heads snap up immediately “A reward?” Eddie repeats, eyes lighting up.
“Eventually,” you add quickly, walking toward the bedroom door.
Their excitement freezes midair “Eventually?” Steve adds
You open the door and turn back to face them, leaning casually against the frame “But right now,” you say, pointing down the hallway, “both of you need to leave because I need my sleep.”
Eddie drops his head back dramatically. “You cannot be serious.”
“Oh, I’m very serious baby”
Steve stands up now, walking a few steps toward you with that determined little frown he gets when he’s being stubborn “Hold on,” he says. “You make us prove ourselves, we do exactly what you ask, and now you’re sending us to bed?”
“Correct,” you reply calmly.
Eddie joins him at the door, crossing his arms “That feels a little cruel, sweetheart.”
You grin innocently “Cruel? I just promised you a reward come on guys keep up.”
“Yeah,” Steve says, leaning a shoulder against the doorframe, lowering his voice. “Some other time.”
“Anticipation builds character,” you answer.
Both of them stare at you like they are trying very hard not to argue and lose whatever progress they’ve made but they can’t hide their disappointment. You sigh theatrically after seeing their apparent disappointment
“Fine,” you say. “Come here.”
They both step closer instantly, You look between them, amused by their eagerness.
“Honestly,” you murmur, shaking your head. “You two are hopeless.”
You reach up first toward Eddie, catching the front of his shirt lightly and pulling him down just enough to press a quick kiss to his lips. It’s only a peck but it lingers for longer than necessary
Eddie blinks when you pull away, clearly wishing it had lasted a lot longer.
But before he can say anything, you turn to Steve and grab the front of his shirt the same way.
He barely has time to react before your lips brush his. Another quick kiss but it still remained soft and playful. Charged with just enough passion to take his breath away
You step back immediately.
“There,” you say brightly.
Steve stares at you with need and Eddie lets out a quiet, disbelieving laugh.
“You’re the devil” Eddie says
And before either of them can protest, you step back into the room and swing the door closed
Steve and Eddie stand there for a moment, staring at the door like it might reopen out of pure mercy. It doesn’t.
Eddie exhales and rubs his face “Well,” he mutters.
Steve shakes his head slowly, still half smiling.
“She’s enjoying this way too much.”
Eddie glances down the hallway toward their rooms, then back at the closed door “You think she meant that reward thing?”
Steve sighs “Oh, she absolutely did.”
“Fuck how am I suppose to sleep with this hard on” Steve says sighting slightly
“I’m sure you’ll live buddy” Eddie replies back
“Oh fuck off” Steve replies laughing slightly
Neither of them knew what was stored for them but they had a feeling this was only the beginning.
