Chapter Text
The blinding hospital lights were burning into Steve’s eyes as he walked down the hall like a zombie- shitty, too-hot hospital coffee in hand.
He wasn’t really sure he could taste the drink at all, he just sipped it mindlessly as he walked down the bland hallways.
He had just left Max’s room, where he had held the other kids as they watched her broken arm be splinted and cast. Watching them try to stay strong for her crushed Steve’s heart into pieces.
They were just thankful she was alive. Because 30 more seconds up in the air, and they would’ve been burying her instead, and that was something Steve couldn’t even imagine, and the very thought of it made him struggle to breathe.
After she was finally stabilized, Steve had to step out of the room and get a coffee. He loved each one of those little shitheads so much, and watching them be in pain killed him. Especially when he couldn’t do a single thing to help.
He complained about being the babysitter, but he’d do anything for those kids. Their pain hurt him more than they’d ever know.
So now he made his way to Eddie’s room. His injuries were less severe than Max’s, and Steve knew that Eddie would be ok eventually. Physically, at least. The mental scars that come along with knowing about the upside down were more… difficult to heal from. He knew that all too well.
Steve knew that they were all still plagued by nightmares, the kind that felt real. Because they had lived a nightmare. They faded as time went on, but sometimes a particularly bad night would send him spiraling.
They really should all be in therapy, but he also knew that telling anyone else the truth would get them locked up in a mental hospital for life.
Even with Vecna dead, nobody ever knew if it was really over this time. It weighed on all of them. But he knew the first time was the worst, which is why his concern for Eddie grew. Eddie was probably suffering from some form of shock, at the very least.
Eddie’s room was thankfully just down the hall from Max’s, because Steve was too tired and out of it to go up a flight of stairs right now.
When Steve walked in, Eddie actually seemed fairly calm, considering the circumstances.
Eddie was reading a book in bed- some novel that was way bigger than anything Steve had ever seen Eddie read. He was incredibly invested in it, eyes fixed on the pages, his fingers tapping on the cover as nervous tic.
“Hey Munson.” Steve said, taking another sip of his coffee. “This doesn’t look like not being a hero.” He said, leaning against the wall. Eddie looked up and met his eyes. Steve couldn’t deny that Eddie looked stressed, but he was hiding it well.
“Well, I can’t let you steal all the thunder, huh? Hey, is Max alright?” Eddie asked, setting his book down on his lap as he pulled himself further up. His hair was matted and the bandages that wrapped around his waist were starting to bleed through, little patches of crimson creeping above the sheets.
“She’s been better, but she’ll survive. The kids are in there talking to her right now. She’s gonna be here for a few days.” Steve responded. He didn’t mention how he thought she was going to die, or how he had to consider what he would tell the kids if she didn’t make it. “What are you reading? That book looks like an encyclopedia.” Eddie laughed.
“Lord of the Rings. Y’know, high fantasy and all that, it’s really good, actually.” Eddie said, picking up his book and showing its cover to Steve. It was a pretty teal mountain range with pink text that said Fellowship of the Ring. It seemed a bit too whimsical for Eddie’s taste, but he had been full of surprises this week. “It’s one of my favorite books.”
“Not my thing, but sounds like something the kids might like.” Steve said, “Reminds me of your nerd game.” The name of the game escaped him, but Eddie knew what he was talking about.
“One day I’ll develop your tastes, Stevie. You’ll be a Lord of the Rings fan if I have any say. A true nerd. Mordor awaits.” Eddie smirked, looking at Steve like he was the last thing he’d ever see.
Stevie. Hm.
“We’ll see about that, Munson. You need a ride home? The doctor said you’re allowed out, and I’m headed home for the night. I got work tomorrow, and then I’m taking the kids to visit Max again the day after that.” Steve asked, pulling out his car keys and giving them a shake, trying to keep the conversation lighthearted, despite the mention of Max’s rough injuries. “Don’t bleed on my car, though.”
“That’s funny, Harrington.” Eddie said, with no humor on this face, like he just remembered something he was trying to forget. He looked out the window, and then down at the decorative cover of his book. The calm appearance he was faking before dropped.
“Why is that?” Steve asked, sitting himself down on the bed-side chair. Eddie didn’t look at him for a good minute, until he felt confident that he could play the part of someone calm.
“I’m assuming I’m getting taken to jail after this?” Eddie looked at Steve like he seriously had a screw loose. “Look- I can tell you’re in denial because you’ll miss me oh so much but-“ He exclaimed, dramatically throwing his hand over his heart and throwing his head back. It was obviously a performance, but Steve thought it was unnecessary. Eddie didn’t need to pretend in front of them anymore.
“Yeah, Yeah, shut up. But seriously Eddie, you’re not going to jail. Didn’t someone tell you? Hopper dealt with it.” Steve said, and Eddie immediately dropped the performance, snapping his head towards Steve.
“Hopper the… dead police chief?” Eddie said with an incredibly confused look on his face, like he was almost scared to hope for his freedom.
“Yes, but more importantly, El’s dad- and not actually dead. The kids put in a word on your behalf. Apparently, if the honored late police chief shows up at your door and says that Eddie Munson is innocent… people tend to believe him.” Steve grinned, watching as Eddie’s fear fell away. The brightness of his doe eyes returned, which warmed the dull, unfeeling hospital room. His smile looked real for the first time since the conversation started.
“Shit, you mean that little girl who saved our asses?” Eddie said, wide-eyed, remembering the impressive powers El had displayed in front of him. She was pretty hard to forget.
“Yep, she was staying with the Byers, but her dad is back now- and thank god he is, or your ass would be behind bars.” Steve grinned.
“Holy shit, man, I’m like- free to go? Seriously?” Eddie said, like he didn’t believe something good would happen for him without caveats.
“Yeah, Eddie. I mean, your scars will be pretty gnarly, but you’re welcome to spend your healing time free at home.” Steve said, knowing that his own wounds were bound to leave some fucked-up scars.
Eddie crawled out of the bed with a wince and grabbed the plastic bag that was filled with his things. He adjusted to the stinging pain of the wounds, just like Steve had, and began to walk with a more even gait.
“Shit, man- I thought I was a goner. I was gonna start setting up my prison D&D club.” He joked, but Steve could tell he was genuinely relieved. Those murder accusations were no joke, and Eddie knew that he wouldn’t exactly be welcomed in prison.
“You know we would’ve staged like- the coolest prison break. Can’t let one of our own be a nerd in prison forever.” Steve said. Eddie grinned to himself when Steve said he was part of their group, but Steve couldn’t imagine him not being a part of the team- not after what they went through.
“That would’ve been a breakout for the history books, huh?” Eddie replied.
“Man, I kinda want to get you sent to prison now.” Steve said, laughing.
“Hate to break it to you- but it’s home sweet home for me, Stevie.” Eddie said with that huge, Eddie Munson grin that lit up the room. “and for the record- that little girl is metal is fuck.”
Nickname again. Huh.
“Yeah, Munson, she’s pretty fuckin’ metal.” Steve laughed, because he didn’t think he’d ever described anyone as ‘metal’ in his life.
When Steve drove, Eddie stayed weirdly quiet, staring out into the darkness outside with a solemn focus.
Steve worried that this whole thing, this whole trauma, had somehow crushed his spirit, made him feel smaller. Steve hoped that wasn’t the case.
“Hey Munson, you alright over there?” Steve asked quietly, not wanting to startle him.
“Yeah I just- I thought that I’d be in jail right now not… Steve Harrington’s car.” Eddie said with a smirk, but Steve saw the genuine fear in his eyes- that he could’ve been whisked away to jail for a murder he didn’t commit.
“Hey, my car is wonderful, ok? You should be honored to be in this car.” Steve joked, gaining a small laugh from Eddie.
Eddie seemed to take his breaths too quickly as they got closer to the trailer park. Steve kept looking at him as the nervous tics increased in severity.
“Eddie, man, seriously, are you alright? You look like you took one too many tablets of acid or some shit.” Steve said, watching as Eddie snapped back to the present.
“Nah it’s just stress. Really. And I’ve actually taken acid before… never again.” Eddie replied, Steve didn’t believe it was just stress, but he didn’t push. Whatever Eddie’s worries were… that was his business.
“Hey- I uh-“ Steve started, not sure how to convey what he wanted to say, “I wanted to thank you. You saved Dustin back there, and you could’ve died. It was just- thank you. You kept him safe.” Steve finished, trying not to get too emotional. Neither of them had the energy for that right now.
“Don’t thank me. We gotta work together to keep those shitheads safe, am I right?” Eddie responded, and Steve laughed lightly and nodded in response.
Steve dropped him off at his trailer- and Eddie stepped out of the car with a tremor in his hand. Steve worried about Eddie - he worried about anyone who had seen the horrors they had. He wondered if he would be ok, alone in the trailer until his uncle came home.
Eddie almost walked away without a word, but in the last second before Steve drove away, he called after him, grabbing his attention.
“Hey Harrington! Thanks for the lift. I’ll see ya.” Another signature Eddie Munson grin.
“See ya, Munson.” Steve smiled back.
Steve drove home in silence, and thoughts of Eddie flooded his brain. He never thought he’d be worrying about Eddie Munson of all people, but Steve knew what it was like to deal with this for the first time. It destroys everything about your perception of the world and life itself.
Steve didn’t know how to help Eddie. He didn’t know if Eddie could be helped.
- ••
Family Video was the slowest, most boring job Steve had ever had. If Robin wasn’t with him, he was convinced that he would’ve fallen asleep at the desk. At least he could talk to customers at Scoops, but the only entertainment here was movies and Robin.
It was a very quiet day, they had maybe only 4 customers in total, and they spent the rest of the time watching movies or reading magazines or talking about celebrity crushes. Stupid stuff to pass the cruel, agonizing shift.
Robin had put on makeup today, which means she probably plans to see Vickie later at some sort of nerdy band event. She looked especially nice, and Steve wanted to pry into her love life out of sheer boredom.
Her head was buried in a small book of crossword puzzles. She wasn’t very good at them, but her goal was to complete one without looking at the answer key. Steve wasn’t sure she’d ever achieve that goal, but she’d be damned if she didn’t try.
“You going to see Vickie today?” Steve asked, bored out of his mind and prepared to fill the empty silence with girl talk. Usually Robin would jump at the opportunity to talk about girls with him, even if it was just gushing over a picture of Cindy Crawford in a magazine.
“What? No.” She responded, to Steve’s surprise.
“What are you doing today that requires makeup?” Steve asked. He realized it sounded a little accusatory, but Robin would understand.
“First of all- bold assumption that I can’t just wear makeup for fun- and second, I’m going to the movies after work.” She said, and a small blush creeped up her cheeks. He immediately found this suspicious- because usually she’d just tell him what was going on.
“Ooh, with who?” Steve said, wiggling his eyebrows dramatically.
“None of your business, dingus.” She rolled her eyes and went back to her puzzle.
She stared at it with an intensity that Steve had never seen from her before, and Steve’s mind immediately wandered to Eddie.
Steve wondered how he was doing, if he had nightmares- like they all had. If he had the panic attacks or the constant feeling like something will go wrong at a moment’s notice.
He considered just waiting it out- giving Eddie the time he needed to work out his feelings about the entire world changing. It was disorienting, to say the least.
“Hey Robin?” Steve asked, which snapped her out of her crossword-induced trance.
“What’s up?” She responded, seeming slightly annoyed, itching to get back to the puzzle.
“I’m a little worried about Eddie- did he seem off when we left the hospital?” Steve asked, tapping his fingers on the table. It wasn’t unlike him to stress about stupid things, and over the months of friendship, Robin has learned to contain his stress induced ramblings, as he has learned to contain hers.
“Uh, yeah. Steve, of course he’s “off”. It’s been one day. He just needs a minute to breathe. Why are you obsessing over Eddie anyways?” She didn’t really pay attention to his response and looked back down at her puzzle, scribbling in an answer with bright eyes.
“I am not obsessing over Eddie- just friendly concern, I mean we know what he’s going through.” Steve responded. He remembered that night in the Byers house for a moment, fighting his first monster with Nancy and Jonathan. So much has happened since then- it seemed like almost a lifetime ago.
“Well if you’re really that worried, we’ll visit after wo-“ Her eyes snapped up towards the door, “Well speak of the devil. Hey Eddie.” The door made a jingle as it closed and Steve snapped his head around to see a very tired Eddie. The purple bags under his eyes were nearly sinking into his head, and he didn’t walk with the exaggerated coolness he normally did.
He genuinely looked half dead- way worse than he did when he left the hospital room. If he looked like this last night, the doctor definitely wouldn’t have let him go home.
“Hey guys. I just couldn’t be crammed up in my room a minute longer- I was going crazy. Wanted to rent a movie.” Eddie said, leaning against the doorframe, as if he was too tired to stand up. He slurred his words slightly, but he didn’t seem drunk or high- just tired.
“Eddie, man. You look like a zombie. Seriously, I’m worried about the safety of our brains.” Steve watched as Eddie let out a low laugh, as much as he could muster.
“You have a brain?” Eddie responded. At least his humor wasn’t totally lost in his exhaustion.
“I’m serious man, how much did you sleep last night?” Steve asked, as he noticed that Robin had put her puzzle away as she watched Eddie in concern. He thought about his response to the simple question way harder than he should’ve needed to, and zoned out for a second before responding.
“Like 30 minutes- and not consecutively, but it’s whatever. I wanna watch Rocky.” Eddie responded, as he rubbed his eyes.
“The boxing movie? Really?” Steve asked, and Robin started laughing and failing at her attempt to hide it. Steve didn’t know what was so funny- Eddie Munson was not the type to watch boxing movies. He would probably make fun of Rocky if he was ever given the chance.
“No, Stevie, Rocky Horror. ” Eddie laughed too, and he pushed his hair back and snapped a rubber band off his wrist and threw it back into a ponytail. This got his ratted hair out of his face at the very least.
Steve had never seen Eddie in a ponytail. He looked… cool. Not that he didn’t look cool with his hair down, it was just… different. Eddie sorta
radiated cool at all times- even if it was in the nerdy kind of way.
“So just uh… gimme the goods and I’ll be out of your weirdly perfect hair.” Eddie said, rubbing his eyes again, smearing what seemed like days-old eyeliner further down his face, somehow seeming more tired than he was 3 minutes ago.
“No way you’re driving home like this, I’m surprised you didn’t die on the way here.” Robin cut in. At least she was finally backing him up. She slyly pointed to the van he drove, which was parked horribly in front of the store. He was convinced that an infant child would have parked the car better.
“She’s right, man, you’re dead on your feet.” Steve agreed, pointing back at Robin’s concerned face.
“Nah- I just wanna watch my movie, man. King Steve is not in charge of my movie watching.” Eddie said, in a sort of juvenile tone, eyes drooping as he was literally falling asleep standing up.
Steve considered his options. He could give Eddie a movie and let him go- risking him getting hurt in the process. Or-
“Ok yeah- this isn’t gonna work.” Steve said as he slid over the counter and walked right up to Eddie and took his jacket/vest combo straight off, revealing a tight fitted band tee that Steve didn’t recognize.
He noticed that Eddie had a second jean vest, because he knew that the Dio one was still sitting in Steve’s closet, and somehow he couldn’t bring himself to give it back. This one wasn’t nearly as decorated- but it had a couple cool pins of Black Sabbath- the band that Steve vaguely recognized from their conversation in the woods.
“Jesus, Stevie, take a guy to dinner first.” Eddie smirked, his eyes half closed. Steve felt the blood rush to his face at Eddie’s innuendo, but he brushed it off as the ramblings of a sleep deprived flirt. He probably wouldn’t even remember this after a good night of sleep.
“Very funny, but you don’t want to sleep in these I assume?” Steve said. Eddie looked vaguely confused, and he narrowed his eyes at Steve.
“‘m not sleepin’ here, am I?” Eddie asked, already half asleep.
“Yes you are, until I get off my shift and I can make sure you’re not gonna fall asleep at the wheel.” Steve replied, taking Eddie’s jackets and pointing him in the direction of the back room like a disappointed mother sending a child to their room.
“I’m fine, man, seriously.” Eddie countered stubbornly. Steve wasn’t having it, he had dealt with worse than Eddie before.
“Nope. It’s nap time.” Steve insisted.
“Whatever you say, Stevie.” Eddie nodded before heading to the room. Steve didn’t bother to turn the lights on and Eddie walked in, finding the small recliner that Keith used on his breaks. It was old and stuck in the middle of piles of boxes, but it would do.
He immediately kicked his feet up and closed his eyes. Most people found the chair incredibly uncomfortable, but it’s like Eddie didn’t even notice. Steve couldn’t even say ‘goodnight’ before he was knocked out cold.
Steve sighed and left the room, letting Eddie sleep in peace. He obviously needed it.
“We’re- no, you’re gonna get fired for that y’know?” Robin said, rolling her eyes, “and if you get fired then I have to quit and it’s a huge thing.” She finished. Steve at least felt comforted that she would join him in unemployment, if it came to that.
“Keith will never even know he was here- plus he’s itching to fire me anyways- just a matter of time.” Steve responded.
“Well you aren’t exactly supplying the hot babes I promised him.” Robin teased.
“Yeah well, we were kind of busy worrying about other things.” Steve said as he walked behind the counter and started walking through the shelves, looking through the movies.
“What are you looking for?” Robin asked.
“Rocky Horror.” Steve said, not looking away from the shelves. He only vaguely remembered what the cover looked like, but he wanted to have it ready for when Eddie woke up.
“I’m not quite sure you’re a Rocky Horror kinda person, Steve.” Robin laughed, and Steve still didn’t get what was so funny. “That movie is generally more enjoyed by people like me and Eddie.”
“So, nerds?” Steve laughed, shooting Robin a glance.
“Usually, among other things.” She gave him that look like she was insinuating something, but Steve didn’t catch her meaning.
“Found it.” Steve snatched it off the shelf and put it on the counter- labeling a bright yellow sticky note to say give to eddie!!! and promptly sticking it on the cover. He set it on the front desk next to Eddie’s keys and jackets, so he wouldn’t forget it.
Robin went back to her crossword.
Steve watched the clock click down until he could finally close the store. He hadn’t heard so much as a sound from the back room, which was a good sign. It meant Eddie was finally asleep. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t concerned about Eddie, even more so today than he was yesterday.
He waited to wake him up until the rest of the store was closed. He wanted to let Eddie sleep as long as possible, especially if he wasn’t sleeping at home.
When he entered the dark back room, Eddie was curled up in the recliner like a cat, he looked calm and innocent, none of the rough exterior that he usually displays.
Steve usually wasn’t in the business of focusing intently on how his male friends looked- but Eddie was different. You couldn’t really ignore him, even if you tried.
Even when Eddie was a senior (the first time) and Steve was a junior, he noticed Eddie, because he walked into rooms like he belonged there, even when he most definitely didn’t. Even when Tommy and Carol made fun of him and called him the “freak,” Eddie would laugh it off. Steve found that admirable.
Now they were here. They had battled death and won, and they didn’t know where to go after that. Which felt a little odd, but they just had to keep moving on, trudging through the hard times and appreciating the happy ones.
“Hey, uh, Eddie.” He didn’t wake up. Steve kneeled down and lightly placed his hand on Eddie’s shoulder. “Eddie, man, wake up. The store is closing.” Eddie shuffled, and his eyes fluttered open and met Steve’s, which made Steve a little anxious, but in a good way, a way he couldn’t quite explain.
“Hey Stevie. Time to go?” He muttered, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes and throwing his head back to stretch, revealing his neck and collarbones in a way that made the good-anxiety in Steve’s stomach intensify.
“Uh- yeah, you good to drive or should I take you home? I’m already driving Robin so it’s not a hassle.” He offered, secretly wanting Eddie to accept his offer. He wasn’t sure why he wanted to spend time with Eddie all of a sudden. He chalked it up to a trauma bond.
“Nah man, I need to get the van back to Wayne. I’ll be fine. Thank you- for uh, letting me crash in the back room- it was a rough night.” Eddie said. Steve nodded and handed him his jackets. Eddie took them and for a second, his hand brushed against Steve’s.
“Look Eddie, if you ever need something just- call me, ok? Please. I know what it’s like to have your world turned upside down by an interdimensional monster.” Steve said, looking down so he didn’t have to meet Eddie’s eyes.
“I know. I guess it just takes a minute to adjust, huh?” Eddie laughed it off and then got serious, “Thanks, Steve.”
“Hey, uh- don’t forget this.” Steve handed him the Rocky Horror tape. Eddie looked at the little note that was still stuck on the front and smiled. He gave a quick nod and then walked out the door. Steve couldn’t get himself to move until he heard the rumble of Eddie’s engine as he pulled away from the Family Video parking lot.
“Ok Robin, let’s head out,” Steve said, not looking at her until he could get his thoughts straightened out. He felt nearly dizzy.
“What is up with you?” She asked, in that Robin-y way that made you feel like she already knew exactly what was up. He blamed it on the best friend psychic bond.
“Nothing just…it’s nothing.” He said, fumbling for his keys, avoiding the obvious stare she was giving him.
“You’re worried about Eddie, still? I get it man- he’s been better, but you remember how I was like the first week after. He’ll be ok.” She said. Sometimes Steve was shocked about how she could drop her sarcastic demeanor and say something that genuinely made him feel better.
The drive home was fairly quiet. Steve noticed that it was only around dinner time, and Robin still had that mysterious movie date, but he was already ready for bed. He made a mental note to pry about that later, but his brain had already shut off for the night.
When he dropped Robin off, she said her normal goodbyes, but just before she turned around, she said, “Hey Steve? Stop worrying.” She knew him too well.