(:̲̅:̲̅[:metalheddie:]:̲̅:̲̅)

Here comes Johnny 🧷......

I rambled about this idea a few months ago on stories so a here's a little backstory:

i think nancy brining eddie to prom to piss of her father is actually very funny. (twitter) [ID IN ALT]

(Why tf are all my ficlets so chaotic?)

Dustin doesn't really understand why Steve keeps turning girls down. There was the girl at the diner who Steve rejected. There were the girls at Family Video, and the girl at the mall.

And there was... well, you get the point.

Dustin wasn't complaining! Steve's lack of dates meant that he could drive the kids to the arcade more often, and he could stay at Hellfire for longer amounts of time. But it was still weird to see the former king of Hawkins High accepting his role as a babysitter.

So, naturally, Dustin had to ask about it.

And, also naturally, Dustin had to ask about it with Robin and Eddie in the car with him.

"Yeah, I've noticed that too, Steve," Robin said.

Steve sighed, a very, very long sigh. "Let's just say, for the sake of time, that I have a friend."

"Yeah?"

"Robin knows her, too," Steve continued, nodding at Robin.

"Just to be clear, we're talking about, uhm, Dorothy, right?" Robin asked, cocking her head to one side.

Steve nodded some more at Robin, and Robin smiled. Dustin hated the way they communicated without talking, but it was the price he had to pay to get to ride in Steve's car.

"Dorothy?" Dustin questioned, confused.

Eddie piped up. "Yeah, yeah, Dorothy. I know her. She's, uh, she used to be in Hellfire before she graduated."

"Yeah!" Steve and Robin said together, both laughing.

"Know Vickie?" Steve turned to Dustin.

"Vickie who?"

Robin looked confused. "I- I don't actually know. But she knows Dorothy, too! We used to all hang out together, but y'know she graduated before we did. She's super nice! She swung by Family Video the other day-" Robin winked at Steve before continuing- "and we talked for a bit. She's just the best, isn't she?"

Dustin left the conversation being possibly more confused than before. But apparently Steve had a friend. And her name was Dorothy.

Cheesy romance novels are Eddie's guilty pleasure. He sits up in bed with his dorky glasses on, giggling and kicking his feet whenever the two main characters touch hands or gaze at each other for longer than five seconds. When they finally kiss, he exclaims loudly, which causes Steve to sleepily reach over and smack him.

ohh mein gott, zhey're posting püssenvagen on ze instagrāmmen

The comic plot twist potential of the kids going “Wait, where’s Steve? Didn’t he say he would also come?” during a Serious group discussion and either Dustin or Robin making a quip about how he’s been kind of absent-minded and Weird lately. “He’s probably mooning after some girl.” Dustin will say with a roll of his eyes and everyone will agree.

Immediately after we’ll get a shot of Steve, indeed, heavily making out with someone. We don’t see the person’s face at first: all we see is their long bushy hair and how they’re backing Steve up against a wall to deepen the kiss. The hair is almost eerily similar to Nancy’s hairstyle in that episode but within the next few moments, Steve cups their cheek and the camera pans in from the side to reveal one Eddie Munson.

And a very love-drunk Steve looking at him as if he’s the last of his wishes come true.

“I used to wonder about this place,” Robin tells Eddie as they lounge on the couch, looking up at Steve’s pristine ceiling, not a cobweb in sight. 

“Huh?”

Robin smirks knowingly. “Come on, you must have wondered, too.” She puts on a hushed voice of mock reverence. “The King of Hawkins High roaming these hallowed halls… if walls could speak…”

Eddie snorts. “Those are some pretty words, Buckley,” he says, and he knows that even this tease is pretty much a confession that he’d once thought similar things. 

“I used to imagine his parties,” Robin continues, “and think that he’d no doubt break some priceless heirloom, like…” She nods at a horrendously ugly vase. “And then he’d have to hurry and clean it all up before mom and dad noticed.” She looks at Eddie head-on, all joking dropped, and Eddie suddenly suspects that she has planned this conversation. “I was wrong.”

She’s lowered her voice, and the two of them simultaneously glance over to make sure Steve can’t hear; he’s completely unaware, trying to shove a still chattering Dustin off the kitchen countertop. 

“What part?” Eddie asks quietly.

Robin sighs heavily. “He never needed to hurry, Eddie,” she says slowly, deliberately, like she’s saying something else. Eddie listens close until he can hear it: No-one was ever coming to see the mess. They’re never fucking here.

He looks over at Steve again, smiling brightly in the spotless kitchen; and, unbidden, he thinks of Chrissy, of how loneliness is not always obvious. 

Robin knocks her foot gently against Eddie’s. He had spent arguably the worst and best week of his life being surprised by Steve Harrington, but this feels different, a quieter yet more monumental change: like Robin has trusted him, shared a missing puzzle piece from a darkened corner.

“What should we do?” he whispers.

Robin smiles, bittersweet. “Make a mess?” she says, shrugs. “Not broken vases or anything. It’s… it’s proof, I think.” 

“Of what?” Eddie says. Steve’s laughter travels across—“I swear to God, Henderson, get your nasty shoes off there,”—and Eddie watches as Steve taps at Dustin’s muddy footprints left on the counter, and not even a show of exasperation can hide his fondness.

Eddie can’t help but love him.

“That we’re here,” Robin answers softly. “That we’re staying.”

teacher!steve, coming into to work so, so, sleepy, bags under his eyes, hair is completely deflated, the biggest thermal he has filled to the brim with coffee, glasses on because he couldn't be bothered to put in contacts.

He couldn't even stand up straight as he greeted his students, yawning as he greeted each student, leaning his entire weight against the door frame, getting a worried look from the English teacher, Nancy, as she caught his eye from down the hall, he gave her a small gesture, and a tired smile, hoping she'd understand it meant they could talk at lunch.

Steve was apologizing for his yawning the entire day, and sure enough come lunch there was rapid knocking just as the last kid had walked out, he was greeted by Nancy, and Robin, the music teacher.

"Steve, you look like death! Nance, you weren't kidding!" The two of them both took seats, in the closest student desks to Steve, who was mumbling out responses as he laid his head on his desk.

"Okay, spiiilllll." Nancy dragged on, drumming against the desk excitedly. Steve sat up, with another yawn, as he took a long sip from his coffee.

"Geez, did Eddie get home from tour, and forget it was a school night, you two must've had fun!" Robin wiggled her eyebrows at Steve, as Nancy giggled behind her hand.

"Ha-Ha, Buckley. But, sort of, NO- Not in the way you two think, get your head out of the gutter, Wheeler!" Steve pointed a stern finger at her, as she gave him a suggestive look. "He greeted me when I got home, we finished our fun pretty early, actually, I was ready to sleep like a baby." Steve recounted, as a blush began to run up his neck, at the thought of Eddie last night.

He cleared his throat as he continued, "Eddie, still jet lagged, got the great idea to invite his old bandmates over, and instead of practicing in the soundproof studio that we recently added, because it "wouldn't be the same, Stevie!", they practiced heavy f-cking metal, until 4 in the morning, in the garage, which is directly under our bedroom.”

The two girls let out laughs, and gave Steve a sympathetic nod. "So, I didn't get a wink of sleep, didn't even have time to pack myself lunch." Steve sighed as he looked at his watch, seeing he wouldn't have enough time to run into town to grab anything either.

The two girls stood, talking at the same time, "I packed some extra lunch," "You can share with me, I can't promise it'll be good, though.”

Steve stood with the girls, nodding along, as they made their way to the door to walk down to the teachers lounge. As Steve opened the classroom door for the girls, he was greeted by none other than the reason for his lack of sleep.

"Hey Sweetheart," Eddie greeted with a sweet smile, Steve groaned playfully, rolling his eyes, as the girls walked past the two of them, whispering to eachother.

"Oh! Don't forget how thin these cheap walls are, Munson!" Robin called over her shoulder, as Nancy let out another laugh. Eddie flipped her off, as he followed closely behind Steve into his classroom.

Steve sat back on his rolling chair, looking up at Eddie as he stood in front of Steve's desk. Eddie swayed back and forth, hands hidden behind his back. "I figured you probably didn't get much sleep last night-"

"Oh really? What gave it away?" Steve scoffed, taking off his round glasses, and setting them to the side.

"Well, you were grumbling all morning and threw all of your discarded outfit choices pretty roughly at my sleeping head today." Eddie listed off. Steve let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head, humming in response. At this, Eddie moved his hands from behind his back, showcasing a brown bag. "So, I thought what better way to repay my honey, than to bring him a greasy lunch full of love."

Steve reached out happily, knowing he couldn't stay grumpy when Eddie was giving him those eyes. Steve began eating, as Eddie moved around Steve's desk, taking a seat on the desk in front of him. He messed with his rings, as he watched Steve hum satisfied as he took his first bite.

"I figured you didn't have time to pack a lunch, and couldn't have you surving on coffee the whole day." Eddie continued, and Steve gave him a fond smile, nodding as he swallowed.

"You saved me from eating whatever leftovers Robin had cooked up, and was going to share with me." Steve laughed, "Last time I ate what she made me, I had to use my precious Sick Days!"

Eddied joined in on the laughter, before hooking his heel around the arm rest of Steves rolling chair, and pulling him closer, so Steve was slotted between Eddies legs, Steve let Eddie pull him, resting his elbows on his thighs, as he continued to eat his burger.

Eddie began combing his fingers through Steves hair, humming along to a instrumental they came up with last night. "Missed you, missed us." Eddie said softly, as Steve finished his burger, throwing the wrapper back in the bag, and moving closer into Eddies touch, snaking his arms around Eddies waist. "Maybe you should've used more of those precious Sick Days, so you coulda stayed in bed with me."

Steve smiled, feeling his cheeks flush. "Couple more days, and then you'll be able to bug me all of Winter break, my love." Eddie sighed, cupping Steve's face, making him look up at him. Steve kept his eyes shut, soft smile on his lips. Eddie kissed both of his eyelids, then his nose, then his cheeks, before placing one lasting kiss on his lips. He pulled away, causing Steve to whine, chasing after his lips. Eddie smiled lovingly, pressing his lips to Steves again.

The two lazily kissed as Eddie sat on Steves desk, until the bell rang, and when Steve stood and tried to pull away, Eddie pulled him closer, bringing Steve's bottom lip into his mouth, Steve giggled, pulling back softly, not being able to fully talk. "Babe- Mph, I- have to open the-mMpH the door."

Eddie shook his head, humming disapprovingly. "Five more minutes", he begged against Steves lips, keeping his arms hooked around Steve’s waist.

"They'll start knocking", Steve protested, once Eddie released his lip, and leaned up to kiss the mole on Steves exposed neck.

"Let them." Eddie mumbled, and Steve realized he wouldn't win this battle, so he stood there, wrapping his arms over Eddies shoulders, as Eddie lazily kissed along his jaw, out of love, not looking to go any further, more of I missed you kind of kisses, because he missed being home, in Steve’s arms.

The knocking started, just as Steve suspected. Only getting louder, as Eddie protested. "Steve! Open up, my sister told me Eddie's here!" Steve could hear Mike yell through the knocking, he sighed, as he pulled away, and went to open the door.

"Michael, we talked about this- It's Mr.Harrington, to you, during school hours!" Steve corrected, Mike rolled his eyes as Steve used his full name. As soon as the door was opened fully, the kids started piling in.

Dustin, and Mike running up to Steve's desk, to bombard Eddie with questions about tour, and if the kids begged Steve to let Eddie talk about tour, instead of prep for their final (Mr.Harrington, this is geography, technically, it would work perfectly! I teach History, Lucas! Are they not the same thing?), no one had to know.

Steve really only gave in, once he finally looked at Eddie (oh, cmon Stevie, you'd get to sit back and rest for a class period). So, Steve sat back, and watched fondly as Eddie talked animatedly to the class, asking Steve to display each city Corroded Coffin played at, as he spoke about it, rating the city on his “Munson Scale”. Was it educational? No. Was it useful information? Also, no. Was it entertaining? Yes.

Steve tried to lay his head on his desk, and get in a quick 30-minute nap, but was too captivated watching his Eddie entertain his students, he couldn't focus on anything, not even feeling tired anymore.

It was as if Eddie had carried the Sun in with him, and brought life back into Steve, and Steve was so thankful to have Eddie back home.

Vintage Garfield Phone (x)

another bat (st)eddie comic i did last month ^_^

A Tiktok comes across Eddie’s FYP of a girl saying that her toxic trait is that she fuels Tiktok drama by convincing her mom that their uptight neighbor down the street is her friend. She pans away from herself to Diane baking in her kitchen and says, “Mom, do you think the Munsons would like some gingerbread men?”

Eddie stitches the video with one of Steve stuffing his face with gingerbread men while mid-rant about the insinuation that he’s not taking care of his family and needs someone else to feed them. Also a little ableist to just assume that because Steve gets confused sometimes that he’s not baking for his husband. Eddie tells him that he doesn’t think that’s was her intention and Steve tells him to shut the fuck up, “I’m baking you a cake tomorrow.”

part 1

The fourth week, Steve walked through the door, holding it open for a slightly older woman, some soccer mom, rather fit, probably on her way to zumba class, who had a fluffy Pomeranian in tow. Steve greeted the woman, as he held the door, asking if he could pet the dog that was licking at Steve’s freshly polished shoes. She happily agreed, and kept trying to make small talk with Steve as he squatted down, giving the fluffy dog all of his attention, much to the woman’s dismay. When they left he walked up to Eddie, who greeted him. “Looking extra happy today, Steve,” Eddie had added, as Steve repeated his usual order. Steve nodded, as he watched the older woman continue across the street with her dog. 

“Course, I am. Did you see how cute that dog was?” Steve had replied. 

“Seemed like the dog’s owner was just as interested in you, as you were the dog.” Eddie suggested. 

Steve shook his head bashfully, before replying, “Not my type.” At this Eddie had raised his eyebrows, as he turned away from Steve. 

After some silence, Eddie threw in “Mine either.” Steve smiled at that, taking his drink from Eddie, as Eddie sent him off with his normal farewell. Steve made it to the door of his building before looking down to see what Eddie wrote this time: “Teve”. Steve had a dopey smile on his face, the entire way up to his office, excited to show Robin this week’s edition. 

The fifth week, Steve and the rest of the firm had been swamped all week with a big case, Steve, and the others had no time to get their fixes of caffeine, so his boss, Nancy, sent Robin, with the company card, to get everyone their normal orders. Robin said she’d go to the closest cafe, and be back as soon as possible, as she wrote down the last order, which was Steve’s usual. 

Robin was back in thirty minutes, two cup trays in hand, and two brown bags of pastries on her forearms. Steve was the first up, taking the load off of Robin, thanking her profusely. Robin spent the next few minutes, reading off names, as she handed out everyone’s order. She let out a laugh as she picked up the last cup, apologizing for interrupting Jonathan and Nancy, as she handed Steve his drink. 

Steve looked between her and the cup, before he finally saw what she was trying so hard to stifle her laugh over. Written once again in big bold letters: “Styve”. Steve had sighed, putting his head against the conference room table, because he knew if he looked up at Robin he wouldn’t be able to hold back his laughter. 

The sixth week, Steve had a day off that Nancy insisted he take, because of all the extra hours he put in the week before working the case. Eddie watched from inside, as a maroon Bimmer pulled up in front of the shop, and when the driver stepped out, his jaw went slack, as he recognized the perfectly styled hair, Ray Bans shielding his hazel eyes from the bright sun, dark blue polo, and blue jeans hugging his body in all the right spots, not much different up top, but more laid back than his usual business attire. 

Eddie watched as Steve pulled open the door with one hand, and took his glasses off with the other before he stepped in, a welcoming smile spread over his face. He kept eye contact with Eddie as he walked up to the counter, hooking his glasses into the opening of his shirt- and holy f-ck did he leave those buttons undone on purpose. 

Eddie couldn’t stop staring at the chest hair peeking through from the open area of his polo, Steve’s simple gold chain glistening against the natural light that seeped into the cafe. He followed from where the chain sat on his neck, to the two moles that stood out on Steve’s neck, to Steve’s lips that were moving as he spoke, but Eddie couldn’t hear a thing he said, all the way up until their eyes met. Steve’s eyes were so warm, and inviting, crinkling slightly as he smiled. 

Eddie was finally coming back to his senses, as he reached for his marker, lips moving faster than his brain before he asked, “Is that all, big boy?” He watched as Steve stilled, and Eddie finally came to his senses. “Oh! I mean, Uh, I mean is that all, sugar?” Eddies eyes widened again, as he felt his cheeks flush red. shaking his head. 

Steve let out a soft chuckle, nodding. “Yeah, you got it, two sugar, three cream, please.” Eddie nodded firmly, turning away from Steve as he started brewing a fresh batch, it would take longer to get his order out, but at least it meant he could look at Steve some more. 

Eddie cleared his throat. “Sweet ride you have out there,” turning to look at Steve again, who had his arms crossed over his chest, and oh my g-d, Eddie wanted to bite him. 

Steve smiled, nodding proudly at his car, “Sure is, sweet Stacy, the only woman I can handle in my life.” Steve added with a quiet laugh. “Even better view under the hood.” I wish I could get a view under your hood, Eddie turned back around as he heard the coffee start dripping.

“Missed ya last week, did you get tired of seeing my gorgeooousss face?” Eddie teased, feeling more confident now that he wasn’t facing Steve. “Had to send down your assistant for your usual.” Eddie put emphasis on “assistant” in a posh accent. 

Steve laughed, shaking his head. “Robs is more than my assistant, she’s shadowing me and the firm for school, but is labeled as an assistant for now.” Steve spoke proudly of Robin too, it warmed his heart. 

Eddie remembers when she came in, wild look in her eyes, emphasizing the drinks were for her boss, as she walked up to the counter, repeating each order carefully, and triple checking they were all correct with Eddie. Eddie remembers sulking around that Friday as 8 o'clock had passed, and Steve had yet to show up. He had thought Steve had been offended by the silly misspellings of his name, and went to go find a different cafe. 

He remembers the way his breath hitched as Robin read out the last order, Steves usual. Eddie had stood up straighter, asking her for names on the order to confirm his theory. Normally, he’d send off an order like this with just the order tags, and let the group figure out who had what order. But, he needed to know for his own ego, that this coffee was for Steve. 

Eddie waited anxiously as Robin read through all the names, until she finally got to the last order. “Annnd, Steve for the Large coffee three cream, two-” “Sugars.” Eddie had finished for her. As Eddie and his co-worker finished the eight drinks, he called out Robin’s name at the pick up counter. 

Robin rushed over, but Eddie stalled wanting to get some more out of her. “Do you work up the road? With Steve?" 

Robin had nodded, "Mhm, I’m his PA, they’ve been swamped with work this week, boss figured everyone needed the quickest pick-me-up. How do you know Steve?" 

Eddie smiled, reaching under the counter to grab a brown bag, and start throwing in a couple of pastries. "Steve’s a regular, for me. I recognized the order, and had to ask since he wasn’t in today.” He finished, as he handed two bags of pastries over to Robin. She shook her head, insisting she pay for them. 

“No, no, no. Steve always tips more than his basic drink even costs. I’m just paying it forward, you said they were hard at work, figured some sweets would brighten the mood.” Eddie smiled. 

Robin huffed, still throwing a $20 into the tip jar, before she walked out, while Eddie wasn’t looking, insisting “It’s what Steve would do!”

Eddie laughed to himself thinking about the encounter. “Reminds me, thanks for the pastries by the way, the team loved them.” Steve had said, as Eddie was pulled out of his memories. 

Eddie smiled up at Steve, as he was adding a lid to his drink. “Anything for my favorite regular.” Eddie handed off the drink at the pick-up counter. Steve smiled, handing Eddie a $20 this time, as their hands brushed, taking a sip of his drink. 

“Perfect, as always.” Steve sighed, as he waved at Eddie, putting his glasses back on. “See you next week, Eddie!” He called over his shoulder. Eddie waved, continuing to watch him as he walked to his car. 

This time, Steve looked at his cup, before he opened his car door, in big bold letters, again: Steev. Eddie was blessed with seeing Steve’s reaction this time, pulling a loose strand of hair in front of his face to hide his fond smile, as he watched Steve throw his head back, and let out a deep laugh, before shaking his head and getting into his car. 

The seventh week, Steve came in at 8AM sharp, Eddie watched as Steve stood by the door, blue jeans, and a maroon sweater, one hand on his hip, and foot tapping impatiently, the other hand cupped around his mouth, as he called out to someone down the road. Steve turned to open the door, making a motion with his hands, as he ushered in six grumpy teenagers. 

Eddie’s eyes widened seeing the group, and how any of this dynamic makes any sense. He watched amused as Steve finally let the door swing shut behind him, putting his hands up in an attempt to get all the talking at once to stop. He was talking to them in a hushed tone, something about needing his weekly fix, before they hit the road. 

Steve finally stood up at his full height, walking up to the counter, greeting Eddie with a smile. Eddie raised a brow, giving Steve a serious look. “You got six baby mommas you didn’t tell me about?” Steve’s eyes widened and he shook his head furiously, until Eddie began to laugh it off. “Kidding, Steve.” 

Steve smiled, before explaining. “I used to babysit them when I was in high school, guess my impact on them was so memorable they can’t seem to let me go.” Steve shrugged, sarcasm dripping from his voice, trying to stifle a laugh. 

The boy with a simple baseball cap, scoffed from behind Steve. “That’s a lie, we keep him around because he drives us everywhere, and gives out decent Christmas gifts.” He added, giving Steve a shit-eating grin. 

“Can it, Henderson.” Steve had mumbled, flicking back the kids cap softly, so that it fell off his head. Eddie snickered to himself watching the exchange. 

“Alright, so I’m assuming the usual, what about your children, Steve?” Eddie asked. Steve smiled at the remark, and moved aside to allow the kids to order. Steve monitored from the side, as the teens all began throwing orders at Eddie at once. “Large Caramel-“ “Mike, you do not need a large!” 

“Lucas, you can’t ask for that much sugar!” 

“No, El, they have normal pastries, and that’s it, they don’t serve cereal.” 

“Henderson, if you don’t stop questioning the poor worker about their dairy substitutions.” 

“Will, please do not get something iced, it is 42 degrees outside.” 

“Max, you can’t just order four shots of espresso, while I am standing right here.” 

The kids finally decided, content with their orders, moving on to find a table to fit all of them. Steve sighed, running a hand through his hair again, as he approached the counter again. “Did ya get all that?” He joked. 

Eddie nodded confidently, before putting a hand to his chest. “I’m hurt you would even question my ability, Steve.” Steve laughed, apologizing to Eddie again for the bombarding, promising to leave a hefty tip. “No worries, Steve. It was entertaining watching you go all “Mom Mode” on them.” Eddie said before turning to start on the orders. 

Ten minutes later, he called the gang over to the pick-up counter. The teens rushed over grabbing their respective drinks, before moving back to the table they picked out in the corner. Then, it was just Eddie holding on to Steve’s drink. Steve reached for his drink, thanking Eddie again for his patience.

“So, what’s the occasion?” He had asked as Steve sipped his drink. Steve smiled fondly, as he turned to look at the kids bickering amongst themselves. 

“Taking ‘em to a convention outta town, that they won’t stop talking about. I don’t want to bore you, it’s kind of nerdy.” 

“Try me.” Eddie said a little too quickly. 

“It’s a Dungeons-“ 

“The D&D convention in Chicago?” Eddie finished for him. Steve nodded, smiling at Eddie. “I wanted to go so bad, but couldn’t find a cover for my shift, no one ever wants the openings.” Eddie groaned, as Steve gave him a sympathetic nod. “Sooo. Who’s the DM of the group?” Eddie asked, leaning over the counter to peer at the kids again. “I’m guessing it’s either Red, or the one that schooled you earlier.” Eddie added with a laugh. 

Steve shrugged, so he turned over to the kids and asked for Eddie. To Eddies surprise, it was the kid that had spoke the least out of the group, in the time they were there. “Oh, it’s Will!” Steve clarified for Eddie. The two continued with small talk until Eddie got another customer, so Steve went to sit with the kids. 

For the rest of the time, Eddie watched how Steve interacted with the teens, enjoying hearing some of the banter, (“Wait, Steve why is your name spelled like that on the cup?” “Like what?” “S-apostrophe-T-V-E! (S’tve)” “He threw an apostrophe in there today?!?”), and being confused by some of the inside jokes. Eddie had the biggest grin on his face, as Steve made all the kids say their thank you’s as they walked out the door. Steve waved at Eddie as he followed the kids out, and for the rest of the day Eddie couldn’t wipe that smile off of his face. 

The eighth week, Steve strolled in, wearing his usual work attire, today he wore a deep brown, fitted suit, white button up, and a matching tie. Eddie greeted him before he got to the counter, Steve smiled in return. Before Eddie could pull out a cup, Steve held up a hand, making Eddie stop in his tracks, as Steve rummaged around the inside pocket of his suit. Shortly after, he pulled out a red colored, felt bag, with a string tie. 

He held it out to Eddie. Eddie snickered, giving Steve a confused look. “What? Gonna pay in Castar today? Is that what you got in there? Some elvish coins.” 

Steve mirrored Eddie’s confused expression, “Castar? Elvish coins?” 

“Wait- you don’t- I mean- you didn’t read Lord of the Rings in high school?” Steve’s furrow of his brow grew deeper. Eddie shook his head, waving it off, another time, he thought. 

“Open it.” Steve had finally said, smiling as he took his bottom lip between his teeth. Eddie slowly pulled the string on the bag, revealing a custom D&D dice set. Eddie’s jaw dropped, as he pulled one out, rolling it between his fingers, holding it up to the light, inspecting the gold numbers, striking in contrast to the swirled deep reds, oranges, and black. Eddie’s smile grew even wider, as he dropped the piece back into the bag, closing it back up and finally making eye contact with Steve, as a deep blush spread across his cheeks.

“I felt bad you were stuck at work, when you seemed like you really wanted to go to that convention. So, I asked the kids, what would be a good gift from a place like that. They suggested uh, character figures? I think it was? But, we realized I didn’t know much about your campaign? So, we settled on a custom set, I got to talk to the artist as she drew the numbers on your set. Sorry, I realize I’m rambling now.” Steve could feel the blush rushing from his neck to his cheeks, as he looked away from Eddie’s intense gaze. Eddie still was at a loss for words so Steve kept talking. “I realize now this might be a little weird, I mean I’m just another customer, and you don’t even know how to spell my name, and- and oh, I don’t even know what I was thinking- y’know what let’s just forget I did-“ 

“Take me out.” Eddie blurted, cutting off Steve’s uncertain rambling. 

“What?” Steve had finally looked back at him. 

“Take. Me. Out.” Eddie said slowly, more clearly. He had crossed an arm over his torso, and was playing with a loose end of his hair, and he tried to read Steve’s expression, so he continued talking. “I don’t care where, I just need it to be soon, before I throw all my decency out this window, and jump the counter right now to climb you like a tree.” 

Steve had let out a hearty laugh, as he nodded along. “Beat me to it, I was going to ask you out when you handed me my coffee today, I was just too excited to give you your gift first.” Eddie couldn’t contain his smile anymore, hanging on to every word Steve spoke. “I should be off today around 4, I’ll pick you up here, don’t worry about anything, I’ve already got it all planned.” Steve had assured, watching Eddie turn away to start his usual. 

“Already all planned?” Eddie had called over his shoulder, in an attempt to hide his blushing, “You were so sure the dice would win me over?”

Steve nodded confidently, the same warm smile on his face. “Sure was, the kids said the dice would for sure win you over.” At this, Eddie let out a fond laugh, thinking about Steve and his council of teenagers.

Once Eddie finished, and handed off the drink, Steve held it up eye-level, and his smile grew wider as he read the big bold letters: Stevie. The ‘i’ dotted with a heart again. “I really like this one, got a nice ring to it.” Steve commented, locking eyes with a blushing Eddie again. “I’ll see you at 4, Eds.” 

After their date, they go on another, and another, and another. Steve’s visits to the cafe become more frequent, even if he isn’t buying a coffee, he’ll grab a pastry, or drop off the same thing he made himself for breakfast, for Eddie to eat too (Stevie, I already told you, I can just eat a chocolate croissant! Just wanted an excuse to see you, you were up too early this morning). When Steve would come in for just a coffee though, it was always the usual, despite Eddie trying countless times to get Steve to expand his tastebuds, letting Steve taste all of his drinks he made for himself (A coffee, iced?!? Isn’t it supposed to be scalding hot? Stevie, I promise it’s good, just try it. Eds, I am not drinking anything iced, it is 22 degrees outside). 

Eddie still continued to misspell Steve’s name, even as their relationship continued to grow. Steve thought it would stop some time soon, I mean theres only so many ways you can misspell Steve, and have it still be Steve. 

Steve should not have doubted Eddie, because once Eddie ran out of ways to spell Steve, he just started using random S-words: Soda, Sticky-Note, Sicklecell, Synonym, Saturday, Stranger, Shark, Shrink, Shirt, Ship, Sailboat, and on, and on. 

Eddie remembers the look Steve gave him as he read the first name that wasn’t some variation of his own name. (Sicklecell? Really, Eds?). As the months went on, Eddie became their personal delivery boy for the firm, he had a growing bond with Robin, who he learned was Steve’s closest confidant. 

Eddie would deliver drinks whenever Steve would rant to him in passing about a big case taking up everyones free time. Eddie loved having an excuse to go to Steves work, he loved dropping off Steves coffee last, watching the way he eagerly turned the cup around until he could see what Eddie wrote that day, seeing the way his eyes lit up as he laughed at whatever was written.

Making Steve smile quickly became Eddie’s favorite thing to do. 

-

ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID????? Kindest regards, 

notes for fanfic writers from a current metalhead with knowledge about the metal scene in the 80s (my mom was an 80s metalhead):

of course, everyone is free to write eddie however the hell they want! but after reading idk how many fanfics, a lot of them written by people who aren't into metal themselves, i thought i could share a couple of things!

- the fact that eddie deals drugs doesn't automatically mean he uses them. he might smoke a joint every once in a while, but a lot of metalheads just stick to beer and booze.

- i love the mental image of eddie wearing makeup. however, realistically, eddie wouldn't be wearing makeup. not even when performing. the most he would wear is black nail polish, maybe some eyeliner during shows. yes, there's a subgenre of metal where the musicians do wear makeup like eyeshadow and lipstick, however, that is not the type of metal eddie listens to (with the exception of W.A.S.P. who had members who did wear eyeliner)

- eddie would absolutely love a lot of music that isn't necessarily metal, especially 60s and 70s rock, like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix ect. he would absolutely admire David Bowie. and i'll let you guys in on a little secret. a lot of metalheads love the fuck out of ABBA. he might not admit it to his friends (he doesn't want to look uncool), but ABBA is notorious for actually making very technical music, and for using elaborate mixing techniques on their albums. that alone would get eddie to listen to it.

- that being said, there are also definitely bands he would absolutely not listen to. i've seen people mention eddie listening to Guns N' Roses and Mötley Crüe. he wouldn't. eddie listens to heavy metal, trash metal, and the beginnings of black metal. bands like Mötley Crüe are more glam leaning than heavy metal. and 80s metalheads listening to eddie's subgenres of metal wouldn't be caught dead listening to glam metal. i know, it's a weird thing.

- a short list of metalbands that eddie does listen to (both canon and assumptions): Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Mercyful Fate, Venom, Saxon, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Queensrÿche, W.A.S.P., Judas Priest, Accept. of course there are more bands, but these are just a few i can list from the top of my head!

- and the most important note: eddie is a metalhead, NOT a punker!!! i've seen some writers describe him as punk, or punk rock, or him living in the punk scene. there is a big difference between the two! plus, a lot of metalheads and punkers didn't even like each other that much during the 80s. there was a bit of a musical rivalry.

hope this helps!

horses concept for my steddie cowboy au :]