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funnylittlelad · 1 year

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Hey, Baby, It's Me.

summary: Steve meets his daughter for the first time and finally finds a name for her.

wc: 4.3k

tags/warnings: single teen parenthood, hospitals, Steve's shitty parents, Robin's not shitty parents, Steve is on an emotional rollercoaster, a good dose of angst and fluff, no romantic pairings (takes place before Steve and Eddie meet)

this fic is a spin-off prequel to Shelter From The Storm, but can be read on its own.

Read on AO3

The call comes in at six in the morning. On instinct, Steve shoots awake and scrambles for the phone. His parents are home, but no one calls here for them. If one of Steve’s friends wakes them up… He answers a little groggy and irritated. Once the wobbly voice over the line comes in, he’s wide awake and on the move.

“Just- just be there. I- I don't want-” Sarah’s words come stilted with an anxious tremble.

Steve has the phone between his ear and shoulder. He dances around the coiled cord as he hops to pull his jeans up.

“Hey, it’s okay,” he assures her softly, “I’ll be there. You don't have to worry-”

“I’m not,” she sighs, “About me, anyway. It’s… her. I want to make sure someone is here for her.”

Steve’s stomach twists. Her. The baby, she means. The one she won't help Steve name. The one she gave him all the sonogram pictures of, keeping none for herself. At least she’s graduated from saying it. That was killing Steve.

“I’m on my way. I’ll be there,” he promises.

They bid each other goodbye and Steve finishes throwing on his clothes. He ends up in a pair of jeans from two days ago that he left on the floor and a rumpled Hawkins High Class of ‘85 hoodie. By the time he’s half skipping down the hallway to the entry, pulling his shoes on as he goes, his parents wake up. He looks up at where they stand on the stairs, hovering above him like the blade of a guillotine. Right now, Steve doesn't care if there's a basket ready to catch his head. He has a daughter to meet. His heart races in anticipation at the thought.

“Where are you going?” His father asks dryly.

Steve glances over his shoulder at the sky through the door windows. Early sunlight reaches through as if it's attempting to grab Steve and drag him to the hospital.

“Hospital- Sarah called,” Steve informs them as he finishes tying his shoes.

His father makes an unsatisfied hm. He stares at Steve down his strong nose, pins him to the floor with cold eyes, and frowns.

“Do you need-” His mother begins.

“No, Martha,” his father chides, “He’s a man. He doesn't need anything from us. Even if he did, he’s made his decision.”

Steve’s nostrils flare. His eyes shoot to his mother. He doesn't expect anything, but he still kind of hopes. He hopes she’ll end up caring enough to fight for him, for her granddaughter, now that push has come to shove. Now that the months of threats and fights have come to a head crowning in Roann General Hospital. She doesn't. She simply exhales through her nose, fixes a nice neutral expression onto her face, and nods curtly in agreement with his father. Bile rises to the back of Steve’s throat, but he tries to push it down. He knew it would be like this. He knew not to want for anything else. Yet, here he is, disappointed in his parents- not for the first time, but certainly for the last.

“Yeah, you’re right. I have made my decision,” Steve huffs and stands fully.

He snatches his keys from the dish on the table by the door.

“Steven,” his father’s stern voice grabs hold of him by the throat.

He uses a tone that Steve knows too well. It’s usually followed by a rather unpleasant scene. A scene that Steve won't let unfold today. He has places to be. With the promise of his daughter’s imminent arrival, he isn't afraid of John Harrington anymore. Not for himself, anyways.

“Yeah?” Steve sighs impatiently.

“You’ll never be able to do this on your own,” his father tells him as if he were sharing the fact that the sky is blue.

Ice drips down Steve’s spine. His eyes can't stay still on his father’s serious expression. It's like the hardwood beneath his feet just turned into choppy waters and Steve is a sailor lost at sea. It isn't like he hasn't had the thought, the doubt, the past nine months. Every day has been filled to the brim with it. Still, even in the face of all that, he knows one thing. He has to do more than his parents did.

“I have to try,” he states plainly.

His father lets out a dark chuckle.

“Is that what you think parenthood is? Simply trying,” he scoffs, “You aren't ready for this. Clearly, since you’re already making the worst decisions you could as a parent. Choosing to be single, to go off on your own, unable to support yourself. You’re naive if you think you have a chance, Steven. You’ll be back before it leaves the hospital. Alone.”

There’s that word again. It. Months of it swirl around in Steve’s head as his father’s words mingle. His hands begin to tremble. He can feel the words sink in, find a home deep in his skin with no plans to leave for the next decade at least. Steve may end up being a shit father. He may not know what he's doing or how he's going to do it. He may even believe his father that he isn't ready for this. How could he be? He’s seventeen for Christ's sake. Yet, that small two-letter word burns behind his eyes.

“She,” he states through grit teeth.

“Excuse me?”

“Not it, she. She is your granddaughter,” he snaps.

His father’s nostrils flare.

“Tell me, does she even have a name? Have you and her mother- ah, yes, right, she won't have a mother.”

Steve takes a shaky breath. He can feel the seconds ticking by until they're minutes out the window. Minutes he could be spending going to his daughter, but he's instead stuck wasting here on his father. His chest tightens as he holds in a scream. This is the last thing he wants to be doing right now.

“You don't- Just because we won't be together doesn't mean Sarah won't help,” he snarls, knowing the lack of truth in his words.

That was the whole deal. Sarah won't help. Steve is on his own. As those thoughts swirl he suddenly isn't sure he’ll be able to do this. Panic grips his throat. He needs to get out of here before his father wins and the fear traps him in his bed once more. No, his daughter needs him. It’s about to be her first day on this planet. Steve will stop at nothing to make sure this world greets her with all the tenderness she deserves.

“Help? Do you hear yourself? You’re asking to ruin this child-”

“And what did you do?” Steve demands, cutting his father off for the first time in his life.

Steve half expects him to toss his mother out of the way and barrel after Steve. Instead, his face turns cold, something even scarier. The only thing worse than John Harrington violent is John Harrington calm.

“What?” His father asks slowly, the single world dripping in venom.

“If I’m asking to ruin her by being there for her and loving her and fucking doing my best then- then what did you do? I could fuck up a million different ways in the next twenty minutes and I would still be doing a better job than you did,” Steve bites, years of resentment breaching a dam that had been reinforced by steel.

His father watches him for a few moments. Each beat passes at a more painfully slow pace than the last. Finally, he lets out a single exhaled laugh that comes out more like a hmph .

“Well, I guess we’ll see about that, won't we?” He sneers.

“Yeah, I guess we will.”

Steve leaves with a slam of the door and races to his car. He's wasted enough time. Thankfully, traffic is forgiving. By the time he gets there, Sarah is in a room with her parents. They regard Steve with polite, but clearly forced, smiles. It's been no secret how they feel about him. He’s the no-good Harrington boy that tricked their poor innocent daughter into bed and knocked her up. Never mind that it was Sarah that started dragging him upstairs at that party. It’s fine, he can play that role if that's what Sarah needs from him. He’s made her life hard enough as it is.

“Hey, sorry I would've been here sooner, but my parents stopped me and-”

“Steve,” Sarah interrupts plainly, “it’s fine. Nothing’s happened yet.”

She gestures to her perfectly round middle where his daughter is still patiently waiting to be let out. Sarah groans, clamping her eyes shut and gripping the blanket until the wave of pain passes. Her bright red curls are pulled back sloppily. What whisps and strands hang out are glued to her face by sweat. Okay, maybe his daughter isn't waiting patiently, she’s definitely making her wait known.

“Right,” Steve nods, “Do you need anything? Water? Ice? Have you been given any medicine? I can find a nurse-”

“Steve,” Sarah interrupts once more, sounding agitated, “Just- Go wait. They’ll bring you to see i- her when it's done with.”

An unpleasant roil of Steve’s stomach kicks up.

“You… You don't want me in here? I- I can stay out of the way,” He offers sounding so much more meek than he’s like.

Sarah’s dad’s eyes are burning into the side of his face. Steve does his best to ignore it. It's not about them today. It’s not about Sarah and Steve. It’s about the baby that's trying to be born despite her mother’s best efforts.

“It’s just gonna be gross. Besides, don't you wanna tell like… Robin or something?”

Steve sucks his bottom lip into his mouth. He attempts to steel himself over, to pretend like this is perfectly fine. It doesn't work, but no one acknowledges the dejected nature of his nod. They don't comment on the slump of his shoulders as he stalks out of the room. He finds the nearest waiting room and locates a pay phone in the far corner. When he leans against it and pulls out his wallet he almost expects a fly to buzz out of the pathetically empty folds.

He manages to fish out a couple of dull quarters and pop them into the phone. There's a telltale clink of the quarters being accepted and a light clunk of them being swallowed. A voice tells him how many minutes he has and he punches in Robin’s number. They haven't been friends long, but she's about the only friend he really has at this point. The only one he’d care to wake up and tell about this at least. He can wait to tell the kids when the baby is actually here. None of the other assholes he’s called friends the better part of his teen years give a fuck about this part of Steve's life. No, to them Princess Steve is ruining their lives and stealing away the life of the party. Steve couldn't be more relieved about it. It’s the excuse he needs to cut them off completely. He was waiting for graduation for that originally.

“Yellow?” Richard Buckley answers pleasantly despite the early hours.

The Buckleys are early risers. Something about working a farm that shrunk to a garden when they moved to Hawkins. Still, they grow most of what they eat. The grocery store is reserved for seasonings and treats.

“Hey, Rich, is Rob awake?”

“Steve! Boy, you’re sure up early. Let me go check for ya,” Richard answers brightly.

There are a few moments of silence before Richard’s voice is back.

“You’ll have her in a minute, she’s brushing her teeth. You alright? You sound flustered.”

“Y- yeah, I’m good. I’m at the hospital with Sarah. She’s in labor,” he informs him awkwardly, the words not feeling quite real leaving his lips.

“Oh! Congrats! Do you need us to bring you anything? Melissa just finished this batch of fermented soy water-”

“No- no, that’s okay, Rich, really,” Steve is quick to deny one of Robin’s mom’s fresh concoctions, “Thanks, though. I appreciate it.”

“Of course, Steve. Ah- here’s Robbie. While I have you, happy birthday! Alright, Robbie is swatting at me, here-” Richard’s voice is cut off by the phone changing hands.

His words ring in Steve’s ear like a gong. Happy birthday. Shit, it is his birthday, isn't it? He hadn't even thought about it. Somehow, Richard Buckley has despite only knowing Steve for a couple of weeks.

“My dad said Sarah is in labor- how long? How close is she? Did she already give birth? Oh, god, ew, now I’m picturing that-” Robin jumps right into a ramble.

“Rob,” Steve laughs for the first time all morning, “No, she hasn't given birth yet. I haven't been here that long, I just… I’m in the waiting room and I figured I’d let you know. Y’know, 'cause I’ll need you to cover my shift.”

He knows if she were here that last line would have earned him a punch. He smiles a little thinking about it. Robin rolling her eyes is practically audible through the phone.

“You know we don't get scheduled on our birthdays, dingus. Give me thirty and I’ll have my dad drop me off,” she tells him.

“You really don't have to-”

“Don't even try it, Steven. Today is your birthday and you’re in a hospital waiting for your child to be born. Wait- why are you in the waiting room? Shouldn't you, like, be where the action is?” She realizes as she speaks.

“I tried, but Sarah-”

“Say no more,” Robin sighs.

Steve swears he hears another eye roll.

“It’s not her fault,” Steve tries to defend Sarah to Robin for the umpteenth time.

“She’s acting like you did this to her, not with her. It takes two to make a baby, if I’m not mistaken. You’re only one person. Don't defend her right now,” Robin argues.

Steve sighs, signaling his defeat. He won't have this argument today of all days, here of all places.

“I’ll be there soon,” Robin tells him then the line goes dead.

True to her word, Robin shows up a little less than thirty minutes later. She has her bookbag on and a medium-sized gift bag in one hand. Steve stands to greet her and accepts her in a tight hug. Once they're apart, she’s thrusting the bag at him.

“It’s from my mom, for the baby,” she informs him before sitting in the chair next to where he was.

Steve sits back down slowly and peers in the sparkly bag. He has to move some yellow tissue paper, but then he finds it. A soft little blanket weaved with pastel rainbow yarn, lovingly made. Emotions well up in Steve’s chest as he takes it in. The blanket makes reality hit so much harder. Steve is about to be a dad. He has the baby blanket to prove it.

The blanket is soft when he brings it to his cheek to feel. He smiles at the material for a moment longer before looking at Robin once more. She watches him with a small smile.

“Tell her,” Steve’s voice comes out hoarse prompting him to clear his throat, “Tell her I said thank you. It’s perfect.”

After that Robin begins pulling all sorts of things out of her bookbag. Card games, snacks, water, a sketchbook, and even a little cupcake in a single plastic grocery store container. Steve gives Robin another tight squeeze at that. They’re in the middle of a game of rummy when the nurse calls his name. He’s up so fast Robin is left playing an impromptu game of 52 pick-up.

He’s led down a few brightly lit hallways that smell of sanitizer and residual cigarette smoke from the waiting room. Finally, they get to a great big window that looks into an even bigger room. Nurses flit about in different colors and patterned scrubs. They carry newborns in need of feeding, or changing, or cleaning to welcome them into the world. Amongst all the flurry and fuss, are the little cradles. Each holds a bundle of blankets topped with a little hat. Steve’s eyes search frantically until he finds her. Right in the middle, as if she’s being presented on center stage for all to see and prepare themselves for.

Steve's breath catches in his throat. All sounds fall away. There's a card tucked into the front of the cradle in a plastic sleeve. Baby Girl Harrington, Time of Arrival: 8:40 AM, Weight: 7lbs 3oz, Length: 21in. Tears begin to blur his vision as he really takes her in. Right now, she’s just a tiny face sticking out of a teddy bear pattern blanket. Steve swears it's the most perfect little face he’s ever seen. Two soft eyelids are closed and painted with light veins, a small button nose sits right in the center, and a pair of tiny plump lips seem to almost pout. It’s like she’s annoyed that she has to wait for him. He’s annoyed at himself that she's waiting.

“Do you want to come meet her?” The nurse asks, jostling him back into the reality of the hospital.

He quickly wipes the tears he can feel streaming silently down his face and nods.

“Yeah- God, yes, please,” he answers, not caring if he sounds crazy or desperate.

He’s led into the nursery and sat in a cushy chair with a movable arm that he's pretty sure is for nursing. Then she's there, being handed off to him gently. He doesn't have to be told how to hold her. It's something he's been obsessively reading about- terrified of accidentally hurting her once she was here. If just seeing her through the glass was that world stopping, it had nothing on holding her.

Steve sits there, ignoring the hospital around him. He focuses on the warm weight in his arms. The peacefully sleeping face of his daughter. His perfect, wonderful, beautiful daughter. It doesn't even register that he's crying again until a tear falls onto her forehead. Carefully, he wipes it away with his thumb. She's so small his thumb practically reaches across her whole forehead.

He unwraps her just enough to find her hands. Steve’s never held hands so small and tender. He counts each finger, making sure they're all there, nearly sobbing with each one. Then he finds her toes and repeats the process of making sure she's all there. She's there and she's healthy and she's in his arms and Steve is so fucking happy . The pink hospital band around her ankle matches the one on his wrist, signaling to everyone that this one is his and his alone. His thumb skirts over her soft warm cheek some more.

“Hey, baby,” he whispers, “it’s me. I- I’m your daddy.”

She seems to curl up more as if getting comfortable now that it's been confirmed he’s there. His heart swells feeling her move. She's real and she's here and she's his.

“I’m sorry you don't have a name yet, but I promise I’ll find you a good one. One you'll really like, one that fits you,” he promises, “and- and I’m sorry it’s just us, but we’ll figure it out, yeah? We’ll figure it out together. Who knows, maybe one day it won't just be us anymore, but for now… We’ll be okay. I promise, we’ll be okay.”

Steve inhales shakily as he continues to gaze down at his daughter. He’s not sure if he's allowed to make the call, but he's pretty positive he won the baby lottery just by looking at her. He lifts up the little knit cap the nurses put on her. He sees a thin layer of red and chuckles.

“Figures you’d end up lookin’ more like her than me,” he sighs, “It's alright, I guess she did the hard part. It’s only fair.”

Another minute passes of him just looking at her. He wants her to crack her eyes open so badly. Just for a second to reveal their color. He wants to know everything about her he can until she's big enough to tell him herself. God, he hopes she likes him.

“I’m not gonna lie to you, baby, I’m pretty fucking scared right now. You terrify me, but I’m so excited to be your daddy. I won't fuck this up, I swear. I’m going to do everything,” he pauses as his voice cracks to collect himself and try again, “I’m going to do everything to make sure you know how much I love you, okay? You won't spend one day, not one day, wondering if I love you. I love you so, so much. You don't even have to do anything, I’m already so proud of you just for being here.”

Tears are streaming down his face again now. He refuses to sob, not wanting to jostle her. A handful of minutes pass where he just watches her exist in his arms. To his right, someone clears their throat softly. It takes a massive amount of effort to drag his eyes away from his daughter. Sarah’s mom stands not too far away. Close enough that Steve is sure she heard whatever part she was here for. She’s a tall woman with red hair of her own, but hers has been dulled by age. Brilliant blue eyes take in Steve and his daughter cautiously.

“Oh, did you want to hold her?” He asks unsure, knowing it’ll take a nuclear disaster to pry this baby from his arms right now.

Even then, he's not sure that would be enough to separate him from his baby. Sarah’s mom shakes her head lightly.

“No, it's probably better I don't. I’m sorry, Steve, for how Sarah has been. I know that this isn't ideal for anyone, but I wanted to thank you,” she says, her voice a tad musical.

“Thank me?” Steve furrows his brows.

“For taking responsibility. I feel a lot better knowing she’ll be with you,” her eyes gesture down to the baby, “I think you’re going to do just fine.”

Steve feels his lip begin to tremble. His inhale is ugly and stunted thanks to the emotion he's holding back. Sarah’s mom offers him a small smile. Something to show that she doesn't hate Steve the way he assumed she did.

“Thank you, Mrs. Collins, it really means a lot,” he rasps.

“You're holding my granddaughter. You can call me Beatrice,” she chuckles.

Steve lets out a wet chuckle of his own.

“Thank you, Beatrice.”

She nods. With one last look at the baby in Steve’s arms, she leaves. He gets another moment alone with his daughter. How about Beatrice? He thinks before they're interrupted again. This time it's by the nurse that brought him here. She’s on the younger side with a kind face, and slick black hair pulled into a tight ponytail. She wears a sweet smile, the kind that makes him feel like she isn't judging him for his age as he holds his baby.

“How’re you doing, Dad?” She checks.

Steve can't help his smile. Dad. That's him now.

“Good, I think. I- I don't know when I’m supposed to feed her or change her or- or too much of anything really,” he admits.

“That's okay, I’d be more surprised if you did have a clue,” she chuckles, “I’m here to help. We see our fair share of teen mothers through here, but… you’re my first teen father. I’m guessing your parents aren't going to be much help?”

Her eyes flicker around, searching for any sign of waiting grandparents. Steve smiles tightly and shakes his head. The nurse closes her eyes and lets out a sigh through her nose before shaking her own head.

“You’re not the first teen parent where that's the case either,” she tells him sadly, “I’ll come back over when it's time to feed her and we’ll start there, okay? By the time you two are home, you’ll be a pro.”

Steve isn't so sure about that, but he's so grateful he's willing to believe her. He could kiss the ground she's walking on even if she is only doing her job. Any kind of guidance is more than Steve thought he’d get.

“Thank you so much, Nurse…,” he trails off, searching for a name badge.

“You can just call me Lynn. My full name is a mouthful,” she waves him off.

“Jacqueline is not a mouthful,” another nurse snorts as she goes by.

Nurse Lynn pinches the other nurse’s side as she goes, earning her a little squeal. They both laugh.

“It’s more of a mouthful than Lynn, that's for sure,” she rolls her eyes playfully as she walks away to do her job.

Steve looks back down at the perfect example of a human in his arms. He really considers her.

“Beatrice,” he tests out.

It feels… okay. It doesn't quite feel like her though. He can't look at her and see a Beatrice.

“Jacqueline,” he whispers.

She stirs in his arms for a moment. Then, for the very first time, Steve meets his daughter’s eyes. They're impossibly dark, basically black. Yep, she's gonna look just like Sarah, alright. That's a sucker punch to the gut he’ll have to deal with. She blinks for a moment as if focusing her eyes, which Steve is pretty sure isn't possible at mere hours old. His face breaks into a smile. That felt like all the answer he needed. She’s definitely Jacqueline. Although, the more he thinks it the more he decides that kind of is a mouthful for constant use. They’ll come up with a nickname. That's not important to him right now. As her eyes flutter close once more it clicks.

“Welcome to the world, Jaqueline Beatrice Harrington. I love you the mostest.”

#funnylittle jack fic #steve harrington #steve harrington fic #steddie #single dad!steve harrington #single dad steve harrington #teen dad!steve harrington #teen dad steve harrington

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funnylittlelad · 1 year

Text

Shelter From The Storm - Steddie

Page Six

<< Page Five | Series Photo Album | AO3 | Page Seven>>

summary: “Who are you?” Jack’s voice questions with mild irritation.

“Go wait for Eddie in the bedroom, sweetheart,” Wayne’s voice says gently.

“And who is this cute little thing? Why didn’t you tell me I’m a grandpa, Wayne?”

That voice makes Eddie’s blood run cold. His heart slams to a standstill, but the rest of him is on the move. He barges into the trailer, nostrils flaring. His stomach is sent roiling as he makes eye contact with a man around Wayne's age, just with more hair and meaner eyes. His face is rounder, but the relation is still clear.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Eddie demands.

Jack darts to cling to Eddie’s legs. He instinctively places her behind him, never taking his eyes off the asshole in front of him.

“C’mon, Ed, it's the holiday. You can't even give your old man a simple hello?” He grins sharply.

wc: 11.2k

series tags/notes: Steddie Dadfic, single dad!Steve Harrington, Music Teacher!Eddie Munson, girl dad Steve, Jewish Eddie, Steve's parents are The Worst, mentions/talks about past abuse, complicated family dynamics, pretty Steve-centric, implied past suicide, talks about illness and death, Fluff, angst, mutual pining, slow burn.

page warnings: depictions of violence and references to past child abuse

The move won't happen until around Jack’s seventh birthday. That's what they decided. Steve wants to make sure Jack can sleep in her own room before making any big changes. It’s not an easy adjustment when they're at Eddie’s. The first time Steve told her no to her climbing in bed with them he thought he might cry just as hard as she did. It doesn't get much easier from there. She always tries and he always says no.

“God, I fucking hate this,” Eddie breathes one night.

The wind howls outside the windows as snow coats everything. They're on their backs lying awake in bed listening to Jack’s cries in the other room.

“I know, me too,” Steve sighs.

“Does this get any easier?”

Tired and a touch irritated from the overstimulation of constant cries, Steve jumps to the worst conclusion.

“What? Being a parent? I hate to break it to you, Eds, but it's hard and it always will be. If that's not something you're sure you want-”

“I’m sure. I know I want this,” Eddie states without hesitation.

A smile crawls onto Steve’s face in the dark at Eddie’s words. They comfort Steve immensely. It's easy to slip into insecurity still.

“What do you want her to call you?” He asks quietly, hoping a change in topics will be enough to distract them.

“What d'you mean?”

“Do you want to be dad or just Eddie ?”

Eddie stares into the dark for a moment. It’s not something he’s really thought about. He knows he wants to be Jack’s dad. He wants to be seen as Jack’s dad. He wants Jack to see him as her dad.

“I think… I want to be dad , i-if that's okay,” he answers.

Steve turns onto his side. He wraps a warm heavy arm around Eddie’s torso.

“That's more than okay. I want you to be dad too,” he tells him.

Eddie smiles as he turns in Steve's hold. This way they can bury their faces in each other’s necks. Jack’s cries soon fade out allowing for sleep to edge in. They fall asleep breathing in each other’s scents. The next morning Eddie wakes up first. He makes sure Jack doesn't sleep in too late and takes care of her morning routine. She seems over the betrayal of leaving her alone in the room, much to Eddie’s relief.

Jack and Eddie enjoy their morning together. It's always a nice snapshot of what's to come. Plus, Steve can be grumpy in the morning which in turn makes Jack grumpy. Eddie never gives her a chance to get grumpy. He wakes her with tickles, dinosaur soup already made and steaming for her on the table. He’s even taken to making some for himself. Some mornings she asks to play the guitar, others she just wants to curl up on the couch and watch cartoons. This is a guitar kind of morning.

Steve comes out while Jack is strumming away on Eddie’s six-string. Eddie himself is doing the dishes from breakfast. Jack beams at Steve but doesn't cease her playing. He plants a kiss on the top of her head before moving on to the kitchen. When Eddie comes into view Steve slows and tries to be quiet.

“There’s coffee in the pot,” Eddie says before Steve can surprise him.

“How’d you know I was here?” Steve whines playfully as he gets himself a mug.

“Jack changed what she was playing,” Eddie turns and gives him a quick kiss, “This one’s your song. Last one was mine.”

“What?” Steve’s brows furrow as he pours his coffee.

“Kinda like a theme song,” Eddie shrugs.

“She has one for both of us?”

“I think she has one for everyone. It’s something I started noticing a few weeks ago.”

Steve pauses and just listens. The sound of the running water dies as Eddie finishes the dishes. Soon all Steve can hear is the strumming of a light and airy song. It’s steady, rhythmic, and comforting. Jack’s song for Steve is the kind of song you could put on as you read by a crackling fire on a freezing winter day.

“Yours is my favorite one,” Eddie comments with a smile.

“She’s amazing,” Steve breathes in wonder.

No matter what, Jack always manages to make these moments. Moments where she knocks him into a stupor with how smart and sweet she is. Moments where Steve is sure she’s the most talented kid on the planet. Moments when he's just absolutely astounded by how amazing his daughter is.

“You’re telling me. She's a few months away from playing circles around me. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Eddie chuckles.

The song changes to something quicker, a little more lively, and erratic. Steve realizes it's what Jack was playing when he first came out. It’s her song for Eddie. He watches Eddie’s face melt into something drowning in affection as the song change hits him.

“Let me take you on a date. Like a real one, just us. We can go out somewhere for food, maybe catch a movie,” Steve suggests.

Eddie beams at him.

“Pick me up at six?”

“Let's make it five so that way we can drop Jack off together. I’ll start asking around for a sitter,” Steve smiles brightly.

His heart is fluttering at the prospect of taking Eddie on a real bonafide date. They've never truly been together without Jack. She’s always there either playing, sleeping, or practicing music. It’s something they both love, but to have time with only each other? That’s a precious commodity that won't ever come often enough.

“I’m sure Wayne will be up for it,” Eddie says.

“Are you sure? I was going to ask Rob. I know she’s off tonight,” Steve furrows his brows.

Eddie steps up to him, closing any space that may have remained. One hand rests on the base of Steve’s neck where it meets his shoulder, warming him through his shirt. His free hand finds Steve’s eyebrows. Once there, his thumb gently smooths out the wrinkle between them and eases the frequent scrunching of Steve’s eyebrows. A small smile crawls onto Steve’s lips as he relaxes his face under Eddie’s touch.

“You can ask whoever you want, but I just wanted to remind you that Wayne is there too. We’re kind of a package deal,” Eddie scrunches his own face in a dramatic display of his seriousness in the most unserious way possible.

“She does seem to like him.”

“The Munson charm is hard to beat.”

“Ain't that the truth,” Steve huffs a wry laugh.

“You’re just mad it seems to be especially strong against Harringtons,” Eddie teases.

The hand that smoothed Steve’s eyebrows rakes through Steve’s soft hair. Steve closes his eyes at the sensation, just enjoying it. He hums in subtle agreement with Eddie’s words. The Munson charm does seem to work on the Harringtons just a bit more than anyone else.

They end up dropping Jack off with Robin around five. Mostly because she offers, really she insists , on making it a sleepover with Jack. Jack is elated at the idea, forgetting entirely that Eddie and Steve would be off together without her. It was a sore subject when they brought it up to her.

Neither of them dresses especially nicely. They opt for Benny’s over the more expensive and fancier option across town, Enzo’s. Expensive and fancy don't feel like them. Perhaps it would have felt like Steve at one point, but certainly not anymore. Burgers and beers at Benny’s, however, definitely do. The laid-back environment allows them to be relaxed and not as nervous as they could be. Although, Steve is definitely still visibly nervous. He fidgets with his fingers on the table and anxiously glances between Eddie and the drink before him.

“You going shy on me, Stevie?” Eddie prods playfully, nudging Steve's sneaker with his boot under the table.

“I- uh- I haven't been on a date since before Jack was born,” Steve admits with a small dry chuckle.

Eddie laughs, to Steve’s dismay. When Steve’s face drops, Eddie quickly reassured him.

“I’ve actually never been on a real date,” Eddie tells him with a goofy smile.

Steve’s eyebrows shoot up.

“Really?”

“Yeah,” Eddie shrugs, “people weren't fighting to go out with me in high school. Besides, if any girls had a crush on me it wouldn’t have mattered. I’m not exactly a ladies' man, y’know.”

Steve chews on that for a moment. He tentatively reaches across the small table and takes Eddie’s ringed hand into his own.

“Have you ever thought about what would be different if we started seeing each other in high school?” He asks with warm wondrous eyes.

Eddie frowns a bit and shakes his head.

“Honestly, I’m glad we didn't.”

“Why?”

“Well, we wouldn't have Jack, for one,” he raises his eyebrows at Steve.

Steve smiles and rolls his eyes.

“That’s a cop-out and you know it. Did… did you not like me back then?” The question comes out more insecure than Steve likes.

Eddie barks a laugh.

“I tried not to, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn't ogling at your ass in those light blue Levi's. It’s me I didn't like. Why d’you think I was always showing off so much?” He chuckles wryly.

“I dunno, I just thought you liked the attention. Why d'you think I never gave it to you?” Steve chuckles in return, blush burning across his face.

“I was compensating. Everyone hates you long enough and you start to think maybe they have a point,” Eddie shrugs with a sad smile.

It breaks Steve’s heart to hear. He wishes he wasn't so caught up in himself in high school. He wishes he hadn't been too shallow to try to talk to Eddie. Eddie had been right, though. Then they wouldn't have Jack. Jack, who is the light of their life. Jack, who is the reason they’re even together in the first place. Without Jack, they never would have crossed paths again in such a meaningful way.

“I never hated you,” Steve tells him softly.

Eddie looks at him with wide coffee-brown eyes. A light dusting of color takes over his cheeks.

“Sure you did,” he says dismissively, “You were King Steve . We were natural enemies.”

“Yet, you were ogling my ass in my light blue Levi’s,” Steve arches a playful eyebrow.

“What can I say,” Eddie shrugs, “you’ve got a nice ass, Harrington.”

Eddie tilts the neck of his beer bottle toward Steve briefly before taking a swig. Steve chuckles as he takes a swig of his own.

“I never hated you, Eds,” he states again, “Actually, it was the opposite.”

“You liked me?” Eddie scoffs in disbelief.

“I respected you at the very least. You were the only one that didn't treat Sarah like a pariah. I did what I could, but no one listened to me. You were the only person I never had to defend her against,” Steve explains.

“Yeah, people were dicks. She sat with us during lunch the last couple of months, but she wouldn't talk about anything too much. I remember…” Eddie trails off and then bursts out laughing.

“What?” Steve laughs.

“I remember telling her the kid was an honorary Hellfire member. Guess I was more right than I realized,” he says.

Steve laughs harder, shaking his head.

“I’m starting to think you were meant to be Jack’s dad.”

The comment comes so offhandedly, but it stops Eddie completely. He studies every crease in Steve’s face as he smiles. He lets the words sink deep into his chest, like talons into his heart.

“You think so?” He asks a little breathlessly.

Steve seems to realize the weight of what he’s said to someone he’s only officially been dating for a little more than a month. His face falls into something insecure. He goes to pull his hand back, but Eddie holds on tighter when he tries.

“I’m sorr-”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for, Stevie. I like that you feel that way because… Well, I do too. I think I was always meant to be with you two in whatever way you’d let me. I’m just really fucking happy you’re letting me be with you this way,” Eddie informs him warmly with a squeeze of his hand.

“I’m really fucking happy too,” Steve says softly with a smile.

They’re busy staring affectionately into each other’s eyes when Benny brings their food over. He places the plates in front of them but doesn't leave immediately. Instead, he clasps a hand on Steve’s shoulder and asks about Jack.

“She’s doing good. She’s been learning guitar and piano over at Eddie’s,” Steve nods toward the man in question.

Benny’s eyes skirt over their hands as they move to Eddie. It’s a relief to see a warm smile on his face. He nods cordially.

“Mordor Music, right? Just down the street?”

“That’s me,” Eddie confirms with a smile of his own, “Honestly, I don't know how much I’m teaching her at this point. She was born knowing how to play, I swear.”

“I believe it. That kid’s smart as a whip,” Benny chuckles.

“It helps that she’s got such a good dad,” Eddie says.

Steve can feel the fire evident on his cheeks.

“She sure does,” Benny agrees with a squeeze of Steve’s shoulder.

He leaves them to eat after that, throwing an approving smile at Steve as he does. The rest of dinner goes about the same. They take turns teasing and embarrassing each other all in the name of love. Steve can't remember the last time he’s laughed this much with someone. Eddie can't remember the last time he felt at ease with someone. He’s usually a poorly hidden bundle of nervous energy looking to get out.

Steve drives them back to Eddie’s. The guitar above his couch is missing. He allowed Jack to take it with her in a compromise for her cooperation. He had a serious talk with her about its importance. She nodded like a dutiful soldier, both hands around the neck of the guitar. Steve catches Eddie glancing at the empty space a couple of times as they take their shoes and coats off.

“You really didn't have to let her take it,” Steve says as he places his well-kept white sneakers beside Eddie’s kicked-off scuffed boots.

“I trust her. It’s just been a long time since I’ve been away from it,” Eddie walks across the living room to the stereo that's placed in the television stand and begins fussing with the collection of tapes.

Steve follows until he’s in the middle of the room.

“Can I ask why Wayne seemed surprised you let her play it?” Steve asks cautiously.

Eddie pauses by the stereo. He sighs.

“It was my mom’s. It’s the only thing of her’s I have. My dad either destroyed or threw out everything else. I managed to save the guitar by getting Wayne to take it. A couple other smaller things,” he explains.

“Eds, she really doesn't have to play it. We can get her a guitar.”

“No, it’s okay. I like seeing her play it. It makes me feel a little closer to my mom.”

Steve swallows back tears. Eddie’s face is so soft and sincere. All Steve can do is nod. He’s too afraid of his voice wavering to speak. Eddie pops a tape in the stereo. As he makes his way over to Steve a familiar song starts to softly drift through the air. Eddie places his hands on Steve’s hips. Steve mindlessly throws his arms around Eddie’s neck, hands shamelessly playing with his hair.

“Madonna?” Steve questions quietly with a smile.

Eddie gets his own grin as he looks at Steve through hooded lids.

“Dustin may have mentioned something about you and Madonna,” he answers coyly.

They sway gently together like they're teenagers at prom. Eddie presses his forehead against Steve’s.

“You’re so pretty, Stevie,” he whispers.

For what seems like the millionth time that night, Steve blushes deep red.

“You’re just saying that.”

“No, I’m not. You’ve got the prettiest face I’ve ever seen. Pretty brown eyes, pretty nose, and those pretty lips I never wanna stop kissing,” he drawls.

“Then kiss them, big boy.”

Eddie flashes a wolfish grin before ducking in to kiss Steve. Eddie kisses him with such fervor it lights every bit of Steve on fire. They move to Eddie’s bedroom, never daring to break apart. Steve starts pawing at Eddie’s shirt as they pass through the threshold. Eddie pauses then, pulling away just enough to look Steve in his lust-blown eyes.

“Are you sure?” He checks.

Madonna’s Crazy For You can still be heard through the open door.

“I’m sure,” Steve nods.

They’re kissing again furiously to make up for the lost moments they spent speaking. It doesn't take long for their clothes to pile onto the floor. Soon after that Madonna’s voice is drowned out by their own.

Eddie wakes up first in the morning, to no surprise. He doesn't leave bed this time, though. There’s no Jack to wake up to allow Steve to sleep in. There’s just the two of them, skin to skin, tangled together under his comforter. Steve’s face is pressed into Eddie’s chest as he breathes evenly. Eddie revels in the warmth of him. He revels in the glow of the night before. Nothing in his life has ever felt so right.

He doesn't move until Steve stirs thirty minutes later. Steve blinks long lashes up at him with a sleep-dazed smile.

“G’mornin’,” he murmurs.

Eddie’s heart soars at the image of him.

“‘Mornin’, baby girl.”

Steve's face scrunches, the morning drowsiness dramatizing his expressions.

“ Baby girl ?” He questions groggily.

“Yeah, I can’t help it when you look all soft and cute like that,” Eddie croons.

“But baby girl?”

“What, you don't like it?” Eddie pouts.

“I didn't say that.”

“So you do like it.”

Steve groans and buries his face in Eddie’s chest. A chuckle vibrates against Steve's forehead.

“C’mon, baby girl. We got a kid to go get.”

Steve groans again causing Eddie to full-on laugh. They spent another twenty minutes like that. Eddie ceaselessly calls Steve baby girl , flustering him to the fullest potential. He does it all the way up until Robin answers her door. When she does Eddie is grinning like a maniac while Steve is a blushing mess. A fluid, quick, frantic tune can be heard from further in her apartment.

“Fun night?” She smirks.

“Oh, you have no idea , Buckley,” Eddie says.

Steve elbows him lightly. Robin just laughs and steps aside so they can enter. Jack strums away at the guitar on the couch. She’s still in her pajamas. When she notices Steve and Eddie her strumming ceases. She places the guitar on the couch next to her with the utmost care before bounding over to them. They sandwich her in a hug and she wastes no time gushing about her girls' night with Auntie Rob.

“Can we have another girls' night soon?” She asks the three of them.

Robin shoots them a smirk.

“We sure can, menace,” she answers.

Steve’s mother shows up at Roann County Community College a few weeks before Christmas. He’s changing the garbage in a classroom on a perfectly boring Wednesday. His breath halts when he notices his mother standing in the doorway. She’s as manicured as usual. Her hands are clasped in front of her as she gives him an indiscernible look.

“Steven,” she says gently.

“Mom, what are you doing here?” He asks bluntly.

“I… Well, I don't know where you live and I need to speak with you,” she sighs.

“Okay… Just, close the door.”

She nods and does as he says. Steve leans back on the desk at the front of the room and crosses his arms. His mother’s heels click as they make their way closer to him. She stops five feet away.

“I know I haven't been a perfect parent. There are many things I wish I fought harder, but your father… The point is, I’m sorry, Steven. I know that no apology from me could ever be enough after everything I let him get away with, but I’m not letting him get away with anything anymore. I know it's too late, but it’s the least I can do,” she tells him, holding back her nerves.

Steve watches her with wide eyes. A lump sits firmly in his throat. Here his mother is, standing before him in an attempt to assuage her guilt for being useless in everything.

“What are you saying exactly?” He asks hoarsely.

“I’m giving you and Jack an inheritance. I’m selling the house. You’ll be getting fifty thousand each,” she states.

Steve’s knees go weak, but the desk saves him from wobbling. His arms uncross to allow his hands to grip the edge of the fake wood. A hundred thousand dollars. More money than Steve ever hoped to see in his life once he was on his own.

“What’s the catch?”

“There is none. You don't even have to speak to me ever again if you don't want to. I would like to leave you my new phone number, though. For if you ever find yourself wanting to use it,” she explains, voice growing ever softer.

Steve rubs the corners of his mouth with one hand as the other grips the edge of the desk. His heart pounds in his ears. None of this feels real. He stares his mother in her eyes which look too much like his. She places a neatly folded piece of paper on the desk next to her. He truly thought for sure he would never hear from her again after the funeral. Is this a trick? A game?

“I’m with Eddie. Jack and I are going to move in with him. No amount of money is going to change that,” he tells her firmly.

“I don't expect it to. Jack has two parents who clearly love her. I don’t want to take that from her. I’m… I really am happy for you, Steven. I’ll mail you the check when it comes in,” she answers.

Steve nods as he takes it all in. Somehow he feels so very heavy and so completely light.

“Th- thank you,” he croaks.

She gives him one last smile before leaving. Steve stays where he is for a few more minutes trying to regain his composure. Once he does, he continues his shift trying his best not to think too hard. Any time he did his heart would start racing in his throat again. By the time he gets off his head is spinning. Jack is with Grandma Buck today, but Steve goes straight to Mordor Music.

When he walks in Eddie is checking out some teenagers with a stack of records. He makes recommendations based on what they have picked out. The kids say something that makes him laugh, showing off a beautiful smile that Steve can't get enough of. Today Eddie has his hair up in a sloppy bun, his nail polish is chipped, and he wears Steve’s work coat over a plain black sweater. It fills Steve with a buzzing happiness in his gut.

The kids bid Eddie goodbye. They seem to be regulars. As they pass Steve, Eddie’s eyes find him. A bright smile takes over his face but falters when he really takes him in.

“What’s going on? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he says, coming out from behind the counter.

Steve meets him halfway with a hug. It’s tight, but brief because Eddie won't let him get away with the distraction for that long. He holds Steve by his upper arms and studies his face.

“My mom stopped by the college today,” Steve sighs.

“What the fuck did she want?” Eddie scoffs.

“She’s giving us an inheritance. She… she’s giving us a hundred grand.”

Eddie blinks at Steve for a moment with wide eyes.

“Holy shit,” he breathes.

“Yeah,” Steve agrees.

“Holy shit,” Eddie shakes him a little bit.

“I know,” he chuckles.

“Are you on your way to get Jack?”

Steve nods.

“What d'you say you two come over for dinner later?”

“We’ll be there.”

They spend a lot of dinners together, but Eddie is especially excited about this one. It's not done by any means, but he’s started making the guest room into Jack’s room. He plans to do more, but he thinks there's enough to make the nights alone there easier. To make it feel like home for her.

After dinner that night he makes a big deal out of the reveal. He makes Steve give him a drumroll on the wall. Jack swings open the door and gasps. It looks mostly the same, but the bedspread is dotted with stars like hers at home. The posters around the bed are gone. They’ve been replaced by shiny black bat decals that swarm across the wall. They’re positioned in such a way that they really resembled the bats from the Scooby Doo Where Are You? opening.

Jack bounces up to her bed and climbs up to stand on it. She points excitedly at the bats and beams at them.

“Daddy, look! Bats like mine!”

“Those bats are yours, sweet girl,” Eddie tells her.

Her inky eyes go huge.

“They are?”

“Yeah, when you’re here this is your room. Those little guys are yours,” he smiles.

Jack falls back onto the bed absolutely giddy. Steve wraps his arms around Eddie from behind, placing his chin on Eddie’s shoulder. Eddie’s hands clasp over Steve’s on his stomach.

“Thank you,” Steve whispers into Eddie’s ear.

“There’s nothing to thank me for,” Eddie whispers back.

“There’s everything to thank you for.”

Steve kisses Eddie’s cheekbone, chaste and sweet. Then he’s tackling Jack into the bed and tickles her until she’s giggling like mad. Eddie watches on with a fond smile, loving every bit of this. He loves these two Harringtons with every fiber of his being and he plans to tack Munson onto their last names one day.

The piano contest is in February. They have until January fifteenth to sign Jack up, but they needed a song. Picking a song turns out to be much harder than they expect. Every suggestion Jack shakes her head no to. When they ask what she wants to play she just shrugs. She’s taken to searching the store for any albums that pique her interest and even Eddie’s own collection at home. Nothing has grabbed her yet. When asked what she's looking for in a song she struggles to form the words. She just says all the ones she's found or has been offered to her are too easy, which means they're boring .

Then Jack finds it. There’s an old milk crate in Eddie’s closet with a few frayed album sleeves. She drags the crate out into the living room where Steve and Eddie are too engrossed in Scooby Doo to notice her brief disappearance. The movement draws their attention, though. Eddie looks a little panicked whereas Steve looks confused.

“I found your secret music,” she tells Eddie with a toothy grin.

“Yeah, you sure did,” he chuckles nervously.

“Secret music?” Steve asks.

“I keep it at the back of my closet. They're my mom’s favorite records. Not her original ones, but the first presses I’ve come across,” he explains.

Steve spends a minute scolding Jack for invading Eddie’s privacy. She apologizes and Eddie forgives her. Although, he was never really mad, to begin with. More like concerned for the health and safety of those records. He answers all her questions about them including which songs were his mom’s favorites. Then she made him play them all. The three of them dance to Billy Joel in the living room, Jack giggling like crazy. By the end of the last album, they're all breathing heavily with giant smiles. Jack gestures for Steve to come closer so she can say something in his ear.

He does so curiously. She cups her hands around her mouth at his ear.

“Are you sure?” He asks.

She nods with a smile. Steve smiles over at Eddie.

“She picked out a song, but she wants it to be a surprise for you,” he says.

Eddie’s eyebrows shoot up. A soft smile toys with the corners of his mouth.

“A surprise for me?”

“Yes! No watching me practice,” Jack wags a stern finger at him.

He puts his hands up in surrender.

“I won't, I promise,” he assures her.

She seems satisfied with that. Steve honestly is a little bit nervous about her song choice. He knows she’s more than capable of playing circles around these kids, but she picked a doozy. It’s fast , and all over the place. It just sounds complicated to Steve. He can't imagine her tiny hands having an easy time playing it. He knows Jack does nothing but surprise him. So, he signs her up to play Falling of the Rain by Billy Joel. Eddie moves her keyboard at the store into an empty lesson room so she can practice in privacy when she’s there.

As the holidays approach a conversation Eddie has yet to have with Steve looms over him. Steve automatically starts talking to Eddie about Christmas plans. At first, Eddie simply smiles and nods. It's never come up that he doesn't celebrate the same holidays as them. For Christmas, Steve agrees to let Eddie buy Jack one instrument. It actually tears him apart. On the one hand, he really wants to get her the guitar she’s eyed many times with the emerald green rosette. On the other hand, he wants her to be able to practice for the competition at home too so an electric piano makes more sense. He spends a few days agonizing over it before coming up with an idea.

“What if the store loans her an instrument?” Eddie suggests one night over the phone after Jack was sound asleep.

“Like what?” Steve questions suspiciously.

He’s been wary about Eddie and giving Jack instruments since the tambourine. Which he still has to bribe away from Jack some nights.

“I've got a Casio just begging to be used. You can bring it back to the store after the competition. This way she can get in as much practice as possible,” Eddie pleads his case.

“And this is something music stores normally do for their students?”

“I mean… There are usually a few more strings attached, but-”

“Eddie, I don't want her getting special treatment just because we’re dating,” Steve protests.

“I don't know if you’ve noticed, but Jack’s always gotten special treatment. It has nothing to do with you. It has to do with the fact that I know the kinds of kids she’s going to be up against in situations like this. In auditions for schools and shit- the real selective stuff that I know she can get. They’re all going to have way more money and resources,” Eddie says.

“You’ve said yourself that Jack can outplay any of those kids. She has the talent to earn her way.”

“Steve, I’m talking teachers that cost hundreds of thousands a year, top-of-the-line instruments, classical training . Even without all of that, Jack has more raw talent than any of them, but at the end of the day… it’s not all about that. Gareth's a great piano teacher, but he’s no Beethoven. Jack, well, she could be Beethoven. Why not give her every advantage we can along the way? Even with those advantages she’s going to be at a disadvantage, trust me,” Eddie’s voice is soft, but earnest in their delivery.

Steve stays quiet as he turns the words over in his head. He wishes it took longer for him to come to his decision.

“I know what you're doing,” he grumbles.

“What?” Eddie asks innocently.

“Manipulation is playing dirty, Munson,” he chides.

“Is it working, though?”

“Yeah,” Steve sighs.

The next day Eddie is setting the Casio up in the corner of Steve’s tiny living room. He made sure she could use her headphones with it. Steve pouts the entire time. Until Eddie finishes and pulls him into a kiss. After that, Steve can't help smiling.

“While I have you here, we should figure out how we’re doing Christmas. Wayne is always welcome to come-”

“Uh- actually, I was gonna talk to you about that,” Eddie interrupts awkwardly, the looming conversation finally arrives.

“Oh… Is everything okay?” Steve suddenly becomes very worried.

Eddie seems almost nervous and it does nothing to help ease Steve.

“Yeah, everything’s fine. I've been meanin’ to invite you two over to Wayne’s this weekend,” Eddie clears his throat, “but I’ve been a little anxious.”

“Why?”

Steve cups Eddie’s face to make him look at him. There's an uncharacteristic insecurity there.

“Chanukah starts this weekend,” he informs Steve.

Steve’s eyebrows furrow in confusion.

“Okay.”

“It'd really mean a lot to have you guys there.”

Steve blinks a few times.

“To have us at Hanukkah…,” he echoes, missing the slight accent Eddie had in his own pronunciation.

“Steve, I’m Jewish,” Eddie chuckles nervously.

“Oh, okay, so that makes figuring out Christmas a helluva lot easier,” Steve comments in relief.

Eddie laughs heartily.

“So, will you come?”

“Yeah, of course. You’ll probably have to do a lot of explaining, but I’d love that,” Steve smiles.

“I’m happy to explain anything you need.”

“Have you really been anxious to tell me that you’re Jewish?” Steve asks softly.

“People around here… they get weird about it. It’s half the reason me and Byers got it so bad in high school. He’s just lucky they're only half so they celebrate Christmas,” Eddie explains.

“Wait- Byers?”

“You’d be surprised how many of us there are,” Eddie chuckles.

“Sorry, I didn't mean-”

“No, no, it’s okay, really. I love you,” Eddie assures him.

“I love you too.”

Jack has an absolute blast her first two days of Chanukah at Wayne’s. Eddie shows her how to play Dreidel and even teaches her a couple of tunes in Hebrew and Yiddish. The Munsons are far from fully practicing, but they are ones for honoring family traditions. That means Eddie doesn't speak the languages, but there are some songs he remembers from childhood. Jack stuffs herself full of kugel and cookies. She’s snoozing by the time they get home each night.

Monday brings the third night, but Steve gets recruited to work late. He’s tempted to say no, but the overtime would help with Christmas and the end of Chanukah coming up, which is when they agreed to give their gifts for the holiday. Eddie offers to pick her up from school and bring her to Wayne’s. Something Steve happily agrees to. He likes that Eddie is welcoming Jack into his life this way. He doesn't want to stop them from celebrating just because he's working.

Jack sprints out of the school with a large toothy grin. She bounces right into Eddie’s arms. He scoops her up easily, throwing her teacher a curt smile. He’s picked Jack up a few times now, but he has a feeling her teacher isn't a fan of him. He holds her hand the whole way to the car but lets her get in and buckle herself. She gushes about the friend she made talking about Chanukah in class. Hearing her little accent brings a smile to Eddie’s face.

When they enter the trailer, Jack throws herself into Wayne for a hug. He chuckles as he catches her. Just like the first two nights, Wayne holds Jack so she can light the Menorah. The last of the matches break clean in half and Wayne’s lighter dies. In order to save the day, Eddie makes a run to the nearby gas station. It takes him all of fifteen minutes. He gets matches and a lighter for good measure.

There’s a truck next to Wayne's car. It’s an unfamiliar beige monstrosity in the spot Eddie normally parks in. Eddie parks on the other side of the trailer, eyeing the truck suspiciously. Something in his gut twists. Every step feels deliberate. Every crunch of the snow beneath his boots. Heavy-looking work boot prints lead from the truck to the front steps. He furrows his brows at them as he makes his way to the door. Muffled voices grow louder and clearer.

“Who are you?” Jack’s voice questions with mild irritation.

“Go wait for Eddie in the bedroom, sweetheart,” Wayne’s voice says gently.

“And who is this cute little thing? Why didn’t you tell me I’m a grandpa, Wayne?”

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Eddie demands.

Jack darts to cling to Eddie’s legs. He instinctively places her behind him, never taking his eyes off the asshole in front of him.

“C’mon, Ed, it's the holiday. You can't even give your old man a simple hello?” He grins sharply.

“What are you doing here?” Eddie repeats.

“In all honesty, kid, I wasn't expecting you to be here. I definitely wasn't expecting her,” he jerks a chin at Jack.

She glares at him from around Eddie’s legs. Eddie softly tells her to go wait in the bedroom. She does so reluctantly.

“She yours?” His father asks.

“She’s none of your business. What do you want?” Eddie snaps.

“Wayne, I need some help. I’m in a tight spot, but I swear -”

“We’re not doing this, Al. I don’t got nothin’ to give you,” Wayne interrupts.

“You seriously came here on a fucking holiday to ask for money? Jesus, you’re such a fucking leech,” Eddie seeths.

Anger burns through his veins. Just the sight of his father has him feeling like a cornered wild animal. His hackles are raised, his ears are back, and his teeth are bared. There's only one thing on his mind and it’s keeping Jack as far the fuck away from him as possible.

“You better watch how you talk to me, boy, I’m still your father,” he warns, pointing a finger at Eddie.

“Please, you’re not shit to me. We don't have anything for you so just go,” Eddie orders.

His father turns his attention back to Wayne who frowns sternly.

“Look, I’m in trouble, alright? Y’know I wouldn't come to you if it wasn't serious. I’m asking as your little brother here. I need help,” he pleads.

“You can't be fucking-” Eddie starts.

“How much?” Wayne sighs.

Eddie’s eyes snap to his uncle. Betrayal is written across his features.

“I need twelve hundred by noon tomorrow.”

“Twelve hundred? Al, what the hell did you get yourself into this time?” Wayne questions, rubbing his eyes.

“I made a bad bet with Roscoe and-”

“I thought you were done with that.”

“Are you gonna help me or not?”

“No,” Eddie interjects, “we’re not fucking helping you.”

“Ed,” Wayne sighs.

“ No ! Are you kidding me, Wayne? I've told you everything and you still help this asshole?” Eddie’s voice gets more shaky as it gets louder.

He can hear the rush of his blood in his ears. He can feel his heart fighting to escape his chest.

“Maybe you should go, Al,” Wayne suggests.

Eddie’s father steps up into his space. He tries to intimidate Eddie, tries to make him feel small like he used to. Eddie stands tall. Four inches taller than Al now. He stares at his father down his nose, breathing heavily. They stand off like dogs waiting for the other to make the first move.

“You oughta go wait with the little girl and let the adults speak,” his father drawls.

“The adults are speaking and they’re telling you to get the hell out of here,” Eddie retorts hotly.

“So, who’d you knock up, huh? Some poor girl from a nice family that's stuck here with you now?” His father questions.

“Fuck you,” Eddie spits back, anger burning his chest.

“You think you're so much better than me, but you’re not,” his father pokes his chest, “you’re just like me.”

“I’m nothing like you,” Eddie scoffs.

Both of them are getting increasingly louder. Wayne tries to get them to lower their voices but to no avail.

“Sure you are. Saddled with a kid you never wanted all because you couldn't keep it in your pants.”

Eddie grabs hold of the front of his father’s shirt. He shoves him back into the wall so hard everything hanging shakes. Wayne shouts out, but Eddie can't hear him. Eddie can only hear the furious beat of his heart.

“You shut your fucking mouth before I shut it for you,” he hisses.

His father flashes a shit-eating grin and Eddie knows. Eddie knows he’s giving him exactly what he wants. He’s proving his father right, but he can't let go. Not when he’s talking about Jack like that. Not when every drop of fear from childhood has come rushing back, but wrapped up in the intense need to protect Jack. Not when Akl Munson is trying to convince him that they're anything alike.

“Eddie, let him go. He ain't worth this, think of Jack,” Wayne's hand finds Eddie’s shoulder.

He relaxes a minuscule amount under the weight. Eddie allows Wayne to pull him back, letting go of his father. He lets out a steady breath as he turns to face his uncle with apologetic eyes. He calms himself by thinking of Jack in Wayne's bedroom listening to all of this in confusion.

“Yeah, think of your bastard in the other room,” his father sneers.

Something breaks in Eddie. He swears he hears the snap , like the sound of a twig being stepped on in a quiet forest. His vision goes red. Before he knows it, his fist is connecting with his father’s face. He can vaguely hear Wayne shouting. It isn't until Jack’s voice rings out on the third punch that he’s pulled out of it.

“Eddie?” She cries.

He whips around. There’s a small trickle of blood on his knuckles. His father holds his nose behind him. The only thing Eddie is focused on is Jack's small red fearful face. Tears stream down her round cheeks.

“Hey, sweet girl, it’s okay. I promise it’s okay. I’m so sorry I scared you,” he coos softly, dropping to his knees in front of her.

When he reaches for her, she flinches away and his heart rips in half. The entire world feels like it's crashing down around him.

“What’s going on?” She asks tearfully.

“I’ll explain when we get home, alright? I’m gonna get you home and we can watch Leia. How’s that sound?” He offers with big eyes, pleading for her to be okay.

She nods shakily. Eddie presses a kiss on her forehead. Once his lips meet the warm skin of her forehead, the back of Eddie’s collar gets yanked. He chokes, letting out a strangled sound, as he’s dragged backward. Jack screams, shrill and terrified. Eddie’s instinct is to get back to her. He resists the force by trying to go forward. A fistful of his hair gets yanked on next. Eddie buckles under the pain.

Wayne quickly ushers Jack back into the bedroom. Eddie hears the door slam right as something hard hits the side of his head. There’s shouting all around him and throbbing deep in his skull. He manages to twist in his father’s hold and starts throwing more punches. Wayne tries to pull them apart, but Eddie’s father shoves him back. The force sends Wayne into the kitchen counter, eliciting a hiss of pain. It only makes Eddie fight back harder. His father just gets the upper hand when the flashing comes into view. Red and blue illuminate the inside of the trailer from the outside.

The lights don't stop Al Munson from laying into his son on the floor of his brother’s trailer. Eddie wraps his hands around his father’s neck and squeezes, a last-ditch effort to get him off. He flips them so he’s over his father, still choking him. Every single blow, every single insult, every single terrible awful memory comes back at once. Eddie doesn't let go. He doesn't hear his name being called. He doesn't hear the sirens. He forgets about the lights. Everything goes fuzzy and fades out around him. Right now, Eddie is twelve years old trying to get his father to just stop .

Firm arms wrap around him and pull him back. They pin his arms to his sides as he struggles for a moment against the hold.

“Eddie, it’s alright, it's alright. Just calm down,” Hopper’s voice breaks through the fog.

Eddie melts when he registers the arms around him as Hopper’s. Tears immediately begin pouring down his face as everything hits him. Reality snaps back into place all at once. His father is bloody, but standing and being helped onto the couch by two other cops. Wayne is nowhere in sight. Eddie assumes he’s with Jack. Hopper has Eddie in a tight grasp, but not a crushing one.

“I’m sorry- Hopper, I’m so fucking sorry,” he chokes out.

“I know, kid,” Hopper sighs.

“Jack- is she okay?”

Hopper loosens his hold, allowing Eddie to step out of it and face him. He wears a steely expression, but the target of his gaze isn't Eddie. It’s Eddie’s father who sits and tells Callahan whatever bullshit he’s coming up with.

“Yeah, she’s okay. She’s the one that called.”

“Steve?” Eddie asks brokenly.

“He’s on his way over here now.”

Eddie runs his hands over his face as he collects himself. He feels so frantic, fractured, and everywhere all at once. Mostly, he feels so fucking guilty.

“Let’s head outside. You can have a smoke and tell me what happened,” Hopper says, placing a hand on Eddie’s shoulder.

Eddie simply nods. The cold December air helps to sharpen his thoughts and senses. The nicotine helps soothe the shaking in his hands. He recounts everything to Hopper. Hopper writes it all down, nodding to indicate he’s listening. When Eddie finishes, Hopper tells Callahan to cuff Al Munson and take him in for trespassing and assault.

Steve is stepping out of his BMW as Al is being shoved into the back of a police car. The still flashing red and blue lights highlight the angles of his face as he stares at Eddie across the yard. His mouth is tugged into a frown. His eyebrows are set into a line. There are no sounds around them as they just stand there with their eyes connected.

“Daddy! ” Jack’s voice rings out, punching a hole through the silence that allows all the other noise to come flooding through with it.

Eddie watches Steve squat to catch Jack. They hug each other so tight it sends a painful pang through his chest. Steve buries his face in Jack’s hair. Eddie can tell he’s saying something to her, but not what. Then Jack is squirming out of Steve’s grasp. Her big dark eyes bounce around until they find Eddie. A big relieved smile spreads across her face. It's difficult to tell whether she calls out Eddie or Daddy over all the noise. Either way, Eddie’s stomach flips. She darts to him. He catches her just like Steve did, burying his own face into her hair.

“Are you okay, sweet girl?” He asks.

“I’m okay. I was brave. Are you okay?” She places her hands on either side of his face to look at him.

“I’m okay. Don't worry about me.”

“I was scared you were hurt,” she admits quietly.

“I know, baby. I’m okay, though. I promise.”

“Eddie?” Steve’s voice says softly from far closer than he was expecting.

His wide eyes find Steve’s worried ones. Eddie lets Jack down gently, eyes never leaving Steve. A heavy weight sinks in his gut. Steve must hate him. He’s absolutely certain Steve will want nothing to do with him after tonight. How could he blame him? Steve steps closer, eyes studying Eddie’s sore face. His cheeks and jaw are beginning to ache. There’s sure to be some bruises soon. He opens his mouth to say something- anything but never gets the chance.

Steve pulls him into a tight hug. Eddie’s instantly wrapped around him and lost himself in the embrace. The relief is tangible from both of them. More tears fall from Eddie’s eyes.

“You’re okay?” Steve checks shakily.

“I’m okay,” Eddie confirms.

Jack tugs at Eddie’s pant leg. She gestures to be picked up when he looks down. With a smile, he obliges. Jack attaches herself to Eddie, resting her cheek on his shoulder. The three of them say goodbye to Hopper and Wayne. They leave Eddie’s car there, resigned to get it in the morning. That night Jack is allowed to sleep in the same bed as them. That night they hold onto each other extra tight.

Eddie wakes up alone. At first, there’s an ache in his heart to rival that in his face. Then, he hears movement in the kitchen as he goes to the bathroom. It’s enough to relax him. He hasn't been abandoned. Steve is still here. He isn't alone, not really. The reflection in the mirror has a swollen jaw, a bruised cheekbone, and a busted lip. He thinks the last time his reflection looked this bad he was in high school.

When he exits the bathroom Steve is sitting on the couch. His elbows rest on his knees, propping him up as he leans forward on them. His eyes meet Eddie’s as he hears the bathroom door. A small reassuring smile crawls onto his lips. There’s a glass of water, two white pills, and an ice pack on the coffee table. Eddie smiles back even though it hurts. Steve pats the cushion next to him. Eddie sits so close he might as well have crawled into Steve’s lap. Their hands lace together. Steve offers Eddie the pills and then the water. Eddie accepts both graciously, downing the pills quickly. Steve replaces the water with the ice pack for Eddie’s throbbing face.

“Where’s Jack?” Eddie asks quietly.

“Joyce picked her up. I decided to let her have the day off of school after everything,” Steve answers, just as quietly.

Eddie nods, suddenly nervous. Steve made sure they were alone. Eddie can't help feeling in trouble. He keeps his eyes trained on his lap, ashamed of himself and the man he came from.

“How are you feeling?” Steve ducks in an attempt to catch Eddie’s eyes.

“Sore,” Eddie huffs, still averting his gaze, “Do you hate me?”

“No, Eds, I don't hate you. I’m worried, maybe a little upset, but mostly I’m just glad you’re okay. That was a really scary phone call to get,” Steve explains softly.

Eddie finally meets Steve’s warm honey gaze.

“Who called you?” Eddie doesn't ask what he wants.

He doesn't ask outright if it was Jack.

“Hopper. He told me Jack had called 911 and something about you being attacked. I didn't know what to think. I was so afraid I lost you.”

“Jesus, I’m so sorry,” Eddie breathes.

“It isn't your fault, but we need to have a plan in place for if something like this happens again. I don't ever want Jack in this kind of situation again,” Steve states.

Eddie nods instantly.

“Next time I’m just gonna get us the hell out of there. I just… that was the first time I’ve seen him in over a decade. He was sayin’ shit about Jack and I was gonna walk away- you gotta believe I was gonna walk away, Stevie. Then h-he grabbed me and it was like I was a kid again. I-I blacked out,” he explains with a shaky voice, but steady resolve.

“I believe you,” Steve promises, “but we should still have something set up for all of us. If he’s shown up once, we can’t rule out the possibility of him showing up again.”

“Yeah, okay. What did you have in mind?”

They spend the better part of an hour and a half coming up with emergency plans. The plan for Eddie’s dad prompts a more in-depth conversation. Plans for as many scenarios as they can imagine themselves running into. Unwanted visit from an abusive parent? Load Jack in the car, call up the other, and wait it out until they can get the hell out of there. Can’t wait that long? Call Hopper. Jack-related emergency? Make sure Jack is okay first , but immediately notify the other. Eddie has to take point on something school related? It’s something they’ve talked about before but never came to a real conclusion on.

“I don’t think we should call you Jack’s dad until she does,” Steve says.

“Me too. Besides, that gives me more time to think of something different to be called. Dad just sounds so… old ,” Eddie replies.

Steve chuckles.

“I’m okay with you just calling yourself my partner, if you are,” he tells Eddie.

“I’m definitely okay with that,” Eddie smiles.

Joyce worries over Eddie the moment they step foot in the house. He smiles as her hands fly around his face in a motherly fashion. She insists he sits at the table and lets her make him tea. Eddie has a hard time arguing. It’s something he’s discovered about Joyce. Denying her mothering is extremely difficult. Jack climbs onto Eddie’s lap. He easily circles his arms around her and she sinks into his chest.

When Jack almost knocks Eddie’s tea from his hand, Joyce tries to shoo her off. Jack clings to Eddie’s torso harder. Eddie assures Joyce it’s fine, but she gives Jack her best disapproving mom look. Jack sticks out a petulant tongue. Joyce sticks her own out in return, causing Jack to giggle.

“Can we go to the store? I wanna play piano,” Jack asks Eddie with big puppy dog eyes.

Eddie opens his mouth to agree without a thought. Steve cuts him off.

“Not today, princess. Eddie needs to rest. We can do whatever you want at home, though,” he says to her.

“Home or home home?”

“What do you mean?” Steve scrunches his eyebrows.

“Sometimes when you say home we go to Eddie’s, but sometimes we go home home,” she explains.

“O-oh-”

“I don't wanna go home home. I wanna go home with Eddie.”

Eddie swears he’s a second away from melting and sliding right off the chair. His hold on her firms up as his affection leaks out of every pore. Steve gives her a small smile.

“We can go home with Eddie,” he tells her.

Jack buries herself into Eddie’s torso. It’s a signal she’s done with the conversation and satisfied with its result. Joyce looks over the two of them with fondness. She asks Steve to help her with something in the other room, which he agrees to do without hesitation. Once in the living room, Joyce turns on him. Her features are soft with concern.

“How are you doing?” She asks.

“I’m fine,” Steve shrugs, “work’s been good. Everything’s been good.”

“I mean after last night,” she raises her eyebrows as she clarifies.

Steve can't bullshit her no matter how hard he tries.

“I… I-” his voice cracks.

Joyce has him in a hug before he even registers he’s crying. All the emotion, the fear, the gut-wrenching sensation of the floor being dropped from under him comes rushing to the front. His priority was Eddie and Jack. Make sure they're both okay. Make sure they're both dealing with things and not bottling them up. Make sure they know how much they're loved and supported. He didn't once think of himself in this situation. No, once the phone call with Hopper was over Steve had a one-track mind.

“Kid, something’s happened over at the Munson’s,” Hopper’s voice had crackled through the shitty office phone.

Steve’s stomach instantly twisted into knots. He was patting his pockets in search of his keys.

“Are they okay? Is Jack-”

“Jack’s fine. She called us, but you should get over here as soon as you can. Something tells me your boy’s gonna need you,” Hopper tells him solemnly.

“What happened?” Steve is breathless as he tries to regain his footing on the tilted ground beneath him.

“His old man showed up, started trouble… he- uh- Well, he attacked Eddie. Just get over here, alright?”

“Y-yeah, I’m on my way. Tell them I’m on my way.”

Pulling up to see Forest Hills lit up like a patriotic Christmas tree only twisted his stomach more. His mouth was completely dry by the time he was parked. Stepping out of the car, Steve’s eyes scanned the scene until they landed on Eddie. The entire world came to a stop. There’s no movement around him, there's no sound or annoying glaring police lights. There’s just Eddie's dark eyes pouring right back into Steve’s. All Steve could do was stare and think Thank God, he’s okay. Eddie’s okay. It’s impossible to tell the damage done from a distance, but there’s a lit cigarette between his lips so Steve knew he must have been somewhat okay.

Jack’s voice broke him from his Eddie-filled trance. The moment she was in his arms Steve’s feelings were put on the back burner. He left them back there on a low simmer. Joyce is trying to give the pot a stir before it boils over.

“I was so scared, Joyce. I- I was so scared,” he lets out with a shaky breath.

She squeezes him tighter before letting go. This gives Steve the agency to step back to be able to look at her again. He remains in arms reach so she can give him a motherly caress of his dampened cheek.

“I know, sweetie. They’re okay, though. I know you want to be there for them, but don't forget you need them to be there for you too. This happened to you too,” she says with a gentle smile.

Steve sucks in a sharp, but steadying breath. He nods. She’s right, as she usually is. Steve can’t just hold up Jack and Eddie. He needs them to hold him up too. They need to lean on each other.

Eddie’s face is buried in the top of Jack’s hair when they return. Both of them have their eyes closed. Steve can't help the smile that grows on his face at the sight. Seeing them together is easily one of his favorite things in life. He runs a soft hand through Eddie’s hair, earning the attention of his big brown eyes.

“Wanna get going?” He asks quietly.

Steve can see the corners of his smile.

“Wanna go home?” Eddie counters just as quietly.

Steve breathes out a chuckle.

“Yeah, Eds, let’s go home.”

They spend the rest of the day cuddled together on the couch watching whatever family movies they can find on. Steve orders a pizza for dinner and Jack doesn’t leave Eddie’s side. Her clinginess is acknowledged only by an exchange of sad, but knowing smiles between Steve and Eddie. They can't bring themselves to pry her away, both still just as shaken as she is by the previous night’s events.

After she falls asleep on top of Eddie on the couch, he carefully brings her to her room. Steve watches from the doorway, leaning with crossed arms, as Eddie tenderly tucks her in. They close the door quietly and fall back into the couch together. Steve curls into Eddie, who easily receives him with open arms. A joint sigh is let out when they're fully settled into each other.

“Would you tell me more about your mom?” Steve asks, barely above a whisper.

“My mom? Why?”

“I guess I like hearing about the parent that loved you. Especially after… everything,” he elaborates.

“Well, she was really smart. I mean really smart. She was set to go to a big fancy college across the country with a scholarship. I remember her tellin’ me about it to try to get me more into school, but it never really worked,” Eddie says, staring into the distance as he thinks.

“Why didn't she go?”

“Me,” Eddie rakes a hand through Steve’s hair, “She met my dad and got pregnant the summer before she was supposed to start.”

Steve nods the best he could given his position.

“My parents were practically arranged. I mean, it wasn't anything formal, but there was definitely an expectation of them. Their dads were business partners back in the day,” Steve shares.

“We really come from different sides of the tracks,” Eddie chuckles.

“I’d lay across those tracks just to reach you,” Steve hums.

“ Jesus , Stevie, you're gonna kill me if you don't quit being so poetic.”

Steve laughs lightly. They lay in silence for a moment. The warmth of each other comforts and soothes their muscles. Slowly, they shift until they’re laying entirely. Steve’s splayed out on top of Eddie, face in the crook of his neck.

“Do you wanna see what she looked like?” Eddie whispers suddenly.

Steve’s head perks up to look Eddie in the face. His cheeks are pink and his eyes are nervous.

“Yeah, I’d love that,” Steve smiles.

Eddie shifts him off so he can go into his bedroom. Their bedroom, Steve is trying to get used to thinking of it that way. He returns a few moments later with a brown photo album. There's no writing on the cover, just a shiny gold trim. Eddie plops down next to Steve, close enough for their bodies to press against each other.

“Alright, only one rule: no making fun of my hair,” Eddie warns him.

Steve nods with a serious set of his eyebrows. It’s impossible not to see Jack in the gesture. Eddie shakes his head but smiles. He opens to the first glossy page of pictures. The scrapbook isn't too big. There are two 4x6 photos on each page. The first picture has a baby with a mess of dark hair and a wide gummy smile laying on a colorful blanket. Steve beams at the image. The next one has the same baby on his tummy, looking up at the camera with giant brown eyes.

The second page is where Steve sees her for the first time. She’s a delicate woman with round features like Eddie. Her frame is small and wiry in a way that reminds Steve of Joyce. She has dirty blond hair tucked back into a low-hanging ponytail and a bright smile that Steve would recognize anywhere. It’s the same wide toothy grin Eddie has, dimples and all. Her eyes are the same dark shade of brown as Eddie’s. Although he got the Munson nose and hair color, Eddie got everything else from his mother.

“She’s beautiful,” Steve comments honestly.

She is beautiful. She’s beautiful because Eddie is beautiful. Maybe it's the other way around, but for Steve Eddie comes first.

“Yeah, she was. I still don’t know what she saw in my dad.”

“How old was he when they met?” Steve can't help, but ask when his eyes travel to the next picture.

It wasn't clear how young Eddie’s mom looked until his dad was next to her. He isn't old in the image by any means, but he’s visibly older than her. He’s taller and wider, too. It’s like looking at a bird next to a wall.

“Twenty-five when they met, twenty-six by the time I was born,” Eddie answers.

The numbers put a pit in Steve’s stomach. If she was getting ready to go to college that means his mom was-

“She was seventeen when they met, eighteen by the time I was born. Bastard trapped her, if you ask me,” Eddie finishes Steve’s internal thoughts.

Steve flips through more pages of Eddie’s childhood. He was an extremely adorable baby. All chubby and soft looking with a face full of smiles. Then he’s an equally adorable toddler with more bumps and scrapes as he gets older. His mother is in a lot of the photos with him. Her eyes are always on him, and there's almost always a smile on her lips.

At around age three, Steve notices some new scars on Eddie’s mom's arms. They look like cigarette burns, but he can't be sure. He doesn't ask either. Instead, he comments on how much they look alike, especially as Eddie grew older. It’s a comment Eddie clearly appreciates. Steve gets stuck on an image of the two of them from when Eddie was about four. It’s a soft exchange that someone clearly caught candidly.

Eddie is sat in his mother’s lap on a cushy armchair. Her arms are circled loosely around him as he twists to stare up into her face. He wears a large-eyed smile, an expression that’s mirrored by his mother. Her dirty blond hair is loose around her shoulders, curling in a way similar to Eddie’s. Steve wishes desperately to know what happened to cause such soft loving expressions.

“I think this one’s my favorite,” Steve says.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, it feels like I’m seeing you guys how you were.”

Eddie nods thoughtfully.

“I dunno why it reminds me of Jack,” he says, studying the photo.

“You kinda look like her here,” Steve chuckles.

It’s true. If his hair went past his ears they’d pretty much be twins. Eddie supposes the resemblance shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. Although, even in the months of knowing Jack, Eddie has watched her grow a stronger resemblance to Steve.

“Is it dumb to wish my mom got to meet her?” He asks quietly, staring at the photo.

There's a deep ache in his chest that he hasn't felt before. It’s a hollow throb that reverberates in his bones.

“Not at all. I wish she did too.”

Eddie’s watery eyes meet Steve’s.

“I wish she got to meet you too. I wish she got to see the family that found me,” the wobbly words tumble out of Eddie’s quivering lips.

He hasn't thought about his mom so much in ages. In fact, he kept her out of his mind when thinking of Jack and Steve for this very reason. He knew how much it would hurt that the people he loves most will never get to meet. It’s like being run over by a truck of painful emotion. Steve pulls him into a crushing embrace. Eddie doesn't really cry, but a few loose tears roll down his cheeks. Steve catches them with his thumbs and wipes them away.

“We get to meet her in a way, through you. You carry her with you, y’know? It’s not the same but, we do know her, in a way,” Steve says.

Eddie smiles and crashes his lips into Steve’s. It's brief and wet but warms them both.

“I love you so fucking much, Stevie. I’ve never loved someone like this. You fucking terrify me in the best way possible,” he tells him earnestly.

“I love you so fucking much too, Eds. What d’you say we go to bed?”

“I’m not tired,” Eddie pouts.

“I didn't say we had to go to sleep.”

His pout transforms into a smirk. Then he’s dragging Steve to their bedroom, both of them giggling like mad.

<< Page Five | Series Photo Album | AO3 | Page Seven>>

#funnylittle jack fic #steddie fic #steddie #steddie fluff #steddie fanfic #steddie dads #steve harrington x eddie munson #single dad steve harrington #single dad!steve harrington #teen dad steve harrington #teen dad!steve harrington #girl dad steve harrington #music teacher eddie munson #jewish eddie munson

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funnylittlelad · 11 months

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a few things:

1. new page of the jack fic will be out TOMORROW

this is because i've decided to move some chapter borders and add some things, making it longer.

2. after this page there will be a brief hiatus

i need to focus on my medical needs atm as i grapple with tons of doctors and all the symptoms. i will likely give myself enough time to miss 1-2 updates, but they will continue! they're done! they just need editing and energy that i don't have to expend.

3. blurbs and one shots may still be posted during this time

either blurbs/ficlets that are unrelated to the jack fic or the one offs that Are related to it may still be posted. i have some shorter things done that are much more feasible for me. i'll still be relatively active on here as well. i'm going to try to get out some fic rec lists and such during this time too! if anyone has any good suggestions send me an ask with them!

please feel free to send me questions or comments via my askbox about any of my fics during the hiatus! i'm just not posting, but i'll still be here and i'm more than happy to chat about my fics!

#funnylittle ramblings #funnylittle jack fic

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funnylittlelad · 1 year

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Jack Fic One-Off's

i lovingly call Shelter From The Storm "the Jack fic" in my head and to my bf because let's be honest with ourselves, she's the real star of the show. i'm going to start using the tag #funnylittle jack fic for things involving her/the fic to make it easier for myself and y'all to navigate as we go on bc... wow the response grows every day and y'all have been so wonderful to me and our little trouble-making redhead.

i've been writing this fic for so long, much longer than i've been posting it. one-off's based around it have always been something i've had in the back of my mind, but i finally started to jot them all down.

anyways here's a list of what's to come (but no promises on when quite yet):

Hey, Baby, It’s Me. Steve meets Jack for the first time. Jack & Gareth: Stuffed Victims Unit There’s a reason Gareth never offers or is asked to watch Jack. A very good reason.

Wait- What’s Her Last Name? It’s Jack’s first day of high school. Anxiety is a new feeling and it’s one Jack finds she really doesn’t like. So, she decides to take control.

Who Are You? Who Am I? It’s the new millennium and Jack’s fifteenth birthday. Eddie runs to Indy for Jack’s present and finds himself in a very uncomfortable confrontation with an old friend from high school… Who also happens to have given birth to his daughter.

Forever Ain't Long Enough It’s 2014 in Indiana meaning wedding bells are in the air for gay Hoosiers througout the state, but especially in little ole Hawkins.

I Don’t Know How You Happened Ronance get-together.

Jack Through The Years Looks into Jack’s life (and therefore steddie’s) at various ages from 8 to 30.

** Anything involving Jack over the age of 7 will likely only be published after Shelter From The Storm is finished**

#funnylittle jack fic #steddie #steddie fic #steddie dads #steddie brainrot #steve harrington x eddie munson #single dad!Steve Harrington #teen dad!Steve Harrington #eddie munson #steve harrington #single dad steve harrington #dad steve harrington #girl dad steve harrington

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funnylittlelad · 11 months

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Shelter from the Storm - Steddie

New page on AO3

page summary: “You remember where she is?” Steve asks gently when they get out of the car.

“Yeah, I don't think I could forget,” Eddie answers, staring off at the sea of graves.

Steve takes his hand once they meet each other at the trunk.

“Lead the way,” he encourages softly.

Eddie offers him a small sad smile paired with a minuscule nod before doing just that. He leads Steve through tombstones of various shapes, sizes, and ages. Leafless branches of willow trees sway in the breeze. It's that time of year when there's no snow, but everything is still cold and dead. Eddie traces the path he only took once on a day he tries very hard not to think about. He stops in front of a dark tombstone with a delicate font etched into it.

Sara Louise Munson

February 22, 1947 - March 15, 1975

Beloved Daughter, Mother, and Wife

wc: 12.9k

warnings: this page is an emotional doozy. talks of and to dead parents and discussions of past abusive family structures.

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funnylittlelad · 1 year

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Shelter From The Storm - Steddie

Page Four

<< Page Three | Series Photo Album | AO3 | Page Five>>

summary: “Hello?” He answers.

“Hi, Eddie!” Jack’s voice rings out.

Eddie blinks at nothing for a moment.

“Jack? Does your dad know you called me?” He asks.

“No, he’s sad,” she says.

“Wait, how did you know what to dial to call me?”

“My emergency card,” she tells him like it should be obvious.

wc: 13.4k

Too much time passes and Eddie knows that. He’s so afraid of Steve rejecting him. He’s so afraid he’ll lay it all on the line, but it won't be enough. The hole is too deep and he’ll be buried down here. He hasn't spoken to anyone other than Wayne and Gareth about everything. Everyone else was Steve’s friend first and Jack's family. Doesn't seem fair to put anyone in that position. It's a week before he knows it.

Friday is threatening to turn into Saturday. Eddie doesn't know if he can stand another weekend of Steve avoiding his eyes and mumbling his answers to him. He also doesn't know if he can handle getting turned down again when he tries to apologize. It hurts both of them. They each have a throbbing wound in the shape of the other where their hearts should be. Steve won’t start the conversation. Eddie is too much of a fucking coward to. It’s a dirty vicious cycle.

Eddie lays on his stomach across his couch. The tv is on but his eyes are fixed on the miniatures that live on his coffee table. They’re still skewed from the way Jack left them. He hasn't had the heart to put them back. Eddie never thought he'd be the kinda guy to like a kid so much he misses them. Yet, here he is wishing he was hearing Jack’s little voices as she makes the little guys move around. The phone trilling causes him to shoot up on his knees, heart racing. It takes a second trill to register it as his phone. He takes it off of the hook on the table beside the couch.

“Hello?” He answers.

“Hi, Eddie!” Jack’s voice rings out.

Eddie blinks at nothing for a moment.

“Jack? Does your dad know you called me?” He asks.

“No, he’s sad,” she says.

“Wait, how did you know what to dial to call me?”

“My emergency card,” she tells him like it should be obvious.

He doesn't know what an emergency card is, but the words emergency and sad drop his stomach to the floor. Heart-lurching memories flash before Eddie’s eyes of being left at school, walking home, and finding… No, Steve wouldn't, he reassures himself.

“Right, okay, is everything okay? You said your daddy is sad, is he okay? Do you need help?” Eddie rushes to ask as he frantically starts searching for everything he needs to leave. Shoes, wallet, and keys, but he struggles to find his jacket.

“He’s okay, he’s just crying. Can you come make him happy again?” She asks.

Eddie can hear Steve muffled and distant calling for her. He can still hear the thickness crying left in his voice.

“Jack, where exactly are you calling me from?”

“My super secret hiding place,” she informs him proudly.

“Is that where you went when Max had to bring us to the store?”

“Yes! Can you come?”

“Yeah, don’t worry. I’ll be there in a few minutes, alright?”

“Okay… I think someone was mean to him,” she whispers into the phone.

“Well, if they were, the two of us will go and beat them up, right?”

“Right!”

Eddie chuckles, settling on the only thing he can find. Steve’s work coat. He gets off the phone with Jack and rushes out into the bitter November evening air. The drive feels the longest it ever has. He’s going forty in a twenty-five, but it feels like a snail’s pace. When he finally comes upon Steve’s apartment building he sighs in relief. There’s no hesitation to go up. Not when Jack had literally called for him to. He knocks on the door without a thought.

Steve answers, eyes puffy and cheeks flushed. His eyebrows furrow in confusion when he sees Eddie.

“Eddie? What are you doing here?” He questions.

“Uh- I- uh… fuck, I didn't really think about this at all,” he breathes a chuckle, “Jack called.”

“Jack called you?” He demands.

Before Eddie can respond, Steve is storming back into the apartment leaving the door open. Eddie follows him in as he lets out a stern Jacqueline Harrington. She finally comes out to the living room dressed in a set of maroon thermal pajamas. The phone is still in her hand and an index card with different color writing all over it is in the other. That same hand grips the wing of a little stuffed bat. Innocence is written all over her face. Steve’s hands find his hips.

“Can you tell me why you called Eddie over here?” Steve asks her.

Her big dark eyes move over to Eddie and then back to her father.

“You were sad,” she answers.

“I wasn't…,” Steve sighs, “Why did that make you call Eddie?”

“Because Eddie makes you happy,” she shrugs.

Steve sucks his lips into his mouth and drops his chin to his chest. He takes a measured breath before lifting his head, forcing a small smile at Jack.

“Let’s get you to bed, okay?” He tells her softly.

He takes the phone from her and places it on the coffee table. Then he takes the index card and places it next to the phone. Jack lets him scoop her up.

“Can Eddie goodnight me?” She asks.

Steve gives her another small smile. He looks over his shoulder at Eddie, the smile sticking.

“D’you wanna goodnight her?”

Eddie’s mouth splits into a wide grin.

“‘Course I do! I’d never miss a chance to goodnight my favorite girl,” he answers.

He follows them into the bedroom. Steve’s hands are tender as they tuck her in. He pushes some wild red hair out of her face. When she giggles he smiles more.

“See!” She exclaims.

“What?” He chuckles.

“Eddie is here and you’re happy now!”

Eddie watches with bated breath. Steve glances at him over his shoulder.

“Yeah, I guess I am.”

Steve gives her a kiss on the forehead, then the nose, and says goodnight, princess. She looks expectantly at Eddie. Steve stands and moves out of the way. Eddie finds himself nervous.

“I’ve never done this in person before,” he realizes.

“It’s hard to do wrong,” Steve encourages.

“Knowing me, I’ll find a way,” he huffs a laugh.

“Eddie,” Jack whines.

“Sorry, sweet girl,” he apologizes with a warm smile.

Eddie sits tentatively next to Jack on her bed. She smiles widely at him, her body doing a joyous little wiggle under her starry comforter. Eddie looks up at the bats on her wall.

“Y’know, I got some like that,” he tells her like it's a secret.

“You do?”

“I do. Wanna see’em?”

She nods vigorously. Eddie shrugs his arm out of the coat. It isn't until then that Steve realizes Eddie is wearing his work coat. His heart might as well be a hummingbird. Eddie shows her his usually covered arm. She’s seen his puppet master tattoo when his flannel sleeves were pushed up. They never went up high enough for the bats to really peak out.

Eddie is almost never seen out of a flannel. He’s always appreciated a protective layer or two. It started when the bullying did. At first, it was a hoodie for some garage band in middle school. After that was his leather jacket he got for Chanukah one year. Then his leather jacket-jean vest combo in late high school. That stayed with him for a while after school too. It was an identifier. People knew to go to the guy in the leather jacket and jean vest to buy their drugs.

When he stopped selling, he decided it was time to shed those layers. Having just a shirt is too vulnerable, though. The flannel gives him just enough to feel in control of who sees what parts of him and when. In his rush over he only took the coat, but that's okay. He knew he wouldn't need a flannel where he was going. He doesn't need a layer of protection from Steve, just from the cold outside.

“What are their names?” She asks him in awe.

“Y’know, I never named’em. Tell you what, you go to sleep and be a good girl for your daddy tomorrow and I’ll let you name’em next time you’re at the store,” he negotiates with a smile.

“Really?” She asks excitedly.

“Really. Have fun dreamin’, sweetpea,” Eddie tells her softly.

He presses a light kiss on her forehead. When he stands he catches the gooey look Steve has directed at him. Maybe there's hope, he thinks. He shrugs the coat back on and follows Steve out to the living area. Steve closes the bedroom door softly. When he turns Eddie is standing in the middle of the room. Steve’s work coat hugs him, black sweatpants cover his legs, and his untied boots are on his feet. It’s the first time Steve really takes in what Eddie is wearing. Something tugs at his gut when he realizes the clear rush Eddie was in to get here.

“I’m sorry she called you,” he sighs.

“I’m just glad you’re okay. She said something about you being sad and an emergency card… I thought the worst for a second,” Eddie admits, voice strange and strangled.

“Yeah, she has this card I wrote everyone’s numbers on just in case. Everyone has a color so she knows who is who. It’s really only supposed to be for emergencies,” Steve explains.

“She said you were crying.”

Steve nods slowly.

“It’s been a tough day,” he answers.

“Has it been too tough for an apology?” Eddie ventures.

Steve’s warm honey eyes widen just a tad. Just enough to reveal the hope in them.

“I think I can deal with an apology.”

Eddie smiles and nods toward the couch. They sit beside each other, but not too close. Both of them are nervous about how this may go. Eddie fiddles with his rings and wets his lips.

“I know I fucked up. I know I crossed a line and I dunno if I can ever uncross it. You needed someone to be on your side and I wasn't. I should've been… It’s hard to explain why I wasn't. I guess I was a little hurt. It felt like you didn't listen to me at all. Then when you mentioned bringing Jack to your parents’... I just thought about her in a house like mine as a kid. It really fucking scared me,” he shakes his head a bit,

“I didn't handle any of it right, though. I had no right to tell you what you can and can't do with her. I was too scared to remember that you’re the best father in the fucking world, Stevie. I should've trusted you to do what you know is right. I’m so fucking sorry,” Eddie apologizes with every ounce of sincerity he’s capable of.

Steve swears he’s a puddle by the end. He wants to surge forward and kiss Eddie. It takes enormous strength not to.

“I forgive you, Eds. I’m sorry I said you’re just her music teacher. You’re not. You’re more than that. You’re so much more than her music teacher,” Steve replies softly.

A wavering smile takes over Eddie’s lips. Tears of utter happiness and relief threaten to pour.

“Can we go back to being friends, now? ‘Cause I really fuckin’ miss you two,” he exhales a laugh.

A torn expression crosses Steve’s features. It’s enough to stop Eddie’s heart.

“Eds, I actually wanted to talk to you about that…”

The world is falling apart, he's sure of it. Eddie’s positive in a few moments there will be nothing left. Nothing, but him and the awful feeling sitting in his gut that Steve wants nothing to do with him still.

“Look, if you're gonna tell me you don't want to anymore, it’s okay. I-I can go, but I dunno if I can hear it,” he blurts out anxiously.

Steve is taken aback. He blinks in confusion for a moment as he processes Eddie’s words.

“What? No, Eddie, I don't want to be friends with you be-”

“Steve, please I ca-”

“Jesus fucking Christ, Eddie, I’m in love with you!” Steve spits out half laughing.

Eddie’s mouth falls open. His eyes are large chocolate saucers that search Steve’s face. Red floods his cheeks. Steve can't help smiling as Eddie continues to stare at him in astonishment. The longer he goes without saying anything the more nervous Steve grows.

“Please, say something,” he basically begs quietly.

Eddie takes a stuttering breath. Steve hadn't even noticed he stopped breathing. Only Eddie can't find words. There aren’t enough words to express how he feels. He decides to let his actions speak for him. Eddie’s lips are on Steve’s hot and quick, hands digging into his soft hair. Steve makes a noise of pleasant surprise against Eddie’s mouth. His own hands grab onto Eddie’s forearms. The kiss breathes life back into Steve’s lungs. It lifts years of weight off his shoulders and lets him relax. Right here, right now, the center of the universe is where Eddie’s lips meet his.

When he pulls back, Eddie keeps his hands in Steve’s hair. The tops of their foreheads stay pressed together. Steve looks at him through his lashes, flushed and dazed. Eddie smiles with the tip of his tongue between his teeth.

“I’m in love with you too, Stevie,” he says, voice dripping in affection.

Steve presses another, shorter kiss to Eddie’s lips. Then another, and another, and another. Eddie starts to laugh against Steve’s lips as he continues. Steve falls into laughter with him.

“I've wanted to do that for so long,” he admits.

“Me too,” Eddie chuckles.

“I wish I could invite you to stay the night,” he sighs.

Eddie offers him an understanding smile.

“It's alright. One day we can have a sleepover at my place. Jack can take the guest room,” he suggests.

“Yeah, that sounds nice,” Steve agrees.

They take another moment to absorb each other. It's all so much, but so good. Then Eddie catches the residual puffiness around Steve’s eyes and remembers why he came in the first place.

“Why were you crying earlier?” He asks softly.

Steve didn't think it would be possible to frown right now. That question proves him wrong, though.

“My dad gave me an ultimatum. I should’ve seen it coming, honestly. This is the game he plays. I guess it just finally broke me,” he explains with a sigh.

“What's the ultimatum?”

Steve looks unsure. He hesitates, fearing Eddie’s reaction. What if all this disappears into smoke and Eddie goes back to making him feel like an awful dad? He swallows those thoughts.

“Either I bring Jack tomorrow, or she doesn't get the money.”

Eddie’s nostrils flare. Panic spikes in Steve’s chest for a second. He doesn't get mad, though. He doesn't get hurt. He doesn't seem confused or upset. No, Eddie settles a tender gaze on Steve’s face.

“What d’you need from me, Stevie?”

Eddie never thought he’d find himself at the Harrington residence ever again. The last time he was here he was holding a stash box full of inventory. This time he’s carrying Jack on his shoulders. They hover outside not far from the car. Steve is very visibly anxious about the entire thing. Seeing Jack here is nauseating. He hasn't even really told her what they're doing, unable to figure out how. His skin takes on a sallow complexion as he thinks about his father’s eyes on Jack.

“All you have to do is say the word and she's out of here,” Eddie reminds him.

“Is this a terrible idea?” Steve all but whispers.

Eddie offers Steve a small smile. He grabs Steve’s hand for an extra layer of comfort.

“You’re making a hard decision in a complicated situation to try to better your daughter’s future. There’s nothing terrible about that, even if it might feel terrible,” Eddie tells him.

Steve sprouts an anxious smile. He squeezes Eddie’s hand, loving that he’s allowed to. They haven't talked about what this means yet. Which means Jack certainly isn't aware anything has changed. Steve wants to kiss Eddie more, but that's still out of reach.

“I’m scared, Eds,” he admits.

“Don't be scared, Daddy. Me and Eddie will beat up people mean to you,” Jack reassured him.

Steve chuckles. Jack is resting her head on top of Eddie’s. It's one of Steve’s favorite things that she does. He loves seeing tangible examples of how comfortable, how at home, she is with Eddie.

“I know you will, princess… Jack, I want to ask you something, but it's a big girl question. So, I need you to really listen and ask me questions if you don't understand, okay?” Steve asks softly as he takes Jack from Eddie’s shoulders.

He places her on her feet and kneels down to be at eye level with her. She has such a serious face. It makes her look older and it strikes Steve just how big she’s gotten. Even just since knowing Eddie. Time is moving faster than Steve can hold onto. Does he want to waste any more of it on the people in this house?

“Okay,” Jack nods.

“Okay,” Steve sighs, “Do you remember, a while ago, when you asked me about my mom and daddy?”

She nods.

“Well, I do have a mom and daddy, but they… they aren't very nice to me. Actually, they’re pretty mean to me. They bullied me- kind of like Oscar last school year. Am I making sense?” He checks in.

She nods once more, impressing Steve with her serious little stature. Eddie watches fondly as Steve makes another difficult decision. How honest should he be with his six-year-old daughter?

“When you were born I took you away from them so they couldn't be mean to you too. Now, they've promised not to be mean to you. I’m telling you this because they're inside that house right now,” he points at the front door.

Jack follows his finger and really takes in the house in front of her. Her dark eyes flit all over as if she's trying to figure out a puzzle. To his surprise, she starts to move toward it. Steve gently grabs her arm to stop her.

“What are you doing?” he asks with a chuckle.

“I’m going to beat them up,” she states plainly.

Eddie barks a laugh, clutching his stomach. Steve can't help his own laugh. Jack looks absolutely offended.

“Don't laugh at me!” She protests.

“I’m sorry, sweet girl, you're just so cute all we can do is laugh sometimes,” Eddie tucks a loose curl behind her ear.

Thanks to Eddie, Jack’s hair is more soft and defined than ever. Her hair almost takes on a life of its own at this point. Every movement on her part contributes to some movement or bounce on her hair’s.

“As much as I would love to see it, you can't beat them up, Jack,” Steve tells her.

She pouts and crosses her arms.

“Listen, okay? They promised they wouldn't be mean to you. My dad is very sick so he asked to see yo-”

“No,” she interrupts.

Steve blinks at her in surprise.

“You didn't let me finish.”

“I don't care. If they’re mean to you, I don't wanna see them,” she states.

“Jack, there's more for you to know-”

“No!”

“You don't want to hear why?”

She shakes her head, hair flying wildly. Steve inhales and exhales slowly.

“Okay, I wasn't expecting that,” he mumbles as he stands once more.

“She’s one tough cookie,” Eddie comments.

“Should I really let her make this decision?” Steve frowns.

Eddie swallows with uncertainty. He glances down at Jack who’s glaring at the house. Then his eyes move back to Steve's torn face.

“Are you asking for my opinion?” He asks tentatively.

“Yeah, I mean… She’s six and this is a lot of money. This is a big deal. What do you think?”

Eddie gives Steve a set of knit brows and a small ghost of a frown. His eyes move back to Jack. Eddie gets down on a knee to be at eye level with her. He places a hand on her shoulder to grab her attention. There are flames behind the dark of her eyes.

“I need you to really listen to me, okay? I want to beat them up too, but your daddy is in a very hard spot. If we do this for him we’d be helping him a whole lot. If we do, we both have to be on our best behavior, alright? We can come up with a secret code that you can tell me if you want me to bring you back out to the car. You don't even have to talk to anyone if you don't want to, but you would be doing a very brave thing by helping your daddy like this,” he pleads the case gently.

A pout-like frown takes over her face.

“Will you have to be brave too?” She asks.

“Oh, princess, going in there is like storming into a castle to battle a dragon. We're all gonna need to be brave. I don't know if I’ll be able to be as brave as I need to without you, though. Do you think you can help me?” He gives her wide begging eyes, tucking his chin in a bit to give them a puppy dog-like quality.

“What if I can't be brave?” She asks furrowing her brows.

Eddie thinks about an answer for a second. He doesn't know what gives him the idea, but he takes the bandana always tucked in his back pocket. With a gesture for her to turn around, Eddie ties the bandana around her head. A couple of loose curls still fall in her face, but mostly her hair puffs out the back. The bandana is a stark black against the red of her hair with a white paisley pattern. It goes with the rest of her outfit of a black long-sleeve under a deep green quarter zip. Her denim is a darker wash and those vans that are beginning to look worse for wear are at home on her feet.

“There, now you have my lucky bandana,” he tells her.

Her little hands go up to feel the fabric on her head with wonder.

“What’s it for?”

“Well, I’m too old for it to work now, but when I was younger it helped me feel braver than I thought I was. As long as you’re with us and you got that on your head, we can do anything,” Eddie smiles at her.

A smile takes over her features as well. Then she cups her hands against Eddie’s ear and whispers something Steve can't hear. Eddie’s eyes flash up to him briefly. They find Steve watching him like Eddie is hand poking the stars into the sky. Then they're gone and Steve is left wondering what she said. Eddie smiles and nods at her.

“Okay,” Jack nods with all the seriousness of a war general before turning to Steve, her hands on her hips, “We can slay the dragons.”

Eddie smiles proudly up at Steve who still can't stop pouring every ounce of love into every look thrown Eddie’s way. Eddie lifts Jack back up onto his shoulders and holds his hand out for Steve. This time when Steve's fingers slot into Eddie’s he can feel the grasp strengthen him. Having Jack and Eddie ready as the first and last line of defense makes him feel like he stands a chance.

“Ready?” Eddie asks.

“No, but let’s get this over with,” Steve sighs.

The few moments it takes for Steve’s mother to answer the door is gut-twisting. He wills her not to answer at all. Or, better yet, answer and tell him his father is dead. Eddie brings Steve’s hand to his lips and kisses the back of it. It’s so quick but steels over his resolve.

“Me too,” Jack pats Eddie’s cheek.

He chuckles as he brings Steve’s hand up to her. She places her own soft kiss on the back of his hand. Steve is suddenly sure he can handle anything. His mother is too happy when she answers. She greets Jack, who simply stares at her. It takes a lot not to laugh. Her smile twitches but doesn't drop. Jack takes in the interior with giant eyes. It occurs to Steve that she’s never been in a house this big before. Grandma and Grandpa Buck’s is the biggest and that's only a three-bedroom Cape Cod.

“So, how old are you, Jacqueline?” His mother asks brightly as she grabs some glasses of water.

Her eyes go to where Steve and Eddie's hands are together every few moments. He waits for her to say something, anything about it in front of his kid. The look in his eyes likely warns her not to. Jack’s face scrunches.

“That's only my name if I’m in trouble,” she tells her matter of factly.

“Oh, I’m sorry, sweetie. You’re not in trouble here,” she coos in a baby voice that makes Eddie cringe.

Eddie can remember one time he spoke to Jack like that, and it hadn't even really been serious. She nearly bit his finger off.

“I know,” Jack tells her like she's dumb.

Steve’s mom chuckles awkwardly.

“Right, of course. So- um, how old are you, Jackie?” She tries again.

“That isn't my name. My name is Jack.”

Steve’s mom looks at him like she's expecting him to say something. He simply raises his eyebrows and shrugs. There's no world where Steve would tell his daughter not to stand up for herself. No matter who it's against.

“Right, Jack. I’m sorry,” she turns her attention to Eddie, “I don't believe we've met. I’m Marsha.”

“No, we haven't,” Eddie answers.

Steve can tell his mom is getting ticked off. He can see it in the way the corners of her mouth twitch. It kind of thrills him. There's no competition happening, but Steve feels like he’s winning for once.

“You have such pretty hair, Jack. I bet you have so much fun with it,” Marsha is doing that baby voice again.

“Are you stupid?” Jack questions.

Eddie full-on chokes on his water, some of it spilling from his nose as he gasps for air. Steve slaps a hand to his mouth in disbelief. He’s never heard Jack talk to someone like that before. Now, he knows he has to correct the behavior, but his mother's reaction makes it so hard to do. She stares with an open mouth like Jack slapped her.

“I- I’m sorry?” is all she can squeak out.

“You talk like you're stupid,” Jack shrugs.

“Okay, Jack, I think that’s enough,” Steve struggles to get out as he fights back laughter.

“Why is she talking to me like that?” Jack turns her attention to Steve.

He shoots his mom a look.

“It's best to talk to her like she's, y’know, a person,” he informs her.

Eddie gives Jack’s calf a squeeze as he recovers. Jack taps Eddie’s cheekbone.

“What’s up, menace?” he asks, looking up at her the best he can.

“I need to go potty.”

Eddie moves owlish eyes over to Steve.

“Do you mind?” They ask in unison.

A smile breaks out on Steve’s face. Eddie can't contain his own.

“Last door on your left,” Steve points down the hallway.

He watches them go. Jack hugs Eddie’s head while Eddie laughs. He holds onto her legs as he does a funny walk to jostle her around. The movement causes her to giggle madly. His mother’s eyes are on him, he can feel them. Steve just continues watching the two people he cares about most in the world. Then, the door shuts behind them with one last smile from Eddie. There are no more distractions. Steve meets his mother’s judgemental gaze.

“She could use some discipline,” she tells him.

“I don't need your opinion on what my daughter could use,” he says tersely.

“Who is that man you let take her into the bathroom?” She questions.

The mere idea of her implicating anything about Eddie that way sends anger flaring across Steve's skin. His grip on his water tightens so much he’s surprised the glass doesn't shatter.

“Eddie, if you must know,” he answers.

“And who is Eddie to her? I hardly think it's appropriate-”

“Don’t even think about suggesting Eddie has anything other than Jack’s best interest in mind. He's done more for her than you ever will,” he snaps.

He watches his mom exhale sharply through her nose and accept defeat. She crosses her arms in a last line of defense.

“I’ll bring you to your father when they come back out,” she states coolly.

Steve just nods and sips his water. He thinks she might be trying to weaponize the silence. There's a sense that she's trying to make him feel guilty. It doesn't work even a little bit, but he has to commend her for trying. When they come back out, Jack is still on Eddie’s shoulders. Steve has a feeling she’ll be up there as long as they're in here. Up there she feels big, she can see everything, and she has Eddie to protect her. Steve catches a warm smile that Eddie tosses his way.

They follow his mother upstairs. She goes to open the door, but Steve stops her. He turns to Jack and Eddie.

“Jack, we’re going to meet my daddy now, okay?” Steve studies her face.

She reaches back and runs her fingers over the leftover bit of bandana from the knot. Her face becomes stern as she nods. Steve can't help his smile.

“He’s very sick, so he might look a little scary. You just tell Eddie if you want to go,” he tells her softly.

“I’m okay, Daddy. I’m ready,” she assures him.

“‘Course you are, you’re the bravest little girl I know,” he smiles.

He nods for his mom to open the door. His dad is awake and already smiling when they enter. Steve wants so badly to wipe the smile from his face. It isn't a smile of excitement, or love, or even friendly acknowledgment. No, he knows he won the game. He won and he’s letting Steve know it. Steve’s jaw clenches. Eddie notices and takes his hand once more, not caring who is in the room to see.

“I’m glad to see you made the right decision,” he greets feebly.

“I’m sure you are,” Steve replies dryly.

“And who is this?” He looks at Eddie.

“Eddie Munson. I’m Jack’s music teacher,” Eddie answers with a wicked smile.

Steve rolls his eyes fondly.

“He’s my friend and he’s here for Jack. The second she doesn't want to be here anymore she doesn't have to be, got it?” Steve jerks his chin at his father.

“I can’t stop you from doing as you please, Steven.”

“So, what now? I brought her here, now what?” He asks.

“Now, you can leave as we get to know each other.”

The silence that takes over the room is palpable. Eddie’s hand tightens around Steve’s. Steve’s free hand trembles in anger.

“No,” he says firmly.

“Steven, I told you I wanted to get to know-”

“So, do it. We're not going anywhere. I’ll die before I let her be alone in a room with you,” he spits venomously.

“This is the only way to receive the money.”

Eddie is frozen. His grip on Steve's hand is white knuckle, but Steve doesn't flinch. Jack’s hands are buried in his hair. He can feel the anxiety in her little body around his head and it aches in his chest. She doesn't understand what's going on, but she's nervous. Maybe he should make the call.

“Why are you mean?” Jack questions.

Again, the room stills for a moment.

“What?” is all Steve’s dad can ask.

“My daddy says that people are mean because they don't understand something, they’re afraid of something, or they're secretly really sad. Why are you mean?” She elaborates.

Steve always loved seeing how stunned people are at how smart and articulate she is. His father is no exception. If anything, it's more satisfying.

“You’ve got quite a mouth on you,” his father comments, “Perhaps we should have stayed involved. We could have made sure this one was raised properly.”

“Steve is the best father there is. Everything he does is for this amazing little girl on my shoulders. He’s raising the smartest, funniest, and most loving human being I know. If there's one thing Steve is doing it’s raising Jack properly. Not that you care or it's gonna matter here,” Eddie bites.

Steve’s father’s eyes float between him and Eddie. They don't even hitch on their clasped hands. Eventually, they settle coldly and distantly on Steve.

“It might seem nice now, but bringing this lifestyle around your daughter will only do her harm,” he warns.

“This lifestyle has a name. It’s Eddie and, whether you like it or not, he'll always be part of your granddaughter’s life. You, on the other hand, will die never having been,” Steve tells him ice cold.

“Eddie won't ever hurt me,” Jack yells at Steve’s father, “He loves me like daddy does and you don't hurt people you love!”

“That’s right, sweet girl,” Eddie confirms.

“If you won't fulfill my request then we have nothing more to discuss here,” Steve's father states monotonously.

“You’re the worst person!” Jack snaps at him.

“Jack-” Steve starts to attempt to calm her down.

“Daddies are s’pose to be nice and fun and love you! You’re so mean! You're mean to my daddy and you make him sad all the time. You’re a bully just like Oscar and I don't like you. I’ll never like you because you made my daddy sad. You’re the one that's done wrong, not me! You should be like my daddy and Eddie. You're the worst person ever!” She rants angrily on Eddie's shoulders.

Steve’s heart nearly explodes. He wants to squeeze Jack and cry into her hair. He wants to tell her how much he loves her and always will. That no matter what, he would always choose her. Even if he could go back, he would always choose to be her father.

“Let’s get out of here,” Steve says and pulls Eddie’s hand for him to follow.

They make it to the car, but not in it before anyone speaks. Eddie puts Jack down on her feet. She still has her round little features fixed into stern lines. Steve runs a hand through his hair as he processes everything that just happened.

“Jack, you were a badass!” Eddie cheers.

“The bandana made me brave!” she tells him, excitedly bouncing on the balls of her feet.

“Yeah, it did! You were the bravest! Tell you what, you keep that bandana. That way you’ll always be brave when you need to be,” Eddie beams at her.

Jack turns a dazzling smile onto Steve.

“I was brave, Daddy!” she exclaims.

Steve’s heart squeezes at the sight of her. He didn't know how much love he had to give until Jack. He didn't know how much love he never received until Jack.

“You were so brave! I’m so proud of you, Jack,” Steve says, soft and gooey.

“Hugs!” She demands cheerily.

Chuckling, Steve scoops her up. He and Eddie squish her between them. Steve buried his face half in Jack’s hair and half in Eddie’s neck. It's the only place he ever wants to be.

“What d’you guys say to a sleepover at my place tonight?” Eddie suggests.

Steve smiles down at Jack.

“What d'you think, Jack?”

She looks like the secrets of the universe have just been revealed to her.

“Sleep at Eddie's?” She asks in amazement.

“Yeah, we can watch some movies, play some games, maybe I can even show you how I play with the little guys,” Eddie says with a smile.

“You're going to turn my kid into a D&D nerd, aren't you?” Steve teases.

“Harrington, I hate to break it to you, but the D&D nerd is already in there. I just plan to bring it out,” Eddie flashes a mischievous grin.

“Where will we sleep?” Jack wonders.

“Well- uh…” Eddie turns panicked eyes to Steve.

“Eddie has another room you can sleep in,” Steve tells her.

“What about you?”

“Um, well, I think I’m gonna share a room with Eddie tonight. You were so brave today I think you deserve your own room for a night, don't you?” Steve raises his eyebrows as he convinces her.

For a moment, he expects her to say no. She's never slept in a room alone all night before. Not because Steve wanted it that way, but because necessity beat tradition in their living situations. To his relief, a wide smile breaks out on her face. She does a happy dance complete with celebratory noises that make them laugh.

“I get a big girl room!” She sings as Eddie helps her into the car.

When Eddie gets into the front, Steve’s right hand immediately finds his thigh. Eddie takes his hand with a smile. Jack sings along to the song that's playing on the radio, which leads Steve to. To Steve’s surprise, Eddie eventually starts singing too. It’s the first time driving away from his parents’ that Steve isn't agonizing over every interaction with them. Instead, he’s looking to the future.

Jack packs her own bag. It’s full of toys she can't go a night without. Steve packs another, with the things she actually needs. Eddie is embarrassingly excited. The smile hasn't left his face. He can't wait to have his two favorite people in his space all night long. He can't wait to say goodnight instead of goodbye. He can't wait to wake up in the morning to Steve’s face. Fuck, is he excited to cling to Steve in bed for as long as humanly possible.

Jack shows Eddie her bag as Steve double-checks that they have everything. Eddie nods diligently as she explains each item. Her favorite truck that Hopper got her, a hand-me-down baby doll from Nancy that she calls Professor Peanutbutter, a small handmade blanket weaved from pastel rainbow yarn, and a stuffed bat called Fidget she claims was born with her.

She unloads her stuff in the guest room immediately. The room itself is plain, but that doesn't matter to Jack. Its walls are light gray. A couple of Eddie’s posters from when he was in high school cling to the walls. A full-sized bed with flannel sheets and a flannel comforter sticks out into the middle. There are a couple of nightstands and a matched wooden dresser to complete the room.

They leave her to it, but keep the door open so they can hear her excited chatter to herself. It brings a smile to both of their faces.

“How do you feel about chicken for dinner?” Eddie asks.

“From where?”

“From Ristorante ala Munson.”

“Sounds fancy,” Steve chuckles.

“Oh, it's the fanciest. They don't even let you in if you’re not dressed to the nines,” Eddie tells him far too seriously.

“I think I need to change then,” Steve looks down at his old faded t-shirt and sweatpants.

“No need, Stevie. You make anything look good enough to get you in,” Eddie smirks and tilts his head toward him suggestively.

Steve’s face glows bright red. Eddie has an arm over the back of the couch behind Steve. They're doing a very good job of keeping enough distance to not elicit any questions from Jack. However, in the privacy of Eddie’s apartment, it’s only getting harder to do so. Getting Steve nice and flustered satisfies Eddie enough until he can get him into bed later.

“You didn't tell me Jack is a twin,” Eddie changes the subject to kindly allow Steve to breathe again.

“If Jack were a twin I think I’d be bald by now,” Steve chuckles.

“Touché,” Eddie laughs, “I’m talking about her little bat. She told me it was born with her.”

“She’s had it since she was born,” Steve explains.

“Where’d she get it?”

“Uh- her mom, actually,” he explains awkwardly, “Before they were discharged she got it for her from the hospital gift shop. Jack doesn't know who got it for her, though.”

Eddie gives him a soft, understanding smile. He leans forward and gives Steve a brief chaste kiss. Steve follows Eddie when he pulls back to seek more. Eddie is about to oblige when Jack comes racing out of the guest room. Her star print pajamas are a blur.

“Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!” She chants as she clambers onto his lap.

“Hey, what’s up, trouble?” He lets out a delighted little giggle that absolutely melts Steve’s insides.

“Can you show me how you play with the little guys now?” she asks with big dark eyes.

“I’d love to! C’mon, I’ll let you pick out a set of dice,” Eddie beams.

He stands up, lifting her with him. Steve watches in adoring amazement as Eddie swings her around to his back so she can climb up onto his shoulders. It’s like they’ve done it this way a million times before. Steve silently hopes they’ll have the chance to do it a million more. He hopes Eddie doesn't realize raising a kid full-time is too much at this age. He hopes Eddie loves them enough to try despite that.

Steve has the terrifying thought that he doesn't want to keep doing this without Eddie. When it was just him and Jack things were great. They made an imperfect little family. With Eddie, however, it's perfect. Everything feels right. Seeing him with Jack gives Steve the sensation that he’s where he was always meant to be. On this couch watching the person he loves and his daughter talk D&D.

Eddie brings her into his room. There are a few minutes of talking that Steve can’t really make out. Then, they come back out. This time Jack is walking. She has a little black drawstring bag in her hand.

“Daddy, look! Eddie gave me dice so I can play the little guy game like him!” she rushes up excitedly.

“Did he give them to you or let you borrow them?” Steve questions, glancing at Eddie.

Jack has been known to intentionally misunderstand the difference between the two.

“I gave them to her. I have plenty,” Eddie waves him off.

Jack climbs onto Steve’s lap despite the entire couch being free. Steve has no complaints. She opens the bag to show off her new dice set. There are a handful of sleek smoky gray dice with golden numbers on each side. She shows Steve each individual one despite not really knowing the difference. He oos and aahs at each. Eddie then lets her pick a little guy to play as. She chooses a tiefling cleric that sits on the television stand. Eddie figures it’s easier to keep with the chosen character’s sheet.

Steve watches them for a while. They sit on the floor on either side of the coffee table. Eddie is doing an excellent job of breaking the basics down for her to understand. Steve was admittedly a little worried it wouldn't hold her attention. Boy, was he wrong. She eats up every single D&D-related word. An hour goes by with only Steve to notice. After another thirty minutes and a few dice rolls, Steve decides to make dinner. He knows Eddie planned to, but it's getting late and he really doesn't want to disturb them.

Quietly, Steve looks around Eddie’s kitchen for everything he needs. Cooking in a kitchen with more than one counter is a luxurious experience. Especially without a kid running around his legs. While Jack and Eddie have their moment of bonding, Steve gets a moment of peace. He gets to enjoy the sounds of Jack playing in the other room without the worry of what she's doing. It’s the nicest night Steve has had in a very long time. He’s almost done when Eddie wanders in curiously.

“Hey, that was s’pose to be my job. What kind of host am I if you're the one cooking?” He whines playfully.

“You two were having fun and I don’t mind,” Steve shrugs.

He puts the last piece of grilled chicken on the plate beside him. There's a pot of rice simmering on the stove. Eddie gets out plates and utensils for them.

“You probably did better than I could've anyway,” Eddie smiles.

Steve can't help it. He takes hold of the back of Eddie’s head and crashes their lips together. Eddie’s hands make a home on Steve’s waist as he leans further into the kiss. It sends a line of firecrackers popping across Steve’s skin.

“I'm hungry,” Jack announces from the doorway.

Steve and Eddie fly apart, breathing heavily as if they just got caught by a teacher in the high school stairwell. They exchange a worried look before turning their eyes back to Jack. She doesn't seem phased at all, just expectant.

“Good news, I just finished making dinner,” Steve recovers before Eddie.

He makes Jack her plate and brings her out to the table. When she's set up with her food, Steve goes back to the kitchen for his own. Eddie is still standing there with wide eyes. Steve offers him a smile.

“I think… we need to talk before we go out there,” Steve states softly.

Eddie simply nods. Steve continues nervously.

“I don't know what we’re doing here exactly, but I want to be with you. I get it if you don't want to commit to someone with a kid-”

“Whoa, where did you get that idea? Steve, I love Jack. I love her probably more than I should considering she isn't my kid. You never have to worry about you being a father or Jack putting me off. I want to be with you too. I want to be with both of you,” Eddie tells him earnestly.

It’s everything Steve wants and needs to hear. The smile that finds his face is blinding. Eddie once again can see Jack in his features.

“That mean you’re my boyfriend, Munson?” Steve teases, stepping closer.

Eddie hooks his fingers into Steve’s sweatpants pockets. He tugs him forward until their bodies are pressed together.

“That means I’ll be whatever you want me to be, Stevie. As long as I get you two, I don't care what that makes me,” he says quietly, breath caressing Steve’s face.

They're kissing again before either of them knows it. It takes an enormous amount of willpower to pull away and eat dinner. Jack doesn't ask any questions as they eat. She rattles on about all the cool new things Eddie has taught her. Eddie and Steve keep their ankles locked together under the table. Now that they have each other, they never want to let go.

She shows Steve her little guy, Lloyd. When Steve shoots Eddie a questioning look, Eddie simply shrugs. Jack tells him about her different spells, a lot of healing since she’s a cleric. Her eyes go giant when Eddie mentions there are bards. Her mouth splits into a smile as he tells her they play music to fight and cast magic.

“They're just like me!” She exclaims.

Eddie laughs and promises to help her change her cleric to a bard. Steve just listens on fondly, not really getting what they're talking about but loving every second of it. Then Jack makes a sudden change of subject that gives them both pause.

“Why were you kissing before?” She asks, watching them both intently.

They meet eyes briefly. Steve gives Eddie’s nervous expression a reassuring smile. People being gay isn't new to her, not with Robin around. The real question isn't will she accept them for being gay. It’s will she accept them being together? Steve can't see why she wouldn't, but Eddie can only see why she wouldn’t. What if Jack likes things the way they are? What if she doesn't want Steve and Eddie hanging out more or being affectionate? Eddie’s heart races with the anxiety of Jack rejecting him, more so than it did for Steve.

“Jack, you really like Eddie, right?” Steve asks.

“I love Eddie,” she answers easily.

It warms Eddie’s heart and allows it to slow a bit.

“How would you feel if Eddie and I spent more time together?”

Her eyebrows furrow and a pout appears. Eddie’s heart slams to a stop.

“Without me?” She asks, sounding sad as can be.

“Well, maybe sometimes, but most of the time we’d like you there too,” Steve tells her softly.

Her face scrunches up.

“Will you always be kissing?”

Both Steve and Eddie laugh.

“No, not always. Kissing might be something we start to do more of, though. Are you okay with that? With us spending time together and kissing?” Steve tries to hide the anticipation.

A thoughtful expression takes over her features.

“So, you'd be like Joyce and Hop?”

“Yes, but Eddie will still live here and we’ll still live in our apartment. Nothing else will change,” he assures her.

“Okay,” she shrugs and continues eating.

Steve blinks at her a few times before looking at Eddie. He looks just as surprised.

“O-Okay? That's it?” Steve checks.

Jack gives another little shrug.

“Eddie already told me he loves you,” she says matter-of-factly.

Steve whips his head to look at Eddie. Eddie gives Jack a stare of betrayal.

“You did?” Steve asks him.

“Uh- y-yeah, I guess technically I did, but I didn't think that's how she’d take it,” Eddie explains quickly.

Steve cocks an eyebrow for further elaboration.

“Before we went into your parents’. She asked me if I was being brave because I love you. I didn't know she meant… I thought she would take it in a more platonic sense, but… I guess not,” Eddie is clearly a little flustered.

Steve laughs, to Eddie’s relief. He was half afraid Steve would be mad.

“Kids tend to be more observant than we give them credit for,” Steve comments.

“What’s pladonick?” Jack asks.

“Platonic, it means being friends,” he tells her.

“I'm really sorry, Stevie,” Eddie frowns.

“What, why?”

“I shouldn't have- that wasn't my place to tell her that,” he sighs.

Eddie is being harder on himself than Steve ever would. He just keeps thinking about the last time he crossed a line and how badly he doesn't want to do that again.

“Eds, it’s really okay. She asked you about your feelings and you were honest. There's nothing wrong with that,” Steve comforts him.

“I didn't like out you or something to her?”

To Eddie’s surprise, Steve lets out a small snort.

“No, Jack doesn't really get the concept of coming out. With Robin around being gay has always just been a fact of life. It's not something she’s really ever questioned,” Steve explains with a smile.

Eddie nods thoughtfully.

“I know I’ve said it before, but you have the coolest kid I’ve ever met,” he says.

“Yes, he does,” Jack agrees with a nod.

Steve and Eddie fall into laughter. Dinner moves on to lighter topics. Jack isn't phased when Eddie’s arm ends up around Steve's shoulders. She isn't alarmed when Eddie invades Steve’s personal space for the sake of a joke. Actually, Jack looks happy, she looks normal. She looks like this is everyday life for her. Eddie finds himself hoping that one day it will be.

She looks tiny in the full bed and it swells Eddie’s heart. He and Steve sit on either side of Jack to goodnight her together. Eddie tucks her in on one side while Steve tucks her in on the other. She giggles wildly as they do. They end the entire process by kissing her on either cheek at the same time. Once the door clicks shut, Steve is on Eddie like a starving man who’s just seen a full-course meal. It’s everything. Being in Eddie’s arms, surrounded by nothing but him, and drowning in the feeling of their lips moving together is everything.

Eddie manages to move them to his bedroom. It’s Steve’s first time getting a good look at it. He imagines it's similar to what Eddie’s room must've looked like in high school. Except, the posters are nicely framed instead of plastered haphazardly on the walls. The surfaces of his dresser and nightstands are cluttered with books and trinkets and pictures of their friends, but not messy. Just like everything else about him, it's the same old Eddie, just more intentional and put together. His queen bed is covered in black bedding that goes with the furniture and frames. The walls are the same lighter tone of gray as the guest room.

“Sorry, it’s a mess,” Eddie says, embarrassed as he tries to see his room as Steve would.

“Eds, you’ve seen my place. Hell, you've cleaned my place. This isn't a mess. Don't let Jack in here alone for too long, though, or it’ll become one,” Steve chuckles.

“You have an excuse, you have a kid.”

“You do too,” Steve laughs before stuttering when his words process, “H-have an excuse, I mean.”

“What's that?” Eddie smiles with pink cheeks.

Steve shrugs.

“You’re Eddie. Cluttered, but organized fits you. This whole place fits you,” he says with a fond smile.

It can fit you too. We can make it fit you and Jack, Eddie thinks desperately. He knows it's too soon for that. Far too soon. It’s just so hard to not want more now that he has them. It's impossible not to want them in every aspect of his life. Eddie thinks about coming home from the store to Steve cooking and Jack playing with her little guy. He thinks about them visiting him at work, brightening his day. He imagines bringing Jack to visit Steve at work to brighten his day.

Eddie Munson has never ached for fatherhood. If anything, he feared it. He fears fucking a kid up beyond repair. He fears becoming his own father. He fears becoming his mother. When he sees Steve, though, he knows he can do it. He wants to do it. Unlike Steve, Eddie is well aware he would never be able to do it alone. He thinks he can do it with Steve. He thinks he wants to try.

“Before we keep going, I think we should talk about what you expect from me when it comes to Jack,” Eddie suggests hesitantly.

Steve’s brows furrow.

“What do you mean exactly?” He asks.

Eddie sits on the edge of his bed and pats the space beside him. Steve sits, their thighs pressed together. Eddie instantly takes Steve's hand in his lap.

“I’ve never done this before. I need to know where the line is so I don't cross it again.”

“Look, Eds, I don't really know where the line is. I haven't done this before either. I think it has to be a continuing conversation. I trust your judgment. The only line you’ve crossed is not trusting me,” Steve says.

Eddie sits with that for a moment.

“So, we’ll just take it one step at a time and figure it out together?”

“That sounds good to me,” Steve smiles fondly.

They’re glued together the moment they're under the covers together. In the dark of the room, they indulge in the sloppiest kisses yet. The kind that makes dirty sounds that would cause anyone else to cringe. Hands fly everywhere, taking in every inch of skin under their shirts. Things are just about to reach a tipping point, and both of them can feel it. Steve is about to push things further when they hear a creak. They freeze, waiting for more noise. After a second there’s the click of Eddie’s bedroom door.

“Daddy?” Jack calls into the room, her voice thick with sleep.

Steve sighs and places his forehead against Eddie’s. Teaching her to knock is going to become a priority, he can feel it.

“Yeah, princess, what's wrong?” He asks gently.

“The big girl room is scary,” she half whines, “I don't like it by myself.”

He’s going to get up and bring her back to her bed. This way she can learn to sleep in a room by herself and Eddie won't be disturbed in his own bed. He never gets the chance.

“We can't have our girl scared! C’mere, there's plenty of room. You can sleep with us tonight,” Eddie says, rolling over to face her.

The hallway light silhouettes her small form in the doorway. Eddie holds the blanket up for her to crawl under. She climbs up into the bed, over Eddie, and settles between them. All the while, Steve’s head is spinning from Eddie casually dropping our girl. Eddie turns to face Steve and Jack. His arm stretches out to wrap around both of them. Steve does the same, effectively cocooning Jack between their bodies. She snuggles contentedly into the hold.

“I like it here,” she announces with a sigh.

Eddie can't help beaming, even if no one can see it. Steve feels like he’s vibrating from the amount of affection he has for the two he has his arm around. Having Jack between them allows Steve to feel how tired he is. The comfort of having both Eddie and Jack near relaxes him enough to lean into it.

“Yeah, me too, princess,” Steve answers sleepily.

“I like having you here,” Eddie mumbles just as sleepily.

“I’m happy we’re all a family now,” she tells them, curling in further.

Eddie would be lying if he said a couple of tears didn't dampen his pillowcase. He fists Steve’s shirt as he handles the overwhelming emotion. Steve’s arm tightens around them.

“Me too, sweet girl,” Eddie breathes.

“I couldn't be happier,” Steve admits.

They fall asleep together. They're a bundle of warmth and love. A strange, disjointed family that works so well because of all the reasons it shouldn't. Steve gets a nice, restful sleep that night. The best sleep he’s had since Jack was born.

In the morning, Steve blinks awake groggily. It takes him a second to register where he is. It takes another second to register that he’s alone. The sheets are wrinkled and the comforter is thrown back where Jack and Eddie once were. The bedroom door is shut, but beyond it Steve can hear music. It’s a simple tune, with a couple of hiccups here and there that are corrected. Curiously, Steve gets up and wanders to the door. First, he presses his ear against it. The melodic strums of an acoustic guitar come from the living room.

Steve pads silently down the short hall. He hovers just before the entrance to the living room, listening.

“Just move your finger right here- there, perfect. At this rate, you won't need me pretty soon,” Eddie’s voice says pleasantly.

Steve takes a peek and nearly drops to the floor a blubbering mess. Jack sits on the couch, feet dangling. Eddie is kneeling on the ground in front of her with total adoration all over his face. On her lap, Jack has the aged guitar from the wall. Steve’s eyes traverse the white THIS MACHINE SLAYS DRAGONS. Her strumming stops.

“Will you still play music with me even if I don't need you?” She asks with wide hopeful eyes.

“I can't think of anyone else I’d want to play with,” he tells her confidently.

She breaks out into a wide grin and continues playing. Steve can't bring himself to disturb them. He watches for a while, drinking them in. What a privilege it would be to wake up this way every morning. He watches Eddie give Jack small adjustments and bits of advice. He doesn't have to give her too much considering she’s only six and has been playing less than a year. Then something miraculous happens. Something Steve has seen a million times before, but hits differently this time.

Eddie smiles up at Jack, his teeth flashing. His big eyes overflow with wonder and affection. He takes her hair and throws it up into a bun with the scrunchie on his wrist. She doesn't ever stop playing, she just lets him. Steve realizes that this is it. This is what he wants for the rest of his life.

Okay, so, Eddie is a little bit terrified for Thanksgiving tomorrow. It’ll all be people he already knows, plus Robin’s parents. Which, if they're anything like Robin, he isn't worried about. No, what he's worried about is Hopper. Scratch that, he’s afraid of Hopper. Since telling everyone they finally got their heads out of their asses Eddie has received comments and jabs here and there about Hopper wanting to have a talk with Eddie. All Eddie can recall is when he picked up Jack at the station. Hopper was… less than welcoming.

“Relax, he’s just being a dad,” Dustin tells him.

Eddie is tense behind the counter of Mordor Music. He leans against the wall with his arms crossed, his black nail polish is chipped from playing guitar this week. It’s why he usually repaints them on the weekends. Max sits in the chair, chin propped up on her hand with her elbow on the counter. She looks as bored as ever.

Her hair is down today, which is a nice surprise. When teased and prodded she admits to having a date with Lucas after work. Dustin leans on the customer's side of the counter. He has to move out of the way for actual customers here and there, but he’s completely unperturbed by it.

“That's what I’m afraid of,” Eddie says.

“Why are you afraid, because he’s the chief of police and can easily cover up your brutal murder?” Max furrows her brows playfully.

Eddie glares at her.

“Yeah, something like that, Maxine,” he deadpans.

“You don't have anything to worry about. Hopper is harmless unless you're like a hardened criminal,” Dustin assured him.

“Hello,” Eddie sticks his hand out to Dustin, “Ex-drug dealer, nice to meet you. And you are?”

Dustin rolls his eyes. Max turns and takes Eddie’s hand, shaking it.

“Tired of this conversation,” she smiles sarcastically.

“Then you shouldn't mind restocking the pop rock section,” Eddie replies with his own sarcastic smile, shaking her hand with more vigor.

She leaves to do just that with a playful roll of her eyes. Eddie knows she doesn't actually mind. Max has never complained about having to do her job.

“I’m serious, Eddie, just relax. Everything will be fine. Hopper has already seen you with both Steve and Jack. You have nothing to worry about. He’ll probably just ask you about your intentions or whatever,” Dustin shrugs.

Eddie chews on his bottom lip. He leans his elbows on the counter and pulls some hair in front of his face. There's a need to cover the lifelong plans Eddie has started making that he’s sure are present in his features. Dustin narrows his eyes and leans in further toward Eddie suspiciously.

“What are your intentions?” He questions.

“We just started dating. I don't think there's been time for intentions,” Eddie lies through his hair.

“Yeah, right,” Dustin scoffs, “and I’m a three-headed turtle.”

Eddie sighs and deflates into his hands, covering his face. He can feel how hot his cheeks are in his palms.

“I want them to move in with me, but I think it's too soon,” he admits with a muffled voice.

Dustin’s eyebrows shoot up. Eddie looks up at him. It seems he wasn’t expecting that.

“Shit, I knew you had it bad, but I didn't realize it was that bad,” he says.

“Yeah, I’m… I think I’m done, y’know? I think I found what I didn't even realize I was lookin’ for,” Eddie can't help the honesty that's pouring out now.

“I’m happy for you, man, but just make sure this is something you really want before you take it further,” Dustin warns.

“What d'you mean? Why wouldn't I really want this?” Eddie questions, defenses raising.

Dustin’s hands go up in a small surrender.

“All I’m saying is Jack can be a lot. I love her, but I don't think I could live with her tantrums full time,” he tells Eddie.

“Tantrums? She’s a kid, Dustin, they get upset sometimes,” Eddie shrugs.

“I know, but Jack can really explode. She can get mean if she's angry enough but doesn't know how to express it. It’s definitely gotten better, but I did hear her tell Will he’s a bad friend with a worse haircut like a month ago.”

“You did?” Eddie guffaws, “Why did she say that?”

“She was cranky, it was kinda late. Will wouldn't move from the recliner, she wanted to sleep on it, and they got into a little argument about manners. Point is, Jack tends to hit you where it hurts. Make sure you're ready when it's your turn,” Dustin claps a hand on Eddie’s shoulder.

“I think I’ll be okay.”

“Whatever, man. If you ask me, you should be more afraid of Jack than you are of Hopper.”

“Hopper has a gun.”

“Jack doesn't need one.”

“I’m starting to think you're afraid of a six-year-old, Henderson,” Eddie teases.

“I’m not afraid! I just know you. You care about what the people you love think of you. A lot. You need to be prepared for Jack to say hurtful things she doesn't mean at least once.”

“Okay, fine, maybe I’m afraid of the six-year-old and Hopper the same amount,” Eddie concedes.

“I wish I could be there to watch Hopper give you the death stare across the table,” Dustin snorts.

Eddie groans. Dustin doesn't stay for too long after that. He’s back from school for a short Thanksgiving break. That means parading around to family members who are coming to visit for the holiday. When Max gets done stocking Eddie lets her leave early. It’s pretty dead at this point anyways. Eddie closes early the day before a holiday, something the regulars have figured out. He agonizes over what Hopper could possibly want to talk to him about tomorrow the entire way home. Hell, the entire night.

Steve picks up Eddie the next day around two in the afternoon. His eyes drag up and down Eddie’s body. Eddie wears a deep maroon turtleneck under his old leather jacket minus the jean vest, slim black jeans, and his ever-present boots. His nails are freshly painted and his hair is tied up into a curly bun on the top of his head. A couple of loose curls frame his face and bangs. Steve can't help the sappy smile that comes to his face.

“You look amazing,” he tells him honestly.

“Yeah?” Eddie smiles, “Thanks, you don't look too bad yourself, handsome.”

Steve doesn't think he looks nearly as good as Eddie. He wears an old mustard sweater, a white t-shirt that peaks from under the collar, a lighter-wash pair of jeans that have yet to be stained, and his white sneakers. Every article of clothing is aged either due to the fact that Steve has had it forever, or because it came from goodwill.

Eddie turns, grabbing the side of his seat, to smile at Jack. She’s buckled into her booster seat, legs kicking slightly. A mustard long sleeve covers her beneath brown corduroy overalls. She has on a pair of black Converse. Her hair is wild, but not frizzy.

“Hey, there, trouble. Don’t you just look adorable?” He greets her.

“Can you give me braids like Max does?” She asks him, ignoring pleasantries.

“Uh- I dunno if I can do braids, but I can do a different hairstyle that I think you’ll like,” he offers.

She nods eagerly.

“Alright, give us twenty minutes in my apartment,” Eddie says to Steve.

Steve sighs but smiles and nods. He parks his car and the three of them go up to Eddie’s apartment. Steve is ordered to wait in the living room. It doesn't take much longer than twenty minutes. He can hear Jack complain about the smell of whatever hairspray Eddie used. When they come back out, Steve grins. Jack’s hair has been fastened into two cinnamon bun-looking mounds on either side of her head like Princess Leia. She beams as she bounces up to Steve.

“Look, Daddy! Eddie said it's the same hair as a really cool princess that knows how to fight and has adventures in outer space!” She enthuses.

“I love it!” Steve matches her energy and then looks at Eddie, “Where did you learn how to do that?”

“Well, I was watchin’ A New Hope one day and wondered if I could do the buns on my hair. I found a magazine with a tutorial and now I’m a professional,” he explains with a shrug.

“I’d love to see you with them sometime,” Steve teases.

“I think the hairstyle belongs to Jack now,” Eddie chuckles, cheeks pink.

They pile back into the car. Eddie takes care of Jack’s seat. He’s a professional at that too now. Steve needs Jack to either grow another inch or he needs to get her a new booster seat. The last one broke. Her current one is an old hand-me-down that’s a little too wide and covers the buckle. It requires lifting the side to get the seatbelt in. Jack isn't too happy about going from buckling herself in, to someone else doing it for her again.

The drive to the Byers-Hopper household is full of chatter between Eddie and Jack. Steve enjoys listening to them talk to each other about everything and anything. Jack starts telling Eddie about school; she and her teacher can get on each other's nerves, but she’s been getting better at raising her hand instead of just speaking. She tells him about the class goldfish. Then, she says something that furrows Steve’s brows.

“Kacey P. is having her birthday at the bowling alley next weekend. My invitation didn't come yet, but she said the mailman might have lost it.”

Steve’s eyes flash to her in the rearview. It’s clear she’s talking about it to make it seem like it's more okay than it is. She brought it up because it's bothering her, but she doesn't want to admit it.

“Did she mail out everyone’s invitations?” Steve asks.

Eddie throws him a questioning look.

“No, she gave them out at school.”

“Isn't Kacey P. one of your best friends?” Steve inquires further.

“Yeah, we play every day at recess.”

“Did she say why she mailed your invitation?”

“No, she just said her parents told her to tell me it was lost by the mailman.”

Eddie’s face twists in frustrated realization. Jack is being purposefully excluded from a kid who is supposed to be her best friend’s birthday party. She doesn't understand what's happening, but she can tell the situation doesn't feel right.

“Huh, okay, well, I can talk to her parents and see if they can send another,” he says.

She seems cheered up by that. Eddie still looks rather upset, but he does a good job schooling his face to push the conversation forward. He starts asking Jack what her favorite subjects are. His heart nearly explodes when she says guitar and piano.

They end up being the last ones to arrive. Jack enjoys it, though. It just means everyone is there to make a big deal of her arrival and her cool fighter princess hair. Steve introduces Eddie to Robin’s parents. Their names are Melissa and Richard, but everyone calls them Grandma and Grandpa Buck at this point thanks to Jack. They're nice people and Eddie can see Robin in her mom’s eyes. Everything else is her dad.

Grandma Buck and Joyce are cooking. Occasionally someone else will go in to help and get shooed away. Grandpa Buck and Hopper are drinking beers and talking about sports at the table. Robin, Jonathan, Will, and Max are laughing at something Jack said. They're all spread through the living room. Everyone is dressed just a smidge nicer than they usually would except for Hopper and Grandpa Buck. Both men are a little gruff with a collection of stained shirts and flannels. Steve takes the moment to check in with Eddie.

“Are you really sure you wouldn't rather be with your uncle?” He asks.

“Stevie, there's nowhere else I’d rather be. Besides, Wayne’s working for the holiday pay today,” Eddie tells him.

Steve smiles at him. He swears smiling wasn't quite this easy before Eddie. Concern takes over Eddie’s face.

“What's up with the whole invitation thing?”

Steve’s smile falters. He tucks his hands beneath his arms, crossing them across his chest in the process. He takes a measured breath in through his nose and out through his mouth.

“The Prestons are pretty religious people. I don't think they like the whole having a kid out of wedlock thing,” he explains, “They’ve been pretty vocal about it in the past.”

“Sound like dicks.”

“They are,” he snorts, “but those dicks are the parents of Jack’s friend. So, I’m gonna have to make a phone call or two next week.”

Eddie is studying Steve’s face, the only time he’s ever enjoyed studying. He’s thinking about how great of a father Steve is when Robin’s voice calls to them.

“Hey, lovebirds! Are you gonna join the rest of the party or are you gonna stay huddled in your gay corner all night?”

Steve rolls his eyes, but Eddie smiles all goofy-like.

“I guess your gay corner will do,” Eddie quips.

They end up piling on the couch with the others. Jack is absolutely delighted to have so many people who love her on one couch. When she mentions being a bard, however, she’s all Will’s. They manage to keep each other entertained on that topic for a while. Steve, Eddie, Robin, Max, and Jonathan mostly catch each other up on things.

Eddie has never really had a big family holiday before. He revels in the energy of it. Everyone is happy to be there, to be together. Silence is far from attainable, but that's okay because when the room isn't full of talking it's full of laughter. Until Jack was born, Steve never had a big family holiday either. His holidays were either spent alone or stuck in the mold of the perfect suburban son his parents stuffed him into. As hard as it got, everything got better when Jack arrived.

Despite everyone else’s best efforts, Steve goes into the kitchen to help. Joyce and Grandma Buck happily let him cut some carrots while they ask how he’s been- how Eddie’s been with sly smiles. He admittedly gushes a little, elated to share how good he is with Jack and how much she loves him. Then how good he is with Steve and how Steve has never had something like this before. He’s never had something where the other person has seemingly been just as crazy about him as he is about them.

Eddie is in a light-hearted argument with Max and Robin over the best sour candy while Jonathan contends the best candy isn't sour at all. His argument is ignored.

“Munson,” Hopper says from in front of them.

Eddie’s attention snaps to him in surprise. None of them noticed his approach, they were too caught up in their conversation.

“Let’s take a walk,” Hopper nods towards the door.

Eddie swallows nervously but nods. Max says a low teasing good luck as he stands. Hopper leads Eddie out the front door. They stop a few feet away from it. At first, he just measures Eddie up. Eddie might as well be literally shaking in his boots.

“Look, Chief, you really don't have to worry about Steve and Jack with me-”

“I know that. Is that why you think I brought you out here?” Hopper seems amused, but his face is hard to read.

“Uh- well, yeah. I figured you’d wanna talk about my intentions,” he makes air quotes.

“I wanna talk about your intentions for that death trap of a van of yours,” Hopper says.

Eddie takes a moment to absorb that.

“My van?”

“I know a guy over on Maple. Y’know Kenny’s Used Cars?”

Eddie nods.

“He said he’d give you a good offer on a sedan if you trade your van in with him.”

Eddie’s head is spinning a bit.

“A sedan?”

“Yeah, you’re gonna need one if you’re serious about this.”

It all finally clicks into place. Hopper doesn't want to threaten or intimidate Eddie. Hopper wants to help him make adequate space for Steve and Jack in his life. It warms Eddie’s heart and floods him with relief, but he does well not to show it. At least not too much.

“I'm serious,” he says with full conviction.

“Then the van has to go.”

“I’ll go to Kenny’s next week,” he decides.

Hopper nods, satisfied with that plan. They stand there for a few moments, regarding each other. Hopper wets his lips as he seems to decide something himself. He claps a hand on Eddie’s shoulder.

“You've been good for them.”

Just as quickly as it begins, the moment passes. Hopper is heading back inside and Eddie follows, struggling to process what just happened.

The rest of the evening goes by smoothly. It's a lot of sharing stories, reveling in nostalgia, and laughter. Eddie loves spending holidays with Wayne, but this is so much more vibrant. He wonders if it's too soon to invite Wayne to the next one. He has a feeling he’d get on well enough with Hopper and Grandpa Buck. Then Eddie thinks about Wayne with Jack. He melts. Once Wayne sees how Eddie is with her and meets her himself, Eddie knows he’ll love her. She’ll likely love him as well. As he looks over Steve and Jack he smiles fondly at the thought of all of them with Wayne.

Eddie and Jack convince Steve to sleep over at Eddie’s. It doesn't take much. Jack ends up sleeping between them again, her hair still up. She refused to take the buns out, especially after Eddie showed her the fighter princess in question.

“I like that she’s rude to the boys,” Jack comments midway through A New Hope.

They end up staying through the weekend. Eddie teaches Jack more about D&D, he lets Jack play his old guitar that adorns the wall, and Steve watches them happily. He’s even able to take a few naps. Sunday afternoon they left after as many hugs and kisses as needed to draw out their goodbye an extra ten minutes.

On Monday Eddie drives to Kenny’s Used Cars. Kenny himself is nice enough. Although, Eddie has a feeling if he didn't have Hopper’s name in his arsenal Kenny would be a lot more sleazy. There are a few options that Eddie can afford, but only one holds his attention. It’s the least rusted with the least amount of miles on it. Eddie drives off the lot with a 1981 Chevrolet Chevette. It has a red-orange body with rust eating the edges of the wheel wells. The interior is a gray fabric. It’s clean but stained here and there. She runs and drives smoothly. Less sputtering than the van has been giving him, that's for sure.

Eddie thought he would be more heartbroken at the loss of his van. He thought it would be harder than it was. The decision was simple and easy. The van wasn't safe for Jack and relying on everyone else for rides when he’s with her is getting old. Especially if he’s going to be with her even more. The Chevy can seat her comfortably and safely. It isn't until he’s home and sees it in his parking spot that it really hits him.

The last identifying piece of who he was is now gone. People will no longer see his shitty van coughing through Hawkins and remember all the drugs he’s sold them. People will see his old red Chevy and know he’s different now. He’s thinking about his family now. Eddie Munson isn't who he was before, even if bits of that person still remains, and he finds comfort in that.

<< Page Three | Series Photo Album | AO3 | Page Five>>

#steddie fic #steddie #steddie fluff #steddie fanfic #steddie dads #steve harrington x eddie munson #single dad steve harrington #single dad!steve harrington #teen dad steve harrington #teen dad!steve harrington #girl dad steve harrington #music teacher eddie munson #jewish eddie munson #funnylittle jack fic

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funnylittlelad · 1 year

Text

Shelter From The Storm - Steddie

Page Five

<< Page Four | Series Photo Album | AO3 | Page Six>>

summary: Jack eyes Chrissy carefully. Chrissy smiles at her, but Jack doesn't return it.

“Who are you?” She asks.

“I’m Kacey’s aunt. My name is Chrissy.”

“Oh. Why are you sitting here?”

“Jack,” Eddie scolds.

Chrissy chuckles.

“It’s okay, Eds,” she tells him, “Eddie and I went to school together. I was just saying hello .”

Jack’s face twists into something akin to anger, but not quite so intense.

“That’s Daddy's name for Eddie. You can't use that,” she tells Chrissy matter-of-factly.

wc: 11.1k

page warnings: talks of death, dead parents, implied past suicide, and descriptions of a funeral

Steve is confused to find Eddie’s van missing from the Mordor Music parking lot. He’s expecting to be greeted by Max, Jack, and whatever customers are loitering around. Instead, Jack plays the keyboard with her headphones on. There’s a new dragon sticker on the left ear. A couple of people browse the sections near the front of the store. Eddie leans against the counter flipping lazily through a magazine. When Steve catches his attention in his peripheral vision, Eddie smiles up at him.

“Hey,” Eddie greets brightly.

“Hey, how'd you get here today?” Steve asks curiously, still searching for Max despite realizing her car wasn't outside either.

“I drove,” Eddie answers.

“Where’s your van then?”

“Oh,” Eddie’s face flushes as his smile gains a shy quality, “I got rid of it. That little red beauty out there’s mine.”

Steve laughs, assuming Eddie is joking. Eddie doesn't laugh, he just continues his shy smile. Steve's laughter dies on his lips.

“Did something happen to it?” He questions, not understanding why Eddie would have gotten a new car.

“No, nothing happened. I just realized that it wasn't exactly the best thing to haul Jack around in. Figured it was about time to get something more kid-friendly,” Eddie shrugs.

He’s so casual as he blows Steve’s mind. Steve’s heart has a vice grip around it. Eddie got a new car for Jack. Eddie got a new car for Jack.

“I can't believe you drive a Chevy,” Steve teases, trying to reign in the tsunami of emotion hitting him.

“Hey, I happen to like my car!”

“Let me make you dinner tonight.”

Eddie blinks in surprise then grins.

“Got yourself a deal, Harrington.”

A few days later, Steve finally gets the time and nerve to call up the Prestons. He has their number from the only time Jack went to their house. The line rings for a while. So long that Steve thinks it’ll either go to voicemail or someone’s on the line so he’s stuck in a purgatory of trills. Right when he’s about to hang up, someone answers.

“Hello?”

“Oh- um- Hi, I’m looking for Kathy or Bert Preston,” Steve says.

“This is Kathy. May I ask who’s calling?”

“Yeah, this is Steve Harrington, Jack’s dad. Our daughters are friends, they're in the same class,” he informs her.

A beat of silence.

“Right, what can I do for you, Steve?” She inquires in a professional tone.

“Jack told me that Kacey is having a birthday party, but her invitation got lost in the mail. I figured I’d give you a call and get the details to make sure that doesn't happen again,” Steve keeps his voice even, but stern enough to let her know he’s on to her shit.

“Ah, y-yes, Jack’s invitation. I have another for her here. I’ll send it with Kacey tomorrow,” she says.

“Great, I’ll still take down the details just in case. You know how kids can be,” Steve presses.

“Of course,” she sighs.

Steve writes down the details, glad he ended up with the non-confrontational Preston. He thanks her curtly before hanging up. When he tells Jack he got it straightened out and that she’ll be able to go to the party it makes the call worth it. It’s this weekend at the local bowling alley. Steve curses when he realizes he works this weekend. There's an event at the college on Saturday and he took up the extra shift for the overtime pay.

He doesn't hesitate to pick up the phone after Jack is in bed. The number is dialed easily and then the line is ringing.

“How’d you know I was just thinkin’ ‘bout you, handsome?” Eddie asks as he answers the phone.

Steve’s face instantly splits into a smile.

“It's easy, you’re always thinking about me,” he retorts.

“Got that right. How's your night?”

They spend a while just talking. Steve listens eagerly to Eddie's day, asking questions here and there. One of the things Eddie loves most about Steve is how engaged he is when Eddie speaks. Most people listen, but Eddie tends to talk a lot and fast. The other person getting lost mid-conversation isn't unheard of by any means. Not Steve, though. No, Steve makes sure he’s following, asks for clarification, and will even tell Eddie to slow down if he needs him to. Eddie has never felt so heard.

“So, you remember that birthday party Jack was talking about?” Steve asks.

“Yeah, the one with the asshole parents,” Eddie answers, only sounding a little bitter.

“That’s the one. It's this Saturday-”

“You work this Saturday, right? Need me to take her?”

Steve grins to himself. Eddie knows how much Steve hates asking so he always offers when he can.

“Yeah, if you don't mind. It’s only for a couple of hours. You can tell them you’re her uncle or something,” Steve tells him.

Eddie’s heart sinks a few inches.

“Her uncle…” He trails off.

Steve grimaces as he hears it.

“I’m sorry, I didn't mean… I just didn't know if you’d want the attention of telling them we’re together,” Steve sighs and runs a hand over his face.

“C’mon, Stevie, you should know from high school that I can handle a little attention,” Eddie teases.

“Okay, okay, fair enough. I don't care what you tell them, as long as Jack’s having a good time.”

“Hey, what if, afterwards, we head over to Wayne’s for dinner?” Eddie asks before he can talk himself out of it.

“You… You want us to meet Wayne? Are you sure, I know meeting the family is kinda... Big.”

“I’ve already met yours,” Eddie points out.

Steve licks his lips nervously, glad this is over the phone. He wouldn't be able to hide his anxiety from Eddie if he tried.

“Yeah, you did. Uh- s-sure, yeah, let’s do that. I’ll be out of work at four-thirty,” he agrees.

“If you don't want to, it's okay,” Eddie says, poorly masking his disappointment despite his best efforts.

“It’s not that I don't want to, I swear. I guess I’m worried,” Steve admits, never hiding the truth from Eddie.

“About what?”

“How he feels about you dating someone with a kid. I don't want him to think I’m trapping you or something,” he answers.

“I promise you he doesn't think that. He just thinks that I’m crazy about you two, which I am. You worry too much about what other people think,” Eddie assures him softly.

Steve sighs, shoulders relaxing a bit.

“I know,” he groans, “it’s hard not to. It feels like I’ve had eyes on my back ever since Jack was born. I know what people thought of me in high school, y’know? No one thought I could do anything other than sports. I want to prove that I can do this so badly, Eds.”

“You already have a thousand times over.”

“I love you,” Steve sighs.

“I love you too. Get some sleep, if you don't wake up on time Jack definitely won't,” Eddie orders lightly, the smile clear in his voice.

“Okay, okay,” Steve gives in, “Dream something sweet for me, Eds.”

“Guess I’ll see you there then, Stevie.”

Eddie picks up Jack that Saturday morning. Steve gives him her seat for the day. Eddie’s car gives her enough room to buckle herself, which she’s very happy about.

“I have a surprise,” he tells her as they head to his place.

“Is it a puppy?”

“No, not a puppy,” he laughs.

“What is it then?”

“I’ve been practicing doing braids.”

“Can you give me some for the party?” She all but squeals.

“I sure can.”

They spend the next half hour with Jack on the ground and Eddie on the couch. He has a comb between his teeth, a spray bottle on the couch on one side of him, and hair gel on the other. Jack watches TV from where she sits between Eddie’s knees. He’s careful not to be too rough as he wrestles her hair into twin braids. The struggle pays off when Jack delights in her appearance.

Their drive to the bowling alley is filled with music. Eddie shows Jack what real music sounds like. She doesn't seem overly impressed, much to his dismay. The bowling alley itself is bustling. It takes Eddie a minute to find a parking spot. Jack hops out of the car and bounces on her heels as she waits for Eddie to come around. Her vans are beginning to fray. Her little light-wash denim jeans are cuffed at the ankles because they're just a tad too big. A heather gray Roann County Community College sweater keeps her warm. Eddie’s flannel that he cushioned her head with what feels like ages ago is layered over the sweater. A blue band-aid covers her chin. According to her, she scraped her chin chasing dragons. She got hurt but it’s okay because she's tough.

Inside the bowling alley is a mess of children running around screaming. Eddie helps Jack get her bowling shoes on, carrying her sneakers around for her. She runs off to join her friends who all turn to hug her. When her friend with the Birthday Girl button says she likes Jack’s hair Jack beams.

“Thanks! Eddie did it for me,” she tells her friend happily.

“Who's Eddie?” Her friend asks.

“Him and my daddy are in love. He teaches me how to play music and a really cool dragon game,” she boasts.

Eddie can't help smiling as he eavesdrops over the clattering of pins. He decides to take a seat near where the parents are. The way they're looking at him keeps him from integrating entirely. Instead, he just grabs himself a soda and sits on his own at a table meant for two. He watches Jack have fun with her friends. Even if the parents of the other kids are being rude, he’s glad he brought her.

“Eddie Munson?” A somewhat familiar voice chimes.

Eddie’s attention snaps up from where the kids are bowling. Chrissy Cunningham stands next to his table. She’s in jeans and a light purple sweater. Her blonde hair covers her shoulders, bangs still brushing along her eyebrows.

“Shit, Chrissy, hi,” Eddie greets in surprise.

“I didn't expect to run into you here. Are you here for Kacey’s party?” She asks pleasantly.

“Yeah, I’m here with the little redhead down there,” he points to where Jack is making funny faces at her friends.

Chrissy chuckles at the sight.

“Can I?” She gestures to the seat across from him.

Eddie nods encouragingly. Chrissy takes the seat and leans her elbows on the table.

“How are you related to her?” She looks at Jack again.

“I’m not. She’s Steve Harrington’s kid,” he tells her with a smile.

Chrissy’s eyes widen in recognition.

“I thought she looked familiar. Wow, she really looks like Sarah. How did you end up with her?”

“Steve and me, we’re together actually.”

Chrissy’s head snaps to look over her shoulder. She spends a moment searching before looking back at Eddie with an apologetic smile.

“Don't let my sister hear you say that. I’m happy for you, though,” she says.

“Your sister?”

“Kathy, she’s Kacey’s mom. She and her husband are… Well, they’re old-fashioned,” she explains.

Eddie nods in understanding. His eyes dart to the woman in question. She’s by the presents acting busy. When Eddie’s eyes meet hers, only for hers to snap away he knows she was watching them. He catches the other parents' stares as his eyes travel back to Chrissy.

“You don't gotta sit here and talk to me. We kinda got an audience,” he nods to the side toward the poorly covered stares.

It’s a reflex from high school. Give everyone an out so they don't get hurt just by associating with him. A habit he thought he broke. Chrissy peers over to the rest of the party and sighs.

“I can spare a few more minutes.”

Eddie smiles. His mouth opens to ask how she's been, but he never gets the chance. He’s interrupted by Eddie! Eddie! Eddie! as Jack races up to him.

“Hey, there, trouble. What’s up?” He greets her as she stops next to him.

Jack eyes Chrissy carefully. Chrissy smiles at her, but Jack doesn't return it.

“Who are you?” She asks.

“I’m Kacey’s aunt. My name is Chrissy.”

“Oh. Why are you sitting here?”

“Jack,” Eddie scolds.

Chrissy chuckles.

“It’s okay, Eds,” she tells him, “Eddie and I went to school together. I was just saying hello.”

Jack’s face twists into something akin to anger, but not quite so intense.

“That’s Daddy's name for Eddie. You can't use that,” she tells Chrissy matter-of-factly.

“Jack, you're being rude,” Eddie warns her.

She ignores him entirely. As if she didn't run over here for him to begin with.

“Jack is a pretty name,” Chrissy tries to change the conversation.

That might have worked for any of the other kids. Jack’s more stubborn than Steve when it comes down to it. She won't be derailed. Not that easily.

“Do you love Eddie?” She questions.

Eddie chokes on air. Chrissy chuckles lightly, not phased by Jack at all.

“No, we're just friends,” Chrissy answers.

“Good, ‘cause he wouldn't like you. Him and Daddy are in love,” Jack informs Chrissy.

She does it loud enough to inform the rest of the party too. Eddie clamps a hand over her mouth, but it's too late. Jack gives him a furious look. He returns it with a stern one.

“I’m gonna let go and when I do you’re gonna stop being rude to Chrissy. Then you’re gonna tell me what you needed when you came over here,” he tells her evenly and raises his eyebrows, “okay?”

She nods the best she can behind his hand. Eddie lets go and Jack exhales sharply through her nose.

“Ron said you can't be my daddy too. I told him you can, but he said having two daddies makes me a freak,” Jack explains clearly upset by it.

The word echoes in Eddie’s head. It starts off in Jack’s voice but quickly devolves into the mixed-together voices of high school bullies. Freak. An anger that burns a specific way lights in his chest. It’s the kind of anger that moves one to action. It's the kind of anger that causes a parent to protect their child.

“Which one is Ron?” Eddie asks, scanning the room.

Jack points out a little blond boy who’s talking to his mom. The boy points over at the two of them and his mother looks over with disgust. Eddie’s stomach sinks and he sighs. He looks back at Jack’s frustrated expression.

“Ron’s an idiot. Having two people that love you doesn't make you a freak. You having fun otherwise, sweet girl?” He smiles tightly.

“Yeah, but I don't think I like bowling that much,” she answers.

“That's okay, you don't have to. Just go have fun with your friends and if anyone wants to call you a freak, show them a freak,” Eddie tells her and gives himself devil horns with his pointer fingers while sticking his tongue out at her.

She giggles and nods.

“I love you the mostest,” she says.

The air is knocked from Eddie’s chest. He’s a puddle on his chair, an absolute mess. He has no oxygen in his lungs. He’s just a heart slamming against his chest and emotion sitting right behind his eyes. Jack just smiles expectantly at him, unaware of how she just took him apart.

“I- I love you the mostest,” he responds, voice thicker than he'd like.

Satisfied with his answer, Jack bounds back to her friends. Eddie blinks at the space where she just was for a moment longer. When he looks back at Chrissy she’s smiling warmly at him.

“You two are really sweet. She seems really taken with you,” she comments.

“Ye- yeah, sorry she got mean. We’re- uh- working on that,” he breathes a chuckle.

“Don't worry about it,” she waves him off.

Movement catches Eddie’s attention from the corner of his eye. A few of the parents are gathered around Kathy talking. A couple of others still sit at their table, shaking their heads at whatever scene is brewing. Eddie frowns when a couple of glances meet his eyes from the huddle.

“So, how did you and Steve… reconnect?” Chrissy asks.

Eddie sets his eyes back on her. He opts to ignore the other parents entirely. They can talk whatever shit they want about whatever that little asshole Ron told them.

“We have some mutual friends, but we didn't really cross paths again until I started teaching Jack guitar back in May. He’s a really great dad, y’know? Even when he was killing himself at the quarry, he made sure Jack got to her lessons,” Eddie smiles fondly as he talks about Steve.

Chrissy smiles softly in return.

“You teach music?”

“Oh- yeah, I actually own Mordor Music. It’s over by Benny’s.”

“Wow! Eddie, I didn’t know you didn’t…,” she trails off guiltily.

Eddie breathes a laugh.

“Sell drugs anymore? I haven't in a few years. Wised up, started teaching guitar at the rec center. Eventually built up enough credit, and my uncle cosigned a loan with me to get her off the ground. It’s been… Well, it's a dream, truth be told,” he divulges.

“I’m really happy for you, Eddie. After the way high school was for you… I was honestly a little worried about where you’d end up. I’m glad to see you doing so well,” she tells him honestly, eyes warm and kind.

“Thanks, yeah, I was a little worried too,” he admits with a wry chuckle, “Anyway, enough about me. What have you been up to? Any little Carvers running around yet?”

Chrissy’s smile drops into a grimace. Her eyes go down to her fingers. She toys with a charm bracelet around her wrist.

“No, definitely not. I guess you can say I wised up too,” she answers.

“Glad to hear it. I always thought you deserved better than him.”

Chrissy’s big eyes shine with gratitude as they meet Eddie’s again. Her mouth opens to speak, but she never gets the chance. Someone clears their throat beside them. Kathy stands over them with Ron’s mother at her flank. Chrissy sighs like she was expecting this. Eddie can't say he’s especially surprised either.

“You brought Jack Harrington, right?” Kathy asks.

“Sure did,” Eddie answers.

“Right, well she’s saying things that are confusing the other children,” Kathy informs him, crossing her arms.

Eddie snorts at the thought.

“You don't think she was confused when she was told her family makes her a freak?” He challenges.

“Frankly, I don't want her scaring the others with whatever satanic things you get up to in your store,” she retorts.

“Are you joking? You really think Jack is gonna scare-” Eddie turns to look at where Jack is by her friends around the bowling screen.

Right when Eddie, and therefore the others, look over she scowls at a few of the kids. She makes two little devil horns with her fingers, screws her face up as she sticks her tongue out at them, and makes a growl-like noise. The kids actually look startled. Eddie sighs and runs a hand over his face.

“Alright, we’ll go,” he concedes.

Chrissy watches helplessly as he pushes away from the table and shoves past her sister. He makes his way over to Jack, an unpleasant anticipation churning in his stomach. Her shoes are gripped tightly in his hands.

“Jack,” he calls to her.

She ceases her freak show to look at him. He waves her over. Jack happily darts over to him, bowling shoes clicking until she hits the carpet. Fuck, he doesn't want to tell her they have to go. How does he explain that her friends' parents are homophobic and he has a reputation that will always haunt him at least a little bit in Hawkins?

“Listen, I will answer any questions you have in the car, but right now we gotta go, okay?” He smiles at her.

Her eyebrows furrow, but she nods. Eddie helps her out of her bowling shoes and back into her vans. He tosses the bowling shoes onto the counter on their way out. They get a few feet into the parking lot before Eddie’s name is called behind them. Chrissy jogs up with an apologetic frown.

“I’m so sorry. I tried to reason with her, but she- they-” she sighs, not knowing how to say it in front of Jack.

“It’s alright, Chrissy, it’s not your fault. Feel free to stop by the store anytime,” he smiles reassuringly.

She just nods and lets them go. The car is quiet at first. The clicks of their seatbelts fill the air briefly, then the thrum of the engine until they fade away to background noise, and then the sound of Jack picking at the fabric on her seat. It isn't until he pulls out and starts driving that Jack says anything at all.

“Eddie?” Her voice is small, smaller than he’s ever heard it.

“Yeah, sweet girl?” He glances at her in the rearview mirror.

She wears a frown and her impossibly dark eyes swim in sadness.

“Did I do something wrong?” She asks.

It’s enough to break him. His grip goes white knuckle on the steering wheel. He hates all of those assholes right now. He hates them for being grown adults and taking their own prejudices out on a child. He hates them for letting their opinions of him influence their opinions of Jack. Most of all, he hates that Jack has to experience any of it.

“No, you didn't do anything wrong, I promise,” he tells her softly, “the people there were just… being mean.”

“Is it because I told them that you’re like my other daddy?” She asks, voice low and guilty.

Jesus, this kid is going to take him out entirely. His heart aches. Steve told him to be as honest as is appropriate for a six-year-old. Well, he’s seriously struggling to figure out where that threshold is.

“Jack, do you remember how I told you some people have two moms and some have two daddies?”

“Yeah.”

“And you know how most of your friends have a mom and a daddy?”

“Yeah.”

“Some people think that kids should only be allowed to have a mom and a daddy. They get upset when they're reminded that some kids don't. Sometimes that means they get mean, but it's never your fault. It’s their fault, you understand?” He looks at her through the rearview mirror once more.

“I understand,” she confirms.

“Do you have any other questions?”

She doesn't answer. She just continues picking at the fabric of her seat. Eddie has never known her to be shy or hesitant. He really truly hates those parents right about now.

“Jack?” He checks.

She lets out a small uh-huh.

“Can you tell me how you're feeling?”

“I wish you and daddy were both my daddy,” she admits quietly.

The sentence hangs heavy in the air for a moment. Eddie stops breathing. Tears burn the corners of his eyes. He never knew he could love someone as much as he loves Jack.

“Can I tell you a secret?”

She nods.

“I do too,” he admits.

“Hop said you make us better. I heard him tell Daddy he’s happy you're with us now,” she tells him far too casually for the weight of her words.

“Y-yeah?” Eddie croaks.

Is that even possible? Is it even possible for Hopper to like Eddie?

“Yeah… Can we watch Leia again when we get home?” She asks.

Eddie chuckles wetly, fighting back falling into shambles as he drives.

“We sure can. What d’you think about swinging by the grocery store and getting all the snacks we can carry first?”

She cheers enthusiastically. They do just that. Eddie sticks Jack in the back of a cart and runs her down the aisles while she laughs hysterically. When they get to the snack aisle he lets her take point on what they get, although he does ask her to grab a few specifics.

They get back to Eddie’s and change into pajamas. For Jack, that means one of Eddie’s old t-shirts. After spreading their haul out on the coffee table, Eddie pops in the movie, and they settle on the couch together. Jack mindlessly cuddles into Eddie causing a smile to melt onto his face. It’s how Steve finds them. On the couch together in a food coma in the late afternoon.

As quietly as he can, he cleans up around them. The entire time he smiles to himself. Jack is on top of Eddie’s chest, her face buried into his neck. Eddie has his arms around her like last time. It warms his heart. He loves seeing Eddie and Jack together. After everything is tidy, Steve gets in the shower. The last time he showered here Eddie’s scent clung to him for days. He wouldn't be mad at that happening again. The shower is pleasant enough, even if his mother’s voice haunts his thoughts.

Eddie is awake when Steve comes back out. Jack is sleeping alone on the couch. It’s the first time Steve gets a good look at the shirt she's in. The old and somewhat faded Hellfire Club shirt seems right at home on her. Eddie is brewing a pot of coffee in the kitchen. Steve wanders in wearing a pair of Eddie’s sweats and one of his Mordor Music shirts. Eddie smiles at him as he walks in toweling off his hair.

“Hey,” Steve smiles.

Eddie plants a quick kiss on Steve’s lips. Only a second of contact, but it still leaves Steve a little breathless.

“Hey,” Eddie smiles.

“How'd it go today?” Steve asks.

Eddie’s smile falters. Steve’s heart sinks. A million terrible thoughts cross his mind at once.

“Coffee?” Eddie answers by asking.

Steve nods. He doesn't push because he knows this isn't a distraction. Eddie gets them mugs and makes their coffees the way they like all while Steve watches patiently. When their coffee is done, they take a seat at the dining table. Eddie sighs and dives into what happened at the bowling alley. Steve remains calm, asking a question here and there. Mostly he nods so Eddie knows he’s listening. His eyebrows are set into a stern line.

There's a quiet moment that passes between them when Eddie finishes. Steve sighs shakily.

“My dad died."

“When did you find out?” Eddie asks Steve with worrying eyes.

“About an hour into my shift. My mom called. He went last night in his sleep. Services will be held this week,” he answers numbly.

Steve has trapped himself in a cycle of self-loathing. His first thought when he got the news was I can’t believe the bastard got to go peacefully. The guilt hit him instantly. It was nauseating to the point that he had to hide in a bathroom for twenty minutes. What kind of person thinks that? What kind of person wishes their father suffered more as he died?

“Will someone be able to watch Jack during the services?”

The question takes Steve off guard. He furrows his brows at Eddie.

“You can’t?” He asks with concern.

Now it’s Eddie’s turn to furrow his brows at Steve.

“Stevie, I’m going with you,” he says.

“You really don’t ha-”

“Nothing you say will convince me not to go.”

Steve smiles sadly at Eddie. He’ll never know how he got so lucky.

“I’ll ask around. If I can’t find someone I’m not going to go. I’m not bringing Jack to that,” he decides out loud.

Eddie nods in agreement with that sentiment. He chews on his lip for a moment.

“We don’t have to see Wayne today, it’s alright. He’ll understand,” Eddie says.

“I’d still like to, if that’s okay. Let’s just maybe not mention my dad dying.”

Eddie offers Steve a warm smile. He offers his apartment to them for the night or the weekend, or however long Steve needs to deal with all of this. Steve smiles with a touch of relief as he agrees. Almost as if he wanted to ask, but wasn’t sure how. Eddie is so very tempted to say they can stay forever, but he knows it isn’t the time. Jack is excited to see Steve when he wakes her. The happiness dies down when she’s told where they’re going. Her wide inky eyes shine at Eddie.

“We’re going to see your daddy?” She asks him.

“Yep, but I call him Uncle Wayne. He’s real excited to meet you,” Eddie smiles.

“He knows about me?” She wonders at the notion.

“‘Course he does. I don’t shut up about you,” he chuckles.

Jack grows a wide smile at that. Steve helps her back into her clothes from earlier. Eddie changes into dark jeans and a Metallica hoodie that's seen better days. He shrugs Steve’s work coat over the hoodie. They double check they have everything and head to the door. When Eddie opens it, they realize Jack is still standing in the center of the living room. She seems unsure and nervous.

“Everything okay, princess?” Steve checks.

“Is Uncle Wayne mean like daddy’s parents?” She asks nervously.

Eddie gives her a soft, reassuring smile.

“Uncle Wayne reminds me a lot of your daddy,” he says, “He’s nice, hard-working, and he cares a lot about people. You got nothing to worry about.”

She nods tentatively. After another second of consideration, Jack reaches into the left breast pocket of the flannel she wears. It's huge on her, the bottom sways around her ankles, and the sleeves are rolled up. She produces a black bandana from the pocket and holds it out toward them.

“I wanna wear my bravery bandana,” she announces.

Steve nods dutifully and goes over to her. He folds the bandana and ties it around her head. Her two fiery red braids sit on her shoulders. Eddie beams at her and she beams right back. Without any more hesitation, Jack bounces out of the apartment. Steve laces his fingers through Eddie’s as they follow behind her. Eddie places a quick kiss on Steve's temple before letting go of his hand when they reach Eddie’s car.

It's a tiny gesture, but it's one that keeps Steve tethered to the earth. It's a tiny casual expression of love that he's craved from every relationship he's had, but never received. He always seemed to be so much more affectionate than the girls he dated when he was younger. It left him feeling inadequate and insecure. Eddie can't seem to touch Steve enough, though. Every time he does Steve’s entire being soothes to a calm. Whatever storms whip around them cease for a moment and there's only where their bodies are touching. Eddie’s hands on Steve are shelter from the storms.

The ride to the trailer park isn't long. Eddie vibrates with anticipation. He’s full of excited anxious energy as he gets closer to his worlds colliding. Steve notices and chuckles lightly.

“You look like you're going to pee your pants,” he teases.

Eddie flashes him a smile.

“Just can't wait for all my favorite people to be in the same room.”

“Does Uncle Wayne like the little guys too?” Jack asks curiously.

“No, he’s more like Hopper and Grandpa Buck,” Eddie answers her.

“Grumpy,” she nods in understanding.

Eddie howls a laugh. Steve chuckles and shakes his head. Forest Hills welcomes them with the open arms of trees whose leaves have been stripped by the oncoming of winter. Jack studies the scenery with wide eyes. She takes in every last detail she can. They park next to Wayne’s car before all climbing out. Jack holds her hand out for Steve’s. He takes it without hesitation and leads her in following Eddie.

Knocking doesn't even cross Eddie’s mind. Wayne knows they're coming. He swings the door open, singing out hello! as he enters. Wayne immediately gets up from where he holds a beer on the couch. Eddie steps forward confidently, pulling Wayne into a hug. He pulls away to find Steve and Jack lingering behind. They remain close to the door, Steve seeming unsure and Jack seeming curiously cautious.

“Wayne, this is Steve, the hair I told you about. And this,” Eddie makes a silly scrunched-up face at Jack to elicit a smile, “little menace is Jack.”

“It's nice to finally meet you two. Eddie doesn't talk ‘bout nothing else anymore,” Wayne smiles and holds his hand out.

Steve takes it into a firm shake with his free hand. Pink tinges the tops of his cheeks at Wayne’s words. He offers his own smile to the man.

“It’s really nice to meet you too, Mr. Munson,” Steve says.

Wayne makes a face.

“Just Wayne, kid.”

“Sorry- Wayne,” Steve’s smile turns sheepish.

Wayne watches Eddie with Jack. They make silly faces at one another. A few of Eddie’s expressions are visible on Jack’s face. Wayne wears a small smile as he watches his nephew with this funny little kid. Jack spots a mug on Wayne’s shelf that looks like Garfield’s head complete with a lazy smile. Her eyes go wide in awe and she runs up to it. The three men chuckle as she points it out to Steve with a look, Daddy, it’s Garfield!

“Tell you what, help me serve up the stew and you can use Garfield for your drink,” Wayne offers.

Jack agrees enthusiastically. She promptly abandons Steve and Eddie to follow Wayne. Steve and Eddie smile at each other. Eddie is relieved to see Steve has relaxed. He slings an arm over Steve’s shoulder and leads him to the dining table. They settle in, always touching each other in some capacity. Jack comes up, walking carefully for once, with a bowl of stew in her oven-mitt-clad hands. The old green oven mitts reach her elbows. She places the bowl on the table in front of Eddie with a proud smile. Wayne brings over another bowl and places it in front of Steve. Then they retrieve their own bowls.

“Is it alright if I give her apple juice?” Wayne asks Steve from the kitchen a few feet away.

Steve gives an appreciative nod.

“Just no coffee or alcohol,” he replies light-heartedly.

“Shoot, those were gonna be my next suggestions.”

They chuckle and Wayne goes to retrieve Jack's juice. Jack happily slurps up her stew. Honestly, Wayne Munson is a damn good cook. It’s easy to become one when you’re poor and want to make the best out of every meal. You find ways to make everything taste good or you eat some really bad food trying.

“Y’know, I think I remember your father,” Wayne says to Steve as he comes back.

Steve stiffens. Eddie tries to communicate with his eyes to back off the topic, but it gets lost in translation. Wayne sits at the head of the table. Jack sits across from Steve and Eddie, not bothering to pay attention to their conversation.

“Uh- oh, really? H-how did you know him?” Steve asks.

It’s a stupid question and he knows that. Everyone in Hawkins knew the Harringtons. His dad is the one that got out only to come back to help reshape his hometown. Really, he just wanted to buy cheap property to build houses and drive up property values.

“He tried buying Forest Hills a while back. Would’a left a lot of people without homes, including us. Luckily, we got him to back off. Always thought he was dick, no offense,” Wayne explains gruffly.

“Trust me, none taken. He was a dick,” Steve breathes a laugh.

Wayne’s eyes flicker to Steve, then Eddie curiously at the was. He doesn't say anything about it, though.

“Glad to see you’re nothin’ like him,” he comments with a nod.

Steve smiles, shoulders slumping in relief. Eddie pushes the conversation forward by asking about Wayne’s day. Dinner goes over really well. Steve and Wayne find common ground on work-related things, both having worked hard labor. They also relate with funny stories they have from raising a curly-haired troublemaker. Eddie’s cheeks glow red as Wayne tells stories from his childhood. He mentions how Eddie often had bandaids all over him like Jack does, much to Jack’s delight. Jack seems to love finding out the ways she’s like Eddie just as much as Eddie himself does.

Then Wayne brings up when Eddie started learning guitar. Of course, this topic immediately intrigues Jack.

“He definitely wasn't playing two instruments after a few months,” Wayne snorts.

“Hey, not all of us can be tiny musical geniuses,” Eddie defends.

Steve smiles at Eddie calling Jack a genius. He tends to think so too, but it's nice having someone else to back him up on that.

“D’you still have that old guitar you wrote on after I told you about Woody Guthrie?” Wayne asks him.

“Sure do. Hung it above my couch a few months ago. You gotta come over to mine soon,” Eddie answers.

“The dragon guitar?” Jack asks curiously.

“That’s the one, sweet girl,” Eddie smiles.

“I like playing that one,” she says offhandedly.

Wayne’s eyes are hot on the side of Eddie’s face. Eddie stares at Jack for as long as he can while she eats. He can see Steve’s eyes flickering between the two of them in his peripheral vision.

“You… You let her play it?” Wayne asks in a curious, but cautious manner.

Steve’s eyebrows furrow. Eddie closes his eyes and sighs. He finally looks at his Uncle. Wayne watches him with a sort of dumbstruck look.

“It’s not a big deal,” he shrugs.

“Ed-”

“Can we not right now, Wayne?”

Wayne sighs but nods. Steve’s face displays his utter confusion at the exchange. He doesn't inquire any further. Eddie doesn't seem to want to talk about it. He knows he will when he’s ready to. Wayne turns the conversation to Jack. A nice neutral topic that loves the attention. Especially when the attention is on her musical skills, her favorite topic.

“Actually, Stevie, I wanted to talk to you. There’s this competition of sorts coming up and I think Jack could stand a pretty good chance. I mean, she'd be on the younger side so she'd be going against some bigger kids- but I think she can do it,” Eddie says.

“Has she really been playing guitar for long enou-”

“Oh, no, it’s for piano,” Eddie informs him.

“She's only been playing piano for a few months,” Steve points out.

“I know, but she’s a natural. I’m not really qualified to say, but I’d call her a prodigy.”

Steve’s eyes widen and go to Jack. She smiles proudly as she swings her legs under the table. He’s always known Jack is smart as a whip, likely smarter than him. To hear her called a prodigy, though. That’s a heart-swelling proud parent moment. Steve Harrington’s daughter, a prodigy. Shit, maybe he is doing something right.

“What d’you think, Jack? Would you wanna play piano in a competition?” He asks her.

She nods wildly with wide excited eyes. A wide grin breaks out across her face. Steve loves when she smiles like that. All big and truly happy. Eddie cheers.

“That’s our girl! She’s gonna eat the other kids for breakfast,” he beams.

Jack makes chomping motions with her mouth with a dramatic om nom nom sound. Wayne watches Steve go all gooey when Eddie says that and holds in a chuckle. In the first fifteen minutes, he could tell this is the real deal. Certainly, the realest deal he’s known Eddie to have. He silently wonders how much he should save up for his suit.

A little later they move over to the couch. Steve and Wayne each sip a beer. Eddie refuses even the one knowing he has to drive back with Jack in the car. Jack herself is curled up between Steve and Eddie. She makes sure she’s touching both of them in some capacity. Her head rests against Eddie’s side. He has an arm around her, hand holding Steve’s on the other side of her. Her feet rest on Steve’s lap, his free hand gently holding her leg. Despite the nap earlier, she seems a little sleepy. The stew was warm and filling, enough to knock Steve out if he let it.

“Daddy?” Jack says, voice thick with sleep.

“Yeah, princess?” Steve answers.

“Can we stay with Eddie tonight?” She asks.

“Sweet girl, you can stay with me any night you want,” Eddie tells her tenderly with a smile.

Jack makes a satisfied little noise and cuddles deeper into his side. Eddie gives her a look that only a parent could give their child.

“Don't tell her that! She’ll never want to go home,” Steve chides.

Eddie shrugs playfully.

“Oh well,” he says with a smirk.

Steve rolls his eyes as he smiles in amusement.

“I need to use the potty,” Jack announces.

Steve goes to get up, but Wayne simply tells her which door it is. Jack hops up and heads over on her own with no issue. Steve watches in surprise.

“She doesn't usually like to go alone when she’s somewhere new,” he explains to the Munsons’ curious expressions.

“The three of you seem to fit together real well,” Wayne comments casually.

Steve’s face lights on fire. Eddie simply beams at his uncle in delight.

“It’s strange seeing a kid that reminds me so much of you,” Wayne continues, raising his eyebrows briefly at Eddie.

“Yeah, at least it's only the good parts,” Eddie jokes in return, “She’s a really good kid.”

“She must be if you finally got rid of that god-awful van,” Wayne huffs a laugh.

“I can't believe that thing was even still running,” Steve adds.

“Running is being kind. I was ready to put it out of its misery myself,” Wayne says.

“Leave Van-nessa alone. She served me faithfully for years and I won't allow this slander,” Eddie protests.

Wayne and Steve laugh at his dramatics. Jack comes back out and whines about missing what's funny. Which, of course, only makes them laugh harder. She plants herself right in front of Wayne with her fists curled on her hips. Her eyebrows knit in such a way that truly makes her look like a mini red-headed Steve.

“Is it okay if Eddie is ours now?” Jack asks.

Wayne’s eyes soften and a warm smile crawls onto his face. She looks up at him with big inky eyes. He gestures for her to climb into his lap. Steve expects Jack to have reservations since Wayne is new, but she doesn't. She crawls right onto his lap like she’s known him forever. Wayne looks at her over her shoulder as she leans back into his chest.

“What if he’s both of ours? You think you can find it in yourself to share him with me?” He asks sweetly.

Jack examines him for a moment. She nods eventually. It’s a slow, but intentional act.

“Can he stay with us, though?” She checks.

“Yeah, sweetheart,” Wayne chuckles, “As long as I still get to see him.”

“I’m not a dog, y’know,” Eddie pipes up indignantly.

“You smell like one,” Jack teases with a scrunched nose.

Wayne lets out a belly laugh. Steve can't contain his own.

“Jack, you’re supposed to be on my side,” Eddie whines.

“Sorry, Eddie,” she giggles.

“You’ll have to make it up to me, sweet girl,” Eddie tells her and taps his cheek.

She rushes over and climbs up onto Eddie’s lap. She plants a big wet kiss on his cheek. The kiss lands right on a dimple since he can't stop smiling. Wayne lets out a decades-old sigh that brings with it an overwhelming relief he’s only dreamed of. As he watches Eddie with Jack and sees how Steve looks at his nephew, any worry fades away.

He knows Eddie will be okay. Eddie will be okay because he has Steve and Jack. Eddie will be okay because he has a family. Eddie will be okay because he's a dad now and it fits him like a glove. Wayne rests easy knowing that Eddie has everything he always hoped he would.

There’s a pretty big misconception about the Harringtons. It could be because about 60% of Hawkins claim to be Catholic. Steve’s family fell into the other 40% who say they're Protestant. There are no big stone churches with tall stained glass windows and the swaying scent of incense. There's no mass in a droning priest’s voice that lulls you to sleep or communion in sight. No, it's just a bunch of sad people in a room talking like the body down the hall was ever a good person.

The house is tastefully catered. Steve expected no less from his mother and her newly bolstered fortune. Everyone in attendance wears expensive clothing that creates a stark contrast between everyone else and Steve and Eddie. Eddie’s in the funeral suit he’s had since high school. It's dulled and some of the buttons are loose, but it still gets the job done. Steve wears a Goodwill suit that's just a tad boxy on him. Eddie swears he makes it work, though.

Walking in is hell. Steve holds Eddie’s hand tightly as too many sets of eyes turn toward them. In a blink, he’s overwhelmed by faces from his past looking to give him condolences and ask how he's doing. None of them ask about Jack. Something Steve is too busy trying not to drown to notice, but Eddie can't not notice. Steve struggles to answer when he’s asked how he’s been and what he’s been doing.

“I work at Roann County Community College now,” he tries to answer.

It always inevitably leads to questions about him being a professor. To which he cringes and corrects them. They’re all too polite to say out loud what their faces tell him they're thinking. At first, it's only family friends that don't dare to ask. They're close enough to the Harringtons to know they're powerful allies to have. They're far enough to see them for the kind of parents they really are. The first of the relatives spots him as he and Eddie make it into the living room. His mother sits on the couch being comforted by some aunts for her crocodile tears. Steve isn't convinced she's felt a genuine emotion in her life.

“Steven, geez, it’s been too long. Your mom says you're living on your own now. Good for you kid,” an older second cousin he can't fully remember the name of says to him.

“Y-yeah, I’ve been on my own since high school,” Steve replies with a hint of confusion.

“Really? Aren't you Mr. Independent? Who's this?” He nods toward Eddie as if Eddie couldn't speak for himself.

“Oh- This is Eddie, my partner,” Steve introduces, watching the man’s expression carefully.

His eyebrows shoot up to his slicked-back hairline. He nods.

“Hey, it’s the 90s, y’know, I’m with the times,” he chuckles earnestly.

“Right, uh, it was good seeing you,” Steve smiles tightly and gives him a pat on the upper arm.

He ducks out of the room to the kitchen for some air. He digs his palms against the edge of the counter. Eddie’s lean tender hands find Steve’s waist as he rests his chin on Steve’s shoulder.

“You doing okay, Stevie?” He murmurs.

“I don't know,” Steve sighs honestly.

“Can you turn and look at me?”

Steve turns in Eddie’s hold until his lower back meets the edge of the island. His clouded honey eyes meet Eddie’s warm coffee ones. Eddie can see the vortex of emotion consuming Steve. He desperately wants to save him from it.

“We can leave whenever you want,” Eddie reminds him.

Steve nods slightly. He takes a measured breath to settle himself.

“Did I tell you what my first thought was when I found out he died?” He asks quietly.

Eddie shakes his head lightly.

“I wished he suffered more.”

Eddie sucks in his bottom lip. He doesn't blame Steve. He can't blame Steve. What he worries about is how he can convince Steve to forgive himself.

“After everything he’s done to you, I would be more surprised if you didn't wish for that,” Eddie assures him.

“What kind of person does that make me, Eds?” His voice is desperate and broken.

Eddie sets his eyebrows into a stern line. He doesn't quite scowl, but his lips are set in such a way that lets Steve know he's being serious.

“A reasonable one. Steve, this is the same guy that beat you senseless- to the point where you couldn't play basketball anymore. He kicked you and your hours-old daughter out on the street without a second thought. The fact that you even came to the funeral makes you a better man than me, that’s for sure,” Eddie says with a clear earnestness for Steve to really understand.

Steve offers him a small smile. He gives Eddie a nod.

“You’re right,” he agrees, “about most of that.”

“I'm serious, Steve. We can leave at any time. Don't make yourself stay if you don't want to, okay?”

“Okay... I think I want to see him.”

Eddie exhales slowly through his nose as he nods. Despite appearances and satanic rumors, he’s never been good with dead things. He even avoids horror movies when he can. Not because he gets scared, but because he gets queasy. Death twists in his gut leaving an uneasy sway in his steps.

“Yeah, ‘course. Lead the way,” he says to Steve.

He can feel Steve’s hand in his, but he can't feel his own feet moving. Eddie can't feel the hardwood beneath his boots. He can't feel the dry warmth of the forced air heating. He can't feel the eyes attached to his back and where his hand holds Steve’s. He can feel Steve's hand, though. He can feel how pathetic he is in the back of his throat.

There have been plenty of funerals in the past fifteen years. Eddie has been no stranger to the melancholy gatherings by any means, but this is different. The hallway stretches out as they make their way down it. His heart races in his throat as the open door draws near. Beyond that threshold memories wait for him with emotions he typically does well to beat back. This is different, though. This is too real, too familiar. The dark clothes, the table with an assortment of food to pick at, and even Steve’s mom’s crying form on the couch evoke his grandparents' sitting shiva. Eddie’s chest tightens, his breath shortens, and suddenly it's everything to keep his head from spinning.

“Eddie? What’s wrong?” Steve asks quietly with furrowed brows.

Eddie didn't even realize he stopped walking. He’s glued midway down the hall, hand holding Steve back from progressing. Steve isn't upset, though. He’s worried. Eddie blinks and clears his throat.

“Uh- Maybe you should go in without me. Y’know, get your closure and everything,” he suggests as he recovers.

Steve gives Eddie a once-over with a small frown. Ultimately, he nods and lets go of Eddie’s hand. Eddie watches him slip into the room. Once Steve is out of sight, he paces further down the hall and dodges into the bathroom to collect himself. Some splashes of cool water are enough to ground him back to the present. He catches his breath as he stares himself in the eye in the mirror. God, he looks like shit. He looks ready to drop dead himself.

He ties his hair back into a bun with a spare scrunchie before scrubbing some more water into his face. Then he dries off with a nearby hand towel and sighs. He spots a small window above the toilet and gets a primal urge from the bad teen still stuck inside of him, rattling against the bars of his cage.

“Fuck it,” he mumbles under his breath.

Steve stands with his back against the closed door for a moment. He keeps his eyes on the ground in front of him. With a steadying breath, he finally gazes up. There is the lifeless form of his father. He’s done up in a suit with makeup to make him look like he wasn't whittled down to nothing before the end. The casket is nice and glossy where it sits half open against the opposite wall completely surrounded by outlandish flowers. If Steve didn't know better, he'd think what should have been Jack's inheritance went toward the flowers in this room alone.

Steve can barely recognize his father without the distasteful glare on his face. As he inches closer slowly, he swallows the lump that's formed in his throat. Relief bubbles up in his chest with each step forward. This is real. He’s really gone. Steve never has to worry about what tricks or traps his father may pull again. He doesn't have to worry about him bothering Jack. Selfishly, he’s glad he gets to see a world without his father in it. He’s glad Jack gets to grow up in such a world. One slimy asshole down.

Still, as he looks down at the body that was his father tears well up. His vision blurs. Steve wasn't always seen as the jerk kid who never did as he was told. His father wasn't always an asshole that withheld every ounce of emotion from him in the name of toughening him up. The years were short, but they were there.

They were filled with moments Steve remembers being happy in, he remembers laughing and feeling loved. That's the father he’s finally allowing himself to mourn now. The one that died when Steve turned double digits and his father decided it was time he learned how to be a man. Apparently, violence is how you do that. At least, that's what he taught Steve. A single tear gets away from him before he’s furiously rubbing at his eyes. Despite those good memories, he’s glad he never has to deal with the likes of John Harrington again.

“Good riddance,” he mumbles to the corpse in the casket.

Steve expects to find Eddie waiting for him in the hallway, but he doesn't. The hallway is vacant of everything except the noise from the chatter in the gathering room. As he stands there for a moment, eyes bouncing around in search of his anchor, he smells it. Cigarette smoke. He follows it further down the hallway until he reaches the bathroom door. There's a moment where he considers just walking in, but there is a chance it's not Eddie, no matter how slim. So, he knocks. On the other side of the door, he can hear a scrambling, a tumbling, and a not-so-subtle fuck.

“Eddie?” Steve checks softly.

“Steve? Uh- just a minute,” Eddie’s voice responds.

Steve doesn't wait, though. He slips into the bathroom quickly so as to not let too much of the smell out. Eddie is frantically dabbing his shirt with a wet hand towel, the window above the toilet is open, and a pack of cigarettes sits on the sill.

“Were you seriously smoking a cigarette in here?” Steve snorts.

Eddie whips around with a guilty, but startled expression.

“I’m so sorry. I don't usually-”

“Do you have any more?”

Eddie blinks for a moment.

“Uh- y-yeah.”

That’s how Steve and Eddie end up sharing a cigarette in the bathroom. The window is open, the fan is on, and they both sit on the tile with their backs against the wall. The cigarette passes between them easily. Eddie ashes it in the toilet here and there. They go a while without speaking. Just smoking together, letting the nicotine and each other's presence calm their nerves.

“I didn't know you still smoked,” Steve comments after the first cigarette is out and Eddie is lighting a second.

“I don't often. Just when I need to take the edge off,” he answers as he passes the newly lit cigarette to Steve.

“You really didn't have to come, Eds.”

“It’s not that… Okay, it’s kind of that, but there was no way in hell I was letting you come alone,” Eddie tells him.

“Are you okay?” Steve asks with genuine concern.

“I’m the one that's here for you, remember? Are you okay?” Eddie counters.

“I’m more okay than I thought I’d be,” Steve shrugs.

Eddie inhales through his nose and exhales through his mouth as Steve takes a slow drag.

“I’m less okay than I thought I’d be,” he admits, playing with his rings.

Steve’s eyes travel to him. Those warm worried eyes.

“What's wrong?” He asks as he passes back the cigarette.

“I’ve been to funerals, y’know. It’s not really that, but I haven't been to one for someone’s parent since… I think it just got to me more than I thought it would,” Eddie sighs.

“Since what, Eddie?” Steve pushes gently.

“Since my mom’s funeral. When I was a kid. I’ve never really been good with death since seeing her like that… I can usually suck it up, but I dunno. It just really came back today,” he explains.

Steve takes Eddie's ring-clad hand in his firmly. His thick hand swallows Eddie’s lean one in warmth.

“I’m sorry. I didn't know she… Can I ask how?” Steve’s voice is barely above a whisper.

Eddie swallows every lie he’s told about his mother’s death before. She was sick. Well, she kind of was. It was an accident. No, it wasn’t. Not really, they all know that. It was something heroic. He likes to imagine that. It was his dad’s fault. In a lot of ways, it was.

“Yeah, I don't really talk about it. She- um- there was a bad interaction with a couple medications she took and…,” he clears his throat, “Well, I found her a few hours later when I got home from school. My dad was at work all day.”

Steve doesn't take his eyes off Eddie. Eddie doesn't move his eyes from the tile between the scuffed toes of his boots.

“Fuck,” Steve breathes, “Eds, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be, really. It's been over a decade, I’m okay. Today is just… a day,” he assures Steve.

“You can talk to me about it, y’know, if you ever want to. Even if you just want to talk about her. You can tell me these things. You don't talk a lot about your past beyond Wayne. I mean… I know about your dad, but I dunno…,” Steve trails off as he struggles to express his thoughts.

Eddie’s big brown eyes swimming in affection turn to Steve. He takes him in for a moment. His hand grasps the nape of Steve’s neck and drags him in. It’s a quick chaste kiss, but it's enough to leave Steve breathless. Before he knows it, Eddie is back to sitting upright. Instead of straightening himself out, Steve opts to rest his head on Eddie’s shoulder.

“Jack actually reminds me of her,” Eddie breathes out a small laugh, “Not all the time, but sometimes. Mostly when she's playing music.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, she gets this crease between her eyebrows when she's focusing really hard on learning something new. I remember my mom looking like that all the time when she was learning new songs on the guitar,” a small smile plays at the corners of his lips as he reminisces.

“Is she why you learned?”

“She taught me the foundations. I taught myself the rest.”

“What was her name?”

Eddie pauses momentarily before chuckling. He shakes his head.

“Believe it or not, Sara, but not with an h,” he answers.

Steve lets out his own light chuckle. A beat of silence passes between them. It's comfortable, but more questions nag at the back of Steve’s mind.

“How old were you when it happened?”

“Ten. Moved in with Wayne at twelve. I- uh- is it okay if we stop talking about this? It’s not that I don't want to, it's just a lot,” Eddie says tentatively, "but maybe some other time."

“Yeah, of course. We don't have to talk about anything you don't want to talk about,” Steve promises him.

Eddie plants a kiss on the top of Steve’s hair.

“I really love you, Stevie.”

“I really love you too, Eds.”

They finish the second cigarette and exit the bathroom. The smell of the smoke clings to their clothes and hair, but they don't care. The bathroom no doubt smells like it too, but that's not their problem. Steve’s Aunt Liv, one of the ones that were comforting his mother before, corners them as they reenter the crowd. She gives Steve a sympathetic smile on her approach.

“Steven, how are you doing? It’s been so long since I’ve seen you,” she greets softly.

“I’m good, Aunt Liv. How are you?” Steve keeps it polite.

“I’m good, I’m good. Your mother was telling me you’ve been visiting more. I’m really glad. I know getting your own place is exciting and you’re probably living out your twenties, but… Don't forget about family, okay?” She smiles tightly.

She means well, really she does. He knows that. What he knows doesn't matter, though. Red-hot anger pushes steam out of his ears. Eddie’s hand tightens around his own, the rings biting into his skin.

“Living out my twenties?” Steve questions.

“Yes, look, I remember what it's like at that age-”

“I’m sorry, Aunt Liv, but you don't know- or remember- shit,” Steve scoffs.

“I wasn't 24 that long ago,” she argues clearly offended.

“Sure, but you weren't raising a child,” he counters.

Utter bewilderment crosses her features. She shakes her head.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

Steve furrows his brows and stares at her like she’s stupid. It’s a look Eddie has seen on Jack plenty of times. Eddie realizes what's happening before Steve does. He gives Steve’s hand a little tug.

“Steve, I don't think she knows,” he says.

Steve exhales sharply through his nose and shakes his head in frustration.

“Know what?” She asks.

“I haven't been living out my twenties. I’ve been raising my child,” he tells her.

She just blinks at him in disbelief. Her mouth opens and closes a few times.

“Your child? When did you-”

“What did she tell you?” Steve demands.

Hearing the official story is almost too much. In the story his parents told everyone, Jack doesn't exist. No, Steve left home because he didn't want to live by their rules. Then he stopped visiting and left his poor parents alone. Aunt Liv was flabbergasted when Steve told her what really happened. It sets him off. His eyes find his mother where she still sits on the couch. She accepts condolences and dabs her eyes with a tissue. Before he knows it, Steve lets go of Eddie’s hand and marches over.

He steps up onto the coffee table. Eddie watches where he still stands near Aunt Liv with wide eyes. The room quiets as everyone looks curiously at where Steve stands on top of the coffee table. He stares down at his surprised mother.

“So, it’s come to my attention that there's been a misunderstanding,” he announces to the room.

“Steven, what are you doing?” His mother hisses.

“It seems some of you think that I moved out of my parents’ house and ditched them. I’m so sorry for any confusion. What actually happened is that I had a kid on my eighteenth birthday. So, naturally, my parents kicked me out that same day,” he explains loudly to the crowd, “Funnily enough, they never even tried to reach out until my dad was dying. If you have any questions, I’m sure my mother would be more than happy to answer.”

Steve steps down from the coffee table. He doesn't bother sparing his mother another look. Eddie watches him with a wide smile as everyone else looks on in varying degrees of shock. Steve takes Eddie’s hand and leads him the hell out of there. He doesn't speak again until they're back in his BMW.

“I think I lost my cool,” he sighs, staring at the worn emblem on the steering wheel.

Eddie bursts out laughing. Steve jumps a little but eventually chuckles along.

“That was the most badass thing I’ve ever seen you do,” Eddie says wondrously.

“It did feel pretty badass,” Steve smiles at him.

“Steve?”

“Yeah?”

“I want you to move in with me.”

The entire world comes to a standstill. Steve studies Eddie’s genuine face. A million thoughts race through his head at once. A thousand possible problems come up. A hundred reasons not to right now flit by. There would be so much more to work out before it could actually happen, but Steve knows it's what he wants.

“Okay,” he breathes.

“Okay?” Eddie echoes.

“Okay, I mean we’ll need to talk about it more, but I want that too.”

Eddie’s lips capture Steve's in a warm kiss. It's slow-moving but sweet, like molasses. His rings nip at Steve's neck. When they part, Eddie keeps his forehead pressed against Steve's.

“Let’s go get our girl and head home, yeah?” he says.

“Yeah,” Steve smiles.

Some tension rolls off of Steve’s shoulders as they park in front of Wayne’s trailer. He can't wait to see Jack. Eddie detects this and smiles softly after him. When they enter Jack is tying Wayne to his armchair with a jump rope. Wayne smiles lazily at them as they enter. There's a hockey game on the television.

“Uh- what's going on here?” Eddie asks slowly.

Jack beams up at them. Her hair is loose and wild today but is now covered in a pirate hat made from newspaper. Her band-aid is gone leaving a scabbed scrape exposed on her chin.

“I’m a pirate and Uncle Wayne is my prisoner!” She tells him gleefully.

Eddie shrugs.

“You need help with the knot?” He asks.

Jack nods eagerly. Steve snorts at them. When Eddie’s hands take over the jump rope Jack bolts over to Steve. He scoops her up like always and they fold into each other. She smells like her usual coconut and lavender, but there's something else now. There’s something spiced that floods Steve’s belly with butterflies because it reminds him of Eddie. Whatever tension he still holds in his shoulders melts away as Jack nuzzles into his neck.

Steve is the one to untie Wayne before they leave. Jack and Eddie fight him on it, but Steve is a seasoned parent who can resist the whines. Wayne walks them out to the car. He gives Jack a kiss on the top of the head before she gets in. Steve is surprised to receive a hug with as much fatherly gusto as the one Eddie received. Then their little family is heading home together. Maybe it's not official yet, but it's a thought Steve finds he really really likes. They're heading home.

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