#he had to shift gears very quickly when he arrived downstairs is what i'm saying

[eddie4bat-president]

I'm not a writer but i had this thought so- bear with me, yeah?

For months Eddie hears all about how cool and badass Steve Harrington is, yeah, but you know what he also hears about? How Steve and Robin are made for each other and how cool and pretty Robin is and how stupid it is that they're not a couple for some dumb reason, like Steve not wanting to be with a band geek and still clinging to high school hierarchy. And in all of the things Dustin says about Steeeve Harrington, that last part is the only thing that fits into the Munson Doctrine, so obviously everything else Henderson is saying is what's skewed in his little shrimp world view.

Steve Harrington thinks he's better than a band geek and that's why we won't look twice at a girl that would be perfect for him (according to Dustin Henderson, so... still questionably trustworthy information). Eddie probably assumes Dustin is talking up how close Steve and Robin actually are, just how he's exaggerating how close Dustin himself is to Harrington (like that would impress Eddie and the rest of Hellfire??? He really doesn't know how to get through to the little sheep that his worship of Hawkins' most notorious square is a detriment to his character and not something Eddie would find impressive. If it was real. Which it obviously isn't. Anyway-)

Turns out? Steve Harrington? Actually a cool dude. Not cool as in popular but cool as in "holy shit did he just bite that thing's head off???? Oh and he's not even gonna brag about that, it's just nbd, yeah sure, cool cool cool be fucking cool Eddie, oh god he's talking to me why is he talking to me" and just, chill to hang out with. After the whole shit show went down. Who would have fucking thought, huh? (except for Dustin Henderson, yeah yeah yeah, shut up)

So now Eddie has to reevaluate some other assumptions he made. Maybe Dustin was right and Steve actually is cool and badass, and he and Buckley actually are as close as he had said (and they really fucking are! He has seen them give Keith eerily matching bitchy looks for trying to schedule them on opposing shifts and basically bully the guy into changing the schedule around so they can spend as much time as possible in each other's presence. It's enough to make a guy question his own friendships when sometimes a few hours of band practice are enough to make him want to never see any of those chucklefucks again. Of course, that feeling abates but seriously, how are those two never sick of each other??)

So if they're as close as advertised but not a couple (and after meeting everyone Steve cares about and they're basically all nerds so the "Harrington thinks he's too good for a band geek" thing can't actually hold true-) what is the hold-up? Why aren't they a couple? And somehow, somehow Eddie comes to the conclusion that Steve is in love with Robin. Steve is a serial romantic (emphasis on romantic) and while his love life isn't the talk of the town post-earthquakes as it would have been before, people do still talk about the fact that he hasn't taken out a girl since it happened.

Which brings us to a day in summer, maybe fall, after Eddie has seen Steve look wistfully at a young couple with a baby, that he shows up at Robin's door step.

"Eddie? Hey what's up?"

"Good, good, how are you? Uhh can I... can I come in?" There's a nervous energy around him that is immediately infectious and she leads him to the living room where he immediately starts walking back and forth in front of the couch. She watches him for a moment, hands fluttering through different motions trying to find one that might calm him down before giving up on that. Instead Robin swerves around him, clambering onto the couch and wrapping her arms around her right leg, putting her head on her knee. She follows Eddie's path with her eyes and decides to wait before quickly realizing that she can't, actually.

"As riveting as it is watching you walk a groove into my parents' rug, do you maybe want to say something? I mean I can definitely talk enough for the both if us if that's what you want it's just that I have the slight suspicion you've got something you need to get off your chest" Eddie stopped walking halfway through her monologue and starts nodding.

"Yeah. Yeah yeah yes you're right it's just- I haven't a hundred percent made up my mind about saying something", Eddie has one arm wrapped around himself and uses the other to alternately play with his hair and gesticulate at her, "because on the one hand it's a little bit driving me crazy, maybe, but on the other hand this is none of my fucking business" And Robin who was worried at first just because Eddie is nervous, then for a second because she was scared he was going to confess to a very ill-advised crush on her, is stumped. What the fuck is this about and why did it bring him to her of all people?

"Just say it you weirdo", is what decides to comes out of her mouth but it doesn't even matter because half of her sentence is layered with his "Are you aware Steve is in love with you?"

[here we're facing the issue of me not actually being a writer and pretty much running out of steam but we also haven't reached the part that sparked this whole thing yet, which is wild - let's just pretend I wrote a very funny dialogue between those two in which Eddie confronts Robin for stringing poor Steve along ]

There's a moment when they're both silent and there's a moment when they're both talking and then there are steps coming down the stairs. They make a smirk grow on Robin's face that is starting to worry Eddie when not a parental figure but Steve Harrington steps through the doorway. He's wearing sweatpants and a shirt that might be Robin's and there's a headband pushing his hair away from his face.

"Don't yell at me for coming downstairs, you took forever and the first layer... is... dry....", he stops in his tracks the moment he looks up from his bare toes and sees Eddie. Then he very quickly rips off the headband and slings it somewhere to his right into the unknown of the hallway.

"Hi Eddie. What's... up" Eddie is going to sink into the floor and never come up for air again.

In the meantime Robin stood up on the couch to sit cross-legged on the back of it for a better vantage point and is steepling her fingers in front of her face. Eddie is getting the distinct impression he's missing some crucial information here.

"Stevie, babe, platonic love of my life-", Steve nods for her to go on, "you know how we decided I get a veto on your romantic life because we realized droves of suboptimal dates actually make you miserable so we're going for quality over quanity for the first time in your small-town Casanova life?" Steve has that cute little crease between his eyebrows while he's looking back and forth between Eddie and Robin, trying to figure out what's going on but he rolls his eyes at the end of her sentence, back in familiar territory. "Yes, Robin-"

She interrupts: "And you know how I also reserved the right to give a shovel slash molotov cocktail talk to anyone we deemed worthy of being a potential future partner?" Steve's face somehow shows an emotion that can only be encapsulated by "?!" as he glances to Eddie before shifting back to Robin with just the "?" remaining.

"First I have to say I'm personally very pro, I loved this experience; Eddie here really made a fool of himself, very worried for your delicate sensibilities and how I'm breaking your sweet little heart." "...what...?"

"So: what's the verdict on a potential future partner giving me the shovel talk?"

[dragon-kazansky]

Lay beside me | Helmut Zemo

Requested by @cherry-season

Collage made for me @real---remy Thank you so much!!!

Another lengthy one. Steamy situation ahead 😏

Sometimes you wanted to curse the way the universe worked. It's as if the universe took joy in your misery and you could nothing but deal with cards you were dealt.

The four of you: Sam, Bucky, Zemo and yourself, were stopping off at a hotel for the night. The place was pretty luxurious, but with Zemo in the group, you didn't expect anything less.

After finding out he's a Baron, nothing he does surprises you any more.

You were actually kind of impressed. You had never stayed anywhere so nice before. There was nice, and then there was nice. This place certainly fell under nice.

"Why do we have to be working? Why can't this be a vacation?" You sigh, looking around the beautiful lobby.

"Perhaps this is a reason to come back in the future," Zemo suggest, looking at you.

"As if I could afford to stay here on my own."

You all stroll up to the reception desk, letting Zemo take the lead. He requests four rooms, really not caring about the cost. He assumes everyone would be happier on their own, thought he wouldn't admit he wouldn't mind sharing a room with a certain someone.

He glanced at you. You were standing beside him, looking over at the seating area in the corner. He smiled at how interested you seemed in main entrance area alone. When the receptionist addressed him, he turned his attention there.

You wouldn't say this place was posh, but it was just so... classy. You really felt like you stood out in your gear.

"There's only two room available, with the festival in town, we are otherwise full."

All of you looked at the receptionist as if she had grown another head. That meant you would have to share with someone, unless....

"The three of you can share right?" You ask, looking at the three men.

"You mean I have to share a room with Bucky and Zemo? No, why don't we share?" Sam gestured between him and you.

"And leave Bucky alone with Zemo? Is that a good idea?"

"Well, I'm not sharing a room with Zemo."

"Then you have to share with Bucky."

"Which leaves you with Zemo." Sam couldn't see any good combination out of this. "I would rather Bucky than Zemo though."

You glance at Zemo who was looking at you with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Fine. I'll share with Zemo, but I won't hesitate to stab him if he does something," you warn, looking right at the Baron.

"Hey, I'm not complaining." Sam puts his hands up.

Zemo grabs the key cards off the desk, hands one to Sam and keeps hold of the other. Bucky glares at Zemo as you all enter the elevator.

Oh, it's awkward.

Bucky is standing behind Zemo, glaring at the back of his head. Sam is trying not to say anything. Zemo is looking at you from the corner of his eye, and then there's you standing there trying to avoid looking at any of them.

The ride up feels like forever. When the doors open, you're quick to get out. Unfortunately, you can just rush off. Firstly, Zemo has the key. Secondly, you're not sure which way the room is.

For a short bit you all go in the same direction, but Sam and Bucky have to break off down another hall to their room. Sam gives Zemo another warning, before reassuring you they will come quickly if you need them. You nod and let them go.

Helmut leads the way, unlocking the door when you arrive. He holds the door open for you.

"You first, little bird," he smiles as he gestures into the room with his free hand.

You duck past him and go inside.

The room isn't massive, but there's enough room to move around. There's a bed plenty big enough for two, a chair in the corner, a small desk and a stool. A tiny TV was situated on the wall.

It would do.

To be fair, you shouldn't complain. This is the nicest room you've had to stay in for a while. You walk over and sit in the chair.

Zemo places the key on the desk and removes his coat, hanging it in the small open wardrobe by the door. He turns around to face you.

"I apologise for the turn out."

You look at him stoically.

"It's fine."

Zemo was honestly over the moon he was sharing a room with you. He had hoped this would happen, it was an opportunity to talk to you without your "bodyguards" hovering around. Helmut hadn't had much of chance to sit and talk with you since your paths crossed.

"So, sleeping arrangements." Zemo runs his hand together as he looks at the bed.

"You take it. I can sleep in the chair." You were used to it, as much as you would love to relax in the comfortable looking bed. It looked so warm and welcoming.

"I won't allow that. It looks like we'll have to share the bed, little bird." He has a sly grin on his lips as he looks at you.

"You wish."

"There is no point in discomfort if the bed can fit two. I will not allow you to sleep on the floor or the chair. I already know your boys will come running if I step so much out of line. Are you really willing to sacrifice a warm bed for your own pride?"

You glare at him, but it's hardly threatening.

"No."

You stand up and walk over to the bed. You sit down on the other side, the mattress squashing down under you.

"Fine, but I meant it when I said I would stab you."

"I know," he chuckles.

The pair of you met up sigh the boys to have some dinner down in the food hall downstairs. Both boys checked in with you to make sure you were alright with the arrangements. You assured them it was fine, much to Zemo's delight.

Helmut assured you that you could order whatever you wanted, but you kept it pretty casual, not feeling good about leaching off him off him like this.

After the meal, you returned to your room.

You took off most of your gear and grabbed the remote for the TV. You decided to get comfortable in the bed and watch something.

Zemo disappeared into the bathroom to use the shower.

You really tried not to dwell on that too much. Yet, the idea of him in a steamy shower... no! No, you couldn't.

What is wrong with me?

You tried to focus on the TV, but you can't. You glance to the bathroom door. You can hear the shower running. He's in there, hot and wet... and naked.

Damn it brain!

You covered your face with your hands. You wanted to scream, but that would just bring him out to check on you.

You didn't hear the water turn off, or the door unlock moments later. You were far too occupied scolding yourself in your head, trying not to think about him.

"Is something the matter?"

You look up in shock, startled by his voice.

Now you're staring.

He was dressed in only a bathrobe, most of the top was open, his chest on display. There was a chain necklace hanging against the damp skin exposed to you.

You didn't realise the way your eyes soaked him in, or the way you licked your lips as you stared at him.

Zemo noticed.

"See something you like?"

You blink, shake your head, and turn away. He chuckles deeply as comes over to the bed. You feel the otherwise of the mattress dip down as he climbs in.

He smells so good.

Damn it!

You do everything in your power to avoid looking at him, but his presence is so prominent. You can feel him beside you.

Zemo is staring at you. He had been since he came back in. Your cheeks were flushed, you were very early trying to avoid him, and you were gripping the bed sheets like it was a life line.

He couldn't help grinning. He had no idea he could have this effect on you.

"Little bird~"

"Don't call me that."

"Liebling, then."

"What does that mean?"

"Nothing bad." He grins.

"I don't trust that."

Zemo shifts so he is resting on his side, one hand supporting his head and the other resting on the bed in front of him. He keeps his eyes on your face.

You take a glance.

His smile grows when you catch his gaze.

You sink down into the bed, still trying not to look at him. Your eyes on the TV, but you still have no idea what's going on. You can't get him out of your head.

"You must be tired."

"A bit."

"Sleep, I promise I won't do anything," he speaks softly.

"I know."

He chuckles softly. He watches as you try and get more comfortable. You let out a relieved sigh when you find the right spot. He just watches you.

"This must be nice for you," you say, looking up at the ceiling.

"What do you mean?"

"Staying in a lavish hotel, sleeping in a big bed... and the company."

"I suppose. Though you get used to being alone in a cell," he states.

You give in and roll over, racing him. You have to look up since he is propped up over you. He smiles softly down at you.

The scent of the hotel soap wafts past your nose. God, it makes you want to do things.

Brain, stop it.

Your eyes are drifting to his chest again.

"What's going through that head of yours?"

"Nothing!"

"I don't believe you."

"Well it's the truth."

"I don't think so," he whispers.

"What do you think then?"

"Judging by the way you keep looking at me, and not at my eyes I might add, I think you have plenty on your mind."

"Well," you try not to blush too much as you meet his beautiful brown eyes, "if you knew how to tie a robe properly, I wouldn't be staring."

"I don't mind you staring."

"I mind." You sit up and glare at him.

"Show me how to tie a robe then." Zemo sits up in the bed and untied the belt, allowing the robe to fall open. He sits there looking smugly at you.

You have no idea where to look.

"Oh my God!"

He laughs. The sound send shivers down your spine. It was the most genuine sound you had ever heard. He may laughing at you, but you would give anything to hear that sound again.

"Show me."

You shake out of your thoughts and look at the belt he has left laying on either side of him. You have to move closer to him to get a good angle. You sit up and face him, trying to avoid straddling him. You grab the robe and close it over him, trying so hard not to stare. Though, your eyes did wonder, you stopped yourself when you realised he is literally only wearing the robe.

One of his hands reach up and tuck under your chin, bringing your eyes to meet his. The smile on his face is subtle. His eyes take in your beauty.

"Don't be shy. You can look."

You shake your head softly and continue to close his robe, ignoring the obvious below his waist. Was he really turned on by this?

His hand had drifted from your chin to your cheek. His thumb brushed gently across your cheekbone as you tied the belt around him. This time there was far less on view.

"Done," you whisper.

His thumb moves to brush against your bottom lip. His touch is so gentle and ghost like. Your hands are resting over his covered chest. You can feel his heart beating under your hand.

Before you can think too much about it, his arms are looping around you and pulling you down into his chest. Your face falls inches away from his face. His eyes flicker over your face, taking in every little detail. Your leg drapes over his as he captures your lips with his. He's careful to roll you over so you're against the bed and he's over you. His kiss becomes more fierce when he realises you're not pushing him away. Your hands loop around his neck to hold him against you. He moves from your lips to your jaw, down your neck, pulling at the collar of your top to kiss as much skin as can access.

That's when you stop him. You place your hands on his shoulders and push him back.

"This is wrong..."

"You weren't giving that impression," he moves his face back to yours, an inch of space rests between you.

"Zemo-"

"Helmut, please."

"Helmut... I can't. It feels like I'm betraying their trust."

"They'll never have to know."

"But I'll carry that guilt with me."

Those stunning eyes of his turn almost sad. His tongue runs across his bottom lip as he moves from above you. Zemo settles on side next to you, laying as close as he can to you.

"Then allow me tonight to hold you. I may not get this chance again." He holds his arm open to you.

You admire his messy hair and soft gaze. He offers you a tiny smile. You roll over and settle into his chest, his arm drapes around you and he gathers you into his embrace. He plants a kiss to your head as you rest against his chest.

"Sleep. I want to hold you for a while."

You tilt your head up to kiss his jaw and settle into his arms, closing your eyes and listening to the way his heart races.

You wanted to tell yourself Zemo was just lonely, but as you lay there with him, you wondered of he held you in high regard. Perhaps there was more to this than you were thinking.

In the morning when you wake, you're still tangling in his arms. Your head was on his chest, his arms were still wrapped around you, though loosely. Your legs were tangled with his and his head nestled against yours.

You lay there in silence.

You're not sure how much time passed before he woke, but you had enjoyed every single second of it.

When he realised you were still resting against him, he tightened his hold on your and planted a kiss to your head, much like he had done before you fell asleep.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, Liebling."

"I still don't know what that means," you mutter, not wanting to disturb the peace that had settled over you.

"I'll tell you later," he grins.

"I haven't slept that well in ages."

"I can say the same," he opens his eyes and looks at you, giving you a dashing smile.

"I almost don't want to get up."

"Then don't."

"We'll have to at some point," you tell him.

He chuckles softly as he closes his eyes again, nestling his face next to yours.

"We'll worry about that later. For now, let me enjoy this moment."

You smile and get comfortable against him.

"Alright."

Sam and Bucky and would throw a fit if they could see you now, but even that wouldn't be enough to stop how happy this man had made you in one night.

You hoped that, perhaps, you would get a second chance to do this. Maybe then you'll give him what he wanted last night.

Maybe, just maybe, something irreversible had begun.

@ajeff855 @moonstuffsteve @sky-writes-stuff @lieutenantn