The Sound of Love // Steddie

Chapter 7 - Eddies' POV

You know what? That's a thought for later. Right now I'm here to have fun. I shake my hands a bit, trying to change the direction of my train of thought. Thankfully, Dustin interrupts my thinking,

"Alright, is everyone in?"

Everyone nods, looking at each other to confirm.

"Awesome. Let the game begin!" Dustin shouts as he presses the button to start the game.

We play in the order of Dustin, El, Max, Will, Lucas, Mike, Vickie, Robin, Steve, and then me. El isn't allowed to use her powers, obviously, and nobody is using bumpers. As someone who sucks at bowling, I am destined to lose, so I decide to have some fun with it.

My first turn, I roll the ball down the isle through my legs while I'm facing backwards. Surprisingly, I actually manage to knock down a few pins. So far Dustin and Steve tied for first place, because of course they're good at bowling. Following them closely is Vickie, then Max. This pattern stays pretty solid throughout the entire game until Steves last turn. 

"Hey, Vickie and I are gonna go get a Coke. Anyone want anything?" Robin asks the group.

"Ooh, I'll take a Coke if you're offering?" Max requests.

"Can you get me a water Rob?" Steve asks while going to grab the ball he is going to use for his turn.

"Yep, sounds good. Be back in a few." Robin announces, heading to the concession stand with Vickie. 

The kids are huddled up by the seats, trying to create a plan to make Steve fall behind so they have a better chance at winning. A thought pops into my head, causing me to chuckle to myself. 

"What's so funny over there Munson?" Steve asks confidently as he walks up to the isle to take his turn. 

I laugh out right this time. "Oh nothing Harrington. Why don't you go ahead and take your turn?" I ask, staring him down. He shifts back and forth a bit, seemingly uncomfortable by my prolonged gaze. 

"Y-yeah. What does it look like I'm doing smartass." There was a hint of uncertainty in his words, but that was quickly covered up as he continued speaking, "Would you quit staring at me? I'm trying to focus."

"Aww Stevie nervous about me looking  at him? Funny. Don't worry princess. Don't let little ol' me stop you." I smirk when I notice Steves face turn red because of the nickname. He clears his throat and shakes his head, ignoring me. 

I don't take my eyes off of him as he rolls the ball down the isle. My plan worked. The ball was slightly off center, so it only knocked down a few pins, rather than the normal strike Steve got. The kids cheer loudly behind me, excited that Steve was no longer in the lead. Steve turns around and looks at me,

"Munson, that was your fault." He said accusingly.

I feign offence and gasp, "What?? Why would you say such a thing? Obviously I had nothing to do with it." 

He rolls his eyes, trying to hide the smile spreading across his face. He shoves me gently, taking a seat next to me. 

"You know..." Steve begins, pausing briefly. I hold my breath, waiting for him to continue. Why am I nervous? "You're not half bad Munson. I feel bad for being such a dick to you. Can we be friends?" He shifts his body slightly so he could face me better, looking at me with a small smile on his face.

I let out the breath I was holding and it becomes a nervous laugh. "Yeah dude, of course. The assholery was mutual, I don't blame you for that at all." I shift a bit to mirror the way Steve moved to face me. His smile grows bigger. We sit there like that for a minute, and I feel a blush creep up to my cheeks, as well as my stomach doing flips. Before I could process what this feeling was, a loud eruption of groaning and cheering breaks out a few feet from us. 

The game ended and of course, Dustin came in 1st place. 2nd place was Max, and 3rd was Steve. We exchange high fives all around, and Dustin brags to everyone about how he was the "best bowler in Hawkins". Steve and I share a look.

"God Dustin, some humility would do you good." Steve sighed, running his hand through his hair like a stressed mother.

"Why be humble when I know I'm the best?" Dustin inquires.

"You know what? Nevermind. You're hopeless." I scoff, causing everyone to crack up laughing. Well, everyone but Dustin. He flips us all off as he takes a sip from his Coke can.

Steve checks his watch and a small frown appears on his face.

"Hey guys. Thats gotta be our last game of the day-" The kids interrupt him by groaning, complaining that they wanted to stay just a little longer. "It's already 8:30 and they close at 9. Plus it's a school and work night. We can do this again sometime, but for now we gotta head out. Gather your shit and throw your trash out. Don't forget to return your shoes." I watch in awe as all of the kids follow his instructions almost immediately. What's normally a rowdy bunch behaves surprisingly well at the hand of Steve. That weird feeling flips in my stomach again. It's beginning to feel familiar when I'm around Steve, but why?

We all say our see-you-laters and head out the door. Before Steve gets into his car, I stop him, grabbing his arm gently. I can see this startles him and I start apologizing, but when he turns around to see it's me, he immediately calms down, smiling at me.

"Hey Munson, what's up?"

I hesitate for a second, looking over at his car full of teenagers. "Uh- I was wondering if you wanted to hang out sometime? Whenever really. It's not like I have much going on anyway," I chuckle lightly, "ask Robin for my number, she has it. Give me a call, yeah?"

Before he could respond, I begin walking over to my van and hop in, starting it up. As I drive home, I think about the interactions between Steve and I. Was it all in my head...or did we Actually flirt? It had to just be me, I mean, he's King Steve. Straight King Steve. I sigh, annoyed at myself for putting me in this situation once again. Pining after a straight dude. 

I really hope he calls.