The Sound of Love // Steddie

Chapter 9 - Eddies' POV

I slowly open my eyes, squinting at the sunlight shining into them. I groan quietly. I forgot to close the blinds last night so the bright light of the sun peeking through my window creates a rude awakening. I check my watch, the time reading 8:45 am. It is way to early to be up, but the thought of falling back asleep isn't too appealing to me either. I didn't wake up in a cold sweat this morning, but my dreams weren't any better than my normal nightmares are, and I'd rather not risk going back into them.  I yawn and sit up, stretching as I swing my legs over the side of my bed to stand up. I need coffee. As I'm lowering my arms, I get a whiff of my morning breath and my nose wrinkles in disgust. I need coffee, but first I need to brush my teeth.

I head to the bathroom and prep my toothbrush, popping it into my mouth as I leave the bathroom and walk into the kitchen to turn on the coffee pot. As soon as I turn it on, I go to lean against the counter that looks into the livingroom, and I pause. My first thought is, "Who the hell is on my couch?" But I quickly remember the events of last night. Steve showing up later in the evening needing a place to stay after a fight with his dad. I smile sadly to myself. My heart throbs as I realize he came to me for help, me of all people. I know it doesn't mean anything, especially since all of his friends are either children or girls, but I'm really glad he came to me instead of sleeping in his car or something. 

I walk back to the bathroom, a lot quieter this time, and spit out my mouthful of toothpaste, rinsing off my toothbrush as I rinse the sink from my spit. I begin to walk back into the kitchen when Steve stirs a bit. I stop mid step and wait to see if he's waking up, but it seems he was just adjusting his position on the couch. I take a moment to study the sleeping boy. He's laying flat on his back, one arm tossed over his eyes, the other wrapped around his torso. His lips lay slightly open, and his chest rises and falls in a slow rhythm. He looks peaceful, the resting concerned look on his face is unapparent, making him look a bit younger than he normally does. 

The coffee pot clicks, pulling my gaze away from Steve. I walk over to the cabinet and grab a mug, moving to pour coffee into it. I wonder if I should make a cup for Steve, but I decide against it since he's still out cold. I pour my cream and sugar into the cup and stir it, glancing at Steve once again. After everything he's been through, I understand why he isn't the most welcoming to be around. He's gone through more shit in his 20 years of life than any normal person would go through in their entire lifetime. I finally take a sip of my coffee and think to myself, "I really hope he doesn't have a hard time with nightmares the way I do. Considering how much more he has gone through than I have..." 

My thoughts are interrupted by Steve moving once again, but this time his movement appears to be agitated. His hands ball up into tight fists and his breathing becomes  quick and erratic. His legs curl toward his body, placing him in a fetal like position. He starts muttering to himself. I can't quite understand what he's saying so I place my coffee cup down and slowly walk closer to him. 

"Harrington?" I call out, "Harrington? You okay?" As I walk closer, his words sound clearer.

"No. Stop. No." Steve mumbles, becoming more and more distressed.

I reach the couch by his side and stop for a second, wondering what I should do. It's obvious he's having a nightmare. I glance at his hands and become a bit worried. If he squeezes his fists the way he is for any longer, he's going to draw blood. I slowly move my hand to touch his shoulder lightly. As soon as my fingers make contact with his skin, he jumps back, gasping and looking at me with wide eyes.

"Shit Harrington. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Are you okay?" I speak quietly to avoid making the situation worse.

He takes a moment to attempt to compose himself, taking a deep breath and clearing his throat, although his eyes stay wide and full of shock. "Uh, yeah. Yeah. I'm fine. I'm sorry, did I wake you up?" He looks away from me, staring intensely at the floor.

"No, I've been up for about 15 minutes. Don't worry, I got all my beauty sleep." I try to joke around but it isn't well recieved. I watch as Steve lifts his hand up to quickly wipe at his eyes, still completely fixed on the floor. Shit, is he crying? "Are you sure you're okay dude? You seemed really freaked out in your sleep, you kept repeating the word 'no'." I look at his face and subconsiously urge him to look at me. 

"Eddie. I'm fine. I appreciate you checking on me, but it was just a dream. I'm a big boy, I can handle it myself." He tries to deflect with humor, but he says it in such a flat tone I have to stop and think for a second if he was being serious or not. 

"Alright..." I reply, uncertainty lacing my voice. "But hey, I'm here for you okay? I know I haven't been through...you know...to the extent you have, but you can talk to me if you need to. And if not me, Robin, hell, even the kids. You're not alone, understand?"

Steve nods his head shortly, clearing his throat and standing up. "Yeah, yeah okay. Thanks. I need to go to the bathroom." And with that, Steve speeds off and shuts himself in the bathroom, leaving me alone on the couch. I frown a bit, worried about why Steve has been so out of it. I try to think way back, back to before he was acting withdrawn and snappy, and I realize that if I remember correctly, he's been acting this way since about a week after everything with Vecna. I sigh and place my head in my hands for a moment. I cannot believe I didn't notice until now. Guilt floods my emotions, making me feel a little sick to my stomach. He shouldn't have to struggle alone. 

I decide in this moment that I will do anything to make sure Steve knows he isn't alone. I owe him at least that. 

(A/N - man, writers block sucks. Sorry if this chapter isn't as interesting as my others, I just got stuck and kinda had to push through it. Thanks for reading!)