I Can't, Eddie... (Steddie)

13

Time stretched endlessly for the next five seconds until Steve jumped up and away from Eddie as if he'd been electrocuted. Eddie grasped Steve's injured hand tighter, though, refusing to let go. Steve looked back at Eddie, confused. Eddie gave Steve the slightest hint of a sheepish smile and shrugged.

He's right. Dustin's already seen what he's seen. Why bother denying now?

Something inside of Steve let go in that moment. A tiny piece of the larger anxious puzzle, but it was still significant. He looked into Eddie's eyes and couldn't stop himself from shrugging right back. He kept their hands clasped and moved to stand next to Eddie again. Finally, after another few seconds of silent communication with Eddie, Steve took a deep breath and looked back over at Dustin.

"Um," Steve said. Dustin's eyes were still wide as saucers, but he started blinking and looking between Eddie's face, Steve's face, and their still clasped hands.

"Wh—what is going on?" Dustin finally said quietly. Eddie stepped forward and cautiously reached out a hand to put on Dustin's shoulder. Dustin only slightly flinched.

"Dustin, look," Eddie began. Steve ran a hand through his hair.

"Are you guys— I mean, I've heard the rumors about you, Eddie. But Steve?" Dustin looked over at Steve now, face utterly confused. "Like, is this a joke? Are you guys messing with me?"

Steve blushed and exchanged a glance with Eddie. Dustin watched this intently.

"It's totally not a joke, is it?" Dustin muttered to himself.

"We're sort of figuring it out as we go," Steve finally said. Dustin looked at Steve, the guy he had looked up to as an older brother for years now, looking so utterly distraught. It was clear he both cared for Eddie, but also really really cared about Dustin's opinion of him. The fear in Steve's eyes brought Dustin perfect clarity. He hated seeing Steve upset, and he wanted him to be happy. If that happiness was through Eddie Munson of all people, he didn't see a reason to be upset about that.

"Are you—are you happy?" Dustin asked Steve. At this Steve had to smile slightly.

"Would you believe me if I said yes?" Steve said, earning a deep eye roll from Eddie.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but yes," Dustin replied. He relaxed a little bit and looked back at Eddie. "So the rumors are true, then? You're just another member of Hawkins high drooling after Steve Harrington?" Now it was Steve's turn to roll his eyes. Eddie's face broke into an adorable grin.

"Yup. It's literally the most embarrassing thing about me. And that's saying something," Eddie said, fully back to his lighthearted demeanor. Dustin laughed.

"Hardly. It's way more embarrassing for Steve," Dustin joked, and Steve sighed.

I can't believe he's taking this so well.

"Relax. Let's just do what we came here to do, right?" Eddie said, putting a hand on Steve's back and rubbing small circles with his thumb.

"Wait, are you here to play, Steve?" Dustin asked, practically buzzing.

"Unfortunately," Steve said, totally resigned.

"Oh my god. Well that right there means I could never be anything other than thrilled about this!" Dustin gestured between Steve and Eddie. Eddie clapped his hands together once and turned back to the D&D materials. He started setting up the table and Steve walked over to Dustin.

"Henderson, thank you so much for not running and screaming," Steve said in a low voice. He felt very uncomfortable. Dustin's expression softened.

"Steve, you're like my brother. I can't pretend I'm not surprised, and maybe even a little bit confused, but I want you to be happy. And Eddie, too." Dustin clapped Steve on the shoulder. "And honestly? When I really think about it, it works. You need someone who can keep you in check. And Eddie keeps everyone in check."