Freak || Steddie

chapter six

They didn't speak for the rest of the appointment. Steve wasn't complaining, he didn't have any good reason to hate Munson the way he did. Not unless you count that Eddie purposely did things to piss Steve off— or at least that's how Steve felt.

Dustin and Max noticed the tension between the two, but didn't comment on it. They were use to the hatred the two older boys shared. Eddie drove Dustin home and dropped Max off at a friend's house. The air grew thicker once both kids were out. Steve felt like he was suffocating. Being in such a small space with Munson intensified the smell of leather and cigarettes; Steve didn't know if he loved or hated the smell. Steve huffed as Eddie pulled up to his house. Eddie shook his head as Steve opened the car door before he could put it in park. "Jesus Harrington, you act like you hate me or something," Eddie tried to joke. Steve turned and glared before slamming the car door shut.

He quickly made his way up the pathway to his house, stopping once he heard a car door shut. Glancing behind him he saw Munson following him, "what are you doing?" Both boys stopped and stared at each other.

"We've having this talk Harrington, I'm fucking sick and tired of the constant arguing." Eddie seethed. Steve didn't know how to respond, he just continued staring at the boy in front of him. "I'm not saying we have to be friends but christ! You could at least not jump my shit when we talk." Munson continued his rant, walking closer to Steve. "I don't even know what I did, you just one day started a fight and decided I was always going to be your target." By the time Eddie finished, his voice was barely above a whisper.

Steve's mouth parted slightly, taking in what Munson said to him, "okay." Eddie raised his eyebrow, wanting more of a response. Steve groaned, "fucking fine. You want to know why I don't like you? Here it is, you're cocky-,"

"Real rich coming from you," Eddie interrupted.

"Childish, stubborn, an asshole, so fucking annoying and I can't get you out of my fucking head." Steve finished. He did believe Munson was all of those things. "I don't want to be nice to you, or even be fucking cordial for Henderson's sake. You're like a tumor that won't fucking go away." Eddie stood there stunned, not sure of what to say. Steve watched as hurt flashed across the other boys face. The feeling of guilt pushed it's way up Steve's throat. He could feel his heart beating as he continued to hold eye contact.

"If that's how you feel, okay," Munson whispered, turning away.

Steve felt his heartache, before he can stop himself he reached out to grab Eddie's shoulder, "I— I'm sorry man. I don't know why I say these things— o-or get so angry sometimes. Yes, I think you're all those things... but," Steve paused, watching Eddie turn around, "but— I don't know. I don't mean it in a bad way— fuck." Steve rubbed his temple angrily, "you get under my skin, Munson." He took a deep breath, "but I think I'm willing to try... If that'll make you happy." He finished.

Eddie stared at him, in confusion. Steve wasn't sure of what he said, he didn't know why he offered to try and get along with the boy. His thoughts were all jumbled and the pain killers weren't helping. He watched as Eddie's chest fell and rose, it felt like forever before he finally responded. "Are you hungry? We didn't eat much before all of this and Mike texted me that he took the pizza," Eddie rubbed the back of his neck. "I could— I could get you something?" Eddie's words surprised him. How could they have gone from him insulting Eddie to the boy offering to get him food. This made Steve's head spin, making him stumble a bit. Eddie reached out to steady him, "c'mon. Let's get you inside." He had whispered it so low that Steve barely heard him. That or the pounding in Steve's head just became louder.

Steve let Eddie lead him into his house. He practically threw himself on the couch and let out a yawn. "You don't have to stay here, or get me food," he mumbled as Munson walked towards the kitchen.