The Devil of Hawkins || Stranger Things

Chapter 12: Secret

The morning light and a cool spring breeze came in from Steve's bedroom window, waking him up. He groaned at the light and got out of bed. When he stood, he felt an unexpected draft and looked down to see he was naked. "What... why...?" he said groggily as he scratched his head. He yawned and walked around the bed towards the window, stopping when he saw that his boxers were on the floor at the foot of the bed. Did I kick them off? He picked them up and slid them on. With a sigh, he shut the window and closed the curtains.

Steve put on some sweatpants and walked downstairs. He went into the kitchen and got a glass of water from the faucet. He blinked his eyes and stretched, trying to shake off the sleepiness. While he wasn't hungover, he didn't feel great, either. He looked down at his stomach and the fading hickey on it. He sighed and stared out the kitchen window, scratching his chaotic morning hair.

"Hey, Steve?" Eddie inquired as he swung around the corner.

Steve snorted his water and nearly fell to the ground with shock as he spun around to see Eddie standing in the doorway wearing a pair of his sweatpants, combat boots, and no shirt.

"Do you-" Eddie froze and looked at the startled Steve, his face covered in water. He tried not to laugh at his wild hair. "You okay?"

"Eddie!?" Steve grabbed a towel to wipe his face and regained his composure, slicking his hair back in the process. "When did you get here?"

Eddie sighed as his face fell in disappointment. He clenched his jaw. "You don't remember last night."

"Last night?" Steve gave him a confused look. "I remember drinking while watching a movie and heading to bed." His face contorted in contemplation.

Eddie's shoulders stooped, and he leaned against the wall beside the phone.

"Wait," Steve's face perked, piquing Eddie's attention. "I kind of remember you showing up. Then we..." his voice trailed off as the memories flooded back.

An amused grin grew on Eddie's face as Steve's dropped in horror. Steve planted his hands on the kitchen island and stared at nothing. Eddie walked up and put a hand on his shoulder. "You ok-"

Steve made a sound similar to a yip as he swatted at Eddie frantically and stepped back, nearly falling. He ended in a defensive stance. His breath was fast and heavy as he stared at him.

Eddie put up his hands and stepped back. "Uh, you okay there, Steve?"

"I think I need a minute." Steve stood up normally and walked away to the dining room. Eddie was confused and highly entertained as he watched Steve's ass walk away. He decided to give Steve the space he asked for and returned to looking around the house.

Steve sat at the dining room table, his face in his hands, staring wide-eyed at the tablecloth. The memories of the night before kept flooding in. "I'm never drinking again," he muttered. How could I do that? Steve felt a deep shame. He was so caught up in his own selfish enjoyment that he couldn't recall any of Eddie's reactions. Not only was he ashamed of his wanton state, but he could have been a pain in the ass to Eddie. What if he annoyed him? The fact that he's still around is a good sign, but how could he face him after last night? Did I even mean the things I said? He groaned into his hands.

The sound of startled Steve out of his own thoughts. It was coming from the stereo in the living room. He stood and walked in to see Eddie crouched next to it. Eddie turned around and smiled at him holding up the sleeve to the album 'Deep Purple: Machine Head'. "Finally found something good," he called over the music. He set the sleeve on top of the stereo, and mimed playing the guitar as he half danced over to Steve, leading with his hips. Steve tensed as Eddie got closer. When he reached Steve, he finished miming the last riffs before the lyrics kicked in, and smiled softly at him with a tilted head. He let his arms fall to his sides. "Still need some time?"