The Devil of Hawkins || Stranger Things

Chapter 15: Desperation

 "Hey." Steve placed a hand on Eddie's knee. "You okay, man?"

Eddie looked up at him, trembling, eyes watering. "Sorry," he croaked, sitting up and wiping his face.

"Eddie." Steve squeezed his knee, getting him to stop and stare at his face. Eddie's lip was quivering, regardless of his biting it in an attempt to keep it stable. Steve's heart broke just looking at him. He was reminded of when he saw him curled up in pain in his dream. "It's fine if you want to stop." He slid his hand off of Eddie's knee.

Eddie softly shook his head and swallowed as he released his lip, letting the tears fall from his eyes. "I-" his voice hitched. "I just don't understand any of this."

Steve sighed. "Neither do I." He looked at Eddie's large black eyes, they were glassier than usual from the tears. They reminded him of the glossy eyes of a porcelain doll. The desire to support Eddie was there, but he'd always struggled to comfort anyone, especially another man. He awkwardly moved so he was sitting next to Eddie. He let out a small uncomfortable grunt as he pat Eddie on the shoulder. "I don't think any of us fully know what's going on." He tensed when Eddie leaned into his chest. With a heavy sigh, he tentatively wrapped an arm around Eddie's shoulder, holding him loosely.

Eddie relaxed and wrapped his arms around Steve's waist, burying his face in his shirt. His scent was soothing. "I didn't ask for any of this."

"I know, man." He tried not to run his hands over the wing slots as he rubbed his back. He kept his eyes anywhere but on Eddie.

With his arms tightly wrapped around Steve's waist, he buried his wet face into his neck. "I've never been popular, honestly I've never even wanted to be." He rubbed the bridge of his nose over Steve's neck. "But now, everyone in this goddamn town knows my name and wants me dead."

Steve fought his own discomfort, and wrapped his arms around Eddie's shoulders, holding him close while he listened, he felt a small relaxation battle the tightness in his chest as he did.

"I've been in a lot of fights, and have even won my fair share of them." He huffed a small laugh. "But I think three direct death threats in one day is a record." He continued to weakly laugh into Steve's collar. "I know I'm not a great person, but do I really deserve this?" He gripped at Steve's shirt.

Steve moved his hand to Eddie's hair and gently pet it. His heart hurt seeing him like this. "If that's how it works, I probably deserve it more than you do."

Eddie weakly punched Steve's chest and lifted himself up to face him. He wiped his face on his arm and sniffled. The veins on his face were darker than ever, and pulsing, giving him an uneven, shaded complexion. "Don't say that." Eddie leaned forward and kissed Steve. There was nothing behind him, so the pressure of the kiss made him fall backward onto the ground with a grunt. "I'd never wish this on you."

"You seem to be handling it pretty well." Steve propped himself up on his elbows and watched as Eddie moved over him. A position he'd have a hard time admitting he'd gotten used to.

Eddie let out a weak laugh. "I'm not strong, Steve."

"Sure you are." Steve smiled.

Eddie looked away and shook his head. "You only think that because I haven't shown you this side of me."

With a small sigh and gentle smile, Steve ran a hand through Eddie's hair, removing some strands that were caught on his damp face. Eddie closed his eyes and leaned into Steve's hand, stopping it against his cheek as he listened to him speak. "You aren't weak, Eddie." Eddie opened his eyes and looked at him. Steve scanned Eddie's tired face. He didn't know what to say to make him feel better, but he hated seeing him beat himself up like this. Steve sighed and ran his thumb over Eddie's cheek. "If I'm being honest, you're stronger than I am."