Beyond the Battle: Action & Consequence (Steddie, Stranger Things)

Chapter 24: Momentous

Hopper had looked kind of constipated when Steve mentioned inviting Eddie's bandmates and fellow Hellfire members over for a DnD campaign. He could understand the reaction, after all, it was a risk, but once he'd explained how close the three were to Eddie, and that they still thought he was most likely dead, Hopper had started to come around. The fact Will and El were also on board definitely helped. 

Also, that they had a plan was clearly a plus in the right column too.

Eddie had declared that he needed another full day to finalise the one-shot, so it was decided the afternoon of the day after that was as good a date as any. The way Eddie was bouncing up and down like an over excited puppy, might also had swayed Hopper in signing off on the whole idea.

After some discussions via the walkies, Dustin, Lucas and Mike readily agreed it was a great idea, while Erica thought it had a little merit. The boys all agreed to take one of Eddie's friends each to invite them to the session in Eddie's honour. They were pretending Will was going to DM.

For his part, Steve began to plan what snacks he needed to stock up on. Luckily, dealing with the kids had him well versed in how much teenagers could eat. He created a list accordingly and spent a good percentage of the spare day grocery shopping and making sure his house was ready with help from Robin. The rest of the day he spent with El and Will.

Hence the morning of the big day dawned bright and clear, and Steve woke up alone in his bed. If he was honest, he was disappointed, he enjoyed waking up cuddled to Eddie. Although he often pretended differently, Steve was never quite sure about cuddling in bed when it came to sleeping. He liked cuddling, loved it actually, but he was hideously aware lots of people liked their space when trying to sleep. So, he never liked to push.

With Eddie it was impossible not to realise that given the chance, Eddie was an octopus. It was becoming almost routine for them to start off the night spooned together. Eddie liked to be the little spoon. Once they were asleep, all bets were off. Steve was getting frighteningly used to waking up with Eddie sprawled across him in some way. He revelled in it, if he was honest. That Eddie was not there this morning made him pout. Not that he was ever admitting that.

Falling out of bed, he used the bathroom as quickly as possible. He had to shower because any thought of doing so the previous evening had been quashed by falling asleep on the couch while Eddie finished his campaign planning. It had been two in the morning when Eddie had woken him to drag him to bed.

As soon as he was dressed, he headed downstairs and was very much not surprised to find Eddie pouring over his notes. He walked over and took a quick look over his boyfriend's shoulder.

"Morning," he said, bending down to place a quick peck on Eddie's cheek.

Eddie turned and gave him a smile before almost immediately getting sucked back by his notebook.

"You're lucky you're pretty," Steve said, smiling to himself and almost certain Eddie didn't hear a word. "I'm going to make breakfast."

He knew Eddie was overcompensating because he was nervous about the afternoon, and he could totally understand that. If it helped Eddie deal with what had to be a lot of emotions, Steve would support it all the way. He simply took it upon himself to make sure Eddie was fed and hydrated.

Walking into the kitchen, he found Wayne, again. It was becoming a thing.

"Morning," he greeted.

"Morning," Wayne replied. "You get more than a grunt out of my nephew?"

"Nope," he said with a smile, "I was hoping to lure him with French Toast."

"That could work," Wayne replied, looking at his paper while sipping coffee. "Always was his favourite."