Fangs and Claws (Steddie Modern/Monster AU)

hug...?

8:12 PM, Thursday, October 5th (Steve's POV)

"Alright, you ready to go? Sorry I took a bit, it was my turn to close today," Steve said, walking out to his car. Eddie was leaning against it, smoking a cigarette.

"No problem, Stevie. I don't mind waiting for you," he said as he exhaled some smoke.

"Dude, don't smoke around my car. You're gonna make it smell like cigarettes."

"Aw, you don't want your car to smell like me?" Eddie said as he got in the car, putting out the cigarette.

"No. Because you smell like weed and/or cigarettes most of the time," Steve replied, sitting in the driver's seat.

"What else do I smell like? Since you know exactly what I smell like all the time," he said as he leaned into Steve's personal space. Why did he always do that? Him doing that didn't help Steve in trying to prevent his mind from wandering to... weird places.

He looked away from Eddie, hiding the blush on his face, and starting the car. He mumbled a "shut up" in response, but for the most part, the car ride was silent. Once they were about 10 minutes into the drive of silence, though, Steve couldn't stand it for much longer.

"Blood, nail polish, and beer."

"What?"

"That's what you smell like when you don't smell like you just smoked something. Blood, nail polish, and beer, normally."

"Stevie, that's impressive. Once my nails dry, I can't smell anything. And I've confirmed with other people that they can't smell the blood. You must be something with a pretty good nose, huh, Harrington?"

"That doesn't matter, I was just answering your dumb question."

"Or you just smell me a lot. Is that it, Stevie? I mean, I wouldn't put it past you. Based on that description, I smell like all the best things in life," Eddie said, reaching over and patting Steve's face, which at this point was bright red from a mix of embarrassment and anger.

"Just-just... shut up, man," he said. He gripped the steering wheel tighter in an attempt to focus all his attention on the road. After five minutes, they'd reached the trailer park.

Eddie told Steve where to go, and after about two minutes they found his trailer.

"Well, this is me..."

Eddie hadn't gotten out of the car yet. Why? Did something bad happen at home? Was he afraid?

"Um, are you gonna get out? Or-"

"Could you walk me to the door? And maybe just stay until I say you can go?" Eddie said quickly, looking away from Steve and still holding the door handle.

"Uh... sure, Munson. But why?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Ok..?"

Steve got out of the car and opened Eddie's door for him. He slowly got out, grabbing Steve's arm before he could protest. A bright blush spread across Steve's face and onto the tips of his ears. Once they got up the stairs and under the awning, Eddie turned to face Steve.

"Thanks, Stevie. I just... don't like the dark."

"But aren't you a vampire? Isn't the night like... your whole thing?"

"Shut up!"

"But-"

Eddie pulled him into a hug, going on his toes to wrap his arms around Steve's neck. It took a second, but he slowly put his arms around Eddie's waist, shocked by the sudden contact. They stayed like that for a few seconds. Steve buried his face into the crook of Eddie's neck, taking in the scent of lemons in his hair and the smokey scent of his clothes.

"Seriously, thank you. Not many people take me seriously when I ask them," Eddie whispered in Steve's ear. He could feel Eddie's breath on his neck, sending shivers down his spine. Steve wanted this moment to last forever.

But Eddie pulled away, flashing a wide smile, fangs and all, before going inside, leaving Steve standing there on his steps, frozen. He went back to the car, still feeling butterflies in his stomach and sparks in his hands from where he touched Eddie.

He sat in the car for a second, putting his hands on his face to feel how red he had gotten. Steve didn't know what Eddie was doing to him. He had thought he was straight. I mean, he liked girls, so he wasn't gay. It was just all so confusing. Eddie was making him feel things he didn't think he had felt before. He didn't remember ever liking any boys before, but he didn't remember much of his childhood so...

As Steve drove home, all he could think about was Eddie. The feeling of his leather jacket, the smell of his hair, the shivers he got from Eddie's rings touching his neck. He didn't know what he was doing to Steve. He didn't remember the last time he was this much of a mess over anyone, let alone a boy. Steve couldn't stop racking his mind as to why this random vampire had such an effect on him.

Eddie's look and smell stayed in Steve's mind as he pulled into his driveway, as he kicked off his shoes and walked up the stairs, as he changed into shorts and a baggy t-shirt, as he collapsed onto his bed face-first.

He couldn't keep from thinking about the feel of his hair and his vest. The way Eddie reached up and squeezed him as tight as possible. How big his hands were compared to his waist. Steve went to sleep thinking of the vampire, and trying to figure out why he felt that way.