understatement of the fucking century, actually. first week of October, his life had felt about as good as it ever has. with the girl of his dreams. contemplating schools for after graduation, like he was smart enough to actually go. a place at school, without having to play up the King of the Assholes schtick. his grades were even kinda okay. and then by the end of it, it's hard not to look at the shambles left behind a little awestruck. like it shouldn't have been able to fall apart so fast. maybe that's the proof of how none of it was particularly real, a nice facade that everyone seemed to buy until Billy Hargrove punched a hole through it.
even Steve bought it, for a bit there.
it's November now and the entire world looks a little different. and not just because somebody broke a plate over Steve's face, and his eyes have deeply protested florescent ever since. walking the halls of Hawkins High feels strange. he feels like a ghost, a not particularly welcome presence that everybody remembers and refuses to look in the eye, like that'll make it go away. some people still talk to him, sure, it's just... it's different. it's like the whole goddamn school pities him. each and every classmate decided that he's bullshit, somewhere between Nancy breaking up with him and Billy beating his face in. Steve wishes he could correct them, but he doesn't exactly have a leg to stand on there, now does he.
he got to take a few weeks off. the hospital called his mom when he got his face looked at after the whole... everything, and she'd felt bad enough for not being around that she told the school they were on vacation. she even stuck around, awhile. that was nice. but eventually Steve has to go back and while the worst of it is healed, he's a walking certification of all the shit Billy must have been talking up around social circles. it was a hell of a fight and he hadn't walked away the victor. it's been less than 7 hours back and he's even more miserable than he was laid out across the couch in his den.
sunglasses hide the worst of the bruising that is left. but they sure make him look like an asshole, as he leans against the locker next to the one Eddie is fishing in. he's certainly never spoken to Eddie Munson before. or... Steve is pretty sure he hasn't. Tommy did all the talking for him, as if having somebody else buy his joints would make it less disappointing, if his dad ever found out about it. it feels spectacularly low to be out chasing his own score, but Steve wants some weed more than he wants to pretend he's above it. he feels distinctly outside of his element, as Eddie looks at him like he grew a second head. but hey, when doesn't he feel like that, these days? ) Hey, ( Steve says, attempting cool indifference, but it's hard to land that when you look like a complete asshole with sunglasses on inside. )
[ the whole year has been going by in something of a blur. maybe it's because Eddie's been held back from graduating, his grades having plummeted miserably towards the end of last year. or maybe it's because Billy Hargrove has been making life just a little bit harder for the freaks like him, leading to Eddie spending more and more lunches avoiding the cafeteria altogether.
despite being held back, he isn't dumb. he just doesn't care enough about the social hierarchy at Hawkins High to pay attention as to why Steve Harrington suddenly doesn't wear a crown upon his head anymore. he's still a douchebag, as far as Eddie's concerned, and that's enough to try and avoid him as well.
the key word being try. there is a noticeable lack of Harrington in the halls, which should probably be a concern, right? or maybe the real concern is why Eddie is suddenly concerned at all. but he does notice that Harrington hasn't been coming to classes -- how can he not when they're in the same grade now? -- but he tries to pretend like it's not something that he has been at all concerned about as he open his locker and roots around the messy stack of books and papers for what he will need for his next set of classes.
he doesn't expect Harrington to be there, and he especially doesn't expect His Majesty to acknowledge his presence in the slightest, so at first he doesn't respond. because surely Steve isn't talking to him. even though he knows fully well that his locker nor Nancy's nor even fucking Tommy H's is near Eddie's.
finally, he turns slowly to face Steve with a perplexed look on his face. ] Uh...hi. Can...I help you with something?
( Eddie is looking at him like he grew a second head. fair enough — Steve is pretty sure the two of them have never talked. not that he can remember. frankly, he's not sure he would even know who the guy was at all, if it weren't for his reputation. the reputation that Steve is hoping will be accurate, because he's never needed a fix quite as desperately as he does right now. his head hurts all the time, he gets an average of two hours of sleep a night, he's miserable and failing most of his classes and the only people in Hawkins that seem to tolerate his presence are middleschoolers. so to say he could use a boost is a massive understatement.
still, the looking at him like he grew a second head is not at all lost on Steve, so it seems like it is in his best interests to attempt to be charming here. Steve used to find it pretty easy, to be charming. now it feels a little stilted, put upon. leaning against somebody's locker and offering a tired tilt of a smile. )
I hope so, ( Steve offers, trying for smooth and mysterious. paired with the sunglasses, maybe it even lands. he pulls them off and squints immediately at the intense shine of the florescents, which is a chink in the armor of his effortless cool facade. and maybe the still healing hint of a shiner under one of his eyes does, too. ) You smoke?
( he waggles a box of Lucky Strikes, eyebrows aloft. it's not really the sort of smoke he's after, but Steve has just enough sense not to try and make a drug deal in the halls of Hawkins High. his father would be so proud. no, he'll try and be a bit more subtle about it — give Eddie a cigarette and then inquire if he does stronger stuff. he's got a whole plan, here. if only he'd put as much effort into his classwork as he does charming a drug dealer, his senior year would be going a lot better right about now. )
[ it's just that, having Steve acknowledge his presence with something other than a sneer, and not being followed up with quips from his former best friends, has Eddie feeling like he's fallen and hit his head. so yes, he's regarding Steve with a look of incredulity until his reasons for approaching the older boy makes perfect sense.
ah yes, of course. the only reason why Steve would ever want to be seen within five feet of Eddie. and Eddie might not be fast on the uptake, but he knows what Steve is saying between the lines. it's smart, keep it just legal enough so as not to draw the attention of a teacher that'll give him detention again for dealing on school grounds. ]
I do. [ Lucky Strikes aren't his usual choice, but something about beggars not being able to be choosers. plus, it's less about the offer from Steve and more an excuse to get them moving somewhere out of earshot of any of the school staff, or anyone that might rat him out. ]
Got a couple hours before Hellfire starts. [ he shoves the books he doesn't need in his locker before grabbing what he does and slamming the door shut with unnecessary force. ] Which I'm sure you don't wanna wait around for the thrilling conclusion, so please, follow me to my office.
[ which very clearly isn't an office at all, but nobody goes to the picnic benches in the clearing just beyond the sports fields besides Eddie and his prospective clientele, so it's close enough. ]
A couple hours before what? ( Steve has no clue what the hell that means, and can't manage not too look mildly baffled about it. despite his new friendship with Dustin Henderson, and hours, perhaps days total of being extolled upon of the intricacies of D&D — Steve hasn't caught on to much of it. he certainly isn't keeping track of D&D clubs around school. he's not paying attention to much of anything at school these days, outside of limping toward the end of the season in basketball.
that it will have a thrilling conclusion doesn't help Steve at all in identifying what the hell Eddie is talking about. and if he's not paying attention to much of anything, it probably isn't any of his business. so he tries to ignore the funny looks he gets for shadowing Eddie Munson somewhere less conspicuous.
to be fair, Steve doesn't cut the act, even when they make it to the picnic tables. he sits on top of it, sunglasses back in place, because it's goddamn bright in here and his head still isn't okay with that. he gives himself a smoke and offers one to Eddie, too. it's only in the uncertain silence, smoke hanging between them, that he gets to the point. )
You still selling? Tommy said he got his shit from you. ( Tommy, who used to do the buying for both of them. with Steve's money. handler's fee, Hagan liked to say. fucking asshole. it's strange to miss the guy and be grateful they haven't spoken more than two words to each other in two months at the same time. )
[ of course, Eddie wouldn't have expected Steve to be familiar with Hellfire Club. he had very adamantly avoided broadcasting their meeting dates and times to the jocks, lest they end up getting ambushed and harassed. it had been hard enough finding a faculty member willing to sponsor them so they could meet safely on school grounds. ]
Dungeons & Dragons? Doesn't matter. [ he doesn't think explaining it will do him any good, just make him sound like more of a freak than he already is. the last thing he needs is Steve going back to Tommy and Carol with all this information, and then his life really will be a living hell.
much to his chagrin, though, when Eddie takes a seat at the picnic table, Steve really is planning on buying from him. he knew Tommy had been the usual intermediary, and Eddie had figured some of that got back to Steve, but if Tommy's not the one who's here? they really must be completely done. and Eddie can't help but feel curious as to what shook things up so much that ended that seemingly permanent friendship of theirs. ]
I sure am. Used to charge the asshole $30. [ he pauses as he gets a good look at Steve, his eyes doing an up and down motion as he doesn't try to hide it in the least. ] For you? I can do $20 for half an ounce.
Oh. Like demogorgons and shit. ( Steve instantly feels as if he's said the wrong thing, the second he says it. granted, the kids did use D&D terms to make sense of the Upside Down bullshit, to the point they're practically innocuous. and that's why most of the terms have stuck in his head, not because of any personal experience with tabletop. saying Demogorgon won't mean anything to Eddie Munson but whatever a demogorgon is, in D&D. but Steve's expression shifts, and he glances around, like someone might be listening and he said something he shouldn't have.
to be fair, that's a pretty normal expression to have, in the midst of a drug deal.
he focuses on his cigarette, because it's a lot less stressful than faceless monsters or federal agents jumping out of the woodwork. ) Oh yeah? ( Steve laughs. the sound is a little rusty, like he hasn't in awhile. serves Tommy fucking right, though. even though trickle down economics means both of them got even less.
the once-over isn't lost on him. nor the $10 discount on asshole prices. though, who knows. maybe Tommy got $30 for a whole ounce, and $20 a half is the true asshole rate. it'd serve him right, too, Steve supposes. ) I've got two $50s. That's gotta get me somewhere, right? ( is it a lot of money to drop on weed all at once? uh, yeah. Steve's thinking is if he gets himself a stockpile to burn through, by the time he's out he won't need more. pretty optimistic? yeah. but it's an idea, anyway. )
[ the mere mention of demogorgons has Eddie's eyes snap right to Steve's, fixing him with a look of incredulity. ] You, Steve Harrington, know what the Demogorgon is. [ of course Eddie doesn't know the context with which Steve learned its name, but all the same it isn't a word that he would have expected to be in Steve's vocabulary, no matter the reason. ] Next you'll be telling me you know what an oliphant is.
[ he doesn't take his eyes off Steve right away, in case he's about to surprise him by, in fact, confirming that he does know what it is.
but of course the drug deal is also their whole reason for doing business in the first place, so maybe he should just cut to the chase, rather than make this whole thing weirder than it has to be. he pulls out his lunchbox with the pre-portioned baggies and whistles at Steve's offer. that's...a lot of money for one sale, and Eddie has to pause for a moment. ]
Okay, so at your discount, that'd net you five baggies. If my math is correct, that's two and a half ounces, yeah? [ math is the one subject he isn't currently failing, by some miracle, so he's pretty confident he's still nailing simple addition.
by all means, their business should conclude with the exchange of goods and money, but for some reason Eddie can't help himself as he asks: ] You have a grinder right? And something to smoke this in?
(you, Steve Harrington, know what the Demogorgon is. oh boy, does he. he knows what a Demogorgon is and he sees its freaky faceless maw in the dark just as he's falling asleep. understandably he usually can't, after that. he dreams of it trying to devour Jonathan Byers, face first. he has nightmares, about not being able to stop it before it does. Steve frowns behind his sunglasses, distracts himself with a little too long a drag from his cigarette. )
Nah, no goddamn clue. ( don't worry, Eddie, his D&D knowledge is limited to whatever best compares to whatever eldritch abominations the Party is facing at the time. feeling as if he has to explain this bizarre knowledge, Steve shrugs. ) Heard it from Henderson. D&D shit. He talks about that crap all the time. ( which is sort of true, and not true at all, all at once. Steve is sort of asking to lose his not-an-asshole discount by raining on Eddie's Hellfire Parade. it isn't really personal, Steve is just hoping to forget about Demogorgons. that's why he's here! and somehow they chased him down anyway.
meanwhile, math is not Steve's strong suit, so he'll just trust Eddie that his numbers are right. he's not breaking out a calculator for a weed purchase. he frowns, however, as this gets immediately more complicated than he wanted it to be. ) It isn't rolled already? That's how I got it from Tommy. ( Steve has never attempted it himself, so, safe to say he doesn't have a grinder, or something to smoke it in. he's feeling like the world's dumbest pothead, right about now. or at least the most spoiled. Eddie Munson is going to think he's a complete idiot, and frankly, he wouldn't be wrong, which is the worst part. )
[ all is well in the world, then, because at least Steve isn't showing signs of being replaced by a nerdier Invasion of the Body Snatchers version of himself. if he were to suddenly find out Steve knew all kinds of D&D secrets, Eddie would be questioning his whole reality.
but no, Steve is still deep down the same uncultured jock at his core, he's decided. ]
Henderson? [ Eddie wonders if that name is supposed to mean something. he doesn't know all of the jocks, but he can say for certainty that nobody named Henderson has ever approached him about joining Hellfire, so. ] He a freshman or something?
[ ah, Steve is in luck because Eddie is feeling mightily generous. which might have something to do with the amount of days Steve had been absent, and whatever it is that has clearly driven him to turn to a $100 sale instead of whatever rich people do when their problems become too much. it definitely doesn't have anything to do with how easy on the eyes Steve Harrington happens to be, or any remnants of a long-standing crush that just never seems to go away, no matter how hard he tries. ]
Sorry, Your Highness, it doesn't come pre-rolled. Too much work when that's not the only way people smoke. But, if you want to swing by my trailer later tonight, I can show you how it's done. Might even have myself a spare grinder I can loan you until you can get your hands on your own.
( fuck. if only Henderson was a freshman. it would be less embarrassing, than the fact he hangs out with a middle schooler some times. hell, it's more like an entire pack of rabid middle schoolers, most of the time, because you can never get just one. hey, Steve, can you give me a ride to the arcade. seems innocent enough. just one twerp, not a big deal. and then you roll up and four of them wanna cram in your backseat, somehow. Dustin insists he gets shotgun as a "finder's fee". )
Just a kid I babysit sometimes. ( that's true, and it's very not true, all at once. but Steve's reputation is trashed enough without Eddie Munson telling all of Hawkins High his only friends are 13, and friend is generous since they mostly just want to use him as a taxi service. Steve hopes his tone does not imply that he's open to further questions on the subject. because he's definitely not.
Steve is still smarting, feeling stupid about not knowing that you don't get your grass pre-rolled. maybe Tommy wasn't a complete dickhead, if he made it easier to toke. Eddie gets a dark look from behind darker glasses for the your highness, though. somehow the icy glare still translates. there's a defensive shitty comeback crawling up his throat — something about it being rich coming from somebody that goes by freak, maybe — when Eddie offers to show him how it works, instead of just laughing him off or selling him a shit ton of weed and leaving him to figure it out himself. that's... well, probably a lot of it is being not shitty to buyers means they'll buy again. but still, it's not shitty, and it'd be easy to be.
if Eddie isn't going to be shitty, Steve can probably manage to not be shitty, either. )
Yeah, okay. ( maybe he should have given Eddie an out, an are you sure. but he needs a smoke and could use the help, so, why not. at least he wouldn't be hanging out with a 13 year old, though, hanging out with a drug dealer is not exactly a huge step up. ) Tonight when?
[ as much as it would probably amuse Eddie, it might endear him to Steve. everything he thought he knew about Harrington has already been tested, though he still has a healthy bit of skepticism that even though he doesn't hang around the likes of Tommy and Carol doesn't mean he's completely turned over a new leaf. there are still some things that just seem engrained in a person and don't change overnight. ]
Didn't really take you for a babysitter. [ probably because Steve's an only child, and he always envisioned his parents leaving him in the hands of a nanny, because that's just what rich people do. spoiled, rich kids didn't need babysitting money.
instead of shrinking back, like Steve probably hoped he would, Eddie just grins at that look. he expects a biting remark, but instead Steve just...accepts it. and sure, maybe that attitude has something to do with Eddie being generous with his time. maybe Eddie's generosity has something to do with an overwhelming sense of loneliness. maybe the both of them are about to crash and burn miserably, but he can lie to himself, tell himself that Steve would be more likely to continue buying from him if he knows how to prepare and smoke the damn stuff, but he knows deep down he could have said nothing and let Steve deal with it. ]
Anytime after 9. My uncle works night so we'll have the place all to ourselves.
Me neither, ( Steve says wryly. he's gotta stop making private jokes to himself, somebody is gonna start asking questions at some point. it's the truth, though, he really never figured he'd end up chasing after somebody else's kids. funny how it happened. and he could stop chasing after them now, he supposes, it's just... somebody has to look after them. right? they've been through a lot, been through things nobody else would understand. and while all of them are occasionally different shades of bratty, annoying, and demanding, they're all good kids. Steve doesn't mind keeping an eye on them and driving them around, not really.
he just minds that he doesn't have much else going on besides that.
he does notice that Eddie doesn't shrink back from the dismissive glower. it is... annoying, a little. a reminder that his title of fallen king of bullshit doesn't get him very far. maybe he shouldn't be leaning on his old tricks, anyway. they never did get him very far. it is a little interesting, though. Eddie Munson is a bit notorious, not necessarily in good ways — everyone knows the guy doesn't give a shit about the things most of the school cares about. in a way, it is sort of a strange relief. finding someone else drifting in the aimless outside. because Steve can't manage to give much of a shit these days. and with Hawkin High's most notorious outsider, there's not much need to pretend he does, either. )
Ten, then. ( arbitrarily later than 9, just to pretend he's more aloof about this than he is. having an uncle that works all night is curious, though, Steve has parents that are gone days and even weeks at a time. so maybe it isn't that curious, actually. ) Should I bring anything else, or just the money?
[ Eddie really never cared for the petty politics of the Hawkins High court. when Billy rolled in with all his machismo Eddie just rolled his eyes and only made nice enough so that he can make bank off the new guy. all Eddie really cares about is how many suckers he can get as customers. if there's anything else there to it when it comes to Steve, well...it's probably for the best that he keeps that one close to his chest.
because that kind of line of thought can get him beat up in this town, and he's been doing so well lately. ]
Cool, ten it is then. [ he tones down his grin a little bit, offers Steve more of a genuine smile. he might be looking forward to this rendezvous a lot more than he's letting on. which might have something to do with the fact that his social life, more often than not, tends to revolve around his D&D club or band rehearsal, neither of which he happens to have for the rest of this week. it'll be nice to have some company around the trailer that night. ] Just the money's fine. Unless you planning on sleeping over? [ and there's that wolfish grin again, always prodding at Steve's buttons. ]
You wish, ( Steve huffs, petulant. though, it's less defensive than it really should be, all things considered. he should probably take that personal; make it wildly clear that he doesn't swing that way. that Munson should watch his mouth, insinuating to the contrary. maybe about 9 months ago, he would have. now, well... Steve isn't swimming in social options, here. and he really wants that weed. he knows Eddie is full of shit so he doesn't need to clutch his pearls about a sleepover that definitely isn't happening. it feels like some kind of mantle has been thrown down, like he might not be able to take a little taunting.
well, jokes on you, Eddie. Steve can, in fact, tolerate some weird not-quite-flirting for the promise of weed.
Steve stands up, stubs out the rest of his cigarette. gives Eddie a once over, like he's trying to tell if the guy is full of shit or not. if he is, Steve can't quite tell. the manic ear to ear goblin smile does read like the guy is completely full of it. this one, well, it's not so bad. harder to read, though. ) Fine. ( and, because apparently he can't depart this conversation without some degree of bad attitude, ) If you're bullshiting me and I gotta make nice with your uncle you're gonna make it worth my while.
( this is delivered sternly, with a poke in Eddie's direction. old people love him, Eddie. he's parent catnip. there's not much air in the threat, because... what is he gonna do? rat the guy out for dealing? either his uncle knows or Steve screws himself out of a supply. still, he's gotta at least pretend to have some control over this situation. he's gotta have control over something.
with that, there's no good reason to stick around. Steve installs his sunglasses back on his face because even the halfhearted light is too bright. he throws a farewell behind his shoulder instead of looking the guy in the eye. ) See you then, Munson.
( and see him then Eddie will. though... it's verging more on 10:30, than 10:00. not that Steve intended to be late, though that is for sure a King Steve move he used to pull. he fell asleep on the couch on accident. good thing, since sleeping has been so rough lately. bad thing, when he woke up with his heart in his throat. arguably he's not in the best state to have company, much less unknown company. however, he's in a great state to get high, actually. so trying to ignore the jitters in his hands and how every shadow in the house seems a little too dark, he gets himself together and drives to the trailer park across town.
he should have figured out a more subtle way of getting here, Steve realizes wryly, when he pulls up in his signature BMW. his car might be worth more than some of these trailers, and if some patrol officer swings by it'll stick out like a sore thumb. well, too fucking late, Steve supposes. what the hell would it matter if they did? so he parks and strolls up to the trailer he is pretty sure is Eddie's. he should have confirmed that before he agreed to this, shouldn't he?
fortune favors the bold and Steve is confident enough in his ability to bullshit if he's got the wrong one. so he knocks. knocks again, impatient. stuffs his hands in his pockets and stares uncomfortably out into the dark like it might secretly have teeth. to be fair, Steve has found out that it does a little too often for his liking. is it that weird to be on edge? )
( Eddie has always been quite terrible when it comes to toeing the line. it's probably why he gets pushed around, shoved around so often by the men who purport themselves to be macho, large and in charge, because fucking forbid Eddie just show any amount of kindness to someone else, no, it has to be flirting. although when it comes to Steve it most definitely is, but Harrington doesn't need to know that.
besides, he's not an idiot. he doesn't truly believe in a million years that there's a single guy in Hawkins worth putting himself and his sexuality on the line for. no matter how attractive they may or may not be.
so, he pines from afar, and resolves himself to getting the fuck out of this town as soon as he graduates. so what if it happens to be taking a bit longer than he really meant to?
leaving Steve to his own devices, Eddie carries on with the day as if nothing unusual just happened. as if he hadn't just witnessed another side of Steve that caused his world to go a little off kilter. he's able to brush all thoughts of this encounter from his mind until ten o'clock rolls around and he realizes he needs to get ready for Steve's visit. which probably shouldn't require that much effort, but for some bizarre reason Eddie can't shake the desire to clear up what little mess there is and fuss over his own appearance, as if Steve would even care about it.
when Steve does eventually show up, Eddie is wearing a slightly tighter pair of pants, ripped at the knees, and a band tee that looks a little tighter around the chest. he's donning his denim vest sans leather jacket and his hair is pulled up in a loose ponytail, strands of hair framing his face, and he greets Steve with a manic grin. )
Ah, welcome to the Munson abode, come in, come in, lest you alert the entire trailer park to your presence. ( as if Steve hasn't already done so. but he still figures a little bit of discreetness was still necessary for the purpose of his visit. )
( it feels almost like it takes a lifetime for Eddie to answer. long enough that Steve has a hand up to knock again, though he gets too distracted by distant wind in the trees, crunching of branches underfoot that he wouldn't have even noticed a year ago. his mouth feels dry and the trailer park seems a little too quiet. too precarious, though to be fair when it came down to it no place was particularly safe from the Upside Down.
he flinches when the door opens, his hand dropping loosely. Steve never figured he'd be relieved to see Eddie "The Freak" Munson, but, here he is. it's weird how just seeing another face makes the shadows seem to recede a little. he was just being paranoid. all that shit is over with, done, the portal sealed up. the only thing left are the creepy crawly memories and Steve knows he isn't doing himself any favors getting stuck on them.
he steps past Eddie to the inside of the trailer, eyes doing a wide scan of the perimeter and fussing mildly with one of the coffee cups right by the door. weird, but somewhat charming. compared to his house, that still looks like it's staged to convince people to buy it. )
Worried about being seen with me, Munson? ( Steve asks, just to say something. shake off the weird discomfort that doesn't make any sense, really, even this isn't his part of town. he knows what Eddie meant — better if he's not spotted, considering the nature of his visit. there's still something funny (the bitter kind, more than the ha ha kind) that the anti establishment metalhead being concerned about being seen with him. just desserts or something, right? )
( he steps to the side, and instead of waiting for Steve to follow him in like a normal person, grabs and arm and pulls him inside, insistently. as if there's the possibility that someone will come bursting out the door of his neighbor's trailer across the park, or Hopper will suddenly appear and break up their little party. it wouldn't be the weirdest thing, considering this town's reputation.
he rolls his eyes at Steve's words and leads him further into the trailer, grabbing his metal lunchbox from off the kitchen counter, along with his lighter, rolling papers, and a grinder. ) And here I figured you'd be the one worried about being seen with me.
Now, for the million dollar question, though. My uncle doesn't mind if we smoke while he's not around, so long as it's either outside or in my bedroom with a window cracked open. Your choice.
( if he's suddenly nervous at the thought of bringing Steve Harrington into his bedroom, even if it's just under the pretense of showing him how to roll a joint, well, he's trying to do his damnedest not to let it show. it's not like this is going to be a common occurrence, after all. after tonight he doubts he'll see Steve ever again, except for when he wants to restock. )
( at some point, maybe that would have been true. now, Steve doesn't figure there's much of his reputation to salvage. Hawkins High seems to relish in his fall from grace. he rejected the crown and in turn the girl he left it for rejected him. he's either pitied or resented, and general consensus seems to be he got what he deserved. maybe he did. and if it's possible to climb back up the ranks, Steve hasn't bothered to try. it just... doesn't really matter, does it. so it doesn't seem likely that buying weed from Eddie Munson could make things any worse. the whole idea is that hopefully it'll make things a bit more bearable.
Steve crosses his arms, glancing around the dimly lit accommodations. living room into kitchen into a straight shot to the rest of the trailer. lately his house has felt too big, like he's a ghost haunting it and he can't even make it to every room. but the trailer feels a little cramped and while Steve is pretty sure Eddie's uncle doesn't know his dad at all, he'd rather not be wrong and have this blow up in his face later. Wayne wouldn't be the first stranger that seemed to think they were obligated to inform his old man what he was up to. )
Your room, ( Steve decides, and if Eddie is nervous about having him in his bedroom, he shouldn't have given it as an option. that's on him! the ability to close a door and have some privacy trumps the weirdness of being in another guy's bedroom. and to be fair, back when Tommy wasn't insane, they'd hang out in his room. not that weird. right? )
( well, Eddie did give it as an option, so now he has to deal with the consequences. which, in the long run, are not at all terrible. he leads Steve into the bedroom, cursing the fact that no matter how much of the mess he did pick up, it still feels like it's not nearly clean enough for Steve's presence. but it's too late, and they're not here to admire the wallpaper, so it won't be an issue once the high kicks in.
but first, things first. ) Please, make yourself at home, mi casa es su casa. ( he flashes a smile at Steve and settles down on the bed, spreading out all of his paraphernalia. ) Let's get started, shall we? This is what you're gonna want to use to grind the weed up so it's better for smoking.
( he holds up the small metal grinder, and shows Steve how to place the buds into the grinder and close the lid, how many twists it takes to get it into the right consistency. ) It takes a bit of practice and experimenting to figure out how fine you like it, but then you take your rolling paper like so, and fill it evenly. ( he demonstrates for Steve, before pinching the ends and rolling it up to secure it. ) Et voila, ready to smoke. Any questions before liftoff, captain?
( it's sure messier than Steve's own room. notably, with piles of something covering most surfaces, and band posters and album art splashed up across the walls. it's... overwhelming, a little, all the everything going on everywhere. but it has a bed and it has a door and there's no neon glow reflected on the walls so it's better than what he's been dealing with lately, so it'll do.
su casa es mi casa means he can help himself to the chair that seems to have been mostly neglected at Eddie's desk. seems slightly less weird than sitting on his bed. Steve perches on it backwards, elbow on the back and his head propped in his hand like he's a little bored. his body language conflicts with his expression, though, because he's definitely paying attention. he'd like to be self sufficient after this — and god knows he doesn't pick up anything quickly, so he really has gotta focus up. he doesn't say much, just listens. but it is somewhat of a relief Eddie doesn't treat it all like it's fucking obvious, when maybe it should be. Steve's smoked before, he's just ... never had to do this part. he'd hand off money and Tommy would show up with a joint and he got to take the credit without doing any of the leg work and it used to be as easy as that.
there are some parts of being king that are hard not to miss, even though he knows he's better off.
his hand droops away from his face and he straightens as Eddie asks if he has any questions. Captain? what the fuck? there's a crook of an amused look on his face. geez this guy is weird, but, weird isn't always bad. he's been learning that lately. goddamn Henderson, making geeks seem so tolerable! ) Nah, ( Steve says, and his lack of willingness to ask questions is probably why he is barely passing most of his classes, but right about now all he cares about is breaking even. if he's gotta fail a couple times in the privacy of his own home to roll a joint, he'll survive. he pads through his windbreaker to find his lighter, it makes a metallic zing through the air as he clicks the lid and underhand tosses it toward Eddie so he can get to the point already. the toss is pointedly slow, like maybe he does not trust Eddie can catch it otherwise. ) Where'd you learn all this shit?
( is that ... too bare a question to ask your drug dealer? haha. maybe. but he's sleepless and miserable, maybe that's a good excuse for prying. )
( it's probably pretty telling that Eddie isn't treating Steve like an idiot all throughout this demonstration. he wouldn't expect the jock to be able to pick this up through osmosis, realistically, but if it had been anyone else that Steve had formerly been friends with, he absolutely would have been an asshole to them. it would have been warranted, though, considering how much hell they'd put him and his friends through in their short tenure in school. it didn't seem to matter that Eddie had been a senior while they were juniors. as far as they were concerned, his freak status made him lesser.
but Steve, well. maybe Eddie should have still been resentful despite the fact that Harrington never joined in and actively bullied the nerd table, but he certainly was a passive bystander. maybe he should be thankful that it isn't so incredibly obvious to the average person why Eddie might be so forgiving. it would never occur to Steve that he might have more interest in him than meets the eye.
of course, he's nothing more than a drug dealer to Steve, so he puts the kibosh into that line of thought as quickly as he can. )
Yeah, uh, about that. ( he laughs, almost nervously. nobody has ever fucking asked him that before, and so naturally it takes Eddie by surprise. they all just assume he came out of his mother's womb armed with the knowledge. ) Surprised you don't know already. Thought that my origin story was plastered all across town. ( he dispenses with the cryptic talk when he realizes that he's likely done nothing more than just confuse Steve further. as cute as his puzzled look does, he has mercy on the poor guy, and clarifies. ) My old man. He, uh, he's the one who introduced me to the lovely world of drug dealing.
( if anything, Steve likely deserves Eddie to treat him like shit on principle. while most of his days at the top were served rolling his eyes and even occasionally laughing at Tommy Hagan's rancid antics, he wasn't exactly a sparkling soul himself. mostly he was a bystander — occasionally feeling guilty, often tuning out of the worst of it, instead of trying to deescalate — he didn't bother with small time shit like playing D&D and repeating a grade. Steve's cruelty tended toward intentional ignorance, in not seeing anyone arbitrarily decided to not be worthy of his time. however, that surely didn't make him incapable of being awful. the rare occasions he decided to push someone down a peg or twenty, it wasn't talking shit on the sidelines or giving a guy a shiner. intentionally breaking a guy's camera was bad enough without knowing said guy had likely no way to replace it. when Steve had a bone to pick he tended to tear things raw and let the vultures have at the rest.
having a reason for being awful doesn't really absolve one very much. motives don't just the means any more than the end. he got Byers a new camera and he'd sure as shit had his reasons for it, but Steve doesn't really blame the guy for not forgiving him. he can't much blame Nancy for giving up on him, either. he deserved it.
Steve can't quite guess why Eddie isn't being more of a dick to him. maybe he figures he's got to stay in good graces of a potential customer. or maybe he's just not as big of a dick as all the people Steve is used to hanging out with. Eddie has the reputation of being too much and disliking sports and liking things most people don't. wasn't too long ago Steve was happy to take public perception as fact. it is only recently he's learning to look beyond that. he's not exactly good at it yet. but it isn't lost on him that Eddie is not what he thought he would be. )
Your old man. ( Steve ... is not sure what answer he was expecting. was he expecting an answer?? but whatever he was thinking, it sure wasn't that. ) Shit. ( this is an umbrella term to describe how that's kind of fucked up, and that he feels a little bad for asking, and is somewhat sympathetic all at once. )
Yeah, yeah, don't cry about it. ( Eddie mutters as he leans towards Steve and hands the joint to him along with the lighter, allowing him the first hit seeing as how they were assembled here on Steve's account. ) He's in jail now, and I'm still dealing so I'm pretty sure I'm having the last laugh. Is that how that works?
( he laughs derisively as he pointedly ignores any brushing of fingers that might happen during the handoff. he's heard well enough about the kinds of words Steve hurled at Byers the week after the two had their altercation in the alleyway, when Harrington reappeared at school with a black eye and a lack of lackeys at his side. and yet, the version of Steve that's right here in front of him, about to share a joint, couldn't be further from the King Steve he's used to. )
Anyway, it's fine now, I'm gonna graduate, first of the family, and show this town I'm worth more than my dear old dad.
( okay. touchy. Steve knows he deserves it, with all the prying dad questions. hell, his old man isn't doing hard time and Steve still doesn't exactly like talking about him with just about anyone. the bitterness resonates with him, instead of turning him off. though he's sure Eddie would laugh if he tried to relate on what it is like to have a shitty dad. ) Sounds like an ass, ( Steve decides, and maybe he shouldn't be declaring somebody's dad an ass. he's just calling it like he sees it, that's all. generally people don't end up in the slammer because of the strength of their character, it feels like a safe assumption.
while Steve may not have experience with... any other part of smoking, until tonight, he at least has experience lighting a joint. he's picky about the cherry, takes his time. there's a satisfaction in the burn across the back of his throat, it feels like relief when he breathes out the cloying smoke above his head. Eddie might just assume he checked out in the ritual of a first drag, but when he comes to he notes, ) You graduate this year too, huh?
( it is obvious, on paper, that Eddie is graduating this year. besides the fact Steve is pretty sure he was also supposed to graduate last year. it is something they have in common that he hadn't bothered to think about, though. graduation is the only goalpost in his life to keep slogging towards. for a bit there he'd felt sorry enough for himself that the idea of flunking out didn't bother him at all. since then his face has healed up and he knows how stupid that would be. so he's trying to put the pieces back together again, now, though his grades sure as shit aren't great now that he can't study with Nancy anymore. he suspects he'll make it just by the skin of his teeth, but for right now that'll have to be good enough. )
Here's to the class of '85, then. ( he offers the joint back, finally. without a hint of nerves, either. it isn't the first joint he's shared, it doesn't occur to him to feel weird about it. )
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
thefreak.
Date: 2022-11-02 11:22 pm (UTC)understatement of the fucking century, actually. first week of October, his life had felt about as good as it ever has. with the girl of his dreams. contemplating schools for after graduation, like he was smart enough to actually go. a place at school, without having to play up the King of the Assholes schtick. his grades were even kinda okay. and then by the end of it, it's hard not to look at the shambles left behind a little awestruck. like it shouldn't have been able to fall apart so fast. maybe that's the proof of how none of it was particularly real, a nice facade that everyone seemed to buy until Billy Hargrove punched a hole through it.
even Steve bought it, for a bit there.
it's November now and the entire world looks a little different. and not just because somebody broke a plate over Steve's face, and his eyes have deeply protested florescent ever since. walking the halls of Hawkins High feels strange. he feels like a ghost, a not particularly welcome presence that everybody remembers and refuses to look in the eye, like that'll make it go away. some people still talk to him, sure, it's just... it's different. it's like the whole goddamn school pities him. each and every classmate decided that he's bullshit, somewhere between Nancy breaking up with him and Billy beating his face in. Steve wishes he could correct them, but he doesn't exactly have a leg to stand on there, now does he.
he got to take a few weeks off. the hospital called his mom when he got his face looked at after the whole... everything, and she'd felt bad enough for not being around that she told the school they were on vacation. she even stuck around, awhile. that was nice. but eventually Steve has to go back and while the worst of it is healed, he's a walking certification of all the shit Billy must have been talking up around social circles. it was a hell of a fight and he hadn't walked away the victor. it's been less than 7 hours back and he's even more miserable than he was laid out across the couch in his den.
sunglasses hide the worst of the bruising that is left. but they sure make him look like an asshole, as he leans against the locker next to the one Eddie is fishing in. he's certainly never spoken to Eddie Munson before. or... Steve is pretty sure he hasn't. Tommy did all the talking for him, as if having somebody else buy his joints would make it less disappointing, if his dad ever found out about it. it feels spectacularly low to be out chasing his own score, but Steve wants some weed more than he wants to pretend he's above it. he feels distinctly outside of his element, as Eddie looks at him like he grew a second head. but hey, when doesn't he feel like that, these days? ) Hey, ( Steve says, attempting cool indifference, but it's hard to land that when you look like a complete asshole with sunglasses on inside. )
no subject
Date: 2022-11-05 02:04 am (UTC)despite being held back, he isn't dumb. he just doesn't care enough about the social hierarchy at Hawkins High to pay attention as to why Steve Harrington suddenly doesn't wear a crown upon his head anymore. he's still a douchebag, as far as Eddie's concerned, and that's enough to try and avoid him as well.
the key word being try. there is a noticeable lack of Harrington in the halls, which should probably be a concern, right? or maybe the real concern is why Eddie is suddenly concerned at all. but he does notice that Harrington hasn't been coming to classes -- how can he not when they're in the same grade now? -- but he tries to pretend like it's not something that he has been at all concerned about as he open his locker and roots around the messy stack of books and papers for what he will need for his next set of classes.
he doesn't expect Harrington to be there, and he especially doesn't expect His Majesty to acknowledge his presence in the slightest, so at first he doesn't respond. because surely Steve isn't talking to him. even though he knows fully well that his locker nor Nancy's nor even fucking Tommy H's is near Eddie's.
finally, he turns slowly to face Steve with a perplexed look on his face. ] Uh...hi. Can...I help you with something?
no subject
Date: 2022-11-27 04:33 am (UTC)still, the looking at him like he grew a second head is not at all lost on Steve, so it seems like it is in his best interests to attempt to be charming here. Steve used to find it pretty easy, to be charming. now it feels a little stilted, put upon. leaning against somebody's locker and offering a tired tilt of a smile. )
I hope so, ( Steve offers, trying for smooth and mysterious. paired with the sunglasses, maybe it even lands. he pulls them off and squints immediately at the intense shine of the florescents, which is a chink in the armor of his effortless cool facade. and maybe the still healing hint of a shiner under one of his eyes does, too. ) You smoke?
( he waggles a box of Lucky Strikes, eyebrows aloft. it's not really the sort of smoke he's after, but Steve has just enough sense not to try and make a drug deal in the halls of Hawkins High. his father would be so proud. no, he'll try and be a bit more subtle about it — give Eddie a cigarette and then inquire if he does stronger stuff. he's got a whole plan, here. if only he'd put as much effort into his classwork as he does charming a drug dealer, his senior year would be going a lot better right about now. )
no subject
Date: 2022-12-06 05:52 pm (UTC)ah yes, of course. the only reason why Steve would ever want to be seen within five feet of Eddie. and Eddie might not be fast on the uptake, but he knows what Steve is saying between the lines. it's smart, keep it just legal enough so as not to draw the attention of a teacher that'll give him detention again for dealing on school grounds. ]
I do. [ Lucky Strikes aren't his usual choice, but something about beggars not being able to be choosers. plus, it's less about the offer from Steve and more an excuse to get them moving somewhere out of earshot of any of the school staff, or anyone that might rat him out. ]
Got a couple hours before Hellfire starts. [ he shoves the books he doesn't need in his locker before grabbing what he does and slamming the door shut with unnecessary force. ] Which I'm sure you don't wanna wait around for the thrilling conclusion, so please, follow me to my office.
[ which very clearly isn't an office at all, but nobody goes to the picnic benches in the clearing just beyond the sports fields besides Eddie and his prospective clientele, so it's close enough. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-12-31 02:10 am (UTC)that it will have a thrilling conclusion doesn't help Steve at all in identifying what the hell Eddie is talking about. and if he's not paying attention to much of anything, it probably isn't any of his business. so he tries to ignore the funny looks he gets for shadowing Eddie Munson somewhere less conspicuous.
to be fair, Steve doesn't cut the act, even when they make it to the picnic tables. he sits on top of it, sunglasses back in place, because it's goddamn bright in here and his head still isn't okay with that. he gives himself a smoke and offers one to Eddie, too. it's only in the uncertain silence, smoke hanging between them, that he gets to the point. )
You still selling? Tommy said he got his shit from you. ( Tommy, who used to do the buying for both of them. with Steve's money. handler's fee, Hagan liked to say. fucking asshole. it's strange to miss the guy and be grateful they haven't spoken more than two words to each other in two months at the same time. )
no subject
Date: 2023-01-10 10:47 pm (UTC)Dungeons & Dragons? Doesn't matter. [ he doesn't think explaining it will do him any good, just make him sound like more of a freak than he already is. the last thing he needs is Steve going back to Tommy and Carol with all this information, and then his life really will be a living hell.
much to his chagrin, though, when Eddie takes a seat at the picnic table, Steve really is planning on buying from him. he knew Tommy had been the usual intermediary, and Eddie had figured some of that got back to Steve, but if Tommy's not the one who's here? they really must be completely done. and Eddie can't help but feel curious as to what shook things up so much that ended that seemingly permanent friendship of theirs. ]
I sure am. Used to charge the asshole $30. [ he pauses as he gets a good look at Steve, his eyes doing an up and down motion as he doesn't try to hide it in the least. ] For you? I can do $20 for half an ounce.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-11 02:38 am (UTC)to be fair, that's a pretty normal expression to have, in the midst of a drug deal.
he focuses on his cigarette, because it's a lot less stressful than faceless monsters or federal agents jumping out of the woodwork. ) Oh yeah? ( Steve laughs. the sound is a little rusty, like he hasn't in awhile. serves Tommy fucking right, though. even though trickle down economics means both of them got even less.
the once-over isn't lost on him. nor the $10 discount on asshole prices. though, who knows. maybe Tommy got $30 for a whole ounce, and $20 a half is the true asshole rate. it'd serve him right, too, Steve supposes. ) I've got two $50s. That's gotta get me somewhere, right? ( is it a lot of money to drop on weed all at once? uh, yeah. Steve's thinking is if he gets himself a stockpile to burn through, by the time he's out he won't need more. pretty optimistic? yeah. but it's an idea, anyway. )
no subject
Date: 2023-01-15 01:28 am (UTC)[ he doesn't take his eyes off Steve right away, in case he's about to surprise him by, in fact, confirming that he does know what it is.
but of course the drug deal is also their whole reason for doing business in the first place, so maybe he should just cut to the chase, rather than make this whole thing weirder than it has to be. he pulls out his lunchbox with the pre-portioned baggies and whistles at Steve's offer. that's...a lot of money for one sale, and Eddie has to pause for a moment. ]
Okay, so at your discount, that'd net you five baggies. If my math is correct, that's two and a half ounces, yeah? [ math is the one subject he isn't currently failing, by some miracle, so he's pretty confident he's still nailing simple addition.
by all means, their business should conclude with the exchange of goods and money, but for some reason Eddie can't help himself as he asks: ] You have a grinder right? And something to smoke this in?
no subject
Date: 2023-01-15 02:33 am (UTC)Nah, no goddamn clue. ( don't worry, Eddie, his D&D knowledge is limited to whatever best compares to whatever eldritch abominations the Party is facing at the time. feeling as if he has to explain this bizarre knowledge, Steve shrugs. ) Heard it from Henderson. D&D shit. He talks about that crap all the time. ( which is sort of true, and not true at all, all at once. Steve is sort of asking to lose his not-an-asshole discount by raining on Eddie's Hellfire Parade. it isn't really personal, Steve is just hoping to forget about Demogorgons. that's why he's here! and somehow they chased him down anyway.
meanwhile, math is not Steve's strong suit, so he'll just trust Eddie that his numbers are right. he's not breaking out a calculator for a weed purchase. he frowns, however, as this gets immediately more complicated than he wanted it to be. ) It isn't rolled already? That's how I got it from Tommy. ( Steve has never attempted it himself, so, safe to say he doesn't have a grinder, or something to smoke it in. he's feeling like the world's dumbest pothead, right about now. or at least the most spoiled. Eddie Munson is going to think he's a complete idiot, and frankly, he wouldn't be wrong, which is the worst part. )
no subject
Date: 2023-01-17 07:38 pm (UTC)but no, Steve is still deep down the same uncultured jock at his core, he's decided. ]
Henderson? [ Eddie wonders if that name is supposed to mean something. he doesn't know all of the jocks, but he can say for certainty that nobody named Henderson has ever approached him about joining Hellfire, so. ] He a freshman or something?
[ ah, Steve is in luck because Eddie is feeling mightily generous. which might have something to do with the amount of days Steve had been absent, and whatever it is that has clearly driven him to turn to a $100 sale instead of whatever rich people do when their problems become too much. it definitely doesn't have anything to do with how easy on the eyes Steve Harrington happens to be, or any remnants of a long-standing crush that just never seems to go away, no matter how hard he tries. ]
Sorry, Your Highness, it doesn't come pre-rolled. Too much work when that's not the only way people smoke. But, if you want to swing by my trailer later tonight, I can show you how it's done. Might even have myself a spare grinder I can loan you until you can get your hands on your own.
no subject
Date: 2023-01-24 05:20 am (UTC)Just a kid I babysit sometimes. ( that's true, and it's very not true, all at once. but Steve's reputation is trashed enough without Eddie Munson telling all of Hawkins High his only friends are 13, and friend is generous since they mostly just want to use him as a taxi service. Steve hopes his tone does not imply that he's open to further questions on the subject. because he's definitely not.
Steve is still smarting, feeling stupid about not knowing that you don't get your grass pre-rolled. maybe Tommy wasn't a complete dickhead, if he made it easier to toke. Eddie gets a dark look from behind darker glasses for the your highness, though. somehow the icy glare still translates. there's a defensive shitty comeback crawling up his throat — something about it being rich coming from somebody that goes by freak, maybe — when Eddie offers to show him how it works, instead of just laughing him off or selling him a shit ton of weed and leaving him to figure it out himself. that's... well, probably a lot of it is being not shitty to buyers means they'll buy again. but still, it's not shitty, and it'd be easy to be.
if Eddie isn't going to be shitty, Steve can probably manage to not be shitty, either. )
Yeah, okay. ( maybe he should have given Eddie an out, an are you sure. but he needs a smoke and could use the help, so, why not. at least he wouldn't be hanging out with a 13 year old, though, hanging out with a drug dealer is not exactly a huge step up. ) Tonight when?
no subject
Date: 2023-02-04 06:09 pm (UTC)Didn't really take you for a babysitter. [ probably because Steve's an only child, and he always envisioned his parents leaving him in the hands of a nanny, because that's just what rich people do. spoiled, rich kids didn't need babysitting money.
instead of shrinking back, like Steve probably hoped he would, Eddie just grins at that look. he expects a biting remark, but instead Steve just...accepts it. and sure, maybe that attitude has something to do with Eddie being generous with his time. maybe Eddie's generosity has something to do with an overwhelming sense of loneliness. maybe the both of them are about to crash and burn miserably, but he can lie to himself, tell himself that Steve would be more likely to continue buying from him if he knows how to prepare and smoke the damn stuff, but he knows deep down he could have said nothing and let Steve deal with it. ]
Anytime after 9. My uncle works night so we'll have the place all to ourselves.
no subject
Date: 2023-02-26 10:40 pm (UTC)he just minds that he doesn't have much else going on besides that.
he does notice that Eddie doesn't shrink back from the dismissive glower. it is... annoying, a little. a reminder that his title of fallen king of bullshit doesn't get him very far. maybe he shouldn't be leaning on his old tricks, anyway. they never did get him very far. it is a little interesting, though. Eddie Munson is a bit notorious, not necessarily in good ways — everyone knows the guy doesn't give a shit about the things most of the school cares about. in a way, it is sort of a strange relief. finding someone else drifting in the aimless outside. because Steve can't manage to give much of a shit these days. and with Hawkin High's most notorious outsider, there's not much need to pretend he does, either. )
Ten, then. ( arbitrarily later than 9, just to pretend he's more aloof about this than he is. having an uncle that works all night is curious, though, Steve has parents that are gone days and even weeks at a time. so maybe it isn't that curious, actually. ) Should I bring anything else, or just the money?
no subject
Date: 2023-03-13 12:11 am (UTC)because that kind of line of thought can get him beat up in this town, and he's been doing so well lately. ]
Cool, ten it is then. [ he tones down his grin a little bit, offers Steve more of a genuine smile. he might be looking forward to this rendezvous a lot more than he's letting on. which might have something to do with the fact that his social life, more often than not, tends to revolve around his D&D club or band rehearsal, neither of which he happens to have for the rest of this week. it'll be nice to have some company around the trailer that night. ] Just the money's fine. Unless you planning on sleeping over? [ and there's that wolfish grin again, always prodding at Steve's buttons. ]
tw: 80s period homophobia srry yyy yy ANNNDDD mildly jumps ahead? ?? if u are keen
Date: 2023-04-03 03:03 am (UTC)well, jokes on you, Eddie. Steve can, in fact, tolerate some weird not-quite-flirting for the promise of weed.
Steve stands up, stubs out the rest of his cigarette. gives Eddie a once over, like he's trying to tell if the guy is full of shit or not. if he is, Steve can't quite tell. the manic ear to ear goblin smile does read like the guy is completely full of it. this one, well, it's not so bad. harder to read, though. ) Fine. ( and, because apparently he can't depart this conversation without some degree of bad attitude, ) If you're bullshiting me and I gotta make nice with your uncle you're gonna make it worth my while.
( this is delivered sternly, with a poke in Eddie's direction. old people love him, Eddie. he's parent catnip. there's not much air in the threat, because... what is he gonna do? rat the guy out for dealing? either his uncle knows or Steve screws himself out of a supply. still, he's gotta at least pretend to have some control over this situation. he's gotta have control over something.
with that, there's no good reason to stick around. Steve installs his sunglasses back on his face because even the halfhearted light is too bright. he throws a farewell behind his shoulder instead of looking the guy in the eye. ) See you then, Munson.
( and see him then Eddie will. though... it's verging more on 10:30, than 10:00. not that Steve intended to be late, though that is for sure a King Steve move he used to pull. he fell asleep on the couch on accident. good thing, since sleeping has been so rough lately. bad thing, when he woke up with his heart in his throat. arguably he's not in the best state to have company, much less unknown company. however, he's in a great state to get high, actually. so trying to ignore the jitters in his hands and how every shadow in the house seems a little too dark, he gets himself together and drives to the trailer park across town.
he should have figured out a more subtle way of getting here, Steve realizes wryly, when he pulls up in his signature BMW. his car might be worth more than some of these trailers, and if some patrol officer swings by it'll stick out like a sore thumb. well, too fucking late, Steve supposes. what the hell would it matter if they did? so he parks and strolls up to the trailer he is pretty sure is Eddie's. he should have confirmed that before he agreed to this, shouldn't he?
fortune favors the bold and Steve is confident enough in his ability to bullshit if he's got the wrong one. so he knocks. knocks again, impatient. stuffs his hands in his pockets and stares uncomfortably out into the dark like it might secretly have teeth. to be fair, Steve has found out that it does a little too often for his liking. is it that weird to be on edge? )
i am so very keen
Date: 2023-04-16 04:10 pm (UTC)besides, he's not an idiot. he doesn't truly believe in a million years that there's a single guy in Hawkins worth putting himself and his sexuality on the line for. no matter how attractive they may or may not be.
so, he pines from afar, and resolves himself to getting the fuck out of this town as soon as he graduates. so what if it happens to be taking a bit longer than he really meant to?
leaving Steve to his own devices, Eddie carries on with the day as if nothing unusual just happened. as if he hadn't just witnessed another side of Steve that caused his world to go a little off kilter. he's able to brush all thoughts of this encounter from his mind until ten o'clock rolls around and he realizes he needs to get ready for Steve's visit. which probably shouldn't require that much effort, but for some bizarre reason Eddie can't shake the desire to clear up what little mess there is and fuss over his own appearance, as if Steve would even care about it.
when Steve does eventually show up, Eddie is wearing a slightly tighter pair of pants, ripped at the knees, and a band tee that looks a little tighter around the chest. he's donning his denim vest sans leather jacket and his hair is pulled up in a loose ponytail, strands of hair framing his face, and he greets Steve with a manic grin. )
Ah, welcome to the Munson abode, come in, come in, lest you alert the entire trailer park to your presence. ( as if Steve hasn't already done so. but he still figures a little bit of discreetness was still necessary for the purpose of his visit. )
no subject
Date: 2023-04-30 10:57 pm (UTC)he flinches when the door opens, his hand dropping loosely. Steve never figured he'd be relieved to see Eddie "The Freak" Munson, but, here he is. it's weird how just seeing another face makes the shadows seem to recede a little. he was just being paranoid. all that shit is over with, done, the portal sealed up. the only thing left are the creepy crawly memories and Steve knows he isn't doing himself any favors getting stuck on them.
he steps past Eddie to the inside of the trailer, eyes doing a wide scan of the perimeter and fussing mildly with one of the coffee cups right by the door. weird, but somewhat charming. compared to his house, that still looks like it's staged to convince people to buy it. )
Worried about being seen with me, Munson? ( Steve asks, just to say something. shake off the weird discomfort that doesn't make any sense, really, even this isn't his part of town. he knows what Eddie meant — better if he's not spotted, considering the nature of his visit. there's still something funny (the bitter kind, more than the ha ha kind) that the anti establishment metalhead being concerned about being seen with him. just desserts or something, right? )
no subject
Date: 2023-05-10 01:25 pm (UTC)he rolls his eyes at Steve's words and leads him further into the trailer, grabbing his metal lunchbox from off the kitchen counter, along with his lighter, rolling papers, and a grinder. ) And here I figured you'd be the one worried about being seen with me.
Now, for the million dollar question, though. My uncle doesn't mind if we smoke while he's not around, so long as it's either outside or in my bedroom with a window cracked open. Your choice.
( if he's suddenly nervous at the thought of bringing Steve Harrington into his bedroom, even if it's just under the pretense of showing him how to roll a joint, well, he's trying to do his damnedest not to let it show. it's not like this is going to be a common occurrence, after all. after tonight he doubts he'll see Steve ever again, except for when he wants to restock. )
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Date: 2023-05-24 10:25 pm (UTC)Steve crosses his arms, glancing around the dimly lit accommodations. living room into kitchen into a straight shot to the rest of the trailer. lately his house has felt too big, like he's a ghost haunting it and he can't even make it to every room. but the trailer feels a little cramped and while Steve is pretty sure Eddie's uncle doesn't know his dad at all, he'd rather not be wrong and have this blow up in his face later. Wayne wouldn't be the first stranger that seemed to think they were obligated to inform his old man what he was up to. )
Your room, ( Steve decides, and if Eddie is nervous about having him in his bedroom, he shouldn't have given it as an option. that's on him! the ability to close a door and have some privacy trumps the weirdness of being in another guy's bedroom. and to be fair, back when Tommy wasn't insane, they'd hang out in his room. not that weird. right? )
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Date: 2023-06-03 07:33 pm (UTC)but first, things first. ) Please, make yourself at home, mi casa es su casa. ( he flashes a smile at Steve and settles down on the bed, spreading out all of his paraphernalia. ) Let's get started, shall we? This is what you're gonna want to use to grind the weed up so it's better for smoking.
( he holds up the small metal grinder, and shows Steve how to place the buds into the grinder and close the lid, how many twists it takes to get it into the right consistency. ) It takes a bit of practice and experimenting to figure out how fine you like it, but then you take your rolling paper like so, and fill it evenly. ( he demonstrates for Steve, before pinching the ends and rolling it up to secure it. ) Et voila, ready to smoke. Any questions before liftoff, captain?
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Date: 2023-07-02 10:31 pm (UTC)su casa es mi casa means he can help himself to the chair that seems to have been mostly neglected at Eddie's desk. seems slightly less weird than sitting on his bed. Steve perches on it backwards, elbow on the back and his head propped in his hand like he's a little bored. his body language conflicts with his expression, though, because he's definitely paying attention. he'd like to be self sufficient after this — and god knows he doesn't pick up anything quickly, so he really has gotta focus up. he doesn't say much, just listens. but it is somewhat of a relief Eddie doesn't treat it all like it's fucking obvious, when maybe it should be. Steve's smoked before, he's just ... never had to do this part. he'd hand off money and Tommy would show up with a joint and he got to take the credit without doing any of the leg work and it used to be as easy as that.
there are some parts of being king that are hard not to miss, even though he knows he's better off.
his hand droops away from his face and he straightens as Eddie asks if he has any questions. Captain? what the fuck? there's a crook of an amused look on his face. geez this guy is weird, but, weird isn't always bad. he's been learning that lately. goddamn Henderson, making geeks seem so tolerable! ) Nah, ( Steve says, and his lack of willingness to ask questions is probably why he is barely passing most of his classes, but right about now all he cares about is breaking even. if he's gotta fail a couple times in the privacy of his own home to roll a joint, he'll survive. he pads through his windbreaker to find his lighter, it makes a metallic zing through the air as he clicks the lid and underhand tosses it toward Eddie so he can get to the point already. the toss is pointedly slow, like maybe he does not trust Eddie can catch it otherwise. ) Where'd you learn all this shit?
( is that ... too bare a question to ask your drug dealer? haha. maybe. but he's sleepless and miserable, maybe that's a good excuse for prying. )
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Date: 2023-07-07 01:17 pm (UTC)but Steve, well. maybe Eddie should have still been resentful despite the fact that Harrington never joined in and actively bullied the nerd table, but he certainly was a passive bystander. maybe he should be thankful that it isn't so incredibly obvious to the average person why Eddie might be so forgiving. it would never occur to Steve that he might have more interest in him than meets the eye.
of course, he's nothing more than a drug dealer to Steve, so he puts the kibosh into that line of thought as quickly as he can. )
Yeah, uh, about that. ( he laughs, almost nervously. nobody has ever fucking asked him that before, and so naturally it takes Eddie by surprise. they all just assume he came out of his mother's womb armed with the knowledge. ) Surprised you don't know already. Thought that my origin story was plastered all across town. ( he dispenses with the cryptic talk when he realizes that he's likely done nothing more than just confuse Steve further. as cute as his puzzled look does, he has mercy on the poor guy, and clarifies. ) My old man. He, uh, he's the one who introduced me to the lovely world of drug dealing.
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Date: 2023-07-17 03:38 pm (UTC)having a reason for being awful doesn't really absolve one very much. motives don't just the means any more than the end. he got Byers a new camera and he'd sure as shit had his reasons for it, but Steve doesn't really blame the guy for not forgiving him. he can't much blame Nancy for giving up on him, either. he deserved it.
Steve can't quite guess why Eddie isn't being more of a dick to him. maybe he figures he's got to stay in good graces of a potential customer. or maybe he's just not as big of a dick as all the people Steve is used to hanging out with. Eddie has the reputation of being too much and disliking sports and liking things most people don't. wasn't too long ago Steve was happy to take public perception as fact. it is only recently he's learning to look beyond that. he's not exactly good at it yet. but it isn't lost on him that Eddie is not what he thought he would be. )
Your old man. ( Steve ... is not sure what answer he was expecting. was he expecting an answer?? but whatever he was thinking, it sure wasn't that. ) Shit. ( this is an umbrella term to describe how that's kind of fucked up, and that he feels a little bad for asking, and is somewhat sympathetic all at once. )
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Date: 2023-07-26 12:09 pm (UTC)( he laughs derisively as he pointedly ignores any brushing of fingers that might happen during the handoff. he's heard well enough about the kinds of words Steve hurled at Byers the week after the two had their altercation in the alleyway, when Harrington reappeared at school with a black eye and a lack of lackeys at his side. and yet, the version of Steve that's right here in front of him, about to share a joint, couldn't be further from the King Steve he's used to. )
Anyway, it's fine now, I'm gonna graduate, first of the family, and show this town I'm worth more than my dear old dad.
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Date: 2023-09-05 03:18 am (UTC)while Steve may not have experience with... any other part of smoking, until tonight, he at least has experience lighting a joint. he's picky about the cherry, takes his time. there's a satisfaction in the burn across the back of his throat, it feels like relief when he breathes out the cloying smoke above his head. Eddie might just assume he checked out in the ritual of a first drag, but when he comes to he notes, ) You graduate this year too, huh?
( it is obvious, on paper, that Eddie is graduating this year. besides the fact Steve is pretty sure he was also supposed to graduate last year. it is something they have in common that he hadn't bothered to think about, though. graduation is the only goalpost in his life to keep slogging towards. for a bit there he'd felt sorry enough for himself that the idea of flunking out didn't bother him at all. since then his face has healed up and he knows how stupid that would be. so he's trying to put the pieces back together again, now, though his grades sure as shit aren't great now that he can't study with Nancy anymore. he suspects he'll make it just by the skin of his teeth, but for right now that'll have to be good enough. )
Here's to the class of '85, then. ( he offers the joint back, finally. without a hint of nerves, either. it isn't the first joint he's shared, it doesn't occur to him to feel weird about it. )
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