Chapters: 12/?Fandom: Stranger Things (TV 2016)Rating: Explicit Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships:

Chapters: 12/? Fandom: Stranger Things (TV 2016) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson Characters: Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington, Dustin Henderson, Nancy Wheeler, Robin Buckley, Wayne Munson Additional Tags: Steve Harrington Has a Crush on Eddie Munson, Canonical Character Death, Grief/Mourning, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Bisexual Eddie Munson Summary:

Heavy smut warning

Forbidden Love Part Nine

Steve ended up staying an entire week at Eddie's. Borrowing his clothes, which he very much loved because they smelled like him. He even wore them to work and Robin was ecstatic, happy that Steve had found someone he was truly happy with. For now he still had his car and money, and he assumed it was because his parents were working on a way to make him marry this Marissa girl. Well Steve wouldn't have it. 

It was a Sunday morning and Steve was just starting to wake up. Eddie's arms were wrapped around him from behind, his chest flush against Steve's back and their legs tangled together. He could tell Eddie was awake, because his thumb was tracing lazy circles on Steve's lower belly, and it was sending heat straight to his dick.

Emitting a low groan, he pressed against Eddie, shifting his hips so his ass would grind against Eddie's groin. Eddie's arms tightened around him, dropping kisses to Steve's bare shoulder.

"Baby, if you keep doing that I'm gonna wanna fuck you," Eddie whispered in Steve's ear, his hand now trailing down to the waistband of Steve's boxers, teasing. Not quite sliding in, but playing with the little happy trail. 

Steve groaned again, pressing harder against Eddie, who was rock hard now. Eddie started sucking and nibbling on every inch of Steve's skin that he could find, his throat, his shoulder, his back. And his hand slid further down, finding Steve's erection and wrapping his hand around it, squeezing gently and giving it a few pumps.

"Please Eddie."

Eddie's lips curved into a smirk.

"Please what baby? If you want me to do something, you have to beg for it."

"Please fuck me. I want to feel you, I want you inside me, please."

Steve could hear the desperation in his own voice, but he wanted to feel all of Eddie, he wanted to be brought to the height of pleasure. Eddie pulled his hand away and Steve whined at the loss of touch. A chuckle escaped Eddie's throat. 

"Don't worry baby, I have lots planned for you."

He took Steve's boxers and slid them off, licking his lips at the sight of Steve's perfectly curved ass. He gave each cheek a squeeze and a kiss before he dove right in, working his magical tongue around Steve's hole. 

Steve's body jerked, a moan escaping at the new sensation. He knew the wonders Eddie's mouth could do. Without pulling away from Steve, Eddie reached over and grabbed his bottle of lube, squeezing a generous amount onto his fingers. He worked his tongue, like a man starved until Steve was whimpering and writhing, then pulled away.

"No touching yourself, not yet baby," Eddie instructed. With his lubed up fingers, he gently pressed them into Steve's hole, one finger at a time to ease him open. Steve was clutching the sheets now, groaning and whimpering as Eddie's fingers teased and stroked and played with him.

When he was satisfied, he added a third finger, curling them up to hit that sweet spot that had Steve writhing and gasping his name, and then yet again, begging to be fucked. Pulling his fingers away, Eddie slid his boxers off, put on a condom and shifted Steve so that he was lying on his back. 

He applied a little more lube, wanting this to be as pleasurable as possible for Steve. Then he hooked his hands under Steve's knees, pulling his legs up and around his waist to give him the perfect access, and he lined himself up with Steve's hole.

"You ready baby?"

Steve was already nodding 

"Please. Please Eddie, I need you."

Eddie leaned down and kissed him, hard.

"Fuck, I love it when you beg. When you say my name. I want to see how many sounds I can bring out of you."

Eddie slowly eased inside, groaning at how hot and tight Steve was. When he bottomed out, he waited to let Steve adjust, waited for the nod of confirmation. And then he was moving, a slow pace at first until Steve was urging him to go faster and harder.

He picked up the pace, Steve trying to match Eddie's thrusts, impaling himself on Eddie's cock. A quick change of angle and Eddie was hitting Steve's prostate, his hips snapping against his ass. And Steve was loud. Responsive. Clutching at the sheets, loud moans, Eddie's name falling from his lips.

Eddie continued his thrusts, hitting that same spot again that had Steve nearly screaming from pleasure and Eddie's mouth trailed over every inch of skin, licking, sucking, kissing, biting, leaving marks all over his body. Steve's cock was rock hard, the tip flushed red and leaking precum.

"You can touch yourself now."

Eddie's voice trailed off in a low groan, because Steve didn't even let him finish before he was stroking himself and getting himself off. And with just a few more thrusts, they both came together, a long drawn out moan escaping Eddie and Steve's mouth open in a silent scream, his body convulsing from the sheer pleasure.

They rode out their orgasms together before Eddie slowly pulled out, drawing a whine from Steve that Eddie drank down with a hungry kiss. And then he was praising Steve, telling him how good he was, how much he loved watching Steve come apart. And Steve was glowing at the praise.

Eddie discarded the condom and got up, grabbing a washcloth to clean themselves, before laying back down and wrapping Steve in his arms, stealing kisses until their lips were melded together in slow, languid kisses.

"I love you Eddie. I love you so fucking much."

Steve's fingers were tangled in Eddie's hair, twisting and playing with the curls. And Eddie's heart fluttered, his belly erupted in butterflies. Because those words were everything Eddie wanted to hear. He blinked back his tears and stole a long and deep kiss from Steve.

"I love you too sweetheart."

And together they relaxed and fell back asleep.

Grief

Steve had always considered himself a straight man. He knew Eddie wasn't straight, the man had been constantly flirting with him over the last week and he wasn't exactly shy about it. He wasn't exactly sure if Eddie was gay or bisexual, but he did know that Eddie wasn't straight. And Steve. Well, amid the Upside Down and trying to keep Max alive and figuring out Vecna and what to do, had been having a sexuality crisis. Because like it or not, he found Eddie attractive.

Eddie had an infenctious energy, and despite everything the man had been through he kept a smile on his face, the one that showcased his cute little dimples, the one that lit up his whole face, that made his beautiful chocolate brown eyes sparkle with amusement and excitement. And Eddie's flirtation had been heavy. And admittedly, Steve couldn't bring himself to put an end to the flirting, and maybe he'd flirted back a little. Eddie was beautiful, Steve couldn't deny it. More often than not, he was finding excuses to talk to Eddie, excuses to touch Eddie, excuse to look at Eddie. Specifically excuses to stare at Eddie's lips.

His entire conversation where Eddie had encouraged him to get Nancy back had barely even been registered because he couldn't stop staring at Eddie's lips. They were soft, pink and full, the kind of lips that looked like they would be heaven to kiss. And thinking back, this wasn't the first time that he'd wanted to kiss a man, though he'd pushed those feelings aside as quick as they came.

Sure, there had been a brief moment when Tommy Hagan was beating the shit out of him, that he'd wanted to kiss him. And maybe back then Steve would've been a bit homophobic. But then he met Robin, and she became his best friend, and he'd grown as a person, he became an ally. There was a brief moment where he'd even wanted to kiss Jonathon Byers, because despite how they'd started out, Byers was a good guy.

Then there was Billy. Billy Hargrove who was wild and untamed and yes. Attractive. And he'd called him King Steve, and he'd be lying if he said that didn't do something to him. And now there was Eddie. Eddie who was also a little wild and chaotic, but not in a bad way. In an adorable way, and Steve never thought he would find himself calling Eddie Munson of all people, adorable. But he was. Adorable, pretty, beautiful. Gorgeous even.

And this is how Steve got to where he was now. He'd mulled over his feelings, his thoughts, and he'd come to the conclusion, that while he wasn't straight, he wasn't gay either. He was in between. Bisexual. Eddie looked just as pretty as ever, his bandana wrapped around his head, his trademark black ripped jeans with a studded belt, an army green puffy vest thrown over his black leather jacket and his Hellfire Club shirt, and the makeshift shield and spear settled on his back.

"Hey, if anything goes south, I mean at all. You abort. Ok? Don't try to be cute or. Be a hero. You guys are just...."

"Decoys, we know. Don't worry Steve. You can be the hero," Dustin says, cutting him off.

"Absolutely, I mean look at us. We are nooooooot hero's," Eddie replied.

"Ok. Good."

Steve couldn't resist a glance at Eddie. Taking him all in, definitely checking him out, before he knew he had to go. So reluctantly he turned around. Before he could take a step, he heard Eddie step forward.

"Hey Steve?"

Steve turned back around, eyes locking on Eddie, who looked nervous, like he wanted to say something but ultimately decided not to and said something else.

"Make him pay."

Steve gave a nod and started walking away. And then his heart started pounding, something told him that he should take his chance now or he would regret it later.

"Steve, what are you doing?" Nancy says when Steve turned around, yet again.

But Steve ignored her, and with enough courage and confidence as he could muster he strode right up to Eddie, grabbed him by his jacket to pull him in. And kissed him. Eddie's lips were exactly what Steve imagined they would be, better even.

He could faintly hear the surprise of Dustin, Nancy and Robin and for a brief moment Eddie was frozen, but then he was kissing him back, his hands finding Steve's own jacket to tug him closer. It wasn't a long kiss, but it was everything Steve needed. He hadn't read it wrong, the flirting had been real, and the kiss had honestly felt like coming home, a sensation that was new to Steve, but very welcome. Steve gently broke the kiss.

"Stay alive ok?"

Eddie gave a nod, his adam's apple bobbing slightly.

"You too."

Finally they let go of each other and Steve left with Nancy and Robin to go to the Creel house.

(Just a little snippet from a one shot I posted on Wattpad. I haven't seen anyone put this into a scene and I've had this idea for a few days so I finally wrote it down. I might put ir up on AO3 but for now I'll give you this little snippet and post the Wattpad link for the rest of the one shot. If you guys want to request a Steddie one shot feel free to let me know and I'll write one up for you)

(Wattpad link) https://www.wattpad.com/story/366228702?utm_source=android&utm_medium=link&utm_content=story_info&wp_page=story_details_button&wp_uname=KristyBear21

Chapters: 13/? Fandom: Stranger Things (TV 2016) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson Characters: Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington, Dustin Henderson, Nancy Wheeler, Robin Buckley, Wayne Munson Additional Tags: Steve Harrington Has a Crush on Eddie Munson, Canonical Character Death, Grief/Mourning, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Bisexual Eddie Munson Summary:

Smut Warning

Forbidden Love Part Ten

With Steve's relationship blooming beautifully and having come out to his friends and parents, he was ready to let go of his past and embark on a new journey inofe. One with Eddie. Steve was the happiest he'd ever been. A beautiful and loving relationship, good friends. He felt weightless, happy. His life was exactly what he wanted it to be. 

Eddie had gone with Steve back to his parents place so Steve could pack his things and move into Eddie's trailer. When they entered the house, Steve's parents were sitting on the couch, along with a very pretty blonde haired blue eyed girl. And despite how pretty she was, Steve's eyes did not linger. He felt nothing towards her.

He knew that she must be Marissa. There was also some papers sitting on the coffee table. The second his father caught sight of Eddie, his face turned red with anger. Not only because Eddie Munson of all people was in his house, but because Steve had recently told them he was in a relationship with a man. He didn't know how much Marissa knew but he didn't feel the need to hide.

"Hey, Eds, can you wait for me upstairs?"

"Course."

Eddie gave his hand a squeeze before disappearing up the stairs. Steve then rounded on his parents, arms crossed.

"I'm not staying long. Just getting my things. You can keep the car."

"You're not going anywhere Steven," his mother says pursing her lips.

"This is a marriage license. There won't be a grand wedding. But you and Marissa are getting married. Right here. Right now," his father says.

Steve sucks in a breath.

"Yeah, no. Sorry Marissa, I don't know you, And you're probably lovely, but I said no to this from the beginning. So if you don't mind, I'm gonna go help my boyfriend pack my things."

"Wait, you're gay?" Marissa says.

"Bisexual. I like both. But I'm dating a guy. And I have no plans to end said relationship, because I'm quite happy."

"If you even think of touching each other in an inappropriate way..." His father says but Steve cut him off.

"Yeah that ship has sailed. We've sucked each others dicks and he's fucked me. Sorry I'm not the perfect son you wanted. Sorry that I'm fucking queer. But I finally feel like myself. This is who I've always been. It's just. Out in the open now."

Eddie must have been rubbing off on him, because Steve was never this confident when it came to standing up to his parents. And he was proud of himself. Terrified still, but proud of himself. 

"Marissa has already signed it. And so will you," his mother says pushing the paper and pen towards him.

"Or what?" Steve challenges.

"Or we tell the police about Eddie's. Illegal activities."

Steve's heart dropped. He didn't want to lose Eddie, and he knew that if he got caught, he'd go to jail. But Steve wasn't going to back down. He was going to stay true to himself and protect Eddie at the same time.

"The whole town already knows about his dealings. But if you rat him out. That means you have to rat me out. Because I accompany his deals, make a few of my own," Steve lied through his teeth.

"And we all know that would tear down the Harrington image you've so carefully crafted together. So," Steve says picking up the paper. And then he rips it.

"You won't be telling anyone shit. And I won't be marrying Marissa. Have a good day!" He says with an Eddie Munson like smile.

Then he was climbing the stairs. The second he reached the top Eddie was pressing him against the wall, eyes dark with lust.

"That was so fucking hot. The way you stood up for yourself, so confident, the way you backed them into a corner, protected me. So fucking hot."

Steve grinned.

"You can thank yourself for rubbing off on me."

Eddie's own grin appeared and then he was kissing Steve, hard and hungry, hands tangled in each others hair, groans escaping and tongues, lips and teeth clashing together. Vaguely, Steve registered that Eddie was guiding him to his bedroom. A suitcase was sitting on his bed half packed, clothes and toiletries spilled about the room.

Eddie kicked the door shut, and slid down to his knees, bringing Steve's jeans and boxers down with him. Steve threaded his fingers through Eddie's curls and gripped as Eddie wasted no time taking him into his mouth. Steve didn't bother to keep quiet. Eddie's mouth and tongue was too good, hot and wet, licking and sucking and Steve was seeing stars.

Steve knew he wasn't going to last long, not this time. With a gutteral groan he was tugging on Eddie's hair and spilling down his throat. Eddie's mouth worked him until he was oversensitive and whimpering. Then he pulled away with a smirk and fixed Steve's clothes. Standing up, they stole a few lingering kisses before they finished packing.

Then they were bounding down the stairs, Eddie leading him by the hand, stupid grins on their faces. Reentering the living room he could see the looks of shock and disgust on his parents faces. Marissa seemed more embarrassed than anything. Right. He hadn't been quiet. And he couldn't help but grin again.

Then he was tugging Eddie close and kissing him, right there in front of his parents. And Eddie was grinning into the kiss. They finally pulled away when they needed air and Steve shot a salute to his parents. 

"See you never!"

And then they were out the door and in Eddie's van, his bag tossed to the back. And once they were on the road, Steve shifted in his seat, sliding further down. Eddie's eyes flicked over to watch him.

"What are you doing?"

Steve grinned.

"Returning the favor."

He winked and then he was undoing Eddie's belt and jeans. Eddie sucked in a breath, gripping the steering wheel tighter.

"Baby, I am not gonna last long if you're giving me car head."

Steve grinned again, freeing Eddie's achingly hard cock.

"Don't care. Wanna make you feel good."

Eddie went to say something but it was quickly cut off with a groan when he felt Steve's mouth on him. He gripped the steering wheel, trying to stay steady as he drove, while Steve sucked him off. One hand held onto the steering wheel, his eyes staying trained on the road and the other hand gripped at Steve's hair.

He could feel his orgasm quickly approaching, and curses fell from his lips, his hips jerking on instinct to fuck into Steve's mouth. And then he was cumming, hot and thick down Steve's throat who drank it all up.

When Steve pulled back with an obscene sound, he was licking his lips, and Eddie almost came again right on the spot.

"Fuck, that was so hot."

His voice was raspy as he spoke, and Steve was fixing him up, grinning at him. His cheeks were flushed, he looked like he was in bliss and he was smiling. 

"You got me off. Wanted to get you off too."

Eddie's heart melted, because Steve cared about Eddie's desires just as much as his own.

"I fucking love you."

Steve's smile was soft and adoring.

"I love you too."

He stole a few quick kisses from Eddie, feeling nothing but love and adoration for the beautiful wild haired man and they were both smiling now.

(And that's it. A short ten chapter fic that at some point soon I'll put into it's own book)

Chapters: 10/? Fandom: Stranger Things (TV 2016) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson Characters: Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington, Dustin Henderson, Nancy Wheeler, Robin Buckley, Wayne Munson Additional Tags: Steve Harrington Has a Crush on Eddie Munson, Canonical Character Death, Grief/Mourning, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Bisexual Eddie Munson Summary:

For mature audiences, light smut warning

Forbidden Love Part Seven

It had been three months since Steve and Eddie had first started spending time together. Their sexual tension was thick but so was the affection they had for each other. Even though it had only been three months, Steve had tumbled, head over heels. Eddie was everything he could've ever wanted. Sweet, kind, compassionate, affectionate, loving. 

They'd really opened up to each other, they knew each other like the back of their hands now. They hadn't kissed or had sex yet, but Steve was there now. All he could think about was taking what they had to the next level. Physical. And hopefully, more than just sex. He wanted a relationship. And he was starting to get antsy about coming out. He at least wanted to come out to his friends. Start there.

It was a Saturday night and Eddie was over. Another date, though this one was in the comfort of Steve's kitchen, attempting to do some baking together. Which had really just ended up with a half made pie that wasn't ready to be put in the oven yet and them playing around. They were laughing now, Eddie's beautiful eyes dancing with amusement, happiness. There was a small streak of flour on Eddie's cheek and Steve loved it. In this moment, the world fell away, and all he saw was Eddie.

"You have something on your cheek."

They were both smiling, warm and affectionate, and Steve licked his thumb, reaching out and gently wiping off the flour. Eddie's eyes tracked his every movement, growing darker and the tension in the air thickened. Steve's chest tightened, his belly erupting in butterflies. Eddie reached out, hooking a finger through one of Steve's belt loops, tugging him close. His free hand tangled in Steve's hair. 

And then they were kissing. Finally. It was slow and sweet, just a taste. Steve completely melted into the kiss, his hands finding Eddie's waist and desperately tugging him even closer. Both of them were rock hard now and a groan escaped from Eddie's throat. The kiss deepened, Eddie's tongue darting out to drag across Steve's bottom lip.

Steve gave in, granting access and Eddie swept his tongue in, exploring and tasting every inch of Steve's mouth. Eddie pushed their bodies until Steve's back was pressed against the counter, pulling away from the kiss and teeth nipping at Steve's bottom lip. Steve let out a soft whimper and then Eddie was kissing down his jaw and throat, finding one of Steve's moles and sucking, licking, nipping.

Steve's own groan escaped, Eddie's name coming out in a breathless whisper. And Eddie was smiling against his skin, pulling back to look at Steve. Eddie slid down to his knees, kneeling in front of Steve and looked up at him through his beautiful long lashes. And that one look, with Eddie on his knees in front of him, tongue darting out to lick his lips, had Steve weak in the knees, another whimper escaping.

"Can I?"

Steve knew what Eddie was asking for and he was desperate to have Eddie's mouth on him, desperate for release. He nodded.

"Yes. Please."

Eddie's lips curved into a smirk. He liked the idea of Steve begging but he would save that for another time. For now he just wanted to make Steve feel good. They would explore later. He undid Steve's jeans, sliding them down along with his boxers until his erection sprang free, the tip already flushed pink and leaking precum.

Eddie groaned at the sight before licking it up just to taste him. Steve's hips jerked, his flesh already sensitive and chasing that sensation, his hands gripping the counter so tight his knuckles turned white. And then Eddie's mouth was on him, hot and wet, soft lips wrapped around his length, dragging his tongue along the vein and sucking. His hand was wrapped around the base, the metal of his rings cool against Steve's heated skin.

Steve's hand flew into Eddie's hair, gripping tightly as he let his head fall back, his eyes fluttering shut and a moan escaping. Eddie set to work, and his mouth was magic. Thumb stroking the underside of Steve's length, tongue swirling around the head of his cock, lips dragging up and down the flesh as he worked his mouth, hand gently squeezing and twisting at the base.

And Steve was a moaning, whimpering, writhing mess. Eddie's name fell from his lips like a prayer, hand gently tugging on Eddie's curls, which pulled a groan from Eddie. And the vibration went straight to Steve's dick, heat coiling in his lower belly. He could feel his orgasm coming, knew that if Eddie kept this up he wasn't gonna last much longer. Eddie's mouth and hand was just too damn good. 

"Fuck. Eddie I'm gonna...."

He tried to warn Eddie, but his voice broke off into a moan when Eddie deepthroated him, his tip hitting the back of Eddie's throat. His hips jerked again, his orgasm tearing through him, hot cum spilling into Eddie's mouth. His world became fuzzy and all he could feel was sheer bliss. Eddie swallowed every last drop, dragging his tongue across Steve's flesh again until Steve was whimpering because of the over sensitivity. Finally Eddie pulled his mouth away and Steve lifted his head to look down at Eddie.

"Fuck, that was incredible."

His chest was heaving and Eddie was smirking as he hiked Steve's boxers and jeans back up and fixed them.

"You're so fucking beautiful when you cum for me." 

Eddie's voice was deeper now, huskier, thick with lust. And Steve loved that sound. It was the sexiest sound he'd ever heard. Eddie stood up, pressing kisses along Steve's throat, where a hickey was already blooming, dark and purple. Steve groaned softly.

"I want to make you feel good too."

Eddie smiled softly.

"I'll be just fine baby."

Steve's knees almost buckled at the beautiful pet name. 

"Please Eddie. I want to." 

Steve could feel how hard Eddie was and he wanted to bring him pleasure, just like Eddie had done for him. He cupped Eddie's length, palming him through his jeans and Eddie groaned.

"Fuck baby, you're so hard to resist when you touch me like that."

"So don't resist."

Another groan escaped from Eddie and Steve undid his belt and jeans, sliding them down. Eddie's length was revealed and he was an impressive size. Eddie's cock was throbbing, aching, the cool air sensitive against his skin. And then Steve was touching him, his thumb dragging across the slit, gathering up the precum. He wanted to taste Eddie, just a little, and he licked it up from his thumb, groaning at the taste.

He started with gentle strokes, fingertips gliding across the flesh, sending shivers down Eddie's spine. Then he was gripping Eddie's length and pumping him, torturously slow until Eddie was groaning. Then he was sliding down to his knees, taking Eddie in his mouth to return the favor. He'd never sucked dick before, but he'd taken note of everything Eddie had done, and wanted to bring him the same amount of pleasure. 

And he did, working his mouth and hand until Eddie was spilling down his throat, groans and whimpers filling the air. Steve pulled away when Eddie grew oversensitive, fixing his clothes and standing up. And Eddie was pulling him into a desperate and hungry kiss, tasting himself on Steve's tongue.

And Steve knew that wherever Eddie was, is where he wanted to be. They pulled back for air, before diving in again, these kisses were slower, sweeter, more affectionate, Eddie's fingers dragging through Steve's hair. Steve wanted to bask in this moment and so he did. Because Eddie was the first person he was kissing just for the simple fact that he wanted to. He was addicted to Eddie's lips, he was addicted to Eddie. And he knew there was no going back now. Eddie was the only thing he wanted.

Chapters: 15/? Fandom: Stranger Things (TV 2016) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson Characters: Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington, Dustin Henderson, Nancy Wheeler, Robin Buckley, Wayne Munson Additional Tags: Steve Harrington Has a Crush on Eddie Munson, Canonical Character Death, Grief/Mourning, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Bisexual Eddie Munson Summary:

Decided to do a Steddie one shot. Might do more, requests are open if you'd like me to make one for you

Watching Over You

Eddie Munson had died in the Upside Down. He'd sacrificed his own life to save all of Hawkins. The poor 20 year old who was still a high school senior had watched two people die a gruesome death by the hand of Vecna and had been blamed for all the killings. Hawkins thought he was a murderer. A Freak. A Satanist. A cultist. A devil worshipper. But Eddie was far from those things. He was wild and chaotic and untamed, but in the best way. He was a flirty touchy-feely man but he was the funniest and sweetest person that Steve had ever met. 

And Eddie was a true gentleman. Always opening doors for people and when they'd gotten into the boat he'd held out his hands for Nancy to help her in. He had a beautiful laugh and a charming, crooked dimpled smile that would light up his whole face. Eddie was beautiful. So utterly beautiful. 

Even though Eddie had been on the run, accused of comitting murders that Vecna had actually done, he stayed true to himself. Wild and free, the most incredible person Steve had ever met. Eddie and Steve had spent that week fighting off Vecna along with Nancy, Robin, Max, Lucas, Dustin and Erica. And Eddie had died.

Ever the selfless man, he'd sacrificed his own life to save an entire town that hated him. And throughout that week of fighting Vecna, not only had Steve had a sexuality crisis and figured out he was bisexual, but he'd fallen head over heels in love with Eddie. Eddie was the complete opposite of Steve. A metalhead, a drug dealer and a man who loved D&D. But he was opposite in the best way.

Eddie Munson's death had hit Steve hard. He, Nancy and Robin had left the Upside Down's version of the Creel House and went back to Eddie's trailer only to find Dustin on the ground where a huge swarm of bats was littered all around him, dead on the ground. And Eddie's unmoving body cradled in Dustin's lap. 

Dustin was only 14, a freshman in high school. And he'd seen a lot of horrifying Upside Down related things throughout his young life. But nothing could compare to the 14 year old holding his best friend Eddie in his arms while he died. Watching his best friend die in his arms.

When Steve had registered that Eddie was dead in Dustin's arms, he'd wanted to cry and scream and punch something. He'd never gotten the chance to tell Eddie he loved him. Hell, he'd never even gotten the chance to tell anyone that he was bisexual. He was still a closeted queer. But instead he remained strong for everyone else. Didn't cry. didn't show his feelings. They couldn't take Eddie's body back to the real world, so they'd left him there.

And Steve had hated that. But before they'd left, Steve had taken one of Eddie's rings to keep. He already had Eddie's denim vest because Eddie had given it to him earlier in the week to wear when Steve didn't have a shirt. He would keep the vest. But he'd wanted just one more thing of Eddie's.

After defeating Vecna and going back to the real Hawkins, Eddie had been announced on the news as still a suspect for all the killings, still a murderer, but also missing and presumed dead. There had been a small funeral for Eddie's uncle Wayne and Eddie's friends to mourn him, the people who loved Eddie and truly knew that Eddie was a beautiful and kind soul that could never hurt anyone.

And Steve had very quickly and very insistently offered to pay for the headstone and burial plot in the cemetery. He'd cried at that funeral, finally breaking down. He'd sobbed and he couldn't stop. He'd never cried that much before. He'd taken Eddie's ring and put it on a chain to wear around his neck and he would never take it off.

That was his tether to Eddie. His piece of Eddie, even though Eddie was gone. Eddie's uncle Wayne was a kind older man and he'd sobbed just as much as Steve had. Wayne had loved his nephew like his own son and Eddie's death was devastating to him. But he'd stopped crying long before Steve had. When Steve and Wayne were the only two left at Eddie's grave, Steve still sobbing and clutching tightly to that ring dangling from the chain around his neck, Wayne approached him, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

"It's alright son. You can let it out," Wayne whispered kindly in Steve's ear, his voice heavy with sympathy and grief as he stood beside the broken hearted 19 year old at Eddie's grave site. And eventually, slowly but surely Steve stopped crying and began to calm down. 

"Did you know? That Eddie was. Was gay?"

"Boy, everybody knew. It's why they called him a Freak. But Eddie was my boy. And I loved him all the same. Always will."

Steve looked up at Wayne, his eyes filled with tears and gratitude for the old man's acceptance. 

"He was so beautiful," he said softly, a small smile tugging at his lips as memories of Eddie began to flood him again. 

"And kind... And sweet..." 

His voice trailed off and he closed his eyes, taking in a deep shaky breath. 

"I'm bisexual. Basically means I like both genders. I didn't. I didn't know. Until I met Eddie. And he'd pushed me up against the wall. And then he was. Always smiling, always laughing, touchy, flirty, calling me things like big boy and I. I figured it out." 

Steve hadn't come out to anyone yet but he felt safe coming out to Wayne. If Wayne could love Eddie even though Eddie was gay then he was safe coming out to Wayne.

"You loved him," Wayne said simply.

Steve opened his eyes slowly, looking over at Wayne who seemed to understand him perfectly. He felt a sudden calm wash over him, knowing that someone got it. Someone knew what he was going through and didn't judge him or Eddie for it. 

"I loved him," Steve whispered again, before breaking down into more sobs.

"You still love him?" Wayne asked gently.

Steve looked over at Wayne again, his eyes filled with pain but also love. He nodded solemnly, the tears still falling from his cheeks in a constant stream. 

"Yes," He choked out between sobs before turning back to Eddie's grave once more. 

"I always will," he whispered into the earth as another wave of grief hit him hard.

"Good. Eddie deserved that kind of love. In a place that hates him, don't ever let go of that love for him. He might be gone, but he still needs it."

"I won't," Steve promised firmly as he turned back to Wayne one last time, giving him a small nod before getting into his car and driving away. He would miss Eddie every day but he wouldn't let go of the love they shared. It was too precious and special to ever be forgotten.

For weeks after Eddie's funeral Steve stayed at home, curled up in his bed and crying, clutching that ring, clutching Eddie's denim vest. Slowly but surely Steve's grief turned into a numbness. It was as if his feelings had been pushed so far down that he could hardly feel anything. His depression began to settle in, taking hold of him in ways he hadn't experienced before. Days bled into nights and nights into days.

One particular night he was curled up in his bed, clutching Eddie's denim vest tightly to his chest. His tears had dried out by now and he was curled up in the fetal position just staring at the wall. But just then, he could feel it. A light breeze drifting over a strand of his hair, as if someone was trying to tuck the hair out of his face. But there was no one there, just a gentle cold touch. And there was no window open, no A/C going.

Steve shivered at the touch, not quite sure what to make of it. But he couldn't deny that the gentle caress felt oddly comforting. As if Eddie was trying to reach out from beyond the grave, telling him everything would be okay. That gentle touch was there again, a little cold breeze, this time drifting over his cheek.

Steve opened his eyes slowly, looking around the room. He couldn't see anyone but there was no denying that cold breeze had touched him again.

"Eddie?" Steve whispered softly into the darkness.

As soon as he spoke Eddie's name, there was that gentle cold touch again, this one drifting over his chest, right on the spot where his heart lay. And it lingered there for a moment.

Steve buried his face deeper into Eddie's denim vest, crying more tears of comfort and longing. He didn't know if he was truly feeling Eddie's touch or if it was just a figment of his imagination but it made him feel less alone. Less hopeless.

As he cried into Eddie's vest something else happened. That cold breeze wasn't touching him anymore but he could feel it right next to him. And then something he never thought he'd hear again. Eddie's voice. Not too deep, not too high, low and soft, like a blanket of velvet that wraps around you. The most beautiful voice Steve had ever heard. 

"Crying over little ol' me?"

Steve gasped as he lifted his head, turning to look beside him. And there Eddie sat. He looked so real, leaning back on his hands that were pressed into the mattress, his lips curved into that beautiful soft smile. He was wearing his usual look except for the denim vest and leather jacket. He looked perfect, just as beautiful as ever. 

"Is this. Are you. Really here?"

Eddie smiled again, soft and sweet as he shook his head. 

"Afraid not sweet boy. Just a wandering spirit. Ghost if you will." 

And even as a spirit, Eddie was completely himself. Witty and charming, always making light of everything and definitely flirty.

Steve's heart raced wildly. He couldn't quite believe that Eddie was there. 

"Why are you here?" Steve managed to stammer out through the tears and emotion choking him. 

"Why me? Of all people."

Eddie reached out then. And though he couldn't touch Steve, there was that gentle cold breeze, brushing the hair out of Steve's face. 

"Because you need me the most "

Steve looked up into Eddie's beautiful smiling face, so grateful for this chance to see him. 

"Are you watching over me?" Steve asked, tears falling faster now. 

"Always sweetheart. I'll always be watching over you." 

Eddie's smile was soft, his voice filled with affection.

"I love you, Eddie," Steve whispered hoarsely as he looked at Eddie's ghostly form. He was no longer feeling so alone with this comforting promise from Eddie. For now he would cling onto the memory of their time together, holding it close as a source of solace until they could meet again properly.

Those words brought out, not one of Eddie's soft and sweet smiles, but one of Eddie's light up his face, wide, crooked and dimpled smiles. His most beautiful smile. 

"I know you do."

"Eddie, can...can you make it easier for me? To let go of the pain and sadness." 

Steve didn't know how to ask but Eddie had always seemed to understand him even without words. He needed help finding hope again.

"Sweetheart, that pain and sadness will never go away. And that's ok. I don't want it to go away. Without it, you'd forget me. And I don't want you to forget me. But it will get easier. Time will make it easier. You'll still have those bad days. Those days where you just want to curl up and cry. And you can have those days. You need those days. But you need to live too.

Go out there. Connect with your friends again, go back to work, follow whatever dream that you have. And whether you find someone to love or you don't, that's ok too. And maybe on my birthday make a cake and light a candle for me. I'll blow it out. To let you know that I'm still there. Still watching over you. Still loving you. And that I'm waiting for you."

Steve nodded slowly, soaking up the words. They made so much sense and yet they were difficult to accept. But Eddie had given him a way to deal with this pain and it was up to Steve now to take the first steps forward. 

"Thank you for everything Eddie."

Eddie smiled again. And he took Steve's hand, letting their fingers intertwine, though it was more like Steve was touching cold empty air. 

"Thank you for loving me, when I didn't think I deserved it."

"Always, Eddie. Always." 

Steve felt a warmth in his chest, the gentle comfort of Eddie's touch sending a wave of peace throughout him. For now that was enough. Just having this chance to say goodbye properly and to promise that he wouldn't forget him eased some of Steve's sorrow.

Eddie kissed him then, just a gentle brush of cold air against Steve's lips. Steve felt a lump in his throat, his eyes filling with tears as Eddie's spectral breath washed over his lips. It was the softest kiss he'd ever had, full of warmth and love even though it was from an ethereal form. 

"Goodbye Eddie."

Another sweet smile. 

"Goodbye sweet boy. I'll see you soon." 

And then Eddie was gone, fading into nothing but air. Steve lay there for a while longer, lost in the memories of Eddie. The comforting touch that had filled him with warmth was now gone, replaced by cold emptiness. 

He wiped his tears and slowly got off the bed, making his way to the window to look out at Hawkins night sky - it'd be a new beginning from tonight onwards.

Steve never found another person to love. Eddie had been the one for him. But he'd picked himself up, moved forward. Started going back to work, being with his friends again. And living life and being with them helped eased the ache. He never took off Eddie's ring that hung on the chain around his neck. 

He would always find a way to wear Eddie's denim vest in his outfit. He didn't care that people ridiculed him for wearing Eddie's vest when everybody thought Eddie was a murderer. Steve would go on dates and sometimes they would end in a one night stand, because honestly he still needed sex. He did it with men and women, but no one could take Eddie's place in his heart. 

He didn't want to love anyone else, and so he didn't. He never married, never dated. He did adopt two beautiful children because he'd always wanted to be a father. And he told his children stories about Eddie, that if Eddie had been alive he would be their other dad. He made sure his children knew who Eddie was. 

He was an incredible father and they gave him happiness and joy and helped ease the pain of Eddie's death. And every year on Eddie's birthday he would make a cake and light a candle. And he would tell his children to wait and watch. And then a cold gentle breeze would blow out that candle, to let Steve know that Eddie was still there. 

Still watching over him. Still loving him. Still waiting for him. And then they would eat the cake and Steve would tuck his children into bed. And then he would cry, clutching that ring and kissing it.

And as the years went by, Steve grew into an elderly man. The pain of Eddie's death never fully faded but it became easier to bear - a part of him now. 

He was filled with a mix of memories - both sad and happy ones, all entwined in each other like strands in a tapestry telling his story. He was on his deathbed now. He hadn't seen Eddie since that first night a few weeks after Eddie's death.

But as Steve lay there in the hospital bed, his now grown adult children and his beautiful little grandchildren sleeping around the room, Eddie was there. A soft smile. Steve looked over, spotting a glimmer of light in the corner of his room. There stood Eddie, looking as stunning as ever even though he wasn't solid anymore. His eyes filled with tears at the sight. Eddie looked exactly the same. He wasn't elderly, he was his 20 year old self. Same outfit.

"Hi sweet boy."

"Eddie," Steve whispered, feeling an overwhelming mix of emotions. His eyes were wet with tears. He tried to sit up slightly.

"Shh, don't try to move," Eddie says softly as he came over to stand beside him.

"Eddie, I've missed you so much," he breathed out quietly.

"I know love. And you've done so well all these years."

"But I'm tired Eddie. I can't go on without you anymore " Steve whispered painfully.

"You don't have to. You can come with me now. It's time."

Steve looked over at his family, asleep and peaceful. He felt a pang in his heart but found some solace knowing they would be cared for.

"Will they remember me?"

"Always. And you'll watch over them. Just like I watched over you."

Steve felt a warm smile spread across his face at the words. He knew then that he would always be with Eddie, watching over his loved ones until they all reunited again in the afterlife.

Eddie offered his hand then, another soft smile. 

"Ready?"

Steve nodded, reaching out to take Eddie's hand. This time he could touch it. It wasn't cold air. It was solid. Warmth, and soft skin, the cool metal of his rings. Steve felt lighter then, like he was floating. And then he could see it. The heart monitors flatlining, his family around him waking up, his own old elderly body lying in the hospital bed. But Steve didn't feel old. He felt young again, as young as he had been when Eddie died. He was 19 again.

And then there was Eddie, so handsome and alive, standing in front of him. It felt like a dream. But Steve knew it was real this time. 

"Am I?"

"Dead? Yeah. They'll be alright."

Steve looked up at Eddie, a mix of sadness and joy in his eyes. 

"Where are we?"

Eddie smiled then. 

"Afterlife. We're spirits. Guardians who watch over our loved ones, until they're ready to join us."

Steve looked around, realizing that the world he saw wasn't physical anymore but had more vivid colors and shimmering details. 

"What do we do now?"

"We live again. You and me. We won't age. And we'll watch over your family. Be there when they're ready to join us. But you and me, we live again. Together this time."

Steve grinned at Eddie. 

"Together. Forever." 

He felt a warmth in his chest, a deep happiness that he was with Eddie again.

Eddie grinned back, pressing his forehead against Steve's. 

"Forever my beautiful boy."

Steve returned the gesture, their souls fusing together as one in a loving embrace. 

"Forever with you, Eddie," he whispered before pulling back slightly to look into his eyes once more. This time though it wasn't goodbye but rather a promise of an everlasting love that would span across eternity itself.

Eddie was kissing him then. And this time it was a real kiss, he could feel it. Warm soft lips, a deep and loving kiss. Steve was lost in the embrace, his whole being focusing on Eddie's lips. The kiss felt like pure bliss and it made him realize how much he truly loved Eddie. All pain from the past evaporated, replaced with love and contentment.

Chapters: 14/? Fandom: Stranger Things (TV 2016) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson Characters: Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington, Dustin Henderson, Nancy Wheeler, Robin Buckley, Wayne Munson Additional Tags: Steve Harrington Has a Crush on Eddie Munson, Canonical Character Death, Grief/Mourning, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Bisexual Eddie Munson Summary:

Decided to do a Steddie one shot. Might do more, requests are open if you'd like me to make one for you

Soulmate

Steve stared at the spattering of black ink on his arm. His soulmate tattoo. Everybody had heard the stories of a soulmate tattoo. A tattoo that appeared when you were ready for it, when something had happened in your life that opened you up to the possibility and idea of having a soulmate. But soulmate tattoos had died out. They'd been around for centuries, but in the past 50 years, they'd died out.

But there Steve's was. On the inside of his right forearm, which meant no way of hiding it unless he wore long sleeves. The date of birth of his soulmate, inked into his skin forever. July 31st, 1965. He didn't know many people's birthdays, so he wasn't sure who his soulmate was. What he did know was that his soulmate was at least a year older than him, almost 21.

And conveniently, his soulmate tattoo had appeared right after he'd come to the realization that he was bisexual. That had to mean his soulmate was a boy, right? That had to be the significant event in his life that had opened him up to the idea of his soulmate. 

Steve sucked in a breath before pulling himself off his bed to get ready. There was a pep rally at Hawkins High today and Robin had begged him to go with her. He couldn't say no to her, she was his best friend and he knew she was nervous about being around Vicky. He pulled on some jeans and a striped polo shirt, before deciding to switch it for a soft yellow sweater. 

He fussed over his hair for an hour before darting out the door to pick up Robin. On the drive to school Robin was rambling like usual. And normally Steve didn't mind but his own thoughts were swirling and eventually he needed to get it out, needed to talk to her about it.

"I have a soulmate tattoo."

Robin snapped her mouth shut in the middle of her sentence, eyes wide as she whipped her head around to face him.

"Seriously?"

Steve nodded. Robin knew Steve was not the type to go and get a tattoo.

"Show me."

Steve sighed before rolling up his sleeve. The black ink was vibrant against his skin, glaringly obvious that it was there.

"July 31st, 1965."

"Yeah."

Steve rolled down his sleeve.

"But how? I mean soulmate tattoos have literally died out."

"I don't know. But it's there. And it. It showed up right after I. Right after I um."

"Right after you what Steve?"

"Right after I figured out I'm bisexual."

Robin drew in a sharp breath.

"So that means your soulmate is a boy. If your soulmate is a boy, that is definitely a significant event that would open you up to the idea of having a soulmate."

"So we both agree that my soulmate is a boy."

"Definitely. But I don't know anybody with that birthday. They'd have to be graduated by now, I mean they'd almost be 21."

Steve just shrugged.

"How am I supposed to figure that out? I can't just go around to every guy and say hey, when's your birthday?"

"I mean you could."

Steve fixed her with a glare.

"Or you could not. What you could do is show off the tattoo, let the person find you."

"Yeah, and then my parents would freak if they found that I not only had a soulmate tattoo but that my soulmate is a boy."

"Steve, when have your parents ever given a shit?"

"I mean fair, but I don't think they want a queer for a son."

"You can't exactly change who you are."

Steve sighs.

"I know. It's just. Another way to disappointment them."

"I think it's a big fuck you to them. Like hey, you were shitty parents, so shitty that God gave you a queer for a kid."

Steve couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out of him.

"That does sound nice."

Robin smiles. 

"Just be you. Show off that tattoo. Find your soulmate."

"I'll try."

Once they arrived at the school they barreled into the gym for the pep rally. Robin had to go and change to join her band, so Steve found a seat in the crowded bleachers. For the most part the pep rally was quite boring and annoying, but he gave Robin a thumbs up every time she looked his way.

When it was over they ended up going to the cafeteria for lunch. He'd rolled up his sleeves now, showing off his soulmate tattoo. He was knee deep in a conversation with Robin when a sound caught his attention. Eddie Munson was on top of a table, doing ome of his non conforming speeches, yet again.

"But as long as you're into baaaand or. Scieeence or. Paaaarties," he says sarcastically. Then he cupped his hands around his mouth to amplify his voice.

"Or a gaaaaaaame where you toss baaaaaalls into laundry baskets!" He shouts at the basketball team. Jason Carver, the captain of the team stood up. 

"You want something Freak?"

Eddie just grinned at him, put his fingers on his head like horns, stuck his tongue out and made a demon sound. Jason muttered something before sitting back down. Eddie had turned around and was walking across the table again.

"It's forced conforming. That's what's killiiiing the kiiiids!" He shouts, jumping down in front of a teacher who jumped and placed her hand over her heart before walking away. Then Eddie took a step back and swept his arm out, bowing for the two cheerleaders to walk past him. Then he was sitting down with his friends again.

It hit Steve then. Eddie Munson was 20 years old. He wasn't exactly sure what Eddie's birthday was, but he fit the age. And then Steve shook his head. That wasn't right. There was no way Eddie Munson of all people would be Steve's soulmate.

The man didn't hide his queerness but Steve and Eddie were complete opposites. Eddie was the metalhead, the nerd the town Freak. And Steve, although he'd changed and become a better person, was nothing like Eddie. He was a jock, something Eddie clearly didn't like.

He was a little more boyish, a little more softer, while Eddie was wild, chaotic, dramatic. Always theatrical. They had next to nothing in common and Steve had never actually spoken to the other boy before. Eddie was up again, walking around the table and talking to his friends. And then their eyes connected.

It was only a brief moment and Steve was the first to look away. But he didn't miss the way Eddie's eyes dropped to Steve's soulmate tattoo. He was too far away to see what birthday was written, but he could almost feel the curiosity coming off of him, even though he was halfway across the cafeteria.

Steve didn't see Eddie again until later that evening. He was working an evening shift at Family Video. This time he was working alone since it was a fairly slow Thursday. He was so bored that he was leaning against the counter reading a sports magazine when the bell above the door rang, signaling a customer.

"Welcome to Family Video," Steve says without looking up from the magazine.

"Is that how a King greets his subjects?"

The voice had Steve's head snapping up, eyes locking with a pair of beautiful vibrant chocolate brown eyes. Eddie's eyes. Eddie's lips curled into a smirk, and were they always that soft and full? Steve wasn't sure why he was thinking that. He'd never been this close to Eddie before, not even when they had a few classes together before Steve graduated. A snort escaped from Steve.

"I'm not the king anymore Munson," he says shaking his head and setting aside the magazine. The movement drew Eddie's eyes to Steve's soulmate tattoo that was now in view. And then his eyes widened, mouth dropping open in shock. Steve raised an eyebrow.

"Cat got your tongue?"

Eddie's eyes snapped back to Steve's, mouth shutting and jaw clenching. And dammit, Eddie had a perfectly sharp jawline.

"What is that?" He says jabbing a ringed finger to Steve's soulmate tattoo. Steve shifted uncomfortably.

"My soulmate tattoo."

"You're kidding right?"

Steve frowned.

"Why would I be kidding?"

Eddie licked his thumb and rubbed it across Steve's tattoo.

"Dude what are you doing?"

He pulled his arm away, and he could see more shock registering on Eddie's face when the tattoo didn't smudge or rub off.

"Gee Harrington, I didn't think you were the type to get a tattoo."

"I'm not. I didn't get this done, it just. Appeared. It's a soulmate tattoo, why does that bother you so much?"

Eddie's lips pressed into a thin line, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the counter.

"Because Stevie. That's my birthday."

Steve blinked a few times, the words barely registering. When they did, Steve sucked in a breath.

"Well I'm sure lots of people have the same birthday."

"Do lots of people have this birthday?" Eddie says pulling down the collar of his shirt. There, etched onto his collarbone was a birthday. A soulmate tattoo. Steve's birthday. February 10th, 1966. Steve sucked in his own breath.

"That's my birthday."

His voice was soft and quiet when he spoke and Eddie let go of his shirt, covering up the tattoo again.

"I thought you were straight."

Eddie was blunt, straight forward.

"I'm bisexual. Sort of just figured that out. And when I did. Well that appeared," he says waving his hand to his soulmate tattoo. Eddie rocked forward, leaning closer.

"You know this makes us the first people to have soulmate tattoos in like 50 years?"

"That's what you're taking away from this?"

"I mean think about it. It's 1986, people hate queers. What better way to make society accept queers than by binding two queers together?"

Steve blinked.

"I hate that that makes sense."

Eddie snorted, a manic laugh escaping him.

"How are we even soulmates man? We're so opposite."

Eddie patted Steve's shoulder. 

"Oh trust me big boy. I've had my eye on you for quite some time."

Steve's cheeks flushed a shade of red. Because he'd be lying if he said being called big boy didn't do something to him. Especially in Eddie's voice.

"When did your soulmate tattoo appear?"

Eddie tilted his head, a thoughtful look crossing his features. 

"84. When I saw you in your Scoops Ahoy uniform the first time. Well after obviously. Kind of dumb that I didn't figure it out then. That was when I figured out I had a hardcore crush on you."

Eddie's cheeks were flushed pink now, and he looked smaller, shy as he pulled a piece of hair in front of his face. He looked adorable. Cute.

"So that was your significant event then."

"Guess so."

"So. What now?"

Eddie was grinning again, eyes dancing with excitement, and he reached over, patting Steve's cheek.

"We get to know each other Stevie boy. There's a reason we're soulmates."

Steve's cheeks flushed again. He wasn't used to all the physical touching.

"Right. Yeah, right."

Eddie laughed, a bright and beautiful sound, before sweeping his arm out in front of him, heading for the door. 

"I'll see you around pretty boy."

And with that he was gone, bounding out the door, while Steve watched, with his mouth hanging open and looking like a deer caught in headlights.

(Let me know if I should make this a two parter. I'm thinking I will probably)