chitona | for metalandhellfire

[Just when Eddie Munson didn't think Hawkins could seep any lower Starcourt mall appears. It was colorful, loud and just as obnoxious as Eddie could ever imagine. Wrong, it was much much worse. This hellhole reeked of the populars. Groups of giggling girls buzzed about with their shopping bags, jocks made out with their girlfriends out in the open and just the smell of food made Eddie feel nauseated.

This place was hell. Point blank.

Eddie could easily blame is annoyance on hunger. It's been nearly a week since he's fed and hunting here in Hawkins isn't particularly easy. It's not like Eddie goes out and murders innocent people, he's not a monster! Well, not technically. He at least goes for the dicks and assholes of the world but sometimes the hunter lurking inside enjoys a good hunt. At least this mall is good for something, draws in a large crowd of people. Makes it easier to blend and hunt at the same time.

Unfortunately this was just a terrible idea all around. There is so many smells dancing in the air and to someone who's senses are heightened its pretty overwhelming. There is a particular aroma that has Eddie intrigued and he finds himself right outside a ice-cream shop. The scent seems to stop here and behind his dark shades his eyes fall upon none other than King Steve.

Interesting.

Never in his whole life did Eddie expect to see Hawkins finest working at a simple, peasant ice-cream shop and in a sailor's suit.

Damn, how the gods were generous.

With a tilt of his head, Eddie finds himself being pulled into Scoops Ahoy by that delicious aroma that isn't any ice-cream flavor]

[ While the rest of Hawkins seems ignorant to the strange goings on in this town, Steve isn't. He knows about monsters and other dimensions. But vampires? Vampires are not on his radar.

So suffice it to say when Eddie roams into Scoops Ahoy, the last thing Steve feels like he needs to do is go on high alert. To Steve, he's just another customer, someone he sadly remembers giving a hard time while still in school. But all of that was behind Steve, and really he just wanted to get through this shift in one piece.

He shoots Eddie a tired look before forcing his customer service smile on and standing up a little straighter. ] Welcome to Scoops Ahoy where I'll be your captain on this flavorful voyage, what can I get started for you? [ His usual cheerful spiel, which was reserved for the ladies that stopped by, has been replaced by a more deadpan one. Robin will probably give him shift for it later, but he sees no point in wasting his energy on Eddie, who is probably here to give him a hard time right back.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen ]

[That's the fun thing about vampires, isn't it? You never actually see them coming and when you do it's just a little too late. Who would have thought Hawkins of all placed would be a hot spot for all things scary and horrific? Of course Eddie doesn't know anything about what lurks in the Upside-down or that it even exists.

He's just forever cursed like this. Frozen in time, a monster that roams the streets of Hawkins in his own right.

Eddie hasn't forgotten how much of an asshole Steve could be, he wasn't exactly friendly when he was in high-school. He was too busy sitting on that throne and Eddie was just underneath him. He remembers how Steve's friends would scream "Freak" as he passed in the halls, how they would assume and spread some pretty shitty rumors about him, his parents and his home life. There had been so many occasions that Eddie could have easily ended all the torment. How him could have snuck up on them at night, ripped their hearts out and feasted.

But Eddie wasn't a monster and yet he was.

The ice cream shop smells sweet with different flavors and Eddie has to compose himself not to gag. Instead he just fixates his gaze upon Steve, watching as the teen shuffles over to greet him in a rather tired, bored manner. As the well known pretty boy inches closer the scent Eddie has been chasing only grows that much stronger.

Holy fuck!

This has to be some kind of a cruel joke. That delicious, mouth watering aroma could not be Steve Harrington. Wouldn't be a surprise, the boy was practically irresistible in high school. Christ, Eddie can't recall ever smelling someone this intoxicating, ever. It's pretty damn terrifying and for a split second Eddie wonders if it's just because he's so damn thirsty.

Nope!

For a good moment he just stands in silence, eyes locked upon Steve behind dark lens as his mouth practically waters. What the fuck was this? It wasn't even fair. Get your fucking shit together, Munson! You're being awkward.

Snap back to reality and Steve.

The little speech has Eddie's lips ticking into a small smirk. Wow, that's the lamest greeting he has ever heard in his life.]

My, my how delightful.

[His head tilts ever so slightly, eyes flicking up towards the menu.]

What's your best flavors? I'm not much of an ice-cream guy.

[ Steve could maybe chalk up Eddie's strange behavior to just Eddie being Eddie. He has no reason to believe there's anything out of the ordinary going on there. And it's to Eddie's advantage that he just assumes Eddie is that pale because unlike Steve he doesn't go out in the sun and get tan.

So he doesn't pay it much mind, and just narrows his eyes, gets ready to calmly request Eddie either order or let the next customer put their order in if he needs time to decide. Even though it looks very much like Eddie's eyes are on Steve, and not the ice cream. ]

Um. [ He glances at the selection, which he hasn't sampled much as of yet. ]

We've got your standard chocolate and vanilla. There's USS Butterscotch if you like it sweet. And a rainbow sorbet if you're looking for something more, uh, fruity?

[ He tries to hide his sigh, by turning towards the freezer and grabbing his scooper from his belt. ] We give out free samples, if you want to get one a taste.

[Clever of Steve to assume that Eddie's odd nature is just simply Eddie being himself. In all reality the secret vampire is imagining all the delicious ways Steve Harrington must taste, the ladies seemed to think so. Or at least they did at one given time. Eddie is aware that King Steve has fallen far from that throne, spotting him here working at a little ice-cream parlor seals the deal. But Eddie isn't here to mock or gloat, he has every right considering that Steve hadn't been the nicest guy .

Eddie tries to hold himself above that. He could easily make a scene right here, be his typical loud self. He's also on the verge of starving but he's currently in the "playing with your food" state. His lips twist up into another smirk, he places both hands along the counter as to act as though he really cares what type of flavors Steve can offer. What he thirts for isn't on any menu. He begins to tap his fingers, rings clicking slightly against the surface while he watches Steve's movements.

Steve doesn't seem amused in the slightest. As a matter of fact those bright eyes could have stared daggers through Eddie. It's pretty damn intoxicating and Eddie finds his mouth watering all over again.]

You haven't experienced the voyage of flavor, Harrington?

[His voice comes off a bit taunting but playful. The little grin on Eddie's face is clean evidence as he moves to lean along the counter.]

[ There is something strangely magnetic about Eddie. Steve finds himself drawn in immediately, despite the fact that they have barely said two words to each other, even the one year that they were both in senior year together.

He isn't sure what it is about Eddie that has him wanting to get closer, but he is aware there's something there. That something that is usually reserved for the ladies of Hawkins.

And usually it's Steve who's the one who's reeling the other in.

He finds his mouth opening almost involuntarily at Eddie's question, before quickly forcing it shut, looking visibly flustered at the realization. ]

We get free ice cream, sure, but employees aren't supposed to really dip into the supply too much. [ And with an attempt at a suave looking smirk, he leans over the counter, closer to Eddie. ] Surely, you understand. As an entrepreneur yourself. [ It's not exactly a secret that Eddie supplies much of Hawkins royalty with weed. Or maybe that's a front for something else, who really knows? ]

[Eddie would easily argue that Steve's sudden fascination was only because Eddie wasn't actually human and not because Eddie was actually interesting himself. Only he couldn't just blurt out that he was a vampire, he's reputation was spent as it is and Steve would just find him insane if he already didn't peg Eddie the type. Eddie could peek that interest, use what other vampires call the glamor effect but personally Eddie finds that power to be pretty shitty and unfair.

He wants to be genuinely liked.

Glamor or not he's casually flirting with Steve Harrington in the middle of an ice-cream parlor because that's a normal thing to do, right? It intrigues the Vampire that Steve can even hold his attention but this is King Steve Harrington, how could only not be drawn in by that charm or get lost in those bright eyes?

Steve Harrington was a fucking catch and he knew it. (He also smelled wonderful and Eddie could only imagine what his blood actually tastes like. The thought alone has Eddie feeling a bit turned on.)

Eddie has to turn his head for a second as Steve surprisingly leans closer himself. The scent flowing off him leaves Eddie's head feeling dizzy, mouth practically salivating. Why did Steve have to be so damn pretty and smell like heaven?

Christ, that little smirk. ]

You actually notice?

[ Look, Steve likes to flirt. Flirting is easy. Flirting gets him dates and now the occasional tip.

But he usually flirts with girls, not guys. So when he realizes that what he's doing could probably be called flirting, he finds himself freezing, panicking even. Why is it that he wants to keep going though, and see where this goes?

Because, shit, Eddie's the first person that's walked in here and actually responded positively to his flirting! There are enough marks under You Suck to show just how often he's struck out so far. ]

Uh, yeah, it's not really a secret that you're the one to go to for party favors.

[It isn't much of a secret that Eddie likes flirting too. It doesn't work in his favor like it typically does for Steve but Eddie is aware he can't actually date a human. That could get complicated and messy real quick, Eddie would rather not face those issues and worse the heartache that's tagged to actually loving someone.

Vampire or not, Eddie yearns to have that companionship despite how hard he's tried to bottle up those type of feelings. Who doesn't ache for those kind of connections? Eddie has also gotten use to being alone, Hawkins has done that for him with all the pointless rumors and labels. ]

I wouldn't expect your highness to pay much mind to what a peasant such as myself has to offer anyone.

[ With a sigh, Steve rolls his eyes and pulls back a little bit, the nickname kind of a sour note. He's been trying so hard to escape that part of his life, and the shame that comes from recognizing how much of an awful person he had been. To Eddie especially.

Even if he didn't do anything directly, he still sat by and watched as his friends teased him mercilessly. ]

Don't call me that, I'm not royalty. Not anymore, anyway. [ And then with another sigh and a shrug he leans forward a little bit again, but not nearly as much as he had been before. ]

I did notice, I do notice. You were never really that easy to miss. [ One can only hop on the cafeteria table so many times before people actually take notice. ]

[Steve's sudden annoyance and the insulted expression that lingers upon that handsome face only causes Eddie to grin that more wickedly. Obviously he's struck a chord but that could be a bit of payback for all those times Steve just sat in the shadows and allowed his friends to make every day for Eddie a living hell. Gotta love the popular kids.

But see here is where the fun part comes in, the real twist! You never want to taunt and torment a vampire. That just gets your name placed on the kill list for later. Fair is fair, right? ]

Awww, did it hurt when you fell from that throne pretty boy? [He gives a mock pout but it's replaced in seconds by that ever so famous grin. He taps his knuckles against the table in order to burn off some energy and distract him from wanting to devour Steve Harrington completely.

Such a beautiful boy.

Eddie let's out a sudden fake gasp, hands gripping his chest before he does a playful twirl.]

What? No! You actually noticed me outside the humiliation your friends would constantly put me through? Harrington, I am fucking flattered! Flattered!

[He glances over his shoulder, spotting a few local teens walking in a group.]

Hey! Heeeyyy!!! [He's quick to wave both his hands eagerly, practically jumping in place before pointing in Steve's direction.]

Steve Harrington notices me! Me!!! Crazy shit right? Steve Harrington notices the freak.

[He slowly turns back around, gaze falling back along Steve with pure amusement.]

Its the vest isn't it? Allllwaaaays the vest, baby. Pretty fucking metal, huh?

[ Leave it to Eddie to be completely insane. And for Steve to have to put up with it, because he's stuck behind this counter for two more hours. He hates his life, just a little bit, and even considers quitting for a brief moment. No job is worth putting up with this shit.

But then he can hear his old man's voice in his ear, yelling at him to pack his things and get the hell out, for being a failure. So, he just grins and bears it. ]

Look, I'm sorry. I know I was an utter douchebag in high school, and my friends were complete assholes to you and your friends. I never wanted to be a part of that shit, but I guess you can't be popular and be a nice guy.

[ Maybe it's not the right thing to say, but he's been trying to make amends where he can. Right now most of those amends are in the form of letting a bunch of fifteen year olds sneak into the movie theater through the employee entrance to Scoops Ahoy. ]

It's the hair, too. And your tendency to march on the tables in cafeteria, [ Steve answers with an unamused expression. ]

[What did Steve expect when it came to Eddie "The Freak" Munson? He's never going to pass up a chance to be a little obnoxious and the fact that he's clearly embarrassed Steve is pretty amusing. It doesn't compare to the humiliations Steve's friends put him through but it's satisfying none the less.

And it's kind of appealing how Steve tries to keep a poker face, play it cool.

It's even more intriguing when he actually tries to give Eddie an apology that's actually genuine. The Vampire lifts an eyebrow, his weight pressing along the counter yet again.]

And yet you chose to do nothing. How are those friends of yours by the way, Harrington?

[Look at Harrington trying to charm him with compliments. Even if the well known pretty boy doesn't really mean them.]

You're one to talk about hair, pretty boy.

[ Steve does feel ashamed for the way he used to be. Probably will carry that with him until the day he dies. As much as he tries to distance himself from who he was, he knows that it won't change the past. He's just going to have to deal with the repercussions. ]

Wouldn't know, I ditched them my senior year. [ Steve sighs as he tries not to dig up the memories of Tommy turning the tables on him, how he befriended Billy Hargrove and how Steve got to get a taste of being bullied.

It's not the comment on his hair that takes him by surprise, but the nickname. Before he can get control of himself, he can feel his cheeks heat up, his mouth dropping open in surprise. Why is it that hearing that from Eddie the Freak Munson of all people is doing something to him? ]

Yeah, you think I'm pretty? [ The old Steve would have snapped at Eddie not to call him that. But now? He's finding that he likes hearing that a lot more than he thought he would. ]

[Eddie doesn't know much about how the great Steve Harrington is trying to turn over a new leaf, he's trying to be better. However; Eddie had noticed the sudden shift in Harrington after the breakup with Wheeler, definitely after the fight with Hargrove. Maybe it had all been this huge wake up call for the legendary king of Hawkins?

Harrington was at least trying to change and he felt guilty about the immature boy he once was. Eddie had to give him some credit at least.]

Yeah? Just like that, huh? Damn Harrington. Didn't think you would have it in ya. [Steve was much better off without Tommy by his side. Tommy was the type that was never going to change no matter the circumstances. He would forever live a life just being miserable despite the poker face.

Unless a vampire killed him first.

Not surprising that a pretty boy would react to be calling just that. Surely Steve has heard it plenty of times to the point he expects it. Eddie gives a casual shrug of his shoulders.

Duh.]

Who doesn't if we're being honest here?

[ Steve knows he fucked up. He had let his misogyny and internalized homophobia engrained in him from years of hearing his father talk shit and his mother sit by and let it unfold, not to mention years of surrounding himself with awful selfish people like Tommy and Carol.

He's ready to do more than just make sure a group of teenagers have the best summer ever if it means people might see that he's a changed man.

He just never really expected that would end up involving Eddie. ]

Yeah, I guess I got the sense knocked into me. [ He shrugs as he pushes back from the counter, and rubs a hand against the back of his neck at Eddie's comment. ]

I dunno, apparently a lot. [ He points to the board behind him that Robin has been keeping, with all the tallies falling underneath the You Suck header. ]

[Wanna hear the funny thing about The Freak of Hawkins? He's pretty damn forgiving when he knows he shouldn't be in so many cases, that a lot of people don't deserve second chances and most of them don't even try to make a change unlike Steve.

It'll go unsaid that Eddie has a soft spot for beautiful eyes, amazing hair and a tight ass. Of course he's going to let how Steve once treated him slide. Holding grudges does nothing but make the soul bitter and vengeful. That's not Eddie Munson.

Not entirely. He has a list but Harrington isn't on it.

Hungry eyes fall along the tally board and of course he smirks in amusement.]

Doesn't mean they think you aren't pretty.

[ Steve blinks in confusion, not entirely sure he expected such a response from Eddie. Doesn't that kind of go hand in hand?

Because of course Steve still operates under the assumption that he can charm just about anyone into bed with him just by pretty looks and a charming smile. He doesn't stop to think that there might be more to it now that he's graduated with little to look forward to without the prospect of going to college in his future. ]

Well. I'm glad at least someone does, then. I was beginning to think I lost my game completely. [ Those hungry eyes of Eddie's might not be trained on him at the moment, but that doesn't stop Steve from feeling hot all of a sudden. Which is strange, because he's surrounded by refrigerated cabinets, and usually he runs cold with this damn uniform he has to wear. ]

Um, anyway, I hate to cut this interaction short, but...looks like there's a line starting to form?

[Steve might have lost his touch but maybe it could be he isn't aiming for his range? Sometimes it isn't all about the sex, the charm but it sure is fun when it all comes into play. King Steve has the ability to charm anyone in bed with those beautiful eyes and that well toned body. But some girls and even guys are searching for more, they won't that connection.

That bond. Steve might need to learn that before he's tricked into believing he's lost his game. ]

Maybe you need to figure out what you really want, yeah? Since when did the great King Steve lose his ability to have sex with any girl he wanted? If it's just a good fuck you want maybe the ladies you're talking too want a little more than just your dick?

[Leave it to Eddie to give it straight forward and uncensored.

He glances over his shoulder and notices that people are really starting to crowd in. Must be that after dinner run.]

Christ, guess you're right. Guess this is where I make my leave? Ice-cream makes me yack.

[ Eddie was starting to sound more and more like Dustin with this talk. Dustin's been urging him to find his Suzie, the one person that gets him in a way nobody else can. His soulmate, despite the fact that Dustin is definitely too young to have a soulmate for fuck's sake.

And sure, that sounds nice in theory, but Steve doesn't even know what he wants. If he doesn't know what he wants, how can he expect to find the one? ]

Maybe. [ He shrugs, trying not to sound like he's putting much thought into it and give Eddie too much credit. ] Maybe I should just throw in the towel, admit that there isn't a girl in Hawkins still interested in me, and call it a day.

[ It's probably best that he doesn't think too hard about why Eddie in particular has captivated him for this long, longer than any of the girls that have come to visit to see the great Steve Harrington and turn him down to add yet another tally to the board. ]

Wait, so you came here even though you hate ice cream?! [ He groans to himself, burying his face in his hands. ] You're not even gonna buy anything?

[Eddie is being openly honest here. Anyone who was anyone had heard about the big, epic breakup between King Steve and little princess Wheeler. Eddie doesn't know exact details but some shit had to have happened for Wheeler to now be with Byers. He's never known a girl to leave Harrington and yet Wheeler did. He also noticed the effect it had on Steve, the change.

It had been devastating to observe.

As for soulmates? Eddie can't say if he is even allowed to believe in anything with that deep of a connection given his circumstances. Can vampires even love that passionately considering what they were? And who wants the pain of seeing your chosen lover die in time? Its such a tragic, unfair fate.

And yet-]

Maybe stop placing all your attention on Hawkins girls there princess. Ever give that a thought?

[He moves to lean over the counter once again, another lazy smirk forming along his lips.]

And you are just too damn pretty to suddenly toss in the towel, Harrington.

[Stop while you're ahead, Munson]

Nope! Guess you could say I really, really enjoy the smell?

[ What is it about Eddie's words that are affecting Steve so much? He finds his mouth just dropping open at Eddie's suggestion that he stop focusing so much on Hawkins girls. Whether it's the Hawkins part or the girls part, as if that is even an option.

Because no, how would he be able to connect with girls outside of Hawkins? Yeah, he has a car, but this job only pays for so much gas, so it's not like he can visit the city every weekend.

But he can't really respond, because he hears Erica Sinclair complaining towards the back of the line. ]

Tell you what. I get off at 5, you come back, maybe we can continue this conversation then? [ Shit, he can't believe he actually wants to continue talking to Eddie. That's a move he would be pulling on a girl, and he's pulling it on Eddie fucking Munson. What is happening to him? He's clearly lost it. ]

[Anyone who has heard of Steve Harrington knows that the pretty boy is a very sexual creature. That's one of the reasons he was so popular with the endless stories of King Steve in bed. Eddie doesn't know the full story or reason as to why Steve believes he's lost his touch with the ladies but Eddie finds that to be completely ridiculous. Steve is a total catch and Eddie will argue his point that maybe Steve needs to figure out what he actually wants.

Just sex or an actual serious relationship. The boy could have either one.

It catches him by surprise when Steve extends an invitation that they continue this conversation. A burst of excitement rushes through the Vampire's cold body, tugging a smirk at the corner of his lips.

But Eddie isn't about to show how enthusiastic he is over the fact that fucking Steve Harrington low-key invited him to chill.

Shiiiiit.]

Mmmm. Maybe.

[He gives a little week before taking his bow and vanishing into a crowd of people. It was well past feeding time and Eddie was starving for something sweet.]

[ Once Eddie has gone, Steve carries on like nothing has happened. Like he isn't counting down the hours until he's officially off work. As if he isn't wondering if Eddie will show back up.

The rest of his work day goes off without a hitch, and sure enough, he's clocking out for the night, leaving Robin to finish out the last couple hours before close on her own. They never actually agreed on a meeting place, and for a moment Steve thinks that maybe Eddie ended up deciding not to come back.

He tries not to look too sad when he doesn't spot Eddie right away, and decides that it's probably best not to wait too long, will make him look too obvious, so he starts towards the exit of the mall, towards the parking lot, still dressed in that damn sailor outfit. ]

[Go figure the actual time Steve Harrington gives him the damn time of day and actually asks Eddie to come back dinner has to be difficult. Eddie doesn't enjoy killing people, he hates it actually but sometimes animal blood just doesn't satisfy his cravings. There is something about human blood that's just more fulfilling and rewarding.

Eddie also doesn't target innocent people. He's not going out every night feasting on babies or virgins.

He had just finished up his last much needed drink before he made his way back to meet Hawkins pretty boy, wiping the loose blood from his lips with the back of his hand.

The scent of Steve Harrington has Eddie stopping in his tracks and although he literally just feasted his mouth is already beginning to water. Within seconds he catches sight of that perfect hair and that well leaned body in that silly sailor outfit.

Eddie being Eddie can't help but give a playful cat call whistle.]

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