for
bigboyvibes
[ After his first attempt at senior year ended in failures all around, Eddie hasn't exactly been enthusiastic about coming back to Hawkins High. He's done his hardest to stick to the background whenever possible, not trying to start shit with the clear turf war that seems to be brewing with Billy Hargrove and Tommy Hagan. And while he's got his band and the D&D club, that still leaves him alone at lunch most days.
With a sigh, Eddie plops himself down and tries his hardest to eat in peace. No standing up on tables, saying fuck you to the man and to conformity. No, he just wants to get through this year and pretend like he wasn't supposed to graduate last year.
For the most part, everyone leaves him alone. They know better than to upset the balance, because Eddie provides the party favors. But he doesn't want to test his luck, either. Who knows when they'll deem him and his services no longer necessary?
The perks of selling to the elite, does mean that he can see that shit is definitely going down. Harrington has been out of commission for a while, and Billy Hargrove was out for a couple days before returning with a suspiciously black eye. The two might not be connected, but then again, perhaps it was?
He'll probably never find out, though. Steve Harrington doesn't exactly tolerate his presence, never has, and never will. He might not wear a crown any longer, but Eddie still knows his place among the plebians of Hawkins High.
There are rumblings, that it has something to do with the whole Wheeler and Byers situation, but Eddie isn't going to speculate there. He does find it kind of weird that Wheeler left Harrington for Byers, but he knows better than to try and figure out the truth. That's just going to lead Eddie to death threats and nothing more.
He's just popping a grape in his mouth when Harrington walks into the cafeteria and --
holy shit, he looks like he had the shit kicked out of him at one point. What the fuck? He tries to look away quickly, because he just knows he's going to get a smartass comment if Steve sees that he's been staring. But he does nearly choke on the grape in the process, needing to pound his fist against his chest to get it to dislodge. What the fuck. ]
That icon makes this <3
Never in his life did Steve actually believe he would be one of those people who literally had it all and with a snap of the fingers he's lost everything. He lost the girl, his friends that weren't really his friends in the first place, his social status and the respect he had obtained at Hawkins High. Life had been perfect once, he had Nancy but that relationship came crumbling down at his feet before he even realized anything was wrong. He had thought they had moved passed the slut incident and he struggled to understand that Nancy was grieving for Barb. That night at the Halloween party the strings that were holding their relationship together became unraveled.
Nancy didn't love him, she was only with him because Byers never made a move and the final dagger was when Nancy pretty much cheated on him. It was a punch in the gut and all around embarrassing that a girl left him for fucking Jonathan Byers. His social status really took a blow then. (King Steve must not leave up to the dick hype if a girl leaves him first. )
Then there was Billy Hargrove. Grade A asshole who had it out for Steve since day one. Billy had that need to be the alpha and he yearned to dethrone Steve with every fucking ounce of his being. Steve had never had anyone challenge him either, come after him hard like Billy had. It isn't much of a secret that the two finally clashed and the fight of the century finally happened. Students had been anticipating this fight also since day one and many weren't too pleased that it occurred somewhere they couldn't observe and cheer. Rumors spread that it was over a girl but the biggest one was of course Billy wanted to prove that he was the king now.
No one would believe or care that the actual fight only happened because Billy was just that kind of psycho to go after innocent kids. Steve couldn't and wouldn't allow that to happen and he got a nice concussion out of it.
Just when the life of Steve Harrington could not get any more tragic he then learns that monsters, actual fucking monsters are lurking in Hawkins. Because why not? He didn't want to believe it first but what occurred with Nancy and Jonathan was very much real. Steve could still recall the flickering of lights, what the creature actually looked like. He could still hear the way his bat had cracked against bone and the beast hardly seemed to slow down.
The three of them had destroyed it though. Unfortunately Steve wasn't prepared for the nightmares that followed after. Night terror that had him sleeping with the lights on and waking up screaming in the middle of the night, body covered in a cold sweat. He didn't have anyone. His parents came back long enough to take him to get checked out after his falling out with Billy and that was only because Dustin had begged him to call them just to be on the safe side.
His dad had been furious.
Steve Harrington had fallen into a depression. He didn't want to return to school because he didn't want to face anyone, especially with his face still beaten but his parents refused to pity him and Steve was forced to return. Never had he experienced humiliation until today. He kept his head low as he walked through the hallways, he didn't make much eye contact but he could feel all eyes upon him. Heard the soft gasps and whispers that came with his return.
Steve just wanted to die.
He had withdrawn himself from everything and everyone. During classes he found himself zoning out and he wasn't as committed to his athletics. What was the point? Thank fucking God for lunch, Steve could find a private place to sit and hopefully dissappear for awhile. More whispering and lingering eyes as he enters the lunch room, it's difficult to not pay it much mind and Steve finds himself desperately trying to find an empty table. It's a sudden fit of coughing that has all eyes turning from him and falling upon the person who's causing such a ruckus.
Eddie "The Freak" Munson appeared to be choking to death but after a few seconds seemed perfectly fine. Oddly enough Steve had found himself inching in Eddie's direction as if he were going to be this hero and save Eddie's life. Who isn't aware that Eddie is the go to when it comes to all the fun goodies that will leave you feeling good and intensives a good time? For days Steve had went back and forth on the decision to approach the town freak about drugs but he sure as hell could do it here.
God, what a rumor that would be. But Steve desperately needed something to help with the anxiety and this feeling of being empty. There is a free table not all that far from Eddie's own, pretty close actually and Steve moves to settle himself there. He slumps down into the seat, sinking in hope that he just vanishes or maybe one of those monsters will rip through the floor and drag him to hell.]
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And Eddie. Well, he could leave Steve alone, but the reformed jock does remind him a little bit of the little sheep he would try to herd into Hellfire, so he can't help but take a little pity on him. Maybe Steve would never join Hellfire, but he could at least extend an olive branch.
He just looks like he could use a friend right now.
Everyone else is too preoccupied with their own drama to notice Eddie pick up his own things and move to Steve's table, giving enough space so that Steve can go on continuing to ignore him if he wants to. He doesn't even say anything, just resumes eating.
He figures, maybe just knowing that someone else is there, sees him, doesn't hate his guts will be enough for now. If Steve wants to talk to him? Well, he can offer a friendly, non judgmental ear, just this once ]
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Especially when you fall.
He's well past exhausted and his body still aches from the encounter with Billy. Shit, he wishes he just stayed at home and said fuck you to his parents. What would they do anyway? Rush back home just to discipline him? That's a fucking joke. He's half tempted to head out to his car and nap. Unfortunately for Steve every time he shuts his eyes he either sees Nancy happy with Jonathan or that fucking monster. He doesn't know which image is actually worse.
He hasn't had much of an appetite, hence why he isn't eating anything. Why the hell is he even here? Once upon a time people would have noticed if he just left, now he's dead set on not a soul caring. Shit, it's so damn loud and all the conversations happening all at once are slowly starting to get under Steve's skin. His head is starting to throb from all the commotion, Steve closes his eyes just to have a moment.
Shit. Breathe in, breathe out.
It's the soft clattering that has Steve's eyes opening suddenly only to fall upon Eddie. The. Fuck. Steve's face twists in confusion and he even goes as far as to glance behind him and then back at Eddie.
Did he miss something?]
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Plus, Steve looked visibly confused, so Eddie just takes his pudding from his lunch along with the spoon and slides it over to Steve. ]
You look like you could use this a hell of a lot more than I would. [ He manages a small smile before letting his face fall neutral again and going back to eating his grapes.
And taking great lengths to avoid choking on them this time. ]
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So Steve just waits in curiosity. Did Eddie want something or was he here to mock Steve like all the rest? He sure as hell didn't want Eddie's pity.
What is even happening right now? Munson is actually willing to offer him food when they both know Steve hasn't exactly been all the great towards him. He holds up a hand, waving the offer off.]
I'm good, thanks.
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But it also hadn't been Steve doing the harassing. He just stood idly by while Eddie got shoved around. Which really isn't much better, but there's something about Steve that seems different. ]
Suit yourself.
[ He doesn't budge, though. Even if this is the only time that Steve tolerates his presence, he hopes that it makes Steve feel even the slightest bit better. He won't admit it to himself, but he hates seeing Steve look so miserable. That there's the slightest bit of a crush that he just hasn't been able to get rid of.
And when Eddie's finished with his lunch, he bangs his fist gently against the table to announce his departure. ] Well, it's been real, Harrington. We should do this again sometime.
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It's pretty damn peaceful and it gives Steve all the time to realize thar he's officially fallen to the bottom of the food chain.
It doesn't help that he constantly has to see Nancy with Byers, even in the fucking lunch room. How they sit close together, how Byers holds her hand under the table and their fingers lace. Hargrove typically doesn't stay in the cafeteria long once he sets his eyes upon a innocent girl, so at least Steve doesn't have to see his face but Tommy never fails to be as loud and obnoxious as humanly possible.
Jesus Christ.
Munson's words has him snapping back to reality, exhausted eyes flicking back over at the other teen.]
Uh, actually I wanted to ask you something. Word on the street is you got drugs, right?
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He sighs as he slumps over a little bit, and sits back down. ]
Yeah, though maybe not so loud, yeah? [ There aren't any teachers within earshot, but he still doesn't trust the rest of the neanderthals in this room. One of them is bound to snitch eventually.
Even if his drug dealing is probably one of the worst kept secrets. ]
Why, you interested in buying?
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Right.
[ This was rather humiliating that Steve had allowed the depression to get this bad but at this point he was well passed caring. He needed to be able to get a little sleep, forget about Nancy Wheeler and the fact she never loved him.
And then there was that monster. That terrifying, disgusting creature. Steve just wanted to be numb.]
Depends on what you got to offer. I need something way stronger than weed.
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I don't normally sell anything stronger than weed. [ Eddie explains with a sigh, using his thumb and forefinger to rub at the bridge of his nose. ] This would be a one time thing, but yeah, if you wanna come over outside of school hours, I might have something for you.
[ It's his own personal stash of ketamine, and he wouldn't normally part with it, but Steve looks desperate, and Eddie is weak. He has a feeling he's going to regret this, but -- ]
I can drive you if you don't want your precious Beemer to be seen at the trailer park, or we can meet there, it's up to you.
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Steve can't be straightforward, he can't talk about the monsters that lurk under Hawkins. He doesn't want too. He just wants to pretend that night never happened and he can move forward. ]
I can't promise this will be a one time thing.
[If the nightmares don't get better or at least ease up a little. He's got no there choice but to keep trying illegal substances that will actually work. ]
I don't give a shit who sees my Beemer, Munson. I just want the fucking drugs.
[And his reputation is pretty much trash anyways.]
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Look, I'll tell you what. Stop by my trailer, I'll sell you the K that I have if that's what you really want. I'll even through in some weed at no extra cost. We'll see how that goes, take it from there.
[ And then maybe Eddie can convince him to smoke together and they can find a solution that actually works for Steve. The last thing he wants to see if Steve get hooked on really hard drugs if there's a better solution out there. ]
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Because shit. ]
I don't need weed, Munson.
[He just needs something strong to shut his mind up and turn off the nightmares, the anxiety. He knows he can't continue forward like this. He's going to lose his sanity.]
So after school?
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But there's no point in trying to argue while Steve's made up his mind. ]
After school, [ Eddie echoes, and there's an edge to his voice now as his eyes dart away from Steve, avoiding locking eyes on him. He knows he shouldn't let feelings of any sort get in the way of a perfectly good business transaction. ]
See you then.
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But the depression, the anxiety ran much deeper than that and Steve as though he were drowning no matter how hard he fought against the water. How could anyone even begin to understand what that must feel like and for Steve of all people?
Suck it up, right?]
Yeah, yeah after school.
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Which isn't much different from usual, but still.
By the time school lets out, Eddie is an anxious mess, but he still waits around by his van to make sure Steve is still on for their deal. Sure, he could just drive home and wait to see if Steve will show up, but part of him wants to make sure Steve is still coming. And another part of him is waiting to make sure Steve managed to survive the rest of school, considering how awful he looked at lunch. ]
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It's hard to focus for the remainder of the day and it's difficult to decipher if it's all due to his disconnect or the fact that he just made a fucking drug deal with Munson.
Once the end of the day hits Steve is making a straight getaway to his car, ignoring the fresh looks his given once he reaches the outside. He spots Munson by his van but chooses to make little known eye contact but enough to allow Eddie to know the deal is still set in place as he moves to get into his car. ]
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But he still feels like the whole school can tell what's going on. By the time he does get into his car and starts off towards the trailer park, he is buzzing with excitement. His uncle should be at work, so they'll have the place to themselves, and Eddie has every intention of getting Steve to try some of his weed, just to give it a chance since that will be much easier for him to get his hands on.
But even so, if Steve really does need something that strong, then maybe Eddie will be work something out with his supplier. Which is ridiculous, right? Why does he care so much about Steve that he's willing to change the way he does things, to make sure Steve has access to stronger drugs than he's usually willing to sell?
He parks the van in front of the trailer and waits by the front stoop for Steve's arrival. He has no idea if Steve had been following him, but it's not exactly a secret that Eddie lives in this trailer park. He's heard trailer trash hurled at him like an insult enough times in the past week alone. ]
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Even though he said it was alright didn't mean it still didn't hurt.
He doesn't tear out of the parking lot just yet, he wants to give Eddie a head start so that their little meeting doesn't appear that obvious to the whole damn school. A moment later he's peeling out of the parking lot himself, foot on the gas in order to get the hell out of there. It doesn't take him long to arrive considering he literally sped the whole way.
Steve has to take a moment to himself once his car comes to a stop, head falling back along the seat as he closes his eyes. He can practically hear his father's voice now echoing within his ears in rage. He's screaming something about Steve's image and how dare his son show himself in the likes of a trailer park.
Fuck you, dad! Here goes.
He moves to get out of his car before making his way to meet Eddie.]
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He offers the other boy a half-smile before gesturing with his head to follow him inside. ]
Come on in, my uncle's already out for the rest of the night, so. [ He opens the door for Steve and tries to wrack his brain for where he left his stash. He doesn't keep it with the rest of his supply, because he never wants shit like that to be easy to find, in case the cops ever try to harass him, and so that he doesn't impulsively break into the stuff unless he really, really feels like the time is right.
He never wants to turn into an addict, and equally he doesn't want to turn anyone into an addict, Steve included. It's one thing to offer weed, which doesn't have much of an addictive quality to it, but ketamine?
He must be out of his goddamn mind. ]
Make yourself right at home, I'll be back when I find the stuff.
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Snorting was a whole experience. One that had really fucked Steve up the first time. How he survived stumbling down the stairs was a mystery.
Steve is a bit hesitant at first to follow Eddie inside, he isn't one to just go running inside a trailer of someone he hardly knows and for a goddamn drug fix. Fuck, he's so damn stupid but he's literally putting all his trust in Eddie's hands. The known freak hasn't been known to harm anyone with the goods so far. ]
Your uncle work nights?
[It's an attempt to make small talk, ease Steve out of feeling so out of place. He stuffs his hands into his pockets as Eddie scurries off and leaves Steve once again inside his own head. He tentatively moves about the trailer, eyes falling along pictures of what must be Eddie and his uncle. Some of just Eddie alone.
One particular catches Steve's eye. Eddie appears to be wearing some metal band tank, hair pulled back in a ponytail and the exposed skin shows a few more tattoos. Eddie's tongue is out and he appears to be giving the finger. Typical Eddie Munson.
After a moment Steve finds himself stopping in front of a guitar. He figures this must be a prized possession of the metalhead's.]
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He probably should feel more embarrassed that Steve is able to see them all. But he's never really let himself feel embarrassment for being who he is. And Eddie's never posed for a photograph trying to act like someone or something he's not. ]
Yeah, at the power plant. [ He rummages around until he finally finds what he's looking for stashed behind some old books. It's actually a miracle he was able to find it at all. ]
Now, this shit's going to kick in pretty fast, and it packs a punch, so don't take it unless you're planning on doing nothing for a day or so. [ He tosses the little baggie up in the air and catches it in his fist again, coming across Steve just as he's found his guitar. ]
Ah, yeah, that's my ol' sweetheart. First big thing I purchased with my own money. [ It doesn't take a genius to realize that he had to sell drugs to pay for it. ]
Now, uh. You sure I can't persuade you to stick around, split a joint with me?
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He turns his head slightly as Eddie gives him full warning of the drug he's about to offer. Steve isn't really worried about the effects, the consequences. He just wants to be numb for a night, longer if the drug is so willing. ]
How much?
[Because that's the only real concern here. Not that Steve is really worried about the price because he's that desperate for something to ease the nightmares and help him sleep for a change.
His eyes flicker back to the guitar. Steve has no knowledge of the instrument but he can bet Eddie paid a damn good penny.]
Cool. [Kudos for the sweet buy]
Nah, I'm good.
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Fifty.
[ He tilts his head to the side as he tries to keep his eyes fixed on Steve's face, lest they run up and down and give him away. Damn Steve Harrington and his perfect hair and his perfect everything.
It would be easier if he were still the same shitty asshole last year, and the year before that, and the year before that. But he's not. ]
Just. Be careful with this stuff, okay? [ He hesitates before he's starting to grab a pen and paper and jots down his number, shoving it at Steve. ] For emergencies. If you run into any trouble with this shit. I don't care if you get rid of it as soon as you leave this trailer, just humor me and take it, okay?
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He digs in his back pocket and pulls out a hundred. Offering it over to Eddie without any hesitation.
His face isn't in the best condition to admire, it's still healing from the beating he took from Hargrove but he doesn't take notice in the way Eddie is looking him over.
He does take notice in the way the town freak seems to eagerly right down his number in a fret of concern. Steve's brow knits in confusion as the number is handed over. Why is Eddie Munson so concerned for him?
Even more so given Steve's history.]
You always show this much concern to your buyers or something?
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