Chapter Text
Eddie doesn’t know why he’s working at Scoops Ahoy in Starcourt Mall. It’s very mostly because him and his uncle have been short of money and because he wants to punish himself for not graduating senior year the second year around. His uncle’s always saying that it’s okay, that he can manage. But Eddie can’t help but owe his uncle so much, so he can endure scooping ice creams in a mall full of people.
“This day has been painful so far, Munson, I’m afraid I’ll punch you in the face any minute now,” Robin complained to Eddie, who’s organizing the cashier, leaning her whole body on Eddie’s right side. “Very thrilling, Buckley,” Eddie replied lazily.
“Hey, remember when you had that buzzcut in middle school? You were so cute, you always looked lost, and you played guitar?” Robin reminisced, staring at the ceiling, her head resting on Eddie’s shoulder. “Yeah, I’d much rather you punch me than this.” Eddie sighed. That damn buzzcut, he hated that shit. His father had called him a fairy and slurs, telling him that it was queer of him to grow out his hair. He was so mad at his father that he yelled at him and as punishment, he shaved all of Eddie’s curls. He had run crying to Uncle Wayne that night.
Robin was about to say something when she was interrupted by the familiar group of kids. Eddie beamed at the sight of his favorite, Will Byers. “Hey, little Byers!” Eddie exclaimed with a big smile, making Will blush, but smiled at the older man, nonetheless. “We’re here too, you know?” Max commented making Eddie turn to her, he widened his smile. “Oh, I know, Mayfield. You’re one of my favorites too, don’t worry.” Said Eddie making the other kids groan.
“Why’s Will your favorite anyway?” Asked Lucas, seeming genuinely curious.
“Easy, he’s a DM like me, a very good one too.” Answered Eddie with a shrug.
“We play D&D too, you know?” Mike said with a slight scoff.
“Oh, I know, Michael. That is why, once you step foot in Hawkins High, I’ll recruit you to my club.” Eddie said with a smirk and wink, he pretends to not notice the way the kid’s cheeks turned a light shade of pink.
“Ugh, I can’t watch and listen to this any longer.” Max groaned, “where’s Steve?” She asked directly at Robin.
The woman next to Eddie sighed, “hey dingus, your children are here!” Robin lazily called which made Eddie snort.
Steve popped out from the room behind with an annoyed expression, “again? Seriously?” Said Steve, exasperatedly. The kids only gave him a fake smile which Steve rolled his eyes at, leading them towards the back of the shop.
As Steve and the group of kids disappeared, another familiar group of people came in, it was Chrissy and some of her friends. When the blonde caught the eyes of Eddie, she immediately beamed. “Hi, Eddie!” She said as sweetly as ever. “Good day, Chrissy, ladies,” Eddie greets with a bow and his sweet smile. “What can I get for you today, ladies?” Eddie asked and the ladies smiled. “Oh, we’ll get three Mint Chocolate Chip each, please,” Chrissy ordered, already handing Eddie her payment. “Got that, Miss Buckley?” Eddie asked as he took Chrissy’s money and gave her a change.
Robin hummed, handing the three ladies their orders with a smile. “Thank you, I’ll see you around, Eds!” Said Chrissy as she walks away with her friends, Eddie gave her a smile while dramatically waving his hands in the air for goodbye.
Robin snorted, “seriously, Munson? Chrissy?” She asked in disbelief; Eddie gave her a confused look. “What?” Asked Eddie confusedly, making Robin’s eyes roll.
“C’mon, Eddie, you have a crush on her.”
Eddie let out a laugh, throwing his head back while clapping his hands. “Robin...” He started and Robin raised her eyebrows.
“Robin...I’m—I’m a homosexual, Rob. I thought that was obvious, especially to you.” Eddie whispered and Robin gasped softly widening her eyes and covering her mouth, she lightly hits Eddie’s arm. “Holy shit...I can’t believe I’m that stupid.” Robin whispered in disbelief and Eddie laughed. “I’m guessing you are too?” Eddie asked cautiously.
“Yeah, yes! I can’t believe this; this is one of the best days of my life.” Robin exclaimed, jumping up and down before tackling Eddie for a hug. “That’s sad, Buckley.” Eddie joked, hugging her back and lifting her up in the air.
“Did Munson ask you to be his girlfriend or something?” The voice of Steve Harrington broke the two’s hug and they both turned to him, laughing. “Oh Steve, the things you don’t know of.” Eddie teased, shaking his head with a smile. Suddenly the power of the whole mall went off, making everyone look around their surroundings.
Steve moved to flip the light switch on and off, repeatedly. Robin gave him a look, “that isn’t gonna work, dingus.” She said and Eddie snorted. “Oh, really?” Steve sarcastically asked, flicking the switch more aggressively until the powers are back on, “let there be light.” Said Steve smugly with a slight shrug and both Robin and Eddie rolled their eyes.
-
This day wasn’t any better than yesterday for Eddie Munson, he’s been sharing a shift with Steve who’s constantly and painfully flirting with every woman that steps foot in the ice cream parlor. It’s very painful to watch, and not in a jealous kind of pain, it’s the obvious lack of flirting skills Steve has that’s painful to watch. For someone who was a jock and was popular with the girls during his high school days, Steve Harrington is such a loser when it comes to flirting.
Steve let out a deep sigh and Eddie almost wanted to laugh; Robin popped up from behind them, holding a whiteboard and a marker with her proud data of “ You rule, you suck” scoreboard for Steve.
“And another one bites the dust.” Said Robin, making both men turn around. “You are, oh-for-six, Popeye.” She added, writing one line down on the You Suck section. Steve leaned back on the counter, crossing his arms against his chest. “Yeah, yeah, I can count.” He said with a nod, almost rolling his eyes.
“You know that means you suck,” Eddie commented with a teasing smirk, mimicked by Robin. Steve turned to Eddie with an exasperated look, “yep, I can read, too.” He replied. “Since when?” Robin teased further with a sarcastic smile, putting her board aside.
Steve groaned, “It’s this stupid hat. I am telling you, it is blowing my best feature.”
“That sucks, man. This uniform is doing wonders for me,” Eddie bragged, flipping his hair with a fake sweet smile. Steve looked at Eddie up and down, Robin decided to save him, “You know. It’s a crazy idea, but have you considered telling the truth?”
Steve abruptly turned to Robin, almost cracking his neck, “Oh, you mean that... I couldn’t even get into Tech and my douchebag dad’s trying to teach me a lesson, that truth?”
Before anyone could say anything, Robin’s attention was caught by a new group of girls, walking inside the parlor. “Hey, twelve o’clock,” Robin warned making Steve turn around. “Oh shoot,” Steve mumbled and Eddie snorted. “Good luck, big boy.” He said with a smirk, Steve looked at him and almost choked on his own saliva. “Screw company policy.” Said Steve as he threw his sailor hat at the back of the parlor.
“Ahoy ladies, didn’t see ya there!”
Robin and Eddie shared horrified looks and shook their heads
-
“Have a nice day,” Eddie said unenthusiastically to the customers, handing them their orders as they said thank you in a cheery manner.
A child comes next. This child has curly hair, much like Eddie’s when he was about that age, this kid was smiling so widely at him. Adorable, Eddie thought, kids are okay sometimes.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
“I’m Dustin.”
“I’m... Eddie.”
“I like your hair,”
And that’s what got Eddie beaming for the first time this day, “thanks! It used to look like yours once.”
The child smiled wider as possible, “Cool. So, is he here?” Asked the child.
“Is who here?”
Before the kid, Dustin could respond, the back door was slammed open by Steve Harrington.
“Henderson. Henderson! He’s back!” Exclaimed Steve as he walked toward the kid who was now giggling.
“I’m back! You got the job!” Dustin said with the same enthusiasm as Harrington.
“I got the job!” Said Steve excitedly, making trumpet noises. Eddie watches the scene unfold before him, a bit fond of how close Steve is to this kid, like a brother.
Suddenly the two are sharing what seems like a secret handshake of theirs, making Eddie smirk, as the duo shares a laugh.
“Wow, Harrington, didn’t know you’re also a nerd.” Eddie commented and Steve gave him an offended look, “I am not a nerd!” Said Steve defensively.
Eddie snorted, “Hey, there’s no shame in being a bit of a nerd. Take it from one of the biggest nerds you know and love, Harrington.” Eddie said with a smirk and a wink, making Steve freeze.
“I don’t—I’m not—shut up, Munson.” Steve spluttered, face turning red with every word he says.
“Eddie? Eddie Munson?” Dustin asked, a hint of awe and amazement in his voice. “Yup, the one and only,” Eddie answered with a big smile, the smile that has his dimples and smile lines showing, the smile that Steve quite liked.
The kid gasped, “oh my God. You’re...you—The Hellfire Club, you...”
Eddie hummed, “yup, I’m glad that’s what you know me for...not the other things. You’re friends with Byers and the other two nerds, right?” Asked Eddie, earning a vigorous nod from the kid. “Well, I’m very excited to see you in my club next school year, kid,” Eddie said softly, paired with a soft smile.
“Okay enough nerd shit,” Steve cut off, “want some ice cream?” He asked Dustin who nodded.
-
“No, no. No way. Hotter than Pheobe Cates? No.”
“Brilliant too. And she doesn’t even care that my real pearls are still coming in. She says that kissing is better without teeth.” Said Dustin while eating the Banana Split, he ordered. Steve gave him a gross look but smiled otherwise. “Wow. Yeah, that’s great. Proud of you, man. That’s ro—That’s kinda romantic.” He encouraged.
“So, do you really just get to eat as much of this, as you want?”
“Yeah. I mean, sure. It’s not really a good idea for me, though, I gotta keep in shape for the ladies”
“Yeah? And how’s that working out for you, big boy?” Eddie butted in and Dustin beamed, “ignore him.” Said Steve.
Dustin turned to him with a grin, “Eddie’s so cool, I also heard he plays guitar. And he’s a DM? That’s so cool.” Dustin excitedly rants to Steve who rolled his eyes, “he’s not.” Steve insisted and the kid gave him an incredulous look.
“So, where are the other knuckleheads?” Steve changed the subject, the mention of the others made Dustin frown. “They ditched me yesterday,” Answered Dustin, continuing to eat his ice cream. “No,” Steve said in both disbelief and shock. “My first day back. Can you believe that shit?” Dustin replied with a raised voice. “Woah, seriously?”
“They’re gonna regret it, though, big time. When they don’t get to share in my glory.” Dustin said smugly
“Glory? What glory?”
“So last night, we’re trying to get in contact with Suzie...”
“Oh, mm, mhm.”
“And uh...” Dustin looks around before continuing.
“I intercepted a secret Russian communication.”
“What?”
“I intercepted a secret Russian communication.”
“Just speak louder.”
“I intercepted a secret Russian communication!” Dustin yelled, making everyone inside the parlor turn to look at them.
“Jeez, shh. Yeah, okay, that’s what I thought you said...What does that mean?”
“It means, Steve, we could be heroes. True American heroes.”
“Huh... American heroes?”
“Just, think, you could have all the ladies you want and more.”
“More? I like more.”
“Mm-hmm”
“What’s the catch?”
“No catch, I just need your help.”
“With what?”
Dustin pulled out a small book, “Translation.”
-
Eddie’s annoyed, this group of kids have been demanding free samples of every flavor, they’re lucky that Eddie Munson was raised a patient boy. He lazily handed the small spoon of mint choco chip to this sassy little girl, who he knows is Lucas Sinclair’s sister, with a fake smile. She happily took it, savoring the free sample. “Hmm, can I try the peppermint stick?” She asked, discarding the spoon. Robin snorted from behind him, the girl has just been watching him this whole time.
“Haven’t you already tried the peppermint stick?”
“Yes, and I’d like to try it again.”
Eddie gave the little girl a smile and scrunched up his nose, turning around, “Steve!”
He gestured for Robin to take over for a while and the latter groaned but obliged.
Eddie barged into the other room, cutting off whatever conversation the other two is doing. “All right, babysitting time is over, you need to get in there,” Eddie demanded, exasperatedly.
Robin’s board caught Eddie’s eyes, he turned back around to face the duo, mouth agape. “You’re both in trouble, Buckley will not be happy that you removed her important data shit.” He warned while the two just stared at him.
“I guarantee you, what we’re doing is way more important than your data,” Dustin said, throwing his hands up for gestures.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” Steve and Dustin said in unison as the older one of the two threw his banana peel on the table.
“And how do you know these Russians are up to no good, anyways?” He challenged with a smirk, and the other two widened their eyes, turning to look at each other. “How does he know about the Russians?” Dustin asked and Steve shrugged, mouth still full of banana. “I don’t know,” Steve replied.
“You told him about the Russi—”
“It wasn’t me.”
“Hello, I can still hear you. Actually, I can hear anything, with you two loudmouths talking. You think you have evil Russians plotting against our country, on tape, and you’re trying to translate, but you haven’t figured out a word. Because you didn’t realize Russians use an entirely different alphabet than we do.” Eddie stated as the two shared a look before turning their head back to Eddie.
“Sounds about right, big boy?” He smugly asked Steve, they all stared at each other for a second, before Eddie tries snatching the recording tape, but Steve beat him to it. “Woah, Woah, what do you think you’re doing?” He asked
Eddie stood straight back up, biting his bottom lip, “I wanna hear it.” Replied Eddie.
“Why?” The duo asked in unison
“Well, maybe I can help. I’m fluent in four languages, you know?” Eddie informed, pinching his fingers.
“Russian?” Dustin asked.
“ես հավանում եմ քեզ.” Eddie recited with a sly smirk, making the other two laugh in amazement, Eddie snorted at the two’s stupidity.
“Holy shit,” The kid said in amazement. “That was Armenian, fools,” Eddie revealed with a laugh. Steve hit Dustin with his banana peel, lightly. “Idiot,”
“But... I can speak Spanish, I learned French with Robin, I know some Russian, and I have had my own band since my first year of high school. I play guitar since I was ten.” Eddie said happily as sat down in a chair, looking at Dustin who was staring at him with stars in his eyes.
He turned his head to Steve, “c’mon, Stevie. It’s your turn to sling ice cream, my turn to translate.” Eddie pleads with a dramatic pout. “I don’t even want credit I’m just bored,” Eddie added at the same time Robin peaked from the sliding window.
Steve stared at Eddie’s brown Bambi eyes for a second, hating the other man because he knows Steve wouldn’t be able to say no to that, he let out a sigh and took the ice cream scoop from Eddie’s hand and swapped it for the recording tape.
-
“The week is long, the silver cat feeds, when blue meets yellow in the west.”
“I mean, it just...it can’t be right,” Steve said as he’s closing the parlor. When he finally stood up, he placed himself next to Eddie’s right side, as the four of them walk.
“Are you insulting my intelligence, Harrington?” Eddie asked as he stopped walking, making everyone do the same. “I mean... you did repeat high school twice,” Steve replied with a shrug, “Steve,” Robin warned.
While Steve’s words held nothing but the truth, they still hurt. It’s not like Eddie’s failing on purpose, given that he did jump up a year in high school, everything just got too much.
As soon as the words left Steve’s mouth, he regretted it. The way Eddie froze, the way his big brown Bambi eyes turned glassy, it broke a bit of Steve’s heart. “I'm... I’m sorry, Eddie, that was a bit uncalled for.” He apologized; his voice wavered with guilt. Eddie unfroze, putting up a big smile that doesn’t quite meet his eyes. Steve wanted to punch himself. “It’s okay, Stevie. No harm done, I’m used to it.” Eddie insisted as he started to walk ahead of everyone. Somehow that’s worse for Steve, Eddie shouldn’t be used to mean things being said about him.
He felt Robin nudge him and gave him dirty look, before catching up to Eddie, followed by Dustin. “But hey, I know that my translation is perfect. I used to learn different languages every summer, it was like my hobby. I just perfected my Russian last year. I’m pretty sure it’s a code.” Eddie said, playing with his hair as Robin’s stuck to his side as they all walk.
Dustin beamed, dramatically gasping. “Yes! Exactly, like a super-secret spy code.” He said very enthusiastically. “That’s a total stretch,” Steve commented.
“I don’t know, is it?” Robin asked with a smile, playfully bumping her shoulder to Eddie’s repeatedly, the latter seeming to no mind. “You’re buying into this?” Steve asked in disbelief.
“I don’t know, just for the kicks. Let’s entertain the possibility that it is a secret Russian transmission, do you expect the Russians to not be discreet? No villains say their plan in a straightforward way, especially in places where heroes can find it.” Robin reasoned with a smug smile, looking up at Eddie who smiled back at him. “Very right, Miss Buckley, I’ve taught you well.” Eddie approved, wiggling his eyebrows.
“So... Evil Russians?” Eddie said directly at Dustin with a smirk, the kid grinned at him, “Evil Russians.” Robin and Dustin repeated.
“How do we crack it?” Dustin asked, Eddie, walked over to the kid’s side, leaving Robin who pouted. “The patter will soon emerge, young padawan,” Eddie assured and Dustin giggled excitedly, Steve felt a bit jealous at the sight, but at the same time, he felt fondness growing in his chest.
“It’ll take a genius to crack it, but we’ll be fine, Eddie’s here, and well...I am too, teamwork.” Robin said with a wide smile. She turned to look at Steve only to see him absent, “where’s Steve?” She asked, making the other two pause in their tracks.
Steve was standing in front of a kiddie horse ride, Indiana Flyer, fumbling with his pockets. “Hey, big boy, what are you doing?” Asked Eddie.
“Uh...It’s a quarter. I need—Do you have a quarter?”
“You sure you’re tall enough for that ride?” Robin teased as they run over to him.
“Quarter!” Steve exclaimed, Eddie tossed him a quarter and the other hurriedly used it for the ride.
“You need help getting up, little Stevie?” Robin teased further.
“Shh! Would you guys just shut up and listen?”
They listened to the tune of the ride in observation, not even a second later Eddie’s eyes widened, meeting Dustin’s own. “Holy shit,” started Dustin, “the music,” Eddie added. Dustin took off his backpack and pulled out the recording tape once again, pressing play. They listened as the recording and the Indiana Flyer ride played the same tune.
“I don’t understand,” Robin commented.
“It’s the exact same song on the recording,” Dustin explained
“Maybe they have horses like these from Russia.”
“ Indiana Flyer ? I don’t think so. This code, it... it didn’t come from Russia. It came from here.”
-
“Did you see anything?”
“Uh, I guess I don’t totally know what I’m looking for.”
“Evil Russians.”
“Yeah, exactly, I don’t know what evil Russians look like.”
“Tall, blonde, not smiling. Also, look for earpieces, camo, duffel bags, that sort of thing.”
“Right, okay, duffel bags.”
… “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.”
“What?”
“Anna Jacobi’s talking with that metalhead Mark Lewinsky.”
“If you’re not gonna focus, just give me the binoculars.”
“Aw, Jesus Christ, whatever happened to standards? I mean, he never even came off the bench.”
“Dude, you are the worst spy in history, you know that?” Said Dustin exasperatedly as he snatched the binoculars from Steve.
“I don’t even know why you’re looking at girls, you have someone perfect in front of you,” Dustin said, Steve could almost see the eye roll with the tone of his voice. “Seriously, if you say Robin...”
“Well, I was gonna say someone else, but if you like Robin... then, good for you.” Dustin cut him off with a shrug.
“Wait, you weren’t talking about Robin?” Steve asked confusedly, Dustin snorted. “I was actually thinking of Eddie, but if you aren’t into then it’s cool, as long as you aren’t y'know... against that .” He spoke.
Steve swore his brain short-circuited. Sure, Eddie’s eyes are pretty, it’s like he holds the stars in his eye. His smile, it feels like home, so comforting. Eddie’s smart, talented... cute. If Steve learned anything this summer, it’s that Eddie isn’t what he thought he’d be. Before this summer, he thought Eddie was an asshole, too loud and brash, someone, who’s a troublemaker. Sure, Eddie’s a troublemaker at times, but the Eddie he’s gotten to know this summer was soft, sensitive, gets shy with genuine compliments, smart... so incredibly smart. So, you can’t blame Steve for having a teeny tiny bit of crush on him,
“Holy shit,” He mumbled in disbelief, Dustin turned to him with raised eyebrows. “What? Spotted any Russians?” The kid asked obliviously.
“No. Nothing. You’re ridiculous, Henderson, why would you even think I have a crush on Munson, of all people.” Steve lied, stuttering his way through the sentence a little. Dustin gave Steve a look like the latter’s insane, “why not?” Asked Dustin.
“He’s not my type, he’s not even in the ballpark of what my type is.”
Dustin scoffed out a laugh, “what’s your type again? Not awesome?”
“For your information, he’s still in school. And he’s weird, he and Robin are weird, and he’s hyper. I don’t like that he’s hyper. And he and Robin did drama together, that’s a bad look. And he has a band... No. And he’s a freak, Henderson, people call him Eddie “The Freak” Munson for a reason.”
“Now that you’re out of high school which means you’re technically an adult, don’t you think it’s time you move on from primitive constructs such as popularity?”
“Oh, primitive constructs? That some stupid shit you learned at Camp... Know... Nothing?”
“Camp Know Where, actually. And, no I learned that shit from life. Instead of dating somebody because you think it’s gonna make you look cooler, why not date someone you actually enjoy being around?”
Steve’s never actually thought of that, he’s mostly scared that he’ll never find anyone who will enjoy his company. He thought Nancy enjoyed his company, but then the next thing he knows it’s actually all just bullshit. His past relationship with Nancy wasn’t anyone’s fault though, Nancy was grieving the loss of her best friend and Steve failed to be there for her. Steve knows he truly loved Nancy, there’s no doubt in that, but he also knows that there can be nothing more to it other than friends. He’s scared of loving someone like that again, because the next time around that he’ll love someone like that, he wants it to be real. He wants it to last forever.
-
Eddie’s been translating and trying to figure out how to crack the code. He’s been sitting at the staff’s room for what felt like many hours, repeating the same sentence, reading the same sentence, listening to the same sentence. He doesn’t even know why he’s genuinely doing this, he’s not usually someone who’s down to help others, at least that’s what he thinks about himself. Eddie knows he won’t do anything he won’t benefit from, so maybe he’s so dedicated to cracking this code because he wants to prove that he’s not stupid. That he’s worth graduating high school, even if he’s repeating for the third time now.
Eddie’s thoughts were interrupted by a knocking on the back door, he rolled his eyes and got up to open the door.
“Delivery for you,” the delivery man said, handing him a box.
“Thanks,” he replied much like a robot, getting the box from the man’s hand at placing it at the table.
As he finished signing the paper, his eyes wandered to the man’s uniform, Lynx Transportation. The delivery raised his eyebrows and Eddie gave him a forced smile, “have a nice day.” Said the delivery man. Eddie studied him for a second, “yeah, you too, man.” He replied, still staring at the brand name on the man’s cap.
He watched as the delivery man walks away, and there he saw the brand logo, a cat. “Silver cat,” he subconsciously said out loud as a thought dawned on him. He hurriedly left the staff’s room, bumping into Robin, “Eddie, you okay?” She asked. Eddie just looked at her with wide eyes, he grabbed her hand and lead her out of the parlor, running past Steve and Dustin but ignoring them.
“What are you doing, dingus?” Asked Robin, Eddie looked down on her from where she stood. “Just come up here, Buckley, stop asking questions,” Eddie responded, helping Robin up.
“A trip to China sounds nice,” Eddie recites as he looked around the mall. After a few seconds he spotted the Chinese restaurant, “there,” Eddie said as he pointed to the restaurant to show Robin. “Holy shit, Munson.” Said Robin a glint of amazement in her eyes made Eddie smile, “If you tread lightly...” Eddie continued the same as Robin, they both looked around the mall, they probably look crazy but they were so close to cracking the code. “There!” The two exclaimed at the same time as they both pointed at Kaufman Shoe Store with a gasp of laughter. “Holy shit, Robin.” Said Eddie making Robin giggle in excitement.
“Okay. When blue meets yellow in the west...” Robin muttered as the duo looked around again, Eddie and Robin’s eyes fell on the big clock in front of them, “eight forty-five?” Eddie asked, Robin, hummed, “no, nine forty-five.” She said, Eddie’s balled fist started moving up and down in excitement, a gesture Robin’s quite familiar with doing. “Robin, Eddie.” The voice of Steve Harrington calls, the two looked down to see Steve and Dustin looking at them with matching confused expressions.
“What are you two doing?” Asked Steve, Robin and Eddie shared a look and turned back to Steve. “We cracked it,” Robin started, Eddie jumped down right in front of Steve. “We cracked the code, big boy.” He whispered audible to both Steve and Dustin, he gave Steve a wink, making the latter’s mouth fall slightly open. Eddie smirked, helping Robin down as they both walked back into the parlor, sharing giggles.
-
“Look for Imperial Panda and Kaufman Shoes,” said Robin.
Eddie’s not very happy right now, his beautiful hair that he spent all morning fussing over, is now wet because of the rain. Now they’re spying on possible Russian villains.
“They’re with that whistling guy, ten o’clock,” Dustin said, the other three looked over where he was pointing at. “What do you think’s in there?” Asked Steve, Eddie shrugged, “guns? Bombs? So many possibilities, Harrington.” He answered, Steve stared at Eddie for a few seconds and the latter just gave him an innocent friendly smile.
“Whatever it is, they’re armed to teeth,” Dustin informed, breaking Steve and Eddie’s staring contest. “Great,” Steve commented as he wipes his wet face and thunder booms, “that’s great.”
“Hey, what’s in there?” Asked Robin as one of the armed men opened the secretive door. “It’s just more boxes,” Dustin answered.
“Let me check it out,”
“No, I’m still looking.”
Eddie and Robin watched as the two unofficial children of the group fought to get the binoculars from each other. After a few seconds, the binoculars fell off of the duo’s grasp, making a harsh noise and alerting the armed men. The group hurried to hide from the armed men, Steve felt someone’s hand grasp his own. He looked to his side to see Eddie looking panicked, his brown Bambi eyes are wide and he was breathing heavily. On Eddie’s other side is Robin, grasping Eddie for her dear life.
Eddie turned to look at the other two when he caught Steve’s eyes on him, he realized that he was holding Steve’s hand and he immediately let go of it. He swore he saw a glint of disappointment in Steve’s eyes, but he chose to ignore it.
-
“That keycard opens the door, but unfortunately the Russian with this keycard also has a massive gun. Whatever’s in this room, whatever’s in those boxes, they really don’t want anybody finding it.” Dustin said as paced in front of the other three, Steve and Robin sat in a chair and Eddie sat on top of the table.
“There’s gotta be a way in,” said Robin as she plays with her ice cream scoop. “Well, you know...” Steve spoke, leaning over the table where Eddie’s sat. “I could just take him out,” Steve finished looking right up at Eddie’s eyes and Eddie snorted.
“Take who out?” Robin asked with raised eyebrows, “the Russian guard.” Steve replied.
Everyone gave him a funny look, “what? I sneak up behind him, I knock him out, I take his keycard. It’s easy.” Steve explained, Eddie let out a laugh, throwing his head back. “Did you not hear the part about the massive gun, Stevie?” Eddie asked in a mocking tone, Steve shot him an annoyed look. “Yes, Munson, I did. And that’s why I would be sneaking.” Steve answered.
Dustin hummed, “Well, tell me this, and be honest, have you actually won a fight?” Dustin taunted, walking towards Steve.
“Okay, that was one time—”
“Twice. Jonathan. Year prior?”
Eddie’s jaw fell open in shock, slowly turning to look at Steve who was already looking at him. “You lost a fight to Byers? Wow... I mean... just wow.” Eddie said in disbelief, looking over where Robin is and gesturing to Steve with a shocked expression which Robin chuckled to.
“Okay, that doesn’t count.” Steve defends himself. “Why wouldn’t it count? Because it looked like he beat the shit out of you.” Eddie laughed at Dustin’s statement, throwing his whole body back, almost falling off the table but Steve’s hand was gently placed on his back. Eddie ignored and buried the fuzzy feeling that came from his stomach because he has no time to be having a crush on Steve Harrington right now.
Whilst the two bickered back ‘n forth, something catches Robin’s eyes... The air duct. She got up without saying anything to anyone, Eddie hurried to follow her, he watches as the girl took every single tip from the tip jar. “Buckley, what are you doing,” Eddie asked, aware that the other two are behind him. Robin turned to him and said, “I need cash,” with a shrug.
“Well, Buckley, some of that cash is mine. And, well... I guess Steve’s too.” Said Eddie, throwing his hands out for dramatic gestures. “Where are you going?” Eddie asked as Robin backs away to leave the parlor. “To find a way into that room, a safe way. And for the meantime, be in charge, Munson. Keep slinging ice cream, and don’t get beat up. I’ll be back in a jiff.” She states before running away, throwing a two-finger salute with a smile.
Eddie sighed as he lazily walked back behind the counter. “What, you don’t wanna be stuck with us or something, Munson?” Steve asked, walking closer to Eddie, Dustin tailing behind him. “Didn’t say something of the sort, big boy. Don’t go breaking your own heart, now.” Eddie answered with a smirk, patting Steve’s cheek before going back inside the staff’s room. Steve froze at the gesture, slowly turning around to face Dustin whose jaw is slack in shock. “Not a word, Henderson,” Steve warned as he busied himself with checking the register out and checking the ice creams over. “Wasn’t even gonna say anything,” Dustin mumbled as he walked inside the room where Eddie went.
-
Steve glanced over the window where Eddie and Dustin are hanging out, he noticed how Eddie seemed to be so good with kids, it’s cute.
“You paint?” Dustin asked with stars in his eyes, Eddie smiled warmly, “yeah. I paint my figurines, I paint shirt designs, I design tattoos I wanna get once I turn eighteen.” Eddie said, playing with his rings. Right, sometimes Steve forgets that Eddie’s still seventeen until next month. “You’re not eighteen yet?” Dustin asked, new to this information.
Eddie chuckled lightly, “nope, I’ll be eighteen next month.” Eddie said with the same smile that shows the dimples on his cheeks and on his eyes. “But... I thought you were repeating your third year of senior year?” Dustin asked, a bit cautious of his words. Eddie patted the kid’s head, “it’s okay to be curious, kid. I don’t mind. Anyways, I jumped a year... They told me I was different—I was gifted. And... they suggested that I try to jump a year, so I did. At first, it was fun because I was finally being taught things, I don’t already know of... But because I was apparently gifted, some other students picked me for it, and called me a freak. It didn’t help that someone spread rumors about me being queer. It was all too much for me, Christ, it all pulled me down. Kept thinkin’ I failed Uncle Wayne; he always assured me that I didn’t do anything wrong. Now, Henderson, I really wouldn’t prefer having this job for the summer. I’d much rather be hanging out with my band, and writing songs. But I wanted to hold myself accountable, had to help Wayne with the money somehow.”
The two were silent for a second, Steve could only assume Eddie’s crying, from where he was standing. He felt bad for eavesdropping, but he can’t help it when they were just three feet away from him.
Dustin looked directly at Eddie’s eyes with his own glassy ones, “you’re so cool, you know? You seem like you’d be the coolest big brother.” Dustin blurted out. Eddie let out a wet chuckle, “I was one.” Eddie admitted and Dustin decided to not ask anything about it, but Steve felt an ache grow within his chest, something about the tone Eddie had seemed so sad. So... broken.
-
After Robin came back, telling the other three her super genius plan to get inside the super-secret Russian base, as Dustin and Eddie called it, the kid suggested he’d be the one to go inside the air ducts.
“Flashlight,” Steve asked, holding his hand out, Dustin easily handed it to the man. Robin and Eddie stood back, watching, Eddie having his arms crossed against his chest as Robin was leaning on his side. “Yeah, I don’t know, man. I don’t know if you can fit in here. It’s, like... super tight.” Steve said, observing the air ducts.
“I'll fit, trust me. No collarbones, remember?” Dustin insisted as Steve moves back down the ladder. Robin huffed in surprise, “uh, excuse me?” She asked.
“Oh, he’s uh... Yeah, he’s got some disease. Chry, uh... It’s chrydo, uhm...” Steve trails off from explaining, trying to find the right word. “Cleidocranial Dysplasia?” Eddie provided with raised eyebrows. Dustin, who’s was about to fit his head inside the air ducts, turned his head to face Eddie. “You know it? Do you have it too?” Dustin asked as Steve just stared at Eddie, the latter tried to ignore that fact and kept his eyes on Dustin. “No, uh...I used to read all about it, because my...uh, sister used to have it.” Eddie explained, struggling with his words, clearing his throat after.
“Used to?” Dustin blurted in confusion, Eddie gave the kid a tight smile and shook his head. “Story for another time, kid,” Eddie replied, his head hung low as he focused on playing with his rings.
Steve tried to ignore the aching curiosity that filled his chest and cleared his throat, “right. He can bend like Gumbo,” Steve compared with a shrug. Robin snorted, “you mean Gumby?” She asked as the kid’s head and shoulders are now inside the air duct. “I’m pretty sure it’s Gumbo,” Steve insisted.
“Steve, shut up and push me!” Dustin called from inside the air duct, making Eddie snort and shake his head fondly. “Okay,” Steve said with a sigh, turning around to help the kid.
“Not my feet, dumbass, push my ass.”
“What?”
“Touch my butt, I don’t care!”
Eddie and Robin watched, shaking their heads as the duo bickered again, struggling to get the kid inside the air duct. The ringing bell from the counter of the parlor caught Eddie and Robin’s attention, they both turned around to see Erica Sinclair, probably back to ask for another sample. “Ahoy, Sailors, ahoy. All hands on deck, ahoy!” The kid called, the two teens shared a look and smirked.
-
The other four watched eagerly as the younger kid observes the air ducts, Eddie sat on the counter and the other three are leaning on it. After a few more seconds, the kid comes down the small ladder, turning to face others. “Yeah, I don’t know,” said Erica.
“You don’t know if you can fit?”
“Oh, I can fit. I just don’t know if I want to.” The kid’s response to Steve made Eddie chuckle, earning a raised eyebrow from Steve.
“Are you claustrophobic?”
“I don’t have phobias.”
“Okay, well, what’s the problem?”
“The problem is, I still haven’t heard what’s in this for Erica.” She sassed, Eddie jumped down from the counter he was sitting at and walked over to where Erica was. “You want free ice cream?” He offered with a smirk, the kid looked up to him, one eyebrow raised as to think of the offer.
-
The five sat around a table full of different ice-creams. Eddie slid the banana split towards Erica, only for the kid to slide it back to him, “more fudge, please.” She asked false-politely, Eddie gave the kid a tight smile of annoyance. “You do it, Harrington, be a gentleman,” Eddie said, giving the banana split to Steve. The latter stared at Eddie for a few seconds, sighing as he can’t say no to Eddie’s big Bambi eyes.
Steve got up from his seat, took the ice cream with him, and walked away. “All right, see this? This is the route you’re gonna take.” Robin explained, pointing at the blueprints. “Then we just wait ‘till the last delivery goes out tonight. Then you knock out the grate, jump down, open the door.” Robin instructs.
“Then you find out what’s in those boxes?”
“Exactly.”
“And you say this guard is armed.”
“Yes, but he won’t be there.”
“And booby traps?”
Eddie snorted, “booby traps?”
“Lasers, spikes in the wall?” Erica asked sassily, “yeah. I know what a booby trap is, kid.” Said Eddie with a playful eye roll.
“You know what this half-baked plan of yours sounds like to me? Child endangerment.”
“We’ll be in radio contact with you the whole time,”
“Ah, ah, ah. Child endangerment.”
After an awful lot (not really awful, Erica was completely reasonable) of convincing, Erica finally agreed to do the task.
“Erica, do you copy?”
“Mmhmm, I copy. You nerds in position or what?”
Eddie chuckled, “I like this kid a lot, she’s got some sass in her blood.”
“We’re in position,” Robin answered. “It’s all quiet here, so you’ve got the green light.”
“Green light, roger that, Commence Operation Child Endangerment,” Erica said.
Eddie almost choked on his own saliva, holding onto the closest person next to him, which happens to be Steve. “Can we maybe not call it that?” Robin requested, Steve, nodded in agreement.
“See you on the other side. Nerds.” Said Erica. Eddie, Steve, and Robin shared nervous looks.
After a few moments of waiting, Erica finally spoke up, “all right, nerds. I’m there.”
“Do you see anything, malen'kiy Sinclair?” Eddie asked, snatching the walkie from Robin’s hands. “Yeah, I see those boring boxes you’re so excited about,” Erica answered.
“Any guards? Booby traps? Is it safe? Are you safe?” Eddie fussily asked, Erica, snorted from the other side, “negative to everything you just asked.” Erica answered, Eddie, sighed and nodded.
“I’m in.”
After a few seconds, the door opened, revealing little Erica. “Free ice cream, for life.” Erica proclaimed, one of her hands resting on her hip.
-
Steve opened the Imperial Panda box where a safe case was placed, which he also opened. “That’s definitely not Chinese food,” Steve commented as the five of them peeked over to see what was inside.
Before Steve pulls out the possible weapon, he looked back up at the others. “Uh, maybe you guys should, you know, stand back,” Steve suggested with hand gestures. Robin and Erica stood back, Eddie shrugged and went behind Steve. “I think I’ll be safe from over here,” Eddie said with a smirk. The latter’s breath tickled on Steve’s neck, sending a chill down his spine, not arguing with the other.
“Dustin? Step back,”
“No.”
“Just step back, okay?”
“No.”
“Step back, seriously.”
“No! If you die, I die.” Dustin insisted, Steve paused, and the two stared at each other.
“Look, Henderson, why don’t you stand next to me? So, you’re still close to Steve, somehow. How ‘bout that?” Eddie asked, grabbing Dustin by the shoulder. The kid looked at him with consideration in his eyes before standing to Eddie’s right.
Steve twisted the handle and pulled the thing out, it was green and slimy and glowing. “What the hell,” Steve mumbled as they all stared at the substance.
“What is that?” Robin asked at the same time the room moved, alerting everyone in the room. “Is it just me, or did the room move?” Asked Dustin.
Erica’s eyes widen, “booby traps.” She mumbled.
The room made a noise again, making a soft motion. “Okay, let’s just grab this shit with us and run the hell outta here,” Eddie said, taking the object from Steve’s hand while Dustin hurried to press the button to open the door.
“Which one do I press, Erica?” Dustin asked, pressing the open button multiple times. Erica, who stood close to Eddie, rolled her eyes. “Just press the dam button, nerd.” She answered as Eddie puts the weird object inside her backpack.
“Which one? I’m pressing the button, okay?”
“Press open door.”
“I’m pressing open door .”
Robin, Steve, and Dustin bickered about the button, and after a few seconds of Steve pressing buttons aggressively, something happened. The next thing they know, the room seems to be falling, alarms are going off and the lights are blinking rapidly.
Robin let out a scream, Eddie couldn’t comprehend what was happening so he held Erica and Robin close to him, to avoid them from getting hurt.
Everyone is screaming, saying words, and yelling words. But all Eddie could do is let out a screech, he almost forgot he was holding Erica. “You’re destroying my eardrums, you nerd!” Erica shouted; Eddie huffed out a laugh. “I’m sorry, but I am panicking and we are going down. Your eardrums will survive.”
“We’re going down, we’re going down!”
“No shit, Harrington!”
“Why won’t these buttons work?!”
Eddie bit his bottom lip, he got up from the floor, still holding Erica like a child. “Just press the button, Henderson,” Eddie said through gritted teeth, pushing the button. “What do you think I’m doing?!” The boy screeched in panic.
“Come on, press something! Just press the button.” Steve exclaimed, looking crazy. Eddie slammed his free hand on the whole thing and the room stopped falling. Eddie fell on his back, his head colliding with the floor with a loud noise. The noise alarmed the child that’s safely in his arms. “Nerd, you okay?” She asked.
“Dustin! Get this off of me.” Steve demanded from somewhere.
What the fuck happened, Eddie thought. “Hey, nerd!” Erica exclaimed, slapping his cheek harshly. Eddie opened his eyes as he felt the pain on his cheeks, looking at the child with wide eyes. “The hell was that for, karlik?” He asked as he sat up and let go of Erica, “I thought you died, or something.” The child reasoned and Eddie scoffed. “I just hit my head and rested my eyes, you crazy child,” Eddie said as he stood up, rubbing his red cheek where Erica had slapped him.
“Is everyone okay?” Robin asked from where she was, Eddie tried walking up to her to help her up, but swayed to the side, gripping his hand on the table to keep him still. “This tall nerd hit his head pretty hard.” Erica said pointing at Eddie, “I’m fine. You’d be surprised by how many times I hit my head on a daily basis.” Eddie insisted, he cleared his throat and asked again. “How ‘bout you all, you okay?” Asked Eddie as he helped Robin get up to her feet.
“Yeah, I’m great now that I know that Russians can’t design elevators!” Steve suddenly let out an angry outburst, he pushed past Dustin and started pressing buttons again. “I think we’ve clearly established that those buttons don’t work,” said Robin as she rubs her head.
“They’re buttons. They have to do something.” Steve reasoned; voice still raised. “Yeah, if we had a keycard,” Eddie said, cutting off Steve. The latter gave the other man a confused look, “a what?”
“It’s an electronic lock, same as the loading dock door.” Robin said and Eddie nodded, “if we don’t have a keycard, it won’t operate. Which means, big boy,” Eddie paused to walk closer to Steve. “We’re stuck in here,” Eddie finished with a sigh.
“Just so you nerds are aware, I’m supposed to be spending the night at Tina’s, and Tina always covers for me. But if I’m not home for Uncle Jack’s party tomorrow and my mom finds out, you four are responsible, she’s gonna hunt you down, one by one, and slit your throat.” Erica declared, throwing hand gestures in the air. Robin leaned her head on Eddie’s shoulder and sighed.
“I don’t care about Tina! Or Uncle Jack’s party! Your mom’s not gonna be able to find us if we’re dead in a Russian elevator.”
Eddie snorted at Steve’s outburst, earning a glare from the latter. “Hey, what if we climbed out?” Dustin asked.
“Did you forget how long we were falling, there is no chance we climb outta this thing, Henderson,” Eddie said with a sigh, walking towards the upper corner of the elevator and sitting on the spot, hugging his knees against his chest. Eddie pulled out a hairband from his pocket and tied his hair up for a bun, he decided he can take a small nap right now, and leave everyone else to do what they want.
Steve can’t help but stare at Eddie’s peaceful sleeping figure, his head is rested on the wall beside him, his legs bent slightly and he’s hugging himself. “Staring at him won’t take you anywhere, Steve.” Robin teased and Steve rolled his eyes. “You like Eddie?” Robin asked and Steve was silent for a few seconds, “yeah. Is that bad?” He asked and Robin huffed out a laugh, “no. Not at all,” she answered with a smile.
Dustin and Erica are across from them, their eyes are also calling for sleep, so the two let them be.
“Have you ever been in love, Steve?” Robin asked as she sat close to where Eddie is, Steve took Robin’s other side. “Yep, Nancy Wheeler. First semester, senior year.” Steve answered with a sigh.
Robin scoffed, “I was so obsessed with you, you know? And it’s not because I liked you as Nancy Wheeler did. But I was so obsessed with you because I couldn’t understand why and what she saw in you. I was obsessed with you because I was so jealous because I wanted her to look at me the same way she looks at you.” Robin paused to look at Steve who was wearing a confused expression. “Who’s her ?” Steve asked.
Robin sighed and looked away from Steve. “Nancy Wheeler. I wanted her to look at me, but she couldn’t pull her eyes from you and your stupid hair. And I didn’t understand, because you would get bagel crumbs all over the floor. And you asked dumb questions and you were a douchebag. I would go home and just scream into my pillow, thinking that I could’ve treated her way better than you did.” Robin let out a huge breath as she finished, letting the tears escape her eyes.
“I’m sorry.” That was all Steve could say and Robin chuckled. “It wasn’t your fault. I just wish she’s happy, you know, with Jonathan.” Robin said softly as she rested her head on Steve’s shoulder. “I know you like Munson, you don’t have to lie to me about that. And I can’t guarantee you that he feels the same way, Eddie is a pretty hard shell to crack. He’s got layers. But you should give him a shot, I think he’d be worth it.” Robin advised and Steve sighed, “yeah. I really wish we get out of here alive because I would very much love to get to know him more.” Steve admitted. Robin gave him a soft reassuring smile, “I’m sure he’d love that too.”
They were both silent for a while, “you’re a good guy, Harrington.” Robin whispered as they both slowly drifted to sleep.
-
Steve woke up by the sounds of a whimper, he turned to look at Robin whose head is resting back on the shelves behind them. Steve decided to stand up and check on everyone. Erica and Dustin are sharing the younger’s backpack as a pillow, facing away from each other in their sleep. Steve’s eyes landed on Eddie, his eyebrows are pulled together, his face full of discomfort. Steve swore he hears Eddie wheezing. He worriedly hurried to Eddie’s side, shaking him awake.
“Eddie, hey. You gotta wake up, Eddie?” Steve repeated his name multiple times, tapping Eddie’s cheek lightly. Eddie’s eyes opened wide, and he started to reach for his pocket clumsily, “you okay?” Steve asked softly.
Eddie didn’t answer, shakily taking out an inhaler from his pocket. He shook it before using it. “Holy fuck,” Eddie mumbled as he got his breath sorted out. “You okay? I didn’t know you had...” Steve trailed off, just staring at Eddie who was still a bit pale
Eddie cleared his throat and sat up straight, “yeah, uh... It’s usually unexpected, sometimes my nightmares just trigger it most. Good thing I have this with me, yeah?” Eddie said with a small smile, holding up his inhaler.
“Can I tell you a secret?” Eddie asked as Steve sat next to him, “yeah, sure.” Steve replied trying to forget about how Eddie literally just had a small asthma attack. “I thought you didn’t like me when I started working here,” Eddie confessed with a smirk and Steve’s jaw went slack before huffing out a laugh. “What gave you that impression?” Steve asked, glancing at Eddie’s lips.
“I dunno, you were always glaring at me, barely talked to me until like a week... I figured if I started teasing you like always did with my... friends, you’d eventually warm up to me.”
Steve smiled as he watched Eddie re-do his bun, “to be honest... I thought you’d be kinda mean and scary. You were the King of Hawkins High; it’s why it is such a privilege to learn that you’re actually.... a good dude.” Eddie said giving Steve the biggest and softest smile he’s ever seen; Steve swore he could melt. Eddie was like the sun.
“I also thought you’d be mean, to be fair, I always saw how loud you were in school,” Steve said peeling his eyes away from Eddie. “Never thought Steve Harrington knew me in High School,” Eddie commented with a chuckle, making Steve smile.
“It’s kinda hard not to know you... you were very.... eccentric, not that—I didn’t mean... fuck.” Steve cursed as he couldn’t find the right words. “It’s okay Stevie, I know about the rumors made about me,” Eddie said, now with a small smile. “You’re very different from them, the rumors, I mean. You’re....nice and sweet.” Steve said and chuckled, “I’m sorry, I’m not really good with words.” Steve said shyly, making Eddie laugh. “You don’t have to be good with words, Stevie, I still understand,” Eddie assured with a soft smile.
“Are you guys gonna kiss?” The voice of Dustin Henderson broke the two older ones’ shared gaze, turning to where Dustin is. “Henderson, can’t two men just have a sentimental talk in peace,” Eddie said with a tight smile as he got up.
“Whatever,” said Dustin as he climbed out of the top of the elevator with his walkie. Eddie walked over to where the buttons were and inspected them, aware of Erica’s presence next to him.
“Code red, I repeat, code red. Does anyone copy? This is a code red, I repeat, code red.”
Eddie groans, “Harrington, can you tell your child to not drain the battery of his walkie, we might need it later on.” He ordered as he wiped his face with two hands. He didn’t bother to look at Steve but heard him move to his feet. Erica then, walked over to the weird objects, inspecting them.
Steve sighed and obliged, going up where Dustin was. “We are innocent children and we are trapped under Starcourt Mall. The Red Army has infiltrated Hawkins, and if we are found, they will torture and kill us.” He heard Dustin say.
“Hey. Gotta take it easy on that thing, you’re gonna drain the battery.” Steve said and Dustin turned to look at him.
“The mall just opened.”
“So?”
“So, someone could be in range.”
“What do you think? Petey the Mall cop is gonna rappel down here and save the day?”
“All right why are you such cranky pants after getting to spend the night with Eddie?” Dustin said, whispering the last part.
“Shh! Jesus Christ.” Steve staged whispered. “Will you just give up on your creepy dream already?”
“I literally just saw you talking to him a few minutes ago and you were making googly eyes at him,” Dustin said as Steve went to stand up close to him, inspecting the elevator.
“I wasn’t making googly eyes.” Steve weakly defended and Dustin snorted, “yeah, sure. I swear you almost kissed him.” Dustin teased.
“Just shut up, okay?” Steve said, walking towards a corner to pee. “You know, Henderson, it’s been eight hours. And we’re still stuck down here, which is, you know, probably just a little bit of the reason why I’m feeling just... a tad cranky.” He said as he started his much-needed task.
“ What are you doing?”
“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m taking a leak, look away. Look Away!”
…
Eddie turned around as he heard a not-so-pleasing noise and not-so-pleasing smell, he saw pee on the wall. Eddie groaned, “can you redirect your stream, please.” Eddie asked as he turned to Robin who was next to him, having a disgusted expression. Steve did as told, making a line on the wall, “ugh. Men are gross.” Eddie commented, taking his attention back to the buttons. “You are one, nerd,” Erica said from behind him, making Robin snort.
“Fair.” That was all Eddie said with a shrug.
Eddie and Robin turned around as they heard the sound of someone banging an object. Erica was smashing the chemical on a thick metal circular container. Eddie was quick to snatch the glass container of chemicals from the child, “be careful, child. We don’t know what this is, okay? It could be poisonous or something.” Eddie said, handing the object to Robin.
“Exactly, it could be useful.” Erica reasoned.
“Useful, how?” Robin asked.
“We can survive down here for a long time without food, but if the human body doesn’t get water, it will die.”
Eddie snorted, “I hate to break it to you, pipsqueak. But this shit isn’t water.”
“No, but it’s a liquid and if it comes down to me drinking that shit or dying of thirst, I drink.” The child sassed and Robin rolled her eyes as Eddie just groaned softly.
Eddie and Robin paused as they both heard a noise; Robin passed the object to Erica who easily took it. The duo pressed their heads to the elevator door, to see if they can hear the noise more clearly. They both widened their eyes; Robin was quick to move and call the other two down.
“We’ve got company,” she said as Erica and Eddie tailed behind her. “Get up, we hide here. And escape quickly once they’re out of sight from us.” Eddie said, urging the two ladies to get up with the help of Steve from above. They all sat quietly, observing what the guards are doing.
Once the guards are out, Steve grabbed the object from Erica and hurriedly came down, placing the object to stop the door from closing. He caught Erica’s backpack and slid it under as Erica was the first to escape, followed by Dustin and Robin. Eddie glanced at the glass object, close to cracking.
Eddie took Steve’s hand and they both escaped together just a few seconds before the glass completely broke.
“Jesus Christ,” Steve mumbled as he stood up, still holding Eddie’s hand. Robin took a look closer at the substance, “you still wanna drink that?” She asked Erica with a teasing smile.
“Holy mother of God.” Said Dustin, making them all turn around to see what looks like a never-ending tunnel. Eddie became aware of someone’s hand on his, loosening his grip on it and going over to stand in front of Dustin, Steve tried to ignore his disappointment.
“Well, I hope you guys are in good shape. Looking at you, roast beef.” Said Steve, patting Dustin and walking ahead of everyone else. “Let’s go, come on.” He said and the others followed behind him.
“Why me?” Dustin asked Eddie, the latter just shrugged with a smirk.