Chapter Text
“911, for what city?” Steve asked five minutes into his shift and headset securely over one ear, bulky square monitor lit up in front of him, and reading glasses in place for his 10 hour overnight.
Their dispatch covered all of Hawkins as well as into two neighboring counties. Small towns often had to spread their resources and unfortunately that trickled down to emergency services.
The shaky voice down the line replied, “Larson close to the county line.”
“Okay you’re doing great- do you require police, fire, or ambulance?” He continued the script embedded in his mind after five years of working dispatch.
“Ambulance, I think he’s hurt. The idiot-“ The person on the line continued as Steve gently cut him off.
“Alright, ambulance and can I get your name and the address of the emergency?” Steve said ignoring the idiot comment.
People gave a lot of useless information when what he needed was streamlined facts. Especially when moments mattered.
Now with cellphones becoming more common it was harder to pinpoint someone’s location the way a landline worked.
“Gareth, uh and the address,” Steve heard the phone being pulled away and the receiver being covered up, “what’s the address again you dumbass?” He hollered in the background to a fuzzy sounding voice yelling a reply.
Steve had gone to high school with a Gareth. Ran into him periodically at Murray’s bar. Would throw a friendly wave to him. He had even shared a pint with him and Dustin before.
There couldn’t be more than one? He thought to himself.
It was his job to remain anonymous over the line. Easier said than done in a place where everyone knew just about everyone else- and their business. As a dispatcher you sometimes got ‘regulars’ that felt comforted by you.
Which can be sweet. Steve had an elderly woman, Ruth, who called on Monday’s at 2am to check in on him.
They can also turn into situations.
A muffled voice said something like, ‘seriously? We just opened this location, you helped me scout it!’
“702 Elm street. Like I said rural close to the county line. In front of the auto body shop on the same strip as the laundromat and nail salon.” He finished as Steve made a note in the system of a second male voice heard in the background.
“I dispatched an ambulance. Help is on the way please stay on the line until they arrive- can you tell me what happened?” He asked calmly, Steve was good at his job and helping people in dire situations asked for a level of soothing nerves along with gathering information.
The man on the other line huffed a sigh and spoke to the other person with him before replying, “Yeah Eddie, help’s on the way- do not get up. I swear to god you couldn’t wait 5 minutes for me to come back- He fell off a ladder. Maybe broke a rib? Insisted getting the outdoor Christmas lights up couldn’t wait.” Annoyance heavy in the caller’s voice.
In the distance Steve heard the other man wheeze out an unheated ‘fuck you Gareth’ as he typed in the information.
Fell from ladder not sure how high off ground possible broken rib(s)? Able to speak, conscious, he clacked across the keyboard.
Sirens approached in the background, “Cool they’re here, thanks man!” The caller- Gareth, said before hanging up.
Steve got confirmation over his walkie-talkie from Lucas,
“Dunks here with Mad, unit 1, we’re at the scene, over.”
“Rapunzel on the line with you. Confirmed on scene, over.” Steve replied his stupid walkie name bestowed upon him by Robin (Birdie) and Dustin (Dustybuns shortened to Buns)- he loathed it. It was longer than Steve.
Robin pushed for princess and Steve flat out refused. He had inherited his parents house and Robin joked that he was locked away in his tower. That along with ‘The Hair’ nickname- Rapunzel was born.
The walkie clicked once more, “Welcome to this weird ass evening Raps happy to have you. Your info gathering beats Buns anyday, over and out!” Max said over the walkie.
Dustin clicked his tongue in the background. The party had stayed close since high school and Dustin often got the brunt of the teasing, most of the time he earned it.
He disconnected and looked to Robin who was taking a call and Dustin who was munching on snacks. He was on deck for the next emergency call.
“Off to a smooth start?” Dustin asked as he popped another cracker into his mouth.
“So far so good. The poor guy calling was so mad at whoever fell off the ladder. Like c’mon the guy with the possible broken ribs is being punished enough already.” Steve chuckled as he stole one of Dustin’s grapes from his snack set-up and tossed it in the air. Catching it in his mouth like the practiced skill it was.
“Show off.” Dustin snorted as his line lit up with another call.
***
Eddie had been doing mechanic work for over a decade- longer really if you counted going into the garage on weekends with his Uncle when he was still in high school. Even more after he was busted selling pot for the third time. Wayne had ramped up the required garage ‘bonding time’ after that.
He’d always been good with his hands and putting things back together again. When there was a kinetic and visual aspect to the work he’d be able to get it done.
He had been living in Northern California for the past six years but the town felt smaller and smaller the longer he was there. He had initially moved to L.A. at 20 and bummed around trying out the bohemian and rock and roll lifestyle he thought he desired.
Made his way up to San Francisco for another year and got back to his mechanic roots so he could pull a paycheck. Then settled outside of the city further north, more woods, closer to some mountains and hiking trails.
The small town feel was something he desperately wanted to escape when he had moved away from Hawkins. The reason he up and left in the first place. His reputation often preceded him and the hive mind of small town folks had pigeonholed him as other.
Wrong.
Trash.
Before he was really able to even know himself.
Oddly enough the small town feeling was the same reason he returned. Atleast it was his small town. He missed Wayne. Seeing him two to three times a year wasn’t enough.
Wayne’s business was still up and running with Gareth and Jeff as his main mechanics. The shop had a reputation for no bullshit and fair prices, a direct reflection of the man who owned it.
Wayne still stepped in for any in-depth issues that needed his expertise. Otherwise he had tapered off his presence in the garage. Arthritic hands just didn’t maneuver around the work the way they once had. He offered it to Eddie if he had wanted to come back to Hawkins.
Knowing full well that the words Eddie left unsaid in their weekly conversations was that he was struggling out there. He had isolated himself from people he had thought were his friends, but that was before the break up.
‘No pressure boy. Just want you happy. I’m not sure how much longer I wanna keep this up. Maybe even get to enjoy some of this retirement people always talkin’ ‘bout.’
And Eddie hadn’t thought of himself as traditional but he loved the idea of taking on Wayne’s business.
It was called ‘Munson Automotive’ , Wayne always joked about adding ‘& Son’ but never had. The implication that he always treated Eddie as such wasn’t lost on him. They were blood.
Eddie was a Munson, for good or for bad. He carried the namesake for what it was.
In his youth Hawkins had been a dead end shit hole he needed to escape. Upon returning this past month he was reuniting with friends who had stayed in the area- not many townsfolks held onto him being a satanic devil worshipping monster anymore.
Barely remembered him really.
It was nice, he felt a little anonymous. He had the beginnings of a routine consisting of grabbing beers with his friends after work, he was a regular at the local record store-
Best of all his relationship in California had crashed and burned last year and now Eddie could be alone in Hawkins.
Rebuilt in Hawkins.
A humorous concept that wasn’t lost on the previously dubbed town freak.
He felt strangely like he had a scarlet letter carved on his forehead after the break up.
He tucked tail and ran from California. A pattern he was too familiar with when Wayne gave him an out. He felt like he could finally sleep again.
Not worried about running into a mutual friend, or his ex, at every haunt they had shared. He figured he was maybe the kind of guy who was supposed to be alone.
Maybe he wanted too much?
A lot of their arguments circled around how Eddie could be-
Too loud.
Too opinionated.
Too much.
The second his ex laid an unkind hand on him he had walked. His old man, his real old man, had those tendencies. It was part of the reason he landed with Wayne in the first place, that and his deadbeat dad finding out he was queer- it had him going ballistic. Fuck him.
Also fuck his ex, Grant, for treating him like that.
Most of all fuck himself for being an adult and allowing someone who was supposed to love him treat him that way.
He hadn’t realized the pedestal he thought Grant was putting him on was actually a tiny boxed prison that closed in on him the longer they were together.
Walls getting closer and closer.
People he was allowed to see less and less.
Places he had permission to go- at the end was basically just work and even then he was accused of flirting with a coworker. Who was his friend and had a wife and four kids.
It happened in such small increments Eddie had no clue how it had snuck up on him, how he hadn’t seen the signs.
Coming home to Hawkins he hoped to just immerse himself in work, reconnecting, and healing.
To find Eddie again.
Pick up a guitar again.
Be allowed his own opinions again.
Raise up some of his youthful rebellious spirit that the flames had gone out from long ago. He was too young to just be going through the motions.
He was only 28, and hell it was 1997 time’s were changing and sure Hawkins wasn’t the most welcoming place for a person with his preferences- but it was no longer the dark ages.
He wasn’t in high school anymore, Eddie ‘The Freak’ a name of the past. Sure his hair was still long and he sported some pretty badass tattoos- most people he came across thought of him as a gearhead.
Now that he was just Eddie, he could live peacefully amongst the townies. Fade into the fabric of the place. Contribute to society and just live his life.
Currently he was laying on the cement pavement below a five foot ladder. Clutching his side and trying to slowly bring in air that didn’t make him want to cry out in pain. He was cursing most of Indiana and it’s stupid freezing winters.
It was early December and already below thirty degrees, the hard sidewalk reminding him of that fact as the cold seeped through his clothing and made him want to shiver deep down to his bones.
Gareth was inside the garage on the landline calling 911 and hollering questions out of the opened garage door as the sirens and flashing lights approached the street.
***
The paramedics approached with the body board for transporting Eddie, “Hey.” He wheezed still laying supine on the pavement.
Hooray for small victories he had completed what he set out to do with the lights. He hadn’t fallen until the last part was secured. Going beyond his reach and the ladder deciding the sidewalk was no longer stable and sending Eddie tumbling to the hard ground.
A very muscled man knelt next to Eddie, “Hey man, looks like you took a pretty good fall, I’m Lucas and I’m here to help.” He shot Eddie a kind smile.
“’m Eddie and that ladder isn’t even that tall, what the fuck? Wait- Lucas? You kids still playing DnD?” He hissed between his teeth.
Lucas laughed as the recognition dawned on him. He hadn’t known Eddie was back in town, “Hey Munson! Didn’t realize you were back in Hawkins. Just for the holidays?”
He patted the last rung of the ladder, “It seems it was tall enough to cause some damage. Eddie did you hit you head from the fall?” He asked shining a light into Eddie’s pupils. Voice even as he took Eddie’s vital signs.
Gareth shot in, “Nah he’s just always this big of an idiot, hasn’t changed much from his second senior year.”
Max gave a wry smile next to him as she helped Lucas.
“Rude, way to kick me when I’m down Gar-Bear. Uh not just holidays, I’m back for now…for good? Taking over Wayne’s shop. but dun’think I got my head. Broke my fall with my left arm and…body?” He squeaked out.
“Can you move your legs for me?” Lucas asked. Ruling out more serious injuries.
Eddie wiggled his feet no problem, “Yup, can feel them too, can most likely get up. Gareth’s a big worrywart.”
Gareth piped in, “Spinal injuries are a big deal Eddie. You just got back to town, I’d like to keep you around for a bit.”
Eddie gave him a soft look and whispered, “Aw, he does care.”
Lucas chuckled and started to softly palpate over his arm and the collar bone to no reaction. He then moved his hand lower as Eddie hissed in pain at the contact.
“Sorry, think these are at the very least bruised if not broken.” His brows furrowed apologetically.
Max added, “Gareth did the right thing you’re definitely going to need some scans to make sure all those precious organs the ribs cradle aren’t now being poked by them.”
Eddie gave her an affronted look, “No sugar coating, huh Red?”
Lucas had ran his fingers over the same spot on Eddie’s chest again and recreated the pain grabbing the same reaction, “Alright me and Max are gonna get you in the ambulance and head to Hawkins General.”
“Call Wayne for me?” He asked Gareth as Max and Lucas got him situated to move.
Eddie gave a small finger wave as she and Lucas got him into the back of the ambulance, “What’s up Max?”
“Not much, didn’t ya hear ladders aren’t meant from jumping off of? Not super metal the older you get.” She deadpanned at him.
Gareth crowed with laughter overhearing her jab.
“Aw Red, don’t be mean to me I’m hurt.” He wheezed out keeping himself from laughing as to not make his ribs scream at him from that kind of movement.
She smirked at him, “Welcome back Eddie.” She said as she shut the back door of the ambulance and hopped up front to drive.
Lucas in the back with him, “She’s all bark and no bite man.”
Eddie smiled, “It’s good to see you, I mean different circumstances would’ve been appreciated.” He gestured to himself as Lucas laughed, “Any more of you guys still here?”
“Yeah almost all of us, and we do actually still run a campaign once or twice a year- join us for the next one?” Lucas asked genuine interest in his voice.
“Fuck yeah count me in.” Eddie said still clutching his side.
“Why didn’t you reach out when you came back? Dustin’s gonna be such a pain in the ass about it to you.” Lucas mused.
Eddie tampered down his laughter again, “I would’ve only been back a month and just secured that location to be able to take on more clients. The shop in downtown Hawkins can only accommodate so much.”
Eddie paused and winced as Lucas put in an I.V. to administer a low dose of pain meds, “Hoping to grow the business while I still have Wayne to help before he properly retires. Get a few more mechanics on besides me, Gareth, and Jeff.”
Eddie scratched his jaw and finished, “Maybe offer some custom work. Did some research and the area’s lacking when it comes to custom and exotic cars.” Eddie rambled as the pain meds Lucas administered hit nicely.
Lucas smiled kindly, the profession he had chosen fit him well Eddie thought to himself, or maybe said out loud?
They pulled up to the hospital, “Thanks man I like it a lot,” Lucas replied- so Eddie had said that?
“It’s good to see you. Stay in touch once you’re outta here.” Lucas said.
He was always the party member with the best manners. They got Eddie into a treatment room, “I’ll leave Joyce to it, prepare for some tough love!” Lucas joked as he waved on his way out of the E.R.
“Mrs. Byers?” Eddie asked groggily. Will had been another one of the munchkins in Hellfire, an easy favorite with his quiet demeanor and dry wit.
Similar to Eddie in more ways than their interest in DnD.
“Joyce will do. Anyone ever tell you ladders aren’t for jumping off of?” She said in a teasing tone.
Eddie clutched his side as he failed to quell his laughter, “Did you and Max plan that?” He said through gritted teeth.
Joyce just shot him a smile as she filled out his chart and gathered his most up to date vitals.
***
The walkie buzzed through, “Raps, Buns, and Birdie this is Mad and Dunks signing out for the night and leaving you to Cheers and Wheelie. Over.” Max said voice tired and the moon still fat overhead in the sky at the hand off of their shift.
Robin replied, “Good work tonight. I don’t wanna jinx anything-“
Steve snapped at her in the background, “Don’t say it Robs.”
Robin rolled her eyes, “-but tonight was chill. ‘Til next time, over and out.”
Dustin was finishing up a call with the nursing home. Another routine ambulance call for the next county over.
Steve rolled his chair closer to Robin’s station. She had frosty blue eyeshadow starting to crease and her hair gathered behind her head with a banana clip barely being able to hold back all the strands, “You’re tempting fate when you say things like that. We’ve still got two more hours on tonight.”
She gave him an unimpressed look, “You know I don’t believe in that kinda shit.” She huffed at him as the next call rang through.
Steve’s turn to take it, “911, what’s your name and location?” He said while shooting Robin a glare and returning to his monitor.
***
Five in the morning crawled on slowly. Luckily Robin hadn’t jinxed them and the night had stayed uneventful. Steve, Dustin, and Robin handed the shift over to the usual day crew members.
He grabbed his now empty thermos for coffee and his coat as he made his way out into the still dark early hours of the morning.
“Breakfast?” Robin asked them.
Dustin shook his head, “I am going to connect my face to my pillow for the next 24 hours, three of my shifts are done for the week don’t have’ta be in for two days.”
Steve grinned at Robin, the two saying in the exact same moment, “Benny’s?”
He held his hand out for a high five as she smacked it sloppily, missing the mark, the two started laughing.
Dustin piped in, “Fucking slap happy children.”
Making Steve laugh harder and Robin snapping, “Watch your tone with me Dustybuns!”
Dustin shot them a middle finger as he got in his car and headed home.
***
Eddie had just gotten done with an X-ray and CT scan as he was rolled back into his room to a disgruntled looking Wayne. He gave the man a sheepish smile. Dressed down in a hospital gown and his personality.
“Don’t you try lookin’ all sorry at me kid, Gareth called and told me what happened.” He said looking tired in the visitors chair.
“Sorry Waynie didn’t mean for it to happen. Scouts honor.” Eddie said in an exaggeratedly sorry voice.
Wayne tsk-ed at him, “Barely back for a month an’ already causin’ trouble.” The corners of the man’s mouth attempting to smother his smile.
“Well what’d you expect?” Eddie teased back.
“I suppose this does match up, Eds. What’s the damage boy?” He leaned back in his chair as he took Eddie in with his hospital gown and messy curls.
“One cracked. Nothing’s broken mainly some bruising, ladder 1, Eddie 0.” He gave a little shrug and continued, “Um painkillers and ice just takes time to heal on their own in about 3 to 6 weeks is what I was told.”
“You’re on desk and ordering duty for at least four weeks Eddie.” Wayne said with no room to argue.
He felt like a scolded child, “I can do like oil changes and less labor intensive work.” He offered.
“Absolutely not kid. I want’cha to heal up right and not disrupt it further.” He said to Eddie while tapping the arm of the chair.
Eddie let out a frustrated sigh.
“Don’t go on huffin’ and puffin’ to me boy, ya did this number to yourself. You know I ain’t mad at’cha mishaps happen. All healing takes time.” Wayne added.
Eddie thought he meant beyond the ribs, they never really talked about what made him want to high-tail it out of California. If Wayne was good at avoiding feelings Eddie was a grand master.
He offered up a small smile, “Think we can grab a bite when I’m released? I’m fucking starving.”
Wayne chuckled. “Definitely know you’re alright kid, your appetite never lies.”
Eddie’s insides settle at the way Wayne always calls him kid or boy. He doesn’t feel like he’s being scolded for his accident.
Mistake.
He’s spent years apologizing for his actions when Grant would be upset and Eddie in turn would be walking on eggshells. He had a lot of relearning to do.
He felt like he was in a safe place to do it.
***
Benny’s was the greasy spoon that to Steve and Robin was the soul of Hawkins. Bad shift, good shift, neutral shift?
Go to Benny’s.
Lackluster date?
Go to Benny’s.
Homophobic comment?
Give them hell, vent with your best friend,
And go to Benny’s.
It was their remedy for every situation life threw at them. They sat in their usual window booth as the tried and true server, Reba, came to take their always the same orders.
“Hey you two, keepin’ Hawkins sorted this fine day?” She asked as she filled their mugs.
Robin smiled, “Rebs people get more and more dumb by the day, I swear overnights get the weird calls and days get all the run of the mill ones.”
Steve smiled across from her as he added a sugar cube and a splash of cream to his coffee.
Reba scratched her pen along her ordering pad of paper, “The usual?” she asked.
Steve and Robin both nodded, “Can we add an order of the cinnamon roll pancakes too? Put that one on my check.” Steve interjected before Reba headed to the kitchen.
“You got it darlin’ something sweet for my sweetest customer.” Reba teased as she walked off.
“Cheers to one more shift in the books.” Robin said as she gently clinked her mug to Steve’s as a few more customers walked in.
Steve paused, eyes tracking one of them. Robin turned in the booth and looked back to Steve, “Huh, that’s new.” She mused.
In the booth across the diner Wayne Munson slid in with someone across from him. It was a guy about their age with a baseball hat pulled over long chestnut hair. Someone handsome. Steve shot his eyes back to Robin, “Maybe a new employee?”
The thing was the guy did seem familiar. The long hair suited him and maybe Steve hadn’t allowed himself to notice before but the man had large, kind eyes that drew him in. He sipped his coffee and tried not to be obvious in his perusal.
Robin surveyed the booth in a discreet manner, “Oh that’s maybe...yeah…just a new mechanic?” The realization started to come to her but she didn’t want to say anything if she was wrong, “Maybe someone to break your shit dating streak.”
Steve scoffed at her, “one, I don’t know if we have similar interests. Two, I’m not interrupting their six in the morning breakfast- no one wants to be still up, or up this early Robs. No one.”
Robin rolled her eyes, “What about a quick hello to Wayne on our way out?”
Steve shook his head, “ Eh, like I said I wouldn’t wanna interrupt. Not worth the risk to reward ratio.”
Robin snorted. “This year we’re working on your confidence Stevie. When did you become so self conscious? You used to flirt with anyone.”
“My confidence? Robs, to be fair you can barely radio Chrissy when she’s on duty.” Steve threw back at Robin.
Robin sunk lower in her seat, “Not talking about me, dingus."
Repeating his words back to him, "To be fair I’ve always been somewhat of a disaster. You on the other hand were known for your game. King Steve, be still my heart.” She simpered jokingly.
Reba approached with their plates as they both thanked her and tucked into their massive breakfasts.
“Steve between your parents and Tommy fucking H they like forced you into this corner of hiding part of who you are and that’s fucking lame.” Robin said as she cut into their shared specialty pancakes.
Robin was an only child too and when she came out to her parents they were supportive. Even purchased PFLAG shirts and went to the Indianapolis pride parade together. She had a beloved aunt with a room mate on the West coast.
Steve had never so much said the words to his own parents. His mother had caught him in a precarious situation with a swim team member his Junior year of high school. They had been using the outdoor pool to practice when things got a little heated.
She had turned away fast and that evening when his father was locked away in his office she said without eye contact, ‘Steven keep this from your father. He’s always so firm on your failures don’t give him more ammunition.’
He heard the term queer and fag thrown around by his father to know it wouldn’t be received well. He had always had the attraction. He could easily hide behind the curtain of liking girls, because he did like them too.
Tommy H and he had practiced kissing in middle school long before Carol came into the picture. Years later when Tommy found out about Steve and the other team member- that’s when he lost his captain title.
The proverbial crown was cracked and King Steve was no more.
The other boy involved had insisted Steve initiated and made him participate.
In a flash Steve had a lot more on the line to protect than just a silly high school title.
It was easier to resign than let the truth be exposed. He threw himself into serial dating any cheerleader and getting his body count higher and higher into his Senior year.
Overcompensation, is what Robin called it.
It was only through his shitty service Scoops Ahoy! job and getting to know Robin that he was able to have a safe person to come out to when his usual charisma and charm had no effect on her.
They shared a joint after work when Robin told him about Tammy Thompson, and Steve shared his own secrets- between deep breaths keeping the panic at bay. Robin was the one who told him. He finally have a word that applied to him. Bisexual.
He and Robin pretty much had worked together ever since. When he once again let his father down about not going into the family business he inherited the house as they fucked off to Florida for his new office.
He got postcards from his mom twice a year and a phone call that started monthly. An awful stilted feeling that dwindled to less and less contact as the years passed.
He had Robin, and The Party here. In his worst moments he carried the weight of his perceived failures. All his short comings piling on top of him and crushing his chest.
He shook off that feeling now, Benny’s was a sacred space. It didn’t hold room for thoughts like those ones.
Steve cleared his throat and nodded, “I know. Love you Robs.”
She kicked his feet amicably under the table, “Love you too.” She returned easy as breathing. Words that they shared with each other freely. Meaningfully.
He grabbed another bite of his hash browns as he launched into a story about Nancy and Jonathan’s daughter that had Robin almost spitting out her coffee with laughter.
***
Eddie felt the prickle of someone watching him. He glanced in the direction as the man at the booth across the diner from them darted his eyes away and focused on his breakfast and conversation.
It gave Eddie some extra time to take him in, even with the black beanie hat pulled over his signature hair Eddie knew without a doubt it was Steve Harrington.
He never really got how Robin had become friends with him, or during his second senior year the guy babysat most of his DnD minions. He figured he had been dating one of their older sisters and did it to be in good graces with the family. Anything to chase a skirt.
What the hell was a guy like that doing trapped in Hawkins?
He was silver spoon bred, opportunities gifted to him, and here he was looking sleepy around the edges and sharing diner food with Buckley.
Wayne pulled him from his thoughts, “Oh that’s just the Harrington boy. Harmless now, I remember him givin’ya a bit of hell in high school. Grew outta it I think. Beware the Hagan’s though, seems that lot doesn’t change much. They still use the shop but they’re people to watch out for.”
Wayne thoughtfully sat a moment dipping his toast into a runny egg yolk before he continued, “The senior and his son who’s about your age. Argue over every damn car evaluation and are unkind to boot. If I could afford to turn down business I wouldn’t take a penny from ‘em.”
Eddie shoved his fork in Harrington’s general direction, “Isn’t he cut from the same cloth, spoiled rich kid?” genuine curiosity getting the better of him.
He had years of town gossip to keep up with. Luckily Wayne was a keeper of such gems. Even more surprisingly Gareth was in the know with strong opinions, and Jeff couldn’t give a fuck. Eddie had always been nosy by nature.
Wayne shrugged, “Parents left the house to him a couple years ago and he stayed. Haven’t seen ‘em since they left town. What I gather is the house is what he got in place of an inheritance. Seems like a nice kid. Hard worker- friends with the little nerds who used to live in your shadow during high school. Always polite in the shop and pays in full even when it seems like the total might be stretchin’ his budget.”
Wayne had an unwaveringly strong sense when it came to being judge of character. Eddie wasn’t sure if Wayne had fallen under the Harrington charms or if Harrington was actually a decent person.
Eddie mulled over the words. Not like their worlds would likely have crossover. Holding his ribs with one hand he stabbed into a sausage link and tried not to breath too deep.
***
Dustin dropped by Munson’s Automotive a few days later with some rice krispie treats his mom had made, “Lucas told me but I didn’t believe him man. No way, no way would Eddie be in town for a month and fail to reach out to his pal Dustin!”
Eddie grinned all lopsided and charming using one of his old character voices, “Dusty! My noble squire! Trust me I just hadn’t made my rounds yet.”
Dustin gave him a pat on his shoulder avoiding his still healing ribs. Offering out the sweet treats, “You don’t deserve these but Claudia made sure I had a welcome home gift for you. She say’s you’re welcome any Sunday for our usual weekly dinners. You just let me know.” Dustin grinned happiness lighting up his features.
“Missed you man. I know we stayed in touch when you left, but damn you’ve been a ghost the past few years.” He said amicably no real harshness in the statement.
Eddie had been a ghost, even to himself, “Yeah man tough few years, actually happy to be back in Hawkins, if you can believe that?” He slapped the palm of his hand down on the office desk.
Dustin chuckled, “You gave us the two finger salute and sprinted out of here after graduation. Happy to have you back. Sometimes Gareth, Jeff and I grab a beer. I’m sure you guys do after work. Let me know next time you guys plan to so I can drop by.”
Eddie laughed lightly, “Absolutely just been getting into a routine here, finding my footing. I’m glad you stopped by.”
Dustin smiled, “We’ll get the whole gang together, maybe after the New Year?”
Eddie nodded, “That sounds good. See what you little gremlins have gotten up to since I left.”
“I work dispatch now and am working on a second bachelors in computer science. Seeing someone I met through the program. But lets set up a time for a real catch up. I’m actually on my way to a friends. So here-“ Dustin scrawled out his phone number, “This is for my landline, and this is my pager.” He ended and handed the paper to Eddie.
“Pager? You fancy pants. I promise I’ll be in touch.” He said with sincerity.
Dustin was heading back out and hollered back, “You better you jerk. See ya around!”
Eddie laughed to himself. Some things never changed.
***
The next overnight shift was just between Robin and Dustin during the down time Robin put her feelers out, “You wouldn’t happen to know if Eddie Munson’s in town, would’ja Buns?”
Dustin lifted a brow at her, “Why do you ask?”
“Just thought I saw a familiar head of hair at Benny’s last week.” She idled as a call came through with Dustin’s turn to answer.
Once the crisis was handled she asked again. Bringing them back on track, Dustin had always tried to get Steve and Eddie to have an olive branch moment. Both older boys had been too stubborn to extend.
Or nervous? Self conscious? Dustin thought from this age and perspective. As a teen he had assumed there was still a rivalry or a grudge from Steve’s douchebag days. Maybe that hadn’t been the case.
“Yeah he’s back for good I think, hopefully we’ll grab drinks soon and properly catch up.” Dustin supplied.
Robin hmm-ed knowing full well she had been right. Operation work on Steve’s confidence would be her 1998 resolution.
Before she knew him she assumed he was all ego. Now she knew it had really just been smoke and mirrors. A kid begging for attention since he got next to none at home.
Ten years later and that kid still lived inside the grown, kind, person Steve was today.
“Do I sense scheming Buckley?” Dustin asked interest piqued.
“Nunya business Buns. I’ll loop you in if need be.” She snapped back at him.
Dustin gave her an unimpressed look, “Secrets, secrets are no fun. I always thought they’d get along if they could pull their heads out of their own asses.”
She snorted, “Right? Like I said, I’ll loop you in.” She was saved by a well timed emergency as she picked up the call of the next person in need.
***
Steve’s next few shifts were run of the mill he got to walk a frantic mom through the Heimlich maneuver. Got the fire department dispatched for a grease fire in one of the neighboring counties restaurants. Not easy but normal.
His Monday caller Ruth gave him hell about not having concrete plans for Christmas and urged him to reach out to his mom. ‘You don’t want any regrets when she’s gone. Take it from an old woman, honey.’
He listened and agreed carefully to what she said. Tried not to let the guilt seep into him too badly. Knew by his next shift he’d have already buried the feelings away.
New shift, new problems to help navigate. That’s what he loved about doing dispatch. No two days were ever alike.
It was just himself and Robin on, skeleton crew had been running lately with dispatchers out of town for the holidays. Having to trade and borrow people to cover shifts.
An hour into their 12 hour overnight just coming up on 6pm and he was doodling on a spare pad of paper when the call came in, “911 can I get your name and address of your emergency?” Steve breathed down the line.
“Hey, yup, yeah- This is Eddie I’m at 702 Elm street in Larson.” The man’s voice was smooth and clearly trying to hold authority as yelling escalated in the background.
“Okay Eddie looking for police, ambulance, or fire tonight?” Steve continued infusing his voice with calm.
The guy took an audible breath into the receiver, “Police, someone doesn’t want to pay for an expensive service their car just had.”
A clattering noise occurred with ramped up yelling of asshole and snake in the background.
“For fucks sake man, just pay your bill! The suit you’re wearing and make and model you drive screams you can afford it!” The man on the other end of line yelled as Steve dispatched police.
“Eddie police are en route looks like it’ll be about five minutes, are you safe?” He asked over the line as he typed in,
Disgruntled customer. Refuse to pay, yelling, may be violent?
“Nah. Man’s just trashing my waiting room, don’t think he’ll escalate.” His voice sounding weary from dealing with such a prick.
“Stay on the line with me until officers arrive.” Steve said his usual narrative.
His walkie talkie buzzed, “Hop to Raps arriving in two minutes. Over.”
“Raps to Hop the customer sounds pissed so keep that in mind. Over.”
“Eddie can you give me any details about the person causing a scene.” Steve asked still with an assuring voice.
The man chuckled slightly as the yelling became more muffled as he shut himself in another room, “About late twenties, a freckled-face mother fucker, has his small child with him. Oh and like 5’8 or 5’9 not particularly tall. Just angry. Like a Chihuahua.”
Steve tried to school his own laughter, “Noted, angry about 5’8 or ‘9 with a child- about how old?”
Steve input the information on his keyboard as he awaited an answer, “Fuck I’m bad with kids ages like, maybe 3 or 5? Not a baby, but not like, a fully fledged person?”
Steve did bark out a laugh, “I’m so sorry that was unprofessional of me. I just completely can relate to that.”
Eddie laughed over the line. The man he was talking to sounded nice. How could a voice have this effect on him?
“Well I’m here to entertain you princess.” He joked back.
Steve instilled his professionalism again amidst one last chuckle, “That’s dispatch to you. Officers should be on sight about now.”
Eddie smiled to himself, “You got it think I hear Hopper out there if my memory serves me.”
Hopper buzzed to Steve’s walkie, “Hops on location. Over and out.”
“Dispatch noted call is complete. Over and out.” Steve replied.
“Alright Eddie, you did really well. I’m disconnecting now that police are present.” Steve said.
“Thanks princess, have a good rest of the night.” Eddie said almost absent mindedly as he greeted Hopper.
Steve sat for a moment after disconnecting, Robin rolling her chair close to his, “What’s up? Tough call?” She asked.
He shook his head, “Oh, uh, no- I think the caller was flirting with me. He called me princess?”
Robin laughed. “Only you Dingus. See princess would’ve been a fitting walkie name!”
The next call rang through as Robin picked up, “911, what’s your name and location?”
***
After Eddie came down from the stress of dealing with a red-faced Tommy fucking Hagan he let the weight of his body sink into the saggy-cushioned employee back room couch.
Some people really didn’t change.
His mind drifted to the voice of his dispatcher, was he really so desperate that a kind voice and nice laugh did something for him?
Get a grip, he thought to himself. Rubbing a hand down his face.
Jeff peeked in, “All good mini Munson?”
“I denounce that nickname Jeff.” Eddie ground out with no real bite to it.
Jeff laughed, “Baby boss, metal mechanic, dungeons and dashboards, not quite Wayne?”
“Awful, all of them.” He replied as Jeff continued his more and more ridiculous list.
“But seriously Eddie, you good? Hagan is a Grade A asshole to deal with. Way more volatile with you than Wayne, or so it seems, after that epic meltdown today.” He said voice laced with an air of concern.
“Lucky me.” Eddie exhaled and fiddled with his pack of cigarettes, really itching to get home and light up a blunt.
He deserved it after today, to get blissfully stoned.
“Yeah I’m good, we set to close up?” Eddie asked as he stood and gave a light stretch not to agitate his ribs but to get a little movement into his spine.
“Yup, all done time to head out. Wanna grab burgers?” Jeff asked.
“More than anything.” Eddie gave a tired smile.
His blunt could wait another hour. He clicked the padlock into place and headed to his car following Jeff to a burger joint outside of Hawkins.
***
That weekend Dustin finally had off, his pager popped up with an unknown number that he called back. The immediate answer was of one of Eddie’s goofy voices, “Paging doctor Dusty, come in doctor Dusty.”
“Fuck off,” He tutted, “but see- I was available and it works.” Dustin sniped back.
“Oh, he’s sensitive about his big boy pager.” Eddie teased.
“I swear to god you guys age backwards.” He grumbled.
“Who ya lumping me in with? I demand to know!” The teasing still evident in his voice.
“Steve, Robin, definitely Hopper too.” Dustin added as an afterthought.
Eddie hesitated and replied, “Just got reacquainted with Hopper, never been on the side that was innocent. Felt lofty witnessing him berate a grown man for having a tantrum and not paying his bill. I approve.”
“So was this just a social call, or?” Dustin hedged.
“What? Too good to chat on the phone with me Dusty? For shame!” It was easy to slip into this version of Eddie when he was faced with people from his past. All teasing words and silly fun. Baggage ignored.
“I mean this is fine…” His voice trailed as Eddie cut him off.
“Alas not my fully grown gremlin, wanna grab a drink at Murray’s? Gareth and Jeff are already there, I was gonna take a shower and head over in ten.” Eddie extended the invitation.
“Why didn’t ya say so? Count me in see you in a few.” Dustin said before hanging up on Eddie’s chorus of increasingly stupid goodbyes the last he registered was in some level of a robot voice.
He hung up the receiver and shook his head. It was good to have Eddie back.
***
Murray’s was a well loved hole in the wall kind of establishment. It had a sprawling, always sticky, dark wood bar. The décor was government conspiracy posters and propaganda meets Irish pub and it was a long standing Hawkins establishment.
There were fancier places to go, and more modern sports bars that had up to date keg systems- but you came to Murray’s for the half priced bucket of bud lights and the heavy liquor pours.
Jonathan picked up a few nights and weekends to supplement his and Nancy’s income with the baby at home. It had grown into another hang out spot of the Party. The bar’s namesake Murray put up with their shenanigans because they came in regularly and tipped well.
Max called him on his own bullshit which he loathed to admit most of the time the kid was right.
Even on the nights he was behind the bar and liked to stir the pot amongst the regulars. Murray had a way to tap into paranoia you had no clue you were holding onto. He wove ridiculous stories that had patrons questioning if they were rooted in truth.
Nothing says have a good weekend like igniting existential dread in the younger crowd.
The first time Eddie came in with Gareth he loved the place. He jived with Murray’s off brand humor and fed into his UFO theories. The guy was a complete nut and Eddie was here for it.
Tonight Gareth and Jeff waved him over, Dustin coming through the door moments after with an obnoxious Mike Wheeler in tow
Mike slung an arm over Eddie’s shoulder and addressed the whole table, “You guys are complete shitheads for not letting us Hellfire alum know this jerk was back in town!”
He pointed to Gareth, “First round’s on you.”
Gareth have an affronted look, “Why me, why not Eddie, or Jeff?”
Dustin cut in, “Duh dude, you’re like Eddie’s bestie and you have mine and Mike’s and Lucas’s phone numbers and nada, zilch, nunca. Not a damn word about Eddie being back.”
“You’ve offended and reverted the gremlins of Hellfire Gareth it’s the least you could do.” Jeff added as he finished off his beer.
Gareth rolled his eyes skyward and settled back on Mike, “Wheeler you are just as annoying as I remember so yeah, I’ll grab the first round. This is the last time this reasoning flies. From here on out we take into consideration that Eddie is his own person and could’ve tracked you heathens down on his own accord.”
Gareth made his was to the bar being manned by Jonathan and ordered a bucket of beers for the half priced Friday special.
The conversation flowed even easier when Dustin grabbed them a round of Whiskey shots to take as the bucket of beers quickly dwindled between the five men.
He filled Eddie in on Suzie who he had met through his computer science program at the community college. She’s a professor and not a student. Eddie’s well-timed kinky comment along with singing ‘hot for teacher’ had the table in an uproar as Dustin glowered at them.
Mike caught them up on how he Max, and Lucas took the EMS course together to become paramedics. Along with the Chrissy Cunningham, who was Mike’s current work partner.
Steve and Robin came up in the threads and tangents of conversation since they were clearly very present in the young men’s lives. Eddie could kick himself for being so intrigued over why Harrington stayed in Hawkins.
The guy was always a douche to him. That wasn’t entirely true though. He was someone who stood on the sidelines as the likes of Tommy and Jason threw insults and sometimes fists Eddie’s way.
Up until he very clearly wasn’t in with them.
He had even cut in before things got physical the senior year they shared together. A livid Tommy H. glaring at Harrington and harshly whispering something that made Harrington look like he was going to puke.
Eddie always wondered what the weasel had hissed to him between bared teeth.
So what if he thought Harrington was attractive back then, it was cliché, but who didn’t?
His train of thought weaving between memories and the story Mike was currently telling.
Robin stopped in for a quick drink with Nancy as they sat at the bar and talked to Jonathan. Dustin waved at them. Eventually Robin made her way over.
“No Raps tonight?” He asked.
“Nah he’s picking up another overnight. I think with Dale.” She said as she sipped her vodka soda with lime.
Her eyes met Eddie’s, glossy as Dustin’s from the drinks they’d shared thus far, “If it isn’t Eddie Munson, back from the dead and what? Raising hell with these nimrods?”
Robin had her shorter hair in a half ponytail gathered at the crown of her head with a metallic silver scrunchy. A sheen gloss on her lips as she smirked at Eddie.
Eddie cackled, he had taken a few senior classes with Robin. One was a music elective and she was always his kind of offbeat. Her purse had a small rainbow flag on it.
Bold he thought, maybe she just likes rainbows?
He had always assumed she and Steve were on again off again or friends with benefits the way they were always in each others back pockets.
“Wanna step out for a smoke Bucks?” The old nickname coming out on it’s own volition.
“Anyone ever tell you smoking kills and it’s a nasty habit?” She asked eyebrows raised.
“Yes and yes, you comin’?” He asked.
“Only as moral support, for real those things are gross.” Robin said but wanted to have a moment with Eddie.
They stepped out back as he leaned against the building, cupped his hands, and lit up the cigarette.
He gave himself a moment to collect his thoughts as he took a drag, “Did you and Harrington ever date?” The question and rainbow pin still itching at his brain.
Robin gave him a look like he grew a second head and started laughing, “Why’s that on your mind?”
“Just so many of you guys stayed in Hawkins and well thought a rich boy like Harrington would’ve left.” He said thoughtfully.
Robin offered a sad smile, “You don’t know him like I do.”
Eddie shook his head, wild hair escaping his own hair tie, “Nah so enlighten me Bucks, I saw you guys at Benny’s a few weeks ago, did you two ever date?”
She let out a small huff, “No, idiot” she shivered in the cold winter air, “Steve’s the first person I came out to.”
Eddie stared at her the honesty jarring in his alcohol softened mind, “I always wondered.”
Quietly Robin replied, “What? The same thing I wondered about you?”
Eddie nodded, “Yup The Freak was a better moniker than The Fag.” He winked at her, “King Steve and his peasants would’ve had a field day knowing that. Only women for you?”
She looked at him, “Love the ladies didn’t even dabble in kissing dudes and trying to make myself like it. Knew I wouldn’t.”
Eddie huffed a laugh, “Same, well no- opposite but same. Strictly dickly. For as long as I knew what mine was for.” His hands waved the cigarette around as he gestured in the air. Robin blew the smoke for the cherry away from her.
She snorted at his wording, “You know the way you two keep the Party in your lives you and Steve are bound to cross paths.”
She paused thinking about his earlier King Steve comment.
Robin’s expression closed off minutely, “If you’re gonna be in town for the long term and you and Steve ever-” she faked an exaggerated gasp, “-god forbid become acquaintances maybe you should ask why he stepped away from being swim and basketball captain. Food for thought. Since you’ve got him so figured out Eddie the Freak.” She said the last part with no heat.
Walking back in and leaving him alone with his plume of smoke and thoughts.
So they hadn’t dated? Eddie’s tipsy mind had gathered combined with the way Robin bristled when he talked about Steve. He felt like Alice in Wonderland, curiouser and curiouser.
***