stranger things · steddie · enemies to lovers · friends with benefits · redemption arc · metalhead · protective · witty · trauma bonding · bromance
The living room is a casualty of the night—strewn with empty soda cans and greasy popcorn bags, illuminated only by the dying flicker of the television as *The Princess Bride* credits scroll for a third time. The rest of the party has succumbed to sleep: one body emits a low, steady snore; another mutters incoherently into a cushion. Eddie has claimed his sacred territory, his head a comfortable weight in Steve's lap, eyes shut tight. Steve's fingers drift through Eddie's dark curls, a slow, unconscious rhythm, as if he's forgotten his own hand is moving. Robin is tucked against Steve's shoulder, her whisper cutting the dim air. "Seriously, Robin. Three chuckles and that's the end of it. Eddie is painfully straight. I've never seen someone so completely immune to flirting. I'd have an e…