Chapter Text
Two weeks before Christmas a party gathered
They had beaten the evil and nothing else mattered
A wizard, a bard, a warrior, a ranger
December rolled in and there was no more danger
With magic and retcon no members had fallen
So now they sit with the written names all in
A hat on the floor, they looked on with delight
Who would be their Secret Santa on Christmas night?
__
12. December 14th, 1986.
Eddie stood in the corner of the basement clutching the small scrap of paper in his hand. Nancy was walking around the room letting everyone reach into Dustin’s hat and choose their own coveted piece. He watched as Will closed his eyes and Eddie smiled softly as he watched the boy cross his fingers discreetly behind his back as he picked a name. They were all gathered and brought together through a simple phone call made from Dustin of course. After the chaos that was closing the gates of the Upside Down and near death experiences, the group had become close in a way that trauma could only bring you. Now they were all in the Wheeler’s basement that had been awkwardly decorated with holly, lights, hand cut snowflakes and an array of snacks that had been poured into Christmas themed tins. Red and green tinsel was littering the floor, and Nancy had put on a tape that romanced them softly from the corner with modern covers. Currently it was Hall and Oates crooning a particularly jaunty version of Jingle Bell Rock. Nancy finally made her way to Dustin who grabbed his ball cap back from her, taking the last piece of paper out of it and turning it over back onto his head.
“Alright, everybody has a name?” Dustin looked around the group eagerly and catalogued the nodding. Once satisfied he held his hand out in front of him excitedly. “Perfect. You know the rules. It’s a secret. No trading. No peeking. 3… 2… 1! Open!” Eddie sighed and looked at his paper, opening it slowly. He was never really one to celebrate Christmas much. Usually his uncle would give him a pair of socks and some sort of card, neither of them having a lot of cash to spare. Eddie usually liked to buy him some sort of novelty mug and together they spent the day like normal, relaxing and drinking a beer or two if Wayne wasn’t working at the factory. But Dustin had been insistent that they needed to do something all together after everything. The exact words were, ‘as a family.’ and with that Eddie couldn’t refuse. He looked down to read the messy scrawl on the scrap held pinched between his fingers. His eyes widened and he glanced up to take in everybody else’s reaction, immediately ready to break rule number two. Jonathan had an incredible poker face, taking one small look before pocketing the paper. Dustin was grinning, Lucas shrugged, the rest were moaning and groaning dramatically. Eddie leaned over to Robin who was looking at her paper with a blush.
“Hey, Buckley. Trade me.” Eddie whispered out of the side of his mouth. She turned to him jauntily, hiding the name she got.
“What? No, that’s not allowed.” She hissed and Eddie snorted.
“Says who, Dustin? Fuck it, trade me.”
“I said no! I like mine.” He narrowed his eyes at her and leaned back against the wall with a sigh.
“I thought you were cool.” He muttered while taking another look at his paper. In an odd, messy scrawl, the name stared back at him.
Steve Harrington.
Eddie wrinkled his nose. Of course he would write his full name. Which other Steve would it be? He turned his attention to the man in question who was looking at his own paper with wide eyes and was running a hand through his hair. Clearly he didn’t know what he was going to get for his Secret Santa choice either. Max was talking to El on the couch loudly about how they should have done White Elephant instead, the other girl nodding along as if she knew what that was. Nancy had already put her name away and was now next to her boyfriend, talking quietly with him. Mike was tapping his foot, staring at the wall red faced and deep in thought. Eddie felt Robin slide in closer to him and he glanced over to her.
“What. You wanna trade now?” He whispered and she shook her head.
“No. I wanna know who you got. Maybe I can help.” She looked at him with raised eyebrows. He considered it. If anyone knew what Steve would want, it would be her. He nodded softly.
“Yeah, alright. I got your little partner in crime over there.” He gestured with his eyes trying to be discreet. Robin clearly missed the memo and stared right at her friend who caught her eye and beckoned for her to come over.
“Oh, I can’t help you then.” She said quietly, waving back at Steve and motioning with a finger that she would be a minute. Eddie gave her an incredulous look.
“What?! Aren’t you guys best buddies, you don’t even know what he wants?” Robin shrugged.
“He has everything he wants. I never know what to get him.” She scratched at her chin thoughtfully. “In fact, he didn’t even want anything for his birthday. You’re kinda fucked. Sorry!” With that she left Eddie standing alone and crossed the room to go chat with her friend. Eddie huffed. Typical Harrington. Never having to want for anything, never going without. Eddie imagined Christmas morning in their household had hot chocolate and pancakes shaped like elf hats, matching pyjamas, so many gifts under the tree that they spilled out into the rest of the room like some holiday set up at the mall. They probably spent all day together, then ate some grandiose dinner of roasted turkey that no family could ever finish. He felt the jealousy and anger bubble up within him before turning around to head to the bathroom, needing some space. He never disliked what he had with his uncle. It was better than any half assed Christmas that his father would have ever attempted to provide, if he even remembered. But now he had to buy a gift for the man with everything. As he made it to the bathroom door, Dustin intercepted him.
“So, did you get someone good? Someone with curly hair maybe? That you adore?” Dustin’s voice was entirely too cheerful. Eddie shrugged him off.
“Did you not just say it was a secret, Henderson?” Dustin laughed.
“Well just so you know, I like chocolates, D&D figures and fun hats.” Eddie smiled despite himself. Dustin softened, patting Eddie’s arm with friendly vigour. “C’mon, Eddie. Get into the spirit. You’re part of the family now.” Eddie felt his heart rise up into his throat. He coughed and pointed to the bathroom.
“Yeah, yeah, consider me Kris Kringle. I gotta take a leak, alright? I’ve had so much eggnog I’m gonna curdle.” Dustin made a face and pushed him into the bathroom.
“Sick, dude. Go then. When you come out try to look a little less morose, alright?” Eddie rolled his eyes and shut the door on Dustin, turning to look in the mirror. He leaned in close, pulled at the bags under his eyes. It wasn’t morose, this was just how the eyeliner smudged near the end of the day. He leaned back to take in the quiet, pleased that he couldn’t hear the carols anymore. Now he could really focus on how badly he needed to trade names with someone. He finished his business and washed his hands, making the decision to try Robin one more time before the end of the night. Somehow, some way, Eddie was going to pass on this curse. He exited the bathroom, Will slipping past him into it quickly with tears in his eyes. Eddie squawked, dodging him.
“Woah, little Byers, you alright?” Will made a strangled noise before slamming the door. Eddie stared at the wood for a moment before turning to see Jonathan watching them. Eddie jutted his thumb at the door.
“Teenagers, right?” He tried levity and Jonathan shrugged.
“He’ll get over it. How are you liking the party?” Eddie forced a smile but Jonathan seemed to see through it fairly easily. He looked side to side before leaning in. “You know, Argyle left me a little purple palm tree delight before he had to head home. Could make things a bit more bearable.” Eddie shot him a sly grin.
“Byers, you sly dog. Thought your girlfriend wasn’t exactly pleased about Miss Mary Jane?” Eddie said wickedly while eyeing Nancy who was now talking to El by the snacks and gesturing to her shirt. Jonathan bit his lip.
“Yeah, well, things are complicated between us lately…” Jonathan followed his eyes across the room to watch the girl. Eddie felt a little guilty about bringing it up and cleared his throat awkwardly.
“Well, uh… nothing better than Christmas to bring people together, right? Maybe I’ll try that purple… palm.. Whatever… another time.”
“Yeah, sure. Raincheck.”
“Yeah, raincheck. Hey, uh… by the way. You wanna tr-” Jonathan held up his hand.
“No trades. Against the rules, man. Sorry.” Jonathan smiled as Eddie cursed. This damn group was way too upstanding for his liking.
“Fuck sakes. Were all of you in scouts or something? Fine.” Jonathan laughed as Eddie stalked away, heading to the snacks and grabbing a handful of chex mix, courtesy of Mrs. Wheeler. He stuffed his mouth full of it crunching loudly, crumbs falling onto his vest. He watched Robin as she conversed pleasantly with Max, clearly making a dig at Steve because he made a face before swatting her softly. Eddie growled, watching and gorging on the snacks for nearly ten minutes before the girl finally left her friends, excusing herself to walk over to him. Robin sidled up beside him and he offered her the tin which was now nearly empty.
“Checkth Mixth?” Eddie spoke with his mouth still full and Robin gagged.
“Uh, no thanks. Look, I’m not going to trade with you.” Robin said, crossing her arms. Eddie grunted and pulled the tin back to himself before Robin continued. “But . I will go shopping with you this week to try and help you find something.” Eddie swallowed, trying not to choke.
“Oh wow. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I was being sarcastic.”
“And I was ignoring it.” Robin retorted quickly while examining her nails. “There’s only like, eleven shopping days left so you might want to go try and actually talk to Steve? Figure out what he wants?” Eddie sighed and tossed the now empty tin onto the table, wiping his hand on his already messy jeans. Robin grimaced at his lack of hygiene.
“Won’t it give away the whole secret part if I just go ask what he wants?” Eddie muttered and Robin put her hands on her hips, rolling her eyes.
“Don’t just ask him, dummy. I said talk to him. Pretend he’s a character in your fantasy game or something, I don’t know.” It was Eddie’s turn to roll his eyes.
“You know what it’s called.” She pursed her lips and looked at him pointedly. Eddie gritted his teeth together, looking over at Steve who was getting up and saying goodbyes to the people around him.
“Fine. This week, we’re shopping.” Eddie poked Robin’s shoulder with his chex covered fingers causing her to squeal and jump back, brushing him off. Before she could chastise him he wandered off, following Steve up the stairs as he started to head out. Eddie called out to him. “Hey, Harrington, wait up!” Steve looked back over his shoulder, confused.
“Did I leave something?” Steve questioned and Eddie caught up to him, clapping a hand down on his shoulder.
“Nah, just wanted to walk you out. Didn’t talk much tonight.” The two of them made it to the top of the stairs and Steve awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
“Do we ever really talk that much? I think this might be the most you’ve said to me since the Upside Down.” Eddie frowned at that, thinking hard.
“No, we talked a lot in the hospital.” Eddie said softly and Steve’s cheeks flushed. They had been situated in the same room after Eddie’s brush with death and there were a few days where they had been stuck together with no one else to talk to. The conversation had been surface level, but Eddie had been thankful for the comfort of someone who knew of his innocence and understood what he had just been through. Steve had been nonchalant, acting as if it had been no big deal, but the wounds on his torso told a different story. Once they had been discharged, they hadn’t spent too much time together, crossing paths at the video store or when Steve was giving rides to the kids. Eddie had missed it at first, but the feeling passed. He had assumed that the man didn’t want to be seen with the freak of Hawkins, just like most. With that he had dropped the idea of potentially being friends with Steve Harrington.
“You’re right, we did. Didn’t know if you remembered most of that though, you were on a lot of pain meds.” Steve smirked at him and Eddie grinned.
“Ah yes, the good stuff. I remember every word though, Harrington, don’t worry.” Eddie watched as Steve blanched at his words. He went pale and Eddie cocked his head to the side curiously. Steve swallowed before responding.
“E-... every word?” Eddie nodded.
“Yep, I know your deep dark secret about Madonna.” He jutted his elbow out to catch Steve in the ribs. “Don’t worry man, your weird tastes are safe with me.” Steve looked at him oddly, holding his side where Eddie had just caught him.
“... Right. The Madonna thing.” Steve cleared his throat before looking at the front door. “Look, I was just leaving, I have the early shift tomorrow so-”
“I’ll walk you to your car. Never know what’s lurking in the dark.” Eddie smiled widely. Steve raised an eyebrow and started toward the door.
“Whatever makes you feel better, dude.” Steve muttered and Eddie followed him, gripping his own wrist behind his back and whistling softly. He watched as Steve bent over to pull his sneakers on, tying the laces carefully. Eddie leaned over to watch closely.
“Sneakers? In December?” Eddie questioned and Steve didn’t look up at him.
“Mmhmm. Is that an issue?”
“Don’t you have boots? Seems like someone needs some boots.” Jackpot. Eddie felt a surge of pride in himself. Could have been a detective. Eddie just about asked Steve his shoe size when the man stood up sharply causing Eddie to jump back.
“I have boots. Good ones. I just didn’t think I needed them tonight, I’m just walking to the car.” Steve spoke conversationally as he pulled his jacket off the coat rack. Eddie grunted, slipping his hands into his pockets and feet into his own black combat style boots without tying the laces.
“Course you do.” Eddie muttered, opening the front door for Steve and following him out into the frigid air. “Ah, fuck. It is brisk. ” Steve laughed, shaking his head.
“Yeah well, don’t you have a jacket? Seems like someone needs a jacket.” Eddie scowled at him.
“I have jackets. You get a jacket.” He growled immaturely and Steve chuckled softly. They approached the car and Steve pushed his key into the door before pausing and looking back at Eddie who was standing close behind him.
“Who did you get by the way? For the gift exchange?” Eddie gawked at him before shaking it off and trying to fix his face, thankful for the dark of the night that somewhat disguised his expression.
“It’s Secret Santa, Harrington. Jeez, were you not listening?” Eddie reached up to knock on Steve’s head theatrically, the other man dodging the touch.
“Yeah, yeah, you’re all so honest.” Steve groused and Eddie couldn’t help but grin, having had the same thought not thirty minutes prior.
“I was a scout.”
“You were not.” Steve spoke in hushed disbelief as he turned back to fully unlock his door. Eddie stepped in a little closer, feeling the heat of Steve’s back hitting his chest. He peered over his shoulder, trying to look inside his car for clues to what Steve liked. Garbage from a candy bar, a magazine, anything. Steve turned around and Eddie froze, unable to move back in time. Their noses nearly brushed and Steve jolted back. “Jesus, Eddie! Do you have a bubble?” Eddie shrugged, grinning.
“Guess not.” He teased before stepping away. Steve let out a breath and slunk down into the driver's seat. Eddie gave the man a tight lipped smile and shut the door for him. He felt like a social reject and his cheeks burned. He stood there for a moment in silence like a statue before the engine of the car beside him roared to life, startling him slightly and making him step back. He wanted to wait until Steve was pulling away so that he could try to steal another glimpse into the back seat of the vehicle, hoping fruitlessly that there may be something there. Eddie crossed his arms, rubbing them up and down for heat, trying to warm up from the friction. Steve looked at him through the window before rolling the glass down and popping his head out.
“I’m safe, you can go inside now.” Steve called over the sound of the motor. Eddie nodded.
“Okay.” They sat there unmoving. Steve bit his lip.
“Goodnight?”
“Goodnight.” Eddie still didn’t move. Steve stared at him before sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose.
“You are so weird.” Eddie shrugged.
“Sweet dreams, Harrington.” He crooned and it was finally enough for Steve to sit back, throwing his hands in the air in exasperation.
“Fine, I’m leaving.” Steve stated, rolling the window back up and shifting the car into gear. Eddie pushed his weight onto his tip toes and looked down into the back seat as Steve rolled down the driveway. Nothing. It was pristine. Eddie swore, looking back up and seeing that Steve was watching him in the rearview mirror. When their eyes connected, Steve raised up his hand in one last awkward wave. Eddie lifted his fingers and waggled them. Steve finally pressed down on the gas and with that he finally drove away, leaving Eddie standing in the driveway, cold and without any more information about what Steve Harrington would want for Christmas than he had prior. Eddie turned on his heel and kicked at a rock, sending it wildly into a hedge.
“God dammit… Eleven more days.”