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Chapter Text

It's late in the evening when Eddie pulls up to his best friends house. Shutting off the van's engine, he just remains seated behind the wheel not wanting to get out at the moment. He glances at Gareth's home and blows out a breath. It's been almost two years since he's visited, but not much has changed. Everything is just as perfect and put together as it's always been. The Christmas lights were hung with precision most likely put up by Jeff, the driveway is neatly shoveled and the Christmas wreath that Eddie made in eighth grade adorns the front door is still as impressive as it was when it hung on Uncle Wayne's trailer door. Wayne must have given it to them as a gag gift, Eddie thinks.

With a sigh, Eddie shoves open the door and climbed out. He went to the back of his van opening the back doors grabbing his backpack. He makes his way to the front door, he's barley able to knock, when the front door flys open and he's pulled into a embrace.

"Hi Jeff," Eddie chuckles. He breathes in his familiar shampoo and instantly feels better.

"Ed, dude. I've missed you," Jeff says when he pulls away. He just smiles warmly at Eddie. "It's been way too long and phone calls don't count."

Eddie rubs the back of his neck. "I know, I know, I'm sorry I swear. I've just been really busy with life and the garage."

Jeff squeezed his shoulder. "Oh don't worry about it. Come in. It's freezing today."

Jeff ushers him inside and Eddie welcomes the familiar smell of the home he basically grew up in, other than the trailer of course but this place was basically his second home. He drops his backpack next to the shoes and peals off his winter coat, his leather jacket, and vest as well as his boots.

A set of footsteps make him look up and he just smiles so happy to see Gareth. "Hey Gare."

"Glad you could make it, Ed," Gareth welcomes him and pulls Eddie into a hug. He claps him on the back. "I wasn't completely convinced you'd show up, since it seems to be too much of a effort for you to drive down from Chicago to Hawkins every once in awhile."

"Gareth," Jeff scolds softly. "Be nice."

Eddie couldn't help but smile. He was under no illusion that his best friend basically brother would hold back his smartass remarks and comments just because of the impending holiday. Growing up with Gareth, he had always been his support, but also his critic which definitely helped Eddie become the man he is today.

"It's good to see you too, Gareth."

Gareth glanced past him to the van parked in the driveway. "You still driving that rust bucket, Wayne got at a flea market when you were sixteen?"

"Yes, Gare. She's actually not a rust bucket anymore," Eddie replies proudly. The van originally belonged to Wayne who did in fact buy it at a flea market, but Eddie nearly lost his mind when he was given the keys just before he turned seventeen. The van holds a lot of special memories among this family. Somtimes, Eddie swears it's apart of the family at this point.

"That's good," Gareth nods. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Rolling his eyes, Jeff just nudged Eddie and Gareth toward the living room. "Enough about the rust bucket. Let's sit down and have some tea I got peppermint from the store. Eddie, you hungry?"

"Thanks, Jeff really, but I ate something on the way here not too long ago."

Jeff tilts his head and looks at him suspiciously. "Since when does my best friend decline my cooking? I know I'm not the best and I will admit that, but you've never complained."

Smiling, Eddie gives him a sideways hug. "Hey you know I love your cooking. I'm not that hungry I swear. Besides I rather wait for dinner. Speaking of, when's Jay gonna be here?"

Gareth, who had disappeared into the kitchen, pokes his head back out. "Oh, that's what I was supposed to tell you. Jason, Andy, and Chance's flight got delayed due to heavy snow. They won't be here until tomorrow morning."

"That sucks," Eddie huffs quietly and sits down at the dinner table in the living room.

Jeff came over setting down cups of tea.

Eddie wraps his fingers around the steaming mug.

Eddie takes a sip of his peppermint tea. It burns his tongue which he doesn't mind.

"Careful." Jeff mumbled from where he was.
---
Somehow, Eddie managed to avoid the questioning his friends do. He knows there just curious about his life. But they don't poke, which Eddie is thankful for. There are some things Eddie hasn't figured out yet, and the last thing he needs is his friends butting in.

"I'm sorry we can't offer you your old bedroom at the moment, Ed, but it's currently a dumping ground," Jeff says a few hours later when he shows him where he will be staying. It's Gareth's reading room, which has a old pullout couch and a TV. It's not very luxurious nor very spacious, but it feels like home, and that's all that matters.

"Don't worry about it really, Jeff. This is perfect," he tells him and dumps his backpack next to the door. He glances at the pictures of himself, Gareth, and Jeff on the wall. They show them at different stages of life, starting with Gareth's baby pictures, right after he was born. The most recent one of them all is from Jason's graduation from law school four years ago.

Jeff comes up to stand next to him and he to looks at the pictures. "You were adorable," he muses. "Oo, do you remember that?" He points at a picture of Eddie sitting on the couch of Wayne's trailer with his right leg in a bright red cast.

Eddie just groans, completely embarrassed. "Dude how could I forget that? Jason's never gonna let me live that down like ever."

Jeff just pokes him in the side. "That's what you get for jumping off the trailer roof thinking your Superman. You scared your uncle half to death," he chuckles, then sighs. "You were always the curious one of the six. Keeping you out of trouble was Wayne's second full time job."

"What can I say? It's a talent of mine," he smirks.

"Uh-huh whatever you say," Jeff chuckles and pats his back.
"Goodnight, Edward."

"Night, Jefferson."

He watches him leave with a smile. Although he loves both of his best friends, there's this very special bond that he has with Jeff. Whenever he's around, he oddly feels protected and save, even now.

When the door closes and he's alone for the first time since coming home to Hawkins, he sits down on the pullout couch and runs both hands down his face. He's exhausted. The almost four hour drive due to to traffic was more taxing than he realized and his lower back was killing him from sitting behind the wheel for that long.

He yawns, he grabbed his backpack pulling it closer to him and he unzips it. He's to exhausted to actually unpack at the moment, so he just rummaged through it until he found his toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as his Star Wars pajama pants and his old Hawkins Tigers shirt to sleep in.

He calls Jason for awhile, letting him know that's he's looking forward to seeing him and the boys, after that he gets changed and then heads downstairs to use the downstairs bathroom. After brushing his teeth, he collapsed onto the mattress and passed out within in seconds.
---
Despite being tired, Eddie wakes again not even a hour later. Before he's even fully there, he scrambling out of bed and rushing to the bathroom at the end of the hall. He barely made it before Gareth's homemade lasagna makes a second appearance.

When he's finished, he flushes and stands up. The great thing of sleeping downstairs instead of upstairs, where the other bedrooms are, is privacy. No one is gonna bust through the door, which Eddie is thankful for.

After gulping down some water and cleaning his mouth out, he leans against the sink and sighs heavily. "You're gonna be a little stinker, aren't you?" he mutters to himself and puts a hand on his abdomen. With a weary exhale, he gets himself ready for the next couple days, which he knows is gonna be anything but a walk in the park.

Chapter Text

After a night of not so restfull sleep. Eddie woke up early that morning. His back aching when he sits up, and he's not completely sure if it's due to pregnancy or the not so comfortable pullout couch. He comes to the conclusion that it's a combination of both.

After taking a shower and getting dressed, he made his way to the kitchen. The amazing smell of breakfast graces his nose and his stomach growls. Despite it being called morning sickness, Eddie tends to have it later in the day, which is great for him because he loves breakfast, it's always been his favorite meal of the day mostly because he had friends and a amazing uncle to make it for him.

Gareth is standing at the stove when he comes around the corner. A lot of things have changed since Eddie left Hawkins, but whenever he or anyone visits for that matter, Gareth turns into Mr. Mom always insisting on making breakfast, lunch and dinner.

"It smells amazing, Gare," he admires, as he leaned against the stove watching him cook.

Gareth nearly jumps out of his skin. He looks over towards Eddie, he smacks his shoulder playfully. "Edward, Jesus Christ don't sneak up on a guy with a hot pan!"

"Sorry dude," he chuckles. "I didn't mean to sneak up on you."

"Make yourself scarce and grab a cup from the cabinet, Ed. There's coffee freshly made over there."

Eddie winced. There was nothing he wanted more than a hot cup of coffee. But unfortunately, his doctor told him it wasn't a good idea for the baby.

"Thanks, but I think I will just have more of that peppermint tea. I'm trying to not to bring back my caffeine addiction," he explained, trying to make that sound normal and like nothing was up.

Gareth just eyes him questioningly. "Okay what's up, you turn down snacks last night and now your telling me you only drink tea now? Who are you and what have you done to Edward?"

Eddie couldn't help but laugh as he fills the kettle with tap water. "I'm trying to be healthy sue me. Besides isn't that what you keep telling Jeff to be?"

"Well, I try it doesn't usely work," he agrees with a sigh. Everyone knows that Mr. Jefferson Cooper doesn't let anyone tell him what to do. Not even Gareth.
"But stop trying to change the subject, he's not the one I'm worried about at the moment."

Eddie could feel the shift as soon as it happened and when he looks up and meets his best friend since god forever's eyes, the usual lightheartedness has been replaced with his look of concern. Eddie tries not to spill his guts under Gareth's gaze.

"You have lost weight, Eddie, and you look exhausted more so than usual."

Eddie just bites the inside of his cheek. He was kind of hoping Gareth wouldn't take note the seven pounds he's lost, or the fact his sleep is nonexistent lately.

"I'm fine, Gareth. Please don't worry you will get wrinkles," he assures him with a soft chuckle.

"Are you?" he asks, getting closer. "You would tell me, right? You wouldn't lie to me?"

It was about to come out. He's so tempted to just tell Gareth that he's lost weight because he's struggling with morning sickness, and that he looks so tired because he's creating life. Gareth has always been there and Eddie's always been there for Gareth, but for some reason, he just isn't ready to acknowledge this just yet.

So, instead of speaking, he pulls Gareth into a embrace. "You worry too much dude. I'm perfectly fine." It's not a lie Eddie thinks to himself, but still it makes him feel horrible.

He decided to try and change the subject, he looks towards the clock on the wall. "When are Jason, Andy, and Chance getting in?"

"They land in three hours I think. I was just about to go wake Jeff. He promised to drive to the airport to grab them," Gareth explains.

"I can go grab them," he suggested. "I haven't seen them in months and you know how much they hate my van."

"Are you positive? This is your Christmas break to, and I don't want you being the chauffeur the entire time."

Eddie just snorts. "It's fine, really I don't mind. Besides they wouldn't have all fitted in the clown car Jeff owns."

"Alright I'm not arguing. But first, eat your breakfast that's a order," he says as he puts a plate stacked with pancakes in front of Eddie's face. He gave Eddie a gentle nudge towards the kitchen table before grabbing the syrup from the fridge and finishing his tea.
---
Eddie shoves his hands into the pockets of his winter jacket when he got outside about two and half hours later. Light snow was falling and he breathes in the morning air. He hated winter especially in Hawkins, he loved fall but hated every season inbetween.

He gets into his van and instantly turned on the heater after smacking it a couple times. The old van might be in great shape to Eddie's standards. But it always takes it's sweet ass time to get warm. It's unfortunately the same with the air conditioning in the summer, but he can just roll down the windows but in this situation he's forced to suffer. At least the radio works amazingly and when Eddie popped a tape in and pushed a few buttons, Metallica begins to blast from the speakers. He smirks and starts the engine.

At first, there's little to no traffic. However, the closer he gets to the Indianapolis airport, the worse it gets. Due to the holidays, the roads surrounding Indianapolis International Airport are jammed pack. Everyone is trying to get there to escape to warmer climate or pick someone up to join the misery.

Eddie's been stuck in traffic for thirty minutes when his stomach churns from the constant driving and hitting the brakes motion. "Please, not now crotch goblin," he groans as he cranks the window. He takes a deep breath and hopes to arrive at the pickup area without vomiting in his freshly cleaned van.

Thankfully, by some miracle the fresh air does wonders and by the time he gets there, he's no longer turning green.

And, lucky for him, someone got tired of waiting and Eddie takes their spot. Finding a place to park is a bitch it takes forever, especially during this time of year. It's one of the many reasons why he hates flying.

Getting out of the van. He has to dodge a Polish family and a woman pushing a cart with enough luggage to supply a small army. He also almost plows over a old woman and her cat in a bag when he spins around her to avoid being run over and he just waves apologetically.

"This is the closest you've been to an airport in years."

Eddie twists towards the familiar voice of one Chance Vasquez and smirks when he sees his two friends appearing in the crowd. Jason is beaming at him and Eddie nearly falls over when both of them body slam into him. Laughing, he tries wrapping his arms around them. "It's good to see you guys, especially you Chance."

"Good to see you too, Munson!" Chance replies.

When they break apart, Eddie notices someone's missing. "Now where did you leave my favorite one of you three idiots?"

"He's cleaning up. It's been a very very long trip," Jason explains, than grins. "I'm sorry I left you alone with Gareth and Jeff yesterday. I know how parently they get when there's only one of us."

Eddie just waves him off with a smile. "Hey they were my friends first in case you forgot, but everything went alright. I'd count that as a win in my books," he chuckles.

"Well, in case we need it, I brought a bottle of really good Bourbon for us. Chance, Andy and I visited this distillery in the fall and their Bourbon is the best I've ever had I swear. I can't wait for you to have some."

Eddie just awkwardly clears his throat. "Jay, listen about that, I need to tell you something..."

Just as he's about to spit it out, he sees Andy walking towards them he was wearing a hat Eddie got him last Christmas. He's smiling so excited to see Eddie and Eddie returns it the best he can, hoping it doesn't look weird.

"Edward, I've missed you," he says as he pulls Eddie into a hug.

"I missed you, too," he replies, he was really happy to see Andy. "How have you been, what's going on with you?"

"Really great, but nothing exciting really," Andy says and grins towards his lovers. He then eyes Chance, who seems to get some slient message from Andy before he started digging around in his backpack as he pulls out a wrapped present. "This is an early Christmas present from all of us."

Jason wrapped his arm around Chance's waist, he grabbed Andy by the jacket pulling him closer. "We were planning on waiting until Christmas, but we both know how terrible Andy is at keeping secrets so we decided you should know."

Eddie was confused, but he just started unwrapping it carefully. He looked at the tiny box wondering what on earth these three had planned, he opens it carefully. A keychain tumbles into his palm. He flipped it over and reads the engraved text on it.

The most rocking uncle

Chance just claps him on the back. "I hope you're ready to corrupt our kid, uncle Eddie."

Chapter Text

The drive back to the house passes in a blink of the eye. Eddie listens as Jason and Andy babble about how they found out they were pregnant a few weeks ago, and how they are planning on telling Gareth and Jeff on Christmas morning to make it even more special. Chance was gushing over how he heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time and Andy was excited about how he's already showing a bit. Eddie had a lump in his throat.
---
Back at Gareth's place, after hellos and hugs were given, everyone took a seat as Gareth puts lunch on the table. Jeff decided to hand everyone a beer and Eddie just accepts it pealing at the label, he has no intention of actually drinking it, he glanced at Andy who was doing the same thing as him.

Eddie picked at his sandwich taking it apart like a picky toddler, Jeff was talking with Jason and Chance well Andy was chatting with Gareth. Jeff was mainly asking about how work was going, how the weather was like in Boston and there future plans.

"Andy got a promotion back in October," Jason announces proudly. "They almost doubled his salary, which we couldn't be more proud of him. We are planning on moving out of the shabby dump of are apartment." Chance adds.

Andy just smiles shaking his head well reaching for Chance's hand.
"That shabby dump, as you both like to call it, will always be a special place. It was our first place after all."

Eddie watched as they smiled at each other, looking just as in love as they did when they met in Freshman year of highschool all those years ago. Eddie can still remember the phone calls with Gareth. How he thought Jason Carver was head over heels for not just one jock but two jocks, Eddie thought Gareth was insane for believing that rumor. But sitting here today seeing how they look at each other, Gareth couldn't be more right. That memory brings a smile to Eddie's face.

"Are you guys planning on renting?" Gareth asks well taking a sip of his beer.

"Actually, we are getting a townhouse well looking into one," Jason reveals with a grin. "Chance being a real estate agent has its perks, he's gonna show us some properties in a few weeks. But we already looked at some townhouses we like."

"Dude, that's awesome. Maybe we'll come down there next Christmas," Gareth says.
"What do you think, Jeff?" Gareth asks crossing his arms.

Jeff looks over his shoulder seeing if Gareth's joking. He hates flying just as much as Eddie. "No way, unless you're driving."

Everyone laughs softly and even Eddie couldn't help but chuckle. He glanced at Jason, who has grown up so much in the past few years. Gone from a insecure boy with religious trauma, to a successful, hard working lawyer, who is basically married to, two wonderful men and will soon be a father to a very lucky kid. The only thing that hasn't, and probably won't ever change, is his obsession with sharks.

Jeff hits Jason on the shoulder gently and smiles. "Looks like things are just going swimmingly with you guys. Me and Gareth couldn't be more jealous. Maybe you can give us and Eddie some advice. God knows we need it."

Even though Jeff was laughing, Eddie was slightly offended. His best friends always had looked up to him. Eddie was the leader of there little club back in highschool, great in history and had okay grades but it set him back three times. But his grades were never near as good as Jasons, he graduated the first time around unlike Eddie.

When he finally finished highschool with Jeff and decided to not go to college with Jeff at least not for a year or two, Jeff was upset. In the end, Eddie just dropped Jeff at the airport without even saying goodbye. After that, Eddie didn't speak to him or Gareth for almost two years.

During his time in finding himself, Eddie realized college wasn't for him and that he just wanted to work instead. So he got a job at a car garage in Chicago and moved into a shity apartment. He eventually started talking with Jeff and Gareth who were nothing but supportive.

"I'm gonna take a walk," Eddie says and gets up, he left his barely touched lunch behind. He listens as Gareth smacked Jeff and how Jason called for him to come back, but he didn't stop.

He grabbed his coat, putting it on and headed outside. It was even colder then before and it was snowing heavily from the gloomy sky.

He walks around the house and heads for the swing set that's been there since god forever. He sits on one of the swings and just started to swing slightly. He keeps doing that intill his leg muscles become sore.

A voice nearly gives him a heart attack and he stops. He looks towards the voice, he's not surprised to see Jason standing there.

"You know Jeff was joking right, he didn't mean to hurt you," Jason says quietly.

Eddie just shrugs and starts to swing again. "It's whatever, I know."

"Eddie, come on. Don't be stubborn. Jeff likes to speak his mind and make dumb jokes. He doesn't think before he says," Jason reminds him. Eddie refused to look at him, Jason walks in front of Eddies line of sight and grabs onto the swing stopping him. "Okay what's up, it's usually the other way around with these conversations. You love when Jeff nitpicks, what's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong," Eddie snaps and plants his feet into the ground. He pushed his hair out of his face.

Jason just rolls his eyes. "Dude, don't lie to me. I know you I use to pick on you remember, Eddie. I know when something's off, and you have been off since I got here with Andy and Chance. You don't even seem excited to be a uncle. I thought you be thrilled considering you can make him or her into mini version of you in revenge."

Eddie just flinched. He never meant to give Jason the impression he didn't care because they were passed all that. He knows how excited Jason, Chance, and Andy are about this, and Eddie wants to be excited with them. He's just overwhelmed with everything going on with him at the moment.

"Jay, I am excited I promise. I really am. It's just...I've been going through some things. Let's just say things haven't exactly been easy for me lately."

Jason sits on the swing next to him, he put a hand on his shoulder. "Then talk to me, let me make it up to you for all those years I made your life a living hell."

Eddie wants to. It wasn't like he didn't want to. However, everything doesn't feel right at the moment. It's two days before Christmas and Jason is looking forward to sharing his own baby news with friends. It's a special time for Jason, Chance and Andy especially Andy, and Eddie doesn't want to ruin that with his mess. He'll figure things out by himself.

"Jay, it's okay I'm okay, really," Eddie smiles. "I'm just going through something at the moment. It happens. But, believe me, I'm excited for Andy, and I'm looking forward to corrupting your kid."

Smiling, Jason reached over and pulled him into a sideways hug. "I'm excited to hear that, Ed. But if there's anything and I mean anything, I'm here so is Andy and Chance, alright?"

"Alright, scouts honor," Eddie nods with a smile.

Chapter Text

The next day, Eddie wakes up feeling incredibly shity. He throws a arm over his eyes well resting the other on his stomach, he waits for the wave of nausea to pass. His doctor had prescribed him some pills for when his nausea got like this, however, they are somewhere in his backpack and getting up isn't a option. Not if he wants Gareths cream rug to remain cream colored.

It takes a few minutes and some breathing, but eventually the nausea abates enough for him to roll out of bed. He shuffles over to where he left his backpack and started rummaging through it for the bottle. He quickly dry swallows one and hopes to god it works quickly.

As much as he would like to just roll over and go back to sleep, he unfortunately can't. It's Hellfire tradition to drive to the local farm on Christmas Eve and pick out a tree at Hawkins Wonderland. They've been doing it long before the Hellfire days.

So, despite feeling awful, Eddie slowly drags himself to the bathroom, takes a shower and gets dressed. He meets his friends in the kitchen and pretends like he isn't trying to projectile vomit everywhere. He even forces himself to eat a bit of Jeff's scrambled eggs and toast.

During breakfast, he couldn't help but glance at Andy, who is happily eating a omelet and drinking a glass of apple juice. Until now, Eddie really never got the term pregnancy glow, but Andy is definitely the walking definition of that. He really can't explain it, but Andy is definitely glowing, he's also definitely radiating happiness and joy. Eddie begins to wonder if he'll ever look even a fraction of that during his own pregnancy.
---
When they arrive at the farm about a hour later, the nausea has thankfully gone away and Eddie's confident the food is going to stay in place. He breathes in the smell of fresh snow and pine trees.

Out of the corner of his eye, he sees as Jason makes a beeline for the largest tree on property. Gareth is chasing after him with a glare and a shake of his head. They have this same heated argument every year since Jason joined there friend group. Gareth just wants a nice, medium sized tree, while Jason prefers the one that goes all the way to the ceiling. They argue about it for about thirty minutes till Jeff gets between them and does a coin toss. it's become somewhat of a tradition.

Eddie watches the back and forth trying not to laugh. Chance walks up to him and Andy with a steaming cup of apple cider. Chance hands one to Eddie before giving one to Andy. Eddie sniffs at it curious, he then takes a cautious sip and hisses when he burns his tongue.

Andy tilts his head towards Gareth, Jason, and Jeff. "At this point, they really should skip the bitching for thirty minutes and just flip the coin."

Eddie snorts. "You've been apart of this friend group for how long now? Because you should totally know Gareth loves to argue."

"He sure does," he laughs. "Jason isn't any better, do you have any idea how difficult it was to decide on a color scheme for the nursery? Jason has to be one of the most stubborn people on the planet."

Chance nudged Andy playfully. "You were the one to decide to bring him into the relationship."

"I did, didn't I Chance?" he laughs. "And now look at us we're having a baby. It really doesn't seem real. I mean we weren't even planning for this, it just happened. But I couldn't be more excited."

There's nothing but love in Andy's eyes when he looks at Chance and Jason. Eddie wraps a arm around him and hugs against his side. "You're going to be a great dad, Andy."

Jason turns around, big smile on his face. "We're getting the big one this year finally!" he shouts and does a werid little dance. Eddie and Andy couldn't help but laugh and Chance gives a thumbs up.
---
While the employees were getting the tree ready to go, they decided to stroll through Hawkins Wonderland. There are Christmas lights everywhere and the smell of gingerbread lingers in the air. A man dressed up as Santa is sitting in a armchair next to a decorated tree, and a bunch of kids are standing in line waiting patiently to meet Santa.

"Hey, look they have sleds over there!" Chance says and walks towards the stall that was renting them out.

Eddie trails after him. Chance was still a big kid at heart. He's excited about most things adults wouldn't even pay attention to, and Eddie's sure that's one of the many reasons he'll be an amazing parent.

After Chance talked to the guy at the stall, Chance turns towards the group and grins at Eddie. "They have a trail exclusively for sleds. Ed, I'm challenging you to a race!"

Eddie rasies his eyebrow. "Aren't we suppose to be adults?"

"Are you scared of losing?" Chance tease. He knows exactly which buttons to push with Eddie.

"Oh that's it, Chance, we're on!" Eddie smirks and pushes him aside to grab one of the sleds. There's no way he's gonna let some ex jock mock him like that.
---
After going up the path that leads to the start of the trail, they both get on their sleds. These two were very competitive among the friend group. They always have been and always will be that will never change.

"Winner gets to put the star on the tree," Chance suggested, holding out his hand for a shake.

"Deal C," Eddie agrees and shakes Chances hand.

They count to five and begin whizzing down the massive hill. Branches are hitting them in the face and their laughter echoes through the tree tops. At first, Chance was in the lead. But Eddie decided to scope up some snow, he makes a snowball and throws it at Chance. Chance wobbles a bit and Eddie takes that chance to pass him.

"That's so cheating!" Chance shouts and tries knocking Eddie off his sled. They're both so busy in messing with each other, that they completely miss a bump in the path. They both squeak when they fly over it and get thrown from their sleds.

Eddie groans when his back hits the icy ground and pain goes through his spine. He squeezed his eyes shut.

"Fuck," he hears Chance mutter. "You alive?"

"Yeah," Eddie wheezes. He carefully got onto his side and winces when his back decided to spasm.

Chance appears in his line of sight and puts out a hand for him. Eddie grabbed a hold of Chances hand and lets Chance haul him to his feet. He rubs his lower back. "I think I'm getting to old for this I'm just saying."

Laughing, Chance collected their sleds from where they landed. "Maybe racing wasn't the best idea I've had. How about this we take it easy and say nobody won."

"Cool by me," Eddie nods. "But, we both know, I totally would have won."

Chance just rolls his eyes and shoves Eddie gently.
---
Later in the night, after they finished decorating the Christmas tree and had dinner, everyone is going to bed.

When he gets changed, Eddie looked over his shoulder in the mirror. He winces at the bruises at are forming on his lower back. He touches the largest one and hisses under his breath at the sharp pain. He just sighs. If he'd ask Jeff for some ointment, he'd make a comment about needing to wrap Eddie in bubble wrap.

Eddie just decided to sleep it off and deal with it in the morning.

It takes him nearly ten minutes to figure out a position that doesn't cause him any pain, but once he found it and got comfortable, it doesn't take him long for him to pass out.
---
It's pain that wakes him up, but it's not the pregnancy discomfort he's gotten use to, it's not the bruises either. This ache is new and located in his abdomen. A sharp, stabbing like pain that is wrapping around his middle. Eddie just grunts and curls up into a ball. He feels sick.

He tries to breathe through it, but it's getting worse. Shaking, he reached out in the dark and turned on the lamp next to his makeshift bed. The light is way to bright and he closes his eyes.

He manages to sit up, he started scooting to the edge of the mattress and puts a hand on his abdomen. A million thoughts are going through his mind, realizing what was happening.

Eddie manages to get to his feet and got to the door. He uses the wall to steady himself and the other was wrapped around his stomach, he walks through the hallway to the stairway. He inhales and managed to get up the stairs.

When he gets to the other guestrooms, he's out of breath and dizzy. His abdomen was still cramping and the pain has spread to his back and pelvis. Feeling dread, he knocks gently.

It takes a moment or two and another gentle knock before he hears movement. The door opens and Jason appears, his blonde hair everywhere.
"Ed? It's almost three in the morning," he whispers.

Eddie just swallowed and gives his friend a weary smile.
"I'm sorry I really am, but I need your help."

Jason looks at him worried. "Are you alright?"

Eddie winced. "Jay, I need you to drive me down to the hospital."

Chapter Text

Jason quietly steps into the hallway, he pulls the bedroom door shut. He looks at Eddie concerned. "What's the matter?"

Eddie dropped his gaze and stares at the worn wooden floor. He really didn't think this through on how he would eventually tell Jason and the others about the pregnancy, but this was definitely not it.

A hand grips his shoulder and gently shakes him. "Ed, hey what's wrong?" There's panic in Jason's voice and Eddie feels guilty about making him panic. He takes a deep breath and looks to meet his friends gaze.

"Jay, I'm pregnant."

The words hang in the air and Jason's mouth falls open. The hand that's still holding onto Eddie's shoulder tightens and Jason just blinks. "Repeat that?"

"I know you're gonna have questions, okay I get that, but can they please wait?" Eddie begs, and winces when his abdomen spasms. He nearly doubles over in pain.
"Something isn't right, Jay."

Jason visibly jumps, he quickly recovers from the shock knowing Eddie needed him. He gripped onto Eddie's upper arm with one hand and he puts the other on his neck. "Okay just breathe. Everything is gonna be fine."

Carefully, Jason helped Eddie down the stairs and gets him comfortable on the couch while he gets ready, Eddie gathers his and Jason's wallets, and the keys to the van, and Jason woke Chance and Andy to let them know what's happening.

Meanwhile, Eddie's trying to breathe through the agony, he feels like he's gonna be sick, but he isn't sure if it's because of the baby or his ever growing nerves. His hands begin to tremble, he curls them into fists.

"I'm ready sorry," Jason announces a few minutes later, he walked over to Eddie helping him off the couch and into his jacket, and then leads him slowly out the door.
---
It's past four in the morning when the get to Hawkins Memorial Hospital. Thankfully, the clinic is practically empty at this time and it doesn't take long for a nurse to escort Eddie down a hallway to one of the many examination rooms. He changes into a hospital gown and he gets onto the gurney. The nurse keeps small talk going while drawing blood, taking his temperature and checking blood pressure. She scribbles everything down and tells him that a doctor will be with him soon.

Eddie closed his eyes when the door shut. Jason had asked to come with him, but Eddie had made wait in the waiting room. Just in case this is really it and he's lost the baby, he wants to be able to process that before facing one of his best friends.

There was a knock on the door, pulling Eddie out of his dark thoughts. He opens his eyes, he sees a doctor enter the room. A pair of hazel eyes meet his. "Mister Munson, my name is doctor Harrington. I am the obstetrician on duty," he introduced himself and put out a hand.

"Edward, call me Eddie," Eddie replies and shakes his hand.

"Eddie it is," Doctor Harrington agrees with a smile and sits on a stool. He pulls out a pair of blue latex gloves and puts them on. "I was told by the nurse that you are experiencing intense pain in your abdomen. Can you please explain?"

"Well I went sledding yesterday with one of my friends and I drove over a rather large bump that I didn't see. Got thrown off and landed on my back," Eddie explains, only now realizing how stupid it was to race Chance. "I woke up in the middle of the night to cramping."

"Any bleeding?"

Eddie shakes his head. "No I don't think so."

Doctor Harrington just nods and rolls closer to the gurney. He asks Eddie to pull the hospital gown to see his stomach and he begins to gently palpate his belly. "Tell me as soon as the pain increases okay."

The prodding is definitely not comfortable, but the pain doesn't spike. Doctor Harrington seems happy with that. He pulled the ultrasound machine over and turns it on. Next, he popped open the lid of the gel and squirts a good amount on Eddie's bare abdomen.

"Let's see your baby," he says, before pressing the ultrasound wand against Eddie's skin. He moved it around, adjusted some settings on the monitor and squints at the screen. The he tapped a button on his keyboard and that's when Eddie hears the most beautiful sound he has ever heard.

"Is the baby okay?" He asks, staring at the black and white picture. At ten weeks, there wasn't really anything to see, but he clearly recognized the squirming little blob. His squirming little blob.

"I can't see anything that says otherwise," the doctor says and smiles. "Your baby seems healthy, Eddie. The cramps might be due to stress or due to the accident. I will prescribe you some gentle pain medication."

Eddie lets out a shaky breath he didn't realize he was holding. He feels like a weight has been lifted off his shoulder and he feels dizzy with relief.

Doctor Harrington hands him a paper towel to clean the gel off his stomach as he takes off the latex gloves. Then he motions for Eddie to sit up. "I would like to see your back."

"That's really not necessary."

"I insist," Doctor Harrington says, already moving around the bed so he can check the bruises on Eddie's back. The doctor makes a noise, obviously displeased, and Eddie holds his breath when he pressed on a sore spot. "These are bad. I think I'm gonna prescribe you some ointment as well."

"Okay, sounds good. Thanks Doc," Eddie agrees. He really didn't care about the bruises. He put a hand on his stomach, he sends a quick thanks to whatever is up there.
---
He steps back into the waiting room a few minutes later, Jason immediately gets to his feet and heads over to him. "So what did the doctor say?"

Eddie just smiles. "The baby's fine."

Jason lets out a breath and runs a hand through his messy blonde hair. "I'm glad."

"Me too more than you know," Eddie agrees and he gently pats Jason on the back. "Lets get home. It's Christmas."

They get outside and have a small argument about who's driving. Eventually, Eddie just goes and lays inside the van definitely not pouting and Jason climbed into the drivers seat with a smug smirk.
---
They're almost back to Gareth's place when Jason breaks the silence. He turned off the radio and looks at Eddie through the mirror. "You know even with our past, I'm always here for you, you know that right?"

Eddie's a bit surprised by his words, but before he can spit anything out, Jason speaks again.

"I know you wanted to tell me when I got here. I'm not going to ask why you changed your mind because it's your business, but I want you to know that I'm here if you want to talk."

Emotions flood over Eddie and he curses his out of control hormones. He sat up climbing into the passenger seat, he reached over and squeezed Jason's shoulder. "Thank you Jay," he says with tears in his eyes. "For everything, especially for being my friend."

Chapter Text

Eddie and Jason get back just before the sun. When they get into the driveway, they notice that a light is on in the kitchen. Eddie bites his lip as he gets out of the van, hoping it's not Gareth or Jeff. He's too exhausted to come up with a explanation as to why he and Jason took a trip in the middle of the night.

When Jason unlocked the front door and he quietly slips in Eddie followed after him. It's Andy and Chance who meets them halfway in the hallway. They are still in their pajamas and Andy's got his hat on sideways. He looks the most worried.

"Ed, how are you doing?" He asks.

Eddie just smiles as he peals out of his jacket and kicks off his boots. "I'm alright. Just sore I promise."

Chance's gaze goes to Eddie's belly. "The baby?"

"Fine as well. Honestly couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present," he replied with a smile.

Andy and Chance pull him into a tight hug. "We are so happy to hear that, Eddie. You're gonna be a amazing parent," Andy muttered into his shoulder.

Eddie was touched by the both of them, Eddie returns the hug. He can feel Andy's growing stomach brush against his own and a warm feeling fills his chest.

"Chance, Andy, are Gareth and Jeff still passed out?" Jason asks as quiet as possible, as he glanced upstairs.

"Yeah don't worry. I doubt they noticed that you and Eddie disappeared." Chance says, he glanced upstairs.

Eddie lets out a weary breath. "That's good I didn't want to disturb them. Listen, do you guys mind if I go back to sleep for like an hour or two? I'm about to pass out..."

"Of course Ed. Go ahead, dude," Jason says with a smile. "Go sleep."
---
Eddie awakens a few hours later, he feels rested and very much relaxed. The pills he took before he passed out did their job perfectly, and the bruises on his back are only a dull ache at this point it was better then the needling pain that they were before. The cramps in his abdomen have completely vanished.

He rolls out of bed, going to get dressed putting on the very hideous Christmas sweater that Gareth found at Goodwill a matching set actually so you know he insisted they all wear one. He nearly bursts out laughing when he sees himself in the mirror and he heads into the kitchen.

A plate is immediately shoved into his hands as he soon as he sets foot in the kitchen and after a gentle nudge to the shoulder, Gareth pushes him towards this old coffee table in the living room totally burrowed from Wayne by the way, where he has set up an amazing Christmas breakfast spread. It looks and smells to die for.

Eddie just decided to go for it as he piles eggs, bacon, sausages and french toast on his plate and he plopped himself onto the couch, inbetween Jeff and Jason. Gareth by some amazement was juggling cups of peppermint tea for all of them, he hands one to Eddie and he thanks Gareth with a smile.

They eat, talk and laugh, and by the time everyone is done stuffing their faces, there's still a mountain of food left. Eddie and Jason clear the table, Chance and Andy pack leftovers for their other friends and family. In the meantime, Jeff went outside to grab firewood for the fireplace.

Then, the entire family gets around the Christmas tree with a cup of Gareth's famous hot chocolate. As with each year, Jeff hands Jason and Eddie an envelope with three hundred dollars each because they will spend it wisely. Chance and Andy on the other hand only get two hundred because they do not, Chance one time bought hundred dollars worth of plastic chickens don't ask. Jeff had decided to do the whole money thing a long time ago because he's a terrible gift giver, which is why he lets his friends pick out what they want even if it plastic chickens.

Gareth, on the other hand, is a better gift giver. He gives everyone a nice wrapped box and when they open it, a pair of socks and hat are revealed. "You guys need those desperately," he announced with pride. He really wasn't wrong.

Eddie just smiles watching Jason share a look with Andy and Chance, before the blonde gets up and grabs a couple presents from underneath the tree. He gives the bigger one to Eddie, and the smaller one to Gareth and Jeff. Curious, Eddie leads forward slightly and watches as his friends unwrap the present.

"Okay what did you guys do?" Gareth mutters, when he looks at the plain box in his hands.

"Just open it," Jason laughs.

Gareth opened the box carefully and pulls out a piece of clothing. He carefully unfolds it and holds it up to the light. It's a onesie. He looks at Jason curious and reads the text on the front, "I love my weird uncles."

Eddie swears he can see the moment Gareth's brain puts it all together. Gareth puts a hand over his mouth, and Jeff immediately takes Chance, Jason, and Andy down in a hug. Gareth looks about ready to cry when he flings himself off the couch and wraps himself around the parents to be. "I'm gonna be a uncle! I can't believe you guys procreated." He grins, as he placed a hand on Jason's belly before Jason gently put it on Andy's trying not to laugh.

Eddie watched the celebration with the biggest smile on his face, but he can't help but feel bad about himself. Jason, Andy, and Chance are basically married just not legally, they all have a steady job, a good lifestyle and are actively looking for a home. Their baby had perfect timing. Eddie has none of that, and it worried him a little.

"Your turn Ed," Jason says, and he jumps back onto the couch next to Eddie. Then he rubs the back of his head sheepishly. "I'm gonna apologize in advance for your gift."

Confused, Eddie carefully unwrapped his present and tries not to laugh when he recognized his favorite beer. "Thanks Jay."

"I am sorry about that," Jason laughs and gets closer. "I'll get you another case after our kids are here, deal?" He whispers.

"It's a deal," Eddie chuckled.
---
After the mess from the wrapping paper was cleaned up and everyone got more hot chocolate, Jason proudly shows off the ultrasound pictures of the baby. Even though Andy was in his twentieth week, they have no idea what it is. They want it to be a big surprise.

Eddie, is suddenly overcame with tiredness again, he gets comfortable in one of the armchairs. He's also feeling nauseous and ponders to himself if he should take some pills. Just then, Andy decided to sit down on the arm of the chair and looks at him.

"You're turning green," he points out.

Eddie just sighs. "Morning sickness is kicking my ass," he spits out quietly.

Andy just smacks his arm. "Wait a minute. I think I have something for you."

He comes back a minute later with two elastic wristbands. They looked like something children would wear. "These are called Sea Bands," he explains, as he gestures for Eddie to hold out his arm. "They have this knob sewn into it and when positioned right, they help with the nausea. I've rarely taken it off."

Eddie just looks at the bands that sit comfortably on his wrists. It feels kinda tight but Eddie doesn't mind. "These work?"

"It worked for me," Andy winked. "Just try it out okay."

"Thanks A," he says and squeezed his hand. "I'm a tiny bit overwhelmed with this pregnancy..."

Andy just smiles warmly. "I'm no expert, but if there's anything pregnancy related you want to know about, you know where I am. What else are pregnancy buddies for?"

"You are just amazing Andrew. Jason and Chance are so lucky to have you."

"Oh, believe me I know," he grins and winks at him.

Chapter Text

Despite Eddie's doubts, the Sea Bands work. He didn't take them off until he went to sleep that night and he put them on immediately when he awakened. So far knock on wood, he hasn't needed to take any of the pills he was prescribed. The only downside is that he needs to hide them from Gareth and Jeff. But, thank the lord for the cold weather and the need to wear long sleeved shirts.

It's still pretty early in the day when Eddie and Andy walk to the bakery that's been there for like god forever as long as Eddie could remember, not even a freak earthquake could have made it go out of business. It snowing slightly and the weather forecast says there was going to be a snowstorm. Gareth had sent them on a croissant and pastry mission for breakfast that morning. Andy and him have engrossed in talking about names for the baby, when Eddie feels his phone go off in his pocket. He pulls off one of his gloves with his teeth and reaches into his jean pocket. He lifts an eyebrow when he sees a number he doesn't know.

"This is Eddie."

"Hello, Eddie. This is Doctor Harrington."

Eddie stops and shoots a glance at Andy. When he went to the hospital yesterday, the doctor told him everything was alright with the baby. Was he wrong?

"Doctor Harrington, is something wrong?" He asks, feeling anxious all of the sudden.

"No, no, everything is fine, I'm sorry for worrying you," the doctor says quickly, obviously picking up the distress he had caused. "I am simply calling to tell you that you left your wallet at the hospital."

Eddie quickly checks his pockets and realizes that, he had indeed, lost his wallet as he does, if his head wasn't stuck on his neck he would lose it as well. "Frankly I didn't even realize," he admits

Doctor Harrington laughs softly. "I thought so. I will leave it with a nurse at the front desk."

"Thank you so much," Eddie says. "I will come around today to grab it."

When he hangs up, Andy was smirking at him with his arms crossed. He looks at him all knowingly.

"Oh what Andrew?"

"Let me get this straight a busy doctor calls you, just to let you know you forgot your wallet?"

Eddie frowns. "So what?"

Andy just smirks. "Interesting that's all."

"Oh what do you mean?" Eddie wants to know, he's confused.

"Well, and this is just my honest opinion but don't you think letting people know that they left something at the hospital is more a job for the people at the check in desk? Or I don't know a nurse?"

Eddie just blinks. Now that he puts the pieces together, Andy strangely has a point. "I guess so?" He admits giving a shrug. "What are you on about?"

"I'm not onto anything. It's just Jason said something about your doctor being kinda good looking," he replies, still wearing that stupid smirk. He nods his head back towards Gareth's home. "You probably should get a move on."

"Do you got this?" Eddie asks, deciding to ignore his brother at this point and his hinting.

"Yes, Edward, I think I'm physically capable enough to walk to the bakery by myself," Andy laughs and gives Eddie a gentle shove. "Go before I change my mind."

With a smile, Eddie spins around and heads back.
---
About an hour later, he pulls into the parking lot of Hawkins Memorial Hospital. It took him longer than he thought it would, mostly because of the snowstorm rearing it's ugly head sooner than expected.

With his coat pulled tightly around him, Eddie gets out of the van and hurries to the entrance. By the time he gets out of the freezing cold, his shoulders and the tips of his curly hair are caked in a fine layer of white.

"Excuse me Miss?" He says to the lady working the check in desk. "My name is Edward Munson. I got a call from Doctor Harrington earlier, about my wallet."

"Edward Munson, right. Doctor Harrington said you were coming by." She smiles at him and reaches into a drawer, she pulled out his worn and very loved trucker wallet. She hands it to him with a gentle smile. "Here you go."

"Thank you so much," he replies and puts it safely into the back pocket of his jeans, making sure to clasp it to his belt loops this time.

"Drive safe. The roads aren't safe right now."

"I will I promise. Thank you again."

Eddie is so into the swirling snow through the large window, that he completely misses the person walking towards him, until they almost smack into each other. Startled, Eddie takes a step back. "I'm so sorry! I wasn't at all looking to where I was going." A pair of familiar hazel eyes meet his and Eddie instantly knows who he almost plowed over.

Doctor Harrington just smiles warmly. "No harm done. If it makes you feel better I wasn't really paying attention either," he admits and motions to the file he's carrying.

Now, without the worry of losing the baby hanging over him, Eddie can now see what Jason meant when he said the doctor was good looking. He has a handsome face and well beautiful, hazel eyes. He was the same height as him, but well built. And his lips draw Eddie's attention.

"You look better, Eddie. How are you feeling?" Doctor Harrington says, ripping Eddie out of his thoughts.

Eddie just blushes a bit. "I'm perfect," he answers, one hand going to his stomach. "I took it easy and got some well needed rest."

The doctor nodded his approval. "I'm happy to hear that." Then he looked at his watch and purses his lips. "I'm so sorry to cut this conversation short, but I have to go. I need to catch the bus. It was nice to see you again, Eddie."

Eddie watched the handsome doctor leave and before he could really think about what he was doing, he's running after him. He gasped when he made it outside and is hit by a wall of snow. "Doc, wait a second."

Doctor Harrington turns towards Eddie, he was squinting slightly. "Yes?" He says over the roaring wind.

"Public transportation sucks in Hawkins during this kind of weather. Just let me give you a lift," he offers, not entirely sure why.

The doctor looks uncertain for a second, but seems to change his mind when the wind started getting worse and almost tossed him into the snow. He looks down at the file he's clutching and nods.
"Only if it wouldn't be to much trouble."

Eddie just smiles. "Nope not at all. Come on."
---
In the van, Eddie starts the engine and cranks the heat all the way up, he rubbed his hands together before throwing the van into reverse. "Where am I taking you?"

"I live in Loch Nora, not to far from the hospital."

Eddie just whistled. "Nice neighbor just saying."

"You seem to know Hawkins," Doctor Harrington notes.

"Well I grew up here," Eddie explains. "I moved here at thirteen to live with my uncle, my parents don't live here never did. What about you? Where do you come from? Not from around here, I assume."

"It's that obvious huh?" The doctor sighs

Eddie begins to laugh. "Well, you're kinda wearing a jean jacket during a snowstorm. So, yeah, I'd say with ninety nine percent certainty that it's obvious.

"Right... I'm originally from here but I moved to Texas god a long time ago. I just moved back six months ago after my divorce."

Eddie just makes a noise. "Sorry about that."

"Oh it's fine. We realized that we were meant to be friends not lovers."

It gets quiet for a few minutes, both lost in their own respective thoughts, until Doctor Harrington clears his throat and looks at Eddie. "What about you? Got anyone? Married?"

"No. I'm not married," Eddie replies. He bites his tongue, not wanting to reveal to much to the man he just met. "It's hard to explain."

"Isn't it always," the doctor sighs and they share a look.
---
"And here we are," Eddie announces fifteen minutes later, when they pull up in front of the doctor's house. It's not as huge as some of the others Eddie saw coming in here, but it looks cozy and nice for someone who was currently living alone.

"Thank you Eddie. I appreciate the generosity."

"It's no problem, doc," he just smiles.

"Please, call me Steve."

"Okay, Steve," Eddie grins. "Have a good rest of your day."

Steve's hand is already on the door handle, when he suddenly sits back and reaches into his jean jacket pocket. He pulls out a business card and a pen, and scribbles something on the back. "Here. In case there's anything you need while you're in town." And with that, Steve pushes the door open and gets out of the van.

Eddie just watched him disappear inside the house, before looking down at the business card. He flips it over and smiles when he sees Steve's cellphone number scribbled on the back.

Chapter Text

Snow is falling heavily from the sky when Eddie finally pulled in front of his friends house. It looks like Jeff has shoveled the driveway recently, but based on the snowfall, it won't be to much longer before everything is covered in a thick white blanket of snow.

He made his way to the front door and slips inside as quietly as possible escaping the cold weather outside. The smell of breakfast wafts towards him from the kitchen and his stomach gurgles loudly. He looks down and puts a hand on his non-existent stomach. "You better like this, kiddo."

He makes his way to the kitchen, he almost plows Gareth over, who's doing what he does best and balancing two large plates stacked high with food. "Ed, you're just in time for breakfast," he gives a smile and quickly moves out of Eddie's way.

Andy, who's pretending to be sipping on a cup of tea, smirks at him over the rim of the mug. "You've been gone for awhile..."

"Yeah, Edward, what took you so long? Did you get lost? Or did you run into someone interesting at the hospital" Chance adds, matching his partners grin.

Feeling himself starting to turn bright red, Eddie quickly chases after Gareth and takes one of the plates from him and puts it on the table. "Traffic was a real bitch probably because of the weather," he shrugs, going for nonchalant. "And I maybe gave someone a ride home."

"Oh really, tell us more?" Jason joins in, he too was grinning from ear to ear.

"Jay, knock it off," Eddie grunts and reached for a fresh croissant. He takes a bite and avoids looking at his best friend. He does not want to get into it during breakfast, especially around Gareth and Jeff. Jeff always wanted to know everything, and the last thing Eddie wants, or needs for that matter, is to have that conversation with Jeff. And don't even get him started on the baby, Jeff would be all over him on that one...

As if he knew Eddie was thinking about him, Jeff walks into the room with today's paper. Gareth hands him a cup of coffee and gives him a gentle kiss. He then proceeds to sit down and he gives everyone a nod of acknowledgment. Then he unfolds the paper like a little old man and begins to read.

Eddie can feel Andy, Chance, and Jason's eyes on him, but he just pretends they aren't there. There's nothing to say anyway. He gave Steve a lift because the weather was god awful and, in return, Steve gave him his business card just in case everything were to come up. It was literally nothing to talk about.
---
That's exactly what Eddie tells Andy, Chance, and Jason after breakfast well they're doing the dishes for Gareth and Jeff. Jeff went outside, to once again, shovel the driveway, and Gareth was on the phone with his sister in Milwaukee.

Andy leans against the counter and he crossed his arms over his chest, he had a damp towel draped over his shoulder. "There's literally no way he gave you his cellphone number just for possible medical emergencies, that's a load of bull even coming from you."

Eddie, who's putting away the clean and dry plates where they belong looks at him with the really look. "And, he didn't give me his cellphone number. He gave me his business card," he corrects.

"Yeah, with his cellphone number written on it," he counters. "Come on dude you're not blonde, he's definitely interested."

Sighing heavily, Eddie runs a hand through his curls.
"Can we please drop this? He's not interested. And even if he is by some chance, I'm not interested. My life is a mess as it is..."

Jason turns around and looks at his best friend with a unreadable expression on his face. "You know you deserve to be happy as well, Ed," he says.

Eddie knows Jason is hinting at the many many unsuccessful and failed relationships he's had in the past. Things never ended pretty and, despite the distance that separates him and Jason, Jason was always there for him.

A lump forms in the back of Eddie's throat. He looked away from Jason, he just shrugs. "What makes you think I'm not happy?"

"You really haven't seem to be." Chance says softly. "And don't take this the wrong way, but you weren't exactly over the moon when you told Jason about the pregnancy..."

Eddie just swallowed. He hates when Chance is right and usely he's right ninety percent of the time, and he loves him for it. However, he's not quite sure how to admit to it or even talk about it. There's a bunch of things he hasn't brought up. In fact, he doesn't think he's going to bring them up at all. He's always been good with dealing with things on his own. This is no different.

"Chance, it's..."

"...complicated, I know," Chance finishes for him. "Just let me suggest this idea I had with Jason, and Andy; Gareth and Jeff are going out for dinner tomorrow night with Gareth's mother and we know how much you love her, so me, Jason, and Andy were thinking about having a game night. You know, like when we were in senior year of highschool. Now, interested or what, you could ask Steve to come over? You said yourself that he just came back to Hawkins and I'm sure he doesn't have friends here."

Eddie frowns. "You guys want me to invite him over for game night?"

"Nobody likes to be by themselves for the holidays," Jason smiles.

Eddie wants to protest, to tell them what a stupid idea it is, but somthing is keeping him from saying so. The points Chance and Jason even Andy made make sense and from the information Eddie had gathered from Steve, he probably doesn't have family here not anymore anyway.

"Okay fine," Eddie huffs. "I'll ask him if he's available."

Chance, Jason, and Andy, are grinning, making Eddie roll his eyes. He's about to tell them to shut up and stop being so annoying, when Gareth appears out of nowhere. He's carrying a large, dust covered cardboard box. "Are you guys done yet? It's time to look at old pictures and laugh at each other!"
---
The rest of the day is spent on the couch in the living room. Looking at the photo albums Gareth made in his free time, it's a tradition they created god Eddie doesn't even remember when. There's one for just Eddie and his goofy ass kid pictures, one dedicated to Jason, Chance, and Andy. One is all of them in California on vacation and another one is from Gareth and Jeff's adventures in Hawaii.

When Jeff is handing one of the albums over to Andy, a picture flutters out of the album. Reaching down, Eddie picks it up and turns it over.

"I love this picture from your uncle Wayne," Gareth smiles when he sees which one fell out. "Apparently according to your uncle it was taken minutes after you were born. You looked pink and very wrinkly like a little old man, but me and Wayne agreed this was the only beautiful baby picture of you. The rest of them you looked fugly, but most babies look fugly at first," he says jokingly, and he shows the picture to everyone.

Eddie looked at it and he begins to wonder if his baby will look anything like him when it's born. A warm feeling spreads through his chest and he smiles. His life might be all over the place at the moment, but he's sure about one thing; he's going to do whatever it takes to be the best dad he can be.

Chapter Text

Eddie keeps looking at his phone, but there is nothing from Steve. The more time goes by, the more he thinks he overstepped some invisible boundary. He made things awkward by inviting the doctor over to hang out with him and his friends. Steve gave him his number for emergencies only, not for stupid things like game night.

Eddie is still questioning his decision as he lies awake that night, when his phone goes off snapping Eddie out of his head. He rolls over and covers his eyes peaking through his fingers because of the bright screen.

"Hello, Eddie. I'm so sorry for not getting back to you quicker. I appreciate the invite and I would gladly accept it."

Eddie couldn't help but grin, Eddie sends a thumb up emoji followed by the address and time. He puts his phone on the nightstand next to his pullout couch he feels better. He falls asleep within seconds.
---
Eddie lets Gareth and Jeff know before they go that he's inviting someone over. He graces over the fact that he met Steve very recently and that he is a doctor who happened to treat him when he thought he was having a miscarriage, because he's not ready to open that can of worms just yet. However, when he awoke this morning and realized that his favorite black jeans were getting a bit to tight, he realized that he's running out of time. It's not like he can come back and visit with a niece or nephew they never knew about, it was unfair.

Jeff and Gareth are just about out the door when Steve shows up in a cab. Gareth started grinning at Eddie. "He's cute Ed," he muttered into his ear.

Eddie just rolls his eyes and tries not to blush. He's still trying to convince himself he's not interested, but his heart betrays him every time he sees Steve.

"Gare we're just friends," he tells his best friend, avoiding looking at him. Gareth shakes his head not believing him whatsoever.

Eddie greets Steve at the door and introduces him to Gareth and Jeff. Gareth shoots Eddie a knowing look, before he ushered his husband outside and just like that they're gone.

"I'm happy you came," Eddie says, as he puts up Steve's coat.

"Thank you for inviting me," Steve responds. He hands Eddie a basket he's been carrying. "I hope you don't mind, I brought some snacks; some chips with my famous homemade dip, some fancy cheese I can't pronounce, and some fruit skewers."

"That really wasn't necessary. But thank you. Andy has already prepared a array of snacks as well. He loves game night just a tad to much," Eddie grins, he leads his guest into the living room, where Jason, Chance, and Andy are waiting.

"It's good to see you again under better circumstances," Jason says, as he shook hands with Steve.

"Definitely better circumstances, this time," Steve adds with a smile.

Chance leans around his lovers and sticks out his hand. "Steve, nice to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you."

Eddie glares at Chance, but he completely and utterly ignores him. Instead, he offers Steve a beer and a spot on the couch. Jason just shrugs innocently at Eddie, who's still a bit tense and unsure if this was such a good idea, and gives him a gentle shove to sit down.

"How about we start with charades?" Andy suggests holding up a few pieces of paper and a couple pens.
---
The next few hours go by in a blur. Eddie totally forgets his earlier doubts when he realized Steve is as competitive at game night as the rest of them. Laughs are shared, insults fly and pillows get thrown. They eventually lose track of who's actually winning after a while and by the time midnight comes creeping around, most of the snacks have been eaten and board games are scattered all over the place in the living room. It honestly looks like a bomb went off, but everyone was having a amazing time.

"I should call a cab. It's late," Steve says, after looking at his watch. Eddie is surprised when something that feels like disappointment spreads through his chest.

Just then, the landline rings. Everyone looks at everyone, since it's pretty late.

Getting to his feet, Jason crossed the room and picked up the phone. "Emerson residence." The frown on his face quickly fades away and he mouths Jeff and Gareth. Eddie can hear Jeff's voice, but can't make anything out. "Of course, Jeff. Stay safe and we'll see you tomorrow."

"Everything good?" Chance asks when Jason hangs up.

"Everything is good," Jason says. He walks over to the window and fixes the curtain. Eddie is surprised to see how heavy it was snowing outside. "Gareth and Jeff are going to stay at Gareths moms house. It's just too dangerous to be driving in that." He looks at Steve with an apologetic smile.
"In my opinion I think it's better, if you crash here tonight."

"I don't wanna be intruding," Steve says

"What are you talking about?" Eddie smiles and pats him on the back. "You're more than welcome to crash here. Unfortunately for you, there aren't any empty beds, but the couch isn't as bad as it looks."

Steve just smiles. "The couch is fine, Eddie. Thank you."
---
Regardless of how much fun the evening was Eddie soon realized that eating a shit ton of sugary and salty snacks, not including him drinking an entire bottle of Doctor Pepper by himself hadn't been such an amazing idea. With his arm covering his eyes, he prays to the non existent god for the nausea that's swirling around to pass. He should have known that assaulting his already sensitive stomach with a crazy amount of food wouldn't end well for him.

When the queasiness just doesn't seem to go away and his stomach starts to gurgle, Eddie sits up and hangs his head. He puts a hand on his growing belly and takes a deep breath.

"Come on no please," he groans to himself and closes his eyes. He inhales and exhales slowly, thinking hey it's working, his stomach lurches. Eddie puts a hand to his mouth, he scrambled off his bed and down the hallway.
---
The food definitely doesn't have the best taste coming back up as it did going in, and while he's dangling over the toilet bowl, he cusses himself out for being such an idiot. He's been struggling with morning sickness these last couple days, so he should have known.

When the nausea is on a more tolerable level and he doesn't feel like throwing up every organ in his body, Eddie slumps against the wall and wipes the back of his hand over his sweaty forehead. His clothes are soaked with sweat and he's shivering a little bit. He looks down at himself, he pulls up his shirt and pokes his belly. "You're really a party pooper you know that?"

A knock on the door makes Eddie jump out of his skin. "Ed are you alright?"

Steve.

Pulling himself off the floor, Eddie quickly flushed the toilet before he turned towards the door and opened it.
"Sorry," he smiles sheepishly. "I really didn't want to wake you. I just..." An unexpected second wave of nausea hit him and he covered his mouth. He pressed hard and tries to swallow.

Steve just takes a hold of his elbow and gently nudged him back into the bathroom. He helps Eddie kneel in front of the bowl and he sits next to him. It's a tight squeeze and Eddie wants to tell the doctor that he really doesn't need to stay, but his body has other plans and before he can spit anything out, he's throwing up again.

"It's okay. Get it all out," Steve soothes. He grabbed a towel that was next to the sink, he gets it wet and pressed the folded cloth against the back of Eddie's neck. God it feels amazing.

"I think I'm good," Eddie mumbled like five minutes later when he's absolutely certain there's nothing else in his system to come up. He coughed, spits and then flushes.
"Sorry, about all this."

"Don't apologize. You are pregnant and nausea is a completely normal symptom in your condition."

Eddie snorts and grabs his toothbrush. "I think I went a little crazy with the snacks," he admitted with a awkward laugh.

"It's okay it happens," Steve smiles understandingly. "You feeling better?"

Eddie just nods. "Very. Thanks."

"I saw that Gareth has fresh ginger. Let me fix you up a cup of hot water."

"You really don't have to..."

"Please Ed, I insist."

Eddie just smiles. "Okay," he agrees. "Just let me bush my teeth and I'll be out in a sec."
---
When Eddie walked into the living room, Steve is sitting on the couch with a streaming mug. "I added some honey. It will help your throat."

Eddie sits beside Steve and takes the cup. He takes a careful sip and hummed to himself. "This tastes really good."

"I'm happy you like it. My ex wife use to absolutely love it when she was pregnant."

Eddie tried not to act surprised. "You have children?"

Steve dropped his head and shook it. His hands twist together in his lap. "She had a miscarriage. After that, things just weren't the same. We weren't the same. Every day was just a consist reminder of what we almost had and we just could never move on. A year later or so we decided to split."

He sees the tears threatening to spill in Steve's hazel eyes and a lump forms in the back of his throat. He placed a hand on the doctor's knee and he squeezed gently.
"I'm so sorry."

Steve shook his head, he wipes his eyes needing to change the subject.

"Have you thought about any names for your baby yet?" Steve asks, as they settle into the couch together.

Eddie takes a sip from the mug. "No not really, no. I was actually pretty surprised and shocked when I found out that I'm pregnant and I'm still trying to figure things out. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely can't wait to meet my son or daughter, but this pregnancy wasn't exactly all that planned..." he admits.

"How does the father feel about all of this?" Eddie flinched. He knew that question would rear it's ugly head eventually. He bites his lower lip, he rubs his thumb up and down against the smooth side of the mug. He hasn't said anything about this, not to anyone.

"He's not exactly in the picture anymore," he reveals.

Steve, sensing that he's brought up something he shouldn't, puts his hand on top of Eddie's. "You seriously don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

Touched by the kindness, Eddie smiles. "It's alright. You told me about your ex wife and what you lost, so it's only fair if I tell you my story, right?" He takes a breath. "Billy and I met a few months ago in a bar. I knew little about him, but he was charming and we hit it off. Maybe two months later, the police come knocking on my door. Apparently, Billy was involved in some pretty messed up business. They turned my apartment upside down and found drugs. His by the way, he hid them there without me realizing. But the police didn't believe me at first, I mean look at me I look like someone who sells drugs. Anyway they brought me in and told me Billy was a fucking murder suspect and known drug dealer news to me. After that, I ended it. He was pissed and promised he would get me back." He pinched the bridge of his nose. All of the memories and pushed down emotions are slowly bubbling to the surface and Eddie pressed his palms against his eyes to stop the tears from coming. He took a shaky breath. "I found out a few weeks later."

Steve puts a hand on his back and gently rubs up and down. "Have you told anyone, your family?"

Eddie just shakes his head. "My uncle doesn't even know about the baby yet. Jeff is going to lecture me about my choice in men. And Jason... He's a amazing lawyer with a bright future ahead of him. I don't want him anywhere near this train wreck, and I know him. He'd start poking and trying to help. I can take care of it."

"But, Eddie, they're your family."

Eddie just swallowed and dropped his head into his hands. "I know...It's just...They're gonna be so disappointed in me."

"You did nothing wrong."

"I could've been more careful," Eddie growls. A tear spills from his right eye and he angrily wipes it away. Dam his hormones.

Steve gets a little closer and wrapped an arm around Eddie's shoulders. "Things are going to look up, Eddie, trust me."

And, oddly enough, Eddie believes Steve. He allows the doctor to pull him closer and just lets everything go all the pent up emotions he's kept buried in the recesses of his mind for weeks. He feels Steve's warm body against his own and just melts against him. More tears just keep coming, but when they finally stop, he feels a whole lot better since this shit show started.

Completely spent, he just passes out against Steve's side.

Chapter Text

Sunlight is streaming through the curtains when Eddie opens his eyes the next morning. He blinks against the brightness, he looked around, trying to remember where he was. It takes his sleep fogged mind a couple of minutes to remember he's in Gareth and Jeff's house and that he fell asleep on their couch.

With Steve.

He sits up, looking around. The blanket he gave Steve last night is pooling around his waist, but the man himself isn't anywhere to be found. Eddie squints at Gareth's weird owl clock that's resting on the fireplace and wonders if Steve left. It's almost ten o'clock, after all.

Eddie untangles his legs from the blanket and stands up. He rubbed his eyes and headed into the kitchen, where he hears voices. When he is near enough, he recognizes Andy's voice, as well as Steve's.

"Ed, good morning sunshine," his friend greets him when he walks into the room. He's on the counter, holding a glass of orange juice. "I hope you slept well," he adds, and Eddie can see how he's trying desperately not to grin. He definitely saw him sleeping on the couch with Steve.

"Morning Andrew," Eddie replies. His gaze turns to Steve, who's watching him closely with his hazel eyes. His brown hair all messed up and his shirt slightly ruffled. He looks amazing. "Sorry, I didn't mean to hog the couch from you," he apologized and scratched the back of his neck.

"Don't apologize. I was actually quite comfortable."

Eddie's heart skipped a beat. At this point, he can keep lying to himself and totally pretend he's not interested, or you know finally be honest with himself and admit hey he has a crush on this man. "Okay, good to know." He smiles. "I'm happy to hear that."

Andy, who Eddie definitely forgot was there, clears his throat. He takes a step closer to the two men and puts his hand on Steve's arm.
"Steve here just told me how he's free tomorrow and the day after that. How about you show him the hidden wonders of Hawkins?"

"Uhm, yea. Only if you're interested?" Eddie asks Steve.

"I would love to learn more about our little town," Steve says, smiling. He looked down at his watch and sighs.
"Unfortunately, I have to leave. My shift starts in a couple hours and I need to go home to shower and change before that," he says, and puts his empty cup in the sink.

"I can walk you out?" Eddie offers.
---
After Steve grabbed all his things, Eddie walked him to the front door. "I would love to give you a lift, but it would take me a hour or two dig my car out," he explains regretfully, motioning to his van, which was almost completely buried by a thick layer of snow.

"It's quite all right," Steve replies, as he put on his coat. Then he turned towards Eddie and stepped a little closer. "I really did enjoy last night."

"Me too." Eddie agrees, nodding, and he tries not to get lost in the beautiful hazel eyes that are staring at him. "Game nights are always the best."

Steve smiles softly. "Yes, game nights are aren't they. Have a nice day, Eddie."

Eddie finally blinks when Steve walks past him. He watched him walk down the snow-covered driveway towards the cab that's already waiting at the curb. Eddie frowns.

Andy magically appears next to him and pokes him in the side with his elbow. "Well, are you going to try and tell me he nor you aren't interested in one another?" He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could get a word out, he's pointing a finger at him. "Don't think of talking yourself out of it. When I came downstairs, I saw the two of you cuddling. It was honestly adorable," he smirks.

Groaning, Eddie runs a hand across his face. "Okay we weren't cuddling. We just talked and I happened to fall asleep."

"Yea," he snorts. "And I'm secretly the Easter Bunny."

They both turn around when they hear dull footsteps on the stairs behind them. Chance and Jason are walking towards them, Chance was trying to fix his hair well Jason was yawning like crazy. They halt when they see their lover and best friend just standing there, Jason frowns confused. "Okay did we miss something?"

Chapter Text

After lunch, Eddie offered to clear the driveway of snow. However, Jason wasn't allowing him to be near the shovel. Instead, he forced Eddie to take it easy and watch a movie with Chance and Andy.

After the heated argument that leaves the two of them almost physically fighting like they were back in highschool over a dam shovel, Eddie gives up. He sulks, flopping down on the couch next to Chance and he crossed his arms over his chest.

"You know he's just worried about you," Chance tells him, after the door has been closed shut and they see Jason getting to work. "He doesn't want you to overexert yourself."

Though Eddie appreciates Jason's concern for him, he's also pissed, because yes he's pregnant, but not handicaped. "I'm fine. There's nothing for him to worry about."

Andy could been seeing raising his eyebrow in the are you kidding me kind of way. "Dude did you just forget the whole he had to take you to the hospital in the middle of the night not even a week ago thing?"

"No I didn't, but..."

"Look, I know that you feel like you always have to look out for everyone because you were once a freak, and you think you have to take care of everyone, but you need to look out for yourself, and your child. Jason just wants to help. He loves and worries about you just as much as the rest of us do."

Eddie just looked at his hands. He knew all this already, but it's been difficult for him to be more vulnerable. He isn't use to it. For as long as he can remember, he's always been the herder. Not the sheep. That's how it went.

"Just cut him some slack," Chance pipes in softly. "Trust me, Andy knows what he's talking about," he adds, as he reached over and rubbed Andy's belly.

Eddie just sighs. "Yea fine."

"Good," Andy nods and plops a bowl of popcorn in his lap. "Now shut your trap. The latest CSI episode is on."
---
Jeff and Gareth returned that afternoon. While Andy helped Gareth make some tea and cookies, Eddie, Chance, Jason, and Jeff make themselves comfortable in the living room. They're talking about different bands, when the doorbell rang.

"Gare, you expecting someone?" Jeff calls over his shoulder.

"No, I didn't invite anyone over," Gareth replies, as he wipes his hands on his jeans and heads for the door. Eddie couldn't see who was standing on the porch, but the moment he hears the familiar voice, he just freezes like a deer in the headlights. "May I help you?" He hears Gareth ask.

"I'm here to see Ed."

Dread settles like a lead balloon in Eddie's stomach and his mouth feels like a dam desert. It can't be.

With his heart beating a mile a minute in his chest, he gets up. Just then, the person he never wanted to see again steps into his friends living room and grins.
"Hi there, Ed long time no see."

"Is this one of your friends?" Jeff asks, sounding worried.

"Oh, I'm way more than just a friend isn't that right Edward?"

Eddie squares his shoulders. "What are you doing here, Billy?" He growls.

Chance, who's obviously picked up on the tension in the room, slowly rises to his feet. He got closer to Eddie. "Eddie, may I ask who this is?"

Billy's eyes never leave Eddie, but he put a hand on his chest, acting like he's offended. "I'm so hurt. You didn't even bother telling your family about me, about us?"

"Just get out," Eddie snapped. "You have no right or business here."

Jeff, who's only watching the tension charged exchange until now, growls. "Okay is someone going to tell us what is happening?!"

Billy just smirks, but it's more like a evil sneer. His blue eyes bore into Eddie. "I'm Ed's boyfriend. And the daddy of that little bundle of joy." He just laughed. "What? Did you think I was really that stupid and wouldn't figure it out, uh Ed?"

Eddie feels like he's drowning. His gaze drifts to Jeff, who's now glaring at Billy. "You should leave right now," Jeff warns.

Billy just cocks an eyebrow. "You have no clue do you? Just ask Ed here."

"Jeff, it's not..." Eddie fumbled his words. He has no idea what to say.

"That's it," Jason barks. "Out. Now!"

Billy narrowed his eyes. "Make me."

"Oh with pleasure," Jason growls. He lunged for the man and managed to grab him by the arm. Swearing, Billy tries to get his limb free. When he realized that hey it isn't working, he pulls his other arm back and punched Jason square in the jaw. Stunned from the hit, Jason stepped back a couple steps. Gareth tries getting a hit in, but that just gets him slapped to the ground, Andy rushed to his side. Gareth puts a hand on his cheek.

"Billy!" Eddie shouts. He looked towards Jason and Gareth, Jason was wiping the blood from his nose and Gareth was rubbing at his slowly bruising cheek. Anger boils hot and heavy in Eddie's gut and he just rounds on the man.
"You leave my family out of this!"

"You brought this on yourself, Edward!" Billy yells. "You just had to leave me! And now I want what belongs to me."

His eyes wander to Eddie's stomach, which Eddie covers protectively with his ring covered hand. "No, never."

"You have no say in this," Billy growls. He made his way towards Eddie and throws his arm out to grab him.

Eddie gets ready to defend himself, but before Billy can lay a finger on him, the man is sharply yanked backwards. Eddie looked towards Chance, who's quickly twisting Billy's arm behind his back. He's shoving him backward until his back smacks the wall with a thud. "Don't you dare touch him," Chance growls threateningly. He looks over his shoulder towards Jeff who was tending to Gareth and Jason with Andy. "Jefferson, call the police."

With Billy detained, Andy made his way over to where Jason was and throws himself into his open arms. Jason hugs him back holding him close to his chest and he rests his chin against Andy's head, while fumbling around with his cellphone.

Eddie nearly jumps out of his skin when someone grabbed his arm. Wild eyed, he looks at Gareth, who's magically in front of him. He wraps his fingers around his wrist and squeezed gently. "Eddie."

Swallowing, Eddie just blinked at him when his vision started to waver. There's a tremor going through his entire body and he balled his hands into fists. "Gare," he mumbled. "I didn't...I don't..." he blows out a shaky breath. His head feels like it's spinning. "I'm so sorry."

"Hey it's alright, I'll live," Gareth says quietly. He cups his cheek and smiles shakily. "Come on lets sit, okay?"

He started leading him towards the couch, but halfway there he gets hit by a wave of dizziness that washed over him and he staggered. He can hear Jason calling his name, but everything sounds warped and distorted, like he's in a fucking fish tank. He just blinks, but everything was fuzzy.

The last thing he truly heard is Gareth yelling for help, before everything turned black.

Chapter Text

Eddie regains consciousness when he's put on a gurney. Through teary eyes, he recognizes his best friends living room and the worried faces of his family, but his memories are a bit fuzzy after that. There are flashes of images in his head, but absolutely none of it make sense. Absolutely nothing, except for the defined cramping pain in his abdomen.

He grunts and tries to curl into a ball, but a heavy hand on his chest keeps him in place. "You have to keep still, sir," a unknown voice tells him, just as he's pinched in the crook of his arm. He squints slightly trying to see, as the paramedic slid a needle into him.

"Something's not right..." he slurs, hand moving slowly to his stomach, it feels like something is tearing through the flesh and muscle, ripping open his gut. He can barely get a breath out as panic grips his heart.

"Eddie, you need to relax." Jason is suddenly there next to him, grasping his shoulder. There's still blood on his face, but he doesn't even seem to care.

Eddie just swallowed. "I don't wanna lose the baby, Jay..." he whispered, tears making it hard for him to see. His emotions are a mess and the wall that he usely has up and firmly in place has crumbled.

Jason squeezed his shoulder and leaned in closer. "You won't."

"What about Billy? Where..."

Jason's eyes harden at just the sheer mention of that man. "He's been dealt with, don't worry about it."

"Sir, we have to go," the same paramedic that put the IV in says, as she gently moved Jason aside. She moved into Eddie's line of sight.
"Everything will be alright."
---
Eddie only caught snippets of the ride to the hospital, of strangers talking to him and cold hands touching his skin, but everything doesn't matter what matters is the god awful pain in his abdomen. He hears the sirens and hurried voices, he could feel the rumble of the ambulance's engine and the way it sways because of its rushed driving. It's all too much. His head feels like it's spinning and he just closes his eyes, he lets go.
---
When Eddie comes to, he's in a much quieter environment. He hears a beeping sound somewhere to his left and can feel that someone else is in the room before he even opens his eyes.

"We really need to stop meeting like this."

Swallowing, Eddie slowly cracks his eyes open. "Steve?" he managed to get out.

Steve smiled softly. "How are you feeling?"

Eddie frowns, he pondered the question. His head is fuzzy, like he's severely sleep deprived, and his entire body feels like it's being held down. He looks down at himself and his throat tightens when he sees his exposed stomach.

"My stomach..." he mumbled, heartrate starting to pick up.

Steve just leaned over when the heart monitor begins to go nuts, and puts a hand on Eddie's cheek. "Ed, you need to calm down," he said calmly.

"The baby, Steve..." Eddie croaked. "Please say it's okay."

A sad look passed over Steve's face and Eddie's heart just sinks. "We're doing everything we possibly can, Eddie, I promise."

"And..?" Eddie asks nearly whispering, just knowing there was more. He steels himself for it, he balled his fist tightly and bit the inside of his cheek till he tasted copper.

"Well there's some bleeding that I'm concerned about," Steve explains. "From what I can tell, you were exposed to a extreme amount of stress. Your body is having trouble processing it and because of that, it's beginning to reject the fetus."

He swallowed hard. Eddie tried to process what's being said. His own body is plotting against him, it's trying to eject what it thinks is a foreign object. He closed his eyes, he fights the tears.

Steve rubbed his thumb over Eddie's cheekbones. "Don't you give up, you hear me? You will fight."

Eddie just pressed his lips together and lets the tears come freely. He refused to look at Steve as everything fell apart around him.

"Edward," Steve says, and tilts Eddie's head towards him.
"Promise me you won't give up on your child."

Through tears, Eddie looked at Steve. Steve's bright hazel eyes show concern, but also determination that gives Eddie some comfort. "I promise," he whispered, as he put a hand on his belly.

"Good," Steve smiles, placing a hand on Eddie's.
---
Eddie has no idea how much time has gone by when there's a knock at his door. Steve had left a while ago to check on his other patients, after thoroughly explaining that he's on bedrest at the hospital for at least twenty four hours. He's being closely monitored during this time and he's to call the nurse if there's even the slightest sliver of pain.

He opened his eyes, Eddie rolled his head towards the door when it creaked open. He tensed when it was Uncle Wayne that stepped in.

Wayne's clothes are rumpled and he looks at least ten years older than he did when Eddie last saw him. He even seemed slightly nervous as he slowly made his way towards the bed, fingers fiddling with his truck keys.

"Wayne.." Eddie says quietly, as he tried to sit up straighter.

"Hey don't!" Wayne says sharply, stopping him with a gentle hand on his shoulder. Eddie slightly flinched at the loud voice, which caused Wayne to recoil. He looked slightly uncomfortable. "Don't, um, don't move. The doctor told me you need to lie still," he said, voice much more quieter. He rubbed the back of his neck. "How, how are you doing son?"

"Wayne," Eddie repeats softly. Wayne just looked up and their eyes meet. Eddie just takes a deep breath. "I'm so sorry, uncle Wayne. I fucked up."

Wayne's eyes harden. "What are you on about boy?"

Eddie just shrugged. "Where do I even begin?" He huffed with a humorless chuckle. "My crazy ass ex boyfriend? Or the fact I stupidly I got knocked up by said crazy ass ex boyfriend?"

"Edward.."

"I know you're probably disappointed, okay?" Eddie sighed, suddenly feeling weary. He rubbed at his gritty eyes.
"Please tell me exactly how disappointed you are later, though? I'm really exhausted."

"Eddie," Wayne says and sits in the chair next to the bed. "I'm not here for that. I'm here to apologize."

"Excuse me?" Eddie spits out, absolutely confused.

Wayne rubbed his hands together and dropped his gaze to the floor. "I was hard on you. Always have been. Ever since you showed up on my doorstep all soaking wet and crying, I always just expected nothing but the best so you didn't end up like my brother or me for that matter. So when you started going down the Munson path of success... I guess it terrified me," he shrugs.
"You were growing up and doing things your own way. It wasn't exactly how I pictured things for you and I... well, I guess I just couldn't accept that you didn't do it the way I wanted for you. And for that, I'm really sorry Edward."

"Wayne, you really don't have to..."

Wayne shook his head. "I'm not done," he says and looks up. "I'm proud of you, son. I'm proud of the man you have grown into. You're independent and kind hearted, and I just know you're going to break the cycle and be an amazing father."

Eddie is speechless. Before he could spit anything out, his uncle stood up and engulfed him in an embrace. "I love you, Edward," Wayne whispered, and tightens his arms around his boy. "And I can't wait to be a grandfather."

Chapter Text

Eddie didn't get much rest that night. Nurses keep coming into the room to check on him and the baby. By the time the sun comes up the next day, he is even more exhausted than before.

Despite all that, though, he feels pretty good. After his examination right before he had breakfast, the doctor on duty deemed it safe for him to go home. The bleeding had stopped, Eddie's vitals were good and the baby's look healthy and strong, which means he's going to get to go home just in time for New Year's Eve.

A few hours later, when Eddie is getting ready to leave and is changing into his clothes, someone knocked on the door. Expecting Wayne, he yells for him to come in without looking over his shoulder or bothering to finish putting his shirt on.

"Hey, Ed."

Eddie nearly jumps out of his skin, he spinned around. "Um, hello," he replied, blushing. He quickly grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head. "I thought you were off today."

Steve stepped into the room. "I am," he says, and he makes a gesture to his sweater. Eddie just now realized, that the guy isn't even dressed in scrubs. But in civilian clothes. "I just wanted to come and check on you. Doctor Bauman told me he's letting you go. I am very happy to hear that."

"Yeah, me too," Eddie smiled, and rubs a hand over his belly. "I'm feeling a lot better."

Another knock has them both looking towards the door. Jeff, Wayne, and Gareth come in, but they stop dead in their tracks as soon as they see Eddie isn't alone. Gareth just grins. "Steve isn't it, nice seeing you again."

"Nice to see you, as well, Garth?"

Gareth waved him off trying not to laugh. "Gareth actually, but don't worry everyone calls me Garth at least once."

"Gareth right won't happen again," Steve nodded making mental note. Then he looks at Eddie and smiled. "Have a nice rest of your vacation, Edward. Take care of yourself and the little one."

"Thank you, Steve. For everything really," Eddie answered. He had the urge to hug the doctor, but before he could convince himself to do so, Steve is just gone and the door falls shut behind him.

Eddie can't help but think about the hazel eyed man, when Wayne claps in front of his face. "Earth to Edward, you ready to blow this pop stand, son?"

Chuckling, Eddie stood up and grabbed his stuff. "You have no idea."
---
As soon as they're back home, Gareth herds Eddie into the living room and makes him sit on the couch. Andy appears out of thin air with a large cup of tea and Chance hands him a slice of apple pie. He juggles the mug and the plate, Eddie couldn't help but chuckle and glances at his worried family members. "Dudes, you really don't need to mother me. I'm fine, seriously. The doctor said so."

Jeff sits down next to his best friend and gives him a look. "That same doctor said you need to rest."

"Just shut up and eat your pie, dude," Jason laughs, as he flops down on the other side of Eddie.

Unable to resist the pie any longer, Eddie digs in. It tasted amazing and is exactly what he needed after hospital food he's been stuck eating. With a moan, he shovels another bite into his mouth. "This tastes fucking incredible!" he says, mouth full.

"Don't get use to it. This is the first and only time I'll bake you a pie," Jason jokes.

Eddie just blinks. "You made this?"

"I sorta taught him a thing or two," Andy winked, as he climbed into Jason's lap. Eddie watched as Chance managed to wrap himself around the two and how both their hands wander to Andy's growing baby bump, and he couldn't help but smile. Their kids are going to be born just a few weeks apart at most, which is totally rad. They'll almost grow up together and whenever this strange little family comes together, they can play and hang out. Its almost like having a sibling. Except they won't see each other unless it's Christmas or someone's birthday. Eddie puts his head down.

Gareth immediately picked up on Eddie's change in emotion.
"Are you alright, Ed?"

Eddie just gave him a smile. "Yeah it's nothing. I was just thinking about the kids. They'll want to see each other and their uncles more than once or twice a year. I mean I can fly to Boston once the baby is old enough, or drive to Hawkins more often?" He looks at Jason, Chance, and Andy to get their reaction.

Wayne clears his throat. "Actually Eddie, I've been thinking. If you wanted, and only if you wanted and are okay with this, your old room is yours. At least until things are finished with that Billy guy. I know you love your independence, but I want to offer my help. With the baby, with your job, with your living situation...anything you need. We'll figure it out together like the old days. I know the past few years we haven't seen eye to eye, but I'm here. And for my grandbaby."

Eddie was loss for words, Eddie just looked at his uncle. Gareth couldn't help but smile watching them. "The decision is completely up to you, of course. If you do decide to stay in Hawkins for a while, you would have me and Jeff but also that handsome doctor that you really should call," he says, smirking knowingly.

"Uhm, since we are on the subject of moving," Jason piped in. "Andy, Chance, and I have been talking as well and well, we've been looking at some homes here, in Hawkins."

Eddie was completely flabbergasted. "You're coming home?"
he asks, before he realized what he was saying. Home. Even though he's had his fair share of problems here and he's traveled all over the country, no place has ever really felt like home. Not like Hawkins does.

Chance smirked at him. "Yeah. We kinda realized that we want to raise our daughter close to this strange little family."

"Daughter? You're having a girl?!" Eddie beamed, and pulls the three in for a hug. "This day keeps getting better and better! Next thing you guys are going to tell me Gareth is pregnant."

Gareth put his hands up, he looked like he was about to start laughing. "Ha funny, not yet good try through."

For the first time in what feels like forever, Eddie is happy. Despite the on going problem with Billy, he feels like everything is going to finally be okay. If someone told him a week ago that he would be considering moving back in with Wayne, he would have just laughed. Now, however, he's actually thinking about it. He misses his family being around, and he doesn't want that for the baby. He smiles at each and every one of them.
"I love you, guys so much."
---
Later, when everyone has gone to bed for the night Eddie is still awake. He's absentmindedly rubbing his stomach, while thinking about everything that has happened the past ten days. So much has happened, and even more is to come.

When his thoughts drift to Steve, he just smiles. He can't deny the crush on the doctor and he would love to get to know him better. Looking down at his belly, he gives it a gentle poke. "What do you think? Do you think Steve can handle the chaos?"

As on cue, he feels a pulling sensation in his abdomen. "Well I'll have to take that as a yes," he chuckled.

Chapter Text

The family lets Eddie rest on the day of New Year's Eve. When he finally woke up, the sun is peeking through the blinds and stomach rumbles. And, for the first time in a long time, he feels well rested.

After getting up and stretching his back, he grabs a pair of black jeans and a clean band shirt, and heads for the bathroom. As he walked down the hallway, he can hear Jason's loud laughter coming from somewhere. Gareth says something, which makes Jason laugh even harder then before. Eddie couldn't help but smile.

The shower feels like heaven on earth and he spends more time under the warm spray then he should. By the time he finally gets out of the shower, every single surface is all fogged up, he rubs a towel through his curls and down his body, before carefully unfolding his clothes and getting ready for the day.

He's trying to button his jeans, when he noticed they are much more tighter then he remembered. He looks down, he's surprised to see a barely noticeable bump. In awe, he runs his hand over it. How had he not notice this before?

A knock on the bathroom door gets him back to reality.
"Ed, brunch is ready," Gareth says.

"I'll be right there," he calls back, distracted, and looks at his reflection in the mirror. He slowly turned sideways and got a good look at himself. A goofy smile comes across his face. He's starting to look pregnant!
---
The kitchen smells amazing when Eddie enters a few minutes later. He definitely needs to ask Gareth about some tips and tricks for the near future. Jason handed him a cup of hot tea and ushered him towards the set table. "Have a seat," he smiles.

"How are you feeling, Ed?" Jeff asks, when Eddie scooted next to him to sit down.

"I'm good," he replies. "Really good actually. But I think it's getting close to me having to go shopping..." he admitted.

Andy smirked at him from across the table. "Jeans getting a little to tight there?" he guesses. "Been there, done that. I know a few places you could go. I can even take you!"

"The freak and the jock bonding over fashion, don't see that everyday," Chance chuckled, earning himself an elbow to the ribs from Jason.

Everyone just laughs, and Eddie feels something warm growing in his chest. He missed this. Laughing and spending time with his family. The past visits had often been strained even tense. There has always been this dark cloud hovering over them, due to frustration and lack of communication skill to one another. Now, however, Eddie can say things seem lighter. And Eddie is for once really, truly happy.

After brunch, the spend the day playing board and card games, and when Jeff and Gareth go for a walk, Eddie, Chance, Jason, and Andy cuddle up together and watch a movie. Even though it was sorta a tradition to dress up for New Year's Eve, they decided not to do it this year. Mostly because Eddie's slacks...which he hasn't worn in well over a year...refuse to button.
---
It's getting dark outside and the coffee table is littered with homemade appetizers, when the doorbell goes off.

"Eddie, would you get that?" Gareth shouts from where he is in the kitchen, he's currently balancing a cheese platter and a bottle of sparkling wine. Eddie had offered to help, but he was banned from the living room. He was feeling better, but everyone insisted he rest.

Getting to his feet, Eddie walks to the front door in his sweatpants. He opened the door, he gapes at the figure standing on Gareth's porch. He just blinks.
"Steve?"

"Hey, Eddie," Steve smiles. He's dressed in the classic Steve Harrington way. A way to tight shirt and blue jeans.

"Okay don't take this the wrong way, I'm really happy to see you, but what exactly are you doing here?" Eddie asks.

Before Steve can answer Wayne appears next to them. "I may have sorta invited him," he explains, and smiles proudly.
"Please, come in!"

Eddie was completely dumbfounded, he took a step back and allows the doctor to pass. He grabbed his uncle's arm. "Wayne, you invited him?"

"Well, duh. Jeff and Gareth told me he doesn't have anyone nearby, and today's New Year's Eve, after all. No one should be alone."

Lost for words, Eddie just stares at his uncle.

With a sigh, Wayne gets closer to him. "Look, we have all seen the way you look at this man. And to me he seems like a decent guy. Give him a chance."

A whole lot of emotions gets stuck in the back of Eddie's throat, he just nodded. He mouthed a quick, "Thank you." to his uncle, before he walks up to Steve to welcome him properly. Gareth, Jason, and Andy choose that exact moment to come out of the kitchen with even more food. Wayne herds everyone into the living room, where they get comfortable to eat, drink, and celebrate.
---
It's a few minutes to midnight and Eddie is sitting next to Steve on the couch, Jeff and Gareth are quietly talking in front of the fireplace with their hands interwoven, and Andy is sitting in Jason's lap, with Chance sprawled over the both of them, Wayne is just trying to see over Chance, all of them watching the Time square ball drop pre-show.

"You look really happy," Steve points out, and Eddie just smiles.

"I am. For the first time in many years, I finally feel like I'm a part of a real family again. It feels really nice," Eddie explains and puts a hand on his belly. "I want this baby to grow up with a loving and caring family like this."

Steve smiled and places his hand on top of Eddie's.
"I have zero doubts about that."

"Yo guys! The ball drop is starting! Come over here!" Andy shrieks, and Jason winces when he accidentally knees him in the side while trying to get up.
"Everyone, get your drinks!"

Steve stands up, and he puts his hand out to Eddie. He accepts it with a smile and allows the doctor to help him to his feet.

"Steve, listen," Eddie says. "Would you, maybe uh...Would you like to go out sometime with me? Next year, possibly?" he asks, and blushes at his own stupidity.

Steve just squeezed his hand. "I would love to."

Their moment is interrupted when Andy came over and handed them each a glass. Champagne for Steve and sparkling soda for Eddie. Everyone turned their attention towards the TV, where the ball is slowly making its way down one of the larger buildings in Times Square New York.

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

There's music, everyone is cheering, and there's fireworks. Eddie just smiles watching his best friends, who have been married for god forever now Eddie doesn't even remember when they weren't married, fall into each others arms and kiss like teenagers. Next to them, Jason managed to sweep Andy off his feet and into his arms and he shrieks before kissing his lover, Chance came around and surprised kissed them it was such a beautiful and sweet sight.

He turned towards Steve, Eddie opens his arms and pulls him in for a hug. "Happy new year, Steve!"

"Happy new year, Eddie," Steve replies.

When they pull away from the embrace, their eyes meet. For a second, Eddie is just lost in those hazel eyes, but then they're both leaning forward and their lips touch. Steve at that tightens his arms around Eddie's waist and deepened the kiss. Wayne could be heard wolf whistling at the two love birds.

When Eddie finally pulled away for air, he rests his forehead against Steve's and laughs. "You know I think this year is getting off to a good start."

Steve just smiles and kisses him again.

Fin.