#swiminstructor!steve harrington

[yearningagain]

don't let me drown

[PART ONE], PART TWO

so i had this thought and decided to elaborate on it, but i ended up having 1.5k words and i'm not even a third of the way done :,) so pls let me know if this would be something you guys would like more of!! this is my first time posting writing here except for a few snippets, so pls be nice but constructive criticism is welcome!

ft. modern au, Single(Seahorse)Dad!Eddie, SwimInstructor!Steve

Eddie Munson didn't know how to swim. Growing up in landlocked states while despising every swimsuit he was ever presented with, it just made sense. He didn't need to know how to swim, there was no reason for it, and he was perfectly fine with it.

Until Max.

Specifically, until Max decided, after watching the 2020 Olympic swimming, that she was going to be an olympic swimmer. She kept bugging Eddie, begging him to sign her up for swim lessons with all the umph a six year old could muster.

And Eddie was a weak willed man, especially when it comes to his daughter. So he said yes.

Eddie spent the next week and a half researching the best swim instructors around, googling and calling and looking at reviews. Eventually, he settled for the Hawkins Aquatic Center. With it being relatively close, a 20 minute drive at most, and having the best reviews out of any and all other pools in the area, it was a clear winner.

So that Tuesday, while Max was at day camp, Eddie made the call.

“Hawkins Aquatic Center, this is Robin! How can I help you today?” One of the bubbliest voices Eddie had ever heard answered the phone, immediately putting him a little more at ease.

“Hi, I was looking to set my daughter up for some swim lessons?” He asked, hoping Robin didn't pick up on his slight nervousness.

“Of course! I just need a little information. Her name, age and birthday, and skill level is what I need now, and I’ll ask for some more information about you once we schedule.”

“Yeah, for sure. Her name is Maxine Munson, but everyone calls her Max. She’s six, her birthday is June 14th, 2014. She doesn't really… know how to swim?” As he gave her the information, his nerves almost doubled. He couldn't swim, he wouldn't be able to practice with her! What if she drowns? What if something happens? What if-

“Alright, Mr. Munson, I’m assuming?” Robin asked sweetly, interrupting his spiral.

“Uh- yeah that's- that’s me. You can just call me Eddie. Eddie Munson, at your service! Ha! Sorry, that was, like, super lame.” He cringed at his antics, but a bubbly laugh filled the phone.

“Got it, Eddie! So from the information you’ve given to me, it seems like it’ll be best to put her in our beginners class for kids under 7. We typically have two instructors that rotate throughout the week, but one of them is on paternity leave, so she’ll only be with Coach Harrington. There's two options for this class. Twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 in the afternoon, or three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 5 to 6:30 in the afternoon. Do either of those work for you?”

Eddie hesitated. He knew how much enthusiasm Max had about swimming, but he was nervous about taking her so often. But the more time she can get in the water, the more she’ll practice. Plus first grade homework isn't terrible, so she’ll be able to continue when school starts up again.

“Eddie? You still with me?” Robin asked. He must have taken too long to answer.

“Yeah, sorry! Just, uh, just thinking.” He replied lamely.

Robin seemed to catch on to his anxiety. “A lot of parents are nervous about teaching their kids how to swim, I get it! But Steve, or Coach Harrington I should say, is the best in the area. He’s been an instructor here for a few years and loves it. There’s always lifeguards on duty and all of our staff are trained in basic first aid and CPR. Parents are always welcome to sit in on lessons as well, there's seating in the instructional pool area. Max will be in great hands!”

Eddie took a breath. Robin's ramblings helped put him at ease, knowing all of the precautions the center takes to keep everyone safe.

“Thank you so much, Robin. I think three times a week will work best, Max has been bugging me for weeks! I know she’ll be ecstatic when I tell her I signed her up.” Eddie can already picture her reaction, grinning and hopping around in excitement.

“Sounds great, Eddie! I can guarantee she’ll love it. So now I just need to ask you a few questions! I just need your email, the best phone number to reach you at, an emergency contact other than you, and we can get her all set!” Eddie breathed a sigh of relief, giving her the information she asked for.

“Alright, we’ve got her in the system! You guys can come in any time this week for a tour of the place and meet Coach Harrington, but her first lesson will be next Monday, August 10th. We do ask that she brings goggles, but we have extras in case she forgets them. Do you have any other questions for me?”

Taking a second to think, Eddie replied. “I think we’ve got everything covered. Thank you, Robin. I really appreciate your help!”

“It’s really no problem! If you do think of any questions you may have, you can always ask when you tour, or call us! We look forward to seeing you!”

All that was left to do was to invest in a good swimsuit, some goggles, and tell Max.

—-------------------------

“Hey, stinker! How was camp today?” Eddie asked as Max climbed in the car and got herself situated in her seat.

“It was great! We did finger paintings ‘n played on the playground! There was a worm on the slide and Lucas was too afraid to touch it, so I got it ‘n brought it to the grass!” Max beamed at her father, showing her gap toothed smile. “I’m gonna bring home the art tomorrow, but Miss Joyce said we have to let it dry tonight. I did a picture of us!”

Eddie laughed lightly at his daughter's antics, smiling right back at her. “Sounds like today was fun, bug! I do have a little surprise for you when we get home though, okay?”

That got Max’s attention quickly, asking all sorts of questions about it. Eddie simply smiled at her and turned up the music, an old The Cure CD playing on the radio system. As the volume rose, all Eddie could hear was an exasperated “Daaaaaad!” from the back seat.

The ride home was short and sweet, the ending of Friday I’m in Love fading out as they pulled into the driveway. As soon as the car stopped, Max unbuckled and sprinted towards the door, abandoning her backpack and lunchbox.

“I know you're excited, Max, but you have to come get your stuff!” Eddie called out as he exited the driver's seat. The sound of her Skechers on the concrete and her small giggles approaching before receding back to the front door where she bounced on her feet in a poor attempt of patience.

Eddie sighed and shook his head, a small smile playing at his lips as he unlocked the front door. Immediately, Max ran inside, throwing her stuff on the couch and turning to her father expectantly.

“Where is it? What is it? Can I know now?” She asked, her little body practically vibrating in excitement and anticipation.

Eddie laughed warmly, dramatically rolling his eyes. “I guess you can know now, since you’ve been so patient.” Max snorted at his sarcasm, eyes going crinkly at the corners. “Go look in your room, love.”

And with that, she was off. Running as fast as her little legs could take her, not minding her dad’s warnings to not run in the house. Practically tearing her bedroom door off its hinges, she rushed into her room. Sat in a neat pile on her bed was a small black and red one piece swimsuit, a pair of black goggles, and a print out of the confirmation email from the Hawkins Aquatic Center.

Finally catching up and leaning on her door frame, Eddie quietly asked, “What do you think?”

It’s a miracle the neighbours didn't call the cops that day.

All of Max’s excitement and happiness seemed to explode out of her, letting out one of the loudest screams he had ever heard. Before he could blink, the small child tackled Eddie into a crushing hug, jumping onto him like a koala.

“Really? You’re for real?” She asked, pulling her head back from the embrace to look at her dad, unshed tears threatening to escape from her eyes.

“I’m for real, baby. I promise.”

#steddie #stranger things #steve harrington #stranger things steve #eddie munson #stranger things eddie #theo's silly little brain #modern au #modern #single dad eddie #singledad!eddie munson #swim instructor steve #swiminstructor!steve harrington #robin buckley is the best #trans eddie munson #that will be important at some point #max mayfield #maxine mayfield #max munson

[yearningagain]

don't let me drown (part two!)

FINALLY got around to making a part two to this! should i put it on AO3 maybe? lmk!!!

PART ONE, [PART TWO]

Eddie hated the smell of chlorine.

They had decided to come in that Friday after Max’s camp to tour before her first class, not only to ease Eddie's nerves, but to keep Max’s excited momentum. The entire aquatic center smelled like it, and he could tell it would stick to his clothes. They had only just walked through the front door, Max bouncing with each step, her excitement obvious.

A woman with short strawberry blonde hair sat at the front desk, typing intently while almost glaring at the computer screen in front of her. As Eddie and Max approached, she quickly glanced their way.

“Hi! Give me one moment please, our system is being all wonky.” She aggressively pressed enter on her keyboard a few times with a scowl before turning her attention to them.

“Alrighty, sorry about that! What can I do for you?”

Eddie laughed lightly before responding. “It’s okay, no worries! Uh- I called earlier this week about signing Max up for lessons, and we wanted to see if we could get a quick tour before Monday?”

Max popped her head up, staring at the woman intently. “I’m gonna learn how to swim, I think!” She said with a huge grin.

“Ah, you must be Max!” Robin said, matching Max's grin before turning to Eddie. “And you must be Eddie! I’m Robin! Nice to meet you both!” She glanced at her watch. “Hold on one sec, I’m gonna grab someone to watch the desk so I can give you a tour.” She got up from her chair and went through a door, presumably to the staff room, before a short redhead emerged to take her place.

Robin came through a side door and looped around to meet them. “That’s Vickie, our other front desk operator and also one of our lifeguards, when needed!” Vickie gave a short smile and wave, turning to the computer.

“You guys can follow me!” Robin turned and walked towards what seemed to be a small café. “This is our Snack Shack! There's smoothies, soda, water, and gatorade to drink and all sorts of different snacks as well as hotdogs and hamburgers.”

Eddie nodded along, giving a short wave to the bored looking staff member at the counter. Robin turned and walked past the front desk to a stairwell. “This is the stairs to the pools. The locker rooms are to the right at the bottom. We’ll pass the instructional pool, but I’ll show you that one last.”

As they descended the stairs, they passed a doorway with a few parents loitering around, going through a bigger glass door to a huge pool.

“This is our competition pool for our swim team, but it's also used for open lap swim when there isn’t practice or a competition.” They breezed past, Eddie struggling to keep up with Robin and Max while he marveled at the size.

They passed through another doorway with both glass doors propped open, revealing another pool. This one was smaller, but not by much, and had a huge inflatable slide in it while being full of children.

“This is our program pool! It can be rented out for parties, like it is now, but it's also used for the more advanced swim lessons, open swim, and the junior swim team. People can also rent inflatables for parties from us, hence the giant slide!” Robin said, gesturing wildly.

Max gasped and tugged on Eddie's pant leg. “Dad, can I please have my next birthday party here? Please? Pretty please?” She begged with the biggest puppy dog eyes.

Eddie sighed loudly, Robin giggling quietly. “We’ll see, bug. You have to learn how to swim first.” Max nodded, pulling away with a determined look.

“Can we keep going, Miss Robin?” She asked, already walking towards the next set of doors.

At that, Robin gave a hearty laugh and continued walking. “Of course, Miss Max!” She pushed open the metal doors to an outdoor pool. “The last pool before the instructional pool, outdoors! This one is for private adult lessons, training, and open swim. Definitely our most popular for open swim.” Robin continued walking parallel to the building, revealing yet another set of doors.

“This place is huge.” Eddie muttered, earning a laugh from Robin.

“The biggest and the best! The outdoor pool actually opened just last year, so it's attracted a lot more people,” She leaned towards Eddie to whisper, “which was our goal.”

Eddie looked down at Max, immediately melting at her awestruck face. “What do you think so far, Max? You like it?”

Max turned towards her father, eyes lit up in astonishment. “I love it. I love you, Dad. Thank you!” She rushed towards Eddie to give his legs the biggest hug she could muster.

“I love you more, sunshine. C’mon, let's see where you’ll be learning!” He said, patting her head.

Robin stood by the doors, waiting patiently for their little pow wow. “Miss Max, would you like to open the doors for the big reveal?”

Immediately, Max rushed to the doors and pushed with all her might, revealing the instructional pool. As the group made their way inside, Eddie couldn't help but notice the prettiest man he’d ever seen in his life standing by the side of the pool in swim shorts with the center logo and a towel draped around his neck, surrounded by small children.

If this is the instructor, I am definitely going to sit in on every lesson, Eddie thought to himself.

“So this is our last stop, where you’ll be taking your lessons!” Robin said as Max looked around.

“‘S so small…” The girl said, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Robin kneeled down to Max’s level. “Well, Max, you’re small. And in order to keep you safe while you learn, the pool has to be smaller so we can watch out for you. Once you learn and get bigger, you’ll be able to swim in the big pools!”

Max nodded, walking around the pool as if to inspect it. “M’kay, I guess.”

Robin stood up, following her. She cupped her hands around her mouth to shout, “Coach Harrington!”

The small crowd of children and lingering parents had dispersed, leaving Coach Harrington sitting in a metal folding chair. He winced at the sudden loud noise. “Geez, Robin, there's no need to shout so loud! You're like eight feet away!”

Eddie had never heard such a fitting voice. It was as handsome as him, slightly deep and very expressive.

Robin only grinned as she approached. “You’ve got some newcomers to meet.” The coach stood, glancing behind her, meeting Eddie's eyes (and turning a touch pink in the face) before looking at Max.

“Hello! I’m Coach Harrington, what’s your name?” He said, crouching a bit.

Max stuck out her hand for a handshake. “I’m Max! ‘N I’m gonna learn how to swim!”

Coach Harrington laughed lightly and shook her hand, despite it being larger by far. “Very nice to meet you, Max! I can tell you’re excited! I can’t wait to see how you do!”

He stood up, meeting the man's eyes once again. Eddie stuck his hand out in a similar fashion, trying to hide his slight blush. “I’m Eddie, Max’s dad. Nice to meet you, Coach Harrington.”

“Call me, Steve. Nice to meet you, too, Eddie.” Steve said with a small smile, grasping Eddie’s hand in a firm shake. His hands were warm for someone who just got out of a pool, and almost completely dry. Eddie stared at their hands dumbly before pulling away and shoving his hands in his pocket. Close up, he could see the abs, the chest hair, and the moles littering his face and chest. He wondered how far they went before shaking his head slightly as if to shake the thought away.

Robin clapped, startling the two men. “Alrighty! So, Max here will be in the 1A class three times a week. Now that you guys have met, we can head back upstairs!” She gave Steve an intense look before heading towards the door to the stairwell. Max and Eddie followed, with a final “I’m gonna blow your socks off, Coach Harrington!” That earned her a laugh from the coach that warmed Eddie from the inside out.

As they made their way to the front desk, Eddie turned to Robin. “Is… is he gonna be the instructor every time?”

She looked at him and smiled knowingly. “For now, yes. I think I mentioned our other instructor being on leave, and he’s still got a bit before he comes back. Steve is great though, promise.”

Eddie blushed, covering his face with some of his hair. Returning to the front desk, Robin turned to Max.

“You think you’re ready for Monday?” She asked, smirking at the child.

Max was undeterred, nodding determinedly once again. “I’m gonna swim so good. I know it.”

Turning to Eddie, Robin asked, “How about you? Ready for Monday?”

Eddie nodded as well, though with more hesitancy.

“Ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.”

#steddie #stranger things #steve harrington #stranger things steve #eddie munson #stranger things eddie #theo's silly little brain #modern au #modern!steve harrington #modern!eddie munson #single dad eddie #singledad!eddie munson #swim instructor steve #swiminstructor!steve harrington #robin buckley #robin buckley is the best #trans eddie munson #that will be important at some point #max mayfield #maxine mayfield #max munson #maxine munson #ficlet #fanfic #fanfiction