๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ ๐ฑ๐ช๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฝ๐ธ๐ท. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
videostore) wrote2024-08-23 02:33 pm
videostore) wrote2024-08-23 02:33 pmEntry tags:
videostore) wrote2024-08-23 02:33 pm
@ ๐ผ๐ด๐๐ฐ๐ป๐ป๐ด๐ณ.
now, as steve walks into the abandoned building they found scouting for perfect places for him turn, he looks over his shoulder at eddie. his brows knit, and he doesn't want to hurt him, but there's always risk. even in the basement of the building, where no one can hear steve howl, he still is self-conscious, and so very scared. ]
You don't have to keep helping me.
no subject
[Steve sees it as an obligation, some onerous duty, but to Eddie it's simply helping out his partner. Steve suffers every month, had to ensure the pain of shifting, of losing his mind. The least Eddie can do is make sure he's as safe as possible, hidden and secure. And Eddie wants to be there in the morning with sweats and a blanket and arms to hold Steve as he shakes with the pain of the transformation, the toll it takes on his body.
Today's no different, at least so far. He'll help lock Steve up. And he'll beg Steve to let him stay, to trust him the way he trusts Steve. Eddie doesn't believe the wolf will hurt him.]
I want to.
no subject
[ steve pauses, both of them formerly making their way down to basement. he stands a few stairs above eddie, his eyebrows knitting. his dark eyes are trained on eddie, the nights of restless sleep taking its toll in dark circles. he looks sweaty, face damp. his fingers flex, tense. it's been this way for days, the urge to rip and tear and eat. bloodlust rises, so steve clears his throat, making his way past eddie on the stairs to walk down onto the floor.
the basement is concrete and steel, all painted a dull gray. there is one chair in the middle, waiting for steve to sit. the door here is solid, thick with steel. he glances up at eddie, hair above his eyes, a pleading shininess to them. ]
You know that I have to do this alone.
no subject
[It's not easy. Eddie knows that; he sees Steve suffer every month. But it's not simple either, and no amount of wishful thinking will reduce any of the complexities. Eddie knows that Steve knows that Eddie will do anything to help. The problem is that there's not much that can even help.
He lets Steve pass him on the stairs, watches him move toward the chair. This part is the worst, locking Steve in what amounts to a cell. Restraining him, and not in the fun way.]
I know. But it's not quite time yet. I can at least keep you company.
no subject
steve slips out of his shirt, tossing it to eddie, before he kicks off his sneakers while unzipping his fly. he strips naked, handing eddie each item of clothing. he looks wild-eyed, and the time is almost near. he reaches for eddie, hand at his waist. he wants to kiss him, wants to tell him that he loves him - in case something terrible does happen. he feels strong tonight, too strong, his arms bigger, his body already covered in a sheen layer of clamminess. ]
I know. Just stay until it starts. Then lock me up.
no subject
He takes each piece of clothing as Steve strips down; they've long since figured out this is the easiest way to avoid Steve constantly replacing his wardrobe. Eddie especially hates the thought of the winter, when Steve will have to sit here shivering until it's time. He presses close to Steve, when Steve reaches, not afraid of what lurks under his skin. So what if there's a beast there? Haven't they both been through hell already?
Leaning up, he fits his palm to Steve's cheek and kisses him. He's close; God, Eddie can practically see it lurking under his skin. But he's not scared. He knows it's probably stupid. One day maybe it'll even get him killed. But right now Steve's still Steve, still his Steve, and Eddie's going to kiss him until he remembers that.]
I will. You know I will.
no subject
Hurry up.
[ it isn't snappish, but there's something painful about not seeing eddie during the transformation. there's a lone window, right in the center of the door, but once steve's the beast, he doesn't remember.
or, at least, he doesn't think he does. steve sits in the chair, arms wrapped around his own shoulders as he begins to shift. a scream exits his throat, raw and full of strange hurt. the scream turns into a howl after a moment, his fingers curling. ]
Now!
no subject
Wants Steve to trust him enough to stay in the room, but Eddie can't say that.]
Steveโ
[The kiss is over far too soon. Eddie backs away, because Steve asks it if him and because the change is coming, he can see it. They don't have much time, and Steve's already moving toward the chair. Eddie's job is to get out, and lock the door.
The thing about the basement though, is that it's old. And sometimes the door sticks. And sometimes Steve's change congress upon him really, really fucking fast. Eddie hasn't missed with the door yet, but there's a first time for everything.]
no subject
the door, stuck, is cracked, but not enough to fit eddie's body. steve, or, rather, the wolf growls, crouching, splayed paws on the floor. another howl, another sniff, the growl slowly melting. steve's still in there, fighting, his mind overcome with the need to tear something apart, to taste blood. he approaches eddie slowly, hackles raised, but no longer growling.
when he arrives at eddie, he sniffs his leg, black jeans tight. steve then raises his head, staring up at eddie with those eyes, the ones that read nothing but steve. ]
no subject
[The door is stuck. Eddie can't get it to budge, despite checking it on their way down. Maybe it's just his luck running out, maybe it's just coincidence, but he can't get it to move, can't fulfill his promise to Steve to get out and lock Steve in.
He grabs at it again, this time pulling instead of pushing. He'll be a goner, locked in here, but if he can get it to latch enough to contain Steve then at least he can prevent Steve from getting out and hurting anyone else. He can hear the growling behind him, hear the intensity of it, and Eddie puts all his strength into pulling the door into the frame.
It latches, finally, as a nose sniffs at his leg. Eddie turns around, half afraid of what he'll see, but there's no mistaking those eyes. It's Steve, Eddie's Steve, the Steve he spends his nights curled around, tangled together in bed. Eddie presses his back to the wall, slowly sliding down to a seated position, disbelief causing words to come haltingly.]
Steve...? Are... do you know me?
@ ๐๐ท๐ด๐ต๐๐ด๐ฐ๐บ.
the work is hard and comes with sweat, but it is fulfilling when some have questions, want demonstrations, and spend and spend. dressed in a coal-streaked, thick canvas apron, steve glances up at the stars already peeking out in the late-day twilight. his damp hair falls across his brow, but he gently wipes it away with his sleeve. he places the iron shovel next to the large furnace, the fire still lit, though it's dying down, the area crawling with guests looking for the night's ample pleasures. saloons, brothels, stage shows. people look awe-struck, walking along the thoroughfare, pointing at this, that, and the other thing.
stripping off his apron, steve tosses it over a chair, free hand now running through his hair to make sure the wet tendrils don't bead into his eyes. as he begins to clean up for the night, he sees a stranger dressed in all-black. he looks somewhat lost, wandering, looking at the signs as if he's overwhelmed. there's lots to do in this very town, but steve hardly sees the action of it. occasionally he'll go to see a stage show, drink, and maybe spend time at the brothel - but those moments are few and far between. as steve ducks out of the open-faced building, he inclines his head. a smile blossoms, hands on his hips. he's ready to help. ]
You're looking very lost, friend. Is there something I can do for you?
[ steve beams, friendly and with a nod of his chin. every person deserves to be treated fairly in his eyes, even when some aren't polite. he hopes that this traveler is, as there's something about the way the moonlight hits the warm pools of his gaze. steve likes to think he's good at reading people, but with newcomers, he never knows exactly what he's going to get. some are kind, some are cruel, and others - they toe the line. while there's a chance this man might be rude, steve rolls the dice. ]
I'm Steve. I'm the blacksmith here in town.
@ ๐ท๐ด๐๐ธ๐๐ฐ๐๐ด.
there's something special about hanging out with astrid, something fine and delicate like lace on a garment. she's smart, funny, resourceful, and she's strong. beyond strong. steve sees her as someone he wants to get to know, no matter the circumstances. he wants to be around her, he wants to make her smile. there's nothing harder than death, and steve knows that firsthand. there's also nothing harder than the afterlife, which steve also knows firsthand. take it becoming a werewolf for him to understand the ins-and-outs of what the supernatural means.
picking up his phone, steve shoots a text to astrid, lips twisting as the light from the inside of his car reflects on his face in blue-tinted angles. ]
hey, i'm here.
come on down.
[ sliding his phone back into his jeans pocket, legs stretching, steve glances up at what he knows is astrid's window. the light is on, sheer curtains rolling in the september breeze. he leans his head against the window, peering. it's not a roof he could personally climb as a human, but he's sure he could as a wolf. not that he'd ever considered even seeing astrid as a wolf. it might scare her, it might run her away. steve's lips form a line before he tears his gaze from the window. he waits, patiently, tapping his toe to the music on the radio. ]
no subject
no, eddie's life has just been...well, it's been nothing to write home about, that's for sure. when he left his small town home with visions of greatness in his future, he thought they would have come to fruition by now. instead, eddie was left with a meager following and too many bills to pay.
until his dad died. he isn't sure where he got all the money for any kind of inheritance, but it's enough to put into a savings account and forget about it for a long, long time while it accrues interest. but money isn't enough to stave the loneliness of living in a big city with no friends and dreams that he never got to see come to pass.
so, off to westworld, he goes. he's always been good at this part, the playing of a character. he steers clear of the rest of the rich folk who clearly have other things on their mind, while eddie spends most of his time exploring and greeting the so-called hosts, surprised at how real they seem. suddenly, he understands the appeal. he can be whoever he wants to be within the expanse of this western landscape. he can do whatever he wants, and when he leaves, nobody will know. it's exhilarating.
it's also exhausting, and eddie's poor horse stumbles somewhere along the path as the sun begins to start its long ascent down to the horizon. eddie might have grown up in a small town, but he didn't grow up around horses and has no idea what to do. supposedly, the horses, like the humans, aren't real, but it seems real enough to eddie that he can't fathom just letting it suffer. it seems fate that he stumbles across the blacksmith just at the exact moment when he needs one.
he hears steve introduce himself before he sees him. it's a slow turn, the kind in movies where eddie just knows he's meeting someone who's about to change his life. and sure enough, as soon as their eyes meet, everything around him slows down and dims, like the spotlight has been placed on them while everything around them fades into the background. )
Steve, ( eddie breathes out, his eyes wide and mouth slightly open. a moment passes before eddie realizes he's still staring, dumbfounded, and should probably say something to look less like a creep. ) Oh, uh, hi. I'm Eddie. My horse here, I think she's got a rock stuck in her shoe or something, she's been limping for the last mile or so.
@ ๐ผ๐ด๐๐๐ธ๐ฝ๐ถ, ๐๐ท๐ด๐ต๐๐ด๐ฐ๐บ.
they're pretty, and the wolf in him wants to roll around in it. however, steve knows it'd be more fun with another person, so he pauses. staring down at the leaves, he hears a familiar sound - eddie's van, its wheels, and how it rolls up in the driveway.
steve leans on the rake, hand on his hip, as he watches eddie exit. fingertips fly up, a mocking wave with each one, steve's eyebrows jumping. he leans the rake against a nearby tree, then jogs up to eddie. he puts his finger over his mouth, eyes wide and dark. his voice is a whisper: ]
She's still sleeping.
[ he's referring to agatha, of course, who barely gets out of bed before it's time ( what time specifically, he doesn't know ). he takes eddie's hand, ringed fingers slipping through long ones, and leads him from the van and onto the porch quietly. he sits eddie down on one of the white-painted rocking chairs, then leans down on his haunches. he pats eddie's knee. ]
She's not in a good mood this early. C'mon, we'll go inside and start making her tea. That might get you in her good graces for being here.
[ steve smirks, then stands, deciding that the leaves can wait. they're neatly piled, but a good breeze, such as the one right now, will eventually scatter it all. walking through the front door, steve nods for eddie to follow him. ]
no subject
perhaps that is why he shows up so early. and maybe the mere fact that steve is here has something to do with it, but eddie is not about to let that little tidbit slip out where it can be used against him.
there is something about steve's presence that immediately sets eddie at ease, even though he knows he should feel a certain level of anxiety about potentially disturbing agatha. she can be generous and terrifying depending on the time of day. he's often grateful that steve is there to field the brunt of it, otherwise eddie is sure that westview would have been just another town to cross off his list, moving onto his next attempt at fitting in somewhere.
steve's hand feels good in his; it always does, and eddie lets himself be led to the rocking chairs. )
Don't know that early or late has much to do with her moods.
( eddie's mouth curves up into a smirk as he turns to steve and runs his fingers through his hair, tending to the wolf just as much as to steve himself. )
But tea is usually a good idea, so lead the way.
( eddie is careful as he follows steve inside, avoiding the spots he knows by now creak and could cause a disturbance. the less reason he gives agatha to be cross with him, the better. not thatโฆagatha has a reason to be cross with him, yet, of course, it's just that eddie is about as green a witch as they come. he feels like a burden most of the time, and if it weren't for his running low on supplies, he would probably have avoided coming here at all costs. alas, he can't put this off any longer. )
Might brew a cup for myself while we're at it. You want in?
@ ๐๐ท๐ด๐ต๐๐ด๐ฐ๐บ.
steve works for his father now, and he understands his loneliness now. why his father and mother were always gone, leaving the harrington home empty and devoid of anything close to familial love. it's a busy life, the trips he takes like clockwork, and steve has to admit that he's never been more tired. his bones ache now, from all that the upside down did to him. scars, both physical and mental, rage on throughout his body. when he gets up in the morning to rain in seattle, washington - he isn't surprised. he's there on business, the hotel he's staying reminding him of the lack of heart in his parents' house. the pillows are too white, the blankets thin and doused with chemicals. it's what his father sprang for, which isn't much, save for the view. he's high, the windows big, the city sprawled pretty with the dark clouds.
he showers, he dresses, and he skips breakfast to go down to the parking garage to find his rental car. he enters, puts it in gear, and drives out into the downpour. it doesn't take long for someone to skid into him, their car denting the side of the car, the wheel-well crunched into the tire itself. the tow truck comes, given by insurance. steve rides along with the driver, quiet, the windows rolled so far so the driver can smoke. he blows it out of the side of his mouth, but steve can taste the acidic air. he checks his watch, his suit still perfectly-pressed, his hair in his eyes, damp. he's going to be late to his meeting, but he figures he can use the mechanic shop's phone.
as they pull in, steve climbs out, making his way to the office to explain. when he does, he uses the phone, all to plan. he's been excused for the day, the meeting postponed. steve then enters the mechanical side of the shop again, hands on his hips. he watches the tow truck lower the car, bottom lip between his teeth. he doesn't notice a mechanic coming up behind him, his brows knitted, and there's that - what is it? a sensation, something that works through his mind like worms in dirt. ]
Do you know how long this'll take?
no subject
little things like the flutter of a butterfly sounding just a little too much like bat wings or the way a car backfiring in the garage might remind him too much of nancy's shotgun.
eddie might be alive, but he's forever a changed man.
in the middle of seattle, washington, he spends most of his days under the hood of a car. the sweat and oil of a hard day's work do him good, keeping his mind occupied enough that he usually has no trouble forgetting. he's far enough away from hawkins that he rarely ever stumbles upon anyone he might have known, and certainly far enough away from anyone who might associate the munson name with criminal. it's an honest living for once, and eddie loves it. he feels useful, putting cars back together, changing oil, and doing whatever it takes to get a generous tip.
it's certainly better than anything he could have gotten back in illinois. and the music scene more than makes up for the shitty weather he has to endure.
the downpour is pretty typical for seattle. most natives know to be careful out on the road, but there is always the occasional drifter or tourist pulling up with car trouble following one of these flash floods. enter rental car. from the back, he can't place the body right away, and it's the voice that does him in. eddie stands there, almost shell-shocked, convinced that he must have hit his head on the hood of a car and hallucinated this man standing in front of him. )
Harrington?
( steve barely looks older than his 18-19-year-old self, the years being kind to him. eddie, on the other hand, feels like the bags under his eyes and the grease in his hair makes him look very much 27, if not older. )
Well, uh, depends on what parts we've got on hand. Might be a couple days to a week at most. How long are you in town for?
( mostly because eddie is curious. is steve just passing through, or has he moved here? should eddie start setting himself up for the disappointment that will inevitably be steve once again leaving him behind? )
no subject
You came to the right place, Eddie.
[ another sweet smile before steve turns back to the open building. he ties the horse to the post, then picks up his apron. he slides it back on, then returns to the horse. he leans down on his haunches, checking the shoes, before he finds the large rock nestled, stuck, in the horse's right front shoe. he tilts his head, trying to pry it out with his fingers first, but it's to no avail. he looks up at eddie from where he leans, head tilted. ]
She's got a rock for sure. I can take it out and re-shoe her real quick. Do you mind waiting with her? She's gotta be calm with the shoeing.
[ warmth reflects in his eyes, and as he stands, he passes eddie to pick a shoe from the wall, looking it over. he feels a strange pull, one that's deep inside, and he glances back over at eddie, stealing a look. he's handsome, dressed in a hat and fancy clothes, a little pocket watch hanging from his waistcoat pocket. he's never seen anyone like eddie - not this pretty, not this lovely - in a long time. the shoe is still between his fingers before he snaps out of it. ]
Unless you got somewhere to be, that is. The saloon's open if you wanna wait there, too.
[ he hopes eddie doesn't. he hopes that they fall into conversation while steve shoes the horse, but steve knows that might be a little much. there's too much to do to just stay with him on a pretty night like this, so while he wouldn't be surprised, he tries to not think of disappointment. this is his job, and his father always said no work and all play spoils the mind. ]
Either way's fine with me, sir.
no subject
Nope, I'm all yours. And hers.
( he smiles and finds a spot next to the mare so he can keep her distracted and calm while steve switches out her shoes. he places a hand at her neck, a soothing touch while he whispers to her like she, too, is real flesh and blood. )
You get much business?
( it's more an excuse to talk to steve than anything else. it's obvious steve keeps busy, but it doesn't seem like he gets much traffic outside of the occasional demonstration or some other poor tourist in need of blacksmithing services for reasons similar to eddie's. it's a safe topic of conversation, though. it's one thing to play pretend in the safe confines of dungeons & dragons and another thing entirely when the npcs don't know they're not real. )
no subject
You've got a way with her.
[ he removes the shoe completely, the dented and twisted metal falling to his feet with a dull clunk. steve places the new shoe on, then looks up to the horse again. he croons softly, and he can't help it, as if something inside is pulling - eyelashes flick to eddie again, and he stares, watching him. his gaze washes over eddie's face, the way his eyes seem to reflect steve himself. after a moment, a too-long moment, steve shoes the horse with a few quick thwacks of his hammer. ]
I get business, yeah. Mostly newcomers like you, so I do what I can, sir.
[ he doesn't want to look at eddie again, and as the horse shifts, steve lowers her leg. he then stands, taking his gloves off, long fingers in the horse's mane as he strokes her. another grin grows, blossoms, before he soothes her nose. he glances over once, taking in eddie's face again, then backs away. ]
She's all set.
@ ๐๐๐ฑ๐๐ป๐ด๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ป๐ด๐.
steve smiles, then glances up as he hears the door open. betty comes walking in - still dressed in her cheer uniform, books in hand. his smile pulls into a grin, and he's up and out of the booth in record time. still in his apron, he approaches, offering his arms for betty's mountain of books. he laughs, dark eyes brightened by betty's presence. ]
Can I take some of those for you? I've got a booth -
[ he nods over his shoulder, then turns back, offering her a seat before they even get there. ]
Maybe a milkshake?
@ ๐ผ๐ด๐๐ฐ๐ป๐ป๐ด๐ณ.
steve purses his lips a bit, brows knitting as he tries to remember his cousin sandra. older than he is, he figures that she would be at the adult table while he was still a child. nevertheless, it's a few days in indianapolis. he smiles about that, knowing that his plus one can't be anyone else โ eddie. they've been together, albeit in secret, for a few weeks now. they're boyfriends, and steve considers what it would mean to the both of them to go to a wedding. not only that, but one far out of hawkins, all the way to the big city.
another smile overtakes, and he dials eddie, telling him the news. they discussed it, both of them excited, planning for steve to pick him up the next day.
that day comes.
driving over to pick eddie up, steve's stomach does flips. he's still very excited โ four days away from hawkins? with eddie? it all seems like it's too good to be true, and steve, being responsible, called the hotel and booked an extra day. it's a vacation, one that he knows he and eddie deserve. pulling up at his trailer, steve pops the trunk, getting out and grinning as eddie exits. they pack things, making sure there's enough room, before they enter the car and steve pulls onto the road.
blondie is blasting โ call me, steve's fingers drumming on the steering wheel as he tilts his chin to eddie to pop another pretzel into his mouth. he catches it, then grins broadly, winking at eddie from his seat. ]
I've got a surprise for you.
no subject
Seeing Steve come up to her brightens the smile she had, making her take bigger strides, her ponytail bouncing behind her.]
Steve, hi! [She pecks him on the cheek once he was close enough, carefully handing off half of her load of books.] Aww, thanks! I would love that very much.
Lead the way?
no subject
A wedding out of town โ far out of town. An event they can go to together, as friends if they need to but at least they'll know it's as boyfriends. Eddie figures they'll see what the vibe is; maybe they can be out and maybe they'll have to keep it to themselves. But even if it's the latter, it's for days away from Hawkins, just the two of them. Seems like a dream.
He packs what he needs, jeans and tees shoved into a secondhand duffle bag. Goodwill had pants and a jacket close enough to pass as a suit, and close enough to Eddie's size; he hemmed the pants but the jacket he'd just have to deal with because he doesn't have that kind of skill. Still, he hopes it'll be good enough. It's a wedding; no one should really be paying too much attention to anyone other than the happy couple anyway.
And he'll get to spend time with Steve.
He's in charge of car snacks, mostly because Steve's driving, and Steve's car is in better shape than Eddie's van. More reliable, it'll get them there and back and Eddie gets to sit in the passenger seat and enjoy the ride. He's feeding Steve pretzels for now, maybe he'll dip into the candy later. And they've got some sodas too, all the good roadtrip supplies. The ride will be as much fun as the trip itself, Eddie thinks.]
What kind of surprise?
@ ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ป๐ธ๐ฝ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ต๐.
steve laces his fingers with galinda's, bringing her in close to kiss her forehead. she smells of lavender, of sweet flowers, and steve breathes it in for a moment before backing away. she's beautiful โ more than beautiful, so steve decides that she needs to hear it. ]
You look amazing. Everyone's going to be so jealous.
no subject
I suppose you wouldn't get too much repeat business, huh? ( it's the nature of this place. sure, some regulars come back, but it's primarily a tourist destination and too expensive for repeat visits. on top of that, the hosts are cycled through, and their memories are wiped, so the likelihood of steve retaining such a long stretch of time is slim to none. the thought of eddie coming back in a week, a month, only to find steve doesn't recognize him...there goes the pull of his chest once more. )
Thank you. How much do I owe? ( eddie frowns as he reaches into his pants pocket to pull out his wallet. he doesn't want to leave, but the job is done, and the transaction is nearly complete. he has no excuse to stick around now that his horse is reshoed. )
@ ๐๐ท๐ด ๐ต๐๐ด๐ฐ๐บ, @ ๐บ๐ด๐ถ๐๐๐ฐ๐ฝ๐ณ๐บ๐ธ๐ฝ๐ถ.
with eddie, it's easy โ they smoke up, they maybe kiss โ but with billy, things are strained at the best of times. steve lowers his head as he shuts off his engine, debating going to up to the door at all. it doesn't mean anything, right? it's just buying and getting the hell out of here before billy even sees him. steve climbs out of the car, shutting the door quietly, before he walks up the familiar steps to eddie's trailer. he knocks on the door, twice, knuckles rapping. if billy opens the door, steve will be ready to trade words, then hopefully nothing else.
swallowing, steve knocks again, lips tightening. he figures they're both high, too stoned to come to the door, and while he gets that and wants that โ he's not going to let himself in. he knocks again, this time slightly annoyed. maybe he wanted to see eddie alone โ maybe he wanted a little more than what they did last time. his lips purse until he can hear footfalls from inside. steve's body tenses. ]
no subject
But then it turned out Eddie liked good music, too. So they'd listen and smoke up and well - he's not sure whose hands started wandering first, but it doesn't matter. They've got a good thing going now. Billy comes over and buys, they have a little sample together, they end up on the couch or Eddie's bed or the living room floor.
They haven't made it past the couch yet. Billy's shirt was abandoned somewhere between there and the front door, and he's on top of Eddie, one knee slotted between his legs. He's kissing his neck nice and slow, the way he only really does to anyone when he's high. One hand slips under his t-shirt, craving all the pretty little gasps and moans he knows Eddie can make when he gets really needy. He's sucking at the place where his shoulder and neck meet when -
Two knocks at the front door, and Billy grunts his disapproval, not moving - instead scraping his teeth against Eddie's skin, teasing. A c'mon, please don't go without being so sappy as to actually say it, finger and thumb coming together to pinch Eddie's nipple from under his shirt.
But then whoever's out there knocks again, and Billy huffs against Eddie's skin, hoping to exhale some of the anxiety building in his chest out like smoke. Whoever it is, Billy can guarantee he doesn't want them to see them like this. It's bad enough he's spending as much time here as he does. If anyone caught on -- ]
Fuck, man, seriously?
[ His voice is barely above a whisper, and suddenly his thoughts are racing. Where'd his shirt end up anyway? Will they be able to tell? Fuck, Eddie's half-hard against him already, hickeys trailing down the side of his throat, of course they're going to be able to tell. God, this was a stupid fuckin' idea from the get-go, someone always finds out, always -- ]
Should I -- the bedroom?
[ Panic's setting in now, fueled by all that weed in his system, sitting back on his haunches as he clenches his jaw. ]
@ ๐ฒ๐พ๐ท๐ด๐๐พ.
as steve prepares for dinner alone, putting dick's portion in the oven for warmth, he pours a glass of wine and walks around the counter. sitting with himself and only himself โ he's surprised to hear the door open. the latch is clicked, and steve stands, nearly rushing to the hallway foyer to see dick standing. steve blinks, and it's as if it's some kind of miracle. he isn't injured, there are no visible bruises โ but there's a sense of quiet between them that steve doesn't necessarily like. he's fallen in love with dick โ more so than he ever thought he was capable of โ but seeing him like this, steve licks his lips, then parts them to speak: ]
Hey, I made dinner. You should come eat.
[ he leans against the hallway entrance, hand on the wall, and he feels almost dizzy with what he knows is apprehension. there's a cold streak of anxiety squirming in his insides, the silence deafening. there may not be any visible injuries, but steve can only assume that something, anything, is wrong. he turns slowly, eyeing dick still, before he sidles back to the kitchen. he pulls dick's plate from the oven, setting it out, pouring him his own glass of wine. he lights the candles in the middle of the table, then sits, still caught off-guard. he places his hands flat on the table, closing his eyes for a moment to breathe. he doesn't like the pain he can tell dick's carrying, so he rounds his shoulders, trying to suffocate the thoughts that this? might be it.
he turns his head toward his shoulder, looking back at dick, before he nods with a jerk of his chin toward dick's food. he licks his lips again, trying to focus, and he can hear the pitter-patter sound of rain against the windows. he glances over, a streak of lightning in the sky โ followed by the bat symbol. gotham never seems to be safe, but now, he can see it's needed. his eyes find dick's again, and he blinks. ]
It'll get cold if you don't eat, you know.
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There was no preparation for Steve. It was a whirlwind of emotion, and it seemed like the first time they touched, Dick suddenly knew what it truly was to need another person, to want to be completely selfless. Before, Dick was always so worried about protecting everyone and trying to get ahead of the current problem at hand that he'd scoop up everyone's burdens, problems and become a force of nature that mowed over everything in front of him, not caring about the desires he wrecked or the wants of those who cared about him in the process. It took a group of teenagers to get him to see how to work in a group, as a family.
Now he had Steve, and Dick knew his life was changed forever; tonight had been rough. He'd dropped off a building and fallen halfway down before he had a chance to deploy his grapple. It's not like he's never had it happen that way before, but he's got a life now and someone that truly matters. The jerk at the end of the rope had him thinking harder than ever. It wasn't the bruises tonight, or the slice in his side, which smarted. When he came through the door, he knew he had to talk to Steve, and he was worried about his reaction. Dick's life was a lot, and it wasn't only his secret to tell. Still, he trusted Steve; they both held darkness in them. Dick's came from being killed and raised in the Lazarus pit. He wasn't quite sure where Steve's came from-- they'd started that conversation, but never quite got to the end of it either.
Tonight was going to be the night they finished those conversations. Looking at Steve across the table, Dick caught the glimmer of candlelight and the trepidation in Steve's face. Dick didn't mean to project his nerves. Seeing Steve so worried had all the things he was going to say right away caught in his throat. Walking across the room, Dick moves Steve's chair out and settles down in his lap, loose arms around his neck. ]
I'll eat, but first I want to remind you how much I love you. Tonight, nothing ever is going to change that. You are my one and only Steve. What we talk about tonight is because I have to be honest with you, okay?
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he's nervous โ his stomach does flips, and he's not sure if he can even eat dinner. his body is anxious, stiffening under dick's touch when he usually melts. he glances down at the floor, head turned, and shame washes over him. why hasn't he told dick? is it because of the painful memories that flood during the twilight hours? when the sky looks bruised and the lightning collapses. another flash of it and harder rain appears, and as steve turns back to dick, he licks his bottom lip. he's going to tell him, he's really going to tell him. the thought of losing dick to it makes him swallow hard โ not everything is so easily understood, especially when it comes to mirror dimensions and monsters and creatures โ ]
We'll talk. I have things to tell you, too. So much โ
[ and i hope you believe me. those words get caught short, and steve ends up not saying them at all. his stare finds dick's again, and he looks at him with all of the hope that dick doesn't think he's insane, that he's making it up. steve's abdomen scars are enough to prove it isn't a tall tale, but steve still has apprehension. his hands fall on dick's hips again, and he tilts his head, kissing one of his arms. with a tender move of his chin, steve kisses dick. soft and slow, but with passion, steve's mouth opening as he tries to symbolize his love. it's tangible, floating in the air, the way they kiss always so gloriously beautiful. when he parts from dick, he looks at him โ really looks at him, reaching up to run his hand through dick's hair. ]
Whatever it is โ I love you.
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It was a dark time at the manor, and Dick hated going back. He only goes when he needs big intel. The kind that his middle-sized setup can't hack for him. Running his fingers along the rigid spine of his boyfriend, he lays his head on Steve's shoulder. ]
You know, we don't have to eat. We can talk and order food later when we're all talked out. I think it might be easier for us both. We'll be okay. I promise. Here, I'll start. You know we have a locked room. Follow me.
[Kissing Steve deeply, more deeply than he had in a while, Dick summons up all his courage and departs it as love between them before climbing out of Steve's strong arms and his comfortable lap. Linking their fingers together tightly, Dick goes to the door and states the code out loud so that Steve will have it from now on. It's part random, part the day they got together.
Behind the door is Dick's "office." It starts with a bank of computers and a chair that's in the position to watch them all. Directly opposed to that (unlike the picture), is a large curved desk that serves as Dick's desk and a place to spread out plans. There are several white boards off to the side, and to the other side is the case that holds his Nightwing suit. It sits there on the mannequin, complete with mask. There's an extra spot next to his in case someone comes to visit or he needs it one day. There's an exit to a secret elevator that exits the back of the building and goes all the way to the parking garage from there. It also connects to their training room by a hideaway door.
"This. is. all. mine. Steve. Love. I- I- am Nightwing. I was Robin until a few years ago when I quit, and Batman got a new Robin, and I became Nightwing about a year after that. There's a LOT more to the story, but that's the start."
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he looks around, seeing the suit first, then the rest. the whiteboards have scribbled plans as well as pictures, and steve recognizes a few of them from the news. gotham has always been troubled, but lately - steve swallows, hard, then blinks to dick as he explains. steve feels nauseous, but it's more that he's dating, he's in love, with a superhero.
he clutches dick's hand, winded. he didn't know that this would be what it was. he figured dick was in some kind of underground fight club, all the bruises lining up with a beating. steve leans against the large desk, then sets his stare onto dick. he isn't angry, far from it, and after gulping down air, steve pushes himself off of the desk and closes the distance between them. he kisses dick, hard, passionate, hands reaching up to cup his face. he pushes dick against the desk, kissing him still, before he finally parts from him. ]
You're Nightwing. I'm... so proud of you.
[ another kiss, this time on dick's forehead. there's a sweetness here, and it makes steve's nervous energy melt. now, in this moment, they trust each other so much that steve can't help but feel touched. he runs his fingers gently down dick's face, tears springing at the corners of his eyes. ]
Yeah, I'm going to be even more worried, but, I really love you. Like, a lot. If you want to help keep Gotham safe, then I can't stop you.
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When Steve finally comes forward from the desk and affixes himself to Dick, the vigilante can only respond in kind. His hands come up and wrap tightly around Steve, holding him as close as possible-- so frightened that he might have lost him only moments ago. He pushes into the kiss, biting and sucking at Steve's mouth, hungering for the needed intimacy and assurance that only this type of desperate kiss can bring. When they do break, Dick keeps Steve close, barely letting him go.]
You're proud? ... Thank you. I- I've been doing this since my parents died when I was young. Bruce Wayne took me in, you know that. He's... Batman. That's why our relationship is so strange. He's there as a mentor but not really a father. I will always work to keep people safe wherever I am. I've done it here, in San Francisco, Metropolis, Bludhaven, and even Detroit for a while.
[Leaning in, Dick kisses the corners of Steve's eyes, so relieved that he doesn't have to hold this secret anymore. It ripped him up inside, keeping it from the man he loved. To have it out makes it easier to breathe. ]
I- I'm so glad you don't hate me. I hated not being able to tell you. Obviously, you can't tell anyone, but I trust you because I love you more than I've ever loved another soul. You ... you've taught me what true love is.
@ ๐ฝ๐พ๐ต๐๐๐๐ธ๐ฝ๐๐ฐ๐.
there's a man with a gun - no, wait, two men with guns - and they're demanding what's in the register. steve mutters shit to himself before he ducks his head back behind the aisle. his brows knit, thinking over every scenario he can think of, mind racing with what he should do. they have guns, and steve's unarmed. he knows he'd get shot, so he licks his bottom lip, debating on whether or not he can step in.
it's only then that he hears more noise, and he peeks back around to see what's happening. dressed in black and purple, there's someone in there with them, kicking guns out of hands and shoving the robbers against nearby aisles. as steve locks his stare upon the hero - he chin ducks, head jerking back as his eyes widen. is that...? ]
Kate?
@ ๐ฒ๐พ๐ท๐ด๐๐พ.
as dick pays more attention to him, his nipple, the ice in small circles, steve takes himself in his hand, stroking. he groans, looking at dick, into his eyes. the head of his cock peeks through his boxers, already damp. his hand works up and down, cock bobbing as he touches himself. ]
Please, Dick. I want more. Let me see it. I need to see your cock.
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They're bigger and heavier than her, but that's fine. She's learned to fight against bigger and stronger. She uses her lightness and speed against them. They always underestimate her. She manages to get knock out one robber by slamming his head into the counter. The other is on the floor trying to get his bearings.
But then she hears her name. She pauses and blinks in surprise because she knows that voice. Sure enough, she sees that familiar head of hair. ]
Steve?
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Munson.
[ eddie. once upon a time - his eddie. steve blinks out of it, listening to eddie's words. to a week - he frowns, bottom lip pulled downward, as he closes his eyes and breathes heavy through his nostrils. he doesn't want to be here a week, and definitely not beyond that. steve looks at eddie, then looks away, swallowing hard. ]
I can be in town for however long it takes.
[ an unfortunate thing, he can't take a chance leaving the car. ]
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what if, what if, what if โ steve takes in a breath, steady and slow, hands now both on the steering wheel. it's panic, pure and simple, but he overcomes it. he has to. this is something that he and eddie deserve, and that causes the churning in steve's gut to slow down. he can enjoy this, and he should. he thinks of eddie, right next to him, and smiles over. ]
We're staying an extra day by ourselves. I booked the room.
[ that's more like it. steve grins, broad, before he leans over, stealing a quick kiss. he presses his lips to eddie's cheek, then puts his eyes back on the road. an extra day... with eddie. something so special and freeing. they can be themselves in the city, they can do whatever they want. no worries, no cares, nothing even resembling hawkins. it's still a little nerve-wracking, but steve knows that the minute they check in and see their room? it'll all melt and dissipate. ]
You can take me wherever you want to go.
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well, he hadn't really meant to get tangled up with both harrington and hargrove. it's just that weed always makes him feel in a particular kind of mood, and every touch feels heightened. he wants and he wants and he wants, and if billy and steve are willing to give, then who is he to turn either of them away?
it's always been casual, though. eddie isn't sure he knows how to date seriously, especially not in a town like hawkins. he never expected both his lovers to end up simultaneously under the same roof.
at least eddie can remain chill even after the knocks at the door. it's not unusual for someone to drop by unannounced, but they usually make arrangements first, just to make sure wayne won't be home. he doesn't care, the old man, but it's safer when it's just eddie. plausible deniability or whatever the fuck that is. )
Hey, don't worry, I'll take care of it, darling.
( eddie raises a hand with glittering fingers, stroking billy's chin and jaw with slow, soothing motions. )
Stay here, it's probably nothing.
( he kisses billy's forehead and leaves him reluctantly, pulling on a shirt and smoothing out his pants and unruly hair to hopefully look less incriminating. depending on who it is, hopefully they don't recognize billy's car, so eddie can explain it off as him having a girl over. unless, of course -- )
Oh. Harrington.
( eddie looks puzzled, as if he hadn't considered this a possibility. his eyes are wide and sparkling, slightly bloodshot from the pot. )
What brings you to my humble abode on such a delightful evening, hm?
( this does put a wrench in things. if it were anyone else, eddie could have chased them away quickly, given them a no questions discount. but steve will want to stick around, he'll --
oh, shit, he knows what billy's car looks like, doesn't he?
act natural, he tells himself, hoping he looks perfectly calm despite the panic slowly rising within. )
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this is nightwing he's been dating, and bruce wayne is... batman. it makes sense, it does, but there's something still so shocking in it that steve can hardly believe it. he kisses dick again, then listens to his confession. so many places, so many people - steve feels overwhelmed again, but he holds onto dick. solid, firm. ]
Why did you come back to Gotham? Just to be closer to Bruce?
[ he gets that. sometimes it's hard to leave, and steve certainly understands. his eyes are kissed and steve melts into it, instantly feeling better. he feels so safe with dick, and as he continues - steve blinks at him, brows knitted in surprise. dick's words are so touching, so - ]
I love you. I love you so much, sometimes it scares me. I've never felt like this, and I know what love is, I know I've felt it - but this is so... perfect. You're perfect for me. You're everything - and I love you more than you could ever understand.
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oh. harrington.
the flat sound is enough to annoy steve further. his brows knit. ]
Yeah, it's me. Sorry to disappoint. Maybe Hargrove is better company?
[ he doesn't ask to come in, instead he pulls a small wad of money from inside of his jacket pocket. if eddie wants to keep it professional, steve can. he looks into his eyes, head tilting a bit. ]
Same as last time.
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Yeah, you totally deserve a Coke or something.
[ he nods, grinning, and that's when one of the men begins to stir. steve kicks him as his instincts flip on. the man groans and passes back out. with a tilt of his head at kate, he places his hands on his hips. ]
And maybe a hot dog.
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Tender digits course over the perfection that are Steve's cheekbones, and along the soft tufts of hair that come down before his ears. He knows that Steve has no idea how attractive, how devastating he is to Dick. One look sends him spinning without recourse. Dark eyes meet those across from him with a small smile. ]
There was some tragedy here a while ago when Scarecrow tried to take over the city, and that's when I ... when I was killed and raised from the dead in the Lazarus pit. After that, the Titans, my small group of teens I'd helped out, had to go to Metropolis to stop the apocalypse... twice. And when we'd done that, everyone went their own ways. Bruce had tried to kill himself when Jason and I almost died, and he's mostly back to full strength, but I decided to help out. Now that both Bruce and Jason patrol the streets of Gotham, I can go anywhere we want. I happen to be here for now....
[There was a small shrug of shoulders. He wanted Steve to know that he wasn't held down to living in Gotham. They could go anywhere they wanted, the pair of them. Dick was completely in love with the man in his arms. He couldn't have put his feelings into better words than the ones Steve professed. Dick sighed deeply and continued to caress Steve's cheeks, then his chest. If they didn't have more to discuss, he might have done more. ]
I feel the same way. You are everything to me. I'd go anywhere, do anything for you. What I have, what I do is for you. I am for you. I am yours, completely. That is why I wanted to have this talk. No more secrets.