[ Steve listens to what people actually mean when they talk, even if they don't think he does, even if it looks like someone's just joking. He wouldn't call himself an expert of psychology or anything of the sort, but looking after the kids—and hell, from personal experience doing the same—he's learned that casual comments or seemingly innocuous jokes have deeper meanings behind them. So he does his best to listen, even if he doesn't always voice his thoughts.
Eddie has joked about them running away before and has made his—very justified—dislike of the shitty town they live in clear, as well as how his uncle would miss him but support him if he left. And now, they're free, aren't they? No more monsters, no more military, no more skeletons in the closet. But the judgment of the townsfolk remains even if they know Eddie killed no one, and that's like poison sinking into the ground and staying there, stopping anything new from growing. Steve understands why Eddie wants… no, why Eddie needs to leave so he can start actually living.
Steve has been stranded from his family for a long while now; they're not the reason why he stayed here. The reason is a group of dipshits that he loves just as much as he loves Eddie, only in a different way. Dustin, Lucas, Max…they're all grown up now, stronger, and they will be graduating in a few months. Robin will be moving away soon too; they have talked about it. They will all find their own paths. Steve knows they will succeed in anything they try to do; they've been forged through fire.
And Steve… Steve is here. But he doesn't have to always be here. He doesn't have to be stuck or worry about clawed hands snatching his kids in the dark, not anymore. He's free, like Eddie. Someone who wants him loves him here or anywhere. They should take advantage of that.
These are the thoughts racing through his mind when the kiss ends and Eddie inquires where he wants to go, and it's not like Steve doesn't have an idea; it's just that it all feels very real for a moment. Kind of scary too. But he wants this; he wants Eddie. ]
Let's...let's sit down to talk. on the couch or in your bedroom, I don't care, but it would be better. [ Steve gives Eddie a smile to reassure him that it's not a bad kind of 'we need to talk' and tugs at his arm to lead him toward the living room, since they've been standing not too far from the door since he came in and got all over each other. If Eddie wants to go to his room, he will follow and sit on the bed. ]
Los Angeles. If we had to chose, I think, I would like to go to Los Angeles.
[ And then, it all comes out. Steve only pauses from time to time to breathe because he worries that if he stops for longer than a few seconds, he will fuck this up. ]
The money and logistics to go there might be a bit of an issue at first; planes are expensive, but we could always take my car and do a road trip of sorts. It would be less than a week. And the city, I've been looking into state laws, and...I've heard it's safer. For people like us. It's legal in that state.
[ Which means maybe not everyone would be coming after them with pitchforks if they were caught. Same-sex relationships not being prosecuted by law in Los Angeles is one of the reasons why Steve has given the city a proper thought, even if he has no illusions that it will be an open-minded paradise. At least it will be better than here. ]
I've read that the music scene there is great. I think one of your favorite bands is from there? Metallica? Max lived in San Diego, so same state; we could ask her about it. [ Okay, so perhaps Steve has been giving all this just as much thought as Eddie; he just kept it to himself until now. ]
We wouldn't look bad with a tan, yeah? [ Steve gives Eddie an insecure smile, but a smile nonetheless. He rubs the palms of his hands over his jean-covered thighs, a bit nervous, simply because he's sitting and can't put his hands on his hips like he would usually do. ]
[ While Steve doesn’t say the exact words, the implication of we need to talk has never led anywhere good in Eddie’s experience. There’s a flare of anxiety in his chest as Steve takes him by his hand and begins to lead him to the couch, but then Steve smiles. It doesn’t erase Eddie’s worries entirely, but it is reassuring enough to smooth them over as the two of them sit, pressed knee to knee.
Eddie opens his mouth to say something, to apologize for even suggesting something so stupid, how could he be so stupid—but Steve is faster, and Eddie falls in love all over again as the words begin to tumble from his mouth.
It’s not just that Steve is in agreement. It’s that he looked into any of that information to begin with, that he knows that Eddie’s favorite band is from the area, or that he knows anything about the music scene at all. It’s that he should care enough to keep any of those things in mind when Eddie has refused to follow up that plea (run away with me) with anything more in the past. It’s the someone should love him that much…Eddie feels his heart swell, and tears prick at the corners of his eyes, a weak smile on his lips. ]
Yeah?
[ His voice is soft, strained as he reaches out to rest a hand on Steve’s cheek, gently turning his face toward him, gazing with wide eyes and an expression that can only be described as reverent. He isn’t naive enough to believe that any place on this earth is heaven, but that sounds awfully close. ]
You’d move across the country for me, Steve?
[ There’s not much keeping either of them here anymore, but it’s still such a big, scary concept: uprooting yourself from the place you’ve spent your entire life. Eddie hasn’t even been out of the state, let alone to the opposite coast, but a fresh start is appealing. Shedding all this baggage the two of them have been saddled with and leaving it behind feels like something they need to do.
He smiles again, fingers toying with the ends of Steve’s hair. This is true love, he’s sure of it. ]
You’d look killer with a tan. Pretty sure I’d just burn and look like a lobster.
[ Steve had had his fair share of terrifying 'we need to talk' moments, which is why he tried to minimize the misunderstanding, even if he did not quite succeed. Poor Eddie, at least the concert didn't last. What Steve hadn't anticipated is the effect his confession would have on his boyfriend, so when he's gently convinced to finally stare back at Eddie, he's taken aback by the glimpse of tears he sees in the pretty brown eyes. It's his time to get concerned for only a split second until he takes in the expression on the other man's face, and his heart almost melts. ]
Yeah. I'd go with you anywhere. [ He repeats to drive the point hom, and tilts his head to press his cheek further against the palm cupping it. If Eddie has other ideas, he will be open to listening to them, but Los Angeles seems so nice. More new, welcoming people; sunny days and the chance to belong to a community, and without the ghost of past bad experiences haunting them.
He leans in closer, one leg now pressed against Eddie's, the warmth of their different points of contact making him feel all mushy, or perhaps it's just that they're sharing a moment. ]
I'll get you a big parasol. One with a Judas Priest logo, if you want, for the aesthetic. [ He grins, feeling giddy at how things are turning out. Maybe they are doing this. They just need to figure out the logistics. There's an awful long way to go, and a bit of a terrifying one, until everything is in order, but this is their first step. ]
I'd like to be here to see the munchkins graduate, though. And if we do this, we will need to break the news to Dustin gently.
[ Because that kid loves Eddie just as much as he loves Steve, and he already went kind of crazy, in the good way, upon learning they were dating. He once heard Dustin calling them both 'uncles.' Steve can't imagine what it would be like to be so far away from the others; it will be painfully lonely at times for sure, but that doesn't mean they won't be seeing each other again. Or so he hopes. ]
Besides, having some months to plan what we need to do is good, right? We could look into a place to stay or some jobs there. I'm never picky about those.
[ People had called Steve many things; some of the more common ones when people were being mean might be "idiot" and "talentless," but he's never been a slouch. We can work on whatever he finds to keep them afloat. Although he would love to find a job that perhaps has something to do with children's education. ]
[ Eddie has no complaints and no alternative suggestions. Los Angeles sounds nice, especially in the middle of a particularly cold Indiana winter, and especially after the last few years he and Steve have had. It would be nice to finally be accepted, to finally avoid judgmental stares and sneers and accusations. It would be nice to finally be able to live again. ]
What? You can’t just stop the sun from shining for me, Steve? I'm hurt.
[ Eddie laughs and quickly dries his eyes, the weight of his anxiety lifting fully now. They’re on the same page, and even if they lack the funds for such an enormous move right now, hey have something to work toward. Just talking about it, accepting that it’s something they can do and want to do together is a huge step. There’s a comfort in knowing that they don’t have to rush anything too. They can take it one day at a time until they’re finally out of this godforsaken town.
Even in a sweet moment like this, Steve’s leg pressed against his own isn’t nearly enough. Eddie leans back until his head and shoulders make contact with the couch cushions. He lets his hand drop from Steve’s cheek, choosing instead to hook his fingers into his shirt to lure him forward along with him. He smiles, eyes wide and bright. ]
Could stick around for graduation then do a summer roadtrip. See what we can find before we make it official. Maybe take Dustin with us.
[ A new start, far away from a town filled with nightmares, with the person he loves? Steve himself could not ask for anything better. They hadn't done anything but talk a little about it, and he's both equally nervous and giddy about it. He can't put a name to the deep fondness blooming in his chest at what Eddie says and how he rubs at his eyes, and he refrains from pointing it out because there's the chance that his own are a little misty as well. ]
Rude to me, I know. I'll have to try harder.
[ It's going to be a big chance, and costly, but as much as Steve will miss the friends he leaves here, he knows they need to seize this kind of opportunity if they can. Besides, it won't be like doing it alone; they have each other, and no matter how it goes, they would be able to say that they at least tried.
He shifts over Eddie after the grab and tug to his shirt, easily moving forward with Eddie's movement backward and making himself comfortable on top of his boyfriend, moving not unlike a big cat.
One of his hands moves up to card through Eddie's long hair, a curl wrapped around his index finger as they talk. Now there's a good idea Steve hadn't considered, but a summer trip would be best to get a feel of the place and see if it's really safe. ]
Perfect plan. Knowing the kid, he would even design some sort of battle plan for us and make a list of places we need to see in the city to make sure it's up to his standards.
[ And it will help soothe Steve's growing ache about the idea of parting ways with Dustin. If the process is gradual, that could help. Yes, he knows that Dustin is probably going to be the most successful and the smartest of all of them in a matter of years, but that's Mom's older brother instincts for you. ]
And we can check then just how roasted you get. I could help you put on sunscreen. I am very good at back massages.
[ Just talking about it is enough for Eddie. It makes it more concrete; something that exists outside of his dreams. It’s terrifying in some ways, exciting in others, and Eddie is sure it’s what he truly wants. He wants to leave this town and its bad memories behind. He wants to finally shake the rumors and accusations and really begin living—with the person he loves.
They can make it work. The months between winter and summer gives them time to scrape some money together, to figure out how to make it happen. To grieve their kids getting older and moving on without them. But for now…this is enough. ]
Uh huh. Pretty sure you’re gonna have to kiss me to make up for it, you know.
[ Eddie may as well have died and gone to heaven, reveling in the closeness of their bodies, Steve’s hand carding though his hair, and the plans they’re making together. He’s clearly content as he gazes up at Steve, his eyes half-lidded and a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. ]
You’re a real knight in shining armor, sweetheart. That sound nice.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2026-01-27 10:14 pm (UTC)Eddie has joked about them running away before and has made his—very justified—dislike of the shitty town they live in clear, as well as how his uncle would miss him but support him if he left. And now, they're free, aren't they? No more monsters, no more military, no more skeletons in the closet. But the judgment of the townsfolk remains even if they know Eddie killed no one, and that's like poison sinking into the ground and staying there, stopping anything new from growing. Steve understands why Eddie wants… no, why Eddie needs to leave so he can start actually living.
Steve has been stranded from his family for a long while now; they're not the reason why he stayed here. The reason is a group of dipshits that he loves just as much as he loves Eddie, only in a different way. Dustin, Lucas, Max…they're all grown up now, stronger, and they will be graduating in a few months. Robin will be moving away soon too; they have talked about it. They will all find their own paths. Steve knows they will succeed in anything they try to do; they've been forged through fire.
And Steve… Steve is here. But he doesn't have to always be here. He doesn't have to be stuck or worry about clawed hands snatching his kids in the dark, not anymore. He's free, like Eddie. Someone who wants him loves him here or anywhere. They should take advantage of that.
These are the thoughts racing through his mind when the kiss ends and Eddie inquires where he wants to go, and it's not like Steve doesn't have an idea; it's just that it all feels very real for a moment. Kind of scary too. But he wants this; he wants Eddie. ]
Let's...let's sit down to talk. on the couch or in your bedroom, I don't care, but it would be better. [ Steve gives Eddie a smile to reassure him that it's not a bad kind of 'we need to talk' and tugs at his arm to lead him toward the living room, since they've been standing not too far from the door since he came in and got all over each other. If Eddie wants to go to his room, he will follow and sit on the bed. ]
Los Angeles. If we had to chose, I think, I would like to go to Los Angeles.
[ And then, it all comes out. Steve only pauses from time to time to breathe because he worries that if he stops for longer than a few seconds, he will fuck this up. ]
The money and logistics to go there might be a bit of an issue at first; planes are expensive, but we could always take my car and do a road trip of sorts. It would be less than a week. And the city, I've been looking into state laws, and...I've heard it's safer. For people like us. It's legal in that state.
[ Which means maybe not everyone would be coming after them with pitchforks if they were caught. Same-sex relationships not being prosecuted by law in Los Angeles is one of the reasons why Steve has given the city a proper thought, even if he has no illusions that it will be an open-minded paradise. At least it will be better than here. ]
I've read that the music scene there is great. I think one of your favorite bands is from there? Metallica? Max lived in San Diego, so same state; we could ask her about it. [ Okay, so perhaps Steve has been giving all this just as much thought as Eddie; he just kept it to himself until now. ]
We wouldn't look bad with a tan, yeah? [ Steve gives Eddie an insecure smile, but a smile nonetheless. He rubs the palms of his hands over his jean-covered thighs, a bit nervous, simply because he's sitting and can't put his hands on his hips like he would usually do. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 05:23 pm (UTC)Eddie opens his mouth to say something, to apologize for even suggesting something so stupid, how could he be so stupid—but Steve is faster, and Eddie falls in love all over again as the words begin to tumble from his mouth.
It’s not just that Steve is in agreement. It’s that he looked into any of that information to begin with, that he knows that Eddie’s favorite band is from the area, or that he knows anything about the music scene at all. It’s that he should care enough to keep any of those things in mind when Eddie has refused to follow up that plea (run away with me) with anything more in the past. It’s the someone should love him that much…Eddie feels his heart swell, and tears prick at the corners of his eyes, a weak smile on his lips. ]
Yeah?
[ His voice is soft, strained as he reaches out to rest a hand on Steve’s cheek, gently turning his face toward him, gazing with wide eyes and an expression that can only be described as reverent. He isn’t naive enough to believe that any place on this earth is heaven, but that sounds awfully close. ]
You’d move across the country for me, Steve?
[ There’s not much keeping either of them here anymore, but it’s still such a big, scary concept: uprooting yourself from the place you’ve spent your entire life. Eddie hasn’t even been out of the state, let alone to the opposite coast, but a fresh start is appealing. Shedding all this baggage the two of them have been saddled with and leaving it behind feels like something they need to do.
He smiles again, fingers toying with the ends of Steve’s hair. This is true love, he’s sure of it. ]
You’d look killer with a tan. Pretty sure I’d just burn and look like a lobster.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 06:09 pm (UTC)Yeah. I'd go with you anywhere. [ He repeats to drive the point hom, and tilts his head to press his cheek further against the palm cupping it. If Eddie has other ideas, he will be open to listening to them, but Los Angeles seems so nice. More new, welcoming people; sunny days and the chance to belong to a community, and without the ghost of past bad experiences haunting them.
He leans in closer, one leg now pressed against Eddie's, the warmth of their different points of contact making him feel all mushy, or perhaps it's just that they're sharing a moment. ]
I'll get you a big parasol. One with a Judas Priest logo, if you want, for the aesthetic. [ He grins, feeling giddy at how things are turning out. Maybe they are doing this. They just need to figure out the logistics. There's an awful long way to go, and a bit of a terrifying one, until everything is in order, but this is their first step. ]
I'd like to be here to see the munchkins graduate, though. And if we do this, we will need to break the news to Dustin gently.
[ Because that kid loves Eddie just as much as he loves Steve, and he already went kind of crazy, in the good way, upon learning they were dating. He once heard Dustin calling them both 'uncles.' Steve can't imagine what it would be like to be so far away from the others; it will be painfully lonely at times for sure, but that doesn't mean they won't be seeing each other again. Or so he hopes. ]
Besides, having some months to plan what we need to do is good, right? We could look into a place to stay or some jobs there. I'm never picky about those.
[ People had called Steve many things; some of the more common ones when people were being mean might be "idiot" and "talentless," but he's never been a slouch. We can work on whatever he finds to keep them afloat. Although he would love to find a job that perhaps has something to do with children's education. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-31 08:26 pm (UTC)What? You can’t just stop the sun from shining for me, Steve? I'm hurt.
[ Eddie laughs and quickly dries his eyes, the weight of his anxiety lifting fully now. They’re on the same page, and even if they lack the funds for such an enormous move right now, hey have something to work toward. Just talking about it, accepting that it’s something they can do and want to do together is a huge step. There’s a comfort in knowing that they don’t have to rush anything too. They can take it one day at a time until they’re finally out of this godforsaken town.
Even in a sweet moment like this, Steve’s leg pressed against his own isn’t nearly enough. Eddie leans back until his head and shoulders make contact with the couch cushions. He lets his hand drop from Steve’s cheek, choosing instead to hook his fingers into his shirt to lure him forward along with him. He smiles, eyes wide and bright. ]
Could stick around for graduation then do a summer roadtrip. See what we can find before we make it official. Maybe take Dustin with us.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-02 09:58 pm (UTC)Rude to me, I know. I'll have to try harder.
[ It's going to be a big chance, and costly, but as much as Steve will miss the friends he leaves here, he knows they need to seize this kind of opportunity if they can. Besides, it won't be like doing it alone; they have each other, and no matter how it goes, they would be able to say that they at least tried.
He shifts over Eddie after the grab and tug to his shirt, easily moving forward with Eddie's movement backward and making himself comfortable on top of his boyfriend, moving not unlike a big cat.
One of his hands moves up to card through Eddie's long hair, a curl wrapped around his index finger as they talk. Now there's a good idea Steve hadn't considered, but a summer trip would be best to get a feel of the place and see if it's really safe. ]
Perfect plan. Knowing the kid, he would even design some sort of battle plan for us and make a list of places we need to see in the city to make sure it's up to his standards.
[ And it will help soothe Steve's growing ache about the idea of parting ways with Dustin. If the process is gradual, that could help. Yes, he knows that Dustin is probably going to be the most successful and the smartest of all of them in a matter of years, but that's
Mom's older brother instincts for you. ]And we can check then just how roasted you get. I could help you put on sunscreen. I am very good at back massages.
no subject
Date: 2026-02-05 05:52 am (UTC)They can make it work. The months between winter and summer gives them time to scrape some money together, to figure out how to make it happen. To grieve their kids getting older and moving on without them. But for now…this is enough. ]
Uh huh. Pretty sure you’re gonna have to kiss me to make up for it, you know.
[ Eddie may as well have died and gone to heaven, reveling in the closeness of their bodies, Steve’s hand carding though his hair, and the plans they’re making together. He’s clearly content as he gazes up at Steve, his eyes half-lidded and a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. ]
You’re a real knight in shining armor, sweetheart. That sound nice.