[ 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.
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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.